Pastor Michael Speaks

Tony Dungee's Squeeze Play: Fitting In Family Time

2012-02-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love being a dad. I love the thrills, the spills, and even the doctor bills. It's all part of the package and I love it all. My wife talks about the time both girls were throwing up in the middle of the night and I insisted on cleaning it up. I told Katie, "This is what I love about being a dad."

No, I'm not crazy. I just love being needed by little people who love their daddy.

I just finished recording an upcoming episode for RE:CONNECT Podcast where I interviewed another youth pastor about spending time with your kids. I'm in Nashville for a few days, helping write some Bible study curriculum for students, so spending time with my kids involves phone calls and FaceTime video calls. I also took a couple of my kids' little stuffed animals with me and have been texting pictures of them on the plane, in my hotel room, etc.

I got an encouraging email today from someone whom I care about in my ministry, and it had a link to Tony Dungee's article called "Be a Kid With Your Kids." In the article, Dungee talks about how he's had to be creative in spending time with his kids around a busy schedule. The key for him has often been being willing to do what his kids want to do.

I know parents often feel that their lives are too busy to spend much time with their children, but I want to encourage other parents to redeem ordinary time as family time. For example, inviting older children to go grocery shopping with you just so you can talk, or have them bring their social studies flashcards with them when you get work done on the car.

It isn't giving up or giving in when you settle for little moments together when longer times as a family are not possible. It's simply acknowledging that family time is worth making time for, no matter what other events are on the schedule.

May God give us wisdom in redeeming the little moments, repurposing them for time spent with our families so that we may have an impact on our children for Christ. How are you fitting in family time?

My Early Morning God

2012-02-02T06:53:00.001-08:00

I'm getting up early twice a week these days. I've got a standing appointment with people I care about and I definitely see the arrangement as a beneficial one to me.

Sure, getting my feet to hit the floor at 5:15am isn't my idea of unbridled fun, nor do I consider myself the king of my craft. But neither of these sincerely held opinions deters me from reaching my higher goal: a 6am start time for basketball at a high school gym in South San Jose.

The only other recent appointments that have come close to raising my slumbering form anytime before the sun is up were airline flights and marriage counseling with a young guy before his work day started. That's it. I'm in no rush to shorten my sleep time for just anybody. And that has me concerned.

My heart is laid bare in light of what I currently prioritize. I am clearly saying loud and proud that the only things worthy of my early morning attention are my favorite sport, transportation, or another man's spiritual and emotional well-being.

Sure, I spend time with God every day, both in prayer and in reading His Word, but what if He were to ask for an early morning appointment with just the two of us? Would I show up? Would I even set my alarm?

Similar to my early basketball issues, I mistakenly view getting up early to spend time with God as a chore instead of a joy. Just like playing basketball with guys who are all better than me, I am tempted to view my own spiritual condition in light of how others match up. Wow, I think. I'm not as dedicated as them. Or, my love for God isn't as mature or as great as theirs. And I allow myself to get discouraged.

But I will never pursue holiness with a pure heart by viewing time with my Savior as a duty nor will I be content with my Father's view of me if I compare myself to how His other children interact with Him. Give me a heart to seek Yours, Jesus.

I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. (Psalm 119:147 NLT)

Let Me Entertain You!

2011-11-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

Back for my 18th year in a row, I'm singing at Macy's in Union Square, San Francisco this year. More information at my other blog, DB3Harmony, including dates and times. I'd love to have you stop by for a listen to me and the guys!

New Window into My World

2011-11-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

My office got a couple of new windows yesterday. These skinny pieces of fiberglass encased in a nice wood frame are my new accountability partners. No more eating snacks in secret. No more changing into dry clothes after baptisms. No more.

Where it all happens.

The big upside is that now I can have a semi-private meeting with one of my youth regarding a personal matter or counsel a mom struggling with some issues at home and actually leave the door closed! I'm still on display for all to see, but the conversation remains private.

Okay, enough about the good. Back to the "poor me" factor. You see, I'm what I like to call a "busy guy" with lots of projects on lots of fronts. And the primary front is my desk. Simply put, it's not the picture of barren office wasteland that makes you think, "Gee, does he do anything at all." Instead, my desk screams, "Yikes! Is Pastor Michael buried under all those papers?" Now that "busy guy's" desk is on display 24/7, thanks to the kind folks at WindowsMakeGreatHolesInDoors.com.

I guess I'll need to focus more on personal neatness and general office hygiene. Sounds like another plus to me.

Dating: What Should a Christian Single Do?

2011-11-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

I just read Pastor Mark Driscoll's timely blog about dating and singles. Too often we shy away from declaring what is the truth of Scripture about relationships, boundaries, and holiness.

Take a few minutes to read his post here, then let me know what you think, especially if you're a single young person.

Nobody says it is easy to live as a holy single person. I'm praying for you!

Before and After

2011-04-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

By guest blogger, David Roberts

My wife and I are fans of the show, Harry’s Law. The main character (Harriet/ Harry), played by Kathy Bates, is a lawyer who is always defending people that are sympathetic. The show focuses on the closing arguments of the case, where the writers make the jury, and we as the audience melt at the lack of social injustice in the world.

We as Christians have a calling to testify that Jesus is Lord to the ends of the earth. But why don’t we? It’s because most of us think that we need to know the whole Bible, or have words like the writers on Harry’s Law.

Take courage from this. When Paul was on trial for his life, King Agrippa wanted to question him. You would think that Paul would have special words when addressing a king, but that simply wasn’t the case.

So what did he tell the king? He gave his testimony. Who he was before he knew Jesus, what happened that changed him, and who we was after. That’s it! Plain and simple. He didn’t need some special speech to tell the king or anyone else. All he needed was to tell the truth. That’s all that Jesus wants from us.

