Anyone who says they don’t like to be comfortable should be viewed with suspicion.  And most of us live in a way that points to our obvious affinity for comfort.  Remote controls, free delivery, smart phones, and leather recliners…Ahhh!  What’s not to like?  So why would anybody purposely abandon their comfort for 40 days?

It would have to be for a good cause.  After all, that’s why we go on diets before vacation.  It’s why we work long hours before annual reviews.  And it’s why we spend large sums of money on uncomfortable-but-fashionable clothes when we’re trying to attract a future spouse.  We abandon comfort for a cause.

Each year we challenge our church to consider abandoning some comfort for the season of Lent.  And each year we explain why it’s worth considering.  Here’s the explanation:

WHY? 

Lent is a way to bring focus to our pursuit of Christ.  By removing the comfortable distractions, we create opportunities to connect with God.  It can also help us identify with the sufferings that Christ went through for us, sort of like when you give up a meal out of solidarity with those who are starving.  And it creates tremendous anticipation of, and appreciation of Easter Sunday when it finally arrives!

HOW?  

Prayerfully consider what changes may help you pursue Christ, listen to the Spirit, and connect with God.  This is not a duty or an obligation.  If you’re dreading it, you may want to step back and understand why.

WHAT?  

It’s extremely flexible.  Some choose to forego a luxury or habit, such as sweets, chocolate, alcohol, television, or movies. Others choose to adopt a new practice, such as prayer walking, meditation, generosity to strangers, reading, or serving others.  You could consider tapping into Monvee (see our web site for details) for ideas on how to use “My Time.”  The key is that your choices help you pursue Christ.  For example, I typically turn off the radio, CD, cellphone, etc. in my car during Lent.  It gives me time each day to connect with God.  I’m also going to curtail my TV time to 2 hours a week.  And I’m going to buy the drink for the person behind me in line at Starbucks.  You don’t have to pick three.  I’m just sort of an overacheiver here!

WHEN?

Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 22 and continues until Easter Sunday.  Traditionally, the practices of Lent are lifted each Sunday in order to celebrate Christ.  The total number of days observed will then be 40.  That number has biblical significance, from the Israelite’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, to Jesus’ 40 days of fasting.

WHO? 

This is something you can do on your own.  However, most people find it helpful to share the journey with others.  Talk about your commitments, but then also share how you’re experiencing God during this season.  If you’d like, you can join the conversation below.

So I challenge you to join us this year in the Lent Experiment.  Really, what do you have to lose?  It’s only 40 days.  And it’s only a small inconvenience to our comfort.  In exchange for a little comfort, you may very well experience God like never before.

-Pastor Mark

Last week I had the pleasure of introducing a friend of mine to an entire college campus full of students.  And I was super excited about it because I KNEW the kind of difference he could make in their lives.  The friend was someone who has spoken here at Seneca Creek on numerous occasions, Bishop Eliudi Issangya from Tanzania.

The college campus was the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where my daughter currently attends.  And where my wife and I met as students many years ago.  The reason I was excited is that I’ve witnessed the impact that the Bishop has on people.  He inspires them, challenges them, and leaves them wanting to follow God passionately.  I knew that if I could arrange to have him speak at a chapel service, it would have far-reaching impact on those students for years to come.  I’ve been working at this idea for almost a year.  And as I sat in the chapel service last Thursday, I was like a kid on Christmas morning.  “They’re gonna LOVE him,” was my thought.  And they did.  He connected with them in a powerful, challenging way.

But later that week I got to thinking, “Do I get that excited about introducing people to Jesus?”  I mean, Jesus is certainly able to inspire, challenge, and motivate them to follow God.  He can absolutely change anyone’s life for eternity!  And I sadly realized that, no, I don’t often get that excited.  And I think it’s because I don’t hang out enough with Jesus to realize and be reminded of just how much people are missing out on.  Or just how much people truly need to be introduced to him.  I don’t want to miss out on a chance to make a life-changing introduction.  So I’m looking with fresh eyes.  And hanging out with Jesus more throughout the day.

What about you?

Seneca Creek Core Value: Everyone deserves to be introduced to Jesus. 

