The Launch Pad

This year has been a journey to say the least at my church, City Church. Since the start of the year, there have been victories, trials, and growth. And up to this point, I seemed to be figuring bits and pieces out. Then, this weekend happened. And God totally blew my mind.

To say our Pastor has a specific vision for our church, I'm now finding out, is an understatement. His passion to insert his vision into each of his leaders goes beyond measure. He wants to so desperately give us a starting point. A steady ground to take off from. A point of explosion!

I compare it to a launch pad.

It's like we're spiritual astronauts, preparing to blast off into a totally new dimension. A whole other realm. Our Pastor brings in great leaders, men of God, and prophets to give us insight, knowledge and to equip us with the tools necessary of how to reach our destination. They're explaining what God expects of us as we work towards His goal, and what we need to do when we get there.

And while all of this may seem overwhelming, all I am feeling is pure excitement. Like a feeling when I was a child, learning to ride my bike. A little scared, but imagining the possibilities of where that bike could take me. And as my father taught me about the chain, spokes and pedals, he finally got me on pavement, held me up, began to run, and launched me out there on my own. I remember the breeze in my face. My hands began to loosen their white knuckled grip, and I began to understand how to glide my bike into turns. I started in my driveway, and through the months, I was cruising my neighborhood. I saw and explored my hood in an entirely new way. It was the same hood, but I had a new outlook and attitude as I cruised by.

It took someone to give me the tools and confidence I needed to explore new places, new worlds. And what our Pastor is doing for our church, is just that. He's equipping us with tools we need. Bringing in leaders who've done it before to show us how. And he's planting confidence in us with each action, and word he speaks.

Our church is on a launching pad. We're being prepped, checked, and inspected. Mission Control is set for the countdown. When all preparation is done, let the countdown to launch begin. Into new realms and dimensions. If God is for us, then who could ever stop us?

God Shines Through

Funny how through family and work, God knows just how to show His face, saying, "Hey buddy, I'm always right here." Yes you are Lord. Yes you are. Good morning to you too.

Who's Calling?

I just got a new phone. If you must know, it's an HTC EVO 4G. I love it. I just love new things. So of course I've had to forward my contacts from my old phone. It's always a drag to do that. Then, sometimes, they don't transfer correctly, and info gets messed up. Next thing you know, someone calls and you have no idea who it is. We're so spoiled with caller ID these days. I used to know who was calling by just seeing a number. But if you're like me, I might let them leave a message, check it, and if I know them, I'll save their info and call back. Or I may take a chance, possibly answer the call, and in just a matter of a few words or sentences, I've figured out who it is on the other end.

A couple days ago, I was listening to my audio bible at work, on one of my favorite books and stories, 1 Samuel 3. This story keeps me close to God. 

It's speaks of the prophet Samuel as a young boy growing up with the prophet Eli, as he barely learns the ropes of being a chosen man of God. One night as he's fast asleep he hears his name being called. His obvious thought is, Eli must have called. He went to Eli, but, it wasn't Eli. Samuel was told to go back to bed. Asleep again, his name was called, "Samuel." Again he went to Eli, but it wasn't him. Eli caught on, and explained what to say the next time the Lord called Samuel. Sure enough, the Lord called Samuel, and this time Samuel answered, and the Lord gave him an important message.

I wonder if sometimes if I, just being human, don't recognize when He's trying to call and get my attention. I mean, do I treat him like an unknown number, and click ignore? This story always reminds me to be on guard, every minute of every day.

But it also reminds me that I must continually be in conversation with God to truly know His voice. And if we're always in contact with each other, I'll know when He calls, how He does it, if he humorously gives me hints, if he's as serious as a heart attack, and where our favorite places to meet are.

Samuel didn't know Gods voice until that day. But, you can be sure, whenever God called his name from then on, Samuel knew EXACTLY who it was. No caller ID required.

The Hand Off

Sunday, we had an amazing leaders meeting at City Church. I'm always amazed at how our Pastor, Justin Frailty, continues to lay out a vision for relationship and growth between leaders and volunteers. And each and every time he speaks to us in confidence, I always envision a picture in my mind. (My mind works in a picturesque sort of way.)

The bible constantly speaks of the race. We of course believe it to be life. And there are different aspects to "the race." But I genuinely believe God to be giving pastors and leaders a new perspective and vision of "the race." I see it as a relay race. A team race.

I see our pastors receiving the baton from Jesus. It's the ultimate hand off. A show of confidence from the first runner in life. The One who completed the first leg of the race for us. The One who showed us how it's to be done. He shows trust, in the shepherds He's placed over the lives of so many of His loved ones. Then they have the obligation of taking that baton, which is the vision, and shooting off to pass that vision to the racer in waiting for the relay. As we, the leaders, begin to clearly see our pastors coming around the bend with the vision, out hearts begin to pound with anticipation. We begin our jog to gain speed to keep up with our pastors who have Gods vision in hand. Then finally in full stride, they hand the vision off to us. The second hand off takes place. It's the point where we, as leaders, advance the vision to our volunteers ahead. We are that liaison. The bridge that interprets the vision to the rest of the Kingdoms hands and feet. We entrust that vision which was entrusted to us, which was entrusted to our pastors, and they run it to the masses. Thus finishing the last leg of the race. Completing the vision. There will be many races in a lifetime. Each one, is their own leg of the racking life. No one said it'd always be fun. No one ever said it'd always be easy. The word says "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 TIM. 4:7). For someone to have kept the faith, means they've had to had endured something. They've been tried. But they were persistent and pushed through. In running, there's always a wall a runner must push through. A wall that tries to slow them and tell them it's too hard, and to slow down and quit. A runner must fight through that if they want to finish a grueling race. Because they understand what's in the balance. I don't know about you, but I'd run this race anytime with those who trust me, and who I can trust, with the most valuable possession in hand. I'll especially run this race, for the One who's already run it for me.gap 

30 Year Maintenance

So. Now I'm 30. Into my third decade of life. I'm now a Thirty-Something. Sounds like a TV show. But, I'm being teased. I'm now made fun of. People eyes are now raised...towards my scalp. They're looking for me to slow down. What's with 30? As far as I'm concerned I'm barely starting. I want to take a quick look at the significance of the number 3. (Queue Count von Count from Sesame Street. "Three. Ah ah ah.")