So next time you have an opportunity to witness don’t be afraid, just be honest and give your testimony and see what God does with it.

Guest blogger David Roberts is the Worship Leader and a Youth Ministry volunteer at Park Victoria Baptist Church in Milpitas, CA.

Up Next: May Flowers

2011-03-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

(Originally written for the Park Victoria Vision, April 2011.)

Don’t you just love an optimist? Someone who is always looking for the “bright side”, even when it seems as though the sun hasn’t been seen here in Milpitas this calendar year? (Let me just say that if it’s true that April showers bring May flowers and Mayflowers bring Pilgrims, we’re in for a mighty good Thanksgiving this year.)

There are plenty of pessimists in the world. Those whose Special Mission From God is to let you know what the Worst Case Scenario might be. And probably will be. But some of my more clever pessimist friends have applied for a name change. They’d rather be known as a “realist.”

In the mind of a pessimist/realist, they are helping people around them see what they’re missing. A dose of reality, they might say. And whether it is a friend or church member, they insist that it is for your own good or the health of the church that they must share their negative viewpoints with you.

The problem is that we don’t need a special revelation from the gifted “realist” to let us know where the faults are in our lives or our church. The Holy Spirit is more than able to reveal to us those areas in which we need to improve individually and corporately.

So is there room for bringing up the faults and failures of a friend or a problem in the church? Sure there is! But there are some pretty strict guidelines. Have you examined yourself first (Matt. 7:1-5)? Are you without blame (John 8:7)? Should the matter be discussed privately (Matt. 18:15-17)? Are you accusing an elder (1 Tim. 5:19, 20)?

Above all, we are to show love to one another (1 Pet. 4:8) which is to me, the biggest dose of reality for a “realist”. Which would you rather be, an “optimist” or a “realist”? Until you decide, try to stay dry out there!

Marital Bliss

2011-03-28T10:24:00.001-07:00

Today marks 8 years of marriage to the sweetest, most Godly woman I know. Period. I used to tell her that I tricked her into marrying me since I couldn't accept that she would actually love the real me. But she does. And I'm still amazed. What a gift of God Katie is to me.

The word bliss is a strange word and I think ill-equipped to deal with the realities of a relationship that is functioning and mature. If ignorance is bliss then I don't want marital bliss. I'm loving getting to know more about Katie and how to love her every day.

Sure, "marital bliss" sounds a lot better than "marital blisters", but the truth is that I would rather have life-on-life friction (and love-on-love!) with this woman to whom I am married than some euphoric happiness fueled by ignorance or actual knowledge of the other at a soul level.

When disagreements arise or hurts happen (and they do!), we are motivated to find out where we have taken a shortcut, made a mistake, or how we can do better next time. Leaving problems unresolved is not an option. Since our wedding night, we have always made sure that we cleared things up with each other before going to sleep (see Ephesians 4:26).

As Katie and I have learned more and more about each other whether through hurts, blessings, or time, we have fallen more and more in love. As our mutual needs are revealed to the other, we also see how much more we are needed by the other. Our friendship deepens as a result and our love matures.

So, though she was my best friend 8 years ago, Katie is an even closer friend today. My lover, my supporter, the mother of my children, and my best friend.

I love you, Katie. Happy Anniversary.

Love Languages Part 3 -- Physical Touch

2011-03-27T10:30:00.001-07:00

“With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” 1 Peter 5:12-14 NIV

Beginning the third part of our discussion of Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, begun in this post, let's look at the expression of love shown through “Physical Touch.”

Before I go into more detail about how we can better demonstrate this particular “love language”, allow me to give you some further notes on the concept of love languages from a Biblical perspective.

First, How the Giver of Love Touched the World

The Father's touch in the Old Testament was upon His creation when He formed it (the Hebrew word indicates it is like a potter forms clay with his hands) and breathed life into man and “man became a living being” according to Genesis 2:7. The psalmist gives us a word picture of God the Father touching His creation in Psalm 104:32 (NLT) “The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch.”

God the Father also touched His children in love, often through loving discipline. It was His hands that administered the punishment for Israel's sins in Lamentations 1:14 (NIV): “My sins have been bound into a yoke; by his hands they were woven together. They have come upon my neck and the Lord has sapped my strength. He has handed me over to those I cannot withstand.” (See also Hebrews 12:5-11 regarding God’s discipline proving His love.)

The Son's touch in the New Testament was most notable in His entrance into the world when He “became flesh and lived among us” as John 1:14 says it. By definition He touched the world! He continued to touch the world through His ministry, especially in His healing of people.

He had the ability to heal with just His words as with the centurion’s servant in Matthew 8:13, but chose to touch people instead. He even touched those whom I would much rather not touch, including a man with leprosy in Matthew 8:3 (NLT) “Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Two blind men received their sight in Matthew 20:34 (NLT) thanks to a touch from the Son of God: “Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.”

The Holy Spirit's touch today is the most amazing part of God touching us. His presence inside us provides the closeness (unity), comfort, and counsel of God.

Now let's look at What a “Physical Touch” Person Looks Like

To a person whose primary way of expressing or receiving love is through physical touch, these characteristics are especially important. For this person, physical touch represents oneness between two people, both appropriate touch and inappropriate touch.

Appropriate touch is God's design and, as such, is an important way to indicate oneness in a relationship. In marriage, God has designed physical touch to be the way that oneness is expressed. For example, Mark 10:6-9 (NLT) says, “‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation. ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” And in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5 (NAS), Paul expounds on the duties of each spouse. “The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Physical touch is a healthy sign of oneness within a family as well, and this includes proper discipline. Note Proverbs 13:24 (NLT): “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.” It is also outward evidence of closeness between friends and church family. Peter even instructs us to “Greet one another with a kiss of love” in 1 Peter 5:12.

