Power Struggles: KEYWORD “Partnership”

Ask your spouse:

• “What do I do that blesses you?” &
• “What could I do that would strengthen our partnership more?”

Sexual Disappointment: KEYWORD “Intimacy”

Ask your spouse:

• List the top 3 ways I make you feel intimately Connected…

I sometimes think about the cross,
And shut my eyes, and try to see
The cruel nails, and crown of thorns,
And Jesus crucified for me.
Yet even could I see him die,
I could but see a part,
Of that great love, which like a fire
Is always burning in his heart.
(W. Walsham How)5

Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:4 ESV)

Each day I am in Cambodia I become more aware of certain qualities in the Cambodian people that seem to be undeniable.  I wish you were here to experience it for yourself.  There is one quality in particular that seems to lie near the service of every Cambodian that I have encountered.

During our visit here we have spent time at one of the FCOP homes (church/orphanage) and within the city of Phnom Penh.  Typical of a country who has a government mired in corruption, throughout the city there are mansions next to hovels, Lexus’s next to tuk-tuks and Temples next to trash piles.  Yet in the midst of the discrepancies there is a great equalizer, something that levels the playing field, elevates the poor and humbles the proud. There are smiles and laughter everywhere.

It is as though a grin or a laugh resides near there service of every person and the slightest provocation will illicit a genuine response.  Every frown feels like thin ice and the smallest amount of weight will cause you to break through to the joy that lies.  Take one step on the ice and you breakthrough.

There are other things that stand out, but thus far this quality is my favorite.  Have you smiled much today?

Highlights from our first day in Kong Pixay! What would you like to see from the next orphanage?

Pastor Tim and I have been on the go for the last 30 hours.  Our journey to the Foursquare Children of Promise orphanages in Cambodia began with approximately 20 hours of air travel and 14 hours of time zone change.  Thank God for great company!  Once we arrived in Cambodia around noon local time, our hosts, Jock and Sam picked us up at the airport and helped us get oriented to the city.  We had a great dinner at a local restaurant and are grateful to finally get to bed 37 hours after we left Seattle.

Here are a couple of my initial observations:

1. Cambodians are hospitable people.  Everywhere we have been there are more than enough people willing to help with whatever we need.
2. This is a busy city.  We have had about 50 near death experiences on the road, yet the locals roll with it like it’s no big deal. Amazing.
3. If I lived here I would drive a “moto” (scooter/motorcycle) – along with just about EVERYONE else.
4. This country has had a difficult past, but also has a bright future.
5. The people are beautiful!
6. I can’t wait to see the orphanages and great our kids!

Please keep praying!  Great things ahead.

What would you like to know about Cambodia or convey to the orphans?

Pastor Jon

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Why?
First, if you did not hear the message last weekend from Pastor Burt, you should go listen to it – it was awesome.  Pastor taught about gifts of the Holy Spirit, the unforgivable sin, and shared several personal stories about his journey to embrace the Holy Spirit.  He also shared some of his perspective about expressions of worship during weekend services.  It was hilarious, personal, profound and  great teaching.  You can find it here.

When Jesus ascended He made it clear that two things were at hand; 1. A new mission.  ”Go into all the world… Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.” 2. A new power. “…and you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”  Mission & the power of the Holy Spirit.  You can’t do missions effectively without the Holy Spirit.

I’ve been really encouraged by the response people have shared about The Ghost series that Pastor Burt and I are teaching through.  I’ve heard from people who have been encouraged to pursue a deeper understanding of the Spirit, corrected some misperceptions, and been freed from hang ups and past disappointments.  But, I’m praying and believing that as we gain a greater understanding of the Spirit, the result will not only be INFORMATIONAL, but it will be TRANSFORMATIONAL!

We are one of the most generous and giving Foursquare churches in the Northwest.  We also have gained a great reputation among our community through acts of service and feeding those in need.  We just adopted another orphanage in Cambodia and Pastor Tim and I are going to there in a couple months to baptize hundreds of orphans who have come to Jesus through Foursquare Children of Promise!  But, we are not DONE.

