God, Truth, Love, Mission

New Year, New Site

2008-01-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

Hey it's 2008 and I have moved my blog to a new site -- www.jordanstinziano.worldpress.com . Sorry for any confusion!

Grace & peace,

Jordan

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T08:16:00.001-05:00

Well, we arrived safely back in Fort Myers for the holidays. Traffic in S. Carolina sucked big time! We were sitting on 95 for close to three hours! That delay caused us to arrive at roughly 3 AM Sunday morning -- always fun with four kids!

We got to go to Summit on Sunday morning and had a great time. It was fun to see so many people and to finally see the building completed. Tonight's Christmas Eve service should be great! Then it's off to Mom & Dad's for an evening of fun, food and frivolity before the big day tomorrow!

Merry Christmas to any and all who take the time to read my sometimes obnoxious ramblings. May the LORD bless you and yours this Christmas!

An early present!

2007-12-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

As most of you know my wife Maggie has been battling breast cancer for a little over a year. She was diagnosed at Stage IV and we were told her cancer was in her breast, lymph nodes and liver. It subsequently moved also to her brain. She's had a bunch of surgeries and treatments over the past fifteen months...brain surgery, radiation, chemo
and a partial hysterectomy. We were told originally that the cancer in her liver was so extensive that there was nothing that could be done for it.

Maggie had a PET scan the other day to see how the liver was doing. We met with her doctor today and were told that although there was still a spot where the original breast tumor was, her liver had "no traceable sign of cancer!" No cancer in the liver! Praise God! How wonderful He is! The doctors are pretty sure that she will battle this disease in some form or fashion for the rest of her life, but we are confident that He will always remain faithful to us. He will always be strong enough and mighty to save!

In the Barn

2007-12-17T14:22:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas time! A time for celebration. A time for joy. A time for family. A time to celebrate the beauty of the incarnation. What an amazing thing...that God the Son would take on the flesh of a man, enduring all sin and shame, and become an offering of righteousness on our behalf. This is why we celebrate -- God has been gracious to us and has, now, made a way for us to have peace with Him through His Son Jesus' death and resurrection.

You'd think, by now, our culture and society would truly begin to understand the real reason for celebration. You'd think the greatest gift -- God Himself -- would be enough. But it is not. Instead the baby born in Bethlehem is sung about, but ignored. Even the circumstances of his birth are glorified to make them so unrelatable to you and I that they begin to lose any significance in our lives. We picture the details of Christ's birth in a pious religious way, when, in fact, the details are actually scandalous. Over the past few days, I have been reflecting on the aspects of this story, seeing how the presence of Christ redeems the messy, scandal ridden places of this story...much like He does our lives.

The story begins in a small, "off the beaten path" town called Nazareth. Nazareth was not the place you'd expect. In John 1:46 one of Jesus' future disciples exclaims, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Obviously, the folks in Nazareth weren't a bunch of Rhodes Scholars or cultural icons. The nation of Israel, itself, was nothing of consequence on the world stage. Seven hundred years of political domination had left Israel a shell of it's former glory. Even the religious system of the day was so polluted with corruption. One can only imagine the desolation that the people felt -- God's chosen people left to seemingly rot away in the world while others experienced blessing, power and might. This is not the place you would think God's Son would be raised.

It is here, in Nazareth, that an angel approaches a young girl...a virgin...and tells her of a baby, conceived by the Holy Spirit, that she would bare. She and her husband-to-be must embrace this call...a call to leave the lives that they dreamed of to embrace the life God has called them to. Consider for a moment the weight of Mary & Joseph's obedience. Surely both of their families would cast them off. Surely the people that they knew and the community that they lived in would forever see them as failures...they would always see this young boy as illegitimate. Remember how Luke 4:22 recalls the people of Nazareth responding to Jesus' teaching. They were amazed, and yet remarked "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

Despite the circumstances that stared them in the face, Joseph and Mary embraced God's will for their lives. "I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). How would I have responded? But God knew what He was doing. He knew He could entrust His Son to this couple. He knew they would be faithful. He knew that they would be loving. He knew that they could lead Jesus to the places He needed to go. No man in human history, at least in my opinion, gets more overlooked than Joseph. Yes, Mary carried the baby inside her womb, but Joseph was His father...the one who would shape his masculinity.

They travel to Bethlehem to fulfill a legal obligation. They, probably along with Joseph's family, had to register for a census of Rome. Because of their lineage they had to go to Bethlehem. You would think that Joseph's family would help him and his very pregnant wife out...but there is no mention of them. Instead, the lonely couple journeys alone. Now, I am the proud father of four children, which means I have seen my wife give birth four times. At no time would I have suggested we take a trip...by donkey, mind you...during her last month or so. She has always been in great hospitals with comfortable beds (at least for her) and a nursing staff round the clock. Our kids were greeted with great medical care. They were tested, bathed, fed and loved on by nurses and doctors alike. None of them was born in a barn (probably more like a cave). None of them had a dirty feeding trough for a bed. None of them saw farm animals for at least a year!

Again, these are not the conditions you would expect the Savior of the world to choose to enter humanity into. A scandalous family. An out of town barn. And yet, it is right here that we see that when Jesus is central to the story the mess of our lives begins to fade away. His presence takes away the stigma and the smell. Not that we have no more problems in life. Oh, we do! But our circumstances no longer define us because the One who is in our midst overshadows them. He, and He alone, brings a right perspective and definition to the lives we live. He takes my stinking mess and He makes it whole!

The first visitors that night were shepherds. We seem to look favorably upon them. I don't know why. Maybe it's because King David was a shepherd. Maybe because Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd. But Shepherds in the first century were not all that nice. They would be on par with our modern day Crystal-meth dealers. They were scoundrels who couldn't keep a real job. They worked the overnight shift for some farmer taking care of his sheep. And yet Luke tells us that a group of shepherds near the barn were visited by angels who declared the glory of God to them and the "good news for all men" about the baby born in Bethlehem. They leave everything and find Jesus. Upon finding Him, they then go out a proclaim His arrival to everyone they meet.

Again, take a moment to imagine this. A unwed couple gives birth to a baby in some guys barn. "Crystal-Meth" dealing shepherds hear about it and they become the first witnesses to the incarnation of God the Son. Is this they way that you or I would write the story? No way! But it is the way that God wrote it. Later we see the child, now probably three or so, visited by a team of sorcerers from the East. They not only give Him gifts, but their allegiance as well. They bowed down and worshiped Him as King. In doing so, they discovered a supernatural power unmatched in their lives to this point -- the power and majesty of the Living God!