Inappropriate touch brings oneness that is harmful. Touch that is wrong or lacking is against God’s design for love. This includes but is not limited to lust, abuse, and violence and all give a distorted view of love and an unhealthy sense of oneness. 1 Corinthians 7:1 (NAS) says “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” However, sometimes we damage people and give a distorted view of love through a lack of touch (such as neglect) and consequently, a lack of oneness.

Touch represents healing, both in relationships and actual physical healing. Look at the demonstration of love through touch in Psalm 73:21-23 (NLT) “Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.” Can you sense the healing of a relationship? A hug, a pat on the back, holding someone’s hand, a kiss on the cheek: these forms of physical touch can represent a broken relationship that has been healed. There have been many times in our marriage that Katie and I have ended an argument and need to just hold each other as an affirmation that our relationship has gone through a healing process.

Physical healing is also effected through touch. In Luke 6:19 (NLT) Jesus is mobbed by people who are trying to touch Him, “because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.” (See also James 5:14 about how the elders of a church are to anoint the sick.)

Finally, Who Does a “Physical Touch” Person Look Like?

Christ demonstrated love through touch. He showed oneness. His touch was proof of oneness when He washed His disciples' feet in John 13:8 and told Peter that he could have “not part of me” if Peter didn't allow Jesus to demonstrate His love in that way. Christ also showed healing and His love for Peter when He touched the hand of Peter's mother-in-law in Matthew 8:14-15 and her fever left instantly.

Christ calls us to love through touch. He wants you to love your family through appropriate touch. Dads need to express love through touch, too, not just moms! He wants you to love the unlovely through missions, social justice causes, philanthropy, etc. using physical touch to love others.

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT) exhorts us this way: “Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.”

Think about these questions: In what ways does God want you to love others better through touch? Is there someone in your life whose primary love language is physical touch? Do you need a touch from God this week?

Really? We NEED the rain?!!

2011-03-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

I love eavesdropping on awkward conversations between strangers where neither person knows exactly what to say at the given moment but somehow feels compelled to say something anyway. Case in point: the checkout line at a grocery store.

Inevitably, the conversation in a checkout line is about the weather, at least these days when I feel like calling the SPCA to round up all the strays that keep pouring down. Cats and dogs? It has been raining more like Godzilla and King Kong.

Truly the remark that I love the most is, “Well, we need the rain!” after it has rained for 6 days straight with nothing but good ark-building weather in next week’s forecast too. Need the rain? With my faucets all working just fine before the heavy rains, that’s a tough sell at my house.

Sure, I'm thankful that, true to Scripture, "He sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous" (Matt. 5:45), but I'm just glad that God promised that the world-wide flood idea isn't a do-it-againer (Gen. 9:11)

Ah, well. Let’s look on the “bright side”, shall we (if and when the sun decides to shine)? If it’s true that April showers bring May flowers and Mayflowers bring Pilgrims, we’re in for a mighty good Thanksgiving this year.

Which is why I’m at the grocery store at all.

Love Languages Part 2 -- Acts of Service

2011-03-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

“After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, 'Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.’” (John 13:12-17 NLT)

Continuing our discussion of Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, begun in this post, I turn our attention to the expression of love known as "Acts of Service."

Before I go into more detail about the this particular "love language", allow me to give you some further notes on the concept of love languages from a Biblical perspective.

First, God's Love Communicated

God's love was demonstrated to us when He communicated in our language by sending Jesus to become human. He also communicated to our need and to those in need. Jesus said in Luke 5:31 (ESV), “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick.”

His love was demonstrated through Jesus and must be enacted by us. I John 3:18 (KJV) instructs us to not “love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” This is because we are agents of His love to others. His love reaches others through our actions. When we only express love verbally and fail to back up that love with actions that confirm it, we are not showing the love of God at all. (See James 2:15-17 NLT)

We express God's love individually. We aren't all the same. God has given each of us a "heart language" for expressing and receiving love. It is part of how we have been shaped and how we show others the love God has given us for them. For some of us, the love language of "acts of service" is an easy one to demonstrate while for others of us it takes real effort and planning.

Some of us feel loved the most when someone expresses love to us through an act of service while still others don't value that expression of love as much as some other manifestation of love. The way we express and receive love is different from other people, even our spouse in most cases. This is why it is important to find out (or figure out!) in which ways do our spouse need us to demonstrate love in order to feel like their "emotional love tank" is being filled.

Now let's look at specifically the Love Language of Acts of Service.

What does an "Acts of Service" person look like? What are the characteristics of someone who most appreciates acts of service as the way they feel loved and cared for?

It is important to note that when doing something helpful for a person who like to receive acts of service as their primary love language, you must have a heart of service which is by nature humble. The act of service must meet their needs and must not be manipulative. Manipulation is selfishness which signals that pride is at work "And all of you, serve each other in humility, for 'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5 NLT)

The cost of service is another important component to expressing love to someone in this way. It should have a personal cost: if there is no input, there will be no love felt. Remember the story of Jacob in Genesis 29? He worked seven years for the privilege of marrying the girl he loved. The Bible records in Genesis 29:20 that the time flew by because his love for her was so strong.

Love must be the motivation for our expressions of love through service; love not only for the person but for God Himself to whom our acts of services are actually directed. (See Colossians 3:23 NLT)

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, "That sounds just like me! That's exactly how I like to show my love to others." You may be someone who expresses your love most easily and most often through acts of service. Beware of the Martha complex where she allowed her natural tendency to serve as an expression of love for Jesus to overshadow the more tangible form of love at the moment, quality time with Jesus. (See Luke 10:38-42 NLT)

Finally, Who does an "Acts of Service" person look like? The person whose primary Love Language is Acts of Service looks most like their Savior Jesus Christ who served and still serves His people.

