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A little bit of this and that…

Our church hosted the Turlock Gospel Mission meal tonight. The Dray's hosted, and the Padilla's served an AWESOME meal. There was BBQ chicken and all the fixin's (I don't think you're allowed to add the "ing" to that word when it's connected to BBQ foods).

I led a couple of worship songs on the guitar and I forgot how much it hurts your fingertips when you haven't played in a while. Chris said she didn't know I could play. She said, "I thought you were going to just hold the guitar like George Strait!" I couldn't believe it (BTW, who's George Strait?)

I shared tonight with the group from Philippians 3, where Paul says that even through he has this incredible pedigree and background, that it's all worthless. Knowing Christ is what matters. It doesn't matter what our background, or pedigree, or past is like. We're all on equal ground at the foot of the cross. One lady prayed to accept Christ tonight. That was awesome and humbling all at the same time.

Oh, before I forget, it's my Mom's birthday today. Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Sunday Night Reflection

If you read my previous post you know that today was "rubber meet the road" day. We've talked about revolution, but this is where we really live it. Today was all about sowing our time, treasure, and talent to make His Kingdom known. Are we really ready for revolution? I know we are. People are taking radical steps to follow after Jesus. And after a couple of conversations I had this past weekend, we're only seeing the beginning of the revolution God is bringing.

Here are some of my thoughts from the day:

• Loved the song "Our God Saves." It's like the anthem of what God's been doing here lately. Sometimes you just need to make a declaration. Not a cliche', or a religious sentiment, but a roof shaking shout. For me, for us, for NLCC right now, "Our God Saves" is the roof-shaker.

• Even though today was about God's challenge regarding our money and serving and giving, we had 8 people accept Christ! There are some Sunday's I'm just not sure it's going to happen because of the topic. God is sure bigger than all my doubts.

• My good friend (and Pastor at Monte Vista Chapel) Ken Van Vliet was in first service this morning. He had the day off, and so he came to celebrate with us. God is doing some pretty incredible things at MVC too. It is so great to serve side-by-side with pastors like Ken, and churches like MVC.

• I met a lady today who had about 10 kids with her. She sold her home in the Bay Area, bought a ranch in Stevinson and began an equestrian center to help kids and youth. She's looking for a church home, and the whole gang of them were heading to try out a church but ended up late. So they're driving down the freeway and see our sign, pull in, and came to the 2nd service. They're looking to connect with a church, and she said, "we will definitely be back. This was awesome!" Yep God, you are!

• We had a ministry leaders huddle after services to go through the "Where will I Sow" cards. I don't have the final count, but I know there were well over 100 cards that came in from people who want to be part of the team and serve! We looked like we were in a pretty intense poker game as we dealt the cards to the appropriate ministry and leader.

• The Giants won! That was a David and Goliath story from start to finish.

• Today wiped me out (in a good way), so I'm heading to bed.

Countdown!

This is kind of a weird blog post, but here goes. I'm sitting in my office and it's 8:45 a.m. The first service will start in 15 minutes. I just had my mic check, we did a last minute service schedule run through, and now I'm sitting here alone. But not really alone. I've been praying for this message since we started this series in January.

This one will challenge us all. I know that, because it's been challenging me. I woke up so many times last night thinking about this message, and praying, and giving this morning to God. It's in His hands, not mine. I just pray that God gives me boldness and strength this morning.

What will He do here today? How will eternity have changed in the next 3 hours? Tune in tonight when I blog my Sunday Night Reflection.

It's all yours God!

How do YOU describe it?

Even though only 1 of you (so far) left a comment on my last post, I've had quite a few of you tell me you read it, and you were pretty pumped about it.

Some of you said that when you invite someone to NLCC, you just tell them "You have to experience it." Some of you described NLCC in other ways.

SO . . . here's the challenge (and you ACTUALLY HAVE TO POST IT HERE!). When you're inviting someone to come to church, or telling them about NLCC, how do you describe it?

Put it into words and check back here to see the responses. It just may give you a little more creative ammo.

