People from Fresno rock!

Over Easter break we hosted a team from Fresno...the youth pastor had a great idea for a mission trip. Instead of going abroad, they came to Modesto (2 hours away) and spent 3 days with us...learning how we reach out in our valley city. Then they went home to Fresno and implemented what they learned from us in their own valley city for the rest of the week.

This was one of our best high school teams...very eager to learn, jump in and go for it. This picture is them serving food on south 9th St. in the rain. Not one complaint and lots of laughs. Laughter and rain cleaned 9th Street a bit...and we had some great burger dogs (we got a donation of hot dog shaped burgers...weird and really good)!

Living in the Story - Lent #40, 2009

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' " (Mark 16)

No commentary to add...just "Amen and Hallelujah!"

Living in the Story - Lent #39, 2009

"...the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle." (John 19)

The link below is to a good article about a great song for Easter time over at the Rabbit Room. Click the link and scroll to the bottom of the article to listen...happy Good Friday!

High Noon - CLICK HERE

Living in the Story - Lent #38, 2009

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4)


"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (John 20)

Living in the Story - Lent #37, 2009

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."

They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"

Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"

Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you." (Matt 26)

Our friend John from Canada is touring his show "Alive - the Easter Report" around our area. I was with him for two performances today (4 more to go) and this passage is included in the presentation. In his inflection, he highlights the fact that Judas calls Jesus "Rabbi" which means "teacher" and not "Lord". That's an interesting nuance.

Is Jesus just a giver of good advice? Is he only a great man? Good teacher? Does he just have good things to say about peace and love?

Or is he Lord? Have you given yourself to him? Have you thrown in your lot and put your future and plans and hopes all on him?

Living in the Story - Lent #36, 2009

Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?"

Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."

Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" (John 13)

Our mighty declarations, the things we know we can do, our proud work, our plans, procedures and programs have to fail in order for Jesus to do his greater work. Then, broken and humble, we can follow. He ALWAYS has something different, better and more complete in mind.

Living in the Story - Lent #35, 2009

"You will always have the poor among you..." (John 12)

This verse has been used as our excuse to not engage the poor. That is wrong. That is not why Jesus said this. This was a response to Judas' false concern for the poor. Jesus was setting him straight. He did not say this to excuse us for all of time from considering, befriending and being with poor people. In fact, part of his point was that we would have plenty of time to be with the poor.

Tonight, I was with a group of young people that are getting it. They are going to be church leaders, mayors, business people, parents and a whole host of possibilities. But I know that whatever they do, they will remember the poor and that gives me great hope. We can get it right too.

No excuses, no false concern...we can do it.

Daybreak

This is Amie's recent entry in the choreographer's showcase at Modesto Junior College. This was Amie's first year to just focus on the movement and not actually be in the dance. She did a great job with these girls...it's so fun to see her in the creative process and I love the finished product. Enjoy! (If you're reading this in facebook, glonk on "view original post")

Living in the Story - Lent #34, 2009

"...many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him." (John 11)

Two weeks ago, at a local high school, after a year of prayer, some friends from our local youth pastors network working with students from the Christian club at the school hosted a week of evangelism meetings. Rough estimates report 1300 kids attending the meetings and at least 45 giving their life to Christ.

Friends introducing their friends to Jesus still works. Who do you know that needs to hear about, see and encounter Jesus? Why not just talk to them about it?

Pray for opportunity. Look for the door to open. Humbly be yourself. Share Jesus.

Living in the Story - Lent #33, 2009

"...Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, 'Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.' And in that place many believed in Jesus." (John 10)

The gospel readings this year during Lent have focused quite a lot on those stories where the people get so mad at Jesus they want to stone him or throw him off a cliff or plot to kill him. I don't think I realized how often this happened. There are so many places where Jesus just isn't welcome.

I loved this scripture...having just been persecuted with death threats, Jesus goes back to a place he had been "in the early days."

Jimmy, Arlie and I hiked the river trail today to look for homeless camps. We were looking for someone in particular but being down there made me remember the early days when Aaron and I had no clue what we were doing. We were banking our whole lives on the fact that friendship is the thing that makes a difference in the lives of the poor. We used to go down with snacks or cold water and soda, we'd take information and sit and talk with people. We would be and do what we could. Here now, years later it seems that God is bringing us back to that...but not in a "going back" kind of way...more like going forward toward completeness.

Remember your first love? Do you remember when you first fell in love with Jesus? Do you remember the electric air and bursting heart entering a whole new world? Do you remember wanting to soak it all up? Do you remember how clear his voice was? Prayer was spontaneous, worship infused with life...repentance brought joy. Was there ever a time when evangelism wasn't a chore or something to feel guilty about?

Let's return.

Living in the Story - Lent #32, 2009

"If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me." (John 8)

There is a great talk by author Donald Miller (you can find it here) about stories. In a nut shell, he says that the things that make good stories also make good lives...we are co-authoring our lives along with God.

As I read Christ's words this morning, they made me remember a part of that talk. One of Donald's points is that no hero of any story can think that he is better than others. Jesus was accused of arrogance and exalting himself, and the world, even his own students, didn't understand that he came to serve. He left the Glory up to his Father. Jesus was and is very secure.

I love Dean Sherman's definition of Biblical humility..."an honest evaluation of the way things are." If I play the guitar well, it is not humble to say that I don't. If someone thanks me for a job well done, it is not humble to say, "no, no, I give the glory to God." while pointing up to the sky. If I screw up, it's not humble to spin a bunch of excuses..."I'm sorry, please forgive me" will do.

