Can I Show You Something? -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear Hard-Working PoC,

Years ago I worked for Benson Music Group in Nashville, TN.  One of my tasks was to relieve our company’s switchboard operator, Andrea, for an hour while she took her lunch.  It was an easy task because nobody really calls during lunchtime.  Most of the time I would just help Andrea with some of her other tasks, like mailing out thousands of envelopes to our distributors.  This was before the days of fancy-schmancy mail machines, and I dreaded the task.  It seemed to take forever.  But, all of that changed one day when Andrea came back from lunch only to see that I really hadn’t gotten much done.  I apologized and said, “I’m just not very fast at this.  Sorry.”  She then said five beautiful words that would change my whole working experience.  She asked, “Can I Show You Something?”

What Andrea showed me was a crazy cool time-saving set of tips that not only made the envelope stuffing fast, but quite enjoyable.  She showed me how to squeeze the envelopes out of the box so they didn’t fly all over the place.  She showed me how to “flap” the envelopes, which was so much fun.  Then she showed me how to lift and stuff in such a quick motion that I kinda felt like “the Flash”.  It was cool.  She and I together could bust through 1000 envelopes (stuffed, sealed, stamped, and sent) quicker than anyone.  Yes, sometimes we would race others.  A task that I LOATHED became one of my favorite things to do.  Working the way Andrea worked added joy to my work.  

Quite a few of you are already responding to this three-week sermon series about WORK.  Last week I busted out some ancient philosophy to explain our faulty western view of work.  I explained a few things:

1. There is nothing in reality that is not spiritual.  Your work is a sacred space that God has given you.  There isn’t a higher (sacred) and lower (secular) realm of work.  It’s all sacred.  It is all for God’s glory.  It all requires revelation.  
2. Your work is a HIGH CALLING.
3. Your work IS NOT a 2nd class endeavor.

I know it is often a silly habit we have to moan and groan, dread or complain about our work or certain tasks we are given.  So, this week we’re going to look at God, at the way He works.  As our Father, Savior, Guide, and Model, I think we can look to Him and His work-habits to see if there is anything we can learn about how to tackle unpleasant tasks and jobs.  I want you to go ahead and prepare your hearts to respond to the Holy Spirit as He asks you this Sunday, “Can I Show You Something?”  I believe He wants to change the way we work.  I believe He wants to add Joy To The Work!

I can’t wait to see you this Sunday.  Invite like mad!  

Pastor Todd

 

Mall-Walking Priest -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear Working-Classy PoC,

When I was pastoring in the Chicago area, I was walking through the local mall one day when three people rushed up to me excitedly. At first, I wondered if I was a part of some crazy street theater, but then recognized one of them from my church. He said to His friends, “This is my priest from my church, the one I was telling you about.” Quickly, and before I could say, “No . . . wait . . . you have it all wrong”, the other two started saying, “Wow . . . cool . . . it’s nice to meet you, Father . . . that’s awesome”. It was weird. I hardly got a word in edgewise as they walked away. There was a part of me that thought, “Wow. I have the coolest job in the world.” But, that’s the problem, isn’t it? I’m NOT special.

If God didn’t call me to be a pastor, but I became a pastor, that would be . . . disobedient, right? So, the goal then is not to be a man “of the cloth” as much as it is to be – obedient. All of us have to be obedient to whatever call God places before us that leads to whatever vocation God places before us for whatever time (long or short) God places before us in whatever condition (easy or difficult/pleasurable or crazy miserable) that God places before us. Whether you are clergy or laity (yuck . . . I hate that word), the goal is to be obedient and on mission. When you look in the Old Testament you see a separation between the clergy (priest) and the “people”, but if the New Testament does anything at all, it shows that the pastor is less priest (kept high and separate), and more gentle leader in a priesthood of believers. So, you and I, see . . . ain’t all that different.

And, I think that this ought to shape the way we see our work. It should shape the way we see Mondays. Look at it this way, if you were to ask me how I see my work, and I said, “Gross, yuck, I dread it, it’s awful, I can’t wait to quit”, you would probably be troubled to your very core. But, when I ask people about the work that they do, I often hear dread and misery. If I vilified my church to the point that many people vilify their jobs, I’d be rightfully thrown out on my clergy butt!! See, my calling isn’t from some higher or more noble order, at least not when you think about having to simply be obedient to any call that God puts on any person’s life. Being obedient and working where God has placed you for God and His mission to care for others brings with it a type of ordination all its own.

