why do they do that, anyway?

I remember when my parents' generation threw up their hands in confusion and concern over us. "What's this generation coming to?" They looked aghast at the level of sin we tolerated- things they had not (openly) considered or practiced. They wondered where we got it and where it would take us.

Well, we've grown up and brought up another generation. And the words that too often come to our minds, or cross our lips sound an awful lot like our fathers': "What's happening to young people these days? They tolerate so much bad stuff and do things we (openly) wouldn't have considered!"

I know as a father of three adult sons, I've voiced my concern numerous times. If you're a parent, I imagine you have as well. Let me suggest two simple reasons (among many, I suppose) why this phenomenon is so true. First, sin (and its impact) never remains static. Unless there is a conscious turn away from what is wrong, we will always slide into further complications as a result of sin. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Sadly this is true. But as someone once wisely pointed out, the wages of sin is also more sin. So if we fail to eradicate wrong practices and attitudes in our generation, let's not be surprised to see them resurface in a greater and more destructive way in the next.

Secondly, our actions go a long way in determining the mindset of our kids. Jeremiah 17 speaks of the sin of Judah (one of the 12 tribes of Israel), saying that their sin was "engraved with an iron tool, inscribed with a fine flint on the tablet of their hearts." In other words, their rebellion toward God was set deeply within their being, woven into the very fabric of their lives. It was part of them. So much so that the words following state that "even their children remember their altars and Asherah (idol) poles." The history of Judah's people was such that its impact was not lost on its children. That they remembered their parents' sin is indication that they themselves practiced what had been done previously, and probably to a greater extent (because sin is never static, remember?).

All this to say that as parents and elders in this generation, we must choose our steps carefully, because those following us will find our footsteps. If we choose to do (and be) right, there's a greater chance that our children (and their children) will do likewise. But if we tolerate and dabble in things that we know are wrong, if we excuse our wayward tendencies, if we neglect to right those practices and areas we know fall short, there's great likelihood that the next generation will remember our idols, remember our sin, remember our wrong paths. And they may very well travel down them...and find others as well.

Walk well, parents and elders- those coming behind need a clear path and a right way, and it's our job to provide it.

a karate lesson

Last Friday night we had our monthly Community Supper. It's an event where we prepare a meal and invite the neighborhood to a night out on us. We usually host 150 or more people, although some special events have seen nearly 800 on our campus! Some months it's simply a meal and time talking together. Other time we have programs that are a treat for our folks.

This was one of those months. The dojo where I work out (Pearl of Wisdom Kenpo Karate) showed up to present a martial arts demonstration. And they didn't disappoint! They displayed their skills and passion for the art in a great way. And as they strutted their stuff, I was reminded of one crucial concept: You can't score if you don't connect. The demo team simulated attacks and defense, but it was clear that they weren't really hurting each other. That's because they weren't trying to connect. But if you come to our studio during sparring night, or come with us to tournaments, you'd see that these kenpoists don't just look good. They're the real deal. Because when it counts they do connect...and they do score.

Which brings me to my point. So many people look good. In fact, they are good. I talked to two guys last week who assured me that even though their lives weren't square with God, they were still good guys. They confessed that they weren't perfect (after all, who is?) but they weren't murderers. They weren't molesters or horrible criminals. They tried to help people and be nice. Good guys. But they're like martial artists who do lots of things in the air, make all the right moves and look good, but never score because they never connect.

You see, to score with God, you've gotta connect with Him. And it's not a matter of doing good or even being good. Because goodness and godliness are two different matters. Besides, let's face it, which of us is good enough to connect with God on the basis of our own goodness? Romans 3:23 reminds us that we've all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. So none of us connects with God on our own. And that means that none of us scores abundant or eternal life with God.

And that's where and why Jesus comes in. His death makes up the gap between our "goodness" and the godliness needed to connect with God. His death took the penalty that was owed because of our "non-goodness," the sins we commit that disconnect us from God. And that penalty was death (Romans 6:23). Payment for our sins was required, and Jesus stepped up and took what we deserved. That's what this time of year (Easter) is all about- the willingness of Jesus to die in our place in order to make a way for us to connect with God.

So, it's not a matter of looking good or even doing good. God isn't searching for people who appear to have it all together. Instead, He's looking for those willing to acknowledge what He's done for them through the sacrifice of His Son; those willing to connect on the basis of the death offered on their behalf. That's what it takes to score with God...to not just look good, not just act good, but to become good, from the inside out.

It's not what you do, but what you are that matters most. The students at our school don't do martial arts. They are martial artists. And those who follow Christ don't just do good things, they are those who've been made godly, connecting with God in a relationship that results in an ultimate score.

And that's one prize no one will be able to take away.

designed for action

I lived for many years in Long Beach, CA. That city, for a time, offered two mammoth public exhibits, side by side. Oddly enough, neither was on display for what they could actually do, but rather for their original design and intent.

The Queen Mary was a great English luxury liner, perhaps the greatest of its time. It ferried passengers across the Atlantic, and served as a troop carrier in WW2. But in the early '60's, the city purchased it, brought it in, and set it up as a museum, a display piece. That marvelous engineering feat, designed to navigate freely through ocean waters, has sat still nearly 50 years. It's a treasure to walk through, but is no longer doing as its designers had envisioned and created.

