Sanctification Smoothie

When Gavin was a little baby, I had decided that I wasn’t getting enough fruit in my system, so I started making smoothies in the morning. I just don’t do as well eating fruit as I do vegetables.  I do a better job of drinking things, so I started drinking my fruits instead. Then someone told me that when they were trying to gain weight they drank smoothies a lot because of all the calories in them. That made me think I was doing the opposite of what I was trying to do, so I altered my routine and I quit drinking the smoothies.

Over the last year I have been working with a health coach and I have learned a lot. One thing I learned was that those smoothies I was drinking to get more fruit in my diet really were good for me. Over the last few years, Weight Watchers changed their system and no longer gives points for fruit. They claim that while there are sugar and calories in fruit, the health benefits we get from eating them is way better than something else we might pick up to eat. They found that having this freedom when teaching about foods that are healthy and good for you was important. As far as I know, they haven’t run into anyone gaining a ton of weight because they ate too many strawberries.

Now when I look at fruit, I see smoothies. I want to blend them all up and drink it as a frozen drink. So tasty! The smoothie has changed my life. I also used to struggle with what to eat for breakfast. I used to have a sugary frozen-type coffee with a banana for breakfast. That combo never seemed to fill my stomach, so I always went searching for more. It was certainly way worse than what I have now, a fruit-packed smoothie, a banana, a little juice, and a yogurt. I now drink it guilt free and enjoy every minute of it. I know the calories in it are the ones that are good for me and will keep me going and healthy.

Now that I have told you about my breakfast habits, what’s my point? The people of Israel had been counting calories for a long time. They knew, because of sin, they must watch every action they did. They knew sin was lurking around every corner. They understood that God required a sacrifice for their sins. So, in a sense, they were counting calories, always trying to live the way God wanted them live and watching out for sin. When Jesus came and fulfilled the law, making the final sacrifice for all our sins, there was now a new freedom for the people. Yet, this new freedom was hard to understand; they were so used to counting calories. In our Galatians passage for today, Paul tries to help them understand where they needed to count calories and where they do not.  He said that any time you are producing the fruit that is in the image of God (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self control) you can eat/do as much of that as you want. Drink that smoothie and enjoy it!  But, like happened to me, the warnings from others so many times before, made them nervous. Yet, they soon learned that because of Jesus, the “sanctification smoothie” was different than anything they had ever seen or felt before. It was easier to get and produce the fruit that was in the image of God.

This weekend we take time to talk about freedom in Christ and what it means for us. Where are the fruits that need no law or guidance, and where are the areas that need the law and guidance to keep us away from sin?

Overshadowing Love

When we were driving home from the lake last weekend, Jacob got bored. It wasn’t his turn on the iPad, and he had already finished the activity book I had given him. On the way down I had given him the speech that back when I was a kid there were no iPads. I can only have that speech so many times before I feel like my great grandpa, so I resorted to teaching him how to play the Alphabet game. It was amazing watching his second-grade mind race as he ran through the alphabet in his head thinking of the next letter. Then the deluge started. As the rain was slamming down on our car, Jacob was frantically looking for the object that started with the next letter so he could beat me. Nevermind that I couldn’t even see anything to drive, much less play a game. Jacob finished first, of course, and celebrated his victory. I have to admit, I felt a little pride at that moment.  I was playing a game with my son and enjoying it. I got him to have good father/son time and forget about what he was missing. Then, as we drove up 44, came a beautiful rainbow, and I was reminded of the way my Father in heaven takes care of me. I had been overshadowed by, of all people, my heavenly Father. I know. How can I even think that?

Mother’s day is held in much higher regard than Father’s Day.  It seems to get lost in the aftermath. Just look at the date. It’s stuck in the middle of June, a smoking hot day when we try to barbeque. But if you are a Christian, Father’s Day means much more. On Father’s Day we can remember the example set by our heavenly Father, who loves His children. Yes, I am overshadowed, and so is every father out there. I can’t live up to that kind of love. Honestly, some people can’t even begin to understand God the Father’s love because of their own father’s lack of love. But the overshadowing is from Scripture; not only in the way fathers should love, but the way they should serve as well. Scripture teaches men to serve their wives. So, Father’s Day should not be some big day to celebrate the work fathers are doing, but another day that fathers are blessed to love and serve their wives and kids, and worship the one true Father, who is flawless and worthy of worship.

