Christmas 2007

Another year is quickly coming to a close; and if your schedule is like most it's time to update folks on what you have been doing since this time last year. Don't worry, there are pictures (and if you click on them, you can see them larger, too!)

Late last year we moved into our new home. We have spent a wonderful 12 months making the space ours and loving the freedom and responsibilities that come with home ownership. Denise planted lots of flowers and vegetables over the year; I get regular doses of lawnmower therapy; and the boys love having a yard to play in with the other neighborhood children.

In February, I came to the shocking reality that I am not as young as I thought or felt. The exuberance of youth finally caught up to me and the strained muscles I thought would heal after moving turned out to be a hernia. One medical procedure and several months of recovery later, and everything is back to normal. During the preliminary work for his surgery, it was noted that I either needed to lose quite a bit of weight or gain quite a bit of height. So, a new venture was taken . . . Weight Watchers. Joining forces with Denise and her mom, the three of us now go every week to a Weight Watchers' meeting in San Bruno. We have made so many friends in this group of people that it is hard to imagine we have only known them less than a year.

In the spring, my mom and dad came out for a visit - to see the new house and to celebrate the boys' birthdays. We had a blast touring Yosemite and different parts of San Francisco - even using a bicycle taxi at one point - and really enjoyed their visit. The birthday party was a BLAST! I have never heard so many excited voices as the boys opened their presents. Perhaps the best comment was "Oh WOW! That is so cool! What is it?"


In June, I enlisted the help of my father-in-law to prepare the back of our lot for a storage shed. God worked it out so that we got the right shed at the right time. We did overestimate on the amount of sand needed to level the site, so if you need sand for a sandbox . . .


July brought the normal camping activities. It was a blessing this summer to take 4 children from our church up to Pilot Lake for the weeks of Junior and Teen Camps. The speakers were amazing; and it proved a memorable time for all - adults included.

This fall has been spent in much activity. Denise continues to organize and lead Victory Sports - a physical education group for home schooled students that is held every week at a local park. In January, flag football will commence, much to the boys' delight! I reached a milestone in my weight loss efforts in September, reaching my goal weight; and then in October I received the Lifetime Weight Watchers status for maintaining my goal weight for 6 weeks. Now, as long as I am not more than 2# over my goal, Weight Watchers is free for me to attend. The only problem is that my clothes have all grown too big!



Also this fall, our family increased by one member when Toby, a Jack Russell Terrier joined our happy gang. He is definitely a handful, but is very easy-going and adapts to whatever situation he finds. He accompanies me to work every day and loves making new friends with all the folks who stop by the church office. Tennis balls live in fear of him!



The church has done very well this year, too. We have seen several families join with us over the past 12 months. It is a constant source of amazement to realize that God would allow me the privilege to work with and serve this amazing group of people. Over the year, we have cleaned out storage rooms, prepared rooms for different uses, had the roof replaced (we didn't do that work), and updated the landscaping. Several families have gone through major milestones as well. Death was no stranger to our midst this year, and the losses are keenly felt this holiday season. But God is good and gives us strength and hope for each day.

Our theme this year is "Lift up your eyes ... to the hills and the harvest." The hills are ever changing; one never knows what lies over the next one. The help, however, is never changing. God always provides what is needed and what is best. The harvest, too, is ever changing. As a church, we are exploring different avenues of outreach that will allow us an effective reach into our community.



Our missionary family was a tremendous blessing to us this year. We had opportunity to meet and reacquaint ourselves with folks who live in Albania, Chile, France, Uganda and Spain. Lord willing, we may even get to visit some of these folks in 2009 on their "home turf."

Tired yet? Whatever else you find yourself doing this holiday season, I trust that you will take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. More than toys, tots, rosy cheeks and warm wishes, Christmas is about people. Christmas is about love. Christmas is about God, Who loves people and gave them the best gift - His Son. Jesus was the best gift because it was exactly what we needed: One Who could do what we could not - not even if given a million years and ten million opportunities - live a perfect life that would meet God's demand for perfection. His willing sacrifice of that perfect life makes the possibility of a relationship with God a reality for those who accept it. If you would like to know more about how that is possible, drop me a line.