This coming Sunday we’re going to start a new series called, “Joy to the Work: Every Member A Minister”. I’m hoping that through it we can begin to get our mind around how our faith can make a difference on the job in the New Year. I want us to see God when work is a pain, when laziness attacks, in the blessing of work, in work that will last, and as a perfect model for us as we work. I think God has a whole lot more Joy that He wants to add to our work.

See You Sunday. Your Pastor Is Praying For You!

Pastor Todd

P.S. Got someone at your job that kinda hates it? Prayerfully consider inviting them.

Long Psalm 23 -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear PoC, the Good,

Several years ago I was called upon to do a funeral.  A very very awkward funeral.

I didn’t know the man who died.  I didn’t know his family.  A friend of a friend of a friend sorta kinda knew me, so when the family decided at the last minute to have an actual service, I was asked if I would help.

I met with the family like I typically do and asked questions about the deceased.  No one answered.  Not one question.  I asked them to share their memories.  Nothing.  I asked them to tell me some kind things about him.  Zip.  Finally, I said, “Would you like for me to just plan a service that hits all the traditional notes of a typical funeral?”  They nodded.  The man’s son spoke up and said, “Sorry we’re not more help, Pastor.  He wasn’t a very nice man.  It’s complicated.”   The family left, and the funeral director and I just stared at each other.  Finally she said, “Better you than me.”  Great!

How horrible it would be to leave a legacy of hurt, to be known only as a bitter, angry, argumentative, hateful, complaining old man.  Very few people were at the funeral.  I stretched Psalm 23 out as slowly and meaningfully as I could.  Two of his adult children talked through the entire service.  But, they did thank me.  Called me, “Tim”.  Awkward.

This coming Sunday is our last week to meet with Jacob and Joseph and all His brothers.  It’s going to be a powerful service as we look at a life well lived.  We’re going to look at that powerful verse in Genesis 50:20 that we used to kick off our series so many weeks ago.  At the end of the service, we’re going to consider two important questions:

1. How is your relationship with God?
2. How are your relationships with others?

We’re going to ask the Lord to shine a light on our relationships now . . . before it’s too late.  

PoC, I think there’s still plenty of time to become known as peace-givers.  And, I think you’re up for the challenge.  Which is good . . . ‘cause I’d like to think that I’ve done my last awkward funeral.  That would be nice.

Great things are happening!  God is amazing!  Invite like mad!

Your Pastor Is Praying For You,

Pastor Todd

It's Family Reunion Time - A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear PoC,

Have you ever been to an awkward family reunion?  

I . . . have!  

And, I would love to tell you about them (believe me!), but…my family and extended family read my blogs and I love them all too much-ish to call them out.  ☺  Of course, you all know me and know that I (the sweet little totes adorb’ pastor that I am) would NEVER-EVER be the source of said drama.  But, believe me when I say that I have witnessed or heard about many of the typical awkward phenomena that family reunions are known for, like . . .

• The kissing aunt that won’t take no for an answer . . . or a tic tac . . .
• The comments of “Boy, your wife sure must be feeding you goooood . . .” (Really?!??!!?)
• The quiet that commences every time the “black sheep” walks in the room . . . (Baaaaah!)
• The habitually late family that makes everyone wait . . . (you know who you are!)
• The bathroom hog that seems to forget that there are 27 others who have to share that room…
• The guy that no one quite remembers how they are related or why they are always invited…
• The new girlfriend or boyfriend that was prematurely invited to the reunion and even (gasp) the family picture. (You know we’ll be photo-shopping you out of the picture in a couple of weeks, right?  Just like all – the – others before you.)
• The girl who forgets that “you can’t say that in front of our kids”.  (Yes, that’s inappropriate!  Here, let me make you a list of things not to say.  Nope, that’s a cuss word too.  Seriously, honey, stick to the list.)
• The “one-upper” who is better than everyone at everything or has experienced more than you or is a “self-proclaimed” genius (which supposedly explains their baffling lack of social skills)…
• The hyper-conservative uncle who blames everything on Obama, including the lumpy potatoes and all things that actually predate Obama, Obama’s Mama, and Obama’s Mama’s Mama.  “You’re not seriously suggesting that Obama actually caused the Civil War, are you?!?”
• The “I’m smarter than all of my coworkers . . . and the government . . . and my pastors . . . and the general public . . . and all the doctors . . . and all of you who have the pleasure of hearing me mumble right now . . . and did you know that there are aliens coming for us . . . that’s why I have 458 weapons buried in my back yard . . . won’t you join me . . . pass the pie.”
• The “over-laugher” who’s only sad purpose is to break the tension caused by everyone else on this list, simply by holding her sides and laughing so uncomfortably that people begin to back away . . . slowly.
• The Aunt . . . with the Cockatoo . . . with the eye patch . . . that eats people food . . . at the kid’s table . . .  and says, “Please don’t die!” every time someone sneezes . . .
• The crazy cousin who keeps disciplining your kids, right in front of you and then begins to tell you about the miracle that is . . . Tofurkey! (FYI, it’s a portmanteau of blended tofu and turkey.)(yes, I said portmanteau . . . I know some stuff!)
• Or . . . the uncle who gave you, your kids and all the cousins their “first drink”!!!!!!!  Adorable!
• And then there is the guy who will do just about anything to get out of the house to run an errand for anyone.  (It’s usually me!)  “What’s that?  Your back itches?  They sell backscratchers at the mall, right?  I’m gone!” or “What’s that?  There’s a traffic accident on I-70 with 57 cars backed up?  Sounds like they need help over there!  Bye now!”