If this time of year reminds us of anything, let it be that Jesus, the King of the Universe, came to bring glory to His Father by redeeming and restoring us. He has taken the scandals of our lives and made them righteous in His sight. He has taken the messes of our lives and has cleansed them, making them holy. He has taken our sins upon Himself, and now allows us to declare to the world His great love for us. He has made Himself available and accessible to worship and adore. The scene in the barn reminds us that God has given us the greatest gift He could give...He gave us Himself to love, worship and enjoy.

Grace & Truth

2007-12-16T00:27:00.000-05:00

I am a huge baseball fan...strike that...I am a huge New York Yankees fan. I have often said that the four things that matter most to me are God, my family, ministry and the Yankees. Unfortunately, not always in that order. Anyway, as you can imagine, the Mitchell Report, released on Thursday, hit me hard. I am not surprised at the rampant use of illegal substances in sports, but I was disappointed to see so many Yankees on it.

My emotions that day began with disbelief, but soon turned to anger and frustration. One of the players listed, who I never thought would be, was Andy Pettitte. Pettitte is an outspoken follower of Christ who has always been able to maintain a great testimony in the midst of the world of professional athletics. I was sad when he signed with the Astros in 2003 and was equally excited for his return to the Bronx this past summer. His inclusion in the report on Thursday was a huge letdown.

Tonight, Andy came clean. He owned up to his poor choice and has accepted the responsibility for it. Some may refuse to believe him, but I think he was sincere and I hope others who may be guilty (I am in now way saying all 86 players are) will follow his example. I am a young dad. My kids do stupid, wrong things all the time. Some times they willingly disobey and other times they have no idea. I tell them that they will always be better off telling the truth than lying and trying to weasle their way out of a situation. Although they still face the consequences of their decision, I remind them that they will find a much more gracious father when they own up to their stuff and walk away from it. That's what I believe Pettitte did tonight, and I think Yankee fans (and maybe all baseball fans) will be eager to forgive him for what has transpired.

None of us are perfect. For some reason Christians all too often pretend to be. We're afraid to show people our stuff...afraid to own up to the struggles we have. Even when confronted with them, we all too often get defensive and try to push the blame away from ourselves. We even try to hide it from God (just like Adam & Eve in the garden). But He knows...and He loves is anyway. I love how John describes Jesus in the first chapter of his gospel:

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only [Son], who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, "This is he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' ") 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:14-17 - TNIV)

I love that! Jesus came full of grace and truth! I love the fact that the grace of God demonstrated through Christ leads me to places of truth...places that I do not need to run from. Instead, His grace draws me closer and closer to Him. I can own my stuff, dragging it into the light of day, and experience the grace and forgiveness of God. No longer holding my head in shame and condemnation, I can walk in truth with the One who is Truth.

I know there will be many opinions written and discussed concerning Pettitte's behavior and admission. Many more could probably be written about the crap I've done, too. I hope, however, that this will be one more example of what happens all the time -- one of God's children experiencing the grace and forgiveness of a loving Father.

A little bit of fun...

2007-12-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to do is to read...I know, I know really exciting. I spent a lot of time in school and the years since reading copious amounts of theology and spirituality, but, if the truth be told, my favorite thing to read is the prototypical spy thriller. Why? I don't know...maybe it's because I dream of one day saving the world by the brute force of my bare hands alone? Maybe it's just a way to escape? Maybe I just need a little help..?

Anyway, this weekend I picked up a book by one of my favorite authors, Vince Flynn, and had a great time (I am not quite done yet, but I have a felling I will love how Mitch Rapp saves the day once again). Why write about it? Well, because I've been stressed out and needed a break. I've been running around trying to do too much and I needed an opportunity to veg out and have a good time. Scripture teaches us to practice sabbath, but I'm pretty sure this is not what God intended. Anyway, it's been a good reminder to me to take some time to myself -- not in a selfish way, but just to relax and recharge. Some should be spent reflecting on the greatness of God...some should be spent in prayer and Scripture study...and, yes, some should be spent fantasizing about being a CIA agent on a critical mission while the fate of the world hangs in the balance (or whatever does it for you). Whatever it is I hope you have a little bit of fun while you're at it.

Fellow drivers, BEWARE!

2007-12-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

We got some great news yesterday...Maggie can begin driving again! It's been close to six months since she has driven a car. Her brain tumor and the subsequent procedures that she has had to undergo to combat it have made impossible for her to drive. A few months or physical therapy and her dogged determination have now brought about this latest milestone.

Being able to drive might not seem like a big deal to most of us, but once it is taken away you realize how critical it is to everyday life. I am so proud of her! I am excited that she will get her independence back and that she will be able to get out and explore the Syracuse area.

If you're on the local roads...watch out! She's never been the greatest operator of a motor vehicle, and it will take some time for her to acclimate to driving in the snow, but I am sure she'll do fine!

Amazing Grace

2007-12-06T21:38:00.001-05:00

Maggie and I watched a movie the other day that I have spent much time thinking about. Amazing Grace is the story of William Wilberforce, an eighteenth century British politician who lead the charge to abolish the African slave trade. He was consumed with the mission that he felt God compelled him to pursue...in spite of great opposition and struggle. As I watched it I was challenged to look at my own life and passions and reevaluate whether I am charging up the hill with the same ferocity and conviction that Wilberforce seemed to.

His convictions came not from political ideals or economic considerations. They came as he wrestled with God. You see, so many of us who claim to be followers of Christ allow so many things to drive who we are and what we do. Our desires...our families...our financial security...our standing in the community and the like. But what would it look like if we allowed who we were and the things that we do to be fueled by who God is and what He has done and what He is doing in our lives and the world around us? Can you imagine a world where the people of God saw themselves as John Newton, the author of the great hymn, Amazing Grace did when, in the movie, he exclaimed, I remember two things very clearly...I am a great sinner and Christ is a great savior? What a shift in identification!

If you have not seen this movie yet, you really should try to soon. It's a little slow here and there, but very powerful. Watch it and imagine yourself, like Wilberforce, ignited by a passion for God and His mission in the world today. Then go out and live it!

