The heart's cry that David expresses in Psalm 27:4 is both lovely and challenging. 

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the lord, and to inquire in His temple."

David's heart was set on God. Seeking God, worshiping God, abiding with God - these were his deepest desires. And most of us, when we attend church or when we linger with our Bibles in our own homes, express those feelings. We want God.

Yet for many, entering into His house - "going to church" -  is just one more thing on the list of "to-dos" for the week. We have to get the kids ready. We have to get there. We have to prepare for the lesson we must lead. We dash into the seat halfway through the first song, and leave during the last prayer. We are in a hurry, and we hurry through the time we set aside for corporate worship. Then, we wonder what is wrong. Why don't we "get anything" out of it?

Intense communion with God cannot be hurried. It requires heart preparation, it requires concentration, it requires all of us. It isn't really about "getting" - worship is about giving - giving our worship, our hearts, our attention - to God.

I was reading in Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions the other day, getting ready for our radio broadcast. Papa's words struck me anew. He said, when we go to church:

     Arrive early, so that you can prepare to participate both in worship and in the inquiry into God's Word that is about to occur. 
     After you are seated, purpose to remove the obstacles that would seek to distract you. Consciously set aside the worldly cares and interests that intrude on your thoughts. Avoid needless talking. Rather than looking around, look inward. Be thoughtful, prayerful, and silent...
     Pray humbly, kneeling if possible. You are in the awesome presence of your God. What to pray? Tell God you have come to meet Him there.... Pray for God to use the worship to glorify Himself, the message to speak to you. 


Yes. Today I rejoice as I go into the house of the Lord. I eagerly look forward to hearing the Word of God. I look forward to meeting God there. I will listen for what God has for me in the sermon, glorify him with my voice, and say with David, "I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle, I will sing praises to the Lord...your face, Lord, I will seek...Wait, I say, on the Lord." 

Blessings,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity: A Year of Timeless Devotions
    

           It was the last time Jesus was to go through Jericho, for he was on His way to Jerusalem, and to Calvary. That night He would sleep at Bethany, with the cross but a week away. A long line of beggars was sitting just outside the city gate, no doubt, just as they have done for centuries. 


      “As He was coming near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road begging.” Luke 18:35

          At the sound of the approaching crowd, they lift their voices in a wail. Bartimaeus is among them. He asks what the crowd is, for he cannot see, and someone stops for just a moment to tell him that it is Jesus of Nazareth passing by. This name wakes strange hope in Bartimaeus, which can only be accounted for by his knowing of Christ’s miracles done elsewhere. 

          Pouring out of a hungry heart there comes a cry, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He was a beggar, but he did not ask for alms. His need was deeper. His need was greater. When he is told to be quiet, Bartimaeus only cries the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 

          Now, there are three things we need to understand about Bartimaeus. First, he needed Christ.  He could not see without Jesus.  The world says, “To see is to believe,” but God’s way is to believe, and then you see.

          Secondly, Bartimaeus knew he needed the Savior.  The pleasures of the world have not satisfied him.   Troubles have only crushed him, and he has an ache in his heart.  

          And finally, the only thing he could do was to step out into the darkness. Bartimaeus could not see, but he found the way to Jesus. He could only feel, and when he stepped out into the darkness, Jesus gave him sight.  The man who has stepped out into seeming darkness found the light.

          We all know those who need to step out into faith to find the light. If they will only let Him into their lives, He will be their strength in weakness, their friend in sorrow.  God will be theirs in life and death and in eternity. He will be a friend who will be all the world to them. 

            Remember to tell them - won't you? - that Jesus of Nazareth still passes by.

           Dear Lord, so often I am concerned about not being an offense, and thus I do not speak of Jesus. I humbly ask for boldness to simply point out to those in need that Jesus is still passing by, and He still meets needs. Please bring to me an opportunity to speak of Christ today. Amen.


from Classic Christianity, A Year of Timeless Devotions, Vol II, Oct. 20th


Blessings, 
Cara & Patti

Did you know that October is Pastor's Appreciation Month? It is - and what a great opportunity to bless the shepherd of your local body with thankfulness and love. We want to encourage you to join together with some other brothers & sisters in Christ at your local church and come up with a plan to celebrate our pastors this month! Here are a few ideas to get you thinking!

1 - Have a card & letter shower: In this digital age, actually getting a physical note is very unique and memorable. It doesn't take much time to jot a note, and a stamp is still not that expensive - if you could get half your congregation to mail off short notes of thanks or encouragement, think what an impact that would have on your pastor's heart. Awesome! We have even heard of one church that purchased blank postage prepaid postcards in bulk and distributed them  to the congregation. They had at least one card sent from each family - wow!!