Christ was yielded. In Matthew 28:20 (and Mark 10:45 NLT) Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many.” His purpose was to serve, and His example was to serve.

Also, Christ served at great cost. He gave of Himself in life for so many, serving to the point of exhaustion. He commands us to make Him known the same way. In

Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus states, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” He was an accurate representation of the Father's love to us and now He wants us to be that same representation of the Father's love to others—no matter the cost.

Christ also gave of Himself in death for you so that you might have eternal life through Him.

Think about these questions: In what ways does God want you to serve Him? In what ways does God want you to serve others? Is there someone in your life whose primary love language is acts of service? How can you better serve God and others this week?

Love Languages Part 1 -- Receiving Gifts

2011-03-13T01:05:00.000-08:00

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17 NIV)

Have you read Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages? In the book, Chapman states that God has created us with an “emotional love tank” that needs to be filled regularly. He claims that the five primary ways in which we express love to one another are through gifts, acts of service, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation.

Over the next five weeks, we will be looking at what God says in the Bible about these “love languages” and how we might better understand how He created us to love Him and each other.

In this first post, we will be looking at the love language of gifts, but first allow me to give you an introduction to the concept of love languages from a Biblical perspective.

First, God's Demonstration and Command

God's love was demonstrated to us when He communicated in our language by sending Jesus to become human. Phil. 2:4-8 says, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
He also communicated to our greatest need: our sin problem, not our comfort. 2 Cor. 5:21 (NIV) states, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

He instructed us to love each other as proof that we follow Him. John 13:34-35 (NIV) says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

His love was demonstrated in five distinct ways, speaking to us individually in our "heart language" so that He might fill our "emotional love tank." His Word states in I John 3:18 (KJV), “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

Jesus gave, served, touched, affirmed verbally, and spent time with those He loved. He didn’t simply say He loved us. He showed it through his actions. He spoke the 5 love languages fluently and effortlessly. He filled our “emotional love tank” to overflowing that we might overflow with His love to others.

Secondly, God’s Design and Delineation
God desires for us to love and be loved individually. He tenderly states in Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV), “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.’” Then in Ephesians 1:4 (KJV) Paul reminds us that “[God] chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”

Our wise Creator also designed us to express and receive love individually. God has given us a “heart language” for expressing and receiving love. It is part of how we have been shaped and how we show others the love we have for them. Again, those 5 heart languages for expressing love are gifts, acts of service, physical touch, quality time, and words of affirmation.

Now let's look at specifically the Love Language of Receiving Gifts.

What does a "Gift Receiver" looks like? What are the characteristics of someone who most appreciates gifts as the way they feel loved and cared for?

It is important to note that people with the primary Love Language of Gifts (whether giving or receiving) views the gifts as a way to speak emotionally. It is not greed based. The gifts have a hallmark of thoughtfulness, they fulfill a need and often speak to the heart. Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount ring especially true for Gift people that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:21, NIV)

Most often, the gifts that make the most difference in the life of a Gifts person (whether giving or receiving) are those gifts driven by their personality. The gift that shows identity and affirms who the person is and what they like or value, says in a very tangible way,“I support the real you.” Bam! Right to the heart of Mr. or Mrs. Gift.

When a Gifts person is in full stride, speaking their language, they like to think ahead about special events in the lives of people whom they love. They'll notice things others would like while they are out shopping, or they'll make plans for gifts they can give in the future.

Their gifts are always tied to the recipient personally. For example, a Gifts person would never give towels for a wedding unless they were personalized. They want the message of love to be clear!

A word of warning to those wanting to speak in the Love Language of gifts: a gift should never be selfishly motivated.

For example, gifts are never a replacement for genuine love. Gary states, “In our rushed and affluent society, with fathers often away from home most of the children’s waking hours and with more than half of the mothers working outside of the home, there is a tremendous amount of guilt about not spending enough time with family. As a substitute for their personal involvement with their children, many parents go overboard in buying gifts. Such parents are trying to use gift-giving as a cure-all for their out-of-control lifestyle." The Five Love Languages of Children, p. 75

Finally, Who does a Gift Receiver look like? The person whose primary Love Language is Gifts looks most like their Creator God who gave and still gives to His people.

God gave with love as His motivation. (See John 3:16) Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) says, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

God also gave as a love demonstration Romans 5:8 (NAS) says it like this: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

God also gave His love through personification in the person of the Holy Spirit. He continues to give us His fruits, including love itself. It is impossible for us to show genuine love to someone else without the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives.

Titus 3:4-6 (NLT) states, “But—‘When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.’”

Notice that the Creator God wants to receive as well. We need to love Him with everything we are. In the ancient Hebrew tradition, part of Deuteronomy 6, known as the schema (pronounced schma) meaning "hear" was sung. It says in part, “Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

We also need to love Him with the gifts He has given us of time, talents, and treasure. If we fail to give Him back a portion of what He has given us, God reminds us in Malachi 3:8 that those who don’t give to Him are robbing Him!

Think about these questions: What do you need to give to God? Is there someone in your life whose primary love language is gifts? How can you be a better giver of gifts to God and others?

Why Not Jesus?

2011-03-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Many scientists, atheists, and humanists avoid Jesus as the answer for the big questions of life. However, as Colossians 1:15-23 shows us, He is unavoidable. So why do these three groups avoid Him?

I. Why Not Jesus as the Explanation of Life? (vs. 15-17
A. Scientists avoid Jesus as the Explanation of Life because:
   1. Jesus is a threat to their established philosophy and worldview and
   2. Faith in what you’ve studied is hard to break.
B. Jesus is unavoidable as the Explanation of Life because:
   1. Jesus was/is the chance for us to find out Who the Creator was.
   2. This world was created by Him and for Him, and He holds it all together.