Remind me why we have family reunions again?  ☺

It’s true that it can be awkward sometimes, but in our imaginations, there is a wonderfully stubborn battleship-clad hope for familial bliss and harmony that compels us to give it a go again and again.  Isn’t it cute how hard we try?  And, praise God, for He is good enough to give those rare moments when it just seems to work.  Yeah, Family!  

Ya know, most people fall into one of two camps . . . they either look forward to the reunion with blind hope OR dread the very thought with blind despair.  (Which one are you?)  This week we get to watch the family reunion of Jacob, Joseph, His brothers . . . and the rest of the Hee Haw Gang!!  They are making their way to Egypt, and some are squeal-fully excited, while others are asking to stop at every single rest-area along the way simply to . . . delay . . . the . . . inevitable.  (“No seriously, I gotta pee!  Pull over”.)

But Joseph, our shadow of Christ, desperately wants to be reunited with His family, and He wants them safe.  So, his present-day practice really proves to be fueled by an eternity-focused attitude.  If you were to ask Joey, I’m convinced that he would have told you that he would not be content with even one family member missing from the table, even . . . “that guy”!

When we get to heaven, which names of your family and friends do you want to see written on the place cards at the great banquet table?  Between now and Sunday, let’s think about that.

I can’t wait to see you!  Invite like mad!

Your Pastor Is Praying For You . . . and is ready willing and able to run any errand you need!

Pastor Todd

Lawrence’s Momma Showed Much Grace

Hi PoC,

I love ya!

So, I was talking to a new friend of mine named Lawrence.  He’s a Christian brother who went through years and years of drug and alcohol abuse and family heartache.  He was telling me a story about his momma, how she used to wait up for him to come home from his binges.  It would be 1 or 2 or 3 in the morning, or worse, every day.  He would stumble up to the locked screen door and would call his mom.  He said there was always an agonizing pause – the time it took her to walk from the living room to the door – when he would begin to panic, thinking, “What if she won’t let me in the house?”  Every night, she would say the same thing, “Lawrence, I’m going to show you the same grace God showed me.  I’m going to let you in the house.  Tomorrow I’ll be praying for you to see if God wants me to keep showing you grace.”  He finished by saying, “She let me in every night.  Never shut me out.  I will never forget that.”

It reminded me about a time when I was a college sophomore.  I had been less than “a good boy” the weekend before and was called on the carpet by one of the college deans.  I got a note in my mail box there on campus and quickly “got the story straight” with a few of my friends and then marched over to the dean’s office.  That same panic Lawrence experienced welled up in my chest as I wondered what the outcome would be.  It was a waiting time.  Agonizing.  It was a waiting time with only two options:  rest or confess.  Well, it wasn’t a long meeting or a long confession, and it ended with much grace.  Evidently my dean and Lawrence’s momma shared the same Spirit.

Grace is something that we do not deserve.  It’s a gift.  There’s nothing YOU have to do.  There’s nothing you HAVE to do.  There’s nothing you have to DO.  And, that’s the awkward-making feature of grace.  We can’t manipulate it or mold it to fit us or anticipate it, predict it or demand it.  So many of us are so sure of our scheming, sinful or natural, that “the waiting” is exhausting and it brings us to a point of decision where we can either confess sin as sin to our Redeemer, and/or simply choose to rest in His providential care for us as His children.  Sometimes it seems to take forever for Jesus to walk from the living room to the door.  Oh, the waiting.