2. - An after-service potluck picnic party:  We know it's tough to spend money in these days, but what about a potluck lunch? Gather in the social hall, on the lawn (if it's warm enough), or even on tables in the back parking lot - just do it! Each family brings something to share, and an emcee starts the festivities with a prayer for blessing on your faithful pastor. Then, allow one-minute testimonies from a few people (arrange several beforehand just to be sure!) about a time when the pastor really helped them, or something about your pastor that means a lot to them. Take pictures, and upload them to a website like www.shutterfly.com to make a hard backed photo book that will be precious and personalized for your pastor. If you can get someone to write summaries of the testimonies (or write down quick quotes) - they can go in the photo book with the photos. Remember - it really isn't about the food. It does not need to be fancy. One way to go might be a burrito potluck. Some families bring packages of tortillas, others cooked shredded chicken, or ground beef, other bring grated cheese, etc.

3. Honor Pastor's family with special event tickets: Pastors get little time with their families, and many times it seems they are hesitant to take their well-deserved vacations, because of their deep concern for the flock at home.  One way to encourage them to set aside time to make special memories with their family is to plan it for them, and surprise them with that gift in a service this month. If your pastor has a young family, perhaps they would like tickets to an amusement park nearby, and a couple of nights hotel stay. If pastor is older, without children at home, perhaps your pastor and his wife would appreciate a few nights at a lovely resort just a few hours away. The goal is simplicity and peace; make sure the destination is easily accessible and not a burden to get to. By taking up a special offering for this, the cost can be split many ways and not be burdensome to either the church or any one individual family.

4. Coupon Book of Love Gifts: One fun way to honor your pastor that will keep on giving throughout the year is a "coupon book" from the congregation. Ask for volunteers to do things like babysitting, yard-cleaning, car tune-ups, carwashes, and include gift certificates for coffee, movie night, bookstores, etc.

5. From the Mouths of Babes: Get Children's Ministries in on the gift by having each child color a picture for a scrapbook to present to the pastor during service. The front page can be a picture of the church building, and have enough blank space for members to sign around it (even if it takes an extra page or two).

6. Pastor's favorites: Does your pastor have a favorite hobby or even a favorite treat? Ask everyone to bring a small gift to put in a large basket relating to that. We have heard of everything from a jelly-belly basket, to a fly-fishing basket, to a Starbucks-card basket! Our pastors don't spend much time or money celebrating themselves, so this is a fun way to say you are thinking of them.

Well, perhaps some of you have a great idea? We would love to hear about it! Please post it in the comments here on the blog, and we will get it approved and up as soon as possible, so that all may benefit.

Above all, whatever you do, make sure to express your heart. Truly, a note is best - you would be surprised how little affirmation a pastor gets. Pastor support and counsel their congregation through the worst of times, and whenever there is a conflict or complaint they hear it. Let's change that for this month. Let's make sure they have a box or book of letters, notes, pictures, and prayers to uplift and encourage them this next year as they pour out their lives as an offering for Jesus.

Blessings,

Cara & Patti 
Classic Christianity

We seem to stumble across needy pets that others have thrown away. Twice in two years someone abandoned their pregnant cat in the back parking lot of the church. Twice in two years these different cats decided to have their kittens under one of the church buildings. Twice in two years we would up with kittens. Really, we're not even cat people.

But in this latest batch, there is a special cat. She is beautiful, and although her momma was a plain black and white kitty, she looks for all the world like a pure-bred seal point. Her deep, startlingly blue eyes are wide and lovely in her little face. Her fur puffs around her like an angora wrap, smooth and unbelievably soft. She is sweet, and quiet, and acts like a dainty little lady at all times. Noting the large brown spot right on her nose, our family immediately christened her "Button."

Unfortunately, Button has a problem. Every morning, when we come downstairs and Button wakes up, she stares at us with panic-stricken eyes - runs from us, hides under the couches, seeks the far corners of the living room. Seemingly, she can't remember us. We terrify her. It is truly sad.

If she manages to escape out into the garage, it might be days before we can coax her back into the house by leaving a can of food and an open door. The longer she is away, the harder it is for her to return. We are afraid that if she ever gets left outside, she may never return; and she would surely not be able to fend for herself.

Yet after being in the house all day, by nighttime she will climb onto the sofa with me. She will purr, cuddle, and beg to be petted. She loves to be held, and stroked under the chin. The more she is around us, the more she loves us. Separation breeds further separation.

Today as I tried to coax her in from the garage, where she was hiding in abject terror after waking up with apparently no idea where she was, I thought how much our relationship with God resembles poor Button and her problem.

When we abide with Him, really live our lives in the realization and fulfillment of His presence, we grow closer and closer to Him. We love Him, and want more of His presence in our every day. Life lived in the certainty of Jesus-with-us carries boundless possibilities, eternal promises, and joyful praise. 

But, when busyness, or sin, or whatever-crowds-our-lives pushes God out of one day; it is easier to leave Him out of the next one. Absence sometimes makes the heart grow hard. The enemy is happy to use our forgetfulness against us, turning absentminded neglect of our relationship with Jesus into conscious disregard, and then into indifference. At some point, we lose touch with Him. We lose the sense of His presence. We forget the warm peace of walking with Him, abiding throughout our day in constant silent conversation. Then, at some point not-so-far down that road, turning back seems frightening - or at least intimidating. We are daunted by the thought of beginning again, of bridging our absence. So, we hide.

