40 Days of Corporate Prayer: Day 13
I woke up quite early today (3am). Rather than lay around thinking, I decided to run down to the Office to organize my stuff before the Deacons' Prayer Meeting (6:30am).
In preparation for our Harvest Festival tonight.
First order of the day:
Office staff find it needful to invite the general public.
click here for more
I'm going to dress up tonight. Either in my Mayberry uniform, as John the Baptist, or as an employee of the BellRoad Express. I'm gonna delay my decision until the hour draweth nigh.
Surprise, surprise. Two other stories of political interest appear in the local paper today. If you have time, click on them and leave a comment.
f
Tough Loveclick here for the rest of the article
Yesterday,
Bruce Warren
(Staff Writer at the
Auburn Journal) called
me for a public comment
about the signs we have
posted in favor of
Proposition 8. Later in
the day, Cathy and I met
Ben Furtado
(Staff Photographer)
Click on the photo above
to read the story at the
Auburn Journal's
website. Better yet, if
you're local, purchase a
hardcopy of the paper
and support fair
journalism.
*Fashion note:
I was wearing the shirt
that
Maria gave
me for my birthday last
summer. Notice the color
of
the stripe
(yeah...that's a
significant color for
those who remember VBS
2007).
Thursday, October 30, 2008
40 Days of Corporate
Prayer:
Day 12
This page is no
longer my 'daily' journal, I
just happen to have cause to
write this morning. I
finished the article for the
hardcopy of the Auburn
Journal. It came out at
exactly 500 words and is
entitled: "Signs of Tough
Love". They sometimes have
changed my titles, so I'll
have to wait until tomorrow
morning to know for certain.
Last year at this time I
wrote a piece about the
Harvest Festival we were
sponsoring. It was
originally entitled "True
Confessions of a
Party-Pooper" but was
retitled by the editor there
(click
here for an archival
web version).
Below are a couple videos
that are posted side-by-side
in an email sent out by
GodTube (asking for opinions
from Christians).
I awoke knowing that today I
will need to personally
address the issue of
Halloween yet again. Not
easy being 'the pastor'
sometimes. I truly thank God
for the gift of prayer. He
knows what we need better
than we ourselves.
Here's the
GodTube videos:
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
40 Days of Corporate
Prayer:
Day 11
Joseph: hey papa
me: hey kid
Joseph: what's
up?
me: busy busy;
writing a 500 word article
for Friday's
Auburn Journal. It's due by noon
today.
Some related research:
The Danbury Baptist Association of Danbury, Connecticut sent a letter, dated October 7, 1801, to the newly elected President Thomas Jefferson expressing concern over the lack in their state constitution of explicit protection of religious liberty, and against a government establishment of religion.
In their letter to the President, the Danbury Baptists affirmed that "Our Sentiments are uniformly on the side of Religious Liberty — That Religion is at all times and places a matter between God and individuals — That no man ought to suffer in name, person, or effects on account of his religious Opinions - That the legitimate Power of civil government extends no further than to punish the man who works ill to his neighbor..."[1]
As a religious minority in Connecticut the Danbury Baptists were concerned that a religious majority might "reproach their chief Magistrate... because he will not, dare not assume the prerogatives of Jehovah and make Laws to govern the Kingdom of Christ," thus establishing a state religion at the cost of the liberties of religious minorities.
Thomas Jefferson's response, dated January 1, 1802 concurs with the Danbury Baptists' views on religious liberty, and the accompanying separation of civil government from concerns of religious doctrine and practice. Jefferson writes: "...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State." [2]
Late last
night, I received a letter
from a sister who is
contemplating Hosea
Chapter 2 in this
chapter of human history:
Click here for
Hosea 2
Let us devote ourselves to
the public reading of
Scripture, to preaching, and
to teaching.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
40 Days of Corporate
Prayer:
Day 10
"I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man
to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for
a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at
them and said,
"With man this is impossible,
but with God all things are
possible."
Peter answered
him,
"We have left everything to follow you!
What then will there
be for us?"
Jesus said to
them,
"I tell you the truth, at
the renewal of all
things,
when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne,
you who have followed me will also sit on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has
left houses
or
brothers
or sisters or father or mother or children or
fields
for my sake will receive a hundred times as much
and will inherit eternal life.
But
many who are
first will be
last,
and
many who are
last will be
first."
May the Lord add His Blessing
to your
reading of His Word.
<selah>
Just in from Joe:
Hey Dad and Mom,
Sharon
wanted me to send you a copy
of my paper.
I just got it back from the
professor complete with his
written remarks and grade.
For this paper I did some
very good things:
1) I used a topic that the
prof had suggested would be
good from reading my last
paper.
2) Sharon found the
articles.
3) I used the interrogative
form to organize my
thoughts.
4) Sharon proofread my paper
(it was very late in the
night though).
Good paper, good grade. It
might even be an interesting
read. I tried to write it
with lots of game examples
and even a picture.
Love You Guys,
Joseph
click here
for Joe's paper:
Housing-Economy
Monday, October 27, 2008
40 Days of Corporate
Prayer:
Day 9
from
last night's corporate
reflection upon God's Word:
Michael and his angels fought against the dragon;
and the dragon fought and his angels,
And prevailed not;
neither was their
place
found any more in
heaven.
And the great dragon
was cast out, that
old serpent,
called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the
whole world: he was cast out into the earth,
and his angels were cast out with him.
And I heard a loud
voice saying in
heaven,
Now is come salvation,
and strength,
and the kingdom of
our God,
and the power of his
Christ:
for the accuser of
our brethren is cast
down,
which accused them
before our God day
and night.
And they overcame
him
by the blood of the
Lamb,
and by the word of
their testimony;
and they loved not
their lives unto the
death.
