Here’s whats on my mind today:

Well, another season of “American Idol” has come and gone. That makes 11 seasons.

Another season of the ridiculous, zany, commercial, crazy, sometimes infuriating, often inspiring, and addicting TV singing contest that seeks to uncover (and massively promote), the next American pop culture icon. A tip of the cap to those hardy and energetic souls who manged to press through to the finals. Congratulations runner up Jessica, and the winner, newly crowned “American Idol”- Phil Phillips.

I noticed something I liked about this years winner. Throughout the contest, Phil refused to conform to the expectations of the contest judges and music director, Jimmy.  They wanted him to be more more commercial. Choose more “accessible ” songs. Wear fashion forward clothes. Fit into the mold of Justin.  Pose, for goodness sake! He refused. 

No fancy dance steps. No electronic helps. No hip hop silliness. Just Phil being Phil. I remember him responding to the promptings of judge J-Lo once by saying, “I got to do what feels right to me.” Well said Phil. And your’re the winner. 

God has created each of us as unique people. No two exactly alike. Everyone stamped with the fingerprints of Gods limitless creative energy. When we succumb to the temptation to compromise our uniqueness for the comfort of conformity, we actually rob the Kingdom of God of one its most wonderful and valuable assets-the one and only you! I have learned the danger of American pop culture: it wants everyone to look, talk, and believe, and spend their money, the same. It celebrates diversity, but actually creates clones and drones- easily manipulated for the obvious commercial reasons. Yuk! 

So, a big Root Beer toast to this years American Idol “anti-winner”, Phil Phillips. Thanks for reminding us that music and art are all about being creative, unusual, and one-of-kind. 

Blessings,

Russ

Tomorrow is another moving day for our family. Our daughter, Bethany is moving from Lake Stevens to her new place in Tukwilla. We’ll be giving another “donation” to the U-Haul corporation.

These are hard days for Denise and I. Transitions are challenging for us. We love our family, love our friends. We get attached. Some times I wish that things didn’t have to change. Can’t we find a “happy place” and just stay there? 

But of course that would be selfish. Bethany being hereBethany is a great daughter. Never given us a reason to worry or lose sleep. She is more than ready to be independent and to chart her own course. We wouldn’t want to hold her back or impede her faith journey. That’s one of the lessons I have learned from this change: For Bethany to grow, we have to let her go. For her to move ahead, we have to step back. 

Come to think of it, Its a good thing that we are struggling with this transition: I mean, it could be “Get out of this house right now!” It’s good that we have such a close relationship that we’ll miss her around the house!

So, here we go again. Moving day. Can I offer some sage words to the parents out there with young kids? I know (from experience) that it seems like your kids “moving day” is a long way off in the future. But trust me, it comes faster than you can imagine. A couple words:

Enjoy your kids. Celebrate the days. Embrace every little league game and gymnastic meet. Go to those soccer games and school plays. Make a big deal about birthdays and Christmas. On moving day, you’ll be glad you did.

Love your spouse. Some day soon, it will be just be the two of you. The kids will be launched and out there. Be sure that you and your lover will still be in love and able to look ahead to great days together, in that empty nest. 

Well, enough of this. Time to get that packing tape out. And where’s that furniture dolly?

Your friend,

Russ

I’ve been listening to my Randy Stonehill music collection-getting pumped for his concert here on May 5th.

One of His most famous songs is entitled, “Turning Thirty.” It describes some of his feelings and conflicts as he approached that “most feared” of birthdays. This great song says a lot about getting older. And as I listened I realized, that this song, from the “Equator” album, was released in 1983-nearly thirty years ago!  Thats right, the song about turning thirty will soon be thirty as well. Where has the time gone? If I were Randy Stonehill, which I’m not, and if I could write songs, which I can’t, what would I say today about getting older?

Its not so bad!

When I was a young man, and I thought about getting older (which wasn’t very often), I feared that my “mature” years would be miserable, filled with growing senility, boredom, aches, pains, no sex and fading effectiveness. I didn’t imagine a pretty picture!

While its true that my 54 year old testosterone deprived, body can’t do all the athletic stuff it could  before, and my knees are a little rickety, I have discovered that age has its benefits and wonders. I share these to encourage my fellow “mature” folks out there.

1) I love and appreciate people like never before. “Crossing over” from those younger, accomplishment driven years has taught me that what really matters is people. Oh, I knew that intellectually before, but now I really get it. I have learned to value and treasure the people God has placed in my life.