Snow Day #1

2007-12-05T00:41:00.000-05:00

So I woke up this morning (well, I guess it was yesterday since it is now 1:02am and I am watching Conan) to the sound of my daughter's voice. Not an unusual thing, except that she should have been on the school bus. I looked out the window to find the bushes in the front yard buried under snow. I spent the first hour and a half of my day shoveling the fourteen inches of lake effect snow from my way too long driveway...so why did we move back from Florida?

Maggie thought we were in a state of emergency. Sophie and Jack went out on three separate occasions to play (since their incredible dad bought them new sleds) and Jonas stayed in his pajamas all day long. We're supposed to get 3-6 more inches throughout the night...should be fun.

My lovely ladies...

2007-11-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

This is about the lovely ladies in my life. I am blessed to be married to a wonderful woman (see the previous post), whom I love very much, and to be the father of a beautiful little girl who brings me so much joy. This week God has worked in both of their lives in ways that have totally blown my mind.

Maggie had another MRI on her brain this week. The results showed that the remaining portion of the tumor in her brain is still shrinking and dying! This confirms that the surgery and radiation therapy has worked! Also, there we no other cancerous spots on her brain! Yeah God!

When people hear about Maggie's ordeal their hearts are genuinely touched. Young mother of four stricken with stage IV cancer in her breast, liver and brain. They expect her to be downtrodden and bedridden. Instead, when they see her, they are so blessed to find a vivacious young woman who has refused to allow her physical circumstances define the reality in which she lives. She's amazing!.

My daughter, Sophie, who turned 7 years old last week, is blossoming! Last year, while still in Ft. Myers, she had such a miserable time. Her mom got sick -- which was so hard for her. She struggled with Maggie's lack of energy, her loss of hair and her inability to be spend lots and lots of time with her. Also, being the oldest, Sophie had to help out a lot around the house. Her school year sucked big time...it was a pretty rough environment for her. Nine of the twenty-four kids didn't speak English, one girl threatened to kill her and actually did hit her, and, although she had a great teacher, she seemed to struggle all year long. Maggie and I were so worried that we'd lost our little girl.

Who would have thought the move to Syracuse would be the best thing for Sophie? We were so worried about her making new friends and fitting in to a new environment. What we have found, however, has been a great school -- with great friends -- where she is thriving! I met with her teacher today -- who is great -- and she raved about my little girl! I was so excited! She's reading and writing at a great level, her social skills are maturing and she smiles all the time.

Last year we noticed that she was so nervous that she was biting her nails down to the quick. The other day I was holding her hand and I looked down and was so blessed to find long, healthy nails (not french manicure long, but appropriate for a 7 year old). Being that I have tried to stop biting my nails for 35 years with no success, I asked her how she did it. She told me that she just decided to do it and stuck with it.

Two miracles! My wife's health being renewed day by day. My little girl is happy and care free. Yes, they are different and they mean different things, but when you boil it down they are both evidence of God's continued faithfulness. It seems to me that most of the things I say and write all come back to His grace and faithfulness demonstrated in the lives of my family. Some may get bored hearing this, but not me. I love it! Jeremiah wrote in the midst of the chaos of his life...

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for people to bear the yoke while they are young. Let them sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on them. Let them bury their faces in the dust— there may yet be hope. Let them offer their cheeks to one who would strike them, and let them be filled with disgrace. For people are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.(Lamentations 3:22-32)

Over the last year, I have learned the power of these words. I do not pretend to know why my wife has to have cancer. I do not understand why Sophie had to have a horrible year in kindergarten. What I do know is that God is sovereign and that He is using the experiences that we go through everyday to declare that sovereignty and faithfulness to our family and those we have the pleasure to live life with. It's a pretty cool thing, when you think about it, to see your family be used by God in this way. Once again, yeah God!

"In sickness and in health..."

2007-11-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the privilege to officiate my aunt Daphne's wedding. It was a great evening as we celebrated alongside of the happy couple and got together again with family members from all over the place. It was also the first wedding that I have officiated since my wife was diagnosed with cancer.

It was roughly fourteen months ago that we received the phone call from the doctor confirming that the tumor they had extracted from Maggie was cancerous. I received another phone call that day from a woman in our church. She was calling to ask me about her wedding -- which I was supposed to officiate a month or so later. I remember taking that call and explaining my situation to her. She understood and we made arrangements for my brother Jamin to officiate their wedding.

Last night as I was reading the vows to Dan and Daphne I almost lost it. Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live? I married my wife when I was 22 -- twelve years ago. I was just a kid, as was she. We had no idea what these vows meant or how to flesh them out. We were two kids that loved each other. We thought we knew...but we had no idea.

Now, twelve years, four kids, six moves and fourteen months of cancer later, I think we are beginning to scratch the surface of what it means to be husband and wife. We know that our marriage, and all that has come about throughout it, has been a testimony to the faithfulness of God. We know that our ability to love each other and to serve each other as Christ would is a direct result to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are confident that apart from Christ's grace we would have ventured down the road that so many in our generation have...pretending to understand how to love each other, but never really fulfilling our vows.

In his book The Mystery of Marriage, Mike Mason writes that to keep a vow is to "devote the rest of one’s life to discovering what the vow means, and to be willing to change and to grow accordingly." I have read those words at so many weddings over the years, only now to really begin to understand the depth and the truth of them. I do love my wife! I love her more today than I ever have before. I love what God has done in her and through her. I love the way that she faithfully serves our family. I love the way that she has never --in spite of her circumstances -- blamed God or rejected Him. You see, our vows, as much as they were to each other, were really commitments to God -- whose strength and power and faithfulness know no bounds. We are conduits for His activity in the world and in our homes.

Jordan, do you take Maggie to be your wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?

I do!

5000 calories

2007-11-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

I heard the other day that the average American consumes approximately 5000 calories on Thanksgiving. Now I don't know if that's true but our family put that theory to the test. Somewhere after my second piece of pie I wanted to go crawl into a hole and die! Thankfully I am feeling better this morning, and yes, I had pie for breakfast!

Giving Thanks

2007-11-20T09:39:00.001-05:00

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Obviously, it is Thanksgiving time and we all have so much to be grateful for! It's been a tough year for us, but at the same time it has been a year where we have seen God's faithfulness demonstrated over and over again. Often times we think that we should be thankful for only the good things that occur to us, but maybe we should begin to see our moments of suffering as opportunities for joy as well. God's wisdom and his power are declared when His people, in whom His Spirit dwells, confidently trust Him in every season of life -- good or bad. Our tendency to see suffering as the absence of God betrays our narcissistic ways of seeing ourselves as the central figure in history. God is faithful and just -- whether you feel it or not. His ways are utterly true regardless of our circumstances. His power is demonstrated, as 2 Corinthians 12:9 declares, in our weaknesses as we thrust ourselves upon His grace.