For now, have the merriest of Christmases. With much love from our family to you and yours,
Pastor Charlie Eldred

A great Sunday

Yesterday's services were interesting. I would love to relate all the details to you - but I was not there. Seems that the stomach bug had other plans for my body - launching its attack in the wee hours of Sunday and continuing into Monday.

What a blessing it was to be able to call 3 gentlemen who were willing, capable and prepared to step in and assist their ailing minister literally at a moment's notice. The reports I have heard from those in attendance was that God's Word did exactly what it was intended to do: impact lives because it is the living word of the living God - and not just the presumed message of a particular messenger.

Thanks to Gene, Steve and Gene for being willing instruments of God's grace to a congregation and to a grateful pastor in the process!

You are being watched!

Thanks once again to my friend, Chris, I have installed a piece of technology that will let me know where and when my readers are visiting. Don't worry, I will not be sending this information to the North Pole, so it will not affect your "Naughty" or "Nice" evaluation later this month.

Who knew?

Warning: You must be smart to read this!

Well, apparently it takes smarts to read my rantings and musings. According to The Blog Readability site, I blog at a postgraduate level. Sorry for the big words and not nearly enough pictures!

Thanks to Chris for pointing me to the site! Click on the picture and see at what level you blog.

My political endorsement

Less than one year from now we should know the name of the next President of these United States. It seems that everyone is jumping on and off band-wagons with enough regularity that a pulled political hamstring is inevitable. Since Pat Robertson has offered his endorsement of Guiliani, and Bob Jones III has endorsed Romney, I thought it only prudent to let you, dear reader (and by that I mean YOU, Mom!), know who I am supporting for President.

But, before I do, I am sure many might be wondering about the legal implications of such a move. As the pastor of a church, might my opinion be construed as a "here's what my congregation better do if they know what's good for them" type statement? Trust me, we are NOT that kind of church. We only give THAT level of importance to God's Word, not the preacher's opinions. What I will state is my personal opinion and should be given no more weight than if I were the church janitor.

You should also know that I am not lock-step with the Republican party. I know, for an independent, Fundamental Baptist pastor that may be an oddity but it is the truth. As I look over the political scene for the upcoming Presidential election, there are many scenarios when my normal Republican voting tendencies would be violated based on the candidates.

So, without further ado, here is the person for whom I believe YOU should cast your vote next November:












You really thought I would tell you? Wow. I thought you knew me? Vote for the candidate (can't use "man" this cycle) you believe will best honor your values and priorities. Please do NOT vote for someone who seems "most electable" or "at least they aren't [the other party's candidate]" - have more integrity than that. Vote according to your conscience and sleep well knowing that even the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. He will raise up whom He will; and can use even the best or worst candidate bring Him glory. You may not be able to claim to have voted for the "winner" but you will rest your head on the pillow at night knowing that your principles were not sacrificed on the altar of convenience.

Oh, and keep an eye on the former governor from Hope - the one who HASN'T lived in the White House . . . yet.

Imminent Fire Danger!

Much has been (rightly) made of the wildfires spreading throughout the southern portion of our state. Acres are burned, homes have been destroyed, resources have been utilized and exhausted; and now it seems as though the tide is turning and containment is being achieved in greater measures than previously. For those not familiar with California's geography, the nearest of these fires is located about 400 miles away.

Yet the fire danger is imminent here in Hayward! However, no evacuations are underway and the warnings given by authorities familiar with the situation are being unheeded. The resources to battle this imminent danger are being strained and are reaching the exhaustion point. What is needed is a fresh supply of water and human resources to combat this dangerous situation.

I am speaking of the imminent danger faced by many in this community of the fires of hell. Whether our neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances or friends care to admit it, each moment spent outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ based on His substitutionary death as payment for their God-separating sin is a moment spent in danger of entering eternity in that state. The fire danger is high - for all have sinned and all face God's unadulterated wrath for sin unless One stands on their behalf as Mediator and Substitute.

Today, you can help battle the blaze! Share the news of sin, wrath and the gloriousness of Christ with those who stand to lose the most as the blaze continues. Carry the living water to quench the thirsty souls of those who have yet to drink from its unending supply.