Can I tell you something? When Button is hiding, she never gets over the fear. In every movement, in every meow, in every panted breath - she is afraid. It's only when she comes in and settles down with us that she calms down, can relax and purr herself to sleep.

I think it's that way with us, too. If through forgetfulness or busyness we allow other callings to crowd out God in our lives,  it always leads to fear. The only place we can find total peace, is right in the center of God's presence.

So, if you are hiding from God - or maybe if someone you know and love is hiding from Him - remember His words, "Fear not, for I am with you..." Is. 41:10.   If you realize that you have been neglecting His presence in your everyday busyness, remember too.  It is only in His presence that we will ever find absence from fear, complete peace, and true rest.

Blessings as You ABIDE with Jesus!
Cara & Patti,
Classic Christianity

‘Tis the season, it seems.  You know, the Halloween-Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year season?  I know it’s true that Christmas is right around the corner because Costco told me so. However, I would never know that Thanksgiving exists at all, from the merchandise on display. 

 Strolling through the aisles pushing my cart full of dog food and Cheerios just last weekend, I noticed a crowd milling towards the rear of the store. Never one to miss a good deal, or at least not one to miss drooling over a good deal, I wrangled my shopping cart in the direction of the massive amoeba of people.  I could see “Stuff” disappearing off the shelves as the amoeba moved past it. Lego sets, cheese and wine gift packs, lights, ornaments, and wrapping paper were jumping through the air into carts seemingly of their own accord. If we are truly still suffering the effects of the Great Recession, no one has told these Costco shoppers.

 At the edge of the near-melee I stopped to admire a convertible crystal punch bowl/salad bowl/covered cake plate/dip and chip set.  (I am neither kidding nor exaggerating.)  The lady next to me was gushing over what an amazing piece this crystal creation really was.  I nodded, yes; it certainly is a wonderful idea and such a space-saver too.  She put it in her cart, exclaiming it would be just the thing for her New Year’s Eve party.  That’s when it hit me.

Life zips along at a dizzying speed as it is, and if I am not careful the tyranny of calendar commitments and a sense of time warped by retail marketing can mess with my priorities. My family’s life doesn't have to run on the calendar set by the local mall…or the school system…or the TV guide.

 Just because the world is going Christmas shopping at Costco, doesn't mean I can’t enjoy this beautiful fall day, bake some pumpkin muffins, and continue prayerfully charting a course through this day, and this week. I do not need to inventory the holiday decorations.  I need to be here, with my son, thinking about The Jungle and what, if anything, our society has gained from 100 years of hyper-industrialization that has made us better people. I need to be here – really be here, now.

Too often I catch the rat race as if it were a very contagious viral flu. Just being around people suffering from it makes me liable to come down with the same thing. Instead, I want to concentrate on living the life God has put in front of me this day. I want to live it well. I want each word, each act, to glorify Him. I want to dwell on what is truly important, not just that which is urgent.

Here are some verses I have been meditating on this week. If you have a verse or verses that help you slow down and focus on God, please leave them in the comments - we would love to know!

1 Thess. 4:11. "And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you..."


Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 23:2 "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters."

Hebrews 13:5 "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”


Slow down, take a deep breath, I remind myself several times a day.  Be truly present in your own life.  Be truly present in every conversation, in every task, in every moment. 

“Be still and know that I am God.” 

Yes, Lord.


Blessings,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity

Pastor Chuck Smith has gone home. The founder of Calvary Chapel, and the man many consider to have ignited the Jesus Movement of the sixties and seventies, is now face to face with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I can't remember a time when he wasn't preaching, teaching,  leading the body of Christ. 

Many thousands have been praying for Pastor Chuck since he revealed, nearly two years ago now, that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Pastor Chuck never let lung cancer define him. He kept preaching. He kept teaching. He kept living for Jesus!

While undergoing cancer treatments, he was in that pulpit at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa nearly every Sunday. He continued nationwide broadcasts, co-hosting "Pastor's Perspective." He taught mid-week Bible studies. 

As Pastor Greg Laurie, of Harvest Fellowship Church in Riverside, remarked on his Facebook page just a few hours ago, "I can't help but think of the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.' (2 Timothy 4:7-8)" Amen!

For fifty years, Pastor Chuck Smith has been a role model for Godly leadership. He has shown us how to boldly live out our faith in our daily lives. He has been transparent, firmly grounded in the Word of God, compassionate, and so very, very faithful to his Lord.

It seems fitting, that as he lived, so he died. Today, Pastor Chuck showed us all how to die in this physical realm - how to burst through the barrier with zeal, how to face this physical death unblinkingly. Today is the day he receives his crown!

Can't you just hear it?

 "Well done,good and faithful servant. . .Now enter the joy of the Lord!" (Matt.25:23)

Thank you, Pastor Chuck. Even as you passed from this life into the next, you showed us the way.


Blessings & Joy,
Cara & Patti
Classic Christianity