PoC, I can’t wait . . . can’t wait . . . can’t flippin’ wait to see you all this coming Sunday. We’re going to rejoin Joseph’s brothers as they make the trip back to Egypt with their brother Benjamin to see how Joseph, the Prime Minister, will treat them.  They will be greeted at his house by his chief steward, served dinner, and then, they will have . . . to wait . . . for judgment . . . or grace.  Joseph seems to be taking forever to get from His chambers to the dinner table.  What could be taking so long?  What will happen next?

Hey, it’s not too late to invite some friends to join you Sunday, especially those who are waiting to confess to Jesus or rest in Jesus.  Get on that, PoC.  I’ll be praying and can’t wait to see you.

Let’s Keep Talking About Jesus,

Pastor Todd

Dead Dog Gone -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Hello, PoC!!

I’m not a huge animal lover.  That’s not new information for most of you.  It’s not that I don’t like animals, it’s just that I only like them from a great great distance.  And, you can’t argue that they are just as cute over there!  As for soft and cuddly, I’m fine to take your word for it.  I’m no stranger to soft and cuddly.  Been there.  Done that.  But, from a great distance, I suppose you could say I’m an animal admirer of sorts.  Of sorts.

Because of the “phobia-lite” that I have with pets and animals (itchy-itchy-sneeze-sneeze), I’m also not very sympathetic when animals are ill (though I’m trying) and I’m not very pet-savvy when pet-decisions need to be made.  My wife, Kim would tell you that there are many, many examples to describe my pet-cluelessness, but perhaps the best example would be the lack of problem-solving skill I displayed when our dog, Andy (Andrew Gus, to be exact) suddenly died.  My pet-telligence was off the charts.

Our friend and fellow pastor, Alan, had just spent a few days with Andy while we were away.  Because he actually showed our overlooked dog some attention (He broke down the system is what he did.), I naturally blamed him for our dog’s demise.  The truth, however, (Don’t tell Alan.) is that Andy had trouble breathing one night and simply went to doggy-heaven without much drama or discomfort (or so it seemed from a great, great distance).  The kids were very young and didn’t have much to say.  Kim was sad, of course.  Andy had been a good dog.  I, on the other hand, just had one thought on my mind, which was, “How do I get this dead dog out of my house?”

Now, I don’t mean to be insensitive...but, I am...naturally clueless about these things.  I mentioned to a friend that I supposed that I would simply put Andy Dandy Dog by the road with the trash the next day.  This seemed logical and expedient.  However...I was told, rather rudely, that, “You’re not allowed to do that.”  Well, that didn’t make sense to me.  Why not?  So... (And here’s where Kim would volunteer to tell the rest of the story through gleeful snorts.)...I called the department of sanitation (or whatever it’s called) and I spoke to a kind-ish woman about my plight.  I asked her if I could put Andy by the road with the garbage...even offered to “double bag” him and put him in a sturdy box (like the ones big roaster ovens come in).  There was a pause on the other end of the line.  And then she said, “Just a moment.”  I thought that perhaps she was asking her supervisor...that they would think it was a great idea...perhaps even tell me that they need more whip-smart southerners like me around these parts.  But, then I heard muffled laughing...

So, I have a tip for you.  When you are talking about someone behind their back while on the phone, you really can and should use the hold or mute buttons.  That’s what they were made for.  Really.  At the very least, make sure that your fingers create a tight seal on the mouthpiece before you talk all nasty-like about the person who is listening on the other end of the line.  It’s an actual phone, not tin cans with string, so I CAN HEAR YOU.  Anyway, the rude-ish department of sanitation lady on the other end of the phone had clearly not gotten that memo, because I heard her say to everyone in the office, while stifling very mannish grunts and giggles, “There’s this guy on the phone...He wants to know...if he can...put his dead dog...by the road...with the trash!!!!!”

I was not amused.  I did NOT admire her...even from a great great distance!

She finally regained her composure and said, “I’m sorry, Sir, but you’re not allowed to put your dead dog by the road with the trash.”  So, I asked her what I was supposed to do with Dead-Andy.  Get this:  according to her, you have to take the dead dog to the vet and pay a fee for them to dispose of the dog.  What?!?  I didn’t pay for the dog when it was a puppy.  Why would I pay for it now that it is...the opposite of a puppy?

So, there I sat...in my house...with this dead thing.  I wanted it out.  Before it stank.  Before it rotted.

