Donavon King

An open letter to the community of Wenatchee Nazarene

2010-03-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Wenatchee Nazarene Friends,

I still remember the joy in our hearts as Sue and I were sure Wenatchee was the place we were to begin our vocational ministry. The journey to being offered a position took quite a few months but we were not discouraged because we were confident we knew it was where God wanted us. These four years have not been easy but we have remained confident of the call and remained committed to doing whatever we could to help this congregation heal and recover from difficult times. In my ongoing prayers about my family’s future and the future of this church I have consistently been affirmed that our call was through the interim but no further. I also felt affirmed that I was to do nothing to seek another position but to simply wait on the Lord. This goes against my nature towards action…..waiting has been hard.

The waiting has not been in vain, we are once again sure of the location of our calling. The finality of an answer to the unknown is comforting but the tough thing is that we will be saying goodbye to many good friends in Wenatchee. We have been offered a position as Spokane First Church of the Nazarene’s Children and Family Life Pastor and have accepted the call to Spokane First.

Sometimes God moves in very familiar ways that we can see coming and then other times He leads in much more unexpected ways. The first time that Pastor Bill Vaughn from Spokane called to gauge my interest in such a position I was a little surprised. I didn’t see that coming. But as soon as I hung up the phone I began to feel a peace that only grew over time.

Parting is never easy, but we are once again confident of the call on our lives to Spokane. I’ve been a layperson in a church that had a string of pastoral staff leave; I know what it feels like. It’s like a punch in the gut. All I can offer you is the assurance of my call to Spokane. That may not seem like much ,but the flip side of my call is knowing that God has a wonderful plan for the Wenatchee Church of the Nazarene. As I have waited over the last few months, you will have some time to wait to see all of what comes next. The main piece of the unknown puzzle is in place with the calling of Pastor Mike, Anita, John and Emma settled. I have faith that God is already working in the life of somebody wonderful to come be the perfect help to Pastor Mike and the Wenatchee church.

My last Sunday at Wenatchee Nazarene will be Palm Sunday, March 28^th. Sue and the girls will remain in Wenatchee through the school year as Sue finishes out her teaching contract at The River Academy. I will hopefully be in Wenacthee at least a day a week with my family until they move so don’t hesitate to give me a call if you want to get together.

Thank you for extending much grace to a rookie that has made plenty of mistakes. You will remain in our hearts and prayers.

YOU ARE LOVED,

Pastor Donavon

Wenatchee has a new pastor

2010-03-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

Pastor Mike accepted the church board's nomination to be Wenatchee Nazarene's new Senior Pastor after a favorable vote (91 yes and 1 no) of the congregation. A start date is still being worked out but we'll pass it along once we know. Yippee!!

Introducing Pastor Mike and the Malmin family

2010-02-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

Our pastoral candidate was announced in morning services today. Mike Malmin is an Associate Pastor at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene in Olympia, WA. I know Mike a little bit from my days on the Washington Pacific district. He's funny, serious and deep all at the same time. I think you'll enjoy meeting he and his family next Sunday the 21st. There will be a combined service on the 21st at 10:30 and Mike will be preaching. After the service there will be a potluck and you'll have a chance to meet the entire family. Mike's wife, Anita is the sister of Paul Barber Jr., a pastor on our district at True North Nazarene in Hayden, Idaho. They have two children Jonathan (age 13) and Emma (age 11).

Mike's complete resume and bio will be on the church webpage shortly.

Below are some links to past sermon's Mike has given at Mountain View Church of the Nazarene.

Sermon from November 29, 2009 titled "Radical Trust"

Sermon from June 28, 2009, titled "Modern Struggles"

Sermon from December 30, 2007 titled "The Blessings of an Obedient Life"

Sermon from November 25, 2007 titled "Things We Do Better Together, Part 2"

What has Pastor Mike been twittering about?

Are you ready for some football?

2010-02-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

Even if you aren't a football fan chances are you will watch the Super Bowl this week. Why don't you invite somebody over to watch it with you? Who wouldn't say yes to football, food and friends? Go ahead, I double dog dare you!!

Pastoral search update

2010-02-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

An announcement was made at Wenatchee Nazarene this morning that the church board has unanimously decided on a pastoral candidate to present to the congregation. More info will be coming on the candidate on February 14th (first service was mistakenly told they would receive info next Sunday, sorry). The candidate will be in Wenatchee for our service on February 21st. More info will be forthcoming on the details as we get closer.

All church members age 15 and older will have an opportunity to vote on the pastoral candidate on February 28th.

Remain in prayer as you have been for these important next steps in the calling of a new pastor for Wenatchee Nazarene.

How can you say no to these cute faces....

2010-01-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

My wife came home from work last week with a couple of bars of soap in her hand. She shared a story with me that one of her students was raising money to buy her own airplane ticket to visit an ailing grandmother in Florida. I love the "I can do it attitude" of these kids and asked their Dad (he's a teacher at The River Academy as well) if I could help them out. I have a few bars of soap on consignment that I'd be glad to share with you for $5.00. I have four different scents, Coconut/Lemon Grass, Lilas Summer Breeze, Merry Mint Swirl, and Citrus Energy. They look great in a guest bathroom or make a great gift.

Incidentally, in case your wondering how a family came to make soap here's the rest of the story. This family has a friend with a child that was having severe reactions to soap products. They did some research on how soap is made and experimented with different recipes until they found one this little girl could use safely. Now that's love in action.

Haiti update

2010-01-17T00:08:00.000-08:00

Nazarene General Superintendent JK Warrick was in Haiti at the time of the earthquake to preside over District Assembly. The Church of the Nazarene has over 500 churches and nearly 120,000 Nazarene's in Haiti. Dr Warrick has been airlifted out of the country but has remained in Southern Florida to help coordinate relief work for the church. You can donate to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (100% of all funds collected will go to Haiti relief work) by clicking here.

View the video below recorded by Dr Warrick, it will stir your heart.

Sixty years ago the Church of the Nazarene began in Haiti with two members. Now 116,000 Haitian Nazarenes, living in the poorest nation of the Western Hemisphere are facing death and destruction, and yet they remain strong and resilient, true to their faith. They are depending on Nazarenes around the world to pray and give as they seek to rebuild their lives, their towns, and their country. God bless you for your prayers and the support Haitians are already receiving.

There is simply no adequate answer to the question "why?" We must leave that for some future time. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). So let us focus on this question: "How can I help?" As we respond to this question our great Nazarene family around the world will make a difference for the future of the Haitian Nazarenes and the Haitian people. This will please the heart of our Lord!

Thank you for your faithful response.

Nazarene GS in Haiti during earthquake

2010-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Arriving for district assemblies just hours ahead of a devastating earthquake in Haiti, General Superintendent J. K. Warrick has issued a call for the Church of the Nazarene around the world to pray and respond immediately and generously to the needs of nearly 110,000 Haitian Nazarenes.

Warrick and the others traveling with him are reported to be unharmed.

The magnitude 7.0 quake — the most powerful to hit Haiti in a century — struck shortly before 5 P.M. Eastern Time and was centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, the United States Geological Survey reported. It could be felt strongly in eastern Cuba, more than 200 miles away, witnesses said.

"The earth became like an angry ocean — it was quite a ride," stated Warrick in Haiti.

