Freedom is Having the Least Amount of Chains

Bam! Just like that, I have figured out the Millennial mystery. I have deciphered the mysterious motivations that lead to this Millennial generation's methods and madness. On Tuesday we had our interns (all Millennials) join our staff meeting and join our pastors in our bus riding adventures around Phoenix. We have about 20 interns this summer who have brought energy and passion, skill and joy, enhancing the ministries of our church. I am very thankful for all the effort Pastor Joel put into coordinating this year's Living Streams Internship.
 
While we were discussing some of the good stuff that has been happening around the church one of the interns spoke up. He said things went well with this one event because everyone knew the leader wasn’t just, “a judge-y person above them trying to control them.” Ding, a bell rang and a light went on in the philosophical part of my mind. Millennials have an immense aversion to, “judge-y people above them trying to control them.” Parents, bosses, co-workers, and anyone older can easily come off as judge-y or controlling. 

Those who want to work well and harness the immense good and potential in this youthful, Millennial generation must understand that judging them and trying to control them will not work. You may be right and you may be better, smarter, and more experienced, but you became that way by learning and with time. The Millennials just want the same chance. Life will teach them the hard and heavy lessons that are required for maturity and character-building just like life taught you and me those lessons. So, my message to those frustrated with the Millennials is to give them some time and remember that when you were their age you weren’t as awesome as you are now.
 
My message to the Millennials is, and always will be, to never forget the importance of listening and learning. Those people you see as “judge-y and controlling” could actually be the people Jesus has sent into your life to save you from some pain or wasted years. Maybe their judge-yness and controlling-ness is because they know something you don’t know about life and love. 

You may think that freedom is getting to do whatever you want or feel, but that is a dangerous lie. The truth is that freedom is having the least amount of chains. Often the older generations come across judge-y and controlling because they do not want you to have to deal with the chains they wish someone would have saved them from.
 
I am not exactly sure how this ties in with our study in the book of Daniel, but I do know it is an issue within our church family. I would be interested to hear if you see any lessons from the life of Daniel about this topic of generations and freedom. We will be studying Daniel 7this Sunday. 
 
All God’s best to you and yours,
 
David

The Kids Had it Great This Week

Since the heat wave is on in Phoenix, my seven-year-old, Bella B,, my five-year-old, Eva G,, and my six-year-old, Luther the dog, all hopped in our minivan and we headed north. Our game plan was simple. (It had to be because Luther is a dog.) We were going to visit my wife, Brit, and my eldest daughter, Layah at the Living Streams Junior High summer camp in Prescott, and then head off to the Royal Family Kids Camp in Payson. The Royal Family Kids Camp is a camp for kids in the Arizona Foster Care system and some of our Living Streams Family are there volunteering. 

At the Junior High camp it was amazing to watch my wife and the other leaders get the kids riled up for whatever was going on. In less then an hour I saw them huddled around Brit as she gave a pump-it-up speech Lebron James would have been proud of. I saw them playing soccer while in inner tubes. I saw them do a conga line around the field. One girl was doing a gymnastic floor routine that included aerial back flips. I saw them form a pyramid with their bodies. At one point half the team somehow turned into a ten foot high human tunnel and the other half ran through it cheering. And no joke, that was just one hour of the 14 hours of activity they have each day, all week.

Next, we went to Payson and made it in time for one of the main events of the Royal Family Camp week. Since many of the kids are in group homes or have bounced around, in and out of families their birthdays often get missed. So, at Royal Family Kids camp there is a special night that is a massive, blow out, spare no expense birthday party for every kid. They each received their own cake, they each blew out their own candles, they each received their own gifts, and they all participated in a really great magic show. You could see the deep meaning it had for some of the kids. 

The thought that took root in my soul after all this surprised me. I actually thought about how amazing our country is. I thought about how wonderful we and our children have it. The news tells me our country is riddled with tension and division. On social media it seems we have millions of urgent and cataclysmic problems accelerating us towards impending doom all the time. I do not want to make light of the hardships some do endure. But today the reality I saw was the youth of our nation living without fear, without division, able to play and be carefree. I saw people of all walks of life, rich and sophisticated as well as poor with contentment serving kids who have had to deal with heavy adult things way too early in life. Yet, this was just a tiny part of the good being done in Jesus name all over this world, every single day.

