Living in faith, hope and Love

This past Monday we opened our doors and invited our community to spend time serving others.  It was a huge success, with almost 600 people participating.  And none of it would have happened if…

None of it would have happened if it wasn’t for the 100 plus volunteers who worked behind the scenes for weeks and months.  So thank you to each of our volunteers.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  By serving in this way, you exemplified the legacy of Dr. King.

Without question Dr. King was a man of incredible courage, character, and conviction.  And the reason he possessed those qualities was because his life was powerfully shaped by the Bible, and the message of the gospel that Jesus brought, taught, and lived.  You simply cannot read Dr. King’s writings without recognizing that he knew God’s word, and God’s word shaped his life, his calling, and his legacy.

Here’s my question for you: How has God’s word shaped your life, your calling, and your legacy?

Most of us are not as well-versed in Scripture as Dr. King.  Most of us haven’t spent the time that he did reading, reflecting on, and acting on God’s truth.

But you can do something about that.  And you don’t have to change careers and become a preacher.  You can take a bold step today that will help you begin to read, wrestle with, and embrace God’s word into your life.  What am I talking about?

Converge Groups!

That’s right. Our Converge Groups, (and Rooted Experience) are guaranteed to help you get more of God’s word into your mind, your life, your heart, and your legacy.  You have an opportunity this week to register for one of our brand-new, redesigned Converge groups.  Click here to see the list.

These groups will start next week, and conclude in about 10 weeks.  This is your chance to start out 2017 by following the example of Dr. King.  And God only knows how this could change your life, your character, and your legacy.

-Pastor Mark

Here’s one couple’s story of how Rooted changed their life. It could change yours too if you give it a chance.

There’s a popular trend in fast-casual dining called Pick-Two. You get to select two items off the menu and bundle them as one.  The benefit is you get more options.  Now we’re bringing that option to you.

Depending on your schedule last weekend, please read the appropriate section below:

If you were NOT able to join us last Sunday (Jan 8^th), you missed our conversation about “Shaping Your Interior Life.”  You can listen to the entire message here, or you can read my summary.

1. What’s inside your life shapes everything else that’s outside your life.
2. Therefore, it’s worth investing in the shape of your interior life.
3. There are two key strategies to accomplish this. First, pick a spiritual practice (see chart below), and then pick a spiritual pathway (see list below).

In other words, “Pick-Two” and put them in your life this week.

If you WERE with us last Sunday, let me challenge you again to Pick-Two.

You’ve had a few days to think about which spiritual practice would be best for your current life situation.  And you probably identified your spiritual pathway while we talked about them on Sunday.  So what can you do this week to begin walking in that pathway?  I know for me I’ve taken steps to make sure I’m pursuing down two key pathways this week (worship and creation).

Take a minute right now, review the material below, and Pick-Two.  Then it’s a great idea to tell someone about it.  A family member, friend, small group leader, etc.  Someone who can encourage you to stick with your two picks as the year unfolds.

Spiritual Practices (from Sacred Rhythms, by Ruth Haley Barton)

Select a challenge area from the first column, then a practice or two from the matching list on the right.

(for more details on these practices, please check out the podcast)

Spiritual Pathways (from Sacred Pathways, by Gary Thomas)

Identify which one or two pathways most fit your experience and preference.

1. Intellectual

You look forward to the teaching part of a gathering like this.  You may be inclined to research and learn about issues.  Your heart is stirred when you mind is engaged.  You’re driven by ideas, not emotions.  You feel connected to God when theological truth is clearly explained.  You often read books or articles to help deal with a problem.

2. Relational

You’re wired for people.  You’ve never met a small group you didn’t like.  You answer telemarketers and ask them how their day is going.  You discover that God speaks to you through other people.  Spending too much time alone drains you of energy

3. Serving

You get distracted when details haven’t been taken care of.  You enjoy working behind the scenes.  You have strength to care for others even if you’re tired.  You may have trouble just sitting still.  You experience God most when you’re extending his love to others in some way.

4. Worship

You look forward to worship gathering.  You may secretly wonder why the preacher thinks that what he has to say is so important that you can’t just worship longer.  Problems seem to fade away during worship.  God opens your heart and mind during times of worship.

5. Activist

You come alive to a challenge.  When you hear, “that can’t be done,” your first thought is, “Nothing is impossible with God!!”  The needs around you awaken an unstoppable desire to move heaven and earth to meet those needs.  You may get frustrated with those who don’t seem to care about injustice.  And you experience God’s presence as you pour yourself into a worthy cause.