"We drove around the city of Petion-ville (Tuesday evening) where the Nazarene seminary campus is located. Large buildings have collapsed and there are thousands of people in the streets," Warrick reported.

"They were using headlights to look into the rubble of a Catholic church and a four story grocery store. The search for trapped victims and bodies has hardly begun. It is heart- wrenching to see the devastation and to know of the suffering of the people here," Warrick added.

Warrick issued this call for help - "Nazarenes everywhere need to rally to the needs of Haiti. This is the time for action. I plead with our people to respond with prayers, financial gifts, and other types of assistance as may be appropriate. I am sure it will be worse in the daylight."

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can mark their checks "Caribbean Disaster Response ACM1204" and mail them to the Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116 Kansas City, MO 64184. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3. Online giving is available at ncm.org.
—Board of General Superintendents

Note: For further updates, check ncnnews.com throughout the week.

Remember that our regular tithes pay for all the overhead costs of Nazarene Compassionate Ministry so every dollar you give goes directly to the effected area. Nothing is held back for administrative costs. You can give online or drop a marked check or envelope in the offering plate this Sunday.

Pastoral search update

2010-01-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

The church board did meet with a pastoral candidate on Saturday afternoon for an interview. I am not privy to any information about what happened but I did want to inform you all that the church board is moving deliberately and will not discuss their next step with this candidate until Sunday afternoon, January 17th. Click here and you can read my previous post on the expected course of action to get an idea of where we are in the process. There should be information to share with you shortly after that upcoming meeting.

Remain in prayer for your church board and the next Lead Pastor of our church.

The substitute

2010-01-08T21:33:00.000-08:00

I've always been a little different. In lots of different ways and in different situations. My family of origin is no exception. My parents are both retired elementary teachers and my sister is currently an elementary teacher. I always liked going to visit my parents classrooms but I also knew it wasn't the right path for me.

Today I had the opportunity to substitute teach in Katie's 6th grade class. Her teacher hurt his back and will be out for a few weeks. I only filled in for their history hour but I had a great time and the kids were all wonderful. But I'm not planning on going back to school to get my teaching certificate.

God's beauty

2010-01-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Who would dare argue that Wenatchee is a beautiful city. Took this picture today as I was out running errands. Click the image to see it full sized.

Growing up too fast

2010-01-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Our girls have asked before about getting their ears pierced. We have always told them it is their decision and to let us know if and when they are ready. Well, this week Stephie said she wanted to get her ears pierced. I did my best to talk her out of it, selfishly I don't want my baby growing up so fast. But I know that she will grow up regardless of whether her ears are pierced or not so we trudged over to to the mall today and pulled the trigger. Literally!

They were really busy today. As the technician was readying the supplies a rush of people came in and since she was the only sales clerk we had to put the big moment on hold as she helped other customers. Stephie was brave and no tears were shed. They grow up far too fast!

Happy New Year

2009-12-29T23:29:00.000-08:00

A belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody!

We hope your Christmas was a wonderful time celebrating the Savior’s birth and getting together with loved ones.

It has been an eventful year or should I say “a year of love” as we had three 3 weddings in the family. It all started with my sister Cheryl to Sir Michael Patterson in February, then my nephew John to LeeAnn in April and then my chum/”other sister” Lorien in July to Mark Trepus (or Marcus Aurelius as he so graciously permits me to call him). Each wedding was beautiful and we were so thankful to be able to be a part of each one. Congratulations again to all you love birds!

Pastor Donavon…he’s been a busy boy this past year. Our church finds itself, and consequently our family, in transition with the resignation of the lead pastor. So, in the interim, Donavon’s responsibilities have increased to leading in music (we’ve noticed that often job responsibilities don’t “shift” in churches they just get bigger). So we are definitely in a stretching time when it comes to our faith. There are many unknowns for us right now that pose some challenges for us but we have seen God handle challenges before and we are REALLY curious as to what He’s up to at this stage in our lives. Our church has begun the pastoral search process and now we wait for God to reveal his direction for us. Well, I guess we can’t say that life is boring.

Mrs. King…she’s been a busy girl this year. I am a 3^rd grade teacher at The River Academy and so, so thankful that I am there and that our girls have the opportunity to attend. It is a wonderful place and has brought about much growth for our entire family. True, it has been insanely busy since school started but my husband has been wonderfully supportive right down to the not-so-glamorous details like cooking dinner,, doing dishes and laundry. There is no way I could do this without his faithful support…thank you Juano!!!!!! You are a blessing indeed!!!!!!!!!!

Miss Katie….she’s been a reading girl this year. Reading is still one of Katie’s favorite pastimes especially if it’s in the fantasy genre. She also loves playing “elvish” type games with her school chums and has even created her own world (with accompanying maps etc.). Katie has also taken to cutting up old clothes and making new ones for various stuffed animals, dolls and, at times, for herself. Unfortunately she has a mother who knows nothing about sewing so we use non-traditional methods like staples, hot glue and Scotch tape. Though a blue ribbon from 4H is probably not in the cards she sure is having lots of fun and it’s enjoyable to watch. My personal favorite was when she made a hat out of some old tights that looked like a newborn’s cap with a topknot and a personal monogram. Proud of her creative efforts she wore it confidently to school on more than one occasion. You go girl!

Another HUGE treat for Katie this past year was a trip to Washington D.C. and Rome with Grandma and Grandpa King last February. This was quite an adventure! We left Auntie Cheryl’s wedding to deliver Katie to the airport for a 10 day trip. It was one of those times when you didn’t want to think too hard about how far away she was. Her time abroad was wonderful and boy do Grandma and Grandpa know how to travel! They thoroughly took advantage of their time in both places. Katie’s favorite sites were the Lincoln Memorial and the Palatine Hill in Rome. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa…what great memories!

Miss Stephanie…she’s been a mothering girl this year. Steph’s latest thrill is her new American Girl doll, Zoe. I just finally figured out that I am a grandmother. There are now 5 place settings at the dinner table and I am often asked to pray for Zoe as I tuck Steph in at night. Zoe has even made us late to church for not being ready on time! Suffice it to say Steph LOVES playing with her new doll. Steph continues to be an imaginative sort and enjoys drama, her doll house and wants to become a babysitter. Stephie also possesses a generous nature. This Christmas she bought an American Girl doll for her sister entirely on her own. My eyes moistened up a bit when she told me of her desire to do this. She figured out how to make it happen and was so incredibly excited to give this to Katie. What an inspiration to witness this and even greater joy to share it with others. It is always quite amazing to me how God often uses our own children to teach us things and this was definitely one of those times.

Another highlight of our year was our vacation to Crater Lake and the California Redwoods. Thanks to some kind friends we had the opportunity to “camp” in style with a pop-up trailer. I am now a proud member of those who enjoy “froo froo camping”. Boy were we grateful for the little heater that kicked in at night when we hit freezing temperatures at Crater Lake. Even though there were a few bee stings and Mom had to sit in the backseat to avoid the I-am-about-to-meet-my-Maker view while driving up the side of a dormant volcano we had a marvelous time playing games, dipping our toes in a chilly Crater Lake, poking at campfires, almost getting our truck stuck in a Redwood “tunnel”, meeting Paul Bunyan, visiting the Oregon Coast, listening to sea lions and sampling “squeaky cheese” from the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Great memories J

Another year gone by…and in the year ahead our prayer for you is that you sense God’s loving presence. We are grateful for you in our lives and count you among our blessings. May God’s peace be yours in 2010!