The Revolution

I stopped by the tire shop yesterday to have a tire fixed on my truck. The shop manager there is a part of NLCC, and after checking my tire we were walking into the shop and he turns to me and says, "Man, you are on fire lately, God is sure doing awesome things."

He goes on to tell me how God is doing a revolutionary thing in him. He tells me that he and his wife have invited people to come to NLCC and told them, "you just have to experience it." He said that sometimes people are skeptical thinking that because it's a "big" church, it will feel unfriendly.

He said that everytime, his friends say, "That was the most friendly place I've ever been, I love it."

Now I know we're not perfect, and we've got a long ways to go in so many things. I also know that there have been people who have slipped through the cracks, and felt ignored and neglected and it kills me to think that we had our chance and we blew it.

But thank God that He continues to work in us and among us, and that people are finding grace, forgiveness, and new life in Christ! The Revolution continues!

The Power of Faith

I received the newest edition of Newsweek magazine today, and read an interesting article titled, "A Simple Twist of Faith." The author, Theresa Gonzalez, writes about her younger sister's growing Christian faith.

She moves through different emotions as she watches her sister grow and mature. From feeling like her sister's faith is kind of cute, to being frightened that her sister would "become intolerant; [because] the fundamentalism of evangelicals seemed so extreme, so exclusive…"

She goes on to chronicle her worries as her sister goes to a Christian college, and her concern that future employers will stereotype her as a "religious fanatic and not see the intelligent and talented person I proudly call my sister."

I read this article and honestly, agreed with some of her concerns. I too have met Christians that made me nervous. I've seen Christians lash out with words and actions that are intolerant and exclusive. I've seen way too much us vs. them mentality rather than love, acceptance, and forgiveness. So I think Ms. Gonzalez is spot-on with her fears about Christianity.

But what really made the difference to her? It was knowing her sister. It was seeing her sister's faith, up close and personal. She still see's her sister's faith as an "add-on" rather than foundational to who she is, but give it time.

It's easy to paint Christians with a big, broad brush (or any group of people for that matter). But it's the individuals that make the difference. God has put both you and me right where we are, surrounded by the friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors around us, so that people can see real faith, real grace, and power of Christ, up close and personal.

She concludes the article with these words:

"I greatly respect her for having such a strong faith in something. I wish I could believe so fervently in something so abstract. All I can say now is that I believe in her."

Never underestimate the power of God that shines through one humble heart.

Sunday Night Reflection

I woke up this morning with a raging sore throat. It didn't seem to affect my voice or my speaking, but it sure was sore and really hard to swallow. But it was a great day anyway. Here are some random thoughts from the day.

• You know God's at work when people will park in a wet and muddy field just to make room for more people to park when they come to church. Thanks to all of you who "catch the vision" and you want to see people saved.

• A BIG THANKS to Cindi, Melanie, Wendy, Hannah, Rachel for the awesome sign-language / worship dance today. It was so powerful and moving. Thanks for making it happen. BTW, the song was "Full Attention" by Jeremy Riddle.

• Our new coffee area, "The Intersection" worked really well today (even though a few times it was more like "The Traffic Jam"). It created some good connection spots, and gave people a chance to relax and talk. If you didn't catch it, head to the East side (Hwy side) of the building and relax on the couches with a coffee. We'll be making some tweaks and improvements over the coming weeks. Thanks to Jeannie, Jon, Ron, Jason for all your work.

• Frank Grubbs shared with us about World Vision's "Child Sponsorship." He called and got an update for me before service, and NLCC has sponsored 313 children around the world. Frank said that you can actually multiply that number by about 5 because of the waves of impact that are felt by the families and others in the community. He told me after second service that another 34 children were sponsored today! NLCC'ers YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THIS WORLD!

• Here's some more NLCC / World Vision news. Our Student Ministries has raised nearly $70,000 for famine relief through World Vision's 30 hour famine over the last few years. Incredible! This year there is a private donor that has guaranteed to quadruple whatever comes in. If our students raise what they did last year ($10,000), it will become $40,000. Find a student and sponsor them this year!

• Check out this new music from a soon to be released CD from our own Steve Charbonneau and Eli Arrigotti. The music should debut on iTunes in February. The CD is called "The Isles Wait." You can listen to a few songs here.

