The Blog

Are Things Not Crazy?- 4/28/2009

2009-04-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

It still blows me away that God can do so many things that you do not expect. He has the ability to completely change the way we look at things and how we act towards things. God is taking the team here at Crossfire MC through a lot of stuff right now and the fact that he is doing this is just awesome. We get to see things that we never saw before and get to experience things we never thought we could experience. We have had some awesome opportunities to just be able to share the love of God and we will be leaving on another trip soon which will give us even more opportunities.

The message and the thing that I really want to get across to you all through this is that no matter where you are at or what it is you are doing, God is there and he wants to be able to show you things that you didn't know were there to be seen. He wants to take you places that you didn't know you could go. Look for opportunities and be ready for what it is God is going to do in your life. He has big things for you and wants you to be able to take advantage of everything he has for you.

E! The True Hollywood Story, Good Friday- 4/10/2009

2009-04-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

The story of Good Friday is a simple one. It is a simple story of the unconditional love of Christ for each one of us. For the benefit of anyone who might not know of this story of love, it started shortly after Jesus Christ entered the Garden of Olives and experienced a "hemorrhage of blood" that prompted him to cry out, "Father, if it is possible, let this suffering pass from me."

Following that agony that brought about this sweating of blood, Christ's hands were tied. While they were doing everything to distract him from what was taking place, a powerful soldier crept up behind him and jammed a crown of thorns on his forehead. And he screamed with pain. A short time later he was directed toward Calvary and carrying a cross was eventually nailed to it and died. A simple, but powerful story.

Now every major religious writer has told this story of love that took place on that first Good Friday. It is a story reminding us of the unconditional love that Christ has for each one of us.

The suffering of Jesus Christ that we are reminded about today is not just some historical event of the past. The Passion of Christ, his sufferings, did not end on Calvary or Good Friday. It is going on in the lives of every home, every family, every person. Christ has reminded us "wheRev.er two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." This is a reminder that if suffering did not pass by Christ, it will not pass by us. The Passion of Christ is being experienced in the parent who says, "Father, my son is a drug addict", or the mother who says, "my mother has Alzheimer's disease." The Passion of Christ is seen in the life of every alcoholic who must learn to unite his thirst with the thirst of Christ on the Cross. The person who has terminal cancer at one point in his life must say with Christ, "Father into thy hands I commend my spirit."

All of us when a serious illness or accident or setback takes place look for an answer to our questions, "Why me?" And Good Friday, when we look at the most innocent person in the world could ask, "Why him?"

If you are looking for an emotional or pragmatic answer to suffering in your life or the lives of others, you are looking in vain. If suffering was to be the life of Christ, his blessed mother, his apostles and saints, then the only rational answer we can give is "not my will be done, but yours," The story of Christ on Good Friday is one of unconditional love. Christ will never stop offering this unconditional love.

The poet, Francis Thompson, in his beautiful work, "The Hound of Heaven," described how he tried to elude the Cross of Christ and realized that in trying to escape the cross he was running from the love of God and denying God the opportunity to lavish his love.
I fled Him down the nights and days. I fled Him down the arches of the years. I fled him down the labyrinthine ways of my mind; of my own mind and in the midst of tears I hid from Him and under running laughter. Up vistaed hopes, I sped; and shot, precipitated.

The same theme of unconditional love was written about by Joseph Plunkett in his poem, I See His Blood Upon The Rose. This is another reminder that the Passion of Christ was with us for all time.
I see his blood upon the rose
And in the stars the glory of his eyes
His body gleams amid eternal snows
His tears fall from the skies.

Good Friday is a story of God's unconditional love for us. It was not a mistake to reconcile a sinful man with sinless God. Good Friday, though sad, is a reminder that we have a place in heaven because of a God whose love was so great that his last words were, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."

May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in your heart.

Why Do We Wait To Act- 4/8/2009

2009-04-08T23:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday (April 7, 2009) marks the 15 year anniversary of the beginning of the Rwandan Holocaust/Genocide. In 1994 an estimated one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu men, women, and children were murdered over only 100 days. I remember being a kid and hearing short BBC reports of the "situation" that was happening in Rwanda.
I never really understood what was happening there until I watched the movie "Hotel Rwanda" with my brother in 2004. It has since become my favorite movie not because of the great writing or because of the great acting or even because of the incredibly moving and encouraging story (all three are true), it has become my favorite movie because it really has challenged the way I think.

There is a scene in the movie where Paul (played by Don Cheadle) is thanking Jack (played by Joaquin Phoenix) for filming footage of the genocide to show the world. Jack replies "Yeah and if no one intervenes, is it still a good thing to show?" Paul responds "How can they not intervene when they witness such atrocities?" (Jack's response has never really left me) he said"I think if people see this footage they'll say, "oh my God that's horrible," and then go on eating their dinners" The truth is that is exactly what happened. People were being killed in the capital city of Kigali, in the village of Buhongo, and all over Rwanda dead bodies were laying in the streets. But in New York City the United Nations were fighting over the definition of the word genocide. I believe our failure to act on behalf of the million dead is the Free World's biggest failure in the last 25 years.

