Gone for a few days

For those two or three of you who read my blog on a (semi) regular basis, I will not be posting for a few days. I leave tomorrow morning to get my son and daughter-in-law from San Francisco. They will be staying with us right through the holiday weekend, and then I will be taking them back home to SF on Sunday. So, enjoy your holiday and be sure to give thanks to our God for all His blessings! See you on the other side of the holiday weekend!

Pastor Ken

Realist vs. Cynic

For decades now my wife and I have talked about my propensity to view life from a particular perspective at times. It is a perspective that she calls cynical and I have called realistic. Now, at this point, you undoubtedly have already figured out how I tend to look at things sometimes. When things happen that I don't like, or when I expect things to go less than spectacularly, Cheri tells me that I am being cynical, and I reply that I am just being realistic. But the truth is (and don't you tell my wife I said this!) that it really is cynicism. Because the only realistic perspective for the believer is the realization that everything that happens to me, regardless of how it appears at the moment and regardless of the intent of the one who may be doing it, is raw material in the hands of a God who intends to conform me to the image of His Son and use every bit of it to His glory and my good. So if I were being realistic, I would have to praise God always, and give thanks for everything. Guess I'll need God's help for that. Pray for me!

Pastor Ken

Thanksgiving and Families

Well, Thanksgiving week is here. For most, it will mean spending time with our families. And isn't that appropriate? Because, of all the things we have to be thankful for, family is the best. Sometimes. Because, while there are many, if not most who enjoy the time they will spend with their families, there are also those who are dreading their time with their family. I don't want to talk about the reasons for that. Rather, I want to encourage each of us to decide that this holiday season we are going to do the things that build family rather than destroy it. I know it can be hard to break old habits. But I can tell you from personal experience that, having admitted that there are things about your life and habits you would like to change, God's power is always there to do just that. Regardless of how bad our family experiences may have been in the past, they can begin to get better this year. Not very deep, but maybe a good idea.

Pastor Ken

Pretend vs. Real

Yesterday morning my wife prevailed upon me to take her to see the new Twilight sequel, New Moon. Now, the fact that not one, but two ordained Assemblies of God ministers were willing to see a movie about vampires and werewolves is going to cause some to go into apoplectic shock, I know. So let me just make each of you that much more angry: I have also enjoyed The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and many other "supernatural" thrillers. How could I do that? I have enjoyed each of these, as have my children, because we understand the difference between pretend and real. I honestly don't know why some people think that to have an imagination is to teach our children in the reality of witches and vampires and elves. From the earliest age my children have understood the difference. We never told them that Santa was real, and we always told them that God was. Because we were honest, and because we celebrated imagination, they have grown up healthy, and not one of them has ever believed in witchcraft or other such imaginary things. Sometimes I just wish that well-meaning Christians would just leave all this stuff alone. But I expect that we will continue to read of book burnings and condemnations. Oh, well. I guess I'll go back to waiting for the next Twilight sequel.

Pastor Ken

You can't choose your family

Several years ago I remember hearing someone say that you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family. The meaning of such a statement is obvious - friends are by definition someone that you like, and sometimes you just don't like some members of your family. And yet, as much as I value my friends, I must admit that I have probably grown spiritually in some ways as a result of an "irregular" family member that I might never have had I only been able to choose who I would have a relationship with. And then I realized - for all eternity I will be spending time with the family of God, and not just with the friends of Ken! I know that we are going to become more than we could imagine when we are perfected in Christ. And yet, I can't help but wonder - will some of those "imperfections" that drive me crazy with some family members end up being part and parcel of the beauty of each of them, and will I find that my petty problems with them were just that - petty? Anyway, as Thanksgiving approaches, and with it the increase in family stress, I am resolved to ask God to not just help me cope with and put up with irregular family members, but to see them in the light of His love and ask for His help to appreciate them for who they are. Maybe I will grow a little bit in that process.