~ Love,

Donavon, Sue, Katie and Steph

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day 2009

Colossians 1:19-20

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (NIV)

So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross. (The Message)

God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son.

And God was pleased for him to make peace

by sacrificing his blood on the cross,

so that all beings in heaven

and on earth

would be brought back to God. (CEV)

Christmas is awe-inspiring as it begins the journey of Jesus to the Cross which in turn begins the salvation journey for us. We are given a clear understanding of who God is in Jesus – The image of the invisible God; The firstborn over all creation; The one who holds everything together; The one who is full of God!

My prayer is that this Advent Season has taken on a deeper meaning for you as we have focused on this beautiful scripture descriptive of our Savior. Many have sent me stories of what you did that was in front of you to do. Let’s make this our commitment as we go forward to the end of 2009 and begin 2010. The world is in deep darkness but we have the LIGHT! We can’t do everything, but we can do something – and often what we can do is right in front of us.

“Father, thank you for this journey You have taken us on. We’ve met Your Son who has shown us who You are. Now we commit ourselves anew to live by Your Spirit. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-24T12:58:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

Colossians 1:19-20

God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son.

And God was pleased for him to make peace

by sacrificing his blood on the cross,

so that all beings in heaven

and on earth

would be brought back to God. (CEV)

Yesterday as Randy & I were traveling we were listening to Christmas music. A phrase in one of the songs stood out, “and man will live forevermore because of Christmas day.” It was as if it were the first time Randy had heard those words. “Really? If we just had Christmas that would be enough? I don’t think so. It takes the CROSS to finish the work and give us eternal life.” My response of course, “without Christmas we wouldn’t have the CROSS.” It wasn’t a serious debate – we both knew what the other one meant – and we believe the same about it. Not necessarily how all of our theological discussions end!

This evening many of us will journey to church for Christmas Eve worship. In most of these services communion elements will be given and received. As Christians we know that as we celebrate the joy, coziness, and awe of the “birth” – looming down His road is “death.” We will celebrate that death tonight by receiving the bread and wine.

For most of us when our babies are born we aren’t looking that far ahead. We’re just hoping to live through the days and nights until we get our first “sleep through the night” experience. Then it’s time for kindergarten and we just hope they fit in and do well. We don’t know what the future holds – we place them in the hands of our Heavenly Father – and do our best to raise them in the right way. We imagine futures for them and I’m sure none of those futures holds pain, suffering, and death. We try to keep those pictures out of our minds. We try to protect our children not only from physical pain and suffering, but emotional pain and suffering as well.

But with the birth announcement of Jesus we know that the CROSS is shadowing the manger. His life will be full of acts of obedience and sacrifice that lead to the CROSS – His final act of obedience and sacrifice. And of course, we know the rest of the story! What a gift we have been given – Jesus – obedience in flesh. Our Savior! The Resurrected One who is seated now at the right-hand of the Father interceding for us – He’s big enough for all of our fears and failures.

“Father, today we rest in Your Gift to us. We will sit quietly and receive the embrace of Your grace. We will marvel anew that Your Son was willing to come and live among us so we can know YOU! Amen”

A favorite Christmas Song that says it all, Welcome to Our World:

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking

How we need to hear from God

You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting

Welcome holy child

Hope that you don’t mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long awaited holy stranger
Make yourself at home
Please make yourself at home

Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking heaven’s silence
Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around you
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect son of god
Perfect son of god
Welcome to our world.

You can listen to it at:

http://www.turnbacktogod.com/welcome-to-our-world-song-michael-w-smith/

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-23T09:17:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him… (NIV)

Today I want to give you the words to an old song that comes straight from this scripture. Switzerland born William Emmanuel Booth Clibborn (1893-1969) was the grandson of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. In 1921 he wrote the words to Down From His Glory. These powerful lyrics became even more intense when he adapted them to the tune of Edwardo Di Capua's famous O SOLE MIO. I hope it is the cry of your heart!

Down From His Glory
Down from His glory, Ever living story,
My God and Savior came, And Jesus was His Name.
Born in a manger, To His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears and agony.

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

What condescension, Bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night, Not one faint hope in sight,
God, gracious, tender, Laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

Without reluctance, Flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man, Revealed the hidden plan,
O glorious myst'ry Sacrifice of Calv'ry,
And now I know Thou art the great 'I Am'

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him… (NIV)

“Two mighty words; ‘fullness’ a substantial, comprehensive, expressive word in itself, and ‘all,’ a great little word including everything. When combined in the expression, ‘all fullness,’ we have before us a superlative wealth of meaning.” (Spurgeon)

Fullness – Jesus is so full of God’s love, mercy, compassion, grace, conviction, righteousness, and holiness – it spills out of Him onto everyone He meets. Think of His interaction with the people He meets on His journey from Bethlehem to Calvary. Each one is treated differently. He didn’t have a pack of tracks in His back pocket to hand out along the way. He didn’t have a standard question to ask that led to conversation that He controlled. He didn’t push aside the lonely, the broken, the hurting, the outcast on His was to the synagogue or temple. He took time.

Perhaps in the end, time is the greatest gift of all that we can give to people. It takes time to listen, fully listen, to someone’s heart. It takes time to “do what’s in front of you.” It takes time to go the extra mile.

Our society is in a hurry. We’re like busy, little ants, marching along with our heads down rushing from place to place. Sometimes, I think this gives us a sense of importance and accomplishment. But what are we accomplishing that could be more important than being available for Kingdom business? And Kingdom business is all about giving people time.

So a great way to give back to Jesus at this Season of celebrating His birth is to give Him time to fill us up with all His fullness and then take time to spill out His love, mercy, compassion, grace, conviction, righteousness, and holiness onto all we meet.

“Father, today we give ourselves fully to You. Mold us, make us into Your image. Speak into our lives. We give ourselves fully to Your service and whatever and whomever you place in front of us today. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-21T23:46:00.001-08:00

Monday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

We often talk about people who have “big hearts.” They’re always generous, kind, “yes” people. Sometimes we think of them as pushovers. They can’t say “no” to anyone and they give grace even when it isn’t deserved. Sometimes they seem naïve – they don’t look at people realistically. They’re always positive and go the extra-mile.

Can you even imagine how big the heart of Jesus is? It is so big that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. The Apostle Paul often used the phrase, “I have you in my heart.” So just think of all those you have in your heart, now think of the heart of Jesus. He’s holding all of us in His heart – and it isn’t even crowded there. There’s room for everyone and all of creation.

This letter that Paul wrote to the Colossians was sent to take care of some scary theological drifts in the church at Colossae. Jesus is just one of many gods. Jesus wasn’t a real person – just a phantom. Jesus didn’t exist with God prior to creation. Wow! No wonder Paul wants to make it perfectly clear that Jesus is the perfect image of God and the He is the Creator and all God’s fullness dwells in Him.

Don’t lose sight of this Big Heart. Remember you are in His heart. Sometimes Satan tries to uses the circumstances of our lives to discourage us and we lose sight of the open heart of Jesus. Wherever we find ourselves – whatever the circumstances – Jesus has us in His heart. He’s generous, kind, full of grace that we don’t deserve. He’s positive and always goes the extra-mile for us.