Revelation 12:7-11
Saturday, October 25, 2008
40 Days of Corporate
Prayer:
Day 7
I had to miss
morning and evening sessions
of corporate prayer (but did
share in a blessed hour of
koinonia with our deacons in
the early hours). Evening
prayer was attended by five
men and one woman. A report
came that this passage of
Scripture was prayed aloud:
You adulterous
people, don't you
know that friendship
with the world is
hatred toward God?
Anyone who
chooses to be a
friend of the world
becomes an enemy of
God. Or do you think
Scripture says
without reason that
the spirit he caused
to live in us envies
intensely?
But he
gives us more grace.
That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to
the humble."
Submit
yourselves, then, to
God. Resist the
devil, and he will
flee from you.
Come near to God and
he will come near to
you.
Wash your hands, you
sinners,
and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Grieve, mourn and
wail.
Change your laughter
to mourning and your
joy to gloom.
Humble yourselves
before the Lord,
and he will lift you
up.
James 4:1-10 (for more)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
40 Days of Corporate Prayer:
Day 4
"If you're a lonely soul
when you're are all alone,
you can still be a joyful soul if you're in Christ Jesus."
Yesterday's prayer meeting
(Day 3) was focused on
'brokenness'. I confessed
before the Lord (and my
sisters gathered there) that
I only 'feel' as though I'm
'broken' when someone I
dearly love is facing death
(or when someone I know and
love is being called to
suffer among us).
Over the years of my life
only a few contemporaries
have bothered to dig down
deep enough to discern the
forces which quicken my
soul's creative spark.
I woke up early today (on
Day 4) with a decision to
privatize the processing of
such thoughts and
promptings.
Therefore, the transparent
promptings known as my
'Daily Journal' will come to
an end. It has been just
over 4 years since '40 Days
of Focus' allowed me the
opportunity to acquaint
myself with internet
publication of ideas.
Perhaps the journal has served its purpose in my
life and calling.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
40 Days of Prayer: Day 3
All are invited to corporate
prayer this morning from
11:30am to 12:30pm
in
the Genesis Room
(after
BSF). Lord
willing, I will share in the
local church prayer meeting
and then drive to Applegate
to pray with area pastors at
Sierra Reach.
Last night's Leadership
Council meeting ended in
circle prayer at 8:10pm. I
asked our visitor (Mike
Sanchez) to lead us in
prayer. Having served as the
moderator (and clerk), I
have much to do today in the
way of preparing the minutes
for publication.
In addition to the agenda
and proposed minutes of the
last meeting, we provided
each leader with a copy of
our
Church
membership Covenant,
our approved list of 13
Finance Initiatives, and the
schedule for
40
Days of Prayer
Earlier in the day,
Cathy and I
attended a memorial service
for the parents of a
precious church member. It
was good to speak with the
family members and to count
the people I knew
personally. There were also
a good number of church
friends who traveled a
distance on I-80.
Pastor Tim Lane (Union
Gospel Mission)
officiated at the service.
His words were informative,
comforting, and assuredly
prophetic. I've been blessed
to know Pastor Tim through
monthly services at the
Mission (he is the
Director). He shared with
Cathy and me after the
service about the importance
of the upcoming election.
This man does not compromise
his convictions. Praise the
Lord for courageous,
outspoken preachers of the
Word.
We shared with
Pastor Tim that
we prayed publicly about two
appointments that will be
kept at the UGM during our
40 Days of Prayer (THIS
Saturday, Oct. 25th
and next month,
Saturday, November 22nd.)
Hopefully, I expect to see
'new' faces among us during
those two nights of outreach
in Sacramento.
Today,
Mary Patterson
(our 17 yr. old) is
scheduled to deliver a
long-awaited speech at
Sierra College.
She has diligently prepared
herself through research and
gathering materials for
several weeks. Her topic is
'Post-War Children in
Liberia'.
Yesterday, she finalized her
powerpoint slides, formal
transcript, written outline,
and presentation notecards.
She practiced her speech on
the platform in our
sanctuary before Mom and
Dad. Later, she timed and
refined her message with the
help of one of our newest
member,
Curtis
Bonnville.
Here is a pdf of her
slides (click
here). This is an
example of what she plans to
say with slide one:
Not all of these children
are orphans. Yes, perhaps
some of them DID see their parents tortured and
killed right before their eyes. Some were told by their
parents, “Run! Run! Don’t let them catch you!” (as
the rebel troops came running into their villages
shooting AK 47s and burning houses).
Others may have been living with a brother, sister,
or grandparents, but still could not find enough food for
one meal a day.
(pause)
These are the post-war children of Liberia.
Mary also has to turn in a take-home
test today for her class: Culture and Diversity.
This particular document describes the subculture in which she was raised (an
evangelical, baptistic, small-church community).
" ...[this] has
resulted in Sunday morning and
Wednesday night church attendance my
entire
life. Pro-Life activism and social
ministries for
third world citizens and homeless
Americans
has been a regular part of our
family’s lifestyle."
Recently, Mary turned in a response paper to a journal article entitled "Social
Inequality on the College Campus: A Consideration of Homosexuality."
Based on her interaction with the issues involved, she informed me that she had
spoken up in her class about Proposition 8 and the related story of a
family struggling with 'Diversity Training' in a Massachusetts Public School
Kindergarten. Mary had watched this video that Ann R.
sent to me:
click here).
Is it obvious that I am pleased with my
daughter's academic activism? Yes, this papa is well-pleased.
Monday, October 20, 2008
40 Days of Prayer: Day 2
My good friend,
Pastor Mac (from
Galt) sent me a link to Dr.