Pastor Ken

The Apocalypse

So yesterday afternoon I took a couple of the guys from our youth group to see "2012." The idea was to view the movie, and then to discuss not only their view of prophecy, but even more importantly, to talk about the kid of worldview inherent in the movie. One of the more obvious things was that every religion was afforded an equal value. Those of you who have read this blog before know that I find that inherently dishonest and something that can only be said by someone who has not studied the various religions in the world. In the movie, it was as though Christianity was the "junior" religion, the one with the most mistakes. At one point, when discussing the various religions that had predicted the end of the world, the comment was made that, while others had gotten it substantially right, the Bible was mostly wrong, but still contained the idea of an apocalypse. The thing is, I do not think that this constant portrayal by Hollywood of Christianity as substantially wrong and dangerous and Christians as rubes and fools is intentional - I think it represents what many in Hollywood think is the accepted wisdom of our culture. As we talked about that at dinner afterwards, I loved the conclusion that one of our high schoolers came to. He said that the only real answer is to live our Christian lives as well as possible and let our lives prove how wrong those ideas are. A great bit of wisdom! All of the public complaining only serves to reinforce the ideas so prevalent in the media. But if we will quietly love God and serve our fellow man, it will be obvious just how wrong those portrayals are. So here's to living the Spirit-filled, Spirit-led life! We were never going to be successful for God without His help anyway!

Pastor Ken

Death - The Final Frontier

I missed a day on this blog because I was with a family that unexpectedly lost their mother/wife at the relatively young age of 62. Death is something that most of us are able to successfully remove from our minds most of the time. But there are times when we can ignore it no longer. For me, and for this family, this is one of those times. So, some thoughts about death. First, death puts everything in perspective. The simple fact is that if death really is the end of existence, as modern naturalists insist, then death is the ultimate reminder of the futility of life. If this natural world is all there is, then nothing, and I mean nothing, we do is of any significant consequence. Even what we do for others is unimportant, as they, too, will die, along with the entire universe eventually. I know many who have tried to make life significant in the face of this, but all of it falls flat. Likewise, if the eastern religions are correct about life being about coming back again and again until we get it right, at which time we finally get off the wheel and die eternally, then again, there is no significance or meaning to life. If Judaism is correct and God will judge us based on how faithful we were to our own traditions, that gives some kind of comfort, but no real knowledge of what awaits us. But if Christianity is correct, then this life assumes eternal significance, since it is here where we make the decision that will determine our eternal state. The question, of course, is how do we know which of these and other traditions is correct? And the answer that has satisfied me is: only Christianity has a bona-fide historical occurrence to confirm its worldview. And that occurrence is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I will not go into all the historical evidence for the resurrection - that is more than I have room for in one blog. But I am convinced on historical grounds that Jesus Christ did indeed physically raise from the dead three days after he was declared dead by the Roman Empire - a group that was expert at both delivering a death sentence as well as verifying that it had actually been carried out. That resurrection is the ultimate stamp of authority for all that Jesus said and did. And that means that real, true significance is possible. In fact, it is guaranteed. What we do in this life matters! So, this Saturday, we will celebrate not just the life of a saint of God who has now met her Savior face to face, but the eternal life of that saint. Because in this life, she decided to avail herself of the offer that God has made. I will miss her, as will her family and loved ones and friends. But I will not mourn for her. She is in the presence of the one to whom she dedicated her whole life. And she has realized the significance of that life. Carol - I will meet you there!