Now, at 3,000 miles, our vehicles are recommended to just have an oil change and change the wipers. Then at 30,000 there's a more thorough inspection. Belts, certain fluids, tires and wheels, filters, transmission, brakes, chassis and so many other issues are suggested to be maintained. But obviously, vehicles still have so much life if taken care of. Now here's something to think about as Christians. Jesus, we all know wasn't a vehicle. But as most bible scholars believe, was at or around 30 at the time of his baptism. Which we all know was just the beginning of his miraculous life. Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharoah in Egypt. (Gen. 41:46) King David was 30 when he began his reign. (2 Sam. 5:4) Not bad company

Seems like 30 is more of a maintenance and drive off into destiny point. A point to check my spiritual vehicle and make sure its good for the long haul. I am Gods vehicle in a sense anyways. He does use me to go about, spreading His gospel. And my heart (engine) should be in tip top shape to get around in the hottest trials, and through cold lonely times. I've got to be functioning on all cylinders.

So, its been an up and down first 30 years. But if history proves anything, Gods done His maintenance on me, driven me through rough conditions, and as my driver, He's always given me exactly what I need. I'm in for the long haul.

Besides. His next favorite number, is 7.

Imperfect Pitch

Father's Day. A day in which we celebrate fathers for the extraordinary roles they play in raising children, and leading their families in a way they feel is proper. And while I reminisce on all my father taught me, and remember everything I can remember about him he did so well, it's the struggles he had that he overcame or battled against that stick out.

He overcame drinking.

He overcame anger.

He overcame a stroke in his brain.

He overcame...a bad voice?!?

Now we lived on the church property because he was the church janitor. Out of everything he lost the ability to do, including having a decent memory and ability to speak totally correct, God mercifully allowed him to heal, keep his talent for music, and for some reason, the "Good Lord" allowed him to remember how to clean. Thanks God. Really? You could just say our house would have been suitable for Mr. Clean himself. But my father would never complain about the few gifts God left him with. Never.

I can remember one afternoon, after coming home from school, I was looking for him. Of course, I knew I could look in the church, and listen for a vacuum, or the bottle of Windex being sprayed. But there was nothing. Gym? No one. Restrooms? Nothing. I looked in the 500 seat sanctuary. Didn't see anyo--- wait. There, on the corner of the platform. The vacuum was in it's upright position. And there, with one green plush chair pulled facing away from the seats, was my father with one of his acoustic guitars. Now, as I reached for the handle to go in to just let him know I was home, I slowed, and lightly turned the knob to open it. As I did, I could hear the guitar lightly playing. Walking closer row by row, I began hearing a soft voice. He was...singing. Faintly. The closer I got, the better I could hear. Not really on pitch, and as I inched closer, not really any words. It was mostly mumbles and hums. But, it was one time I felt a spirit and a move so different, so peaceful, so, natural. With all he could remember, he hummed, and played a few chords. Mumbled words to me, but I KNEW they meant something. I sat for a few more minutes, and then left him to sing this imperfect song perfectly to someone he could NEVER forget.

I will always remember that moment. Knowing that my father, as strong as he was, with the few talents God left him with, used the one talent which may have been his weakest, to serenade his father in heaven for a few moments. He struggled to stay in tune. He battled his human instincts which were probably telling him this didn't sound good at all, to push through and reach a dimension where God looks past talent, and sees a pure offering of thanks.

Happy Fathers day Eddie Berto Alvarez who now rests and waits for his reward. Until I see you again, I thank you for reminding me my imperfections lead me closer to my heavenly father.

Heavenly Candy

Today, as I begin my novice journey into blogging, I think it'd be best to stick to a subject that I'm comfortable with. Such a topical subject can only start from one point: Skittles. Yes. Skittles. But, I'm not going to just talk about how good they are. Nope. Anyone can do that. What I want to try and convince everyone is that Skittles are the Lord's chosen candy. They are. Trust me.

I've convinced my Sunday school kids here at City Church that God has hand picked these edible delights. I mean, why else would they be colored with the rainbows colors? It's like the good Lord is saying, "this is my promise to you that these treats will be the best you've ever had." And how could anyone argue? I even converted a lovely little seven year old, from peanut M&M's, to the chosen delectable awesomeness of Skittles. I've even convinced the children that these are not just great tasting bits of candy, but blessings from the almighty! During a game show style quiz the kids at the end of the session, I even place them in their little cupped hands and repeat, "Bless you my children, with tasty blessings." 

After converting them in such a convincing fashion, I even have them coming up to me before service now asking if they'll be receiving blessings this day, for verses, questions, participation and anything else we ask of them. Which I most assuredly reply, "Of course. They are His promised candy. He wouldn't have given man the wisdom to make them if He didn't plan on rewarding you with them for keeping His word, would He?" 

Ah yes, Skittles. His promised candy. The rainbow colored delicacy from the heavens, with His promise of satisfaction. Taste the chosen rainbow.