Dobson's important interview
(click
here). Once you get
to this webpage, you can
click on the audioplayer or
download the audio to your
computer.
Gianna Jessen is a public
speaker who travels
around the world. She primarily speaks against
abortion by sharing her personal story as an
abortion survivor. Gianna has cerebral palsy as
a result of the saline solution used during the
abortion procedure, and after she was born,
doctors predicted she would never crawl or walk.
Today, she runs marathons.
Jill
Stanek was a
registered nurse at Christ
Hospital
in Oak Lawn, Ill., in 1999 when she discovered
babies were being aborted alive and shelved to
die in the soiled utility room. She testified in
Illinois
and before a U.S. House committee for the
Born Alive Infants Protection Act. Jill is a columnist
for WorldNetDaily.com and a public speaker on the
pro-life issue.
Morning started at 6am for
me. After returning from
breakfast at Wings with Lou,
we stopped to pray over the
eight signs that he
re-posted out front in
support of
Proposition 8.
Yesterday, when we arrived
for church, we noticed that
someone had come under the
cover of night and torn down
the signs he had posted
earlier in the week.
There is a Leadership
Council Meeting scheduled
for 6:30 this evening. I
hope to find time to prepare
those materials which will
be most effective in leading
our leaders toward the next
step in line with God's
perfect, pleasing Will.
As outlined by
DeLynn
(40
Days of Prayer),
Mondays are set apart to
pray with family members at
home (and over the phone
with other members).
pdf file of schedule for your refrigerator
(click
here)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
This morning
DeLynn Rosenau
announced the 40 Days of
Corporate Prayer. On Monday,
I will try to upload her
words to our congregation.
The Celebration Choir
performed admirably under
the direction on
Justine
Klein. I have remarked to
several that I thoroughly
enjoy Justine's directorial
persona. I think that we
will see her grow in this
role as Curt Harjo's
understudy.
Pastor Matt's sermon was
also well-received.
At the conclusion of our 2pm
Spanish-speaking service, we
prayed together over the
events listed for the week
in our Sunday Bulletin.
From 4-4:30, I attended
"The
Truth Project" with David
Price. He knew beforehand
that Cathy and I would have
to leave at 5pm in order to
attend
"Peacemaking" with
Wolfgang Rosenau.
At 6pm, I tried to jerryrig
a recording of the Evening
Service. Those who publicly
witnessed for Christ were
Clyde and Faye
McKinley. I
will try to upload their
testimonies and my teaching
from
Acts-Luke-Romans later
this week.
Friday, October 17,
2008
rayer
at Exit 123click here for more at the Auburn Journal
Cathy and I
started our morning at
4:00am. We will stop at the
Newcastle Exit at 6:30 for
the Deacons' Prayer. From
there, we will head to Galt
to run another yard sale as
we prepare for tenants to
move into our house there.
Yesterday, after Cathy
finished 'drama practice',
Bill and Doris
came in for their annual
check-up. They blessed us
with lunch at the Twin
Dragons (by the naked
statues).
Afterwards, we went on a
VisitationWalk
and met
Fred and Lucy's
Oklahoma visitors,
Bruce and Edith.
These cousins (who happen to
be attorneys) told us about some baptist pastors in
Oklahoma who were preaching
their convictions
(regardless of the threat to
their tax-exempt status). I
told them that I would look
on the Internet for their
story. Perhaps this is it:
click here
My thoughts on the issue of
political involvement?
First, I'm a baptistic,
born-again Christian who
reports some of my church
contributions to the IRS.
Second, I see bumper stickers for both parties in our church
parking lot.
Thirdly, I respect the right of every person to vote in line with
their conscience.
Finally, to the Christian, I
testify that one would do
well to pray for the
Spirit's guidance (rather
than to align oneself based
on family tradition, union
affiliation, and the like).
From the Red Letter of
Scripture, I have been
directed to
"Render unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar..."
That certainly doesn't mean that I'm Romophobic...
(hah!)
I am pleased that our
interim Men's Ministry
leader (Dan Clark) has
availed himself to register
people to vote all day this
Sunday.
An 80 year old veteran has
been busy posting signs on
our front lawn in support of
Proposition 8.
As a single-issue voter, I
personally affirm
Proposition 4.
All of the above is
perfectly legal without
threatening our members'
right to claim their tithes
and offering as tax
deductions.
Thursday, October 16,
2008
Up at 4am today
because I'm meeting with one
of our deacons at
5am.
Due to the economy
(and the
newness of
oikonomoi), some
of us are being called to
work overtime--both in the
church and 'at work'...
The great thing about
'overtime' is that one gets
paid double! (..um except in
the case of the
self-employed).
Now, come on...someone who
knows the Bible, bring on
the Word about working hard
in one's field.
Here's some good news from
our own
Alisha in Mexico:
Dear Pastor Rob,
Today was exciting. . . to go to our Director's
house and watch the final debate. It makes me feel
like an American and an educated voter!
Also, today I enjoyed teaching English to Vania and
scrapbooking in the afternoon. Sometimes I forget to
relax. Well, I need to go hang out the towels.
In Christ's Love, Alisha
If you don't know
Alisha, you can learn about
her through her webpage:
click here
Dan
Clark came in to
discuss Men's Ministry
yesterday. He, Pastor Matt,
and I invested two hours in
a meeting where we co-taught
the
Church
membership Covenant
and the Church Mission
Statement to one another.
It was a fascinating
experience.
from Australia:
Hi Rob,
Thanks so much for your prompt action on this.
Kind
Regards, Sue
Sue wrote to me yesterday
asking for me to help her
connect with Pastor Wesley
in Liberia. She has helped a
refugee and his daughter
move back from Ghana and he
needs a room to rent from a
Christian family.
