Vision

Vision

A couple of months ago I was driving home on the 101 back from a lesson and was thinking about what a friend had told me regarding spelling out my vision for Genesis, especially to those who were involved in leadership roles so they could have clarity, both in where we are headed as well as our vision to get there. As I was parked (I mean driving) there on the fwy, a sentence came to mind which surprised me. It surprised me because the words didn’t seem to be anywhere in my head a moment earlier, but they seemed to sum up rather simply a lot of what I was wrestling with.
Anyway, the sentence was this…

“Embolden one another to begin changing the world, by effectively representing Jesus Christ”

Embolden? I really don’t remember ever using that word. In fact, I had to look it up to be certain of its meaning, which is to instill with boldness. And the more I’ve thought about it, the more I like it. Throughout scripture there are examples of those who had to be “instilled with boldness.” Joshua was told 3 times in as many verses to be strong and courageous as well as not to be terrified. Jeremiah & Isaiah similarly were told not to be afraid and both Timothy and Esther were encouraged by others not to miss the opportunity that was before them.
I think it’s easy for us to see that we all need to be instilled with boldness. The writer of Hebrews even tells us to think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works, but to begin changing the world? I admit that sounds a little like motivational speaker hype, yet I believe it’s what we are called to do and what will naturally take place if we fulfill Jesus’ commission to go and make disciples of all nations. I also think it’s worth thinking about those who have impacted the world for evil and how they were anything but passive in their intentions or ambitions. Whether it’s Bin Laden, Stalin or Hitler, they have purposefully and horrifically impacted the lives of millions! Which makes me wonder, what would happen if we purposefully and ambitiously moved to change the world for the good?
We are currently going through the book of Luke on Fridays and I’ve been looking at the phrase “the Kingdom of God” which Jesus has been repeating. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God as a work already in progress as well as something yet to come, but one of the things I’ve noticed is that He never tells or invites us to build or advance the Kingdom of God… never. He does, however, invite us to be a part of it. It may seem like a small thing, but when it comes to doing good things to change the world, motive is a huge thing and if we are honest, many times what we really want is God to help us build our kingdom (after all, it’s to do good) or at least give us a small province in His, but that really is so contrary to what the Kingdom of God is about. It’s about Him and His work in the lives of those who will allow it to grow in their hearts. We and this world are so “self” driven, but the Kingdom of God, like Christ Himself, is “others” driven and I think that is at the heart of “effectively representing Jesus Christ”. It’s thinking of others more than ourselves (Phil. 2), forgiving even as God in Christ has forgiven us (Eph. 4), and laying down our lives for one another as Jesus has for us (1Jn. 3). That is how we represent Him and how I believe we can change the world.
Remember, in this world we are like him (1 John 4:17).
So then …
“Embolden one another to begin changing the world, by effectively representing Jesus Christ”

What do you say? Are you in?

A fun little video

Bruce (that’s the dog) was difficult to walk, would pull Gregg (that’s the guy) and take off after other dogs. This was taken two months into the training. Notice how Bruce keeps looking up to Greg to see where he’s going. Off leash obedience! Come on, you have to admit this is pretty cool.

(Both videos are the same, some just have had problems viewing on the blogger so I added the youtube.)

See, I really do train dogs!

“Genesis: Life starts here”

“Genesis: Life starts here”

As most of you know I have been part of a home study for the past 2 months and I have to say it’s been an incredible experience as we have seen God working in amazing ways. There have been some really beautiful answers to prayer and encouraging things that have taken place.

A week ago I spoke with a young lady who has been having dreams about going to Africa and had a God given desire to go, so we prayed together and in just two days the Lord has opened the doors for her to go with Calvary Lake Arrowhead in June. Another amazing thing that happened this past Friday was when one of the young girls at the study shared how she has been praying for her mom and this week her mom has been picking up and reading her bible!! We are continuing to pray and hope she will join us some time soon.

Some of you may not yet know, as I don’t believe I have written about it, but we have moved forward and filed for our non-profit status and will became a state recognized church in the very near future, although it’s more important that we are recognized by Jesus than the state.