Scripture points us to the characteristics of our Father in heaven. That is exactly what Paul does this weekend in our lesson as we read from his letter to the Galatians. Here we learn more about the characteristics of our heavenly Father and how He loves His children. His example helps all fathers as they continue to care for their families. God’s loving refinement is amazing, as we listen to His Word and see how His amazing overshadowing love falls on us.

Unexpected Guest

Can you imagine if you invited someone over for dinner, and then one of their poor friends showed up in raggedy clothes needing to talk to them? That is kind of what happened in this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 7. The Pharisee thought he was doing a generous and nice thing as He invited Jesus into his home, but then this woman shows up to pour perfume on Jesus’ feet.  In that culture, a woman was seen as a lower citizen, so having one come into the house of this Pharisee, someone who was on a different level with God (or so he thought), was an outrage. It is easy to give the Pharisee a bad rap, but in this case, if we think about a stranger coming into our home and stealing our time with our guest right out from under us, we can understand the Pharisee’s bitterness. Jesus quickly responds to the Pharisee’s dismay by saying that a person who has more to forgive will show even more gratefulness, and talks about how the woman truly greeted and cared for Him, while the Pharisee just invited him into his house.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned here, but one that has taken me years to understand is that we should be prepared for unexpected guests walking into church. Being prepared is easier said than done. It means that we, in every corner and in every place, look to help a new person understand our culture. It means we look to explain Lutheranism all the time. I spent years thinking, or maybe being taught, that if we changed our music or the way we preached, we would get more people. But the answer is not found in making these changes just to look like some other church that seems to have more people. The answer is helping the people who come understand why we do what we do. Once we get a friend in the door, we need to help him/her understand this unfamiliar setting. It is education—something the Lutheran church has traditionally been good at. Perhaps we need to work a little harder, or more intentionally, in this one particular area.

Last weekend after the funeral, I shared one of the most powerful parts of the committal with the family at the graveside. I talked about putting dirt on the casket, then I put my hand on the casket and spoke the words that define the roles of each person in the Trinity. If you have been to a committal or graveside service done without this part, there is not much to it. Later I was talking to a pastor friend of mine (of a different denomination) and we talked about the amazing gift of the committal liturgy in the Lutheran church. It has such powerful language, which provides comfort in a confusing and sad time. That is the beauty of liturgy; words that are not dependent on the pastor coming up with everything for himself in the moment. This is an important point in helping people understand liturgy and why we do services and worship the way we do.

Imagine if the Pharisee would have welcomed the woman into his home. What if he had said, “You want to see Jesus?  Of course! Come in. Join us.” What if he had set a place for her and helped her understand his traditions and what to do at his table? Can you imagine her reaction?

We know that when people find out about Jesus they want to get to know Him better. As extraordinary servants, it takes time to talk to people about the uniqueness of our Lutheran heritage, and also the uniqueness of our church. It means slowing down, taking steps to build relationships with newer people and talk with them.  Then in the comfort of that relationship, they can feel at ease asking questions and you can explain the whys.

Unexpected Ressurection

Abby has been known to come up with a random memory from her short life. She will try to communicate what she remembers to us in her 4-year-old language, and gets frustrated if we don’t remember. It’s challenging for Mindy and I to figure out what she is referring to. Believe it or not, Abby can remember things from a year ago! I know, odd for a 4-year-old, but it is true. She remembers trips we took last summer and friends we saw. Thankfully, most of her memories are current and happened weeks ago, as opposed to months and months ago.

It is fun to see how God gives similar characteristics to your kids that He also gave to us. Our family lines have unique characteristics that God allows to keep going even though He creates us uniquely. There have been several friends shocked at my memory recall. Like Abby, I have images of the life stories I have experienced. Summer certainly is a time of many memories. I remember long hours at the pool, vacations, and enjoying great times in Florida when my grandparents moved there. I will never forget catching crabs in the ocean with my grandpa or building sand castles. I remember seeing him study God’s Word and then seeing how it was displayed in his actions. I never knew at the time what every memory was capturing, but Grandpa was teaching me the art of being a pastor and a family man.