We'll see what happens when
Pastor Wesley gets involved.
Yes, it is nice to have
contacts around the world.
more later...check back.
Gotta run to my 5am appt.
Wednesday, October 15,
2008
6:00am
Cathy has come
into the Office with me
because she's meeting
Wanda
for a trip to
Rocklin today. The two serve
together as proctors at a
PSAT Testing Site.
Yesterday,
KC and
Daniel went to
Galt with me from 10-3pm;
they made a junk-run to the
landfill, then helped me
load a truck with our
possessions. We were back in
town by 4pm, quickly
unloaded and prepared for
our
Tuesday Night Table
Fellowship.
Last night, I noticed
a young man (Kevin,18)
beside my house. I asked him
for a hand moving in a
dresser. We invited him to
eat with us. We served tacos
and had a very interesting
conversation with him. He is
a senior in High School.
Cathy and I finished our
hard day by running to the
Gym (just before it closed).
In the Sauna I met a guy
named
Jose (45) who
lives in my neighborhood (on
Galena St). He has two sons
and two daughters. One of
his sons later in the locker
room. His name escapes me
but it is a Spanish name
that I've heard before.
After the Gym, we stopped by
the Office to check email. I
read two letters that
revealed what some separated
brethren have been doing
behind-the-scenes. Suffice
to say there's been some
growing pains at Bell Road.
Perhaps the greatest problem
for some has to do with my
public presentation of the
Good News during the Sunday
Message (less than one hour
a week).
Regardless of what others
have called 'shenanigans', I
still stand behind every
sermon that I have preached
at BellRoad. They are packed
with the Word of God. If
someone wants to sincerely
discuss any aspect of any
message, bring it.
This note came to me from a
young adult who grew up in
our local church:
"I really don't understand all that is
happening
right now and how christian people can be so mean,
but I suppose through it all God is making us depend
on him even more!
Today I was telling my friend how I was
sitting at lunch yesterday wondering what was
the meaning of life, and she answered,
"To live for Christ"...
Unfortunately, this innocent
one is being hurt by
churchyard bullies. There
are 'outside forces' at work
to bring dissension and
strife inside the church.
Christians everywhere would
do well to remember these
verses about battle between
good and evil:
Ephesians 6:12
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms."
Revelation 12:4
"And his tail drew one-third of the stars of heaven,
and did cast them to the earth:
and the dragon stood before the woman
which was ready to be delivered,
for to devour her child
as soon as it was born."
With this upcoming election,
there are two propositions
upon which the church should
be focused. Both of these
should be of foremost
concern for those who are
called to be lights in this
world and to be the salt of
the earth.
One of the Enemy's tactics
is set fires as diversions
and distractions. Long ago,
I was told that if a
Christian leader is running
to and fro--trying to put
out the devil's fires--then
he is actually only
'following the devil'...
(think about it).
Hey, Californians, study the
Word of God, pray, make sure
that you're registered and
vote YES on these
propositions:
Proposition 4:
Waiting Period and Parental
Notification
before Termination
of Minor's Pregnancy
Proposition 8:
Eliminates Right
of Same-Sex Couples to
Marry
Lord willing, no one will be
hurt in local-church
'crossfire'. The fiery darts
should only come from one
direction. I will try
to model for others a hunger
for righteousness.
May the Spirit to be our Guide
and Christ
alone our Defense.
Having our hearts judged and
our names slandered
shouldn't surprise us.
True stories from the Bible
will set the reader free
from deceptive spirits. Read
between the lines in the
verses below. The apostle
Paul and the churches he
planted were similarly
maligned:
Paul's words to
Timothy:
click here
If you have recently been
suffering for
righteousness' sake, listen
to this song. I recorded it
way back in the early
nineties. I actually wrote
the chorus shortly after
becoming a Christian in the
early eighties. The verses
were 'earned' during
subsequent years in church
leadership positions.
Tender
Mercies
(lyrics)
If you're worried about
your finances (or those
facing your local church),
please listen to this song.
It was recorded in 2004. I
sung it on the Sunday that
Bell Road called me to be
their Senior Pastor:
Turn Your Worries into Prayer
(lyrics)
It is now 7:33 am.
Lord willing, I will
now walk around our church
building
seven times while reading and
praying over
our church membership
covenant
and then I'll "clock in"
and get to work.
There's a harvest that
needs to be brought in!
Pastor Matt and I are scheduled to spend the day together today. I think that we will do some visitation together. If anyone wants a visit from us, please call me at (530) 366-2924 and we'll see if we can make that happen.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
5:00am
I came to the Office
in preparation for our
morning Staff Meeting but
have decided to record an
update on our Spanish
Ministry (read below).
I finished this
entry at
6am.
So, now I'll get to work.
Immediately after the
Staff Meeting, I'm driving a
truck down to Galt in hope
of transporting all of our
worldly possessions to
Auburn (into a storage
unit).
"Time will be of the
essence" (whatever that
means). The truck needs to
be returned by 4pm. We have
an appointment at 11:30 with
two sisters who have shown
an interest in renting our
house in Galt. We met them
during our garage sale last
week.
Interestingly, the two
sisters are relatives of
various Galtonians among
whom we have ministered in
years past. Between them,
they have three children.
Our house would be perfect
for them. We have offered
them a super deal. I
hope that they are truly
part of God's Answer to our
immediate financial needs.
Invitation:
Please consider coming to
our home
today at
5:30 and
'sup with us'. We
will then be previewing and
discussing 'Experiencing
God' at 7:00pm.
Last week, we took our extra
crockpot dinner to the
neighbors across the yard.
This was a return gesture
because a week earlier the
mama had brought us a
plateful of a Spanish
dinner.