Let’s get excited about this.  There is truly nothing more worthy.

-Pastor Mark

When it comes to technology, mass production is amazing. Amazingly cool things become very affordable. But when it comes to people, mass production is a disaster. Would you rather be mass produced, or handcrafted?
Do you realize that you’re a handcrafted work of art? You’re uniquely created by God, and you’re not like ANY other person on the planet. No two people are exactly alike. And when it comes to growing, and becoming who you were handcrafted to be, you’re not going to grow like everyone else. In fact, you’re not going to grow like ANYONE else. A mass-produced spiritual growth plan is not going to work too well. That’s why we rolled out a personalized spiritual growth tool last Sunday. It’s called Monvee (a made-up word from mono and vie, for “one life”).
So if you’re looking to become a more healthy you this year in your spiritual journey, and if you’ve wondered why nothing you try seems to fit, then you have to check out Monvee. You can get some info on our web site, or at http://www.monvee.com But to really understand and take advantage of this tool, you’ll need to stop by Connection Point on Sunday and get a Monvee pack ($20). That will help you start an incredible journey of becoming the best version of you.
And if you missed last Sunday, check out the podcast for more details. Then begin to lay out a roadmap for your own growth…and become the incredible work of art that God, the Master Craftsman had in mind when he thought you up! Let’s grow together this year.

-Pastor Mark

I still remember the conversation.  Someone from Seneca Creek had an idea…a way to help people get connected to one another.  She shared the simple idea with me, and offered to step up and give it a try.  And last weekend, it dawned on me just how powerful this idea has become.

The woman was Diane Matthews, a very busy working mom/wife.  And the idea was House2House.  House2House is a group of relative strangers who connect over a shared meal in a home.  It’s simple.  It’s attractive.  And it’s changing people’s lives.  The event has been organized four times, and each time it grows.  After last Saturday’s event, I heard more unsolicited stories than I can remember.  People were taking an awkward step, and going to the home of someone they didn’t know.  And by the time the evening was over, real friendship had been birthed.  I’ve even had people comment in the past that their good friend is someone they first met at a House2House.  All because of a simple, practical idea.  And all because of one person.

So you might think, “I’m just one person…what can I do?”  You might see a need and think, “I’m just one person…what difference can I make?”  And I would simply point toward Diane Matthews and say, “You can do more than you ever imagined.”  What is God nudging you to do today?

-Pastor Mark

You’ve heard the definition: Insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.  If that’s true, then what are the implications for our spiritual health?  Are you experiencing insanity?

You know the feeling, right?  Every January you try the same things (“this year I’m going to read the ENTIRE Bible!”)…and try harder.  You do the same things over and over and PRAY for different results.  But you’re stuck in your patterns, and feel like you keep going in circles, or keep running into the same wall.  Your spiritual beliefs don’t seem to be impacting your everyday life.  God doesn’t seem any more personal or closer than before.  Maybe you’ve hit a spiritual stumbling block.  And maybe it’s time for a change.

This Sunday, in our “Healthy U” series, we’re going to jump into this conversation.  Because you’re not alone.  We all deal with it at some point.  And if we’re going to become healthier spiritually, we’ve got to find a new way forward.

See you Sunday!

-Pastor Mark

P.S. And no, I won’t be riding a stationary bike on stage again this week.  (If you missed last Sunday, be sure to get the podcast.)

For years now people have predicted that December 21, 2012 would be the end of the world.  It’s (loosely) based on the ancient Mayan calendar.  We’re in 2012.  What if they’re right?

DISCLOSURE: Some people are naturally trusting.  I’m not.  If it seems too good to be true, I’m already out the door and two blocks away running at full speed.  Show me the proof, and then I just MIGHT consider your claim.  So when a new idea, theory, or prediction comes along, don’t expect to find me near the front of the choir.