The alarm bell is ringing. Who will answer the call to fight the imminent fire danger all around?

Adding to the Family

This week we increased our family's size by one. Meet Toby, our 18-month old Jack Russell Terrier.

Toby was rescued from the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, a great place to adopt a pet for yourself if you're in the area and looking to add a pet to your family. Toby has already begun fitting in to the household. He accompanies me to the office and enjoys breaking up my day with plenty of walks. I think I have lost about 5 pounds just from all the exercise!

Anyway, when you hear Toby referenced from now on, you will know he is a canine member of the family!

Well worth the time to read

My friend, Chris, has a great personal story that would be worth your while to read. The Story of Grace details his journey through the adoption process. Well, I won't spoil the story. You go read it!

Homecoming Sunday

Today, Fairway Park Baptist Church marked 52 years of demonstrating God's person and work to the South Hayward community. May God be pleased to honor His name for another 52 years!

You can click the image for a larger version of the photo.

One more voice

Today, bloggers are asked to show support for those attempting to bring democracy to their land. The Burmese people have undergone tremendous suffering, torture and death because of their ideals. It is my prayer that a peaceful resolution will be found before too many others lose their lives.

And yet, the gospel is not bound! Even if our government were to shut down Internet access and round up those who stood for Biblical principles, the gospel would never be bound. In fact, the Gospel seems to thrive best in times of difficulty.

Pray for those Burmese people affected in Myanmar and around the globe. Pray for those who are ministering the Gospel to them. Pray for your own sense of urgency about sharing the Gospel. Expect difficulty; it is the soil best suited for the seeds of eternal life.

UPDATE from Voice of the Martyrs:
Pray for Christians being affected by the continued unrest in Myanmar. The government is targeting anyone with influence, and churches have not been spared. VOM contacts report, "Churches cannot meet. We are quietly meeting in small groups of no more than five to pray for our country. China reports five people have been killed, the BBC is saying about 10 have been killed, but our people have seen hundreds of bodies and many more filling the hospitals." Pray for the protection and safety of Christians in Myanmar. Pray the Holy Spirit will convict the hearts of the government officials and that the testimony of believers will draw others into fellowship with Jesus Christ. Psalm 27:1; Joshua 1:9

Quotable

"Missions is real. Missions is more than pictures displayed on a wall. Missions is about people making decisions that affect them for all eternity. I am here today because someone understood the reality of missions."
- Neil Arias, Chilean national pastor and church planter

When missionaries report, we all love to see the pictures of the folks being impacted by our prayers and pocketbooks. Were we to travel to visit these missionaries (ooh, foreign travel under the guise of 'humble discipleship') we would come back with several memory cards full of photos of all that was taking place on that field of service.

But what if during your visit to the foreign field you were asked to show your photos. What pictures would you show THEM - what photos exist of the people YOU and I are reaching with the gospel? Who are you reaching? It all goes back to Pastor Neil's quote. Missions is REAL. It impacts REAL people. It takes place in the REAL world ... the world you and I move in and around every day.

...and the beat goes on

Work continues to progress on our church roof. For the past several weeks, we have been repairing the roof and having new shingles / gutters put on the sanctuary. God has been demonstrating His glory in all that has been taking place. The weather has been very cooperative. The workers have been extremely professional. The details have been ... interesting.
Due to dry rot, we have had to replace 6 feet along the eave - for the entire length of the building. Add to this the interesting fact that roofing materials today are 1/4" narrower than what is on our current roof, and you see how the costs could escalate to procure custom sized material. As God would have it, the lumber was not only easily obtained, but able to be delivered in under a week.
Tomorrow, the new boards are installed and next week the shingles will be nailed onto the new roof. Then, as the Lord sends rain, we will be prepared to praise His name in a Providentially provided dry place!

Time for a little payback!

This weekend, I will enjoy the privilege of partially repaying a long-time debt of gratitude. My pastor during my 8 years of college, grad school and seminary will be in town for a visit. I have the great pleasure of asking HIM to preach in my normal place, instead of the other way around! I know that our people will be just as blessed as I have been every time he has opened the Word from behind the sacred desk.