Check out Daniel chapter 5 this weekend. We will be looking at how to be rich towards God unlike King Belshazzar who was weighed in God's balance and found lacking.

David

Happy Father's Day!

Brittany reached over and gently tapped me on the shoulder and said, “I think it is time.”

It was midnight and I had been asleep for an hour, so it took me a couple of seconds to realize what she meant. When it hit me, I bolted upright and a thousand action steps flew through my mind all at once. I got dressed, put shoes on, and stood with car keys in hand in five seconds flat. I looked at Brit and she was still lying in bed and breathing weird.

The baby was coming. Her contractions were strong and close together. We tried to stay calm and get her comfortable, but ha ha, all attempts failed. From our bed to the couch. To the bathtub. Back to the bed, it was misery. So, I called the triage nurse and she told us to come to the hospital.

We got in my little pick up truck and drove the dark, peaceful streets. We checked in at the hospital and found out Brit was 9 centimeters dilated! The nurse snapped to life and rushed us to the delivery room and, a few hours later our baby girl was born.

We had heard stories about pregnancy, labor and delivery. We had seen the living proof that the stories were true. And now we had walked the road with our own feet and seen it with our own eyes. It was wild and amazing and exhausting. 

Now I am a 39-year-old father of three daughters, ages 11, 7, and 5. The life paradigm I received by being raised in a family of three boys has been completely turned on its head. My “three-daughter life” is constantly exploding with color and emotion and talking. I love it. But there really is a lot of talking. I am not particularly good at knowing and understanding daughters, but I really do love it. I plan on not loving it as much between the teenage years of liking boys to the day I pay for their weddings. But after that, and for now, I love it.

So, happy Father's Day to me. And Happy Father's Day to all of you courageous men who, like me, are trying not to mess up their kids too badly. God be with us and give us energy.

This Sunday morning we will be hearing a message about our glorious Father, and every dad will get a bottle of ice cold Dad's Root Beer. 

David

While You're Making Plans This Summer...

HELLO, EVERYBODY OUT THERE!

I'd love to hear where you are as you read this. I know many of you Phoenicians are “escape artists” this time of year. So, if you could just take a second to comment, it would be fun to know where you are. For those who are right here with me in the Valley of the Sun, heat, and burning concrete, let me know that, as well, and we’ll enjoy the fellowship of suffering.

Last week, Daniel Riccio shared a wonderful message on Daniel 3, about the power of hope during the difficult seasons of life that feel like:  Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses; it has removed the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares. (Jeremiah 9:2)

Daniel’s message was solid and moving. If you missed it, check out the Livestream or the podcast.Oh, and by the way, Daniel Riccio, like Daniel in the Bible, is not a professional, polished preacher pastor-man. Daniel is a company man. He oversees the sales of semi-conductors. I love it!

This week, as we look at Daniel 4, we will be addressing these types of questions:

• What is the cause of all the pain in the world?

• If God is sovereign over all the world, then why…?

• How can a prideful, bombastic, egomaniacal king become a humble, God-fearing, and considerate leader? 

• And the most important question anyone could ever ask: 

• What is God requiring of me right now?

I’ll give you a hint. The answer to this last question can be found in Daniel 4:27 and Micah 6:8.
 
As a pastor who really does care for you and pray for you, I want to ask that, in the midst of all your summer plans, you would consider participating in one or all of the following events. I believe the events will help us accomplish what Jesus has asked us to do: Put God’s Glory on Display, Build Courageous People, and Engage in Society's Pain.

1. Harvest America - June 11 

2. VBS - June 12-16 

3. Royal Family Kids Camp - (Camp for Foster Kids)

May you and yours be strong in the joy of the Lord every day of this summer!

David

The Heat is On

June is here, and that means a very different thing to those who are in Wisconsin than it does to us here in the desert. The heat is on. Even my visiting Belizean friends. who live in 90º weather with 90% humidity all year round, have been amazed by our desert heat.
 
In the Bible, the heat being turned up is used as a reference to a time of testing or refining. Psalm 66 says, “You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined…. We went through fire and through water, yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.” 1 Peter 1 says, “Your faith will be like gold that has been tested in a fire. And these trials will prove that your faith is worth much more than gold that can be destroyed.”
 