That being said we did have our first service this past Sunday (Easter as it’s called), what a great day!! We met in John and Tammy’s back yard, the weather was wonderful and we had a great time together honoring the resurrection of our Lord. I spoke from Luke 24 “the Road to Emmaus”, how Jesus showed up when they were in the middle of conversation about him. It’s so important that we keep the Lord in the midst of our conversation, and not just on Sunday’s or Easter services, but in our everyday life when we’re walking together on the road. It was also telling that the way Jesus chose to reveal himself to the two on the road wasn’t to remove the veil that hid his identity, but instead He took them to the scriptures, because as the Lord told us in John 5 the scriptures point to Him. So, how important are the scriptures for us today if we are going to get a clear picture of who Jesus is? Yeah, very.

I was thrilled afterwards talking with the people who were there as we continued the conversation about Jesus and His desire for our lives and to hear where they were on lifes road. I believe there are many who can identify with those two on the road to Emmaus, who believe in Jesus, but don’t yet fully realize who He is, that He’s alive and desires to walk with us still.

I'm looking forward as we We are going to search to get a clear picture of Him together
What a great beginning.

...Genesis: Life starts here

Doctrine, Culture the Eternal & the Emerging

Doctrine, Culture the Eternal & the Emerging

Every generation can be distinguished from other generations by a variety of things; music, clothing or even hairstyles (can you say mullet?)

I think it’s important when we discuss changes within the Christian faith that we are clear to distinguish the difference between doctrine (what we believe) and culture (how we relate those beliefs). For instance, there was a time when the thought of playing drums in a worship service was considered outrageous and in some places it still is, but style of music is cultural, not doctrinal. And years ago when the church was reaching out to those them there hippies, they put on rock concerts. Longhaired, bare footed preachers would say things like, "Jesus is far out". Now if we spent time arguing whether 'far out' should really apply to the Son of God or not, we would have failed to understand that 'far out' simply meant groovy, I mean outta sight, or well, you get my point. It meant good (not that I’m old enough to know about that). Now having long hair and saying 'far out' was not essential to reach hippies, but it could help remove some cultural road blocks in that emerging culture. I said in my last blog that I was going to talk about the things that I am for and against regarding what is called the emerging church and actually what I have just stated pretty much sums it up. I think it is crucial that we hold tenaciously to our beliefs (doctrine) and tentatively to our traditions (culture). If we are not careful, we can make how we communicate more important than what we communicate and become what Jesus referred to as old wine skins. The adage, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it" really doesn’t cut it in most of today’s culture. We need to ask ourselves what use is what we believe if we can’t communicate it effectively to those around us?

So then, how do we relate our beliefs to today’s culture? First, we have to listen. In our society, especially western societies, there are so many cultures and beliefs that one size of communication definitely does not fit all. Say, for example, you are having a conversation with a devout Muslim; do you think inviting them to a crusade is the best way to reach them? Even among Native American Indians the word 'mission' can have negative connotations, so really the only way to be effective in what we say is to first be attentive to the people we are saying them to. Because who knows, some Muslims have no problem going to a crusade, but for others, there is just no way.

I love the way Jesus dialoged with people. He didn’t have this air of being unapproachable or a “know it all” (even though He did). He would draw individuals in by telling them stories they could relate to and asked them questions, making room for them to connect to God personally. “What does it profit if a man gains the world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” “What good is it if you love those who love you, what reward is there for that?” We need to take a good look at how we communicate our beliefs to others. It's not about changing the message, it’s about engaging people in conversation with this message so that they are able to encounter God and find the life that is found in Him.

The Baby, and the Bath Water

The Baby and the Bath Water

About four and a half years ago I read an article in a worship leader magazine that absolutely thrilled me. The article spoke of the need to communicate effectively the message of who Christ is and some of the pitfalls that we can fall into by not understanding the changes in our emerging culture and the people we communicate with. Since then, the words ‘emerging’ and ‘emerging church’ have become quite the topic, and for good reasons.

Since that writing, I have read at least a half dozen books and who knows how many articles about the “Emerging Church.” Some of them have been interesting, some insightful, and some just plain anarchy against scripture, which is why I found it both amusing and confusing when I heard that some are saying that I’m a part of the emerging church. I wonder which one they mean.
It’s interesting (to me at least) that the people and ministries that I believe have been successful at reaching today’s culture and who I might consider “emergent” in that regard don’t claim that for themselves, but are labeled that by others, which I suppose gives me hope at least, but those who have labeled themselves as “emerging churches” I would have to describe as trying too hard just to be different.