2) My love for my spouse has deepened and grown to new levels. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife. We’ve walked through a lot of time together: Some good times. Some bad times. Lots of just average times. We’ve raised two kids. Experienced both lean years and years of blessing. But our love has been steady, beautiful, and constant over these last 32 years.  Is it possible to love, make love with, and stay in love with, just one person for a lifetime? You bet. My life with Denise has taught me this. 

3) My relationship to God is closer than ever. Its true that relationships take time to grow-I have discovered that includes my relationship with God as well. It’s funny, when I was a younger man I thought I knew God  because I had been trained in the beliefs, doctrines, practices, concepts, and truths of the Bible. Now that I am older, I have discovered that God really is my friend. He’s more personal now. Deeper embedded. The years have sweetened our relationship. I’m looking forward to meeting Him face to face. 

4) Finally, I am more convinced and committed that ever before to reaching and pouring my life into the next generation of Christ followers. Randy Stonehill said, “The years go by so fast”, and he’s right. I  find myself looking for young people that will carry the torch. Are there young people out there that want to walk with God? Answer: yep. They’re out there. I want to invest huge portions of the time I have left to bless and encourage them. I guess it’s part of the yearning to leave behind a legacy.

I could say more, but lets leave that for another day. 

Blessings,

Russ

Today I have been reviewing the events at Jesus Last Supper. What an evening that must have been. What began as the traditional Seder took several shocking turns. The “master” washing the disciples feet- why had none of disciples volunteered for the job of “foot washer?” The unmasking of a traitor in their midst- Judas, the trusted treasurer-Yikes. Then Jesus declaring that the wine was his blood- so shocking! No Jew wanted to drink blood! Then Jesus reminder that he would soon be killed and His arrest.  What a night.

Consider this:

In a traditional seder the are 4 cups of wine that are shared. Each has great significance to us as we reflect and worship this Holy Week:

The first cup is the “cup of sanctification”. This reminds us that through the blood of Jesus we are cleansed and set apart for the purposes of God.

The second cup: The cup of Judgement. This cup reminds us that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin and we are free from the fear of judgement.

The third cup: The cup of Blessings. We are reminded as we drink the cup of blessing of the many good things that God brings our  way, and the blessing of being a child of God.

The fourth cup is not drunk at the time of the feast, but set aside to be drank at the time of  Jesus second coming. We are reminded that Jesus is coming again, and that we have hope for the future.

There is so much richness and blessing in the events of Holy Week. I hope you are setting aside time each day to prayerfully consider the events of Jesus last week. They can change your life! And don’t forget to celebrate Jesus victory over death, sin and the grave this Sunday, Easter Sunday- you will be warmly welcomed in your neighborhood church. He is Risen-He is Alive.

Pastor Russ

Its been raining. A lot. And snowing. And Sleeting. And drizzling. A lot.                    

Many areas in Lake Stevens, including where we live (the church parking lot- actually the parsonage on the parking lot), have really low water tables. Almost swampy. All this rain has created in me a new awareness and gratitude for a rather mundane thing: sump pumps. Our house has two- they work nearly around the clock during this kind of weather, pumping out all the subterranean water and keeping our house nice and dry. If I listen really carefully, I can hear them under the house, pumping out the water and saving us from flooding. At first I was a little annoyed by the gentle whooshing and buzzing, but then I realized, that the noise was a good thing- those pumps were doing their thing and functioning properly.

So, praise God for sump pumps! (There’s a phrase I never thought I would write!)

This brought to mind another thought: how many people are there in my life that function “under the radar”- absolutely essential, yet I often often ignore? Are there people for which I need to give, and express, thanks? You, know those figuratively ”hidden in the basement” folks, that although unseen, and under appreciated, help keep my life out of trouble?

Here’s my church life “people often forgotten thankfulness” list:

1. My wife, Denise. We have served the Lord together for 31 years. She is my “MVP”. Rock solid, encouraging, steady, loving, oh so capable, and always there to help clean up my silliness. My partner and friend. 

2. My prayer partners. I know that there are a bunch of friends, fellow ministers, and church members that prayer for me regularly. I know it because I can feel Gods hand of blessing, protection and guidance.

3. Our church support staff: Jill Hagens, Tonya Senff, and Gordon Senff. These folks work in the background, helping make the dream and vision a reality. Steady, and reliable, consistant and positive. What a great team.