• Last thing. It was great to see the complete Lindskoog lineup today. Peter and Emily are here from Montana, and Nate and Heidi (along with the new twins) from Colorado. We miss you guys.

Frogs or Freedom?

I've been reading through the book of Exodus this last week (on my journey "Through the Bible" this year), and I came across a passage that made me shake my head. I've read it before, but reading it again just pointed the spotlight again on this funny aspect of human nature.

In Exodus 8, the people are right in the middle of the plagues sent against the Egyptians because the Pharaoh won't "let the people go." It's hard not to reminisce back to Charleton Heston at this point and big Cecile B. DeMille "10 Commandments" movie. The plague of the day is frogs, and they're everywhere. The Bible says they are in every corner, and even in people's beds. Now I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be doing too well at this point. I would want to be done with this and I'd be probably be signing the petition outside of Target to let Pharaoh know to just let the people go already.

Pharaoh finally has had enough and he calls Moses in to pray to God to stop this plague. Moses says that he will pray to the Lord and stop the plague, "just tell me when you want me to do it."

Don't you think the correct answer would be "now!" I mean, how long do you want to keep living with a plague? But Pharaoh's answer is "tomorrow." He's willing to spend one more night with the frogs. Why?

I don't really know why, but it seems to be pretty standard behavior for us humans. How often do I choose the status quo rather than the change (and the blessing) that God wants to bring. It's easier just to keep doing the same thing, in the same way, rather than humble ourselves and seek Him.

But things are changing in me. I don't want to live with the frogs any longer than I have to

Blind

I watched the new season of American Idol tonight. I think the first few weeks of the show are my favorite. I love watching the auditions and seeing how crazy people are. There were a couple of people on tonight and they were telling Ryan Seacrest how great they were, and how they were the next American Idol, and how lucky the show was to have the opportunity to promote them.

And then they sang.

How is it that someone can be that blind, that delusional about their ability. Has no one ever told them, "YOU CAN'T SING!" I mean, some of them are close if you put them up with a band and covered for them a little bit. But some of these guys are just embarassing. And they actually have no idea how bad they are. Of course, they then argue and go off on the judges and swear at the cameras. All the while they're saying stuff like, "you guys don't know anything. I don't need American Idol, I'm going to be the World Idol." (A guy actually said just that tonight).

So I'm thinking, "How blind can you be?" And then I had kind of a frightening thought. Are there some areas in me where I am completely blind and delusional? If I answer, "no", am I REALLY being blind and delusional. Makes you think, doesn't it.

Over this past year I've had to come face to face with some of my own weaknesses and selfish tendencies. It wasn't fun, but I'm glad I did. God was able to heal some things in me that I'd been denying for a long time. But the change didn't happen all by myself, it happened in relationship. I think that's why the Bible tells us over and over that this is not a solo journey that we are on. We need each other.

We're told to not give up meeting together, to speak the truth in love, to love one another deeply, to encourage one another, and on and on. I need you to help me see those things that I can't even see about myself, and you need me to do the same.

That's how this incredible body of Christ works. I once was blind, but now I see!

The New Coffee Experience!

This is for the coffee drinker that doesn't have time to stop and grab a cup. All the kick you need, without the hassle of actually bringing a cup to your lips. The sad thing, is that I know a few people who'd probably go for this!

One freezing picnic!

Today I took our family on a little picnic since we all had the day off. We grabbed some Subway sandwiches and took a nice drive up to Snelling and that little park just east of town. It was beautiful, clear, and green. Now is the best time to see those hills all green and growing. In just a few short months, all those hills will be brown and dead, but for now, it feels like you're driving through Ireland or something. I've never been to Ireland, but it's what I think it would look like.

We got to the park and grabbed a table right down by the river. We didn't have to fight any crowds since we were the only ones there. The reason it was pretty empty is that it was FREEZING with the wind blowing. But we braved the cold, ate our lunch and laughed and joked until we were numb. A pretty cool family outing, and only about 20 minutes from home. These are the moments I remember most.