This week we’re going to rejoin the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis.  Joseph has been hurt and the harm that he has suffered has left the stench of anger, bitterness, rage, and dead innocence behind.  He can choose to live with it.  He can’t do that – it will kill him.  He can try to remove it himself – lay it by the road with all the other garbage, but he doesn’t have the strength.  Or, He can seek the Lord.  He can ask the Lord to remove the sting from the painful memories.  Did you know the Lord can do that?

We finally asked a friend of ours, Larry, to help us with the doggy-fiasco.  He came and got the dog and took Andrew Gus on a long country ride down a long country road and buried him for us.  He even made a nice little shrine and said, “Todd, you can come visit him anytime you want.”  Snick...snicker.  Really, he said that.  

I want to see you Sunday.  I’d like for you to bring your most horrible painful memory.  I’d like for you, along with me, to lay it down on the altar before the Lord so we can ask Him to remove the sting.  I think you already agree with me that it’s time to get that “death” out of the house.

I don’t mean to be insensitive...but, I am...convinced that we need God’s help with this.

Your Pastors Are Praying For You,

Pastor Todd    

God-given Outlook During Times of Abandonment -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear Favor-Finding PoC,

When I was in college I had a roommate who I didn’t know very well. While we were friends, I didn’t know much about him. We coexisted pretty well. He went his way. I went mine. We were both very busy . . . working . . . dating great girls . . . life was good. Kim and I were crazy busy with church volunteering, work and school and every weekend was packed. It was nearing the time for us to be married so I knew I needed to move out of the apartment I shared with my roommate. Kim and I looked at the calendar and couldn’t see a date when we could pack up anytime soon, so we made the decision one night to pack up what we had so that we could just get it done. Our thinking was that it was easier to just live out of the boxes now than to find time to pack later. I could stay until the end of our lease, but then be free to simply move out with the packing already done.

It spooked my roommate. He was convinced that I was abandoning him, that I was going to walk out on him, leaving him stuck with the full amount of the rent. Like I said, I didn’t know him very well, so I did my best to explain that I wasn’t going anywhere, that I just needed to pack early while I had time. He wasn’t convinced . . . was extra paranoid, and started acting pretty strangely. Sure enough, I came home a few days later to find that he had moved out, didn’t pay rent, broke the lease and left a note that said, “Have a good life!” Seriously. I was . . . abandoned. Not gonna lie, it sucked!
I felt obligated to be unhappy about it. It never occurred to me to have a good attitude about it until I went to work and told my sad tale to a coworker who then said, “Well, I’m going back to work. Let me know when you choose to see the bright side.” Ha! What I learned in that moment was that I had to choices. I could choose to be abandoned with a good attitude and outlook, OR I could choose to be abandoned with a bad attitude and outlook. I chose hope. And it helped . . . quickly. In a matter of minutes, I found a new place to live and was released from my lease without penalty.

This week we’re going to hit the pavement with Joseph again as he is led from Potiphar’s house to the dungeon. He’s been falsely accused, betrayed by his family, and it won’t be long before he too finds himself abandoned by his friend, the Cupbearer. And he will have a choice to make. He can choose to be crushed continually by the unfaithfulness of people or he can choose to have forward-facing trust in the faithfulness of our Lord. I think you know what he’s going to choose, but I hope you run to join us on Sunday to hear the story . . . drive fast . . . be careful . . . come early . . . get a good seat!!

Over the past few months I’ve been walking with some wonderful, classy, awesome people who have every right to feel abandoned. I wish I knew why God has allowed such pain, but the truth is, I don’t know. And, that’s ok. I choose to trust Jesus and point everyone I know to Him. He has a plan. He knows that we cannot control whether we will be treated fairly today or tomorrow . But He can give us the power to choose how we will respond. Our attitude is something we can control (with His power at work in us). Resentment, hostility, bitterness, revenge – these are the common attitudes people choose when they’re mistreated and abandoned. God, however, has a different choice in mind for His children.

“For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.” - (I Peter 2: 20)

PoC, I’m praying for you and hope that as we journey together that God truly sets us up for some major favor finding.

Let’s Keep Talking About Jesus,

Pastor Todd

Focus on the King -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear Point of Change Family,

Wasn’t this past Sunday incredible?  God was all over the place.  I really had a lot of fun celebrating our 2nd year as PoC.  TGBTG!!!  Thank you to everyone who made that such a great day!!!!

As you know we started our new sermon series this past week, “PRIMEMINISTER:  When God is all you have, God is enough!”  Of course, this series follows the story of Joseph and his brothers as found in Genesis.  It’s going to be a wild ride for sure!  At the heart of this “overcoming” story is a God who gives his child (Joseph) the strength to overcome many many obstacles.  The thing I love about the story is that the obstacles don’t get the attention or the glory.  Instead, the emphasis is on God and His main man, Joseph.