I’m proud and blessed by the outpouring of our church, but I’m hungry for a greater outpouring ON OUR CHURCH that will propel us to a new level of passion and MISSION, both locally and globally!  Are you open to something fresh from God for you?  Keep asking, seeking and knocking and it WILL COME!

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)

As a Christian, is it justified to be “happy” at the death of a man created in the image of God?  Does his death really bring closure to any of the victims of 9/11?  Will this event strike fear in the heart’s of other terrorists or motivate them to retaliate?  Those are some of the questions that I’ve considered today.  I admit I was almost embarrassed to think twice about questioning my sense of satisfaction regarding the madman’s execution – isn’t that how any proud American should feel?

I’m not grieved because bin Laden is dead, I’m glad he is.  I think I’m sad because I DO NOT think it will bring healing to any of the victims of 9/11.  I can’t imagine waiting 10 years for this day with the expectation that it will bring a sense of peace or closure and then waking up the next day and realizing the pain is still there.  I’m sad for anyone who lost a loved one and hasn’t found the peace of God that surpasses understanding.  I’m sad for anyone who hasn’t been able to find and offer forgiveness because of the Cross of Jesus.  I’m not sad because bin Laden is dead, I am grateful for every person that has worked tirelessly to make it happen.

I hope that, in light of this victory, we do not forget the thousands who will never be the same because of the evil actions of hate filled people.  My heart goes out to those who will never feel the touch of a loved one again.  May we be as passionate about helping the wounded continue to heal as we are about celebrating the justice which has be exacted.

There some interesting perspectives on this topic over at the Gospel Coalition blog. I’d encourage you to read this post and form your own opinion based on the Scriptures and letting the Holy Spirit lead you to the truth.  The best statement I saw was from the comments referencing a 2002 statement. (UPDATE: This is another great article by John Piper)

2002 quote by D. A. Carson on bin Laden:

He is an evil man, and he must be stopped, but he is a man, and we should take no pleasure in destroying him. Vengeance is the Lord’s alone.

Do not offer the alternative, “Should we weep for Osama bin Laden or hold him to account for his genocide and prevent him from carrying out his violent intentions?”

The right answer is yes.

What do you think?  See you in the comments.

It takes hundreds of ministers serving to make way for the thousands of people that came to church, across 4 campuses, on Easter weekend.  Whether you served in Children’s Ministry, First Impressions, on the stage or behind the scenes, there was a joy and excitement that was contagious all weekend long.  I loved hearing the pre-service prayers being offered up in the sanctuary, we saw heaven touch earth!  Everyone of you who served and prayed verified the depth, love and vitality of His church in this City!

It was awesome to hear the overwhelming response to the new Century Theater Campus.  They were filled to capacity on opening weekend.  I heard that people showed up who had been invited at the Easter Egg Trek the day before.  One person wanted to know how much admission was to come to church!  Spread the word – THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT JESUS IS FREE – ADMISSION HAS ALREADY BEEN PAID: 200o YEARS AGO!

Now that Easter is behind us, don’t stop inviting and encouraging those around you to keep walking closer to Jesus.  Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

• A new Operation: Solid Lives group is about to launch.  If you or someone you know wants to get more connected to Jesus, understand the Bible, meet new people and BUILD A SOLID LIFE – this is it! More info here.
• Once again, congrats to the new Century Campus!  If you are interested in being a part, find out more here.
• This weekend Pastor Burt and I will begin a new series called, “The Ghost”. Learn more about the Holy Spirit and how He wants to MOVE in your life.  There are many opinions and perceptions about the Holy Spirit.  Join us as we see what the Bible has to say!
• Remember, Living Water is a great church because of Great People who Serve Greatly!  If you aren’t involved and contributing of your time, treasures and talent – begin today!
• If you are a new Christ follower, these videos will help you know what to do next.

Just in case you missed it, here’s the testimony of Derrick that I shared on the weekend.  JESUS CHANGES LIVES!

If you missed the Easter message, here it is!

I love you church!

-Pastor Jon