To prove this to us, He emptied Himself of all but love, took on flesh and walked among us. This is how big His heart is. Now He is crying out for you at the right-hand of the Father. He has you in His heart and He’s pleading for you.

“Father, thank You, for Your open-heart towards us. Thank You for the big heart of Your Son. Thank You for giving us the Spirit to live in our hearts so that we can big-hearted for Your world. Amen”

Wenatchee Nazarene Board to meet tonight

2009-12-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

The Wenatchee Church of the Nazarene Board meets tonight at 6:30 to review several resumes they have received from our District Superintendent, Dr. Randy Craker. Please be in prayer throughout the day and as the board meets tonight that they would hear clearly from God how to proceed.

If they are in agreement as a board this meeting could lead to an interview with a candidate and the board in executive session. Meaning they would have an interview but the candidate would remain confidential at that point. Not until the board has voted to nominate the candidate as the next pastor and the candidate has accepted that nomination will the church body know the candidates name. At this time we will be given more information about the candidate and they will be invited to Wenatchee to meet the entire church family. Sometime shortly after this visit there will be a call for a vote by the members of the church on extending a call to this pastor. After the candidate is made aware of the vote tally they prayerfully consider the call to the church and accept or decline said call. As you can see, tonight is a very important night in the process. Hold our board members up in prayer and don't forget to pray for whoever the next pastor of this great church will be.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Fourth Week of Advent 2009

The Supremacy of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. --Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)

Do you see the mountain we’re climbing here? Jesus Christ – Image of God, Firstborn, Creator, Sustainer – we’re climbing and climbing as we consider this Babe in the manger! He is Supreme and worthy of all our adoration. Our hearts cry out – O come let us adore Him! Think about it – all God’s fullness dwells in HIM!

David Guzik has said:

“The fullness has been put into Jesus Christ. Not into a church; not into a priesthood; not into a building; not into a sacrament; not into the saints; not into a method or a program, but in Jesus Christ Himself. It was put into Him as a “distribution point” – so that those who wanted more of God and all that He is could find it in Jesus Christ.”

And of course this fullness is wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger – humble and poor – talk about opposite world! Yet this is the gift that we desire and this is the place where we bow in humility. It is a mystery – all of heaven’s glory, power, and privilege set aside – and because of this humility and obedience – exalted! ALL of God’s FULLNESS dwells in Jesus.

“Father, once again we are amazed at Your generosity. You’ve given us Your Son, Your One and Only Son. His Spirit is alive with us. We have full access to You through His act of obedience and humility. Today, we lay ourselves down in humility and obedience so that He might be exalted in our lives. Amen”

An old favorite choir number – Come and See

Come and see the glory of the Lord,

Come behold the Lamb.

Come and see the mercy of the King,

Bowing down before Him.

Come and give thanks unto the Lord.

Come, behold the Lamb.

Come and sing the praises of the King,

Bowing down before Him.

For He is Lord above the heavens,

Lord in all the earth.

Lord of all the angels,

Worthy to be served.

Alleluia, Alleluia.

Come and give thanks unto the Lord.

Come, behold the Lamb.

Come and sing the praises of the King,

Bowing down before Him.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-19T20:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Third Week of Advent 2009

He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

Jesus Christ is the creator and sustainer of the universe. He spoke the worlds into existence and He speaks still. This is why we view ourselves as the temple of the Holy Spirit – we are His creation and we should care for His creation. This is why we claim people from every tongue and tribe as our brothers and sisters, treating them with dignity – they are His creation and we should care for His creation. This is why we strive to keep our water and soil and air pure and clean, polluting as little as possible – it is His creation and we should care for His creation.

Remember, He is the sustainer of the universe, but in all things He has given us a part. We are asked to participate in His redemptive work in all of His creation.

“Father, we are Your children and we love You. We want to be obedient in all things. We want You to be at home in our hearts and lives. We want to care for all of Your creation as You care for us. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

Friday, Third Week of Advent 2009

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

I love theology. I don’t read much theology because my husband reads and then tells me all about it – that’s easier for me! That serves a great purpose for both us – my need to know and his need to share what he knows. Even so, I like to read theology – in fact even one of my favorite fiction series is based on the writings of real theologians (unlike me a faux-theologian). But I especially like to be in dialogue about theology – the give and take – the questions and answers – the thinking, the thinking, the thinking. But I’m also a doer. Can’t sit forever – have to get up and do something with what I’ve learned.

After all the best is “living” theology. I often say that I have to “talk things out” to gain fuller understanding – that’s why I like theological conversations. But I also have to “live things out” to make them more than just a thought or word – to me they must become deeds. This is possibly why I spend the time writing these devotionals – to help me stay focused during the season, to explore the scripture, to do something tangible with my focus and exploration.

Thank you to my theologian son-in-law, Dustin, for writing a 4 page article that helped me with the concept of “doing what is in front of me.” It has transformed my thoughts and actions this Advent Season. As we’ve been looking at the Image of God, the firstborn over all creation, the Creator who didn’t set creation in motion and let go, but who holds all things together – many of you have been “doing what is in front of you.” It is what Jesus asks of us. Here are two more stories of theology lived out.

From my Texas daughter-in-law, Veronica:

“Today I will be doing what is in front of me.

For the past week our office has been donating money to purchase two bikes for a boy and a girl for the Salvation Army. We hit our goal Monday so today I am taking our truck to Wal-Mart to buy two bikes and two helmets. The fundraising for the Salvation Army is very poor this year. The great thing about our fundraiser is the people who are donating. As you know we've had furloughs and pay cuts across the board. Since I announced via e-mail that we were doing this little project I've had a photographer give me two bucks because "that's all I have." A news reporter donated $30 even though I know he travels often and probably doesn't have a lot of money to donate. Another photographer is the sole bread winner in his family with four kids. He donated the most money and it was his idea to buy the bikes!

Anyway, I just thought it neat that the people I expected the least out of were the first ones to step forward and help out.”

From a young pastor/leader on our District:

“I am not one that normally shares these kind of stories because I don’t need it to look like I am giving myself a pat on the back. But I wanted to share this story with you because it is directly related to how your devotional impacted me. Monday night and Tuesday morning we received our first snow fall of the year. Although I love the snow, it did bring with it all of the inconveniences: late out the door because of shoveling, kids school delayed, finding a new company to plow the church since the normal guy broke his blade first thing. So the day was already starting late and hectic. I was driving down town to meet a guy from our church for coffee. As I was driving I noticed an elderly lady walking down the sidewalk, attempting to push a walker. Of course no sidewalks had been shoveled so needless to say she was having a tough time. I followed my normal impulse to maintain my busy schedule and I kept driving. As I drove it was almost like someone said, “You should give her a ride.” So I turned around and back tracked to find this lady. I found her and pulled over to offer her a ride. Of course she accepted. She was headed to Rite Aid, about 12 blocks away. I got her to the store and she insisted that she had a daughter that was supposed to meet her there. So I dropped her off and left to head to the appointment of which now I was late. But last night as I was laying in bed recapping my day I had this sense like, if I did anything right today it was giving her a ride. So thank you for your resent devotionals insisting on the idea of “doing what is in front of us.” God definitely put something in front of me yesterday…what will it be today. Thanks.”