Let Freedom Ring!

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. day. Like many holidays, we tend to just think of a day off rather than remember the reason. This morning I read through the complete text of MLK's "I have a dream" speech from August 28, 1963.

He gave this speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to a crowd of over 200,000 people who had come to Washington to march for Civil Rights. It was a defining moment in the movement.

Many people have never read the entire speech, because we're used to sound bites and a few famous lines. But today, click this link here, and read the speech. These are powerful words that helped change a nation. It made me realize how far we've come in 45 years, and also how far we have yet to go.

Sunday Night Reflection

Here are some thoughts from the day.

• I LOVE BAPTISMS! We got to hear some incredible stories of God's grace and forgiveness today. He is transforming and revolutionizing lives right now, and He's doing it among us. There were 13 people baptized today, and it was so awesome to hear our people cheer and celebrate.

• Reading the prayer that Frank Silva's daughter emailed me was powerful. I don't think Frank was expecting that and I could tell it really touched him. And according to about a dozen people I talked to after the service, it was definitely a kleenex moment for everyone.

• I wasn't able to be in during the worship as I was hanging out with the people getting baptized, but at the end of service I was able to worship with Eli and the band for "Not to Us." You guys were awesome in leading us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Thanks Eli!

• I realized today that it's too hard to try and pull off the baptism AND doing a short message. Next time, I think I'll do the baptism and have one of the other guys share and wrap up the service. It's only taken me 15 years to figure that out!

How can I live without it?

At Macworld this week I came across the "must have" product of the year. It does so many things at once and does them all so well. It docks my iPod, it charges my iPod, it has built in speaker to play all my favorite music, AND it's a wonderful toilet paper roll holder. Wow! How did I ever make it without this.

My Mac Week

This last week was my annual trek to the big "mac-fest" called Macworld. It's held in S.F. and I've gone for over 10 years to this thing. I know, I know, it sounds a little crazy and extreme, but it's a lot of fun.


Other than being a die-hard Mac user, one of the great things about going is spending time with a good friend, Gary Sheldon. Gena and I met Gary and his wife, Jodi, when we lived in Fresno. Our annual Macworld trip gave Gary and I a chance to catch up on the year and spend some good time together. But two years ago Gary and Jodi moved to Colorado, so this was the first time since their move that we've had a chance to go to Macworld.



I picked up Gary at the Oakland Airport and then we spent the rest of the time checking out the new MacBook Air's, Time Capsule, and various other Mac, iPod, and iPhone related stuff. And believe me, there is a lot of stuff!

I also went over on Friday to Macworld with Peter, Kari, and some other good friends, Ben, Jordan, and Jenny. I've attached some pictures of my time this week. You can see Peter and Kari with the "floating" MacBook Air. We had a great day together.

Sunday Night Reflection

It was a great day today. God is moving in such powerful ways it's awesome just to be a part of what He's doing. Here are some thoughts from today.

• We had 22 people today make a decision for Christ! I could end this post right there because THAT is what it's all about.

• Eli and the team were awesome. I thought Eli was just doing some ad-lib when he threw in the "do you want a revolution?" line on the last song. I asked Eli and he said, "Nope, that's actually part of the song." Still, thanks Eli for getting us on our feet looking for a revolution!

• I'm not sure what our baptism list looks like yet, but it looks like a great group that will be taking this next step. Invite your friends to come and see this.

• I have so much respect and admiration for our tech team. Yesterday, there was a video problem (no one in the audience even knew), and these guys worked during and between services to try to troubleshoot the issue. They found it late in the second service, but they WOULD NOT LET UP, until they had figured it out. Thanks guys for making great things happen!

• We had 2 couples over last night (small group leaders), who have an incredible vision for ministering to families in need. Their small group has done some WILD things to meet real needs. I'll share about it some other time. They live the revolution every day.

Managing the Money

One of the things that most of us try to get nailed down each year is finances. I've read a couple of Dave Ramsey books and am excited about this next year. We've got our budget in place and we're polishing off some of our debt right away (Minivan and braces!).