I am not trying to be flippant to the issues that anyone else faces...and I recognize that many people have worse crap in their lives than we do. All I am trying to be is obedient. The Psalmist says...Shout to the LORD...worship the LORD...know that the LORD is God! How can I argue with that? How can I do any less than to trust His love and His faithfulness -- even when they do not always make sense? I am not a saint...I am a man who struggles and falls. But this one thing gives me comfort...I know God! He is not like me...He is entirely true! He is strong! He is gracious and He is wise. I will trust Him, like Job (Though He slay me, yet I will hope in Him...Job 13:35). I will worship Him, and yes, I will give Him thanks for all He has done, is doing and will do in my life for the sake of His glory.

Roots

2007-11-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

I know! I know...I really suck at this. Maybe my life is too hectic to blog? Maybe I'm not a big enough dork? Maybe I am, but am in denial? I don't know, but I'll try harder.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for Maggie's latest surgery...it went really well and she's doing great! Her mobility is coming back really well, and we're hoping that she'll be driving soon.

The other night we had the chance to have dinner with some friends of mine from high school and it was a lot of fun. Seeing folks you haven't seen for a long time can be a little unnerving at first, but this wasn't the least bit awkward or uncomfortable for me. Maybe it is because I spent so many years with all of them that it was almost second nature to interact together again? Seeing their spouses and some of their kids was a real blessing and I hope to be able to continue to build again these relationships that meant so much to me in the past.

Being here in Syracuse has really been a great trip for me back to my roots...just like the other night. Listening to classic rock, eating more headlight donuts than any sane man should and, today, playing in the snow with my boys has brought a resurgence back to my life. Don't get me wrong, I have loved doing all that God allowed over the last fifteen years, but now I am home again and it fits me so well. I am so grateful to be back.

It has not all been easy...the kids have had to adjust to a new environment, Maggie's still recovering and now I have mono...but it has been worth it. Think about it ...Orange basketball games are beginning, Pavone's has a pizza shop down the street from my house, the kids love their school and 95X still plays a constant rotation of Van Halen, Pink Floyd, Bad Company and The Who. Who says you can't go home again?

Prayer request

2007-10-20T15:47:00.001-04:00

Please pray for Maggie this week. Her cancer is fed by estrogen and so she is having her ovaries removed on Thursday. It is an out-patient procedure and the recovery should not be too bad. She will go into menopause as a result, so please pray for that transition as well. Thanks!

MySpace...really?

2007-10-19T08:46:00.000-04:00

I am a little frustrated these days with my MySpace account...a frustration that I know many others feel as well. I'm tired of getting friend requests from "strippers," porno videos and Macy's card offers. If I wanted an iPhone, I'd just go buy it...I don't need any more "special offers!" I thought this was supposed to be MySpace?

I have loved reconnecting with friends from high school and college, but am wondering if the whole thing is worth it. The other day I was a meeting of other pastors, church leaders and planters. I logged into my account only to find a dirty video on my page. Needless to say, I was embarrassed. It pisses me off that hackers, who obviously are in need of a real life, take pleasure in ruining a good thing. It is just one more reminder of the selfishness of men and our need for redemption.

I m contemplating deleting my account...I don't know if that will do any good. I just wish it would stop -- sounds a bit naive, I know. I hope my friend Tom figures a out a way to help us out. Come on Tom!

Yet another Maggie Update...

2007-09-27T14:09:00.001-04:00

We met with some of Maggie's doctors this week and have received some great news. First, the radition/surgical procedures that she underwent this summer appear to have been very successful. The remains of the tumor appear to be dying which is what we hoped for. She will be monistored by MRI every two months to make sure that she is dtill progressing and cancer free. Second, she will finally have her ovaries (the major source of estrogen -- which feeds her cancer) removed in late October. The recovery from that is fairly easy.

Please keep praying as we continue to get settled here in Syracuse!

Family Update

2007-09-12T22:36:00.000-04:00

Hey all, sorry for the delay in information. We arrived in Syracuse a little over a week ago. Our house will not be ready until Saturday, so we (all 6 of us plus my parents) have been staying in a two bedroom suite at the Residence Inn. Can anyone say, "Good times"?

Sophie and Jack started school on September 5th. They love their new school. Sophie is in first grade and Jack is in Kindergarten. Maggie and I went to a curriculum night last night and we're convinced that within three years they will both be more educated than we are. Jonas has ditched his pacifier and Owen is about to walk.

Maggie has begun meeting with her new doctor. He is great...unbelievably qualified. She began her treatments today and is doing well. Her recovery, although slow, is amazing. She has done great and we are so thankful to God for all He has done.

This Sunday will be the second gathering of potential core group members for Summit Church...a new church plant in Syracuse, New York. We're looking forward to that, and I am anxious to begin working again.

Please continue to pray for us, for our familiy, our kids, for the church. Please pray that God will continue to provide and protect our family and that He would always lead to a deeper understanding of Him and His truth and a greater expression of His glory.

It's time...

2007-09-01T00:46:00.000-04:00

Well, it has finally arrived...today is moving day. I've been packing up until 12:30 and have finally sat down. Six years in SW Florida including the last four at Summit Church in Estero. It's been quite a ride and Maggie and I are so thankful for all God has done in our lives through the planting of Summit here in SW Florida. Although we leave with great sadness, we look forward to seeing how God moves in the next phase of our lives...moving to Syracuse to plant Summit Church Syracuse.

Summit Church Syracuse Vision Meeting - 8.12.07

2007-08-13T12:27:00.001-04:00

What a blessing! Yesterday we gathered 49 people at the Genesee Grande Hotel in Syracuse to hear the vision of Summit Church. We will begin meeting weekly on September 9th in an effort to build a core. We will begin by studying the book of Ephesians in an effort to see the nature and purpose of the Church.

We would appreciate your faithful prayer support. For more information, please check out our website -- www.summitsyracuse.com.