Pastor Ken

Multi-Culturalism

Tonight Cheri and I are speaking at the Assyrian (yes, that is Assyrian, a people who have been without a country for over 2,600 years!) young people's group. Almost all of those in this group were born in Iran and have been in the US for between two and ten years. They are a part of a congregation that is being sponsored by our church, along with an Armenian-Iranian one and the temporary merger with a multi-ethnic one to help them prepare for planting a new church in a year or two. In addition we work closely with a Spanish speaking church that meets on our site. Add it all up, and you begin to see the multi-cultural aspect of our church. Nor is this the first time I have spoken for one of these groups. Cheri and I led an entire weekend retreat with the Assyrian congregation and I have also spoken for the other groups. What has impressed me is the nature of what we call multi-culturalism. That there are differences from one culture to another is quite clear. But what strikes me even more is the similarities I have observed not only with the groups I mentioned above, but also what I observed when in Romania. Notice that this represents cultures in the Middle East, Europe, South America and North America. In addition I have had the privilege of working with a Korean church for years, adding the continent of Asia to the mix. And in every case I have found that our similarities so outweigh our differences that communication is almost easy. Of course, it requires humility on my part and the willingness to listen more than speak. But, when all is said and done, we find that communication is not only possible, but that it is almost impossible to not communicate. And that is the way it should be. After all, God started with a small group of middle-easterners to spread the good news of His love in Jesus Christ, and that enterprise has been going on for quite some time now. Perhaps most interestingly, it has gone on in spite of translating the Bible into virtually every language - something that Muslims do not believe to be even possible. That is why they insist that God's Word (for them the Koran) is only God's Word when it is in Arabic. How great to know that God - and we - can communicate effectively no matter what our language. All that is required is a willing heart and a humble spirit. Let's celebrate our various cultures not just by noting our differences, but also celebrating our similarities! And let's continue to share the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ in every language!

Pastor Ken

Oil Changes

This morning I took my wife's Miata down for its oil change. And it reminded me that, from time to time, we all need to get some of the old out and some new in. It is amazing how long we try to get by on prayer or Bible reading or study that is weeks or even months old. But when we keep trying to go on the old, it tends to collect a lot of the "gunk" of our lives and get dirty. We are no longer remembering what we heard from the Lord in prayer or the Word, but instead are hearing what we tend to say to ourselves. When we spend time with the Lord, especially in the Word, and especially when that Word has been mediated through another servant of the Lord, whether in writing or speaking, then we gain a new perspective and get at least a little of that old "gunk" out of our lives. This is just one reason why the Lord commands us (not too strong a word) to never forsake getting together with other believers. When I am around you, it always has a tendency burst my own bubble of notions about myself! So, why not spend some time this weekend getting your spiritual oil changed? Just a thought!

Pastor Ken

A New Missions Force

This morning I had a board meeting for Discover Your Mission, whose purpose is to raise up missionaries from among Romanian Pentecostals. When the Director, Cam Wilson, first set out to do this, it looked pretty impossible. Yet, less than 20 years later, the Romanian Pentecostal people have begun to reach their own native gypsy (Rom) population, their native Muslim population and now are going around the world to preach the gospel. We live in a day when the vision for reaching the world with the good news of God's love in Christ is being shared by people from every place on the globe. Praise the Lord! So, when you are praying for missionaries, don't forget to pray for our Romanian brothers and sisters around the world who are sacrificing to take the gospel to places where Americans are not welcome.

Pastor Ken

Value

I remember several years ago when someone I knew was selling a house. Or, at least, they were trying to sell it. But they couldn't get any buyers. Now, if there is one thing that everyone eventually learns about real estate, it is that a house is only worth what someone else will pay for it. These people I knew were refusing to bring their asking price down any lower, insisting that, "our house is worth more than you are saying we need to ask." But, of course, when you are trying to sell someone else something, that just isn't true. Something is only worth what someone else will pay for it! So what are you worth? Well, I actually know the answer to that one. Because someone has already paid the price for your life. It was God and He paid the price of His own Son. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh, and he paid for you with His own life. You are worth the life of Jesus Christ, God the Son. And so is that person you are currently mad at. Just a thought.

Pastor Ken

Uniting together

Sunday we had our first potluck social since the Glendale outreach joined our congregation at WVCC. The Glendale outreach represents six or seven nationalities, while WVCC represents a few more. So, with only about 65 people, we have almost ten different nationalities represented. Or do we? Because really, even though we may represent that many countries of birth, we really only represent one nationality - God's kingdom. And that is exactly what we saw Sunday. Different people of different ethnicities and different backgrounds all sharing a meal and Christian fellowship. It may have been a small thing, but it represents a really big thing. For you see, someday we will all of us sit down at table together, from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, with our Head at the head of the table. And then we will have real fellowship and real unity. Until them small times will have to suffice. Now is OK. Then will be glorious!