I can't wait for Sunday!

Safety and Bridges

Many are following the events in Minneapolis surrounding the collapse of the I-35 bridge. What lessons can or should be learned from this? John Piper wrote a very compelling article addressing that very topic. I could try to recreate it and pass it off as my own; but I will do one better and point you directly to the article.

Click here for the link, read it, and respond in a way that pleases God.

Blowing off the cobwebs

Dear friends of Know~Be~Do:

I have not forgotten how to type, post or communicate. The hiatus of our integrity series is getting to the point of embarrassment. Please rest assured that there is more to come, though it may take a while.

To update you on the series and the need for a hiatus, let me back-track slightly. The integrity series is the overflow of a book I am co-authoring with a dear friend and ministry partner. We have been pouring the last 3 years or so into the research and development of a Bible study for men on the theme of Integrity.

That has all taken an interesting turn lately. Saturday night, July 14, my office was broken into and numerous items were taken. As I have been going through my inventory, the missing items include (to my knowledge so far) a 35 mm camera and telephoto lens, a new 32-channel mixing console for our church audio department (locked in my office for safe keeping prior to installation), a DVD / VCR device, and a 1 GB Flash Drive. The Flash Drive was the sole repository of my research and writings for the Integrity book and web series.

The Hayward Police Department has done a great job in helping me and our church process this event. Only now am I starting to realize the loss of that data. The research is gone (but can be redone), but there are / were also pictures on the drive that cannot be recovered as well as other data that cannot be recreated.

Stay tuned. As events develop, I will try my best to communicate them to you. Pray for whoever now has possession of our missing property. May God bring those people to Himself in a way that brings Him ultimate glory.

Integrity: Part 6 - Truth

Truth today is seen as optional, random, and relative. Long-gone are the days of ‘situational ethics’; today’s culture is not even concerned with the ethics of the situation – only on personal ethics. “What does this mean to me?” is the question asked by many. It is the wrong question! Your interpretation of a matter is irrelevant. “What is TRUE?” in this situation is far more relevant and important than any personal reaction or interaction.

Society needs truths to progress. The absence of truth leads to anarchy, when all seek to “do what is right in their own eyes.” Societal anarchy is horrendous; but personal anarchy is seen far more frequently and is even more destructive. Years ago, it was said that the person who acts as their own lawyer has a fool for a client. A modern corollary might state: The person who acts as their own moral compass has a fool for a guide.

Truth is not elusive. Truth is unchanging. Truth is vital if your life is to be one of integrity. The great unchanging truths are found in the Bible, the written record of the One Who does not change! Notice what God’s Word says about truth and its application to life.

Consider the two forms by which truth can be presented: objective and subjective. Objective truth is that which does not change in any circumstance (a good example would be the orbit of the earth, from any vantage point, it always behaves the same). Subjective truth is that which is free from error in the given circumstance (a good example here would be gravity – on the earth it behaves in one manner, but in space or a different plant, quite another). Both of these aspects are found in Scripture.

• Luke 4:25 (subjective; Jesus is referring to all the widows in Israel)
• John 1:14, 17 (objective; the truth Jesus brings and is filled with does not change in any circumstance)
• John 17:17 (objective; the truth of God’s Word does not change)
• Acts 10:34 (objective & subjective; Peter refers to a timeless truth that is applicable to his immediate situation)

What qualifies a statement, quality, character as “truth”? Truth is presented as that which is reliable, certain, provable, and settled. These are the non-negotiable aspects of life.

• Ruth 3:12 (Boaz’s relationship to Ruth was established and confirmable)
• Job 12:2 (Job sarcastically points out the difference between his friends subjective truth and the objective truth they claimed it to be. This is an interesting point to consider: because you believe a truth to be objective does not make it so!)
• Psalm 25:5 (David pleads for God to impart knowledge of that which will not change)
• Proverbs 29:14 (The king that adheres to truth in his judgments is rewarded. Legislation from the bench is not a wise course of action)
• Daniel 6:12 (The law of the Medes was true: it could not be broken or contradicted)
• John 8:32 (Truth is a freeing and liberating agent)
• Philippians 4:8 (Our mind is to focus on that which is true and truthful)

Truth is the bedrock upon which a life of integrity is built. Examine your life; upon what unchanging truths is it based? Do those truths align with the truths of God’s Word? His unchanging foundation must become the pattern and source of your life’s foundation. To do otherwise is not safe, right, true or stable.