In Daniel 3, which is what we will be looking at on Sunday, the heat was turned up for Ananiah, Hazariah, and Mishael. These guys are also known by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their faith was tested in a unique and intense way. They were thrown into a fiery furnace and came through unharmed. They were sustained by God’s presence.
 
My prayer is that, if you are feeling the heat of conflict or fear or temptation rise in your life, you will spend some time in Jesus' presence. I pray that you will find that His grace is sufficient for whatever you may be facing. And that you will make it to the other side of the Refiner’s fire, freer and more fulfilled than ever.
 
David

Higher Love

If there were no pain and death in the world, we would not need to talk about Jesus. If all we experienced in our world was peace and tranquility, we would never need to rock the boat by bringing up the powerful, unsettling name of Jesus. But since the sting of pain and the shadow of death is in us and all around us, we need to talk about Jesus. 

Many people have claimed to know the way to life, but all of them have been silenced by death.  Jesus, however, is the only One to claim to know the way to life, and then rise from the dead. He is, and always will be, the answer for the world today. Above Him there is no other. Jesus is the way.
 
The latest terror attack reminds us of the evil present in our world. It reminds us that the possibility for mankind to act depraved and destructive is alive and well. Now, our whole world is yearning for a higher love. As Steve Winwood put it in 1986, 
 
“Things look so bad everywhere
In this whole world, what is fair?
We walk blind and we try to see
Falling behind in what could be. 
So, Bring me a higher love.”
 
We do need a higher love. We need a love that casts out all fear. A love that flows like a mighty river, pouring incessant from above. We need heaven’s peace and perfect justice to kiss this guilty world with love. 

The good news is that, in Jesus Christ, all of that has taken place. God demonstrated His love for us, in that, while we were dead in our trespasses and sins, He sent His Only Son to die and resurrect for our freedom. For those of us firmly planted in Christ’s ever-present, unconditional love, we still have times of fear and pain, but Christ's love overcomes them every time. 
 
In two weeks, there is going to be one of the largest and most dynamic presentations of Christ's love that this city has ever seen. Harvest America will be held at the University of Phoenix Stadium on June 11th.

Over the last 27 years, some 7.6 million people have attended these Harvest outreaches and 489,345 have responded to the invitation to accept Christ as Savior. HALLELUJAH!
 
Please pray for this event and consider bringing someone who is not sure about Jesus. You can also volunteer in one of these areas that still need to be filled:

• Intercessory prayer

• Altar prayer workers

• Security team members

• Ushers

• Choir

• Mailroom

More information and online training is at: https://harvestamerica.com/serve
 
Finally, if you cannot make it to the event, you can invite people to your living room and live stream it at: https://harvestamerica.com
 
For more information, contact Terell Welch at 602-570-6073  Terellwelch@cox.net or John Youngstrom at 660-620-9805  John.Youngstrom@LivingStreams.org

David

God is My Judge

The name Daniel means God is my judge. In my opinion, it has become very hard these days to judge what is right and true in the midst of all the clamor and confusion. It seems there is very little substantial meat in the extremely fattened calf of our country’s philosophical and political scene. There is no lack of information, though. We live in the information age, but we are just as starved for truth as ever. We have access to more data than everyone who has preceded us, but the confusion, division, and noise is at a screeching decibel.

For us to have wisdom, data has to become information. Information has to become knowledge. Knowledge has to become understanding. Then, in rare and precious moments, understanding can translate into wisdom. Wisdom makes it possible for us to accomplish the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, with the right motivation. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The reason I think that wisdom is such a rare and precious thing these days, is because there is not much fear of the Lord.

Daniel knew that God was his judge. Daniel had a healthy fear of the Lord. Healthy fear of the Lord draws you closer to God, instead of making you want to run away. Healthy fear of the Lord is when we realize that doing anything in opposition to God’s ways is hurtful to God and harmful for us and the society around us. The fear of the Lord is the awe and reverence that happen at the intersection of God’s infinite majestic power, and His unfathomable love for non-majestic people like us.