Pastor Ken

New Friends

We all know that in the church of Jesus Christ, all members are brothers and sisters with each other. That is why so many groups over the centuries have referred to each other as "brother so-and-so" or "sister so-and-so." But that doesn't mean that we are friends - that takes a personal relationship. Well, for the past month WVCC has been the site of some new friend making. A group of future church planters from Glendale has joined the "regulars" to make a new congregation. Now, that new group is hosting a "potluck" for the entire church tomorrow. Today we are going to set up for it. It really is exciting to watch as friendships are beginning to form between people who previously did not know each other. If there are some brothers and sisters in your church that you are not yet friends with - why not go out of your way and get to know them. You might just find that you have a new friend!

Pastor Ken

Family

As I write this my wife's parents are visiting with us for a couple of days. Last night, we all went over to my daughter's house to visit with their great-grandson. Four generations in the same house, all laughing and playing and oohing and aahing over the newest genius in the family. In a day when "family planning" is all the rage, it was interesting to note that my wife was born before family planning was really very possible, my daughter was not planned, and neither was my grandson. Or were they? Perhaps there is a plan that goes far beyond what we plan. I have always been immensely thankful that God overruled our plans to only have two children. And I know my daughter and son-in-law are thrilled with their unexpected and unplanned surprise. What makes it all work so well is the knowledge that, when you do the basics as God has told us - marrying before you have children, being faithful to Him and to each other, and loving as Christ loved us, the seemingly unplanned things just become opportunities for God to do something we never expected. It may not look like what we had originally expected, but oh what He comes up with! We are living in a day when God's plan for the family is under assault. We need to stand strong for God's revealed will. But we need to go far beyond that - we need to live it ourselves, and expect the unexpected as God goes beyond our plans to bring His own about. Family is a great place to be!

Pastor Ken

Elections

Last night was a (fill in the blank - important, non-important, meaningful, fruitless) election. Obviously the Republicans are happier than the Democrats right now. Lost in most of the hoopla was the results from Maine on Gay marriage. This is the most contentious issue currently on the front burner of American politics. Frankly, I still think abortion is more important, since every time a child is killed - well, a child is killed. But the issue of gay marriage is the hot button issue right now. I am afraid that it is only a matter of time until it is legalized. And, in spite of the protestations of supporters, I am convinced that it will eventually be used a a cudgel against the church. After all, it already is in Canada and Sweden. So what do we do? The only answer I have is to keep loving everyone, realize that one sin is not more heinous in God's eyes than another, and keep standing up for God's word and standards. And one more thing - pray for revival in our churches and then in our nation. Because I know of nothing else that is going to change the direction of our country. Or so it seems to me.

Pastor Ken

Money and Christians

Probably one of the thorniest issues with which to deal as a Christian is money. We know that Jesus told us that we cannot serve both God and money. And we know that our culture has elevated money to the status of a god. And, we know that we do need money in order to pay bills and provide for ourselves and our families. So what do we do? What should our attitudes and actions be regarding money? For me it has been the willingness to admit that I can be more affected by money than I might want to admit to myself. As a result, I have always refused to discuss salary before making a decision about whether or not to take a position. How do I know that my family's needs will be met? I trust God! I know that sounds simple, and it is. But for me, there really is no other choice. As a result, God has always taken care of me. I live in a nice house, drive a nice car, wear nice clothes and (obviously) eat enough food. Someone once told me that God will be a debtor to no person. Well, He certainly has given me more than I have given Him! And I would rather have God be my supplier than any church or business. Or so it seems to me.

Pastor Ken

Endings and Beginnings

Today I sit down and begin to write the last chapter in my dissertation. That means that the end is in sight. Like most Ph.D. students, I can hardly wait to get done, and do not expect to do any serious writing for at least a couple of months after I finish my dissertation. But what I do intend on doing is some of the other projects around the church that I have not gotten to for - well, for more time than I care to admit. One is a library ladder system for our front room. It will be a welcome change to work with my hands for a couple of weeks in my spare time instead of research. It reminds me that God has made us whole beings, body, mind and spirit. Each must be nurtured and each has its pleasures. I enjoy pursuits in each area. It will be nice to get to some of the physical pursuits again. Besides, we need to get to those books on the top shelves of the library, too!

Pastor Ken