II. Why Not Jesus as the Giver of Life? (vs. 18-22)
A. Atheists avoid Jesus as the Giver of Life because:
   1. Life changes with Jesus in the picture in the areas of morality, priorities, and philosophy

2. The unknown of life after death

B. Jesus is unavoidable as he Giver of Life because:

1. Life changes with Jesus!

2. The known of heaven after death

III. Why not Jesus as the Answer for Life? (vs. 23)

A. Secular and religious humanists avoid Jesus as the Answer for Life because:

1. They see the answers to life within themselves

2. They try to fill God’s role with themselves

B. Jesus is unavoidable as he Answer for Life because:

1. God created us to need Him since the beginning of time

2. He is actively at work to draw us to Himself through any means

3. Beware of becoming a “Christian Humanist:” someone living their life as a believer with as little interaction with God as possible

Conclusion

Do you know someone who rejects Jesus as the explanation for life? Do they use science as their reasoning?

Has belief in Jesus as the explanation for life been easy for you? Why or why not?

Re-read Colossians 1:18-22. What role did/does Jesus have in your salvation according to these verses? Take a minute to thank Him.

Col. 1:23 (NLT) “But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.”

How is Jesus the answer to your life’s questions or struggles?

How has Jesus filled any emptiness or loneliness you have?

How has Jesus helped you understand the difficulties in your life?

-----------------------

From my research for the Sunday morning sermon on February 27, 2011, "Why Not Jesus?")

Text from NLT of Colossians 1:15-23
Additional information about Carbon-14 dating (Wikipedia) and from a Christian perspective found here and here.
More information on secular humanism (Wikipedia) and how they differ from atheists and agnostics from the Council for Secular Humanism's site and from a Christian perspective found here and here.
More information on spiritual humanism (Wikipedia) and from their website. Information on technical definition of Christian humanism (Wikipedia) and here. (Not the definition I used in my message.)

Bible Versions, Perversions, and Translations

2011-02-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

I recently gave a series of messages at our weekly Unplugged services (5:30pm on Sundays at Park Victoria) on the history of the Bible. Part of that series included a message on the various English translations and versions available.

The main point in choosing the Bible version that is right for you is this: Does it make you tired when you read it? Okay, that's not the main point, but that is a valid question . . . The main point is actually: Is it accurate and understandable to you?

Bible translators through history have had to fight--and sometimes die--for the right to translate the Bible into the language of the common man. Whether that was Martin Luther translating it into German or John Wycliffe and John Hus translating it into English, there has always been resistance to the people being able to read the Scriptures in their own language from organized religion. (READ MORE HERE) In recent years, the argument has largely come from those opposed to using a more contemporary form of language, but the results are nearly identical: People are discouraged from reading the Bible in a language that is easily understood by them.

I have read the complete Bible in several translations: KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, and NLT. I have done word studies in the original languages and in dozens of English translations. I personally recommend the New Living Translation (NLT) to my students and church members because of its accuracy and readability. However, I encourage people to read the Bible in whatever version is in a language most readable for them while maintaining textual accuracy. No sense drowning out meaning with outdated words unless you are of a generation that automatically knows what those outdated words mean.

No, I'm not simply talking about "thee, thou, whithersoever" and other such Elizabethan language. I'm talking about knowing that, in the King James Version, when they use the word "conversation" (such as in I Timothy 4:12) they mean "conduct" since it comes from the Greek word, ἀναστροφῇ (anastrophē). If you automatically know that to "be thou an example of the believers in word in conversation (KJV)" means to "be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live . . . (NLT)" then you are more hip to old-fashioned language than the average pew-sitter. How about these examples from one of the websites used in my research:

      Word                          Scripture               Meaning
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Blains                         Exodus 9:9            Sores
      Daysman                    Job 9:33                Arbiter or judge
      Fetch A Compass      2 Samuel 5:23       Circle around behind 
      Let                             2 Thess. 2:7           Obstruct or interfer
      Rereward                   Joshua 6:13           Rear Guard
      Prevent                      Psalm 88:13           Precede
      Tabering                    Nahum 2:6            Beating on
      Wen                           Leviticus 22:22     Ulcerous sore

If a person cannot understand the Bible they are reading, what is the point? As a preacher, I don't want to spend time explaining the meaning of basic English words in the text. I fully expect to explain difficult passages, phrases, and even individual words by delving into the original languages to parse nuance and cultural context. However, when the cultural context is of 1600's England, I fear that tradition and organized religion have once again triumphed.

All Bible translations fall somewhere between being a word-for-word (literal) translation or a thought-for-thought (readable) translation. The following chart from another excellent website on translations, shows a rough placement for the most popular English translations and even a few paraphrases (which are worthless in my view).

I'd love to know your thoughts. Join the discussion on how to encourage people to read with knowledge and understanding the Words of Life!

Trees: Not Made Like They Used To

2008-01-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

We came home from our Christmas vacation to this in our front yard. No telling how old this tree was, but it "ain't gettin' any older" as they say. Nope, she's down for the count. The wind gusts up to 80mph the day before we arrived (our original arrival date!) doomed a fair percentage of our wimpy Bay Area tree population.

Guess we'll be calling a professional to handle this one. An axe takes a long time, but the only time you'll see me with a chainsaw is if I'm trying to juggle 3 of them. And axes aren't just for murderers anymore.

On a more cheerful note, the Tahoe ski areas are getting record snowfalls, which we're hoping to take advantage of sometime soon. 10 feet of powder, they say. I can't wait. Maybe I'll grab that chainsaw after all.

Finding Money is More Than a Hobby

2008-01-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

It's a challenge. A competition. From the day I first talked to Greg Boudreau about his daughter, Katie, I have been collecting money I find. He's been doing it for years, and gives the resulting sum to his wife, Joy. At the end of every year, we count up our stash and see who found the most money that year.