Today my wife took our youngest dog, Elsa to the vet for a check-up.  Kim wondered if Elsa was maybe having some stomach discomfort, so the vet began to check.  Just before she started, she said, “Let me do a complete check-up first, before I check the abdomen.  If I check the abdomen first, I might forget that there’s a dog attached.”  When Kim told me this, my mind was already on this week’s sermon where Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife.  Temptation is a big word, a big obstacle.  I have spoken to tons of struggling Christians, and I have experienced it myself, as they talk about this or that temptation that seems to hover over them constantly like their own personal cloud.  I’ve seen believers taken off guard when their own personal temptation  is all they can think about.  Every book they read is on the temptation.  Every conversation or accountability proposal is about THAT temptation.  Their spiritual life, in a lot of ways, seems to have TEMPTATION (of one form or another) written all over it.

If we are not careful, we will examine our own personal temptation so much that we forget that there is a whole Child of God attached.  If you struggle with your own pet temptation, I have to tell you that all of these obstacles are pretty common, no matter how personal they feel.  I Corinthians 10: 13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.  For with the temptation, He will also provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure it.”   So, the secret is to look to the faithful King, not the unfaithful temptation.  If I focus only on the temptation, I’ll forget that the problem may be in my heart or my mind or my confidence, etc.  What I really need to do is stay close...so close...so very close to my Lord so that He can examine and lead my whole self.    

This week we’re going to look to our King, reach for His power for the journey and ask Him in unison to “King Me!”  

Invite!  This is a message that needs hands and feet!  Can’t wait to see you.

Pastor Todd

P.S.  Every believer faces common obstacles that seem to paralyze us.  It halts our joy, effectiveness and witness.  These obstacles can make us question everything, even our faith.  We have a catalyst event that has been created to help us get the focus back on God rather than the obstacles.  It is my hope that every single PoCer could one day experience the joy that I felt when I first went through this powerful event.  It is “The Encounter @ PoC” on November 14-15.  You can sign-up for it online at www.pointofchange.org under the tab entitled “catalysts”.  Will you join me at this event?  I think there is great, Great, GREAT benefit for each of you.  I hope to see you there.  

PoC's 2nd Anniversary

Dear PoC Family,

I still remember the moment when I was asked, “Have you and Kim ever thought about planting a church?”  Well, I had never considered planting, but did agree to seek the Lord on this.  Many of you know the story by now, but it didn’t take long before the Lord provided an answer in the form of a vision and a song.  Two years later, here we are, PoC.  God has been so faithful.

I want to invite you . . . and have you invite everyone you know . . . to help us celebrate our 2nd Anniversary as Point of Change Church of the Nazarene on September 14.  In just a few weeks we will celebrate God’s faithfulness to us over the past two years.  How exciting!

We will celebrate with a wonderful meal following the service.  During the service we will celebrate with new members, child dedications, and baptism.  Would you please let us know ASAP if you or a family member would like to . . .

1. Be baptized.  Either for the first time or as a recommitment.
2. Become a member of Point of Change.
3. Have your infant or child dedicated to the Lord.

For any of these, simply contact Taryn Lopshire at tlopshire@pointofchange.org.

We are going to have a wonderful celebration.  If you’ve been wanting your family and friends to hear more about your church, this is the Sunday to have them visit.  I can’t wait to meet them.

Let’s Keep Talking About Jesus,

Pastor Todd

Boy-King -- A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear PoC Family:

I have experienced God’s “just in the nick of time” grace many times in my life.  Here is just a sampling:

• When I was a young teen, I was playing with a nail gun on a construction site with some men from the church.  I hit the hammer onto a board when the gun backfired somehow, sending the nail toward my right eye.  It happened so fast.  The next thing I remember, I’m taking my glasses off only to find that the nail had shattered the right lens of my glasses.  God’s grace came to me in the form of a plastic lens.  
• When I was in senior high, I was driving home from work.  I had just picked up my paycheck and was driving home on a snowy and mountainous West Virginia highway when a semi decided to pass me on the side of the road that had not been plowed yet.  His trailer jack-knifed and spun out of control, hitting my car like a baseball and sending me hurling against the side of the mountain cliff.  It happened so fast.  The next thing I know, I was laying in the middle of the road staring at my unrecognizable car with blood running down my face.  God’s grace came to me in the form of an old Buick that was too old for seatbelts.
• When Kim and I first set out (with our incredible launch team) to plant Point of Change, we took a huge leap of faith.  One day we were praying here in the IBEW (our church building), praising God for His clear direction and next step for our church.  The next day I was having a full-blown panic attack because this crazy leap of faith came without a paycheck.  I remember sitting in the kitchen at the house telling God that we weren’t going to make it unless He stepped in.  The months leading up to the launch had happened so fast that it never occurred to me that my salary would be gone.  So, that was a loooooooooonnnnnnnnng Monday that ended with a phone meeting with my friends Lynn and Megan, our newly appointed Finance Team leaders.  They were calling to tell me to come pick up my first paycheck.  The launch team had decided to kick it into high gear and provide a part-time salary.  God’s grace came to me in the form of an answer to prayer and the kindness of friends.

This Sunday we are starting a new sermon series called, “Boy-King:  Guilty of Everything”.  It focuses on the life of Josiah as recorded in 2 Kings 22 & 23.  This young 8-year-old boy becomes the King of Judah after His sinful father is murdered.  What’s more, young Josiah has been raised in a court that has been apostate (formal disaffiliation and abandonment of God) for 57 years and that subjected all opposition to a reign of terror.  The young boy-king’s life is on a trajectory that seemingly can’t be stopped.  The nail has left the nail-gun!!  The car is racing towards the cliff!!  The paychecks have stopped!!!!  The only thing left to stop Josiah from barreling down his inherited path of destruction is the grace of God.  But, how will the grace of God come to Josiah?  In what form?

PoC, your life and my life have both been on a set path for some time.  Look at our nation, our fathers and our mothers, their choices and the choices of those who have come before them.  When you look at all that you inherited, what is the likely outcome?  I don’t know about you, but my life SHOULD have looked very different had it not been for God’s amazing grace.

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  Acts 20: 32

For the next three weeks, PoC is going to be exhilarating, joy-pumped, and grace-full.  Now would be a good time for us to invite those friends and family members to share in the waterfall!!

I’m praying for you!  Let’s keep talking about Jesus.

Pastor Todd
 

Contend Together - A Letter From Pastor Todd

Dear PoC Contenders,

I’m really looking forward to worshiping with you this coming Sunday.  Summer has roared by with such speed and I have missed being with all of you.  I’m excited to jump into this next sermon series, “Hey Jude: Put Up Your Dukes!”  I believe God has a lot to show us through this short but powerful New Testament letter.  I’d encourage you to go ahead and read through this great and wonderful “put up your dukes” scripture.  

Years ago, I helped direct a youth camp.  One night I was given the task of supervising a late night talk that was taking place in the tabernacle between some college-aged men and a group of female campers.  I didn’t know what the talk was about, but I sat in the back and listened to what quickly became a hot mess.  The men intended to talk to these young ladies about how to keep the bar high and how they should not settle for less when choosing to date someone.  A fine message  - Yes!  But, what I saw in the delivery was another motive, another agenda.  These self-appointed message-men, obviously, were taking great pride in being “that sweet guy” who offered such “cute” advice.  After the talk, those winky-eyed college men each received about a hundred hugs (the pay-off) each with all the “You are a princess” drama and tears that you would expect.  There was no mention of God, no mention of Jesus, no mention of the Bible.  It became clear to me that these young men were finding their significance in being “knights in shining armor” more than in being messengers of wise Gospel.

When I spoke to them that night, I had intended to bring a very positive and uplifting word about our shared hope, but a great big “BUT FIRST . . .” that could not be stopped rose up out of my chest and out of my mouth.  I couldn’t proceed to the message until I had first addressed this very “false” display that I had witnessed.  My message was, “Guard your heart . . . God must have the spotlight.”  I felt as if the most pressing thing at that time was to pull the focus back to God, to His Son, to His Spirit, to His Word, and to His mission.  Truth is, very wise men and women have had to have the same talk with me over the years.  It’s a needed understanding.

This is what we see happening in Jude.  Jude looks forward to talking to the church about the hope of Jesus’ salvation, but other things are happening.  A great big “BUT FIRST” rises up within Jude and contends for listening ears.  I think His message is just as meaningful, powerful, and applicable today as it was then.

I look forward to contending with you and your family this week.  Invite.  Invite.  Invite.

God is not done saving us.

Your Pastors Are Praying For You!

Have Compassion Directly - A Letter from Pastor Todd

Dear PoC Family,

It is easy and common to feel great haunting compassion for people that we can’t help easily or directly.  