It makes me wonder how many times as Christians we fail to act. I am not talking about the time were thought-out plans and prayerful consideration is needed. But the times were injustice is happening and we know we need to respond but we don't. Sure, millions don't die because of our lack of obedience to action, but I wonder what the result or the death toll is in the supernatural. As Christians we are supernatural people living in a natural world, however when we are obedient we infuse the supernatural into this world and incredible things happen. I know I have seen situations, and just hoped things would get better and "gone right back to eating my dinner". Most of the time those things don't get better. Are we as Christians like the Priest and Levite in Luke 10. Do we see the man near death laying in the gutter and cross to the other side of road. Or are we obedient to action? Do we go to the ditch get down and dirty and help the man near death?

A few weeks ago I was in Washington DC and I saw a poem at the Holocaust Museum I want to end with this poem by German Pastor Martin Niemöller its called First they came…

"First they came for the Communists,

but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists,

but I was neither, so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Jews,

but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out.

Then they came for the Catholics,

but I was not a Catholic so I did not speak out.

And when they came for me,

and there was no one left to speak out."

Do You Smell- 4/7/2009

2009-04-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday at Crossfire Family Worship Center, Pastor Aaron spoke a message about smelly poeple. Now its not the kind of smelly that you are thinking about. He was talking about smells and what incencse was used for in the tabernacle. He talked about what it means to smell good to God and what the things are in our life that make us smell not so good. It was a very powerful message and opened up the eyes of people to a lot of things.

One of the illustrations he used stuck with me. He talked about what happens to his dogs when he leaves them outside for a long time. They start to stink. But, him being he owner of the dogs has no problem bringing them in and washing them up just like God will do for us. He also said sometimes the dogs will go and roll in something, they go get all nasty and yet he will still clean them up. Its funny he talked about how God will take us no matter what we do or what we have done and he will always clean us up.

So as you go this week and live out your life, just begin to think a little bit about wheather you smell good, if not see what God can do to vlean you up and make you smell good.

Hanging Out With Our Friends At Christ Center- 3/30/2009

2009-03-31T00:18:00.000-07:00

Today was another amazing day, not only was God doing amazing things but we had the privalage to go and minister at another Christ Center chapel service. It is always so amazing to go to the chapel services. We go there and all the kids remember our names and we are all trying to remeber their names, its a lot of fun.

Today was also a special day for Casey because he was given the opportunity to speak at the service and was able to share the message that God has been putting on his heart about service and loving people the way God intended them to be loved. We also were able to do some dramas for them, which everybody knows are always fun. After Casey spoke, Jeff, one of the leaders of the school, tied into some of the stuff that they have been teaching about. He talked about finding the Gold inside of people and not focusing on the dirt. It was a really cool thing, and we got to pray with all of them to find the real Gold inside of people and to be able to find the Gold in each and every single one of them.

After all was said and done, it was a great service and it is always such a joy to go there and see all the awesome things that God is doing in that school and in the lives of the staff and all of the students. Oh and don't forget with every chapel service, it also means we get the most amazing deserts in the whole world.

The Thing That Drives Us- 3/27/2009

2009-03-27T23:50:00.000-07:00

It is a hard thing to think about but it is a question that is asked a lot. Why do you do what you do. This happens a lot to us in ministry. Maybe its a really good friend or a sibling or even our parents who just don't know why it is we do what we do. It is always easy to say becuase God said so, but do we ever really take the time to sit down and think why we do what it is we do.

As a Masters Commission, it is very easy for us to say we do what we do because we are servants, which we are, but there is so much more to it then that. God has a calling on ever single person. Some people are called into a full time ministry position and some are not, but we are all called to ministry in one way or another. Now if you have read this far then you may think that this blog is for people who are in full time ministry and you are going to get a good reason why you are doing it, when actually it is about the people who do things outside of the church and outside of full time ministry and who love Jesus and are faithful to a church who just want to serve God.

It is so easy for people who are not in full time ministry to feel like they are not doing there part or that they are waisting there life working a day job. One of the biggest things that people overlook is that a day job, a workplace, is one of the biggest mission fields in the entire world. Everybody works. I am writting this blog to encourage those out there to take advantage of the situations that God has given to you. Keep loving God and seeking him but as you go and do then take the love that he has given you and begin to share it with the people you work with.

So many times we see people who are an awesome man or women of God at church on Sunday, but they feel that in order to fit in at work, they need to do all the things that there work buddies do. It is a hard thing to overcome, but remeber, we are all called to be a light into the darkness, so go and light up the darkness.

Who Do You Worship- 3/25/2009

2009-03-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks at Crossfire Masters Commission we’ve been talking about sacrifice. One Bible story that received a lot of attention was the story of Abraham and Isaac, when God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a teat of his faith and stopped him at the last minute.

I was reading over that story and something really cool popped out at me. It comes to the part of the story where Abraham and Isaac are about to part ways with the rest of their group, here is what the scripture says,” He said to his servants, ‘Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.’”