So no, I’m not an advocate of the Mayan end-of-the-world theory.  But imagine if you were.  Imagine if you believed that in 11 months and 9 days it would be over.  Are you imagining that?  Now…

How will you live this next year?  What will you be sure to do?  What will you be sure to STOP doing?  How will you live your next 11 months and 9 days in light of the fleeting nature of your time left on earth?  Believe it or not, that’s actually a very good way to live.  In fact, it’s a very Christ-like way to live.  Jesus reminded his followers over and over again that this life is not all there is.  He urged them to invest in something BEYOND this life, (Matthew 6:19-21) and to live with the watchful understanding that the next life could come crashing in at any moment!  (Matthew 24:42-44)  And Paul reminded us to

…press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 3:14)

When you live this way, it changes things.  It changes priorities and problems.  It puts a lot of things in a healthy perspective.  As one writer put it:

Those who think most of the next world do the most good in this one.

So you can do what you like with the Mayan’s calendar.  But this year, I encourage you to do something constructive with Jesus’ calendar.  Live this year like it’s your last.  And make it count for all eternity.

-Pastor Mark

Don’t you love it when there’s a fresh snow and you get to be the first one to track through it?  Either with your skis, your kids, or even your 4 wheel drive?  It’s like a blank canvas, and you are the artist.  January is like a fresh snowfall, too.

You’ve got 360 days left to scribble all over 2012.  What will you paint?  A new job?  A new skill?  A changed habit?  The possibilities are staggering!  Can I make a suggestion?  How about getting God into your paintbrush, into your life, and all over the canvas of this next year?  Here’s how.

Pick one of the 200 plus Bible reading plans available at www.youversion.com/reading-plans/all.  Choose from options like:

• One Year Bible
• The Essential 100
• The Essential Jesus
• New Testament
• The Gospels
• First Steps Plan

There are plans for marriage, grief, prayer, anger, fear, forgiveness, and suffering.  There are plans for students, men, women, parents, and those in recovery.  There are so many plans you’ll find it hard to choose.  Maybe your canvas will need more than one color.

All these are available 24/7, free, online.  And they’re also available as a free download for any smart phone you have.  And there are 27 different translations in English ALONE!  It’s never been easier to paint.

Why should you bother?  Not because you need more things to do.  Not because you need another resolution hanging over your head.  Not because you want to beat your uncle at Bible trivia, either.  But because you and I were made to relate to our heavenly Father.  And one of the best ways to get to know him is through his story.  The Bible is his story.  And when you get to know his story, you begin to bring God into your story.  Onto your canvas.  Into your fresh snow.  Evidence of God all over your new year.  What will your canvas look like?

-Pastor Mark

I know it’s just three days till Christmas.  And I’m looking forward to it as much as anyone.  But I’m also looking beyond it…and I hope you will, too, because I’m gonna need your help.

Yes, Virginia, there is life after Christmas.  And it’s not all dying pine trees, discarded toys, and depressing credit card bills.  It’s actually a new year!  Full of new opportunities.  Typically we launch the New Year by talking about starting out strong, making resolutions, changing things you’ve been meaning to change, etc.  But maybe you’re slightly cynical.  Maybe you’re saying something like, “Been there, heard that, got the T-shirt.”  That’s understandable.

But when we’re honest, we KNOW that there are areas we would LIKE to change.  Resolutions we would LIKE to keep.  Even if we’ve failed miserably for the last five or fifty years.  So what can we do?  Well consider this.  Starting January 8^th we’ll be launching a series called, “Healthy U.”  And this year, before I stand up and teach on topics like finances, caring for our bodies, spiritual development, relationships, etc., I’d like to hear from you.  In fact, I’d like to listen to your concerns, your successes, and your frustrations in dealing with the areas that seem to trip us up year after year.  So here’s what we’re going to do.

Each week during this series I’ll have an open discussion on Wednesday nights at a local Starbucks.  We’ll provide some questions for you to think through before Wednesday.  Then we’ll grab a hot beverage, and learn together.  Those Wednesday conversations will help shape the Sunday morning conversations, and hopefully shape the rest of our lives.  I’ll do my best to present clear teaching from God’s Word that helps with the real concerns in our lives.

So if you’re interested in being part of this new way of addressing some very familiar topics, mark your calendar for Wednesdays and watch for more details.  It’s something to look forward to beyond Christmas.

And speaking of Christmas, on behalf of the entire staff of Seneca Creek, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.  I pray that God is with you in a very powerful way this time of year.

-Pastor Mark