The Spruce Goose was the world's largest airplane, designed and built by Howard Hughes. It was actually made almost completely of birch (metal being difficult to find) during the second World War, and Hughes had hoped to use it to transport troops. But it wasn't completed until 1947. Hughes actually flew it once in Long Beach Harbor, moving it just above the water for about one minute. Shortly thereafter, the Spruce Goose went into hibernation, to be brought out years later as a showpiece, next to the QM, in it own white geodesic dome. It's since been moved to Oregon, where people can again gaze at its amazing size and complexity. Designed to fly, it now it sits. And forever will.

I mention these two tremendous engineering marvels because they remind me of many of us. We're designed for great things, given skills, abilities and gifts by our Designer and Creator, and we're expected to use them as He designed. Unfortunately, far too many of us take what we've been given and either misuse it, or do little with it. Instead, too many choose to sit on the sidelines, preferring to watch others serve, give, help, and get involved (and often offering our analysis and/or criticism as we watch!).

Check yourself. Are you acting according to your design, making good use of your abilities and talents? Or are you like that old ship or plane down the way, good to look at, seemingly put together correctly, but mostly non-functional and not doing much good?

You've got greater value than simply becoming something to look at.

Beyond...

As quickly as it seemed to come, so it has gone. Our time of missions emphasis, Beyond...9 days in March! is now history, but it has left an unmistakable impression in its wake. Our focus this year was that of prayer, real prayer especially on behalf of those with whom we partner throughout the world. And as we talked about prayer, learned about prayer, and had fresh opportunity for prayer, we were challenged to become more of a prayer-urgent people...something not easy for so many of us in our culture.

We had most of our 41 missionaries and missions organizations represented as they shared their stories with us, explained their unique ministries, and encouraged us to deepen our relationships and concern for them. Highlights included: a great breakfast on the 9th with valuable interaction with several missionaries, our Wednesday night Global Gathering (complete with the In-n-Out Burger truck!) and a special time of prayer for our global workers, a Friday Night at the Movies spectacular ("Inn of the Sixth Happiness," the story of China missionary Gladys Aylward) and our concluding weekend, complete with missionaries and their displays. It was especially good to have SP and Joy Daniel (from Hyderabad, India) with us again. They spoke at a number of venues, with Joy having a great chance to connect with our various women's Bible study groups.

We learned again of the needs of our brothers and sisters in so many places, and the privilege of partnership we share with them through prayer. Romans 15:30 is of particular importance to us now, as we read of Paul's challenge to the Roman church to join him in his struggle by praying for him. We may not ever make it to Austria, Kenya, Chile, Indonesia China, or any of the other places we support workers, but we can join these faithful ones in their work, their struggle, by praying for them. This way, we all have a part to play in getting the message of hope in Christ to a world in such desperate need.

The nine days were good, but our hope- really, our need- is to take what God has shown us and go beyond these nine days, allowing Him to shift and shape our lives and actions to reflect His global heart and purpose. Maybe John Piper said it best- "Go, send or disobey."

It's that simple, and we do well not to complicate it.

Beyond...Nine Days in March!

It's coming! That's right, the time of missions emphasis at our church kicks off this weekend. Beyond...9 Days in March! is a time to learn more about what God is doing around the corner and around the world, and just what that means to us. Our theme this year is A House of Prayer for all Nations (Isaiah 56:7), reminding us of our need to seek God in prayer for the fulfillment of His Great Commission. There will be many special opportunities for us to discover what God is doing, and one of the many highlights will be the chance to rub shoulders with most of the 41 missionaries and missions organizations we support as a church. Here's a thumbnail sketch of some of what will be taking place:
Saturday/Sunday, March 7/8-
- Kick-off weekend with great worship, visuals and message from Pastor Shane;

Monday, March 9-
-"Have a Missionary for Breakfast!"- a free super breakfast prepared and served in our Fellowship Hall (8:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.), where our missionaries will join us, share with us and answer questions.

Tuesday, March 10-
- Our Young at Heart (10:00 a.m.), Women's (7:00 p.m.) and Men's (7:15 p.m.) Bible Studies will have missionary guest speakers.

Wednesday, March 11-
- All-Church Global Gathering! At 5:30 pm, the In-N-Out truck will be here to serve a great burger dinner ($3 cost). Our 7:00 p.m. program will include a special performance by the International Children’s Choir of Long Beach, as well as introduction of, and prayer for our missionaries. Special focus will be given to our local workers.

Thursday, March 12-
- A special Women's Ministries meeting/brunch honoring our female missionaries. Begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends by noon. Joy Daniel of Hyderabad, India will be our guest speaker.

Friday, March 13-
- 7:00 p.m. Friday Night at the Movies, a time to share a great movie and snacks with family and friends. And it's all on us! (with childcare!)

Saturday /Sunday, March 14/15-
- Services with our missionaries or representatives present, along with their displays and information. So much to see and do!

In addition to these events:
- The lobby of the auditorium will be open each night from 9:00-11:00 for prayer. We’re encouraging our people to come at least once during the nine days, even for 15 minutes, to offer prayers for missionaries, as well as for the global situations.

Join us if you're in the area (315 S. Knott Ave., Anaheim, CA) and pray for us if you aren't. This is a critical time for us as we seek to grow in our understanding of the partnership we have with God's global plan. Pray that He would open our hearts, challenge our lifestyles, and bless our efforts. And that we would take what He shows us and go beyond these nine days...

...to a world in need of a Savior.