Integrity: Part 5 - Belief and Hope

Last time we discussed integrity, trust was a verb, this time we discuss it as a noun. We will refer to the noun aspect of trust as belief. Beliefs are what you know to be true intrinsically or by experience. How many times have you ordered a pizza from a national chain? You are able to get the same pizza in Dallas, Des Moines, Denver, Dover and Daytona because the chain has established a set of instructions for the way their pizzas are made. You always get the same amount of cheese, sauce and toppings. Your confidence (what you know; the noun-aspect of trust) is based on the integrity of the company (the verb-aspect of trust; the way they act).

We began with a discussion of how knowledge directs character which dictates action. Does action now precede character? No. If all you did was correct your actions, you would still not be a man of integrity. However, knowing what the actions of a man of integrity are to be, you will now discover the kind of life that will motivate such actions.

The Bible describes a man of trust as one who faithfully follows commands or fulfills their responsibilities. Such a one can be easily relied upon for greater tasks. This type of man is also described as one who has a firm belief in God and His Son as the only Savior of mankind. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14 – 30), the faithful servants shouldered their responsibilities and executed their expected duties with very little accountability. Faithfulness, 1 Corinthians 4:2 tells us, is required in stewards – not an optional quality. Paul continues to instruct the Corinthian believers (1 Corinthians 10:13) by reminding them that in times of trial God demonstrates His faithfulness to us. In fact, God’s faithfulness is demonstrated (1 John 1:9) in terms of His forgiveness.

Last time, the confidence-inspiring activities of the man of integrity was discussed. The Bible uses words like ‘confidence’, ‘hope’, and ‘trust’ to define this individual’s character. This confidence is not produced by gold (Job 31:24) or national armament (Isaiah 36:4). Instead Genesis 1:10 uses a word translated elsewhere as “hope” to describe the gathering together of waters. Hope is a rallying point for those without hope. God Himself is the rallying point in Jeremiah 50:7. Earlier in his prophecy, Jeremiah (29:11) discusses the assured end [hope in some translations] and plan that God has for His people.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a crucial text as you consider this aspect of integrity. God has plans to bring you to ‘an expected end’. You can have confidence in His plan being accomplished in your life. At the same time, God is expecting you to live in a way that demonstrates the same type of expectancy to others. Are you proving yourself to be as reliable to others as God is to you? He calls you to mirror Him. Check your reflection and adjust yourself as needed.

Integrity: Part 4 - The Role of Trust in Faith

Remember, this study of Integrity is based on the premise that integrity is comprised of faith, honor and discipline. Continuing the study of faith, attention is now turned to the role of trust in faith.

Trust is a large component of faith. Frequently, “trust” and “faith” are used interchangeably. There are some differences, however. Faith is often a confidence in that which is unseen, while trust often describes confidence in that which can be perceived by the senses.

Trust is crucial to the life of integrity. Rare indeed is the one who possesses integrity without inspiring trust. God’s Word has much to say about trust: how it is gained, how it is maintained, where it is rightly put, as well as where and how it can be lost or destroyed.

Trust is often described as that which can be supported, confirmed or verified. Genesis 15:6 implies that Abraham’s belief came through the confirmation of Sarah’s pregnancy. God spoke to Moses (Exodus 19:9), not for Moses’ benefit, but to confirm the relationship they shared to the Israelites satisfaction. In 1 Samuel 3:20, trust in Samuel was gained by his actions. Even God’s word produces trust in itself. Psalm 19:7 speaks of the verifiable aspect of Holy Scripture. The book of Proverbs (11:13) tells us that trustworthiness validates a man’s integrity. Jonah, the prophet to Nineveh, gave a message that was able to be verified – a message that changed attitudes and actions (Jonah 3:5). 1 Corinthians 13:7 speaks to the vital role that trust plays in love. True love trusts what is told to it.