Every story of Jesus displays just how deep the Father’s love is for us. If you were asked what resurrection stories you remember from Scripture, there are two that would probably be at the top of your list. Jesus’ resurrection, which was the completion of what Jesus needed to do to restore our relationship with the Father, and the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus’ good friend and brother of Mary and Martha. Both are stories of love. We probably wouldn’t remember the story in this week’s lesson in Luke 7—a widow in bitter sadness at the death of her only son. Yet, this story is significant for us because it shows the expansive way Jesus provides and cares for His people—another story of love.  Jesus had such compassion on this grieving widow that He gave her son life again.  The people who witnessed it were amazed and said a prophet was among them. If Jesus can bring dead people back to life, what can’t He do? This kind of question combats any human struggle we have; struggles and life situations that we make excuses for and can never seem to get away from. Logging a story like this in our memories helps as we go through even the most significant struggles in life that leave us bitter and sad. Jesus’ compassion for the life of one person is amazing! Likewise, the impact of those around Him recognizing the prophecy is fulfilled in His coming is huge! These are great connections we have to this story, and something powerful to add to our memory.

Changing the Result

We are a results-driven culture; that is for sure. It doesn’t take long to see how many commercials are showing products that produce results. We know all too well that our jobs demand results. We can even see it in our expectations for our kids. We want to see results, whether results in faith or results in their careers. Our ears perk up as we hear someone sharing results. God certainly built us to use the gifts we have to bless others, and in turn, it creates results. I have to admit that even in the pastoral ministry, I am looking at churches that have results. Results can sometimes produce ego and can get us off track, so how do we drive for results but stay humble and patient?

When I began in ministry, I was handed the Sunday night service. There were less than 50 people who attended this service. Now, you may think the problem is having a Sunday night service in the first place, but not so in California. Almost every church has as a Sunday night service. Looking at our church size and the fact that over 200 people attended every other service, 50 people for Sunday night was really low. To help with this task, I was given a youth intern who was amazingly gifted with music and working with kids. He already had a band going, we just needed to implement them into the Sunday night service. We called it “The Awakening,” and that is exactly what happened to this dead service. It awakened! I learned a lot during those times. I watched God come into a place we had already presumed dead, and fill it with life again. I was naïve, which translated into my faith to believe that God could do anything anywhere.

Maybe I was not so naïve after all; maybe it was an important lesson I would need in life and future ministry. There were many times in ministry I tried to figure out why well-planned and executed events fell flat on their face. I can’t tell you how many well-crafted super bowl parties I put together where I felt deflated at the end. I wondered where my performance could have been better and examined my expectations of the results. Now I have learned to keep planning and preparing, but to balance my expectations. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust this simple lesson—God can show up at any place, at any time, and awaken us.

This week’s lesson is exactly that. A results-driven centurion believes God can show up at any time and heal, bless, or change the results. This centurion lives commanding men to do tasks, and when they fail, he takes the hit. So much is expected of him. Results drive the culture he lives in too. In our reading, this man came to Jesus knowing he could change the results of anything. He faithfully trusted that Jesus was his God who could handle any challenge and problem.

Last weekend we laid a new vision for Mt. Calvary. Yes, the church has been here before.  But I am not going to speak about the past, rather I am concerned with the future. I am concerned with us preparing and praying for God to show up at anytime, in any place. I am praying God would make this church known for its extraordinary servanthood. I am praying the community would see this extraordinary servanthood. I am not worried about the mistakes or failures of the past.  That’s why we confess and receive absolution every week. I want to pray for Jesus to guide us to servanthood in new areas. Will you pray for Mt. Calvary? Will you pray that Jesus stirs our hearts to serve? Will you pray that we are prepared for the people He sends us? The centurion was focused on his communication with Jesus knowing God will listen. I pray you communicate with your Savior and are prepared to see Him show up!

On The Move!

This is a big weekend for Mt. Calvary. We are excited to share the new vision for our church at the On The Move celebration, as well as some new thoughts on what can come from it. It will give us more focus on ways to grow and serve. With this event we hope to raise the bar, and make it a great event that you will enjoy.

You may not know this, but I am a business minor. Yet, some of the business language can still confuse me. I’m sure some of you have the same question I had when the Strategic Planning Committee began this this process over a year ago.  How is a vision different than a mission?  I knew I wanted to make sure I could communicate this in a way that people would understand. I also knew that the Discipleship Model (Worship 1, Read 1, Love 1, Pray 1) was a key part of walking on our faith journey. But how does a vision help to guide the church and the faith process? Well…the vision lays out what our church and community would look like if we got everything we wanted. Our new vision is Transformed People, Transformed Community. If every person was transformed in our church, then we could transform the community! The vision is bigger than we could probably ever reach, but this allows us to keep driving toward the future. The mission stayed the same. It helps lay out or define what transformed people are, as the saving love of Christ makes them Extraordinary Servants. (This is a great time to point out we didn’t change everything. We kept what still works with who God made us to be at Mt. Calvary.)