6. Contemplative

You crave extended times of being alone.  Others may think you’re a hermit, and you may wonder how they can expect to hear God’s voice amid all the noise of life!  You may feel guilty for getting so much joy out of solitude.  You find deep joy and connection with God when you can get free of distractions.  You may have a great capacity for prayer.

7. Creation

You prefer to go for a long walk when faced with a difficult decision.  You get a spiritual buzz out of a beautiful sunset.  Your five senses often point your heart toward God.  And your connection to God is very real when you observe his creation.

Whew! That’s a lot to read. But it’s a gold mine for your life. Feel free to add your comments and experiences in the space below.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. A very important message from Heather Nicholson, our Middle School Director.  Check out her comments here.

It’s kinda faddish, but it’s also kinda useful.  The idea is that you pick one word and focus on that for the next year.  Last year my word was generosity.  I worked on it.  I gave away time and money to become more generous.  This year, my word is…

New.

I admit it; I like predictability.  I’m comfortable with the things I already know.  I can easily slip into mind-numbing routines and not even realize it.  That’s why my word for the year (2017) is “new.”  I’m committed to thinking new thoughts, trying new experiences, starting new projects, and building new relationships and habits.

Because, as Pastor Jeannette reminded us last Sunday, God is the “God of the new.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”  Revelation 21:5

So for starters I have a new reading plan.  A new morning routine.  A new weekly schedule.  And there will be more new things to come.

Please don’t misunderstand.  It’s not about change for change sake.  It’s about opening up my life to the work God wants to do.

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  Isaiah 43:19

What about you?  What word captures the work God would like to do in you this year?  Hint: If you need some help with this, please register for our Winter Rooted Experience.  It starts on Tuesday, Jan 24^th, and runs for ten (10) weeks.  You’ll definitely learn to connect with God, his church, and his purposes for your life!

I encourage you to choose a word (or character quality) and make this the year that you finally begin to grow in that area.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. Feel free to add your “one word” idea below.

Maybe you’re a big party person. Maybe you party alone with your favorite movie and pizza.  But regardless of your style, we’re days away from the biggest reason to party that’s ever happened!

Christmas is more than a shopping extravaganza (thankfully). It’s more than Christmas movies and music and lights and ornaments.  It’s about a party.  Think about it like this.  When you get invited to a party, what’s the reason for the party?  Usually it’s to celebrate something.  It could be a birthday, a promotion, a graduation, or a national holiday.  But typically there’s a reason to celebrate.  And so, we throw a party.

Well Christmas is THE reason to celebrate!

• It’s a time to celebrate God’s incredible gift to all of humanity.
• It’s a time to celebrate the “incarnation.” (If you missed last Sunday, we talked about this briefly.)
• It’s a time to celebrate a new way to live.

Even the shepherds realized it was time to party!

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Luke 2:19 – 20, The Message

So this year as you consider Christmas, consider it a reason to party.  Whether you like to party with several hundred of your closest friends, or party with popcorn and a Christmas movie.

And to help you celebrate, we’re having four (4) Christmas Eve gatherings at Seneca Creek this Saturday.  I’d like to invite you to join us at 2:00, 3:30, 5:30, or 7:00 pm.  All are welcome, and together we’ll celebrate the event that changed the world!

-Partying Pastor Mark

P.S. Remember to invite someone else to the party on Christmas Eve.  Maybe a family member, friend, neighbor, or colleague.

Earlier this month I spoke with someone from Seneca Creek whose life and world were forever changed by five simple words.
The person I spoke with told of growing up in an environment where God was someone to be feared, someone who was on a mission to find sin, to judge, and to condemn.  No relationship, just rules and fear.  Needless to say when this individual finished schooling, they were finished with church and with God.  They went so far as to marry an atheist.  Case closed.

Until the day that someone spoke those five powerful words.  Words that set this person on a course that has transformed their life, their family, and their eternity.  Words that led to a brand new, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Words that led to a hunger and thirst for more of God, and what he has for this person’s life.  Words that led to a desire to learn, to grow, and to serve.  Words that allowed this individual to cross over from death to life.

And here’s the cool part.  These five powerful words are words that you could speak.  And you could watch them have the same kind of impact on another person’s life, family, and eternity.