We all need a heaping dose of some healthy fear of the Lord. The wisdom Daniel gained by fearing the Lord caused him to live an exemplary life, where we see him rising above every challenge that faced him, and all his peers surrounding him.

This Sunday we will be diving into the book and life of Daniel with the hope that we all will become a little more like Daniel in our day. We will also be having a Starting Point Lunch right after 2nd service, for all those interested in getting to know more about the church and taking a step toward being a part of our church family. You can register for the lunch here.

P.S. Take a minute and watch this video, with Daniel in mind:

This is a sermon bumper for the summer 2017 series "Daniel." Voice over is a twist on lyrics from "Where I Belong" written by JON FOREMAN, MICHAEL ELIZONDO, TIM FOREMAN Publisher: Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY Listen to the Switchfoot song here: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FBMM9MNU

Mom

I Miss My Mom.

She took her last breath of this world’s air 12 years ago. For 53 years before that, she added light and love and good food to the world she interacted with. She was a strong believer, a faithful wife, a caring mother, and a 5-foot 4-inch dominator of her three sons. She would whistle and we would come. She would cry and we would be crushed. She would yell and we would fall in line. She would cook and we would race to the table. She taught me many things with her words and her example. She always knew what I should do and often seemed to care more about my life and decisions than I did.

I miss the encouraging comfort and confident counsel she gave me in abundance. I miss the deep feeling of home I would get whenever and wherever I was with her. She definitely taught me the power of a mom, and gave me a very high view of what a woman can do.

I have heard it said that a woman completes a man. But I do not think when God made Eve He was completing man. I believe He was completing Creation. In fact, in Genesis, God looked at the world without women and said, “it is not good.”

Though I miss my mom, and I always will during my time in this world, I am now getting a new lesson in the awesomeness of women by watching my wife, Brittany. She is brave and strong, kind and clever. She teaches me so much, and fights so diligently for every one of her people. She grows in beauty and skill every year, and has made my world of black and white explode with vivid, living color.

So, if you are a woman out there, I hope you have a powerful sense of value and overwhelming desire to accomplish great and mighty things.

And to all the women who have decided to be moms, Happy Mothers' Day to you.

I am excited to announce that this Sunday we will have Renee Worcester as a guest speaker, and a special gift for all the moms.

David

The First 100 Days

Trump has been in office for 100 days, and it is what it is. I am not going to comment on that, but I've been in my new role for 100 days, as well. If you have a few minutes, I would like to comment on that.

First, I feel a massive amount of gratitude for every single person that has stuck with us through transition and has begun to journey with us into our version of a brave new world. I know there are some who would not say they see me as “their” pastor, but have been willing to give me a chance to be “the” pastor of Living Streams Church. I hope in time God will give me opportunities to minister grace to them and their families as they have ministered grace to me and mine.

I also feel a lot of gratitude to God, for the consistent supply of ideas, creativity, and guidance He has been giving me, and our team, as we seek to lead well and love well; and to keep things simple, fresh, and courageous.

I am thrilled to say that we have been able to exceed many of our expectations. We, the board of elders and staff, feel a quiet but strong confidence about the track we are on and the goals we have set our sights on.

Thanks to the Lord's faithfulness, and each person's participation, we have seen people become set free from addiction; we've seen people stand strong in the day of opposition; and we've seen people experience the wonder of sweet salvation. At the same time, the practical measurements of attendance and finances are looking positive, as well.

All of our focus is now turning toward summer. We want this to be a summer full of life, growth and meaningful memories. Please continue to join in on Sundays, as the Lord knits our hearts together into one powerful, unified people who put God's glory on display, live courageously, and engage in society's pain.

And don't forget to sign your kids up for Living Streams “Summer to the Max” opportunities. CLICK HERE for a preview of Summer to the Max activities.

David

About Worship

Psalm 100 begins this way in The Message translation:

On your feet now—applaud God!

Bring a gift of laughter,
Sing yourselves into his presence.

Know this: God is God!
He made us; we didn't make Him
We’re his people, his well-tended sheep.

Enter with the password: “Thank you!”
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

For God is sheer beauty. All-generous in love Loyal always and ever.