“Father, we don’t want to know about You – we want to know You. Thank You for sending Your one and only Son to us to reveal Who You are. Thank You for giving us Your Spirit who directs us and gives us opportunity to share in Your redemptive work. Open our eyes to what is before us today. Amen”

A great theology carol: Silent Night, third verse

Silent night! Holy night!

Son of God, love’s pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face,

With the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Third Week of Advent 2009

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. – Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)

Jesus Christ, the IMAGE of the INVISIBLE GOD – calls us to reflect HIS IMAGE.

I just heard today that Tiger Woods is the athlete of the decade. One writer said, “I just had to set aside all the recent issues in his personal life and look at his athletic accomplishments. Then it was a ‘no-contest’.”

This has caused me to think of IMAGE in a different light. Think of phrases like “tarnished image” – “clear image” – “mirror image” -- “poor image” – “body image” – “public image” – “self-image.”

We started these Advent Devotionals with Colossians 1:15a – He is the image of the invisible God. We talked about our longing to have Christ’s image stamped deep on our hearts. We thought about gazing into the face of Christ until we reflect His image.

This week we’ve been focusing on how we can live that out by “doing what is in front of us.” Many of you have shared stories of the ways Christ has spoken to you and you have done what He asked. This is a “clear image” of Christ to our world. Don’t let it be just a “public image” – but who you really are at all times.

Yesterday, as I was visiting with my sister, Rosemary, it was so clear to me that in her frailty she has the image of Christ stamped on her heart. I told her about your stories of kindness to those in need and we shed a few tears together. She told me about some needy children reported on in the news and how hard it was for her not to be able to do anything about it – “all I can do is pray.”

People, whatever we do and say will either reveal the Image of the Invisible God or tarnish His image. And when we live with the belief that He holds it all together we will be positive reflections of His Image. We can’t care for the needs of everyone, but we can do what is in front of us to do.

“Father, our desire is bring glory and honor to Your name as we live as reflections of Your Son. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Third Week of Advent 2009

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. – Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)

Today I’m visiting my 62 year old sister, Rosemary, who now lives in a nursing home in Nampa, Idaho. Recently I heard a message about Job and thought to myself, “My sister is Job.” She has lost everything – her job, her home, her car, her ministry, her retirement funds, her eyesight, and even her health. She’s confined to a small room – just big enough for a bed, television, and a small table. Three times a week she is taken to dialysis – she’s in end-stage renal failure. Three times a day she wheels herself down to the dining room for meals (she probably has to have help getting there now because her right hand isn’t working). She has physical therapy 3 days a week. She has had 3 roommates since being in the nursing home since June – 2 have died. Her new roommate is 93 years old and not long for this world.

Rosemary is not just my sister – she is my best friend. Her circumstances are painful for me. It doesn’t seem fair to me that she should be in this situation – and I can’t do anything about it.

But Rosemary soldiers on in her loss. Her comment, “What else can I do?

I can’t control any of this.” She has a sweet spirit – she’s funny too – and a little naughty. She takes an interest in all of the people in the nursing home – residents and workers. She knows their stories. In the end all she has left is her faith. She definitely can’t hold anything together. She must rest in the care of Jesus.

Today, she is what is in front of me to do. We’ll have a great time visiting. I’ve made some special goodies that I’m taking to her. She wants me to play the piano for her roommate so I’ll do that.

A goal of Rosemary’s is to be nicer and sweeter every day than she was the day before. It’s a good goal to have. We’ve often said to each other we don’t want to get cranky in our old age. Our parents both got nicer and sweeter – so that’s how we hope we’ll be. Of course, now Rosemary is there – it isn’t the future anymore – it’s now.

Jesus – he holds it all together.

“Father, we place ourselves in your hands. It’s the only safe place to be. Thank you for your Son who holds it all together. Nothing is out of place in our lives when we allow You full reign. So we submit to You. May our lives bring glory to Your name. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-15T22:03:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Third Week of Advent 2009

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. – Colossians 1:15-23 (NIV)

For by him all things were created – and God said,”It was good.” Today it’s easy to believe in the beauty and goodness of creation – there’s just enough snow at my house to frost my dwarf Alberta spruces and cover the weeds that hadn’t been pulled. This season, through the stories of so many of you, it’s easy to believe in the beauty and goodness of creation – you’re reaching out and blessing others instead of just yourselves.

Most days, in our lives, it is easy to focus on what is wrong with everything – our government, our schools, our churches, our society, our children, our spouse, our neighbors. This doesn’t fit with who am I and I don’t think it’s healthy for us as Christians. Although we shouldn’t be “Pollyanna’s” we should be positive – Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation is with us!

I’m wondering if it would be better for us if we turned off the 24 hour news stations and gave ourselves over to doing what Christ has put in front of us to do. I’m wondering if it would be better for us to list our praises instead of our grievances. I’m wondering if it would be better for us to look for the good in others instead of the evil. I’m wondering if it would be better for us to pray for our pastors and congregations instead of complaining about them. I’m wondering if it would be better to honor our spouses instead of picking them apart. I’m wondering if it would be better to bless our children than to always scold them. I’m wondering if it would be better if we got to know our neighbors and heard their stories than driving into our garages and closing the door and hiding in our fortress homes. I’m wondering if it would be better if we spent more time in prayer for all of these relationships.

Jesus Christ set aside the rights, privileges, splendors of heaven so we could have relationship with God. He did this so all of our relationships would be healed and strengthened. Don’t miss out on that!

He created – it was good. That includes us! That includes all around us!

“Father, today may all creation speak Your name. We want our lives to speak Your name. Open our hearts and minds to the glory of all You have created and our part in restoring that creation to rightful relationship with You.”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Monday, Third Week of Advent

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

When you read these words of Paul is your heart stirred and uplifted? Mine is. I think it’s because beauty matters so much to me. And these words of Paul paint such a beautiful picture of Jesus. Perhaps it is a part of who I am that I like uplifting, stirring things. The rise of a mountain. The towering of a tree. The surge of waves upon the shore. The fragrance of a deep-red rose. The sun dappling the water of the bay like diamonds and yellow topaz. The sweetness of a baby’s smile. The lilting perfection of a bright soprano voice. The melancholy tones of the oboe. Shakespeare. The innocent, clear, sweet notes of the flute. Poetry. Color. Order. Mystery.

Who gave us all these things? Jesus. What do they point us to? Creator. What does it mean when Creator is created? Think of it – Jesus, Creator of the universe and all that is within it, chose to live with His creation as one created – the Babe in the Manger. It is a mystery. And as the Babe grew we see He is interested in beauty. He moves among His creation – it becomes metaphor in many of His parables. He takes His broken creation – people lost in sin, blind, leprous, discarded and depraved – and makes them beautiful. What is our place in all of this? We, who are broken and made ugly by sin, are uplifted in the arms of grace and made beautiful in and through HIM! Then we are set free to be His agents bringing grace and beauty to our world. This can be accomplished in many ways – often with just a smile and a kind word. Remember, “do the thing that’s in front of you.”

I want to let you in on something that happened to my friend Stacy, who also happens to be Randy’s administrative assistant. She’s given me permission to share this with you. It’s a perfect example of doing what’s in front of her and making someone’s ugly circumstances beautiful.