What are those words?  Well, you’ll have to come out this Sunday to find out.

JUST KIDDING!

Here are the powerful words that can change lives and eternities: I’d like to invite you…

That’s it.  I’d like to invite you.  Then you fill in the rest.  I’d like to invite you:

• To join me some Sunday.
• To my church if you’re interested.
• To come hear some great music and teaching.
• To bring your kids to something that they’ll really love this weekend.
• To see what gives me hope in the face of difficult circumstances
• To make this a December to remember.
• To a Christmas Eve event for the whole family…

The power of a personal invitation cannot be overemphasized.  The person I mentioned above told me how their next-door neighbor invited them to Seneca Creek.  That was three years ago.  Since then this individual has made a decision to follow Christ, and their life and family will never be the same.  All because of five simple words.

I’d like to invite you…

So this year, as Christmas approaches, I urge you to speak those powerful words to someone you know.  Why?  We believe that Jesus’ invitation is good news that is meant to be shared.  If it helps, pick up some nice colorful invitations on Sunday.  Then invite someone to join you on Christmas Eve.  Or any other time.  Because what you take for granted might be what the other person will take for a lifeline.

-Pastor Mark

Would you like to make this December one that stands out? Are you looking for something more than endless commercials and cookies? Here’s your chance.

We’re inviting everyone at Seneca Creek to join in a Bible reading plan for the next 26 days.  It’s super simple, and honestly takes about 5 or 10 minutes per day at the most.

Why should you consider it?  Well, because it will help you go through this month with a clarity and focus on what Christmas is all about.  And it will help you anticipate Christmas morning in a new and fresh way.  And it will make this a December to remember.

Here’s how to participate:

1. Download the free Bible app on your smart phone (if you don’t already have it).  You can go to bible.com/app and it will take you to the link.
2. From within the Bible app, click on the icon for “plans” or “reading plans.” Search for the plan called, “The King Is Coming,” or just click this link and open it with your Bible app. Then click on “start plan.”
3. Join our special FaceBook group designed for any questions or comments you may have during your reading.  You can click here, or search for the group called “Seneca Creek Bible Reading.”  We’ll have some of our Seneca Creek leaders monitoring the conversations as we go through the month of December.

I know from personal experience, and countless other testimonies, that the habit of reading God’s word each day will produce something good in your life.  We’ll encourage one another to stick with this plan for the next 26 days.  I’m praying that this year is a December to remember for all of us.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. If you don’t have a smart phone you can follow the same plan on your computer.  Just click this link to get started.

This is the ideal time to point out something that we’ve lost in our national debates and decisions.  The good news is we can get it back!  What am I talking about?

Gratitude.

Since it’s a holiday, perhaps you’ve got a few minutes to let Hezekiah Walker remind us of the need to be grateful.

Please don’t misunderstand. Gratitude isn’t a magic wand.

• Gratitude doesn’t fix the problems around me, even my first-world problems.
• Gratitude doesn’t pretend everything is hunky-dory.
• Gratitude doesn’t cause me to lose focus on important things.

But gratitude is a powerful tool that we’ve too easily abandoned in our country and our personal lives.

• Gratitude gives me the power of perspective.
• Gratitude gives me the joy to endure difficulties.
• Gratitude gives me a heart for God who alone has the power to fix the biggest problems in our world.

So as you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday today, ask yourself these questions. They may help you rediscover something that we truly cannot afford to lose.

1. Have you thanked someone who disagrees with you for helping you see and understand a different perspective on life?
2. Have you thanked God for his faithfulness to you DURING the difficult season(s) of your life? (Paul instructs us not to be anxious, but to present our requests to God WITH THANKSGIVING.)
3. Have you remembered to thank God for the things that ARE going well in your life? (e.g. the air you breathe, the friends you have, the roof over your head, the car in your driveway, the food in your pantry, the friends in your contact list, and the first responders who come to your aid in times of crisis)
4. Have you thanked God for his Son, Jesus Christ, who took on human form, and took on the sin of the world, and took on the enemy of God and won the victory so that we could be part of God’s new family?

Gratitude is so important it becomes a theme in one book of the New Testament.  Here’ an excerpt:

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.  Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.  (Colossians 3:15-17)

Let me encourage you to take a few minutes today to share your gratitude with someone else.  We can’t afford to lose our gratitude.  Come to think of it, those around us can’t afford for us to lose it either.