• When I worked as a surgical tech in Nashville, TN, I had to transport a young man who was my exact age back to his room.  He had just come from an open and shut surgery that lasted about 30 minutes.  The doctors had found that his abdomen was filled with cancer.  The doctor’s initial guess was that this young man, new husband, son, brother, and friend only had about 6-8 months to live.  As I approached his room, I could hear the family wailing from down the hall.  It was a horrible scene.  As the patient was still recovering, the family and especially his young wife could not contain their emotion as I wheeled this doomed young man into the room.  It haunted me then and haunts me now.  My heart was filled with a painful compassion for a man who I could not help.  Even now, I pray for a wife and family who I do not know.  But, I can’t touch them.  I can’t help them directly.

• When I took my first trip to Cali, Colombia, we took a late night bus ride through the city to go back to our hotel.  I was still floating from the incredible service and touch of the Holy Spirit that we received.  I looked out my window at the beautiful city that was passing by.  I noticed as we go to one of the poorer parts of the city how bad the traffic was, how dark it was, how scary it seemed to be.  Then, I noticed a little boy who was about my son, Samuel’s age, 3 or 4.  He was playing in the middle of the street on a patch of sand as cars and busses hurried by him from both directions.  I was so alarmed that I asked our guide, “Why is that boy in the middle of the road.”  He looked around for the little boy, saw him and said, “Oh, he’s just playing.”  I thought, “Well, yes, I know that!”  I said, “But where are his parents?”  My guide shot back, “Probably working.”  And, that was it.  My heart was filled with a painful compassion for that boy who I could not help.  Even now, I pray for this boy who I do not know.  But, I can’t touch him.  I can’t help him directly.

• Several months back, Pastor Celia Vineyard, our Pastor of Prayer and Encouragement, alerted me to the international story of Meriam Ibrahim, Christian doctor, mother of two (still pregnant with one of her children) was put in a Sudanese prison because of her faith.  I watched this story with the world and cried out to God with thousands of others.  I carried a burden for this young woman and her husband, rejoiced when she was set free, squirmed when she was recaptured, and rejoiced again as the story began to unfold.  My heart was filled with a painful compassion for her and her family who I could not help.  Even now, I pray for a woman who I do not know.  But, I can’t touch her.  I can’t help her directly.

In Matthew 9, Jesus said to the Pharisees who questioned why He befriended sinners, “Go and find out what is meant by the scripture that says:  ‘It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.’”  (Matt. 9: 13a)  The original Greek word translated as “kindness” here, means to show pity or compassion towards hurting people.  Jesus performed powerful, direct, hands-on-the-spot miracles in Matthew 9:  healed the sick and demon-possessed (directly), a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years (directly), a young girl raised back to life (directly), a man delivered from a demon that kept him from speaking (directly), and two blind men who received their sight (directly).  Matthew, who wrote this book, had personally experienced God’s compassion (directly) when Jesus ate with him and his ‘sinner’ friends.  Matthew describes his perception of Jesus beautifully in Matthew 9: 36:  “As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them, because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”  

PoC, it is easy and common to feel great haunting compassion for people that we can’t help easily or directly.  I hear it all the time (ALL THE TIME):  people who carry huge burdens for people “over there” or children “over there” or poverty “over there”.  And this is good.  We need to pray diligently for people that we can’t touch.  Prayer is often all we have.  We need to give to people “over there,” because we have been blessed and can/should/must help.  But, if we are not careful we will allow these far away needs to blind us from being hands-on right here where we are in our own city where we can touch directly and give directly.  We must learn what it means to have compassion for people directly if we are going to impact our cities the way Jesus modeled moment-by-moment compassion.  Up and down the streets where Jesus walked directly was where he felt compassion and did his great miracles.

Think about it.  Here in Bloomington/Normal, if your heart is moved with compassion when you see poverty, we got your poverty.  It’s right here in our streets.  Here in Bloomington/Normal, if your heart is moved with compassion when you see abuse, we got your abuse.  It’s right here in our streets.  Here in Bloomington/Normal, if your heart is moved by homelessness, neglect, extreme illness, and death, we got your homelessness, neglect, extreme illness, and death.  It’s right here in our streets.  We can pray for those hurting around the world AND we can be led by our Spirit-given compassion for the lost, hurting and dying right here where we are, directly.

Pray and give beyond?  Certainly.  But locally, get caught red-handed right in the middle of God’s plans.

Hey, I’m back and can’t wait to see you on Sunday,

Pastor Todd