He said that they were going to worship. Now, it’s not like Abraham was lying to his servants, or trying to trick them into thinking that they weren’t going to sacrifice, that was obviously their intent. Rather this statement makes clear to us that worship is sacrifice. Worship is more than just music and lyrics, but it is about how you live your life.

Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Living sacrifices, a life dedicated to the worship God is characterized by sacrifice. This is something important for everyone to know because what you sacrifice for is a good indicator of who or what you worship.

Romans 1:25 says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” So I leave you with this: What do you sacrifice for? What is it that motivates the majority of the sacrifices you make? Are you worshiping the creation rather than the creator? Who do you worship?

Moving Fowrard- 3/20/2009

2009-03-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

So, it has been a long and crazy week but things are shaping up to look very good. We have made a lot of progress on the remodel of the church and are very excited to see it all come together. We still have a long way to go but we are taking it one step at a time. Looking at what is to come and being ready for it is so important. Although you may not always know what is coming at you, the bible says to be ready in and out of season. We are so excited and ready to see where God is taking us and can not wait to find out where it is.

As we go through all these different things on our way, we ask that you all would pray for us and our church. Another thing to think about as we are going through all of this has been that no matter what the obstacles have been, God has made a way. It is so odd and funny to think about but its true. God is the ultimate craftsmen. So, when you are in a hard time and feel just really down and don't know what to do think about that. God has been from the very begging making and forming your life. He knows all the ups and all the downs, let him be in control and see if you start to notice a difference.

E! The True Hollywood Story, St.Patrick 3/17/2009

2009-03-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Although the holiday that bears St. Patrick’s name has become simply a good excuse to wear green and a bad excuse for many to drink, the man behind the holiday was truly a man of God. In honor of that fact, here’s a powerful quote from St. Patrick that has challenged us:

“I am Patrick, yes a sinner and indeed untaught; yet I am established here in Ireland where I profess myself bishop. I am certain in my heart that “all that I am,” I have received from God. So I live among barbarous tribes, a stranger and exile for the love of God. He himself testifies that this is so. I never would have wanted these harsh words to spill from my mouth; I am not in the habit of speaking so sharply. Yet now I am driven by the zeal of God, Christ’s truth has aroused me. I speak out too for love of my neighbors who are my only sons; for them I gave up my home country, my parents and even pushing my own life to the brink of death. If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me.”

History of St. Patrick taken from http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/patrick.html

Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland (other accounts say somewhere in England or Wales), in the year 387 (or 371 by other accounts). He lived a remarkably long life; some sources say he was 73 when he died, others say he was 106, and yet other accounts age him to 122!

Patrick's father, Calphurnius, was from a high ranking Roman family. With this relatively wealthy background, Patrick must have been fit and healthy as a young man, which may have been the reason for Patrick's kidnapping by an Irish gang who sold him as a slave to a pagan chieftain in Dalriada (now County Antrim), the north-eastern coast of Ireland.

For six years, he tended livestock for his master, which gave him plenty of time to pray and exercise the Christian faith his parents had nurtured in him. He grew strong spiritually, mastered the local Celtic language, and also became familiar with Druidism from which later he would convert the people of Ireland.

After six years, he sneaked away and managed to board a ship back to Britain. There, rather than return to his home, he became a student of the bishop St. Germain for some years and joined in his missionary work. Eventually he became a priest and Pope Celestine gave him the task of converting the Irish to Christianity. In fact another missionary called Palladius had already tried that, but was beaten back by the chieftain of Wicklow. Bishop Germain told the Pope that Patrick was the man for the job. Patrick was given a new name by the Pope: Patercius meaning 'father of his people'.

By the time he reached Ireland, Patrick was already about 45 years old. At that age is must have been physically daunting to take on the aggressive Druids. So he adopted a more gentle approach to his mission. First, he went back to the area where he had been a slave. There, he paid a ransom for his own release and forgave his former master for the cruelty he had endured. This must have been good gossip material at the local markets.

Patrick's meek reputation soon spread, so that where-ever he journeyed, people knew this was a gentle man of God and he was respected. Not by everyone, of course. Those in power were afraid that this new religion would weaken their authority and wealth. One such chieftain was called Dichu. On a journey to Slemish, Patrick bumped into Dichu, who saw the saint as a puny man and easy to overcome. Dichu drew his sword to slay Patrick, but his arm froze in mid air! He could not move and begged for Patrick's forgiveness. The paralysis softened and Dichu was converted. Later, he built a monastery on his land. (Monastery - a home for unmarried fathers?!)

This is one of several early miracles attributed to Patrick, and he did not stop there. All his life, this missionary went around spreading the word of God. It wasn't always easy; he had to negotiate several arrests, but he never tired. When he wasn't preaching, he was praying. One by one, he converted the pagan leaders to Christianity, and the people followed.