-Pastor Mark

P.S. I’m grateful for our incredible church, Seneca Creek, where God continues to exceed our expectations week after week.  I’m grateful that he doesn’t leave us where we were when he found us!

P.P.S. We’re going to launch at December Bible reading plan. To get ready, be sure to download the Bible app (LifeChurch version) from the App Store or Google Play store.  If you don’t use a smart phone, the link above will also take you to a web site you can use.  Then keep an eye on your email for details next week.

Ignoring it won’t make it go away. Whatever you think of the recent election, or of the many voices of protest that continue to dominate the news cycle, it’s clear that ignoring it won’t make it go away.  I’d like to suggest a more helpful approach.

I’ve had conversations with passionate people across the political spectrum.  And I’ve read many more passionate comments on social media and in the news media.  If I could characterize what I’m hearing it would be that we tend to raise our voice without raising our listening.  We tend to dismiss and demonize others without developing understanding.  We see the world (and our elected officials) through our own experiences and beliefs, and we are tempted to think that everyone who disagrees with us is blind or stupid, or arrogant, or racist, or worse.

In other words, while we may very well have good reasons for our beliefs and positions, we fail to inquire of the other person what their reasons are for their beliefs and positions.  Quite simply, we don’t understand.  We assume we do, but we often don’t.

• What if the person you disagree with has a relative who is living in fear because of the rhetoric and promises of the recent election?
• What if they’ve had to spend money they didn’t have for health insurance that has gotten drastically more expensive?
• What if they’ve received personal threats as a non-majority person in the last few months?
• What if they have a family member who took their own life because they couldn’t get adequate care after returning home from combat?

Those are just a few examples of that might be the reasons for someone’s opposing view.  And we don’t understand…unless we bother to ask.

So my challenge to you is this.  Ask.  Ask this one simple question (without malice).

“Can you help me understand why you feel the way you do about this issue/candidate?”

What you don’t understand could make all the difference.  Most people are more than willing to help you understand.  They may get passionate, but they may also raise your understanding.  You don’t have to agree with them.  But it would be useful if you could at least understand them.  Not by reading the news.  Not by posting on social media.  But by having an honest conversation.  By raising your listening more than raising your voice.  By developing understanding instead of demonizing and dismissing.  Because now more than ever our world needs peacemakers.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. – Jesus

And then this…

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. – James, brother of Jesus

-Pastor Mark

The national election is over…except that it’s not.  Because we not only choose who will lead our country, we choose how we will follow.

There’s an old worship song that includes these lines:

I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back.

So whatever you happen to think and believe and feel about the election results, you still get to choose how you will follow.

I’m writing this as the national and international news feeds are going ballistic about the election results from last night.  The mood in some quarters is almost funereal.  People are wondering if they’ll be allowed to stay in this country.  Others are wondering if they want to stay.  Almost like it’s all over.

But it ain’t over!  Never has there been a greater call for the followers of Jesus to actually follow him.  And God’s word has some helpful insights as we ponder our following.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  Psalm 20:7  [Who am I really trusting in?]

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.  For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.  Psalm 86:9-10 [Who really leads this world?]

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1 [What am I really afraid of?]

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.  Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.  Psalm 82:3-4 [Am I involved in the things that matter to God?]

NOW is the time when the followers of Jesus need to choose to follow him as part of his new kingdom.

• A kingdom that is built on love, not on hate and fear.
• A kingdom that mimics our true leader, the one who associated with (and elevated the status of) those on the margins…the ones others considered unworthy or untouchable.
• A kingdom that sees what God sees in each and every person.
• A kingdom that is for ALL PEOPLE, regardless of gender, race, nationality, age, language, color, economics, education, status, or culture.
• A kingdom of HOPE. The hope that is at the core of the good news of Jesus Christ.

No, it ain’t over.  It’s just beginning.  It’s time for the followers of Jesus to focus on making God’s name great again.  To choose to follow in ways that will elevate his reputation, that will “hallow his name.”  Like the writer of Psalm 135 put it:

Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations.  Psalm 135:13

So let’s make God’s name great again.  (I know, it’s always been great…but too many have forgotten that.)  Let’s choose each day to follow well…to become like our teacher, our rabbi, our professor.  And let’s make the next four years an awesome time of experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit moving though our lives, our church, our community, our country, and our world.

It ain’t over.  It’s just getting started.  Choose well.  Follow well.  Vote for Jesus!

-Pastor Mark