4. Pastoral staff wives. Behind all these wonderful leaders is an incredible, gifted and hardworking lady. All of them ministers in their own unique way. Their support and ministry is huge and irreplaceable. Thank you ladies for being part of the miracle.

I could go on and on: board members, musicians, assistants to ministry leaders, cooks, kids workers, sound, light and computer people, ushers, youth staff, grounds helpers, etc. People who work outside the spotlight. I appreciate you!

How about you? Can you think of someone to whom you need to express thanks? Someone that serves you, your family, your business, your church, your community- but seldom gets noticed? Now would be a great time to give them card with a gift enclosed, or just a word of thanks goes a long way.

Blessings,

Russ

“What do I care about people that live half-way around the world?” “Let them take care of themselves, I’ve got my own problems.”

I overheard a young person say this the other day. It broke my heart to hear it. Unfortunately though, she was only  speaking out loud what I have observed is in the hearts of many Christians-even some in my own church!

Can I say it straight? It’s a bit of an oxymoron to say one loves God but to not love and support missions- the Jesus we follow, emulate,  and love was a missionary- He came to a lost world to preach the Gospel and die for the  Godless. He calls us to a similar heart- reaching out in love, supporting the work of the Gospel financially and with our prayers, knowing that the world still needs love, and that it’s as lost today as it ever was.The world still needs Jesus.

The season for Missions hasn’t ended!

This Sunday is our monthly “Missions Sunday”, and its going to be a fun day. In the morning Service Missionary Randy Lindsey will be sharing about his outreach to deaf kids in Mexico. He and his wife are making a difference in the lives of kids that would have little hope without them. They are full time, boots on the ground, missionary’s that are serving in a dangerous area of Mexico. You’ll be thrilled as you hear what God is doing through them. We will receive a love offering for them at the conclusion of the service.

This is also “BGMC” (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) Sunday, when we join the kids of the church by emptying out our change purses and piggy banks for the monthly “change offering”. Last month the boys won the little giving contest, can the girls come out on top this month? We’ll see Sunday!

The Missions Sunday evening service will feature our Youth Pastor Christian Holst sharing about his short term missions trip to Japan. He’s pumped and ready to share what God has placed on his heart. We’re all looking forward to hearing him preach. The evening service is at 6pm. Come prepared to bless Christian with a love offering.

It’s going to be a fun and exciting day in Gods house. Plan to join us.

Russ

At a recent pastors meeting I heard one of the men ask if a certain church was experiencing the “Worship wars” that have become a part of so many churches today. Wow, I thought, talk about an oxymoron: “worship” and “wars” together! But sadly, I understood what he was asking. Style and means of worship may be the most controversial and divisive subject within churches today. Hymns or choruses? Loud or soft? Urban or country? Bright lights or theatrical lighting? Lazers, smoke and multiple screen HD video or candles, incense and lectionary’s? What pastor hasn’t heard a saint say, “I love the sermon, but the music is too _______”  (fill in the blank with the adjective of your choice).

Maybe a review of the basics is in order. The verb translated “worship” in our English Bible comes from several Greek words meaning: to do reverence, to make obeisance to (I had to Google that one), an act of homage or reverence with the feeling of awe or devotion. Note, nothing about worship style, instrumentation, volume, age of the songs, or lighting.

Speaking for myself, I have worshiped God in just about every setting and style. I have felt His presence and offered him praise during quiet moments in a orderly Presbyterian worship service. I have lifted my voice in joyous praise, singing hymns with a large Baptist choir accompanied by a glorious pipe organ. I have knelt at the altar in reverence and awe as a Pentecostal worship team played ” we are standing on Holy Ground”. All equally “God moments” in my life- all have shaped my understanding of worship in the church.

I have learned that the “worship wars” have more to say about the condition of  the hearts of Gods people than the “right or wrong” of certain flavors of worship. It’s interesting that God didn’t leave us with a prescribed “order of Worship” in the Bible. No, God wants our worship to be an expression of His people’s love for Him- varied, creative, personal, culturally meaningful, and always, rooted in our awe and wonder of our great God. I have found that when my heart is tuned to God, focused on His Son, receptive and responsive, I can worship in any in any “style”. Like anyone, I have my musical preferences and favorite songs. But in worship, the focus is about God- it’s not about me.