One day, in 433, Dichu told Patrick that the chieftains of Erin had been summoned to celebrate a special pagan Easter Sunday feast at Tara by Leoghaire, the Supreme Monarch of Ireland. The aim was to muster strength against this new and threatening religion of Christianity. Patrick saw this as a golden opportunity to preach to so many chieftains, and even the king himself. At once, Patrick set off to meet the challenge.

Patrick gave such an impression that from that day forward, Ireland became a nation of people who followed the Christian faith.

One story tells how, at the Easter Sunday feast at Tara, Patrick bent down to pluck a shamrock from the sward and used it to illustrate how the three leaves joined together on a single stem represented the Trinity joined together in the Godhead.

Then there's the lovely story of Patrick's chauffeur, or rather charioteer, named Odhran. In the region of Kildare and Queen's was a chieftain who used to worship Crom Cruach, an enormous demon idol made of stone and gold. Feared by all, Crom Cruach could only be appeased by sacrificing children on Samain (1st November) in return for milk and corn, and the good weather that insured the fertility of cattle and crops. The chieftain was pretty peeved to find out that Patrick had destroyed the idol. He vowed revenge on Patrick and plotted to lie in wait for the saint and murder him.

Odhran overheard this plot, and thought of a plan to save his master.

Before embarking on a journey that would take Patrick into the ambush, Odhran asked Patrick if they could change places for the day; for Patrick to become the driver and Odhran to sit as passenger in the cart. Patrick agreed to this strange request, and they set off.

No sooner as they started, the chieftain's men attacked. They killed Odhran in the cart, believing him to be Patrick. Odhran saved Patrick's life by sacrificing his own. Thus he became a martyr - and we have the basis for another story.

Patrick was therefore able to continue on his mission, through into his old age, converting the chieftains who were then followed by their subjects. In the stone fort Cashel in Munster, the traditional place for coronations, Patrick baptized the Munster king's son, Aengus. During the ceremony, old Patrick leaned on his crosier for support and in doing so, accidentally pierced the young prince's foot. Aengus, believing this to be part of the ceremony, simply gritted his teeth and took the pain like a prince should. At the end of the baptism, Patrick noticed the blood and admired the prince's courage. With the bloodied end of his staff, Patrick drew a red cross on the king's shield, telling him the sign should be a symbol of courage for all to witness.

Patrick is credited with miracles in healing the sick and even resuscitating the dead. He ordained innumerable priests and consecrated no fewer than 350 bishops. He continued his work until he had completed his triumph over Paganism and converted the Irish to Christianity. His work completed, he died around 450 (by some accounts, 461 on others, or on 17 March 493 by yet other accounts. This day gives us St. Patrick's Day.) Whatever the actual year was, Patrick was elevated to sainthood for his Divine supernatural gifts by the local diocese soon after he died. (Cannonisation of saints by the pope did not begin until 993.)

What Is Your Purpose- 3/11/2009

2009-03-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

When you take a second and think back on all the things that you have done in your life, what do you come up with. Now, if you are young and don't have a lot of life experience, this will be much easier for you to do. For anyone who has been through a lot in their life, this may be a much harder task. Once you have done this, add up the things that you would call good things and add up all the things that you would call bad things. This may discourage some and others may be encouraged, but when you really take the time to think about it, it is all of these things that make up who you are. God takes you through the good and the bad to build your character.

All of those things make up your testimony. Your testimony is the most valuable thing that you have, that no one else will ever have or be able to copy. Why, because, you have been there, you went through it. So many times poeple look at there life and can't figure out what it is they are suppose to do in life. The truth of the matter is that the biggest thing that you can do in you own life is share what you have been through. Where God has taken you and the things that you have overcome. You never know how many people could be touched by the words that you say. I ask the question, What Is Your Purpose. This question applies to those who want to serve and do something for God but do not know how. Your purpose and what you are meant to do is to just be you and to pour into other people what God has given to you. Let him be your voice and just shine. You don't have to be some big wig preacher to change someones life forever. Not to say that preachers don't change peoples lives. God can use anyone to further his glory. Use what God has given you and learn everything you can.

What A Day- 2/4/2009

2009-03-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

This week has been an exciting one. Things are moving froward with the church and God is so incredible. Things have been looking up as we ave started to work on the floors and all of the remodel. We have also been blessed with some racks from Circuit City this week. They are going out of business and are getting rid of things for a very cheep price. Our church has always been one to jump at an opportunity, even if it means that we will do the work ourselves. This is a big blessing and will help our church during fireworks tremendously. God is so good in how he decides to bless us. He has chosen to give us so much and more. It is just another testament to how waiting on the God and believing that his is our provider is the only way to live your life. If we were not willing to be obedient to God and be patient then how would he be able to do the things he does. We as a people need to learn to get out of the way and let God do what he does. It may take time but faithfulness is so important in our lives. The things that we call magic or miracles are just the simple things to God. It is time to learn that as a church and as a people God wants to and will bless you when you are obedient. Remember that God works for the good of all things. All things. Get out of the way and let him do it.