In the midst of reading this, [that day’s devotional] the office phone rang. It was someone who was down and out, in desperate need. Laurie’s husband of 10 years walked out on her 4 days before Christmas [last year], emptying their bank account. She has 4 daughters to take care of. She is pounding the pavement daily looking for work, sometimes returning to where she’s already been, and nothing is happening. They have utilized the food bank and food stamps. She commented on her deep concern for her kids and yet what she’s looking for, what she really needs, is so basic. She said they are running out of cleaning products. She has a washer and dryer, but no soap. She is using water to clean the kitchen and bathroom counters because she doesn’t have anything else. Her girls are sick and she thinks it’s because she can’t clean her house. Toilet paper is a concern too – she confessed to stealing handfuls from restaurant restrooms out of desperation. Food stamps don’t cover this and food banks don’t carry such items. What should she do? I listened to her story and teared up as I realized that most people in need this time of year might pull on the “kids need gifts” heartstrings – that’s not wrong but you can’t enjoy toys if your stomach is empty or your filthy house is making you sick. It goes back to the basic human needs – food, clothing, shelter – that must be met before people can even think about anything else. The way I know Lori’s really in need is because she’s asking for one of those basic needs – shelter – or at least something related to it. She didn’t even ask for money to buy those things. I wanted to help, I wished I had a place to direct her to, but I was empty-handed at the moment. After hanging up the phone, I thought I could have done a little something. I have extra cleaning supplies from Costco at my house – bathroom cleaner, Clorox wipes – could I not have given that? I wish I’d gotten her phone number. I stopped before sending this and checked the phonebook – I think I can call her. She’d given me her last name and said she lived in Mead – I think it may have been just enough.

The rest of the story is that Stacy was able to find Laurie and call her back. And she was able to put together a box of cleaning items and other things and deliver it to her and the girls. Also, Laurie was excited because she was called back for a job interview.

Father, thank you lifting us in the arms of grace – for stamping us with the image of Christ – making us beautiful. Please give us open hearts and hands to those who need a touch of grace and beauty today. Amen.”

A favorite song of mine – Creator King

You, Who made the mountains and the sea,

Measured out the universe, and You made me

Echoes of the voice that called the worlds to be

Reach throughout the ages and now speak to me;

You’re my Creator King.

Who am I that You are mindful of me;

Who am I that You set Your love on me;

You’re my Creator King.

You, Who made the valleys and the sky,

Displayed Your love on far horizons and before my eyes;

You, Who lit the stars and set the dawn in time

Called them all by name and now You whisper mine;

You’re my Creator King.

Who am I that You are mindful of me;

Who am I that You set Your love on me;

You’re my Creator King.

You, Who made the darkness and the light,

Sun and moon to watch the day and guard the night;

The hand that stretched the heavens like a canopy

Reaches down to cover and watch over me;

You’re my Creator King.

Who am I that You are mindful of me;

Who am I that You set Your love on me;

Who am I that You are mindful of me;

Who am I that You set Your love on me;

You’re my Creator King. You’re my Creator King.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Third Week of Advent 2009

–Colossians 1:15-20 (The Message)

He’s holding it all together right up to this moment! Good News! Some of us might need to be reminded of this today. It isn’t up to us to hold it all together. Jesus Christ is holding it all together right up to this moment! Are you glad for that? The older I get the more I understand it and believe it, perhaps because I’m not so able to hold it all together anymore. Sad thing is – it was never expected of me. I probably wasted a lot of time, energy, and stress trying to accomplish something that God never expected of me.

At this time of year – with all the extra strain to make the holidays perfect – we need to know that we were created by Him- for Him and that He is the one who is holding us. None of this “pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps.” None of this “God helps the ones who help themselves.” None of this “stiff upper lip” stuff. We can’t, nor should we, pull ourselves up – only He is able to pick us up and set us on the way again. We can’t, nor should we, think we must help ourselves before God will find us deserving of His help – He is there for us in our weakness more than ever. We can’t, nor should we, think we must keep our sorrow and pain to ourselves – He longs to carry our burden and give us Christian friends to bear them with us.

That’s why He came to us – God putting on skin – to let us know that He holds it all together. We can relax a little bit and rest in Him and His arms of love.

“Father in heaven – thank You for Your Son who holds it all together. Forgive us for thinking it depends on us. Give us many moments to rest and breathe in the life of the Spirit. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Second Week of Advent 2009

He is the image of theinvisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things werecreated: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thronesor powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. –Colossians 1:15-17

For the past few days we’ve been looking at how Jesus,firstborn over all creation, chose to move into our neighborhood. Whileliving in our neighborhood He has shown us who God is and made a way for us tobe in relationship with Him. And one of the things we’ve observed– like Father, like Son, is generosity, as The Message says,“Generous inside and out.”

The Message states John 1:14 –

The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.

You, the readers, of these devotionals have been writingthem with the gift of your lives in your “neighborhoods.” Thank you! I have received so many examples of what and how people are living the Incarnation this year. It gives me hope! I have hope that through what is given us to do – right in front of us–lives are being changed. You are reflecting the image of theinvisible God. What a privilege!

Yesterday, I told you about my daughter and her birthday present to the Haiti Water Project. For several years in our previous pastorate our Mission President would put together a gift catalog for ourcongregation. She would gather needs from the missionaries around theworld where our church had gone on Work & Witness. You could give a gift of seeds or a goat or a chicken that would aid the subsistence farmer inMozambique. You could give a gift to provide winter boots for orphans inRussia. You could buy a sewing machine for someone in Romania so they could start a business. You could provide a well in Haiti orAfrica. You could give Bibles for a congregation in Venezuela. Randy and I were the recipients of these types of gifts from our children andcongregation. And did you know that our own Nazarene CompassionateMinistry has a way for you to do something similar? Just check out thewebsite at http://www.ncm.org/. One of thereasons I like to give through my own denomination is that I know 100% of whatI give to NCM goes directly to the project. By supporting these ministries through the World Evangelism Fund, none of my special giving needs to be used for infrastructure. This isn’t always true of other organizations. But just do something! And many of you are!

Today I want to let you hear the story of my friend,Rhonda. We’ve been friends for over 20 years. She and her husband, Dave, are great people with a heart for Christ and His Church. And if you’re ever in Seattle stop in to see them at Seattle First Church of theNazarene and the coffee house, Mosaic, in the basement of the church. Just read how they are doing what is put in front of them to do –even though it’s a little uncomfortable at times.

I just wanted to tell you how my life has changed this past year and how your devotion today was an affirmation to where God has called me. Dave and I are working at Mosaic Coffee House today. It is the community coffee house sponsored by the church - a donation based coffee house. This morning was a really busy morning. We had two mom's groups with kids, a college study group and then the various individuals who come and go. In the midst of all of these groups and neighborhood people three of our regulars came and got in line. They obviously (I say obviously because of the smell) had just come from a doorway or shelter. They politely asked for a hot drink and something to eat and we fixed them up. They went to tables, sat and ate and then left. Nobody moved away from them or said anything negative. It was a beautiful picture of grace.