Radioactive Maggie

2007-08-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

Maggie started her radiation treatment today. She'll go four more times over the next week or so. She feels good, but pretty tired. Please pray that she keeps her strength and energy up during this time. Once this is done, she'll be cleared to move to Syracuse. Our estimated departure date is Labor Day!

Maggie's latest...

2007-08-02T23:46:00.000-04:00

So here's the most current update on Maggie's treatment...She begins radiation therapy on Tuesday, August 7. The treatment will be every weekday for the next five weeks. The doctor's seem fairly confident that the radiation will eliminate the remaining tumor in her brain. Hopefully they're right. We look forward to seeing how God moves and glorifies Himself throughout all of this.

Your continued prayer and support will be greatly appreciated. Also, if you think of it, please pray for our move to Syracuse to plant a church in the downtown area (www.summitsyracuse.com). We're looking to be there by October 1. Obviously, there's a lot going on in our lives, but we're trusting God to give us wisdom and strength to do all that He has called us to.

Grace & peace to you all!

Good Medicine

2007-07-30T21:11:00.000-04:00

Anyone familiar with our story over the last year can probably imagine how good it is to escape for a few minutes and have a good time. Last night some of the fellas and I went to see The Simpsons Movie and it hit the spot. Mind you, I have not watched The Simpsons since the first Bush presidency, so I was a little apprehensive as to whether I'd enjoy it, but Homer and the gang did the trick. Yes it was irreverent, but hey, so am I. The thing that surprised me the most was its strong environmental emphasis -- which I appreciated.

It's been said that "laughter is the best medicine" and, although I am not sure whether I completely agree with that, I have become convinced that it sure does help. Who would have thought that Homer and Bart (who, by the way, reminded me too much of my son Jack) would have been used by God to minister to me? Thanks Lord for revealing yourself even in the silliest of things.

MRI Results

2007-07-27T00:42:00.000-04:00

The results of Maggie's latest MRI were very positive and they showed that the surgery was successful in reducing the size of the tumor in her brain. The next step is radiosurgery (pinpoint radiation on an isolated area) which will occur sometime in the next 10 days or so. This should kill the brain tumor and relieve the swelling in her brain. The doctors are fairly confident that in time her speech and mobility will return.

Please continue to pray for her over the next few days. Her strength, which has been good, will once again be sapped by this procedure. Pray for strength, patience and encouragement. There are many household tasks that she would like to do, but can not right now and it is pretty frustrating to her.

We can't thank each of you enough for your commitment to stand alongside of us in prayer during this time!

12 Years!

2007-07-22T16:33:00.000-04:00

Today is our twelve year wedding anniversary. I still remember seeing her come through the lounge doors at the Colony Hotel on Palm Beach. I think "Copacabana" was playing in the lounge. She's still as pretty as ever and I am the most blessed man alive! Thank you Jesus for Maggie!

And yet another Maggie update...

2007-07-16T17:47:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, thanks for all of your continued prayers! We appreciate it so much. I am excited to share that Maggie is doing so much better. She's up and around and looking to ditch her walker at the soonest possibility!

She is having an MRI done this week which will determine the amount of radiosurgery that she will need to have to continue to rid her body of the cancer. Our prayer is that the radiosurgery will be enough and that she will not need whole brain radiation. Please continue to pray for her and our family during this time.

Thanks again!

Jack's First Game

2007-07-13T08:35:00.000-04:00

Tonight's a night I have been looking forward to for a while. I am taking my five year year old son, Jack, to his first Yankees game. The Yanks are in Tampa playing the D-Rays, so we're hoping for a win. Clemens is pitching and I have never seen him live, so that will be a thrill as well.

Although I want my kids to grow up developing their own passions and interests, I do recognize my position as their father to lead them to make wise choices -- choices that they may not make on their own. Not so much which baseball team to root for, or whether they should like baseball at all ( although any team other than the Yanks will produce tension), but how to follow Jesus, how to obey their parents, how to live a life of service to others. In our culture parents have so often been reduced to ATM machines and inconvieneces, but God has called us to shape the ethos of our children, leading them to develop a love for God and a devotion to Him that will transform their lives.

Maggie and I were talking just the other day about our hopes and desires for our kids. We talked about how we desired them to grow up loving Jesus and seeking ways to serve Him. We want them to recognize that their lives should not be lived for themselves, but rather for the glory of God and the building up of others. We don't care if they go into vocational ministry like we have, all we care about is that they obey God and follow his leading for their lives. We want to teach them how to seek His face and discern His voice. We want them to be all that God has created them to be and to live lives that declare His goodness and His greatness.

In the end I hope to have a lifeling relationship of influence with my children. I know that for that to happen, Maggie and I need to be faithful to cultivate that influence in their lives now and continue to do so as they grow. I hope that when they are older we can enjoy our relationship, and hopefully, spend time together with their kids talking about Jesus, loving each other and watching the Yankees.

God's Handiwork

2007-07-09T22:44:00.000-04:00

With each new challenge in life comes new lessons and developments of character that would probably not be possible otherwise. With my wife, Maggie's, latest battle with cancer this has already begun to ring true. Although I am sure that there will be many lessons learned over the years as we work through this God is currently kicking my butt with a very familiar passage of Scripture.

In his letter to the Ephesians the Apostle Paul gives his readers great insight into what it really means to be the church. In the beginning of the second chapter he recounts to the Ephesians the Gospel which has saved them. In verses 1-3 he reminds them that they were once dead in sin -- enslaved to Satan and disobedient to God. He then reminds them that God, who is rich in his love has now expressed that love in grace and mercy by sending Christ to atone for their sin. They have been raised up and seated alongside of Christ. This is critically important for every believer to understand...that we know live in response to the resurrection and the exaltation of Christ. Sin and death have been defeated...we have been forgiven...and we are intimately connected to the King of kings who reigns on high. We are no longer dead, no longer powerless. Instead we have now been made alive in Christ.

This leads us to the most popular portion of the passage -- Ephesians 2:8-10.

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Saved by grace, through faith. These are such powerful words to the believer. Salvation is not an accomplishment that we have achieved. Even that faith that we have is a gift from God. That faith, being sprinkled and watered by the grace of God, produces new life. What a wonderful thing it is to be alive in Christ.

All too often, however, when we talk about this passage we stop here -- saved by grace, through faith -- and in turn, our salvation experience becomes just that...an experience. It begs the question, "Saved for what?" However, if we read on into the passage then the idea of saved by grace, through faith comes even more alive as we discover that we were saved to enjoy a right relationship with God and do works that He has prepared us to do.