Hah! Last night, Cathy was
still in Galt cleaning and
packing. Mary and I were
planning for our supper when
the neighbor returned with
another plateful. I was a
happy man at that point in
the evening!
Tonight, we'll make tacos!
On Sunday, after lunch in a
member's home,
Mary and I and
drove back to the church in
time to put a note up at the
door to inform any potential
visitor that our Spanish
Ministry is currently
meeting in the Greens.
A truck was sitting in front
of the doors. A sign for
Obama-Biden was
taped on the passenger door.
The driver was at our sign
posted by the doors--looking
at the schedule of events.
Then, he got back into the
truck as we pulled up behind
it.
I got out and approached the
vehicle. Four Latino men
were in the truck. In
cautious English, the driver
asked me about the Spanish
Service. He told me that a
man named 'John'
had told him to come here.
I motioned for them to
follow me to our quarters at
the Auburn Greens. Shortly
after we arrived,
Elba
and Jesse showed up (they
speak Spanish fluently). All
six spoke at length in front
of our house. At 2:15,
Jorge drove up.
I was inside my house moving
chairs and setting up the
Spanish Worship DVD at a
volume that caused some
passersby to look in my
doorway and observe me
preparing for a gathering.
I left the DVD Worship Team
to further invest their
talents and joined the group
in front of my house. I
asked Jesse to invite them
in. He informed me that they
were going to Sacramento and
would visit us next Sunday.
Again, I asked Jesse to
invite them in long enough
to hear one song by the
Worship Team. I couldn't
discern what Jesse said in
Spanish but made out this
much:
"....
no obligation."
The guys came into our
livingroom and looked
around. They seemed to enjoy
the music by
Luis Enrique and
the Worship Team from
Crossroads Iglesia in 2007.
After
Jesse, Elba, Jorge
and I modeled singing
along during one song, I
fast-forwarded to watch the
preacher for about one
minute. On that particular
day,
the pastor had
been wearing a suit (usually
he is seen as being dressed
more business-casual).
In Spanish,
Tony
asked Jesse if the
preacher on the DVD was
paid. He then asked if our
church pays me as the
pastor. His point was that
Jesus wasn't paid.
Jesse and Elba
shared their convictions
from the Word. Then, I asked
Jesse to
interpret for me. I shared a
number of my pastoral
situations where I was
bi-vocational and have paid
my own way--always giving
money to the church.
I mentioned the tough times
being faced in this current
economy and that I might
need to take another job
part-time. Again, I will
continue to give money to
the church. I affirmed that
in this neighborhood are
many people who work very
hard but are poor. This is
why we moved there to bring
the work of the church to
them. Tony seemed to accept
my testimony because he was
nodding his head.
I mentioned a possible
distant future in Africa
where we provide for the
ministry with money we have
saved up.
Finally,
Jorge began to
testify in Spanish about why
he tithes. All four men were
fixed on his story of
personal gratitude to the
Lord. God had given him a
job; He has allowed him to
stay in school as he tries
to earn an Electrician's
Certification.
Jorge tithes out
of gratitude!
We continued to converse in
Spanish (well, they did; I
listened to the tongues
without interpretation).
However, I later gathered
this information about the
visitors:
1.
William
(40? a
landscaper)
2.
Augustine
(20-something; a
landscaper)
3.
Phillip (30?;
currently unemployed)
4.
Tony
(20-something; landscaper)
Augustine and
Phillip showed us
business cards from two
separate Spanish ministries
that are hosted by the Grace
Community Church at 3126
Olympic Way in Auburn. They
have also invested
themselves in those
ministries along the way.
Augustine also
showed an interest in coming
back to our house on Tuesday
night for supper and for
'Experiencing God'. I
reminded him that
'Experiencing God' will be
in English. It will be
interesting to see if he
shows up!
Here's the write-up:
Pastor m
oves
to the Auburn Greens
Having recently
purchased a bank-
owned unit in the
Auburn Greens,
Pastor Rob and Cathy
…
click here
Monday, October 13, 2008
9:17am update:
Lou and I came back to the
church grounds and walked
back to the brush pile.
Since I've come, Lou has
been my resident 'veteran'
who helps with patriotic
holiday decorations. He and
I discussed the Proposition
8 signs; several of the BSF
ladies will be taking the
yard signs to their pastors
(and to their
neighborhoods). I will try
to get more for distribution
to those who will choose to
speak up for biblical,
revealed truth about
marriage.
My online friend in Pakistan
sent me a link to this flash
presentation:
You are a Miracle
6:58am Stopped in
the Office to check my
email. I have a breakfast
appt. with Lou R. at
Wing's...so pop in if you
wanna say 'Hello'.
I'll be back in the office
around 8:00am and will
prepare the morning message
(and evening testimonies)
for publication.
Unfortunately, the
sermonplayer company has
been experiencing 'growing
pains'. They went to a new
server and have been in the
process of transferring
100,000 sermons. If you have
been frustrated in your
attempt to find an old
message, that's the reason.
Hopefully, it will be all
fixed soon.
Check back later today for
more journal entry.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
I just finished a funeral
service for Mildred Martin.
The Lord blessed so the
Gospel was preached without
hindrance.
Cathy,
Mary, Daniel,
and Cerissa
are all in Galt holding the
second day of a moving sale.
Last night I rented a
steam-cleaner. Jerry and I
both applied the
elbow-grease to get 'er
done. All three upstairs
bedrooms, the hallway, the
staircase and landing.
Cathy just called
me to say our old, upright
piano just sold. I'm also
selling our three piece,
black leather couch (for
$200). We have decided to
live within our means (even
within the space that
the
Auburn Greens has
provided).
I am about to prepare the
classroom for
Session 1 (of 2)
for our
monthly new members class
tomorrow.