I'm not in my comfort zone in this situation. I live in a nice house, in a quiet suburban community and my ministry has always been with those that have enough. As God has pulled me further and further into this ministry I see His hand and His love more and more. It isn't inour adequacy that we see the hand of God, it is in our inadequacy that we see it - or anyway, that is where I'm seeing Him these days - in my inadequacy. I would love to pat myself on the back and say that wha twe are doing is great but the real work is the Lord's and the men and women in whom He poured the vision for a place where the whole community could gather. I love that God's hand is seen and lives are touched here -the stories are legion! It is a growing experience for me. Thanks for your words today, they really made me look at what Seattle First is doing here and be thankful that God would want to use me here in this way.

“Father, please give us the courage through the presence of Your Holy Spirit to live recklessly for You! We know we are nothing without the enabling grace of Your Son. We know we have nothing but ourselves to bring to You – and it is only because of Your transforming work within us that we are able to do anything for You! MayYou be revealed in all Your glory, grace, mercy, and love through our livestoday. Amen”

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Dear family & friends –

I hope you aren’t finding these devotionals too scolding. I feel like every year this is my passion – let’s make this Christmas different – let’s do more for others and less for ourselves. Remember, I’m writing these for me – they are my heart cries.

My prayer is for blessing and significance to be poured into your life today as you live for Him!

Blessings,

Robinette Craker

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. –Colossians 1:15-17

It is amazing that Jesus, creator of everything, chose to “move into our neighborhood.” This is how The Message states John 1:14 –

The Word became flesh and blood,

and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.

This morning I awakened thinking about a quote my son-in-law, Dustin, used recently in response to the overwhelming needs of our world. It’s from Mother Teresa – “You do the thing that’s in front of you.” Then I was thinking about Jesus and what He did and my mind went to the wedding in Cana. The wine was running out – what should be done? His mother asked Him to help and He did the thing that was in front of Him.

My daughter, Olivia, (Dustin’s wife by the way) was born on December 20. For most of her life that has been a pain to her. It seemed like her birthday was always overshadowed by church Christmas programs, open house, Christmas presents and celebrations. She didn’t like it very much if you used Christmas paper to wrap her presents. One year when she was a teenager, I was so overwhelmed with work, that I didn’t wrap her presents at all – I made a little scavenger hunt for her to go on to find them. Wow! I was in trouble! Of course she’s matured now. But she still likes parties and she still likes gifts. Who doesn’t? In our family I like to treat everyone the same. I spend the exact amount of money on everyone and I try to have the same amount of gifts out of that money. Just the way I am. Well, it’s birthday time for Olivia, and it’s Christmas time. Usually I ask the kids for some ideas for gifts. In recent years they’ve often wanted gift cards to Home Depot or Lowes since they’ve all been working on their homes. But this year Olivia asked for a donation to one of her causes (she’s a cause type of woman). She and Dustin have just returned from a Work & Witness trip to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. They were changed from this experience and they want to do something about it. So Olivia asked for donations to her cause – clean water for Haiti – for her birthday. The goal is to have a well on every Nazarene church property so the people of Haiti can have clean water – this will eliminate many water-borne illnesses. This will cut down the miles walked to obtain water. She is doing the thing that is in front of her.

I received an email from a friend of mine. She was responding to the devotional about the letter from Jesus, here’s what she says –

“I wanted to share a little something we did for the first time this year. We saved our change in a large jar to use to buy presents for those in need this Christmas. The kids knew all year what the money was for and would add their money or found money to it. We had fun watching the line of the change climb. Then, the week before Thanksgiving we guessed how much money we had saved and cashed it in. This way we would know how many children we could sponsor for Christmas. The kids helped me plan out gifts and I used our money on the crazy "Black Friday". We still have to wrap them, but the kids have been so excited. I love that this was how we started our journey toward Christmas together.

I think we will use the list on your email to see how many more we can do. We already have the nursing home visit planned for the week before Christmas; we are taking lap blankets to hand out. They always love to see the kids : )” They’re doing the thing that’s in front of them

“You do the thing that’s in front of you.” This will be different for all of us. But it is the call placed on us – to move into our neighborhoods and be generous inside and out – just like Jesus, the firstborn over all creation taught us.

Father, today we want our eyes to be for whatever you place in front of us. Help us not to sidestep around the needs – help us to give, with love, whatever we have. We don’t want to be selfish. We want to be like Your Son. Amen

This song is one of my life-songs, a favorite of mine…

Instruments of Peace

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Where there is hatred let your love increase.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Walls of pride and prejudice shall cease,

When we are your instruments of peace.

Where there is hatred we will show His love.

Where there is injury we will never judge.

Where there is striving we will speak His peace.

To the people crying for release

We will be His instruments of peace.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Where there is hatred let your love increase.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Walls of pride and prejudice shall cease,

When we are your instruments of peace.

Where there is blindness we will pray for sight.

Where there is darkness we will shine His light.

Where there is sadness we will bear their grief.

To the millions crying for release,

We will be His instruments of peace

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Where there is hatred let your love increase.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace,

Walls of pride and prejudice shall cease,

When we are your instruments of peace.

You can watch and hear a YouTube video of the song at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBc4uxiXsfc

King family vacation weekend

2009-12-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

I've been a big fan of Relient K since their debut album came out in 2001. They have a varied musical style from tight harmonies like the Beach Boys to driving music with a sort of punk drive. Their lyrics are sometimes silly, and sometimes in your face but always though provoking. I have passed on my love for the band to my two girls as well. When I heard they were coming in concert with Toby Mac, one of my girls favorite artists, I knew we had to go to the concert. We've decided to make a weekend of it and visit our home church as a young married couple in Kirkland. I haven't visited since we moved away 4 years ago. We're looking forward to a fun weekend with old friends but we will miss our Wenatchee Nazarene family as you gather this Sunday.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

Thursday, Second Week of Advent 2009

It is amazing that Jesus, creator of everything, chose to “move into our neighborhood.” This is how The Message states John 1:14 –

The Word became flesh and blood,
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.

I am reading a book my husband bought for me when he was touring the United Nations a year ago. It’s entitled, A World Made New – Eleanor Roosevelt, And the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is a fascinating look at the beginning of the UN and especially the concept of there being world-wide human rights. The United Nations thought this would be a safe place to put Mrs. Roosevelt. It wasn’t considered a very important commission. However, she became chairwoman of the committee and it is interesting to read how very diverse nations fought and haggled to produce a Declaration of Human Rights. While she was asking for the USSR to be more open about their policies, they would throw back in her face the Civil Rights movement of our country and the treatment of African Americans. One positive statement about the United States – at least we haven’t hidden our issues – they have been there for the entire world to see. I think this is good, it causes us to work on them and perhaps be humbled a little bit by them.

But this isn’t my point. My point is that THE WORD moved into our neighborhood. Here is what Eleanor Roosevelt said while in the midst of the important work she was doing at the UN –

‘Mrs. Roosevelt’s column for May 15 contained only a passing reference to the UN. After recounting how she had tried to help a homeless man lying unconscious on the street and ignored by passersby, she noted, “And the next day, at Lake Success, as we argued about human rights at a committee meeting, I wondered how many human rights that poor man had. At heart I imagine I am really a country bumpkin—I like to know my neighbors and to have some sense of responsibility for them.”’

Because our Redeemer, Firstborn over all things created, the Image of the invisible God, the Word – came to us – moved into our neighborhood – we must know our neighbors as well. He is calling us to get out and move among HIS people. He is calling us to get our hands dirty in HIS world. Remember, He said “the least of these.” That’s our main mission.