Trust also inspires confidence. When a matter can be verified, a level of confidence is gained. The man of integrity must develop not only a character that can be verified, but also a character that inspires confidence. Scripture outlines this aspect of trust in various ways. Deuteronomy 28:52 speaks of the confidence inspired by city walls. Psalm 9:10 tells of the confidence inspired by God’s name. A person’s name reveals much about their character. How much confidence is inspired in others at the mention of your name? Psalm 44:6 reminds of the fleeting security found in weapons – not very confidence-inspiring. But Psalm 115:9, 10, 11 extol the merits of the LORD as the true source of all confidence. A friend’s hurtful yet helpful words are more confidence building than the traitorous flattery of an enemy, according to Proverbs 27:6. In fact, trust yourself is an indication of foolishness, says Proverbs 28:26. The apostle Paul, in Philippians 3:3, 4 tells in what he places confidence – and it wasn’t what everyone else would have chosen!

The confidence trust inspires is described as a shelter, a safe place for others to occupy. The man of integrity protects others by being a man of his word, one in whom they can trust. This is the security found in a rock (Deuteronomy 32:37), an armor-bearer (Psalm 18:30), as well as a tower and shield (Psalm 144:2).

The life of integrity is one of faith and trust. As you place your trust in the Lord and His plans for you, reliance on the flesh weakens. A man of integrity is one who inspires confidence, not because has all the answers or knows all the solutions; but because He has learned the proper place for trust. The man of integrity inspires others to trust him because he is trusting God.

What are you doing to inspire others’ trust in God? Their appreciation for your directing them to God is what builds your character of integrity.

Integrity: Part 3 – The Mindset of Faith

Today’s study assumes you are dealing with the sin causing your lack of integrity. (For more on this, see here) Notice the verb tense “are dealing” because this will never be a completed issue this side of eternity. Sin will always threaten your integrity. You also know the only source of hope is found in God alone; and He is willing to provide all that is needed for your success in this area.

The life of integrity possesses faith, honor and discipline. Faith begins as an idea that is verified repeatedly and widely until it grows into a conviction. This conviction is placed in context of life and given the status of “that which can be questioned, but from which I cannot be dissuaded.” When an idea reaches this stage, it has become faith. Faith guides our decisions, aids in our activities and dictates our values. This is what faith does, but how does it do that?

Faith provides a steadying influence to life. In this regard, Proverbs 13:17 speaks of a faithful representative providing a stable picture of his homeland to other nations. Proverbs 20:6 informs us that this influence is difficult to find among mankind; not everyone is a person of integrity. In Psalm 36:5, the psalmist tells us that the sky is the limit when it comes to testing (verifying) God’s influence in life. Isaiah (33:6) would have us know that this stability of faith comes via knowledge (the accumulation of facts) and wisdom (the correct application of knowledge). In fact, our stability allows others to place trust in us as well, according to Titus 2:10.

Not only does faith provide a steadying influence to life; it also builds confidence into a life. Note how the man in Matthew 8:10 is described: a man of GREAT faith; the level of confidence found in him was unparalleled. Luke 17:6 reminds us that confidence need not be great in magnitude to be great in effect. In the next chapter (Luke 18:8), Luke tells us that like stability, confidence is also often lacking. So how is confidence gained or maintained? Romans 10:17 instructs us that confidence is born out of repeated exposure to God’s Word; a process that breeds patience in times of trial (James 1:3) that motivates actions (Hebrews 11:1, 3, 4).

Confidence is closely related to expectation. Since I am confident that my birthday will be celebrated, I expect (have faith) that I will receive presents. Faith is described in terms of confidence in passages such as Acts 16:19, when the Philippians expected to receive profit from their psychic girl. Paul expresses an expectation to receive what God had promised him in Acts 26:6. Even society operates under the principle of expecting a harvest (1 Corinthians 9:10) from invested labors. 1 Peter 3:15 informs the believer that his confidence and the expectation that breeds it should be readily evident to all – and be succinctly explained. Yes, confidence breeds expectation; but expectation also influences and further solidifies our confidence.