BTI 2009- 2/27-3/1/2009

2009-03-01T22:33:00.000-08:00

There is really only one word to describe this years BTI. Wow! BTI is our churches youth winter camp. It is a time for students to get away for a weekend and come and see God. Our camp speaker this year was just so happened to be a Masters Commission alum from MC USA (The Original Masters program.) His name is Trammel Or. He has been out of Masters for a while now and has devoted his life to speaking to people. He came to camp to deliver a message and oh what a message he delivered.

God took over this weekend and did some crazy things. People, not just students, got something radical from God. They came to camp one way and went home completely different. The power behind the name of Jesus is so incredible and life changing that it blew us all away. There was freedom and bandages broken this weekend. God is so amazing the way that he does things. Trammel definitely delivered a message and that message was Jesus.

God is so crazy, these people that came to camp, came expecting something from him and they got it. We also had just a really fun weekend overall. There was so many things packed into one weekend. All the things from late night movies and bonfires to tubing on the autobahn and even going the regional sports center here in Springfield, OR. Talk about a crazy exciting weekend that will not only push you the the limits physically but beyond the limits that we put over our lives in the Spirit. We are praying that the doors people opened and the commitments made would not just be a camp high but something that becomes a lifestyle.

Wow, A Lot Has Happened- 2/27/2009

2009-02-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

It has been a crazy week. A very very crazy week. We got back from the trip and had an awesome service at Crossfire Family Worship center. They have also started painting the now non carpeted walls. We tested out a few colors and are going to let the church decide on what they want. So it was really exciting to see progress being made on the walls. As for us, we spent the week getting ready for BTI 2009 as well as working on the church floors. Speaking of the church floors, this mornig was an exciting one.

Yesterday we went up to the camp to set everything up and get stuff prepared. We came back at night for a drama practice with the youth team and got everything ready for camp. We went back to the camp to finish setting up so we were out of cell phone range. This morning pastor Jon Fargher came into the church only to find out that the floor of the sanctuary was covered with two inches of water. Since we were out of cell service, no one could get a hold of us to come help clean it up. So the church staff started to clean and they called someone to see if they had some equipment to use. In the process of that, one of their employees came out to help and told pastor Aaron that he had to stop cleaning because all the carpet needed to be replaced. Talk about an amazing answer to prayer. We have been praying for new carpet and about the floors for ever now. We had no idea how it was going to happen so God decided to take care of it and now our insurance is going to pay for the whole project. It is so amazing how God decided to move and answer our prayers. We are so excited for what God is doing in our church and how much is changing.

Its A Sad Day- 2/20/2009

2009-02-21T02:40:00.000-08:00

It is the last day of the trip and we had a lot going on. Team A was ministering in Bell Gardens CA, at praise chapel for their Friday Night Alive service. Team B is enjoying the last day of conference and is sad that it is over. To read about these tings in full, check out the unreserved blog on the home page.

The Trip Is Almost Over- 2/19/2009

2009-02-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

This has been one of the most amazing trips of all time. God has done some awesome and amazing things thus far. We are very thankful to all of the people who have opened their homes and churches to us. We are so blessed to be able to go and minister at all these different places. If you want to read more in detail about the trip and where we have been and whate have done, click on the unreserved link on the home age to check it out.

On The Road- 2/9/2009

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Wow, what to say about a trip that has started off so amazing. Well i guess that all there is to say is, WOW! Really it is hard to describe the things that God is doing any other way. We are updating the blog on a daily bases, all you need to do is click on the unreserved banner on the home page to read more.

Back In Sac Town- 2/7/2009

2009-02-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

The day started out great with 6 people cramed into Chris' pickup truck. It was a nice and cozy ride on the way down to Sac. We had the opportunity to stop in Redding CA, and spend some time with David's family in Redding. Some big things are happening there and we are really hoping to be able to go and do a church service with them.

Continuing with day one of the “Unreserved Tour 2009,” which means that we are in sac town at “The Meeting Place,” with Pastor Mike Matheson. We can already tell that this is going to be an amazing trip. The power of what God was doing during this service was so incredible. Danny was barely able to get through his message in a good way. God took complete control of the service and decided to rock the house.

Once again we got to see all the amazing and wonderful people that we have met at this church. There was also a lot of new faces this time which is always exciting. This was only the begging and we can not wait to see what God is going to do on this trip.

Preperation- 2/4/2009

2009-02-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

A lot of things have to happen in order to be prepared for something. You have to know what it is, what you will be doing, what you will need to do that, and how to do it. These are all things that we go through before we head out on the road to go to many different churches. It takes a lot of work, but, we do it for a purpose and that is what drives us.

We looking forward to going and seeing all of the familiar faces and new ones. We have prepared some very powerful messages and dramas to take with us on the road. We cant wait to see what God is going to do on our unreserved tour 2009. Please pray for us as we leave this Friday, Feb. We know that God goes with us and are ready to see what God will do.

Our first stop will be in Sacramento CA, home of "The Meeting Place" with pastor Mike. This is definitely one of our favorite stops on any tour and it is a great way to kick the whole thing off. We will be keeping you up to date so be looking for the upcoming blogs for more info.