Worship is supposed to happen every moment of every day, But some moments are easier than others. Lucky for you, we have a worship night at 6 PM this Sunday night, in addition to our Sunday morning services. Whether you're busy or bored, hurting or happy, confused or a clear; it's always a good time to do what we were made to do.

David

We're Only Halfway Through

Don’t even think about taking your foot off the gas pedal right now. Yes, we did have an amazing Passion Week around Living Streams. Yes, we did have a service on Palm Sunday that left many of us at the front of the church, on our knees, in humble surrender. Yes, we did have a full house at noon on Good Friday where we were encouraged to exchange our brokenness for the healing power of Christ’s love. Yes, we did have almost 1,400 people in three joyous, powerful, and life-giving services on Easter Sunday. But, we are only halfway through our Easter Season.

This Sunday we will dig deeper into God’s word and dive deeper in God’s heart in worship. A dozen or so people will be baptized at the end of our services. And next week, our Easter Season will culminate with a foot-stomping, roof-raising, soul-soaring, heart-lifting, mind-engaging, and Jesus-focused worship night. So, as I said before, do not take your foot off the gas pedal. Invite those same people, and maybe some new ones, to come again.

I want to thank you, Living Streams family, for showing up and for bringing others to hear about the Everlasting and Abundant Life that Jesus’ death made possible for us. I want to thank you guys for staying hungry for the voice and presence of the Lord. I want to thank you for your faithful, generous giving to all of the Kingdom-of-Heaven-building work that goes on around here.

We go through a lot of heaviness and pain while walking in the world. For some reason, Father God has not decided it is time to change all that quite yet. But He promised that, when the time is right, He will restore everything. (Acts 3:21- “Heaven must receive him (Jesus) until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets”).

So, if you are feeling some of that heaviness today, let these words sustain you: “Life is hard, God is good, Glory is coming. So, stand firm in the faith.” – John Piper

Know that we are praying for you.

David

It's Passion Week

As my 39-year-old eyes survey this old world, I see things similarly to the one who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind,” says the Teacher, son of David, King of Israel.

My 39-year-old eyes have seen many people pursue sexual pleasures, financial gains, and positions of power, with a greater passion and commitment than many who call themselves followers of Jesus actually pursue Him. I have seen many sacrifice their spouses and their kids at the altars of those same pursuits. And to be honest with you, I am sick of it.

Yet, even though I am sick of it, I feel myself constantly pulled in those same directions. The only thing that has kept me from diving fully into those same pursuits is the fact that my soul has found the deeper satisfaction of Jesus’ love. But even that is subject to my daily decisions. When I spend dedicated time with Jesus, I find that my appetites for unhealthy things are greatly diminished. The times when I am too busy or lazy for dedicated times with Jesus, my appetites for unhealthy things are greatly increased.

My prayer for us this Passion Week is that we would feel the intensity and aggression with which Jesus Christ fought for our affection. The mighty King of Kings, so stricken with unconditional love for us—so undeterred by all of our betrayal and animosity toward Him—and so hopeful that we might let His nail scarred hands heal our sin pierced hearts—willingly gave up His life. He was brutalized, victimized, and left to die hanging naked on a despicable criminal’s cross so that we would never have to taste the wrath of Almighty God. This is true passion.

Today, Thursday, marks the time Jesus spent with His disciples, having their last supper together. Tonight, please take some time of dedicated remembrance and let the passion Jesus displayed in this last week of His earthly life compel you to pursue Him above everything else. Then, join us for our Good Friday service at noon on Friday, and one of our three Easter services on Sunday at 8, 9:30, and 11am.

David

What Can I Do When I Feel Punctured, Pierced and In Pain?

I have a contest for you this week.

Without Googling, what are the three times God the Father spoke audibly during Jesus’ earthly life that are recorded for us in the gospels?

I promise you that there are three. Two of them are pretty well known and, though I have read the Bible many times, I just became aware of the third.

If you can tell me all three prior to our Sunday morning service, you will receive the grand prize. The grand prize is…wait for it….a high-five. Yep. Not a high three or four—a full high-five from yours truly.

This Sunday is Palm Sunday and my sermon title is, “What Can I Do When I Feel Punctured, Pierced, and in Pain?” The reason we need to speak about pain is because it is a common reality in our world. The pain of divorce, injustice, senseless killing, and racism is commonplace.