A final aspect of faith is its ability to withstand in any situation. People were once commonly referred to as “men of their word” referring to their unquestionable character of truthfulness. Notice that aspect of faith in Psalm 100:5 (God’s truth is stable throughout time); Acts 14:22 (The confidence that resulted in expectation was able to sustain these believers for their entire life!); Romans 1:17 (The character of reliability is what separates ‘the just’ from the rest) and Ephesians 6:16 (Our faith is to be trustworthy; what soldier would take an unreliable shield into battle?)

With the following definitions of faith in place, the faith mentioned in Acts 6:5 is the life of faith! Stephen was not only a man of firmness and fidelity, he lived in light of the hopes and expectations he possessed. His was a life lived by conviction. His character was one of reliability. Stephen is seen at the culmination of the process of faith. You must not assume he was always a man of such character. In fact, he was a sinner, saved by grace, like every follower of Jesus Christ. His journey from sinner to model of faith is not chronicled; but he undertook the journey and arrived successfully – as can you!

Integrity: Part Two

Psalm 51 offers an unparalleled glimpse into the life of Israel’s most popular leader to date. King David – the darling of the nation, the slayer of ten thousands, the giant killer, the singing shepherd, the humble hero – had a problem of integrity. He had a problem no amount of ‘spin’ could remedy. To make matters worse, others knew of his failures. His spiritual advisor made it quite clear that not everyone had been fooled by his boyish charms, devastating good looks and position of power. David’s problem was sin, namely pride, covetousness, adultery, lying, murder, and selfishness to name just a few. Brought face to face with the reality of his sin, David cries out to God. You are provided the opportunity of reading the transcript of his prayers. In them are principles to guide your own search for integrity.

David describes his process of repentance in the first 9 verses. This involved a detailed record of what had transpired. David did not confess generally, but very specifically. He then pleads for mercy to be the overriding principle in his correction. He requests a thorough clearing of his record, asking for his offenses to be expunged from the official records. He does this with a simple, yet profound acknowledgment of his guilt, a unvarnished representationof his depravity, and a heart-wrenching cry for some solution to be reached. Reading these verses one walks away with the picture that David is truly sick of his sin. One need look no further than verse 4, in which David states that his offense is only committed against God. Remember, at this point in the game, Uriah is dead, Bathsheba is pregnant, other wives and mothers are mourning the loss of their dead - and David states that God is the only offended party? How can he make such a claim? I would submit that David was addressing the heart of the issue. By denying God the right to govern his actions, David had begun traveling a path that could only lead to destruction. Sins against others do not break one's relationship with God; rather, one's broken relationship with God results in sinful actions towards others. Ponder that thought for a moment. You may try to excuse your actions toward others as shortcomings, lifestyle choices, character weaknesses, personality flaws, or social acceptability; but these attempts only serve to highlight the depth of one's depravity. Boil it all down, our sinful actions toward others are the results of our broken relationship with God. No wonder we must beg for His mercy and forgiveness!

But what hope is there that God will hear and act on your behalf? The hope lies in God Himself! He has promised those who confess that their sin will be forgiven (1 John 1:9). He has promised to remove our sins as far as the east is removed from the west. He has promised to remember them no more; to no longer use them as evidence against us. He has promised to lovingly correct those who are legitimately His children.

The outlook may be bleak with a good chance of increased gloominess at this point. Do not despair! There is hope, not in your ability to perform better or in your skill at mastering new concepts. The hope is found in God being exactly what He promised Himself to be: God, the Unchanging Holy One. Integrity is only forged on the anvil of His righteousness and perfection. Allow Him full discretion at how He molds and shapes your life. The process of building integrity has begun!

Integrity - part one

A Starting Point

Integrity. A multitude of concepts are wrapped up in this significant word. We use integrated circuits (at least we used to) to keep appliances working; without them it was just an odd-sized weight on the kitchen counter. People are described as an ‘integral part’ of a team – a key to their success. At the heart is the meaning ‘unbroken’ – a solidity that cannot be disintegrated, dissolved or dissuaded. The last thing in the world you would expect to find broken is something with integrity.