Verse 10 tells us that we are God's handiwork created in Christ Jesus. This implies a tremendous intimacy. I am by no means a craftsman, but I have done a few projects around the house and there is such a sense of pride that wells up within me whenever I see or think about one of these projects that have turned out well. This is because I have personally invested myself into the project...it is my handiwork. In the same way, God looks at those who are in Christ as his own workmanship and he longs to develop an intimate relationship with them. As he does so his handiwork is continually being shaped and formed to reflect the glory and the majesty of the Creator.

Not only are we God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, but we were created (or actually "recreated") for a purpose: to do good works that God has prepared for us in advance to do. Now, I know the idea of good works is taboo in many evangelical circles, and frankly I think this is a bunch of crap. We're so afraid of the idea of the Catholic notion of earning salvation by good works that we forget that good works are the natural outcome of salvation, not the other way around. The passage is clear that we have not been saved by our works (verses 8 & 9), but that we have been saved by grace in order to do good works.

What do these works look like? Well that depends on what the "handiwork" of God is in your life. Usually we think of these good works in light of the things that we have been gifted by God to do and the things that we are passionate about. For me that is normally the communication of God's truth -- whether by preaching, writing or mentoring -- that produces change in the lives of people. This is what I do...it is what I love...it is what drives me as an individual and it is the place where I seem to fit most naturally in the body of Christ.

Now to the butt kicking...what about the things that I do not seem gifted to do and the things that I am not passionate about? Normally I shake them off and say, "Well, that is just not what I am called to do or gifted in." This has worked fine for me up until the last few days as I have realized that the thing God is now calling me to do -- namely take care of my wife -- does not fit into my areas of "gifting and calling." I mean I am, without a doubt, that last person anyone would want to have be their primary caregiver. I am a prophet -- not a pastor. I am to my shame impatient, sometimes rude, fairly selfish and not the most willing of servants. Yet God has called me to lie down everything else and care for Maggie. And because of this -- his calling -- I must come to grips with the fact that the good works that God has created me for are not always what I think they are or should be. They are not always going to be the thing that I test high for on a spiritual gifts inventory or a personality assessment. But they are, in fact, the things that God has not only called me to do, but that he has created me for and prepared me in advance for.

I am learning, albeit slowly, that God desires things from me that I do not think possible in my natural way of thinking. I know that He has gone before me, and prepared me not only to preach or teach, but also to bathe and clothe and feed the one that I love so much. He has called me not just to proclaim the gospel from a stage, but to incarnate in my home and in my life. And he has shown me that as I "deny myself, pick up my cross and follow Him" that I will truly become his disciple.

I believe that this speaks of the incarnational significance (yes,long, polysyllabic words) of every believer. As you and I become like Jesus, think like Jesus, live like Jesus, love like Jesus in every facet of our lives...whether it be in word or in deed...then we will truly be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world we live in, and in so doing, we will be able to proclaim the gospel to every man, woman and child that God places in our path.

It is amazing to me that the greatest sermon that I may ever preach will probably not be from a podium in front of a large crowd. I am discovering that it will probably be to an audience of five as I serve my family by taking care of Maggie and the kids...washing, cleaning, cooking, teaching and playing. It is a sermon that will take time. It is a sermon that will require much effort. It is a sermon that will require all of my heart and my strength. But in the end, I believe it will be a sermon that is preached by the power and the grace of God, and will be the example of his handiwork in our lives.

Home Sweet Home

2007-07-05T23:12:00.001-04:00

Maggie came home today around 3:00pm. We were both very excited as we left the hospital. Please continue to pray for her as she begins the rigors of physical therapy and learns how to engage our kids without being able to pick them up and play with them.

We remain confident that God is being glorified in her body as well as through her life. We look forward to seeing her recover fully!

Thanks!

Yeah!!!

2007-07-04T07:43:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

It looks as if Maggie will be coming home on either Thursday or Friday (probably Friday)! It is a few days earlier than the doctors expected, but she has progressed faster than we anticipated. She still can not maintain her balance or walk on her own, so she'll come home with a walker and undergo regular physical therapy until she can function independently again.

God is so good! We are so thrilled with this news and so grateful for each of you that have supported us so dilligently in prayer. Please continue to do so. As you can imagine, relearning to stand and walk on your own at 35 could be very frustrating, but Maggie's attitude has been great. I only wonder who will be walking first...Maggie or Owen!

Thanks again to all of you!

Surgery a success!

2007-06-29T23:12:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to update anyone interested in my wife's condition...her surgery to remove the brain tumor went well today. The doctor believes he was able to remove most, if not all, of the cancerous material from the area around her cerebellum. She is beginning her recovery tonight in the ICU and will, hopefully, be home in a week or so.

Thanks so much to any and all who prayed. Our God is so faithful! I have been meditating a lot on 2 Corinthians 4 and finding great encouragement there. I do not have the energy tonight to expound on it, but will soon.

Thanks again! Praise Jesus!

Maggie Update (June 23, 2007)

2007-06-23T08:35:00.000-04:00

Greetings.

As some of you have heard by now, we received some discouraging news the other day. Maggie had been suffering from vertigo for the past few weeks which we thought was the result of an inner ear infection. As it persisted her doctors decided to have an MRI done and discovered a tumor at the base of her brain. The tumor is a recurrence of her breast cancer and it is located near the cerebellum and is what is throwing off her balance. She will be having surgery on Friday, June 29th to remove the tumor and will spend the better part of the next two to three months recovering. Her doctors are confident that she will make a full and complete recovery, but brain surgery is always tenuous.

Obviously, we are taken aback by this news. We have spent the last few months rejoicing at how God had delivered Maggie and now we are trusting that He will once again show Himself to be the Mighty Warrior who saves (Zephaniah 3:17). Please join us in praying for Maggie. Her faith, as well as my own, has been constantly stretched throughout the last year, but time and time again we have seen the faithfulness of our God demonstrated. We thank each of you who have helped us, served us, and prayed for us over the past ten months. We are asking that you would continue to do so as the Lord leads.

I read this passage of Scripture the other day which brought me tremendous encouragement. Psalm 31:19-24 reads:

19 How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of all
on those who take refuge in you.

20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed me the wonders of his love
when I was in a city under siege.

22 In my alarm I said,
"I am cut off from your sight!"
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
when I called to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people!
The LORD preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.