Pain is not something Jesus shied away from, either. Jesus, the perfect Son of God, was punctured, pierced, and subjected to excruciating pain, in order to be able to meet with us in our pain, and lead us to a life of healing.

We will have a wonderful time of worship and prayer, as well as an inspiring time of teaching, and spurring one another on toward good works.

Please join us, and remember to invite people to come with you to any and all of our Easter Season opportunities.

Here is the schedule of services:
April 9 – Palm Sunday
9:15 am and 11 am
April 14 – Good Friday
Noon
April 16 – Easter Sunday
8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am
April 23 – Baptism Sunday
9:15 am and 11:00 am
April 30 – Sunday Services
9:15 am and 11:00 am
April 30 – Worship Night
6:00 pm

David

Easter Season

In the Bible Jesus is called many different things. He is the bread, the rock, the anchor, and the water. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
 
Many times in my topsy-turvy life I have cried out to Jesus and found that these are not just names from ages long ago, but tangible realities in the present world. I have experienced powerful peace rising up and sustaining me in seasons of heartbreak. I have received wisdom from on high that has guided me out of distressing and sometimes agonizing times. And I have discovered the meaning of the verse, “The joy of the Lord is our strength,” in the midst of deep disappointment.
 
To think on these things stirs up two emotions within me. The first is deep, deep gratitude. The second is a heaviness because, in this hungry, shifting, stormy, thirsty world there are many who do not know Jesus. Many all around us do not know the peace and wisdom that the Almighty, Eternal Father loves to give. And, just like us, they need someone to help them believe and receive all that Jesus is.
 
The month of April brings our Easter Season. We want to devote our entire focus this month to helping people who don’t know Jesus, get to know Jesus. Please partner with us as we devote this month to reaching out, speaking out, and seeking out those who could be one conversation away from the everlasting and abundant life that Jesus died so they could have.

Here is the schedule of services:

• April 9 – Palm Sunday
  9:15 and 11 am

• April 14 – Good Friday
  12:00 pm

• April 16 – Easter Sunday
  8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 am

• April 23 – Baptism Sunday
  9:15 and 11am

• April 30 – Sunday Services
  9:15 and 11am

• April 30 – Worship Night
  6:00pm

David

Who's Your Financial Planner?

If I were to sing, “London Gold...” you would probably sing, “...It's the best.”

If I were to sing, “Give me a break, give me a break, break me off a piece of that...” You would probably sing, “...Kit Kat bar.”
If I were to sing, “The best part of waking up...” (depending on how old you are), you might sing, “Is Folgers in your cup.”
And for the McDonald's people out there, I could sing, “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese...” and you could finish the rest.

All day long we are hit with messages—sometimes blatant and sometimes subliminal—about what we should do with the money we have in our possession. The marketing industry in America spent about 200 billion dollars last year to creatively and strategically get the money from our pockets into theirs. If we are not wise and principled, we will find ourselves susceptible to wasted time, talent, and treasure.

In the Scriptures, every community ordained by God has had a core principle of financial giving. For whatever reason, God is very interested in what we do with the money that has come to us. He has made it very clear that we are to give financially so that godly ministry can happen, so that needs can be met, and so that people will not be controlled by the money they believe is theirs to control. The principle of WE > me applies to our financial life, as well.

Please join us this Sunday as we get set free by allowing God's word to speak to us about our hearts and the resources in our hands.

David

Why I Believe in Tithing

The only time in all of Scripture that we are asked to test God is in reference to tithing. In Malachi 3, God promises to pour out a greater blessing than we can hold if we are faithful in our tithes and offerings.

In over forty-five years of ministry, I have seen God faithfully fulfill his promise to abundantly provide for those who tithe. I went through some lean years as a young pastor with a growing family; but in spite of my lack of resources, the Lord has not only provided abundantly for my family, he has provided for every need in both churches I have led since 1975.

We not only practice tithing as a family, but Living Streams Church has also given a tithe to missions every month since we began in 1984. Because of God's faithfulness, we have been able to give millions of dollars to missions and launch many fruitful ministries, while always paying every bill and every salary on time. God's provision has been faithful in strong economic times and in economic crisis.