Who Do You Say I Am? - 1/28/2009

2009-01-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

When I was much younger my family lived in a condo in Huntington Beach, California, and right upstairs from us lived a girl named Amanda. Eventually Amanda became my little brother, Tyler’s, “girlfriend” which was kinda weird because she was two years older than me, which made her four years older than him, and four years is a lot when you’re five. Anyway they got “married” one year around Christmas when our banister was decorated with a fake garland, from that point on, until she moved away, Tyler stopped calling her his girlfriend and started calling her his wife. Who she was to him had changed.
In Mark 8:27-29 Jesus asks his disciples a question…

Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

I want us to stop and reflect on that question for just a moment. Think about it, who do you say Jesus is? Is he your Master? Is he your Shepherd? Is he your King? In Hosea 2:16 God tells his people what their response to that question will someday be.

"In that day," declares the LORD,
"you will call me 'my husband';
you will no longer call me ‘my master’.

God is saying that the day is coming when we will no longer look at him as merely a master, but as a husband. The Bridegroom is a title that is used to describe Jesus. Jesus has many titles but the Bridegroom is a particularly special one. You see, the King has subjects, the Master has servants, and the Shepherd has sheep, but the Bridegroom has only one bride!
We are the bride of Christ, and He loves us. Not just, the Bridegroom loves his bride the church, but the Bridegroom loves you, his bride. Jesus loves us, and we are his bride but too often our relationships with him resemble that of a bad arranged marriage. Where we are introduced to Him, and marry Him. But beyond that we do not pursue intimacy with our Husband.
Have any of you ever been rejected before? I have, let me tell you. I was in middle school, and I really liked this girl. I liked her for more than a year before I worked up the courage to ask her to the barn dance at the county fair. I can still remember her exact words, “I’m not going to be mean, but I’m not going to say yes.” Ouch, that hurt.
I was devastated when she rejected me. I know now that it was just a middle school crush, but at the time it felt like there was no point in continuing with life, that’s how much it hurt. It’s the same way when we reject intimacy with Jesus. We are His bride. He chose us, He’s pursued us, He desires us, and we’ve accepted his marriage proposal but denied Him intimacy. He’s already doing everything that is necessary on His end, but still we hold back and then turn to Him and cry, “Why can’t I hear from you!” We need to give ourselves wholly over to Him, holding back is the only thing keeping us from true intimacy with Christ.

In The World Not Of The World- 1/26/2009

2009-01-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

We had the amazing opportunity this last Thursday to be able to do a chapel service at Christ Center in Junction city. We have done many services there before and are always very excited and happy to see all of our friends.

This service was especially unique because Audrey shared the message with them this time. She spoke about who God wants us to be and how we are to go about it. She talked about being in the world but not of the world. We were also able to do some exciting illustrations along with what she was speaking to better help the kids understand. Everyone seemed to respond really good to what Audrey had talked about and almost all of the kids came up to get prayer so that they to could go into this world and change it, rather then it changing them.

We are always so blessed every time we are able to go and minister to this group of young kids who want the best that God has to offer. We can't forget to mention that they always make us the best brownies in the world after the service. Thank you so much to Christ Center, We love you guys.

Who Are You Accountable To?- 1/23/2009

2009-01-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

When the word "accountability" comes to mind, many different things pop in my head. Experiences, lessons learned, and friends. The definition of "accountability" is the state of being accountable, liable, answerable. The responsibility to someone or for some activity. A story in the Bible that reminds me so much of accountability is David and Jonathan, we can find the story in 1 Samuel 18-20. As you read the story you understand that Jonathan's dad, King Saul, wanted to kill David because he is jealous and angry that God is using him more and the people like him better. When David asks Jonathan why his dad wanted to kill him, Jonathan replied in 1 Samuel 20:9 , " you know that if I had the slightest clue my father was planning to kill you, I would tell you at once!" After reading this it made me think about my walk with God and all the people I am accountable to and the people that are accountable to me. Spiritually am i doing all that I can to help them out? Am I willing to fight and do whatever it takes for my friend to live a little longer? As I looked more into the story and read it a couple more times, I saw that in the beginning of it, in 1 Samuel 18:4 David and Jonathan make a pact/covenant to be there for each other as they both try to get past this situation, they work together and do everything they can do TOGETHER to over come this. Jonathan does not just tell David, sorry dude your out of luck, my dad hates you. He tells him what can we do to get through this. They do it as partners. It just reminds me that I need to be accountable, not only for myself, but for the sake of my friends. To help them get through their tough times. To fight with them, to figure the way out just as David and Jonathan did. It also reminds me that not only do I have to give accountability, but I have to receive it. It cannot be a one way deal, it has to be an equal amount of both.
In Inste class, you sign a covenant with a spiritual growth partner or an accountability partner. During this time, you learn so much about each other. You go to each other when you need prayer, you correct each other. And you are just there whenever you need to talk. But it can not just be one sided or it wouldn't a benefit to bother partners. The whole ideal about two people to to help each other out. So in order for you to grow spiritually, You have to open up to them, tell them the things no one else knows about you. Accept their correction, intercede with them. Just allow them to be there for you as you do the same with them. That is how you are accountable to each other, and it is amazing when you look back and see how much you have grown in Christ, side by side. Accountability is something so much more than talking to your friends, it is opening up and allowing them to help you when times are hard and you cannot do it by yourself.