Production of the Powerpoint
slides has already begun for
tomorrow's sermon:
"Radical
Reconciliation".
I may upload the sermon
notes later today. The
message is already fairly
well developed in my mind. I
shared some of its
form-and-content with our
Head Trustee yesterday
morning.
CLICK HERE for a rough draft
of an online donation
page.
The primary concept of
prepaid principal goes beyond mere monthly
payments against our
mortgage. This will be a
significant faith-building
journey to learn the
following truths of
'Experiencing God' (through
giving).
Here is the responsive
reading for tomorrow:
No. 715 Stewardship
The
earth is the Lord’s, and the
fullness thereof;
the world, and they that dwell therein.
The
silver is mine, and the gold
is mine,
saith the Lord of hosts.
Every
beast of the forest is mine,
and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
And all the tithe of the
land,
whether of the seed of the land,
or of the fruit of the tree,
is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.
Honor
the Lord with thy substance,
and with the first fruits of all thine increase.
Bring ye all the tithes
into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house,
and prove me now herewith,
saith
the Lord of hosts,
If I
will not open you the
windows of heaven,
and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be
room enough
to receive it.
But
this I say,
He which soweth sparingly
shall reap
also sparingly;
and he which soweth bountifully
shall reap
also bountifully.
Every
man according as he
purposeth in his heart,
so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity:
for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And
God is able to make
all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having
all sufficiency
in all things,
may abound to every good
work.
Psalm 24:1;
Haggai 2:8; Psalm 50:10;
Leviticus 27:30;
Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 3:10;
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
KJV
I'm also looking forward to
tomorrow evening's opening
of three new
BellRoad University
classes (class start time
varies 4:30 and 5:00pm. The
start times will be
confirmed publicly with each
of the teachers in Morning
Service.
The Truth Project
Seeking God's Wisdom
Toward becoming a
Peacemaking Church
Our classes will be followed
by a special time corporate
worship, testimony,
and teaching at 6:00pm.
Thursday, October 9,
2008
6:00am --early
office hours today. Much
that still needs to be done
to implement action plans as
a result of our Annual Town
Hall Meeting and the
Sunday's Special Called
Business meeting.
The calling to pastor (poime)
involves the equipping of
the saints for works of
service. This I must keep
foremost in my thoughts as I
consider the days ahead. The
workshops provided during
last Saturday's Men's
'equipping' Conference
were indicative of the
challenges unique to these
times.
On a more traditional path,
I plan to observe some of
the Seniors' Drama practice
today. I will also sit in
with the Senior Choir
rehearsal. They have two
engagements already booked
for their production of
Bound for Glory:
Thursday, Nov. 6 2pm Oaks of Auburn
Sunday, Nov. 9 6pm Bell Road Baptist
Church
Last night our mid-week
prayer meeting focused on
the economy--especially that
of the individual under the
Lordship of Christ. We began
a study from Crown
Ministries called "Personal
Journey to Financial
Freedom."
We will continue to pray
for our entire church family
to overcome all obstacles of
fear and work together by
faith in God's Word. We are
looking toward the day that
our church will be full of
debt-free, tithing members
who have extra to share with
those who do not yet know
Jesus.
As part of our group
discussion, we collectively
shared examples of Bible
passages that speak to
matters of earning,
spending, saving, investing,
and giving. It was
interesting to hear the
stored-up Word of God poured
out from the hearts of those
who gather for prayer.
As has been our custom, we
closed by singing
Blest be the Tie that Binds.
One of the sisters still
couldn't form the words from
memory so we sang the first
verse a second time.
After prayer, I attended the
Choir rehearsal. It is good
to see what God is doing
afresh with that aspect of
our church ministry. Last
Sunday, one of our
first-time singers had
invited a first-time visitor
to hear her sing in the
choir. He was back again
last night and had enrolled
his daughter in TeamKID.
Yes, folks...that's the way
it's supposed to work...
After the Choir meeting,
Cathy and I met with a
couple who had just lost his
mother. She was 84. I will
learn even more about her
this morning as he has asked
me to officiate at her
funeral this Saturday
morning. It will be the
first funeral I have
performed at Chapel of the
Hills.
"Render
unto Caesar what belongs to
Caesar."
In a democratic republic,
'we' are Caesar. That duty
goes beyond paying taxes. We
also need to be informed,
voting citizens in the
upcoming election:
If you have high-speed,
please click on this link
and watch a brief video
about the great need to pass
Proposition 8.
The video Ann sent to me:
click here
Same-sex marriage is legal
in Massachusetts. The
parents of a Massachusetts
kindergarten student
exercised a form of civil
disobedience in order to
draw attention to the loss
of their parental rights.
from Ann's letter:
"Two courts have sided with
the school, against the
Parkers. The case appears to
be headed for the U.S.
Supreme Court."
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I came to the Office at 6am.
Pastor Matt is
taking three days of
vacation. Since he usually
sets up the recording for
BSF,
I've just cleaned up the
platform from Sunday night
and set up the microphone
for
Peggy. I'm
pleased with the response to
BSF
in the foothills.
Three invitations:
1)
Today is Open
Enrollment for
BSF;
come at 9am
2) At noon, the
foothills pastors
will assemble at
BellRoad for the weekly prayer
meeting. Area
pastors and leaders are welcome to join us!
3)
Tonight, we're
serving a crockpot supper in
my home
(from 5:30-7:00) with 'Experiencing God' afterwards.
At Staff Meeting this
morning I will go over the
list of proactive ideas that
our church has decided to
consider. I hope to hear
from (and to listen
carefully to) those who
sparked any portion of the
collective brainstorm.