At Lake Stevens Assembly, we refuse to get drawn into the “worship wars”. Our worship services are focused on God, and it is our desire that all generations, and all  people will be able to worship here in unity and peace. Its not always easy to find that balance. But With God’s help, as we walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we can all “worship in Spirit and in Truth”.

Blessings,

Russ

Did you know that Jesus prayed for you? Yes he did. John recorded these words of Jesus, “I do not pray for these alone, (the apostles) but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; (that’s us!) that they all may be one, as You , Father, are in Me, and I, in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me” (John 17:20-12)

Jesus understood the importance of unity, team work, and shared purpose. He knew that just as there is unity among the Godhead, there must be unity within His body, the Church. He also knew however, that it would be difficult for His followers to stick together. Jesus had first hand knowledge of how easily we turn against each other,  become polarized, and allow self interest to rule the day. His experience with the disciples, and to the extreme degree, Judas, had taught Him that humans find it difficult to “play well together”. Even to this day, many churches find themselves embroiled in conflict, disputes, schisms, arguments, splits and public polity battles. What a waste of resources!  Have we got so much time, energy and money that we can afford to waste it fighting among ourselves? Where is the love of Jesus in any of these?

Paul wrote, “bear with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  I am so thankful for the unity and peace we are experiencing at LSAG, and the growth we are seeing is a result of the love of Christ keeping us united and moving forward. As the church’s Pastor, I  understand that unity, borne from love is huge. And I am working hard hard to preserve that unity! Paul wrote “…now I urge you brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses…” (Romans 16:17). One sure way to feel the shepherds crook is to bring disunity, or division in the church!

There are good days ahead for the Church! Lets all work together to stay together. The lost world around us needs the love of God. They need to see Jesus. Lets make sure that we are demonstrating it through unity, everyday.

Russ

We’re continuing in our preaching series, “Be the Church”.

This week I will be teaching on the often controversial subject of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Our fellowship, the Assemblies of God, believes that there is an essential spiritual experience, following salvation, in which Jesus baptizes the believer in the person of the Holy Spirit. This is evidenced by the believer receiving a spiritual language (often called “speaking in tongues”). John the Baptist taught it, Jesus taught it and promised it, Paul taught it and practiced it, the first church received it, and as the Church expanded through the World, the first churches experienced this blessing as well. (read the book of Acts and note all examples of salvation, water baptism and Spirit baptism).

I am inviting our church to come this Sunday with open hearts, ready and willing to receive all that Jesus has for us. I am asking that we not allow past experiences- or the lack of experiences, keep us from allowing God to do a “new thing” in us. It is interesting to note the Bible actually teaches “many fillings”- see Ephesians 5:18- so all of us, no matter how many years we have “in the faith” need to be filled fresh and new with His power and presence. I have learned that it’s the hungry and thirsty heart that Jesus blesses. I want that to be me! I am looking forward to God doing something really special this Sunday. Join us if you like!

Blessings,

Pastor Russ

This Sunday we begin a new six week series entitled “Be the Church.”

I’ll be wearing my teaching hat throughout these messages. I have come to believe that there’s a lot of misunderstanding of just what the Church is, how the Church should function, what it means to be part of the Church, and what the Church exists to do. So,  with humility,  I will opening up the Bible and teaching what God’s Word says on the subject.

My challenge is to not get overly reactive in my teaching this series. I say this because  I am so passionate on this subject. You see, I love the Church. I live to see it flourish and grow. I agree with Bill Hybells statement, “The local church is the hope of the world.” But it grieves me to see so many people-believers and unbelievers alike, that are choosing to separate themselves from the life of the church. It frustrates me to see so many wrong headed ideas and practices flourishing in churches, and most of all, so many people turning from God because of the broken witness and practices of some churches. It seems some have come to think of the church as a business, or worse, the personal expression of some entrepreneur. Some have come to think of the Church of Jesus Christ as a “spiritual shopping mall” -a place to pick and choose your wants, personal likes and needs. Hmm. Not at all what the Bible teaches. But more on this soon.

So I will be teaching  six messages, based on six key areas of church life. These include: the ordinances of the Church, the mission of the church, the empowering of the Church, the unity of the Church, understanding worship, and the place of Scripture in the Church. Foundational truths on which to build our lives.

These will be impactful messages. You’re invited to join us at Lake Stevens Assembly for them. Services are at 10:00am. Bring a friend. We’ll save you a seat.

Russ