This is a good blog by Joseph Sangl who blogs about God-honoring finances. He has a pretty cool thing, if you click on his "tools" at the top, and then scroll down to his "Pay-off spectaculars." He has graphics made up of squares that you can color in as you pay off, whatever it is that you owe on. From braces to student loans. Pretty funny, but pretty inspiring too as you pay it off.

A Revolution Prayer

I had someone send me this prayer this morning. They had come to our Pray66 yesterday, and wrote this down while they were praying. By the way, we had about 30 people that dropped by during the day to pray and seek God. Put it on your calendar and come join us. Tuesdays in the Student Center (out back) from 6am to 6pm.

Here's the prayer:

"Our Father, You are “ours.” But you want more than just us in that “our.”

There are how many? Hundreds? Thousands? More? Right here within our reach whom you long for. You yearn for them to call you “Father,” as well. Draw them. Bring them. Open our mouths to tell them, move our feet to go. To bring the Good News.

Not the news that there are lots of church buildings. Decaying, rotting, falling down buildings. The News of the Life. The True Life, not subject to death and decay.

You are in Heaven and untouchably Holy. You dwell in the true Holy of Holies. You dwell in unapproachable light. How is it that You love so much that you made a Way? Your Name. Your Names. The Way. Emmanuel, God with us. You tore that veil, that is, Your precious Son’s body. You wanted to be with us that much! And you want to be with those who don’t yet know You that much!

What “everything” (I was thinking here of the guy who said he had done everything but Jesus said he still lacked one thing) What “everything” is it going to take for us to give up so that others can know You? Money? Time? Ego? Reputation? Hobbies? Habits? I don’t know. Will it be worth it? Are THEY worth it? You gave Your Son. I’m going to guess You think it’s worth it.

In Heaven the Battle is already over. You won. But down here it’s still going on. Father, I want you to hurry up and win down here. Especially in our sphere of influence, where people are still using drugs and fighting gang wars, or maybe just drinking themselves numb in front of the internet every night inside their nice cookie cutter McMansion.

And how will this be accomplished? By many or by few? May it be by few so that the world may know it is You, or may it be by many so that the world may looked and be amazed… that is in Your Hand.

Be glorified, oh Lord. The Battle is Yours."

Sunday Night Reflection (2 Days late!)

Yes, this is my greatly delayed Sunday Night reflection time. I've been mulling over Sunday to try to put my thoughts together. It was a great day and a challenging day, and I was exhausted by the time I got home. Here are some thoughts…

• God IS doing great things here, but it's not because we deserve them or we've earned them, it's because of His amazing grace.

• YOU WEREN'T HERE? Man, you missed it. You can listen here. (It's not posted as of Tuesday at 4:30pm, but it should be up soon. Keep checking!)

• God is looking for people who are ready and willing to give everything.

• Preaching from a La-Z-Boy is pretty sweet!

• Spiritual growth and maturity is OUR choice and OUR responsibility. No one can do it for you!

• I was pretty fired up, and I still am. Wait and see what God does this week.

• I know the service went long, but it was worth it for us to hear from God. No apologies!

• A big thanks to Tim Witort for the 2007 Recap Video. I'll try to post a link to youtube when it's available.

• Can you say "freakin'" from the pulpit? Read this blog for answers.

• Don't underestimate the revolution that God can do in you.

• Make sure you fill out a "My revolution" card and staple it to the pole.

• Prayer 66 -- Every Tuesday from 6am to 6pm. Come and pray. God is on the move!

New Year’s Wedding

I was able to do a wedding on New Year's day that was pretty neat. Frank and Christine have been at NLCC for a little over a year. I remember the first time they came. It was during our Outdoor Services when we had the heat wave in July. It was the hottest Sunday of the year and we were outside in about 110 degree weather.

Frank and Chris came and I remember introducing Frank to Dennis Padilla and seeing him take some initial steps of faith. They have both committed their lives to Christ and are very involved in Helping Hands and Second Saturday. They give and serve and worship and THEY are what NLCC is all about… transformed lives.

Anyway, they were married on New Year's Day 2008. A brand new marriage, a brand new beginning.

God bless you Frank & Christine!