I've only beat him once.

This year would be different. I was off to a good start early in the year, finding a lot of quarters. Then I seemed to fizzle out into penny oblivion as the year went along. It would be close.

We settled down to counting around 8:45pm, after the girls had gone down for the night. I knew I was in trouble when I saw him counting his quarters. Uh-oh.

I ended up finding only five nickels, but I did find 14 quarters. Not enough to win, though. I finished the year with $7.44. Greg? He finished with $9.33. Oh, well. I already found a dime with Michaela at the airport today. I'll get him this next year.

Holiday Hospital Déja-vu

2008-01-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas last year in the hospital with our then one-month-old, Madison, with the respiratory virus, RSV. It should have come as no surprise when, on the night before we were to fly home from our Christmas visit with Katie's family in Tennessee, Madison woke me up around 2am. I could hear her labored breathing through her crying and coughing.

After calling our pediatrician's nurse advice line and being told to hang up and dial 911 based on hearing Madison over the phone, we jumped in the car and drove to the hospital. Madison enjoyed her first ride in the front seat on the way there.

After our poor girl went through chest x-rays, blood tests, and then additional chest x-rays, she was given an antibiotic shot in her thigh and a prescription for another antibiotic taken orally. Poor girl. She was exhausted when we finally left the hospital close to 7am. We thank the Lord that Madison's upper respiratory infection wasn't any more serious, and for the graciousness of the American Airlines employee who waived our change fees to let us fly home tomorrow instead. Time for bed!

Pastor Mike the Repo Guy

2007-12-30T02:09:00.000-08:00

Freaky night. I just helped repo a Volkswagon Passat for my brother-in-law, Kory, who owns a car lot. Seems like someone had gone delinquent on their payments, so in East Tennessee, the car legally belongs to him. So, around midnight, four of us guys set out to get it back. Game on! (Here we're alerting the cops to the fact that we're poaching the car, so they're aware when the current owners call it in as stolen.)

Giggling like freshmen at their first dance, the four of us developed our plan. Katie's two brothers, Kory and Kyler (the Hollywood film editor) would stay in constant phone contact with us while my twin brother, Christopher, and I would actually jack the car. Sweet.

I must've drawn the short straw, because I was the designated photo/videographer for the mission, while Christopher got to drive the Passat. Well, it beat staying home, let me tell you. Hearts pounding, we arrived on scene at the rear of the apartment building. There she was, with her front bumper sitting about 5 feet from the sliding glass door to the unit! This was going to take stealth and speed.

Getting in as quietly as we could and being careful not to slam our doors, Christopher and I kept a wary eye on the sliding glass door and windows right in front of us while he inserted in the extra key Kory always keeps just in case a situation such as this one becomes necessary.

After a couple of unsuccessful attempts at starting during which every second felt like an hour, the VW finally sprang to life. Slamming it into reverse, Christopher lurched backward in the darkness with the headlights as yet unlit. I was freaked out that someone was going to come out that back door at any second. When he had it turned around, Kory and Kyler roared out the driveway ahead of us and onto the country road toward home.

Stopping at a local gas station to admire our work, we finally let out a sign of relief. I called Katie to let her know we were safe, and then we began noticing the first of several bad news signs. The entire air blower assembly was sitting on the back seat of the car. Then, on the way home, it started smoking. Stopping in the middle of the road, Kory checked it out. Turns out the turkeys had blown the head gasket to the tune of about a $1200 repair job. Yikes. It's no wonder they didn't want to keep making payments on a dead car.

I hope you enjoy the videos as much as we enjoyed making them! (Note to dial-up users: Why bother? You have better things to do than wait for these videos to load! P.S. Get faster internet access!)

Move over, Dog the Bounty Hunter! Yeah, right. Though I enjoyed the rush, I'm not sure I'm exactly cut out to be a full-time repo guy. Pastor Mike the Repo Guy. Hmm. On second thought, maybe I should call up the Discovery Channel after all.

Chick-fil-A ROCKS!

2007-12-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

Driving through the night 8 hours from the Memphis airport to East Tennessee after flying all day wasn't my idea of a picnic. Then the familiar Chick-fil-A sign shone like a beacon on a stormy night. With no Chick-fil-A restaurants in my area of Cali, I crave the taste of their sandwiches, their fries, their lemonade, their ice cream . . . get the picture?

Trying not to squeal the tires turning off the freeway, I tore into Chick-fil-A with Katie in tow. She INSISTED on buying me a t-shirt along with the meal. Fine. I might as well own up to the whole "I'm a fan at the nerd level" idea.

After hunting around for a t-shirt, the helpful crew member alerted the night manager, who came out to give me grief. Yikes! It was Daniel Morgan, a friend from my old IBLP days, when I used to be his "Family Coordinator." This meant that when he was nothing more than a wee whipper-snapper, I was supposed to try to give him good counsel and sage advice while setting an example for him. Right.

We obviously graduated to Friend Level, and good thing, too, because this man now held in his hands my Chick-fil-A future and dreams. But would he fulfill them?

Done.

I won't tell you that he gave us TEN "Be Our Guest" cards (good for one free sandwich at any location) because that might get him in trouble OR make him look like a pushover. So, instead I'll just say that he HOOKED ME UP. No, you can't have his phone number. He's MY friend.

Maybe this Christmas vacation in East Tennesse isn't going to be so bad after all . . .

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T23:28:00.000-08:00

Christmastime with little people in the house . . . what a difference being a dad makes! In spite of all the carefully planned treasures for my family, I still found time to hope, worry, ponder, debate, muse, and fret over what little ol' ME was going to get. Aargh. King of Commercialism, I concede this battle to you.