With the array of thoughts on what the emerging church is (or isn’t), I want to address a few things that I have gained, as well as a few I reject. Hopefully this will at least clarify some of what has come to me about myself by way of others. First of all, I do not consider myself a part of the emerging church since there is no way to define what that really means. To quote my brother, “It’s like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall”... you just can’t make it stick to anything consistent. And truth be told, there is really only one church, and no person or denomination has claim to her. As I have been telling the Friday study group, we are not starting a church, we are the church! I did get that by the way from one of those books I read, but then its truth was taken from that other book, the bible.

Paul urged those in Thessalonica to examine (test) everything; hold on to what is good. I think it would be wise to have this attitude toward all the things we read (or hear). Whether they are considered secular, emergent or Christian. But it seems instead of testing all things we are quick to judge all things and lose that which may be good. I know from experience that it’s much easier to criticize than it is to examine and I have been guilty plenty of times of being quick to speak and slow to hear, contrary to James’s admonition to do the opposite. But we all need to realize that a hasty declaration may be followed by a regrettable conclusion and if we’re not careful, we will have thrown the baby out with the bath water.
I said I want to address a few things that I am for and against with what has been called the emerging church and I will in my next blog, as well as some new things happening in our Friday’s gathering. Until then “…this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” (Phil.1:9 – 10)
Amen

Thoughts on the 105

Thoughts on the 105

This week we saw our son Samuel graduate from Marine Training Camp and were able to spend a few hours with him before driving him to LAX. He is now stationed in North Carolina (not Florida). We also have been in touch with our other son Jordan, in Louisiana, who has been working underwater regularly (at times, an hour off shore) and it looks like he will continue to be out there for quite a while. And even though this has been ongoing for some time, in a relatively short time our home is minus our two oldest boys.

As Corinne and I were driving back from LAX on the 105, we were talking about the roads our two older boys are on, and how if it were up to us, neither would have chosen such potentially dangerous professions for them. That seems to be the case with most parents I know, including the parents I prayed with this week whose son is in the Army and heading off to Iraq. Very few of us want these kinds of careers for our kids, and if most had their way we would have a society filled with schoolteachers, CPA's and other non-dangerous professions. Our kids also would not move out of state or even the area, let alone leave the country, and that would go for grandchildren as well.

As parents we need to be careful that as we pour our values into our kids, we don't try and make our desires for their future, their own. I used to think it would be great if our boys grew up and were pastors or "in the ministry" like I was, but looking back I wonder how much of that was really just pride and over rating my position over considering what they would want and the reality of their character, because everyone who knows my boys (including me) have no problem understanding why they are where they are now.

The reason I am writing about this is because, there on the 105 Fwy. I again recognized God's incredible design in us as individuals, all the things that drive us to explore, create and experiment. How we all have different things that we are good at or that we have passion for and should pursue. There is also as the danger of settling for something or pursuing a vocation that we really shouldn't. We all know or have heard of teachers who really shouldn't teach. Police officers who shouldn't have a badge or even pastors who should not be overseeing people, and that the position does not make the person, but it's really the other way around. I have also come to recognize that even as the temple took people of various skills to make the place of worship come together, the same is true of our society or worship communities, and that though a person who desires to be an overseer (deacon) desires a good thing, it is not a "better" thing; that we all have important roles to play and should never underestimate how God is at work in a person's life. Even John 4 records the woman living an adulteress life that "many of the Samaritans believed in Him (Jesus) because of the word of the woman who testified". Funny to think she played a more significant role in that city for God than Jesus' own disciples.Only God really knows what makes a person tic right, and we need to be careful not to make wrong conclusions with our limited information, we also need to be careful not to give more respect to one person over another because of their status, vocation or title and remember Jesus' words: "for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." So as all these changes are taking place, Corinne and I are accepting the place where Samuel and Jordan are, and are proud of them and their achievements, but contrary to what we thought would happen when they grew up and left home, we are praying for them more, not less. Which I guess if you really think about it, is a better thing.

The Latest

Well I don’t know if this blog is going to be much more than informative, but hopefully it will have more value than just that. I also hope you all are doing well, I have enjoyed hearing from you and keeping up with what’s happening in your lives as well.