Through The Cracks- 1/21/2009

2009-01-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

It’s easy to fall away from God because it takes almost no effort. In fact that is what usually enables our falling away from Him. Have you ever picked up a handful of sand? When you scoop it up you have to keep your finger tightly bound to keep a hold of it. Because the second your hand relaxes and your fingers loosen, the sand just falls right through…effortlessly. One minute you have a hold of something of substance, with pieces too numerous to count, and the next you look down and it’s gone. What is so scary to me is that just as easily as that sand sifts through our fingers God seems to slip away if we don’t make the effort to know him. It’s hard sometimes to focus on ourselves so closely hat we realize our grip relaxing. Most of the time we don’t realize that we are not pursuing our relationship with God till it has been so long since we have read His word, that we don’t even remember what it is that we read or how it effected us. That is why it is so important to have people in our lives that will hold us accountable in out walk with God. Someone who hen they see it will yell out, “HEY! That sand is falling through your fingers!” And who will not be afraid of calling you out when you choose to ignore those things. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “Better devastation and embarrassment than damnation.” (the massage) They should also be someone who is an encourager, who will push you to live in a way that is right, and turn you toward God every day. When you are struggling, go to them. When you feel callous and unaffected by God ask for prayer. Don’t just be ok with it. When you star to neglect knowing God through His word get someone to study it out with you. Because when you let go of the word what do you have to measure yourself by? How do you know up from down? All of these things play a crucial role in our lives and accountability is one thing that can help us keep ourselves living in God’s promises.

My First Corem Deo- 1/19/2009

2009-01-20T00:15:00.000-08:00

Written By First Year: Ariel Siufua

Being a first year in MC January 1, 2009 was my first "official" Corem deo. I did not know what to expect, so I went into the "restaurant" totally blind sided. The invitation was so cool, and they funny part was actually receiving the invite. It was a secretive, on pretty paper and it was so fancy and said to dress formal, I DO NOT DRESS FORMALLY. But I had to I guess, the next best part was getting ready in the locker room with Nae & Brit, and we all were getting all dressed up to go to "nothing" it was so funny. Then were all ready and we go into the house and we see the guys in suits and ties, and we all were going to "nothing." We all weren't talking about it because it said on the invitation, "do not talk about this to anyone." Then, one by one we walk up these stairs and awaiting us is our waiter, Jachin.

He asked if I had a reservation, and I said yes, he went to prepare my table then came back out to get me. I then walked into the boy's dorm (which is still under construction) and it was all pretty. It had black sheets along the walls, the lights were off, candles were lit, and there was 5 tables, just enough for every person apart of CMC. Three tables on one side of the room, set for two at each table, David and Brittany, Casey and Michael, Renae and I. Then on the other side was one table seated for four, two of which had kid's menus and place mats. Which seated Chris, Kori, Issac and Bella. The other table set for two for Danny and Audrey. It was like the settings of a real fancy restaurant, I'm not being sarcastic either, they even had soft music (when he decided to be soft) playing in the back ground. It was so beautiful and all we could do was take pictures. =)

Soon after I got seated our waitress Kathryn (Katie) came and asked us what we would like to drink. Like at a real food place. She even gave us the list of the different sodas it was so cool. She then came out with our drinks along with some French bread and some butter and honey spread. It was delicious. After that they our waiter Jachin came to our table and asked us if we wanted salad, and what kind of dressing we wanted and gave us the list of salad dressings, it was so cool. We got our salad and the waiters kept coming out to make sure our sodas were full, and to make sure we were doing ok, it was so much fun. After our salad, they came and got our plate, and brought us dinner it was so amazing. No lie because of the fact that it was decorated and it tasted super good. I didn't want to look at it that is how awesome it looked, but I ate it. We thought everything was done, but after dinner our waiter Jachin asks us what kind of flavors we wanted on our cheesecake. I was like you got to be kidding me, dessert too? But yes indeed, and it was delicious with cool decorations and squiggles on it. Katie did Renae's so cool, and Jachin tried on mine I liked it a lot! Ha-ha. Remind you that in between all this, they are continually coming to our tables asking if everything is ok and if we needed refills, or if everything was alright. So we thought after dessert our fun night was over, but boy was I wrong.