Tithing requires faith, because almost everyone knows many ways they could use all the money they make. It stretches our faith when the Lord asks us to give 10% of our income to Him. However, those who are obedient in tithing soon discover many benefits which make tithing more than worthwhile.

When we tithe, believers empower our local church to equip the saints and expand God's kingdom on earth. It is a privilege to see our tithes go to supporting fruitful ministries and missions of our church. Those who tithe share in the eternal reward God gives to faithful servants.

At the same time, God supernaturally rebukes forces that can devour our financial assets. Instead of losing money in bad deals, the Lord gives us wisdom for financial management. As we see God faithfully provide all our needs, we also get set free from financial insecurity. The benefits of living with peace in an insecure world include better health and enjoyment of every aspect of life.

David

Reconciliation

I’ll keep this simple. This Sunday I will be preaching on the most incredible message of all: The Reconciliation of Everything. To get you ready, please drink in these words from a man from bygone years who was deeply committed to God’s message: 
 
Charles H. Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers,” wrote,  “There has been a long-standing quarrel between God and man. It commenced in that day when our first parents hearkened to the serpent’s voice and believed the devil rather than their Maker. Yet God is not willing for that quarrel to continue. According to the goodness of His nature, He delights in love. He is the God of Peace and He has, on His part, prepared everything that is necessary for a perfect reconciliation. His glorious wisdom has devised a plan whereby, without violating His Justice as the Judge of all the earth and without tarnishing His perfect holiness, He can meet man upon the ground of mercy and man can again become the Friend of God. That blessed work was done long ago and now all that remains is that man should be reconciled to God, that he should be willing to end the dispute and that his heart should turn towards his Maker again in love, peace and perfect reconciliation.”

We > Me

David

Vacation Thoughts

There are some expressions in the modern, American version of the English language that have been mulling around in my mind. They have to do with the most basic, yet vital of human functions: breathing.

When breathing in, air journeys into the mouth and nostrils, travels through the open epiglottis, and down the larynx. It fills the lungs and enlivens every part of the body.

Breathing is extremely important, even though, for the most part, it's effortless. It is one of the few functions of the body that can be done without thinking. It can even be done while one is sleeping.

Breathing is a true work of art. There are a few verbal expressions in our language that each have their own emotion attached to them. Funny enough, each verbal expression about breathing is made possible by breathing. Let's explore them one by one.

First, we have the expression, “Hold your breath.” When someone uses this expression they are describing a moment full of anticipation or uncertainty. Like last night, as we were watching some NCAA March Madness Basketball, my wife said she kept finding herself “holding her breath” as U of A was playing. This expression describes a stressful thing that is usually done during a stressful situation. Or at least when the expression is used it is describing a moment of stress.

I have been familiar with stressful situations lately, and though I haven't been holding my breath literally, I feel fatigued as though I have been.

Next we have, “A breath of fresh air.” We do not normally think of the expression, “A breath of fresh air” as stressful, but consider this. The moment of breathing fresh air is nice and noticeable because the moment leading up to that moment must not have been fresh. And if it is truly just a breath, then it does not last long. This expression is not as stressful as, “hold your breath,” but there is a stress all around it. Yet, moving from “hold your breath” to “a breath of fresh air” acknowledges a shift taking place. A pleasant, refreshing, hopeful shift so tangible you can feel it in your lungs.

I have experienced this in a couple different ways of late. I have a co-worker that has been a breath of fresh air to me. Working with him has brought ease to my work because it seems like we see both what is and what could be very similarly. I have also experienced a breath of fresh air because my family is two days into our weeklong vacation in California. Taking time to be away from the norm of home, work, and routine always brings fresh moments and perspective.

“A sigh of relief” is the next expression. It is also the next step of de-stressing. The sigh of relief comes after a stressful situation has come to an end. In an extreme example, I have been reading a book called “Eragon.” In the book, a young man finds a dragon and it propells him into a life of intense battles with the roughest of beasts relentlessly chasing him. At one point he finds solace in a fortress underground and he is able to eat, rest, and sleep without danger. The safe fortress causes him to let it a sigh of relief.