Unfortunately, that has been proven over and over to NOT be the case. Politicians, corporate executives, televangelists, lay workers and even pastors have been found in recent days to be anything but people of integrity. The easy road is too often taken, the foundations eroded, the principles crumbled, the sins hidden, the truth disfigured; and the destructive wake of shattered faith, ruined lives and broken trust all point to the desperate need for men of integrity.

Becoming a person of integrity does not happen overnight. No potion exists to transform a liar’s lips into those of an honest man. No incantation is capable of making a faithful husband out of a lecherous louse. Those seeking quick fixes are better off going to a 30-minute oil changer!

The process found at Quickie Lube is remarkably similar to the one that will build the integrity you desire into your life. The process at the oil changers is simple: remove the old oil, replace the filter, add the new oil. That is the process, outlined in Ephesians 4:22 – 24, we will follow as well. The first step in becoming a person of integrity is to remove that which is destroying your integrity. Secondly, and most importantly, is to replace the filter. Too often we charge ahead and try to force the new oil through a clogged filter. It doesn’t work well for cars, and is even less effective on a person’s life. The significant transformation of integrity takes place in this second step, as it involves a transformation of the mind and thought processes. Finally, new oil can be added. Think of this as the practices of a transformed life.

I have two distinct presuppositions. First, I believe God has given His Word so you can know exactly what He intends you to know, so you can be exactly what He intends you to be, so you can do exactly what He intends you to do. This order is important: to try to do what pleases God before you are being what pleases God does not please God! Transformed lives produce transformed actions, not vice versa. Secondly, I believe integrity is comprised of three inter-related character qualities: faith, honor and discipline. These three themes will be discussed in depth as the study progresses.

Too much seeker sensitivity?

Here is what happens when the church tries to be all things to all people:



or this:

Out Of the Zone

I had the unique opportunity to take part in a youth rally today for the Northern and Central California Regular Baptist Churches. Called "Out Of the Zone", the rally was a day focused on leaving one's comfort zone in order to see God at work in one's life and to motivate young people to serve God more fervently.

The rally has been organized by David Olson, a pastoral intern from Sunnyside Baptist Church in Fresno. David has done a great job, coordinating rallies in Anaheim last week, Walnut Creek this week and Redding next week.

Almost 50 teens attended the event today and enjoyed sessions taught by Pastor Russ Belmont of Concord, Pastor Dave Mulder of Los Gatos, David and yours truly.

I'm not sure how much information the teens carried away, but my heart was truly blessed, challenged and encouraged to see a large number of young people desiring to not only say they loved God but wanting to develop and grow in their service.

My prayer is that the teens in attendance today will remain "Out of the Zone" and not be comfortable being 'status quo'.

"Good enough" never is

Pat Robertson, host of the 700 Club, recently 'predicted' what God had told him would happen in 2007. This is nothing out of the ordinary for Mr. Robertson, who has made similar predictions in the past.

There is only one problem: not all of his 'prophecies' were fulfilled; a record that seems to be of no concern to Mr. Robertson. After all, he was close on the ones that he missed; isn't that good enough?

The simple answer is "NO." In fact, the longer answer is "Not on your life!" The longer answer brings longevity into the picture because God takes seriously the placement of His Name alongside the words of man. Deuteronomy 18:20 - 22 makes it quite clear how those claiming to speak on God's behalf about events yet to occur are to be treated if what is predicted does not come to pass. The way to evaluate such situations is to ask "Did it happen the way the prophet said it would?"

Flooding in Fishkill, NY, is a far cry from a tsunami. God takes His word seriously enough to fulfill it 100% of the time in 100% of the details He outlines. As in the rest of life, anything that does not meet God's standard is not worthy of consideration and is, in fact, sin.

But what shall be done with Mr. Robertson? Let's be clear: I am not calling for any violence or vigilantism against this man; but I am calling for accountability. I am calling him to cease and desist representing God in a manner that belittles the Almighty, humiliates His Word and embarrasses His people. I hope you would feel similarly.

An online petition has been created to call this false prophet to account for his misrepresentation of God's message. Read it; consider it; sign it if you feel you can do so in good conscience.

Oh yes, in case you were wondering, I expect each and every one of you to hold me to the same level of accountability, too.