Today, how can we be more like Jesus? We can speak matter-of-factly, with no dramatic exaggeration or arrogance. We can be ok with the good gifts he's given us. We can leave the glory to God. We can live grateful lives.

Living in the Story - Lent #31, 2009

"...if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8)

"He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners..." (Luke 4)

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
(2 Cor 3)

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." (Gal 5)

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
(Eph 3)

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom..."
(James 2)

Living in the Story - Lent #30, 2009

"Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him." (John 8)

I was in a meeting this morning that made me very sad. It was all about the California state budget that was recently passed. We've been in trouble for quite some time and will be in trouble for quite a while still. And the ones to suffer most are the poorest, most vulnerable. I know, this is always the case but it was hard to hear.

As the presenter showed us chart after chart the outcome seemed to get drearier and drearier. As she spoke, I lost my faith in politics. Our leaders wrote into the state budget...like in the budget that we're counting on...trusting that the lotto will bring in double the amount as last year (a snappy new add campaign needed). Mental health and education are both being cut severely. The presentation was called "uncharted waters."

Talking to co-workers today, we all agreed that we are sick of the word "economy." As the doom say-ers speak, we lose faith.

We need to hear Jesus. We need to hear his voice. 24 hour news and talk radio need to burn. Let's listen to Jesus. Let's put our faith in him.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear..." (1 John 4)

Living in the Story - Lent #29, 2009

I'm posting twice in today as I missed yesterday's gospel reading...but I love this story and did not want to skip it...

"Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
(John 8)

Today, Jimmy and I drove up and down 9th street about 6 times looking for a prostitute who, in her heart of hearts, wants to leave her life of sin. First, she needs a photo ID, then the stamina to get into a recovery program (it's not as easy as it sounds ...lots of overwhelming red tape to fight through). Then she needs to get free from the poison her body craves. Then she needs strong friendship to see her through the inbetween times. She needs the heart to stick to clean and sober living. She needs a family around her. She needs dignified work, a marketable, healthy skill set, affordable housing...she needs a whole new life. It starts with her willingness and a photo ID...and friends.

We didn't find her....the abandoned house she was living in was raided and is being auctioned off next week. We'll try again tomorrow.

Who do you know that needs to hear that you do not condemn them? That Jesus does not condemn them? Love is the best motivator to leave our life of sin.

"...God's kindness leads you toward repentance..." (Romans 2:4)

Living in the Story - Lent #28, 2009

"No one ever spoke the way this man does" (John 7)

Living in the Story - Lent #27, 2009

"...they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come." (John 7)

I was in a prayer time with local youth pastors yesterday and I read the passage from Psalm 100..."the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting and His truth endures to all generations." It occurred to me that this is cause for great security and rest and at the same time a call to go and do.

Jesus did not fear these crowds when they got so mad at him...we read a while ago that one group tried to throw him off a cliff but he "went his way". Jesus knew that his time was in the Father's hands and that was a cause for security. Jesus knew that his time was in the Father's hands and that was also a cause for walking, teaching, healing, sharing and going toward a goal.

God is good, his mercy is everlasting and his truth endures to our generation...and beyond. Let's rest in that. Let's work in that. Our times are in God's hands.

Living in the Story - Lent #26, 2009

"You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life." (John 5)

Come to Jesus. Consciously come to Jesus, O my soul, and let him give you life. Stop running. Just be with Jesus. Sit quietly. Listen. No agenda, no lesson sought after, no requests, no lists. Don't refuse. Life is with Jesus, not all these things. Go to him. Live.

Living in the Story - Lent #25, 2009

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. (Luke 1)

I couldn't say anything better than the video below (if you're reading this on facebook, you have to click 'view original post' to see it).

Living in the Story - Lent #24, 2009

Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. (John 5)

I have never seen a miraculous healing. I know it happens. I know people it has happened to and through and I believe them. I have just never been there to witness one...not a documented, "no shadow of a doubt" healing. I really want to, I do not want to lose hope that it can happen.

An old friend of mine once pointed out that there is a big difference in ministering healing to people and praying for people to be healed. Jesus ministered healing. He didn't pray "Oh God, please heal this man!", he said to the man, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."

I know what you're thinking, "...but that was Jesus and..." The Apostles also administered healing in this way, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."

Scripture does talk about praying for the sick in James 5..."Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." This is the community of faith gathering around a sick brother or sister. We rarely do this too.

Jesus said he only did what he saw the Father doing, he only said what he heard the Father saying...he had no fear about placing his hands on people and telling them to be healed. He saw and heard the Father doing it. Jesus didn't have to pray, "Oh please, maybe if you could, I'd appreciate it if you would..." No, Christ's ministry started and ended with intimacy with God and knowing His heart for people and walking confidently knowing what the Father was doing and hearing what the Father was saying.

Can we be like that? Can we walk in that kind of intimacy? Can we see the sick healed? Can we see the lost come to Jesus? Can we preach good news to the poor? Can we speak freedom to captives? Can we know what the Father is doing and hear what the Father is saying?

"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father." (John 14)

Living in the Story - Lent #23, 2009

"The man took Jesus at his word..." (John 4)

When you read his words, when you hear the story, when you look with the eyes of your heart at his face, his acts, his way...deep inside, you know it's true. Let's walk in that today.