My sighs of relief often come as I sit and watch the sunset. The setting sun, in all of its expanse and beauty daily, reminds me of a creative God. It also reminds me that there is a beginning and end to everything. No matter how hard I try, I cannot extend the days and I cannot avoid the reality of death. The only thing I can do is put myself in the hands of the God who made the beauty of the sunset. When I mentally do this, I find God’s grandeur far outweighs any and all of my seemingly potent problems. It is in this moment of worship my soul lets out a sigh of relief.

What sparked all of this thinking about breathing took place as we were somewhere in the untamed, rugged Arizona desert. Brit was driving, my girls were listening to music, and I noticed myself doing “a great, big exhale.” I am not sure what exactly brought it on, but it was full and powerful. It could be that I knew Jesus was with me. It could be that my family was safe and sound and with me. It could be the confidence I have in our team at work that is poised and ready to cover for me and conquer new ground in my absence. Or it could be the fact that I get to be married to Brittany, which makes me feel like my life has already been an enormous success.

Whatever it may be, in this moment right now, my body has decided to let out a great, big exhale.

David

We > Me

A song that has recently become popular in our society says,   

“Oh, it's just me, myself and I   
Solo ride until I die.  
’Cause I got me for life    
(Got me for life, yeah)   
Oh I don't need a hand to hold   
Even when the night is cold   
I got that fire in my soul”   

Though it is a catchy song, it is very foolish. If you take a coal out of a fire and move it away from the rest of the firey coals, it will not last long. The singular coal may have a few moments of “fire down in its soul,” but the moment it moves away from the group, is the moment it starts to die out. 

This Sunday we are starting a series of teachings entitled We > Me. We will be teaching what the Bible says about not going through life alone. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

In addition to our teachings, we will have a luncheon called Starting Point right after the second service. The purpose of this luncheon is the help everyone who is newer to the church, or desiring to get deeper connections at the church, to have a clear place to start.

Also, on Wednesday night, March 1, at 7 PM, we will begin our first of eight sessions called Explore. In these sessions, people will be able to get a taste of community at Living Streams, to wrestle with deep-rooted teachings of the Christian faith, and have some really good snacks. I mean really good. Not kind of good—really good. 

In these next two months, I want to encourage you to increase your Sunday morning participation, and to deepen your community roots at Living Streams—especially, if you have felt the coal of your soul feeing a bit cold.

If you would like to sign up for the Starting Point luncheon or the Explore Group, please click on the link below:

Starting Point
Explore

By His grace and for His glory,

David

How to Overcome Entropy

We have marched our way into March and the “fresh-out-of-the-box” feeling is beginning to wear off of 2017.

In every facet of our world nothing new ever stays new. Entropy is not our greatest enemy, but it is one of life’s heaviest realities. I am always amazed at how quickly my kids can move from absolute elation to complete indifference at a new toy they receive. The Second Law of Thermodynamics basically teaches us what my kids demonstrate all the time: all things move from order to disorder.

So, what can we do in a world where the laws of nature are constantly causing things to unravel? We can band together and do what Jesus taught us to do: Love our neighbor as ourselves. Many times in my life I have had someone step in and help me keep it together when I felt as if everything was falling apart.

In response to my weekly email last week I received a wonderful response from someone who has been a part of our church’s We>Me philosophy:

“A pictures tells a thousand words...
When I left an abusive marriage I had no furniture. After living in a furnished studio in a bad neighborhood for 2 years God led me to move. I was skeptical.I still had no furniture. But I moved. For a week, I slept on the floor on a mattress cover. Faith, (Women’s Pastor) asked for prayer at our women's Bible study group. Within a week, I had a brand-new bed. Later a shelf, a mirror, a beautiful lamp. Then some pictures, and some beautiful bedding. Two weeks later I got a beautiful couch. Then a table. The best part is that all of my interior decorating was orchestrated by God. The Master Artist. See, nobody communicated about decor, and I am a fussy artist. But EVERYTHING matches perfectly. And everything is the best quality. I live in a beautiful apartment, fully furnished by God's people. Truly, We>Me!”

Way to go team, family, church! Praise Jesus for calling us out of our selfishness and into family that is able to overcome the relentless challenge of entropy and create true moments of unity and harmony.

Join us this Sunday as we dive deeper into the what, why, and how Jesus has called us to live out We>Me.

David