24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Our hope is firmly placed in Jesus! We know He alone redeems and restores, and we look forward to seeing how He moves in this situation. May He always be glorified in the life of our family!

I will be placing regular updates on this sorry excuse for a blog. Thank you again for your encouragement and your support!

Maggie Update

2007-04-14T08:29:00.000-04:00

Many of you know that Maggie has been battling an agressive form of breast cancer. We are so thrilled to announce that she is in a state of remission. She is no longer on chemotherapy and had begun a hormonal treatment that she will continue from here on out.

Praise be to God...He has been so merciful to us! Thank you all for praying!

It's been a while...

2007-04-09T23:41:00.000-04:00

I know, I know. I really suck at this...no need to remind me. I don't know why I feel so bad about not posting anything, since this is primarily for me anyway. Maybe that's why? You see, I wanted to begin writing so that I could see whether or not I'd enjoy it. I do, but I am not so sure I am any good at it...not that I am trying to write the next great American novel or anything, but just trying to get my feet wet.

Anyway, I am going to begin again so please be patient with me and if you see me hesitating then give me a swift kick in the tail.

Thanks, I knew I could count on you!

Cancer and Discipleship

2007-02-02T00:14:00.000-05:00

Many of you reading this...okay, the one of you reading this knows that my beautiful wife, Maggie, was diagnosed five months ago with breast cancer. Obviously the news set us back and left us wondering how this was possible and where was God in the midst of it.

It was amazing to see how people responded to the news. For the most part our friends, family and church family all embraced us with love and encouragement. Others (not too many but enough to piss me off) looked for reasons. "Was there sin? Was it the devil?" they asked. Obviously, we wondered why God had allowed this into our lives, but we never saw it as the work of the devil or the result of sin (generally, if Maggie sins it is against me, and it's never been anything worth being made about, let alone calling down disease). No, we grew to see this as an opportunity to watch God work. Don't get me wrong, it was hard...easily the hardest thing I have ever done...but we knew that our God is bigger than our circumstances...that He alone is mighty to save!

Zephaniah 3:16-17 says:
On that day they will say to Jerusalem, "Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."

It is amazing now, some five months later, to see how our Warrior God has worked in and through this. As a family, our faith was strengthened to depths and levels we never knew imaginable. We have heard from so many people who have said what an encouragement Maggie has been to them. At the same time we fell in love once again with the Body of Christ as we saw people all over the world reach out to us, pray for us, provide for us, and love us. My kids have seen their mom and dad stretched to the brink, clinging to Jesus all the way, and now we can always point back to this part of their story to remind them of God's faithfulness.

Just the other day we got the news that her cancer has reduced by 75-90%! How amazing! How incredible! How good my God has been to me, to us! The doctor believes she'll be able to live a long, healthy life! He has declared it a miracle! What a gift!

We're not out of the woods yet, but when are we ever? Life is not that easy. But God is always in the midst of the wilderness with us...no matter how dark or desolate it seems. He is always declaring His goodness, His might, His power and His grace to us. The key to living in those dark times is to see Him there...to seek and find Him...and be willing to embrace Him in the wilderness and wait there with Him until He leads you out. There His grace becomes evident. There His love becomes so overwhelming, and you become so confident that only He can lead you, only He can save you, only He can really love, and only He is worthy of your love and your life.

Jesus consitently beckoned those around Him to follow Him. He was not looking for traveling companions. He was looking for men and women who would abandon everything to come after Him, to join him in His redemptive work. He was calling them to a life of discipleship...a life of becoming like Him. He wanted them to believe the Gospel and to embody it. He wanted them to take seriously His heart to redeem mankind. He offered them purpose. Just before He was betrayed he encouraged His disciples by saying to them, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me" (John 14:1). My heart is so easily troubled and thrown. But He graciously lifts my head and urges me to trust Him.

Today I find myself so thankful. Thankful for God's grace and his might. Thankful for my beautiful wife and the life we have and the life we get to share together. I think I am even thankful for cancer...not that I love it or would wish it on anyone, I hate it and think it sucks...but I am thankful that it has reminded me of how big our God is. It has refocused my heart and my affections. It has become something that paled in comparision to His power. It continues to remind me of how cool my wife is and how much I love her. It rebukes me for being a complacent husband and father. It is sharpening me as a son of God and a follower of Christ.

Staring in the pool...

2007-01-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

You all know about Narcissus, right? The handsome man from Greek mythology that fell in love with his own reflection. I know a few people like him...maybe you do too. The problem is that his influence has not stopped with individuals but has seeped into the Church. Many churches have ceased existing for the sake of the Gospel...for the sake of proclaiming the good news of God's love and power, His plan and His redemption...and now exist for self-preservation. It's all about numbers and money and buildings. Don't get me wrong, I understand the necessity of these things for ministry, but they are not the chief end.

What happened to life change? Why are we no longer agents of transformation in our culture? Why have we become a reactionary being rather than one who responds with God's grace and leads others to experience His goodness? What happened to contentment and simplicity, humility and service, denial and sacrifice? Look, I am not a big fan of some of these ideas myself, but Jesus was and I need to be more like Him! When did looking at our own reflection become so satisfying and compelling that we forgot that we were created, redeemed and sent out to be His reflection?

There's a song that we sing in our church called Consuming Fire. It starts off with the phrase, "There must be more than this..." As I look at the Church today I am struck with the same words. There must be more than this...yet we have become so satisfied staring at ourselves.

So what do we do? Do we give up on the Church? No way! Christ died for the Church...He loves her...He longs for her to be His spotless bride. Do we continue to go down the road of self-preservation...keeping sinners out, holding Christians hostage to our programs and ideas? Obviously not.

Maybe, just maybe, we should rise up and be the people of God that Christ died for...people who love and live the way He does. Maybe, we should stop being so pigheaded and self righteous and start engaging people where they are, loving them where they are...recognizing that they too are image bearers of God whom He loves and redeems. I am not saying we should water down the Gospel and stop calling people to repentance. What I am saying is that we should, maybe for the first time in our lives, take the Gospel seriously. We should believe what the Apostle Paul said when he claimed that the Gospel was the power of God to transform the hearts of men and women (Romans 1:16). Maybe we should stop thinking that people exist for us (the Church) and start seeing that, in fact, we exist so that they might see and experience the glory of God in their own lives.