Corinne and I have been able to visit our son Samuel twice since he’s been at Camp Pendleton and we’re hoping he will have liberty again in the next two weeks before going off to Florida for his continued training. However, we’ve heard rumors of the possibility of his continued training happening at Camp Pendleton instead of Florida, which would be great for us to have him close to home for a bit longer. Jordan has gone out of state twice now and is currently working in Louisiana (for an unknown period of time) doing underwater welding, with the possibility of getting full time work out there which has kept us on our toes (or should I say on our knees). Daniel and Lauren are still here with us at home and doing well.

With all that’s happening with the two boys, Corinne and I are so glad we are still here in Southern California and that we’ve able to be a support to them during these transition in their lives. We feel reassured that it was the right decision for us to stay down here in at this time.

Last week was a busy and a very exciting week for us as we began the home study at John and Tammy’s house. Corinne and I have been getting together with 5 other couples and praying about how and when to start a study and in just a week’s time we all decided to “go for it”.

It was a great evening and everyone seemed to really enjoy the time and the opportunity to sing, study and meet new friends. We were all very excited about what happened and look forward to this Friday as well. We are guessing there were around 40 people there, but more exciting than how many were there, was that they didn’t want to leave afterwards, but just stayed, talked, and enjoyed each other’s company.

I was also asked to speak the following evening at a musicians get together at the Carnegie building in Upland (and got to “jam” a little as well). It was a lot of fun and I had some great conversation as well. On top of that, I was invited to speak that Sunday morning at Calvary Chapel Pomona Valley while Jeff and Karen were down in Vizcaino, Mexico.
More than the teaching I was able to enjoy being a part of and praying with people and what things are happening in their lives; things that are important like children leaving the home, working out of state, or joining the military. I was able to talk to moms in the same situation as Corinne and pray with couples going through physical hardship or pray with others who, like me, have desires to do more for God and step into a work that is bigger than we are (though I suppose any work of God is bigger than we are).

Well, that’s the tip of the Scotti iceberg. I appreciate all the prayers and concern you’ve shown to my family and myself.

…Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3:5)

Everyone Gets Bit

Everyone Gets Bit

When I began dog training every trainer that I rode along with told me a story of a time when they got bit, and as I recall all of them at one time said, “everyone gets bit”. There was an unsettling feeling that came with that statement, but like biblical prophecy the fateful day came while training a Weimaraner, it was quick, unexpected and fortunately not too bad.

This thought of getting bit came into a more serious light when I went to a memorial service for a friend of ours sister who lost her battle with cancer. As the service began I was drawn in with a video presentation which displayed pictures throughout her life. What caught my attention were the pictures from the past that showed our friend with her sister when they were young girls. In the pictures they were smiling, innocent, having fun and free of the cares and weights of this world, (as it should be with children). Then I noticed as the pictures continued that there were years missing, no pictures, no smiles. I was aware of this most likely because I know a little of my friends past, which she shared about briefly during the memorial service and I bring it up to make this point, life can be a lot like dog training in this way… everyone gets bit.
We may get bit by a bad relationship or bad health, sudden loss of a job, lapse of judgment, kids who go astray, there are a million things that can happen, but eventually every persons photo history changes from innocence to heartbreak some where along the journey. That thought was even more unsettling than the one I had with the trainers earlier.
As my friend spoke about her troubled years, she then spoke of how those troubled years were turned around as she realized her need for spiritual care and turned to Jesus for that care. Her story like the pictures in the presentation made another turn, a reappearance, a resurrection if you will, where life was bought back and so too the smile.
I for years had been bit, but ignored the wounds of my soul, I know even now that if there were to be a video presentation in memory of my life, I too would have a blank spot, a black hole where there was no light to be found, but as with my friend so also with me there has been a resurrection of life, where I was treated for my spiritual cancer and wounds.
I think most of us are able to grope our way back towards the light, for some the journey is quick and seemingly painless, for others it seems that even though the light may be seen health is never found. I believe however there is help and hope available to everyone, but we all first must realize our need. Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” And that He did not come to call those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners (Matt 9:12,13). I think this is such an incredible revelation that can free and heal us all and what I love about this statement is how it fits so perfectly into the video of our lives, because at some point in this journey we are going to need a physician, because you see,

...everyone gets bit.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Isaiah 53:6)

Decision 2008

Decision 2008

I guess all the election talk has got to me, thus my title, but it is great to know that what ever decisions are made whether for a country or in our individual lives we do not need to fear as we seek and ask the Lord for guidance, knowing that if we ask for bread, He will not give us a stone (Matt. 7:9).