At the dinner, we will also meet people with whom we can potentially partner. In fact, one of them is going to preach for us this weekend. Many of you know that there are not a lot of Lutheran churches in the mid-county area, but Vicar Chris Paavola has felt led by the Spirit to start one. He has a true passion to minister to the community in University City and is calling the church All Nations. You will get to hear his passion and love for the people this weekend. He also has some great ways we can serve with him and his church in partnership. People in Brentwood are passionate about their city, and this allows us to continue to minister to this area, as well as one close-by. You will also hear of other local partnerships, which will allow lots of opportunities to be extraordinary servants. All of this fits into the new vision, and hopefully it will clarify where we are going as a church and how we can serve.

When Jesus went out with the disciples, they blessed and served others. That continued at Pentecost when the disciples were sent out. And from Paul’s many letters, we know that he continued to bless and serve others in many cities. Now, we are looking at where God has placed us, and how we can use the gifts and talents of the people at Mt. Calvary to serve this area. I am excited for this weekend, and I pray you are also. Even if you can’t be here on Sunday, you will continue to hear about our exciting next steps to be extraordinary servants to our community.

Just Confirming!

We use the word “confirm” everyday when we are talking about appointments and dates of events. Most often this is to check that what we said before is still true, and that we are going to move forward. If both people “confirm” we are good to go, then we can see what is next. The idea behind “confirming” a date or event is to make sure the plans we’ve made will work out.

For a long time, Fridays have been like this for me. Ever since the beginning of my ministry, Fridays have been my off day. They are a day when I care for my kids, my family, and myself all at the same time. Since I’m off, I have the kids at home with me, so every plan I make for this day I have to juggle with the kids. For this reason some of the Costco workers know my kids. They have seen them come with me on Fridays for a long time. The gym childcare team knows my kids too (and asked me few weeks ago where I have been.) Confirming Friday plans with with me is challenging.  First, my kids need to be able to come, and second, it needs to be flexible.  The event or activity can’t depend on me being there, because with kids, all plans are subject to to change. Now that 2 of my kids will have school 5 days a week, it is kind of odd. It was hard to say goodbye to Jacob at the beginning of this school year since he has been with me on Fridays since he was a baby. Next year, it will only be the girls hanging with me on Fridays, as Gavin will be starting Kindergarten. That gives me just a couple Fridays left with him in this school year. The fall will be another adjustment.

The disciples had to change their schedules and lives when they followed Jesus. Their normal days now became a new journey every morning they woke up. It was probably hard in those days to confirm what was next and when they could meet up with family or friends. While dealing with life changes had to be hard, there had to be many moments of seeing the great benefits of being with Jesus every day. Now with Jesus gone, it was time to confirm that this was going to be their new lifestyle for good. They proclaimed that on the day of Pentecost. Guided by the gift of the Holy Spirit, the disciples began to teach and preach the change in their lives and how it could be a great change in the lives of others as well.

This week is not only Pentecost, but Confirmation Sunday at Mt. Calvary. Beginning Confirmation classes here often changes your routine of going to church. Our classes are held at 9 am on Sundays, the same time as the first service.  We expect a parent to attend Confirmation Class with the child, and that they both will be there every week. For many families, this requires a change in their church pattern. It takes a commitment, maybe not the same it took the disciples to follow Jesus for 3 years, but certainly it is a commitment. They are learning the very theological themes they have been taught in Sunday School, but going much deeper. Confirmation Sunday, like Pentecost, is the day when the change of schedule is gone, and now the confirmand stands up and confirms what he or she has been taught. This young person makes a commitment to live faithful to the Word of God and the doctrinal teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It is a big step and one to be celebrated!

Confirmation is much more than just a casual confirming of an appointment, which is usually a one-time thing.  Because it is something we traditionally see in the church every year, we can fall into the trap of thinking of it casually, just like confirming an appointment. But with Confirmation, the youth are confirming a lifetime commitment. We are asking the youth to truly commit to a life of following Jesus. This is not a day to just confirm, but to proudly confess what we teach and preach in our church body. At Pentecost, the disciples were also confirming their lifetime commitment, and the teaching and work of Christ in them.