Yesterday, I took an action
step to help implement the
specific motion that I
brought forth. There is a
greater sense of confidence
when one is moving forward
with church's authority 'to
bind' and 'to loose.'
Blest be the tie that
binds...
This morning, I have as a
goal to take the next action
step for another motion
(made by Jimmie)
approved by the church.
Yesterday
afternoon, Cathy and I took
a daytrip to get alone
together. We went to Colfax.
Renee told us
about a place where you can
walk alongside the river. We
just had to find Iowa Hill
Road and follow it down. We
first had lunch at
Mom's Kitchen. We
found the old bridge and
walked through a campground
and then along the river.
Another Auburn resident (Barry)
was sitting on the rocks
having just swam in the
river. He goes there once a
week.
He told us about Bear River
Campground on the other side
of Colfax. So we went there
next, took out the guitar
and walked along the river
singing old songs together.
We then invested some time
walking in 'historic'
Colfax.
David L. spotted
us. We had a nice
conversation. He said to
expect to see him in church.
I told him about the 'new
members class' this Sunday
at 9am.
Earlier (at the Gym), I had
seen
Tim N. and
David
S. Both those
guys like our church so I
want to tell them about the
new members class too.
Clyde has
high-speed now. So, here are
some short videos I want him
to preview. Actually, any of
you are welcome to view
them. Please choose your
favorite three and write to
me: pastorob@gmail.com
One tenth:
click here
The plate:
click here
It all belongs to God:
click here
In God we trust:
click here
Deep thoughts from a shallow
Christian #1
click here
Deep thoughts from a shallow
Christian #2
click here
What if?
click here
Monday, October 6, 2008
Whew! There was a 5 hour
business meeting yesterday.
It was an interesting
opportunity to watch the
church be the church. I
stayed after to lock up and
got home around 7:30pm.
Cathy and I went for a long
walk to talk and to pray.
Cathy and I are planning to
go to the Gym this morning.
BSF ladies are here planning
for tomorrow's program. I
will try to upload the
morning message later
today...it might be much
later.
Thus far, this morning I've
just been answering emails.
Someone wrote to me in
response to this story
posted last Friday:
Pastor moves
to the Auburn Greens
Having recently
purchased a bank-
owned unit in the
Auburn Greens,
Pastor Rob and Cathy
…
click here
Here is an
excerpt from the letter. I'm
very pleased to have this
type of feedback. Perhaps
someone will write something
negative about me. That's
OK. Last night I met three
teens in the alley. We had a
very pleasant interchange.
Dear Pastor Rob,
I was pleasantly
surprised to read about
what you've begun with your
recent purchase of a unit in
the Auburn Greens
neighborhood. I have been
concerned about the many
young children who live
there, and more
specifically, the Mexican
kids who are very vulnerable
to many threats.
As a member of the Placer
County Juvenile
Justice/Delinquency
Prevention Commission, I
have heard from Placer
County Probation Dept. about
gang activity in the Greens.
It's disturbing to me that
these kids are so vulnerable
due to language challenges,
latch-key issues (due to
both parents needing to
work), and pressure from
older kids to become
involved with gangs.
I'd like to meet with you
to discuss what you are
doing in the Greens and
see if I can be a help to
your ministry.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Our monthly men's breakfast
has been preempted in order
for all of us to attend
'Standing Together' (a
northern California Men's
Conference).
Here are directions to Bear
Creek Community Church. They
are providing the space for
this cross-denominational
gathering of men. This
happens to be the church
where my buddy,
Jebby, serves as
Worship Pastor.
Last I knew he wasn't very
aware of the event (its a
rather big church). I'll
call him and see if he can
bring his sons and meet up
with us.
The program runs from 9:00
until 3:30. We will be
leaving our church parking
lot at 7:30am.
www.bearcreekchurch.com
11171 N Lower Sacramento Rd
Lodi, CA 95242
(209) 369-2202
Get
directions
Friday, October 3, 2008
Congratulations to
Barry, Wanda, and
Rena for making
the hardcopy edition of
yesterday's Auburn Journal.
Wh
en
I heard about it, I went
right to the paper and
bought my own copy.
Fortunately, the Journal
also uploaded the photo to
its website so that you can
enjoy it as well.
Memorial Garden Honorees
Yesterday, after recording
some of the
Seniors' Drama Rehearsal,
I concentrated on home
visitations. Afterwards, I
asked
Cathy to drop
me off before she went to
PRISM. I thought the
vice-presidential debate
started at 6:30, so I missed
nearly 30 minutes of it. The
final hour, however, was
very enjoyable to witness.
After a long walk in our
neighborhood park, Cathy and
I went to bed early; then I
woke up at 1:37am.
It has been a long time
since I awoke in the middle
of the night and 'went to
work'. I'm heading out early
Saturday morning for a
full-day Men's Conference,
so I figured I would come
down to the Office early and
knock out some work that I
feel ought to get done on a
Friday.
I'll work until the Deacons'
prayer meeting at 6:30am
(its 2:17 as I
begin).
click here
click here
Pastor m
oves
to the Auburn Greens
Having recently purchased a bank-
owned unit in the Auburn Greens,
Pastor Rob and Cathy …
click here
It is
now 4:37am, so it took
2 hours and 20
minutes to write and
post three stories at the
Auburn Journal. I would
appreciate it if you would
take time to read these
stories and pray for each
individual who might chance
upon an invitation to take
the next step home toward
God.
As I work, I've been
listening to the Messages
preached by
Rick Stanley and
Bill Loveless
during our revival in May.
These important messages,
brought by the Spirit of
God, can be accessed on the
sermonplayer above by
scrolling down to 5/18/08.
They can also be downloaded
to burn to CD, mp3, or iPod.
