Storm or iPhone? Flash or Function? Seen or Unseen?

We’ve been spending some time in the book of John for the last few weeks.  It’s been exciting.  As I was preparing for my latest message on John Chapter 2 I was overwhelmed at how even Jesus’ mother looked to Jesus more for His Flash than His function.

Too often we focus the majority of our attention on the things that are flashy, the things that are seen and get the most attention (good worship, solid teaching, massive outreach, etc.).  These are all well, good and necessary, as was Jesus’ turning water into wine, but what about the things that are primarily unseen, the more functional things?  Things like prayer, fasting, purity, etc.  How much attention do we give to those?  You can see how easy it is to become “white-washed” tombs and not even know it while focusing on the flash and forgetting the function.

Much like Steve Jobs has done with the iPhone, I think it’s both possible and necessary to develop a balance between both flash and function in our spiritual lives.  Be careful however, if you’re all flash and no function you’re likely to end up more like Verizon’s first attempt to compete with the iPhone, (The Storm), useful only for a season and in desperate need of an upgrade…  spiritually speaking of course!

So how much attention are you giving to the seen as opposed to the unseen, the flash as opposed to the function?

Storytellers

HS/MS Winter Camp

Hey!  We’re headed to Big Bear for our annual HS/MS Winter Camp.  It’s going to be amazing!  Don’t miss out.  See below for details!

 

We’ve just extended the discount deadline…  $140 if you pay in full by this Sunday (Jan. 9th)…

Have yourself a SN@VY little Christmas

Tonight we finished the 2nd of a 2 part Christmas series in the first chapter of Luke. I’m realizing that I don’t have time to update like I would like to so I’m gonna keep it brief…

Last week we looked at Mary and her visit from the Angel Gabriel. It’s funny to me that whenever we think of angels we think of the precious moments angels. The reality is that every time a human witnesses an angel in the Bible they’re scared to their core! Mary is no different. When she sees Gabriel, she is “troubled” and Gabriel responds with the typical angel response, “do not be afraid.”.

Sometimes walking with God can be a scary thing. He might ask you to invite someone to Church, or help out a homeless, drug addicted person. But the reality is its always worth it! And it’s safe to say that He’ll never ask you to give birth to The Son Of God… He’s already done that, and thank God He did!  The truth is, God will take your worst nightmare and turn it into a beautiful dream.

This week we focused on Zacharias and his visit from the very same angel. And guess what, he was “troubled” as well! In this passage Gabriel gives us a little more insight as to why humans are typically troubled by angels. He says, “I stand in the midst of God.”.  Anyone who stands in the midst of God will surely carry with him some of God’s glory.  We know from Moses’ experience with God, that we can’t stand in the midst of God.  In fact, we can’t even see God in all His glory or we will die!  Therefore, to be in the company of someone who stands in the midst of God is a scary thing in itself.

But more can be gleaned from these stories than just how terrifying angels can be. What’s most important about these stories are the peripheral details. Specifically Luke’s reference to Zacharias and Elizabeth and their righteousness/faithfulness. It’s clear to see that God rewards us for our faithfulness as He rewarded them for theirs.

What is it that God has called you to be faithful to this week?

Aren’t you thankful that Jesus was faithful to go to the cross on your behalf?

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

Are you pumped for the Venue? I am! See you on Sunday @ 7:00
- Tim P

Bonfire

Pain Always has a Purpose – another look at Do Something week 4 @ The Venue

“pain hurts, chicks dig scars,  but glory is forever. ” – keanu reeves

The actor may be terrible but that quote is so very applicable. Pain is necessary in our walk with God. As I look back at my life the times when my relationship with God was the strongest was the times when I was going through terrible pain.

Hebrews 12:11-13 NLT

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

This passage tells us that we perceive discipline as pain. So what I am saying is that God is punishing you whenever you experience pain? No! Absolutely not.  Discipline is not punishment.  Discipline is an act of learning. When you or I study for a test its not fun.  In fact it can be downright painful. That is discipline.

What is the harvest of right living?  I can tell you that the harder the lesson that I had to learn the more I remember it.  This allows for two things to happen.  Firstly, I am less likely to repeat that mistake again. Secondly, I am more able to see the same problems in others and I will be better able to help them because I was just where they are.

So when you are experiencing pain in your life, look for the purpose behind it.  Look for the lesson to be learned and hold on to that lesson throughout your pain. If you look at pain this way,  you can see God’s purpose for the pain.  This allows you to get closer to God through the pain rather than push him away.
- Tim Pinckard