As many of you are aware, my family and I have been at a crossroads in our lives whether we were to venture up to St. Helena in the Napa Valley and be involved in the work the Lord is doing up there, or…? And that has been the haunting question for us, if not there Lord, what and where?
Back in November I met with a pastor and friend for advice in this matter and was counseled then to stop traveling back and forth to St. Helena for a time and instead be still and listen for God’s direction. That has proven to be valuable and healing advice as I was able to slow down enough to take care of and enjoy the needs of my family over the holidays and though it was a wilderness Christmas, it has been one that I will forever cherish.
In this time Corinne and I believe that the Lord has spoken to us in a clear and practical way to stay put here where we are and not pursue ministry in St. Helena. As far as that future question mark, well it’s still there, but I can share a few of things currently taking place.

• First, I am and will be training dogs here in the So Cal. area as a means of make a living (appreciate prayer for this).
• Second, I have been invited to lead worship back at C. C. Montebello a couple of times a month, which if you know me has been therapy and an absolute joy!
• And third, I’ve been asked to lead a home study by a few old friends, and received encouragement in this from my same friend and pastor. With that said we are currently praying about when and where this will take place.

This has not been an enjoyable journey especially seeing my family have to go through it all. It’s easy to lose sight of what we want to accomplish in our lives, when we encounter hardship during that pursuit. I received an encouraging comment on one of my blogs recently that helped me remember some important things. The comment was from a High School friend who I haven’t been in touch with for close to thirty years, she wrote “Its nice to read about what you are doing and to see that your priorities are the same as they were when I last saw you many years ago”. I remember those priorities, I felt that God put them deep within me and I pray I never cease pursuing them.

… to know the Lord and to make Him known.

All Things New

All Things New

As the New Year has come, I was thinking about this word, “new”, Whether it’s a new outfit or a new start, the idea of something fresh or a chance to begin again with a clean slate is very appealing to us and thus we have resolutions to lose weight, get out of debt and the hopes of just “starting over” with the “New” Year.
One reason I believe we find the idea of starting over so appealing is because of the mistakes we make, whether it’s a bad relationship, tax penalties we didn’t pay or just something we did and regret, the thought of getting out from under the effects of theses things are very appealing indeed.
I think God is very fond of this “new” idea as well, that’s why we see a thread throughout the scripture. His mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3), we are new creations in Christ (1Cor. 5), God even says, “behold I make all things new (Rev. 21).”
Now, of course “new” things are great when it comes to second chances and cars (just check out Bill’s blog “Daddy’s New Ride” http://pastorbillwalden.blogspot.com ). However they can get a bit scary when it’s as serious as a relationship or career change, but regardless of what it is, and whether it is fearful or thrilling, with anything “new” there is also the possibility of something better. I think that is one of the reasons God likes making things new, because what He is really interested in, is making things better and making us Holy (complete).
This has been a reality of what Corinne and I have been living in lately and after I touch base with a few people I will be sharing more on some decisions that we have recently made, but I believe this thought of new, faces us all throughout our lives as we make choices between being safe, or being better.
Maybe the thought of taking seriously a more committed relationship to Jesus is your doorway to a new beginning, but you are afraid it is an end to many things in your life (In truth, it’s a bit of both). Which would you choose?

I will ask you the question that I have been asking myself for the past few months, where are you in this place of new beginnings? Are you on the horizon overlooking an adventure, or on the edge of a cliff standing paralyzed? And they are probably the exact same place.
I think Joshua was there when he took Moses’ place and had to lead the children of Israel into the land God promised. The Lord told him to “be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid” as He also encouraged the disciples as they stood and watched Jesus, their Messiah ascending away from them and into heaven. No doubt about it this “new” can be a very scary place. I imagine the Wright brothers stood there too that day at Kitty Hawk, and you know what happened to them don’t you? ...They flew.

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32