With a pivotal,
special-called Business
Meeting at our church this
Sunday, it is important
that I prepare my heart and
my mind to listen carefully
to each of the motions that
are being brought to the
floor.
The
following isn't in the form
of a motion. It
may not be received as the
solution to financial fears
experienced by some in our
church body.
It is
simply from my heart.
I've published it in this
Sunday's Bulletin:
Churchwide Faith Challenge:
The balance of our
church building loan is
$423,139.59. With
continued regular payments,
it is scheduled to be paid
off in just over five years.
Last Sunday, one of
our deacons pledged to give
$2,000 a month beyond
his tithe toward the monthly
mortgage payment. He asked
us to pray about joining him
in giving beyond the tithe.
Cathy and I have prayed
and have decided to exercise
our faith by offering to
match gifts for anyone who
is willing to share the
deacon's desire to see God
work this problem out His
Way. Pledge any amount and
put it in the offering plate
this morning.
Lord willing, we will
match your pledges up to
$2,000 per month.
Let's get ahead of the
devil, pray, give, and pay
this building off early!
--Pastor Rob and Cathy
(530) 366-2924
Sunday morning, we will
share the Lord's Supper
before the sermon which is
entitled
Lost in Sin.
After the morning
announcements, our church
body will be encouraged to
read aloud the following
scripture passages together
in unison. I offer this
preview of the responsive
reading as an exercise in
readying ourselves to enter
into worship:
Responsive
Reading No. 711
Testimony
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.
On the contrary, by
setting forth the
truth plainly we
commend ourselves to
every man’s
conscience in the
sight of God.
For we do not preach
ourselves,
but Jesus Christ as Lord, and
ourselves
as your servants for
Jesus’ sake.
But we have this
treasure in jars of
clay to show that
this all-surpassing
power is from God
and not from us.
We are hard-pressed
on every side,
but not crushed;
perplexed, but not
in despair,
persecuted, but not
abandoned;
struck down, but not
destroyed.
We always carry
around in our body
the death of Jesus,
so that the life of
Jesus may also be
revealed in our
body.
It is written: “I
believed; therefore
I have spoken.” With
that same spirit of
faith we also
believe and
therefore speak.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:1-2,5,7-10,13,15-16 NIV
It is now 5:40am, so I'll leave soon for the Deacons' Prayer Meeting at the Newcastle Exit. Hopefully, I will be able to organize my office a bit before then. I plan to listen to one of my old sermons as preparation for this Sunday's Message.
I'm scheduled to take one of our seniors to have some stitches removed at 11:00am. I'll be available today by cell phone if anyone wants to call (530) 366-2924.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Last night I witnessed a
four year old running into
the building saying,
"I'm in TeamKID now...
I'm in TeamKid now...
Guess what?!
I'm in TeamKID now!"
Unfortunately, it was one of
those moments that the
camera was in 'pause'
when I thought it was in 'record.'
I hate it when that
happens...hah.
Yes, our
first night of TeamKID was a
great success.
Kristy Ronk is
our Director for 2008-09.
She seems to be full of
energy and has a can-do
attitude. As the first
week's volunteer cook for
Wednesday night meals, she
set a very good example of
the
G.R.O.W.
principle:
Giving God our very best
Reaching
in and reaching out
Overcoming
all obstacles
Working
together with God
Kristi had
prepared the spaghetti
supper beforehand. I shot
footage of her daughter,
Amanda, serving
up the pastor's plate. It
was delicious, by the way.
I was pleased to see that
Cerissa and Beverly
joined the choir last night.
As a Dad, I was especially
pleased to see
Renee Clark
exercise here influence and
bring my daughter,
Mary, into her
first adult choir
experience.
After showing up to a
Roseville courtroom (to
support loved ones from our
church family), I took Cathy
to see
Fireproof. Again, I
highly recommend this film
as an investment toward the
high ideal marriage.
The fall semester of
BellRoad University
is beginning next week. Go
to
www.bellroad.org to see
what classes are being
offered. You should be able
to sign up online.
Today, after staff meeting,
Pastor Matt and I
will attend drama practice
with our Seniors. We will
then go out on visitation
together.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Cathy and I headed out for
our morning walk at 6am. Its
7:13 and we're spending a
few minutes at the Office
before heading to the Gym.
I've printed an article that
was written by a friend called
'What do you see?'.
I plan to read and meditate
upon this article as part of
my workout at the Gym. If
you would like to read it
online,
click here.
After yesterday's staff
meeting, I sat in on a
meeting with
Patrice, Curt, and
Pastor Matt to
hear an update on plans for
the Christmas drama-musical.
Patrice is authoring the
event. I pray the Holy
Spirit will send her
individuals who will
resource her with all that
is needed to build upon the
foundation she has already
laid.
I plan to watch the
vice-presidential debate
tomorrow night at 6pm.
Why
vote with informed intent?
click here
A couple weeks back I told
Polly about a song I wrote
based on Paul's letter to
the Philippians. The
background scripture passage
is all-important to me as I
continue to work amidst the
pressures of this chapter in
ministry.
TurnYour Worries into Prayer
I had an
important walking-call with
my buddy,
Jebby, last week.
He told me that he still
prays alongside Jabez on a
daily basis. A recent
Finance Committee meeting
was opened with that very
passage (1Chronicles
4:9-10).
Jabez was more honorable
than his brothers.
His mother had named him Jabez, saying,
"I gave birth
to him in pain."
Jabez cried out to the
God of Israel,
"Oh, that you would bless
me
and enlarge my territory!
Let your hand be with me, and keep me
from harm so that I will be free from
pain."
And God granted his
request."
I'm reminded of this entire
chapter first shared with me
in an upper room back in
Kalamazoo (Isaiah
54).