No, I didn't get the main thing on my list, a surfing calendar. Instead, my mom got me a boat trip to watch suicidal surfers hit Mavericks (INSANE surf spot near Half Moon Bay, for you novices) from as close as 30 feet away, in the water. SWEET! But, sheesh. No calendar. Guess I'll have to take enough pics to make my own.

I was able to make Katie's season a bit brighter with an iPod Nano (4GB, 3rd generation, video enabled, yada-yada for those of you who pretend to care). She'd been relegated to Technology's Stone Age thanks to our 1989 Buick LeSabre that has a barely functioning stereo and cassette deck. Now, with the cassette adapter, she's got all her fave CDs on the go. Did I hook her up or what? (Okay, so in this tumultuous employment season of our lives, it didn't hurt to get a REALLY good deal on the Nano, but that's between us.)

We're off at 4:30am to join the unwashed masses who will be traveling tomorrow. We'll be in East Tennessee, visiting Katie's side of the family. I think they've got electricity, so I should be able to plug in my laptop, fire up my Broadband Access Aircard from Verizon, and keep in touch with the civilized world. (Okay, so it just FEELS that way. I guess the running water isn't quite the luxury I usually make it out to be.)

I certainly pray you and yours had a blessed Christmas. May the Savior Whose birth we celebrate be nearer to you than ever before, and may you continue to seek Him diligently throughout the New Year.

Uglier than me

2007-12-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Warning: The following post may not be suitable for small children, pets, pregnant women, and squeamish men, myself included.

I'm sitting at the San Jose Airport waiting for an iguana to arrive. No, I'm not expecting it to waltz through the security checkpoint and head for baggage claim. I'm actually waiting for it to arrive via Continental Airline's cargo and, as is so typical for iguanas, he's late.

He could've called and at least let me know his flight was delayed, or maybe had flight updates sent to my cellphone so I would know in plenty of time.

Oh, great. They just called and let me know he's arrived. Now I get to take him home to wait for his new family to pick him up. I hope I don't fall in love with him on the 10-minute drive home!

"Here, leezard, leezard!"

Texas, what are you THINKING?!!!

2007-12-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this on the way home from a quick trip to Texas to help out some friends in ministry, and **YIKES!** am I glad to be headed back home!

No, I'm not a Texas hater. I'm just an observer. And as such, I am entitled to observe. I'm privileged to have been the first person in my family to hit all fifty states which, incidentally, Texas was one of them. No, really. It was.

No, I don't LOVE Texas. I love a lot of Texans, but don't LOVE Texas. If this statement offends you, you are a True Texan. So, how do I LOVE thee, sweet Texas? Let me count the ways:

1. Your highways and major roads are all named after presidents, trees, and numbers. And usually marked with those objects as well, instead of those cumbersome signs that other less-progressive states use. (Side note: I hate getting lost. Especially twice in the same trip. Thank you, Texas Department of Transportation. I'm setting out cookies and milk for you this Christmas Eve, because I believe you exist, in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.)

2. Smoking is your State Habit.

3. Destinations are separated by hundreds of miles of nothingness for no apparent reason. (Note to my good friends at the TDT: Maybe plant a few treees every couple of miles. Eh?)

4. You think you are still the biggest state in the Union. Remember 1959? (Hint: Think cold.)

5. You think 5mph will make a difference at night, so you post TWO speed limit signs. One says the usual 70mph and looks like what normal Department of Transportations in other states put up. The other, directly below that one, is black with white writing (Oh, I get it! It looks like NIGHT!) and says Night Speed Limit 65. Are you kidding me? Glad we found such an effective way to save so many lives. Way to go again, TDT!

Enough said. I'll be home before I'm scarred any further. Thanks for the lovely time, Texas!

Ministry @ Morgan Hill church & ordination

2007-12-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we were guests at a new church plant in Morgan Hill. Pastor Max Hudson and his wife, Debbie, planted Oakridge Church (http://www.oakridgechurchonline.org/) about two months ago and are averaging 70 in attendance, meeting at the Morgan Hill Community Center. Originally, I was just going to sing "O Holy Night" as a solo, but I ended up also leading the music for the worship time and playing the offertory on the piano as a duet with their gifted pianist (nice work, J.T.!)

After singing with my brothers for the Nutcracker at noon, Pastor Max and his family took us to lunch in downtown San Jose. A great time of fellowship, and we hope to get together again soon. Meanwhile, I'll be playing the piano for their worship service this coming Sunday. Scary thought, as I'm not a congregational pianist and they are used to a fabulous guy at the keys. Humility, humility, humility.Aargh. Why does humility have to be practiced in FRONT of people? I'd be happy to work on it privately!!

In the evening, we attended another church plant in nearby San Martin, as they were ordaining three new deacons. Fellowship of San Martin (http://www.fellowshipofsanmartin.org/) was started in February by one of my mentors, Dr. Mike Stewart, and they have a great plan to reach out to their community with their Sunday-night-only approach to worship services and deacons who reallly serve and minister to the families of the church. I'm sure we'll be back, as it is a nice place for us to land on Sunday evenings while we minister in various churches Sunday mornings.

Exit Interview @ Shoreline

2007-11-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

(Note: The title of this post is not "Exciting Interview" in the interest of your continued stable blood pressure.)

So, my Exit Interview was today with Shoreline Community Church's Executive Pastor, Dennis McFaddin. Great guy, great "interview", great feeling going into and out of the moment. 'Nuf said. Well, maybe just a few more details.

Dennis asked ne a series of questions ("The worst thing about working at Shoreline? The best thing? What could we do better?" Etc.) looking for feedback and I gave it. He listened carefully and made me feel like he really cared about me and my input.

I then gave him the page-and-a-half of analysis I brought with me and we went through it, including where I felt I had grown, my personal negatives (where I felt I could've done better), my personal positives to the glory of God, and where I feel that Shoreline could improve. (No, you can't ask me for a copy!)