Danny stands up and starts talking about covenants and the promise we made, and everything. He then says," so tonight Chris, Kori, Audrey, and I have prepared our own covenants for you individually." I knew from that point, that the night has just started, there was going to be a lot going on. Then he said, "We are going to go around and pray with you and talk to you individually." I started to cry, because that is so personal. Chris gets up and starts talking about how in the Bible people used to carry around a little bag of salt and when someone made a covenant they would take a pinch of salt, and switch with the person in which they are making the covenant with. That was like the seal of the deal, trading salt. When someone made that trade, that meant they intended in NOT breaking that covenant ever. They spoke about being unreserved for God, it was so powerful. Danny went around and gave us our own bottle of salt, that said "unreserved 2009" Then they go around and start praying with us. Kori came up to me and Nae first and spoke to us, and prayed for both of us together. It was so awesome because she is like my second mom, when she says she loves me, it isn't something that is over said, to where now it doesn't mean anything. I can tell that every time she says she loves me, and anytime she hugs me it is with a mother's love. It is amazing. Chris came and prayed with me next, and he knelt down and he just started talking, and admiring my smile, and how I'm always so happy and he knows he can count on my smile every morning as he comes into the office. And that really meant a lot to me, because that meant that I don't know someone actually pays attention to me and how I feel. We prayed over me, then we switched salt, I began to cry because I don't know why, it was God all over me. And it felt so great. Danny followed after Chris and just came, got down on my level (for the first time I have ever seen eye to eye with Danny ha-ha) and he just looked at me and told me his covenant was to be there for me all the time. To check up on me, to make sure I'm ok and to be my friend all the time. He told me he is glad that I came to masters and he loved me. It meant a lot hearing it from Danny because Danny I don't know at times it is confusing to get how he is feeling it seems as if he is mad all the time ( but he's not) but you stay out of his way anyways. It was just good to know I am loved by Danny. He prayed over me then we switched our salt, but it was not just a pinch it he poured like half his bottle in mine, and then I did the same into his. Audrey came last, and she sat down and just started to tell me how much I meant to her, and how much she loved me, and by this time I cannot hold in my tears. I start balling, and we keep talking and man it was so strong, the love was so strong, in that place that night. Audrey prayed over me, and then switched our salt. After everyone was done, we all whipped our tears, and prayed together. We got our salt bottles, talked about it, thanked our waiters and took group photos. It was so much fun, and so much better than I could have ever expected. As my first official Corem Deo I will never forget that night, in all my years to come.

Fall Back On Your Training-1/16/2009

2009-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

I was watching a movie the other day where a US Naval pilot was trapped in some unfriendly surroundings. The soldier was talking to his commander, giving him the coordinates of his extraction point. The commander replied to the soldier that,” his position was not a safe zone and that the soldier needed to continue on route to the safe zone for proper extraction. The soldier with intensity refused and told his superior that his position was high enough and good enough. Unknown to the soldier his commanders hands were tied. The soldier continued to request that he be picked up right where he was at. The commander was compassionate towards the soldier and made a communication error. As the dialogue went back and forth the commander slipped and said the soldiers name over the radio. The commander was done talking about it and made a comment to the soldier and that comment has stuck with me to this day. He told the soldier to “FALL BACK ON YOUR TRAINING” and get to the safe zone.

It made me think and wonder, if it was me and my Commander told me to fall back on my training what would that look like. What would it look like for me to rely on my training of how to follow Jesus? What are the things that are foundational for anyone that considers themselves a Christian?

Everyday that we walk in this world, we are foreigners in a strange land. We don’t always have friendly surroundings and sometimes we want to get to a safe zone. But if in our pursuit to get extracted (to a safe zone) we were told to Fall back on our training, I fear that a lot of us would not have a strong foundation to rely upon because we were never trained properly. Or during our training we didn’t take it seriously. My pastor spoke a couple of weeks ago a message that was straight from a sermon that Charles Spurgeon had written several years ago. To sum up what both of their messages were about was that we should never leave the foundations of our faith. The foundation is the most important part of a house. Without a solid foundation houses sink, shift, get blown over…the list could go on forever. Our relationship with God is the same way. If we do not lay a firm foundation then we put ourselves in a position to sink, shift and be blown over. If we have no foundation, then we have no training to return to in difficult times. I encourage you, build a strong foundation in your relationship with God. If you are wondering what the basic foundations are, I want to encourage you to get involved with your home church, go to the different classes and services that they offer, pick up the bible and just begin to read it. Ask God to build the foundation within you!

No Matter The Cost-1/12/2009

2009-01-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

What is the point of having a dream. Martin Luther King had a dream, our founding fathers had a dream. What did having a dream accomplish. For those men,havoing a dream ment that they saw the way they wanted things to be and they decided to do whatever it took to make thier dreams come true. They could have just sat back and let the dream pass for like a fantasy, but they didn't, they Fought.

What did they get for having a dream? First, they changed the world forer. However, our founding fathers were also considered to be eneimies of the state and traitors who were to be put to death. Martin Luther King was killed for his dream but not before he changed the course of history. They did what they knew was right no matter the cost. It says in James 4:17 that "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins." These men saw what was good and chose to do so, no matter the cost.

As for myself, I have seen the plans that God has for me. I have a dream and will do whatever it takes to fullfill the plan of God in my life. I want to be a world changer. I want to make my dream a reality, No Matter The Cost.