I'll get of my soapbox for now because I have some repenting of my own to do. How often I love the applause of men...how often I selfishly look after my own interests...how self-righteous and self-reliant I can be. Jesus forgive me...not because I deserve it. Please forgive me so that your glory may be magnified in my life. Forgive us of constantly relishing in our own reflection...in our accomplishments and achievements...in our budgets and facilities...in our masses of people, and lead us as a people back to the place where all we see is you, all we want is you.

Oh well, maybe next year...

2007-01-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

So they lost (see posting below...) in a close one 27-24. Looks like we have to wait once again. They played well, although not well enough to win. Congrats to my brother Jamin who is a big Bears fan...I hope, for his sake, that they preform well.

Here's to next year...

When do pitchers and catchers report anyway?

The Life of a Seahawks Fan

2007-01-12T12:54:00.000-05:00

For some reason, only God really knows, I became a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. This would mean nothing if I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, but I'm from Syracuse, NY. The Yankees are my great passion (in the sports world that is), but the 'Hawks and I have this love-hate relationship. For years I tried to wash my hands clean of them...even when I lived in Bellingham! But it was all to no avail.

Now they're good again and it's like a marriage that is thriving. We're meeting each other's needs -- they win, I cheer! It's great! I hope they can beat the Bears on Sunday...I am not really counting on it...but it sure would make my weekend. If they lose, then they go away again for a few months and I move on to more important matters...pitchers and catchers report in a few weeks.

The sad thing is that this is not just how I tend to treat the Seahawks. It's how I tend to treat God...Maggie...my kids...my friends. Basically, I'm a jerk when it comes to relationships (If any one reading this is surprised, well, then I am sorry to let you know this way). I need to change! I know that, but New Years resolutions don't seem to do the trick. Only Jesus can change my heart. Only He can teach me what it means to be a friend at all costs...in all seasons of life. Oh Jesus, please...please lead me!

Regardless of the outcome of Sunday's game, next fall I will cheer on the Seahawks. I am considering whether or not to ruin my sons' lives by influencing them to join me down the road to 'Hawk Glory. Either way, I hope that by then my real relationships...those with Jesus, my family, and yes, even you my friends...become a little more consistent and a little less conditional. Thanks to all who've put up with me. May we all be willing to ignore the shortcomings of this season, with a hope of what is to come next year!

The Politics of Jesus?

2007-01-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

Years ago John Howard Yoder wrote his theological classic, The Politics of Jesus. Yoder's view was that Jesus and war could not...would not coexist. Whether you agree with him or not, it is an interesting argument.

As I sit here watching the President poorly deliver his speech outlining his new war policy, I am wondering where I would land in an conversation of the "justness" of it all. Part of me is fine with it...I read spy thrillers, love action movies and am still pissed of with Bin Laden! At the same time Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers." Don't get me wrong...I am proud of our men and women serving in the military and I believe that we need a strong military to protect our nation. But is that what we are doing? Look, I am not a political strategist or a military leader. I am a simple pastor who's frustrated with what is going on.

It makes me wonder what my role in the political sphere is. Is it more than voting? I am not interested at all in marching or protesting. I certainly have no desire to ever hold office, or for that matter, influence those who do.

What should the church do in light of what is going on? Why have we (Evangelicals) jumped in bed with the Republican Party only to leave Jesus alone and on the couch? Is the answer to jump ship and embrace liberalism? The obvious answer is no. Frankly, I think both parties suck and that neither should have my total allegiance. My heart has been stolen by Jesus...why whore myself out to another? His law, his truth need to be my guide -- not the Religious Right or the Rainbow Coalition. I am still morally conservative...but moving more towards social liberalism. I hate abortion...I hate elitism. I want to serve the poor, but like to receive a tax break now and then. I am pro-military, but think this war sucks. I believe that the enviornment is worth saving, but I also want to buy cheep gas. I am a strong believer in the sanctity of marriage, but also realize that most marriages inside and outside of the church stink. What am I to do?

James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." I am asking God to open my eyes and my heart to see all that He longs to do...and to see how he'd have me respond. I don't want to blindly follow anyone other than Christ. I want to love Him! I want to love others as I love myself. I want to serve those who need to be served. At the same time I long to see the glory of God lifted high throughout the world. I do not believe that morality can be legislated, but feel as if we need to stand firmly against sin and its effects on our culture.

What are the politics of Jesus? I am not sure that I know, but I am committed to seeking Him with all of my heart and obeying Him at all costs.

The Four

2007-01-09T19:34:00.000-05:00

Core values are common place when building organizations. Wherever you work...a bank...a store...a church...even at McDonald's...you'll probably find a list of values that set the directional course for the organiztion. Often times, however, these values are nothing more than catchy slogans that others have come up with that we think should be part of our organization but really are not. The look good on paper, but are absent from everyday life. Core values must be embodied by every leader in the organization if they are to be exhibited in the life of the members of the organization.

When we started Summit Church (www.summitlife.com) we felt like we needed to establish a list of values that would lead and direct the organiztion. We looked at list after list that other churches and organizations had published and decided to use particular ones that we thought Summit should embody. In the process, however, our leadership team discovered that the list we had, although admirable, did not reflect the things that we truly valued -- the things that truly drove us and set our hearts on fire.

Here's our list. It's our Four. They are by no means unique to us, but they do drive us. They drive us to deeper intimacy with God and with each other. They compell us to do everything in our power to reach people for Christ. They remind us of why we exist, and who we exist for.

God
God is the beginning of all things (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-4).
God is Center (Acts 17:28, Colossians 1:15-20).

God is mighty to save (Psalm 89, Zephaniah 3:17)

God reigns forever (Psalm 93, 97, Isaiah 52:7, Revelation 19:6)
God has transformed our lives through the work of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God longs for passionate followers (John 4:23-24).
We live for His glory (Psalm 115:1-3).

Truth
God has revealed His truth to us through Jesus (John 1:14-17, 14:6).
God has revealed His truth to us in the Scriptures and they are the foundation for our lives (Matthew 7:24-27; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Love
Love God…Love others (Matthew 22:36-40).
Love is the motivation for all we do (2 Corinthians 5:13-15).
We are building a community of Faith, Hope, Love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Mission
We are called to make disciples of every man, woman and child (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:7-11).
God has invited us to join Him on His mission, and it is our privilege to partner with Him (Acts 20:24).

What are your "four?" What values undergird everything that you do? What values do you live for and which would you die for?