When it got down to the bottom line of the official reason why I got ______ (insert your favorite fun firing line here: let go, the boot, my walking papers, my eternal reward, etc.), it was numbers. I was also told I need to grow in my ability to listen. (At least that's what I think he said. I wasn't really listening . . . no, no, no. just kidding!) Both of these items (decreasing numbers and need to listen better) have definitely been problems for me during my time at Shoreline, so no surprises.

I'm grateful I was given the opportunity to air some frustrations, give positive feedback, receive some personal growth points, and pray for each other's ministries. Dennis did a fine job at a difficult task. All-in-all, a truly great meeting. Thanks to those of you who prayed for me.

Big prayer item

2007-11-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

I've been asked to prayerfully consider taking a senior pastorate sometime in the near future somewhere in the greater Bay Area. (Am I being vague enough?!!) Very exciting and lots of positive angles on this one, but we want the Lord's will, not ours. I had not considered becoming a senior pastor just yet, but will be open to God's leading.

Please pray with Katie and me that the Lord would continue to give us clear direction as to our next move.

Preaching review

2007-11-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

Katie and the girls joined me for what turned out to be a delightful service at First Baptist Church of King City. About an hour and 45 minutes south of us on 101, King City is a town with a growing Hispanic population and with a very distinct small-town flavor.

Arriving at 10am, we checked the girls into the nursery, Katie joined an adult Sunday School class, and I spent some time in the pastor's study/church office.

The music was above average for a small church, with guitar, drums, and vocals under the leadership of their keyboardist, Steve. I officiated during communion, and then delivered the sermon. My text was 1 Peter 1:3-9 and I titled it "Time Trials". (Amy Choate, a lady I had recently hired at my previous church, sent me an encouraging note last week that included this text and, in addition to really ministering to me, I also felt that the Holy Spirit wanted me to use it as my text for King City.)

In this passage, Peter is encouraging believers to remember the "living hope" and "inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade" even though we have had to suffer for a little while. My question at the end was "How much time do you spend reflecting on the glory versus the grief?"

Thanks to those of you who prayed for me. I definitely felt God's presence and His Holy Spirit prompting me throughout the message. What a humbling thing to be used of Almighty God as His spokesperson to His people.

We were given a generous honorarium and taken to lunch by Steve and his wife before heading back home. A full day, but a productive one in which we certainly felt we were blessed.

Preaching this Sunday

2007-11-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be preaching at First Baptist Church of King City this Sunday, November 25th, so please keep me in your prayers.

The church has been looking for a senior pastor for a while, so I'll help fill the pulpit this Sunday and also help conduct their communion service. Katie and the girls are planning to join me, so it should be a fun trip.

For more info, you may call the church at 831.385.3819. Thanks for praying!

Moving in a New Direction

2007-11-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

“We’ve outsourced your job.” “We’re no longer in need of your services.” “We need to go in a different direction.” “Your department is being downsized.” “Can we just be friends?”

Do these phrases make your heart beat a little faster? Your palms get a little sweaty? Your head start to spin? I heard one of these recently and it made my heart beat quite a bit faster. Funny thing is, my heart hasn’t slowed down a bit.

Ideas of what the future may hold have been swirling around in my head literally since my drive home after being fired from Shoreline Community Church (Monterey, California). (Yikes! “Fired” sounds brutal, and my dismissal was anything but brutal. A Sensitivity Rating of 9.75 on the Dismissal Scale. Congrats to the fine gentlemen in question.)

Not just job ideas have been swirling in my head. Also, silly little things such as how easy taking time off work for Christmas will be. And instead of one week paid missions trip leave right after Christmas, I think I might stretch it into two weeks in India. Unpaid, of course, but unhindered, too.

My time as Children’s Pastor of Shoreline has come to a rather abrupt end, but the road is wide open. I’m totally excited about the new direction God will take the children’s ministry at Shoreline (which I named “Shoreline Kidz”). I’m even more excited about the new direction God will take me.

Toward that end, I’ve got some projects in the works that I’m not able to disclose just yet, but will look forward to sharing in this space in the near future. Suffice it to say that your prayers are coveted!

A great way to communicate with me in the future is via my long-time Verizon cell phone number: 408.590.4186 and e-mail addy: michael@dentonbrothers.com. Drop me a line to let me know you’d like to be kept up-to-date.

One final thing.

Shoreline staff: Thank you for the opportunity to work alongside you. It was a great ride, and much is still being accomplished for Christ’s Kingdom. Keep up the good work!

Shoreline parents: Thank you for the privilege of working with your young people. Your children are truly a blessing from the Lord, and I pray you always value them as such. My verse for coming to Shoreline was Malachi 4:6, “He shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to the fathers.” I pray that God continues to draw the hearts of your children even closer to you than before, and your hearts toward them.

Shoreline Kidz: I have LOVED being your Children’s Pastor. It has been one of the biggest joys of my life. To see so many of you come to a saving faith in Christ, to see you sing His praises, and to see you learn how to be His followers has brought me great pleasure. I know that the leadership at the church care so very much about you and they will find another Children’s Pastor who will love you as much as I do, and who will help you become totally committed to Jesus Christ. I hope we can see each other some time before heaven, but if not, may you continue to walk with the Lord all the days of your life!

The Children’s Ministry Staff: You are simply the best. My heart is filled with gratitude for your kinship, your teamwork, and your efforts on behalf of the children and parents of Shoreline. Thank you for investing in my vision and helping this Children’s Pastor do more than he ever could have alone. You did it! You turned things around, served our volunteers, supported our leadership, and made things happen. Keep it up! The next Children’s Pastor will inherit an amazing team. You are doing a phenomenal job, and I know the best of Shoreline Kidz is yet to come. You have become my very closest friends, and I love you all.