And folks this isn’t just about Christmas and the over-indulgence of most of us – it’s about an all year long engagement. Look around your own neighborhood – who needs you to pick them up out of the gutter of despair? I tell you even those in our “nice” neighborhoods are often hiding deep issues of pain. Look around the neighborhoods you drive through to reach your neighborhood. Could someone use a helping hand? And what about around the world – is there a gift you could give that would change the neighborhood of someone unlike you? Someone is crying out who has little to eat and no fresh water to drink.

Father, help us to really move into our neighborhoods with the Good News that we’ve received. Forgive us for thinking too much of ourselves and our wants. Open our eyes to those who need us to extend a helping hand. Amen

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Second Week of Advent 2009

Isn't it amazing that the FIRSTBORN over all creation would be born in the lowliest of places? Perhaps it’s so we would never lose sight of the fact that He was born for all. He wasn’t born for just the Jews. He wasn’t born for just the Pharisees. He wasn’t born for those who had money or education or prestige of place alone.

Interestingly enough I’ve been reminded many times this week of the ways we can be used of God in this overly commercialized and secularized Season. Maybe it’s a trend! A good trend! My friend Judy sent me an email with a list of ways Jesus might want us to celebrate His birth. It’s as if Jesus is speaking to us…

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on... If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally… They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 . Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

Father, we do want to be Your emissaries in our world. Please help us to keep the sacredness of Christmas alive by living and giving in ways that will honor You. Speak to us about what we need to do and we’ll do it! Amen

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Second Week of Advent 2009

When we say Jesus is “the firstborn over all creation” we don’t mean that He was the first being created by God – we know He is one with God and was present at creation. And as our scripture says – He is the One who created. This use of firstborn indicates primacy – or first place. Now in Jewish and British tradition firstborn meant just what it says “first” in line and “primacy of place” in gaining the family blessing and inheritance. This is probably true of other societies as well.

Jesus has first place – He is first over creation. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father. He is seated at the place of honor – the right-hand of the Father. This is the mystery and wonder of Advent. The Father asked the Son to sacrifice all so that we could have a place in His family.

Our place isn’t as second-class citizens. We aren’t ranked in the family by how long we’ve been in relationship with the Father. We aren’t more highly honored than others in the family because of what we can bring to the relationship. We are simply loved – graciously forgiven – mercifully led. We aren’t in the family for what we can get out of it – we’re in it to serve each other. We aren’t in the family to lord it over those who aren’t a part – we’re in it to extend the love, grace and mercy we received to everyone.

This is why the family of God is different from other families. There’s no jockeying for position and favor. We honor one another. We serve one another. And we are loved by our Father just as if we were all firstborns.

Father the greatest gifts we will ever receive come from Your hand. Thank you for giving us Your Son. Thank You for His willing obedience. Thank you for love, grace, and mercy. Amen

4^th verse again of the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-07T15:26:00.000-08:00

Monday, Second Week of Advent 2009

Last week we looked at Jesus, the image of the invisible God – He is stamped with the image of God; He is the exact representation of God; He is the mirror image – reflection of God. And who is this Jesus? He is the one who healed the sick and fed the hungry. He is the one who chose 12 ordinary men to be his intimate followers. He is the one who valued everyone from the poorest to the richest. He comforted those who mourned. He met people where they were, not where they should be. So this is what the invisible God is like.

He, Jesus, is the firstborn over all creation. This weekend my husband and I have been visited by our firstborn son, Mick. It is his position in the family – it will never change. When he was born our lives were changed drastically. No more doing whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. We had someone else to care for. Was this a burden? No, it was a privilege. Was it a sacrifice? Yes, but one we willingly made. Our love for each other was not diminished by his birth, it was increased and deepened. We had a tangible expression of our love for one another. Mick’s birth helped me understand on a very small plane what it meant for Abraham to be willing to sacrifice his one and only son in obedience –

Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

I never read that scripture in Genesis 22 in the same way since the birth of my son. Of course we all know that God provided a ram for the sacrifice and Isaac was saved.

Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. Now this doesn’t mean He was the first created person – we know that Jesus is one with God and existed before creation. In Jewish tradition and many other cultures around the world, the firstborn, by position, had all the rank and privilege in the family. And so in many respects, Jesus fits this pattern. He is above all – He is ranked above all creation. This firstborn, Jesus, stepped out of His privileged position and was born into our world – the world He created.

He came down to us so that we might know and be in relationship with Him. He was born into a family – just like our families. He went to school. He went on trips with his family. He learned a trade. He had emotions - just like our emotions. He wept. He laughed. He was angry. He suffered – just as we suffered. He was mocked. He was an outcast. He was treated cruelly. He was betrayed by His friends.

In these ways He is the firstborn among us showing us the Father and showing us how to live in relationship with the Father in the midst of our current realities. So as we celebrate the precious, tiny baby born in Bethlehem, let’s not get sentimental about it all. Let’s allow this birth to change us drastically. No more doing whatever we want whenever we want. We have a new birth within us. We must care for that life – nurturing it through prayer, scripture reading, meditation, acts of service.

Father, we want to allow Your Son to be firstborn in our hearts and lives. He will have the first place in all we say and do. Amen

4^th verse of the carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Second Sunday of Advent, 2009

Sometimes I forget that Paul’s letters given to us in the New Testament were just that, letters. He didn’t start out to write a sermon or have a theological discussion or treatise for the generations. He was writing a letter to people he loved and was in community with. As well as keeping in contact with the churches, he was addressing an issue that had arisen in the local church. I’m not sure how long he spent composing these letters – he was probably in a hurry to get them sent out. He wrote this letter from a Roman prison where he was awaiting trial. There were specific issues he was addressing in Colossae – a church he didn’t start and had never visited – however, he wrote to stem the tide of destructive behavior and belief in the church at Colossae.

I was reading in William Barclay’s book, The All-Sufficient Christ, and here are a few points he wants to make about what was wrong in Colossae. I want to paraphrase a few of these for you. It seems a very fitting to parallel with what has happened with our current, Western culture in relation to Christmas.

1. False teaching is a beguiling seduction

2. It is philosophy instead of religion – dealing with the mind instead of the heart

3. It’s based on human tradition

Now my thoughts –

For us, Advent isn’t just about the happy, warm feeling we have when we sit around the Christmas tree with family and friends. It isn’t just about the joy of giving and receiving gifts – these are beguiling seductions that can “hide” the true meaning of this season.

For us, Advent isn’t just about being a little kinder and gentler to people. It isn’t just about taking care of the homeless and needy so we feel better about spending on ourselves. It isn’t just about being open and caring. These are great “philosophies” that have similarities with religion – but don’t replace the “relationship” of true religion.

For us, Advent isn’t just about the family ornaments on the tree. It isn’t just about the right cookie recipe. It isn’t just about visits to Santa and the stockings hung on the mantle. While human traditions are meaningful they can subtly replace the Holy story of the first Advent of Jesus Christ.

For us, Advent is about remembering that Jesus Christ is the IMAGE of GOD. He is the FIRSTBORN over all creation. He is pre-eminent. He is above all. How “counter-culture” is the way He came into our world – the world He created and that exists for Him –a tiny, helpless babe, born to poor, but good people, in a humble town in the lowliest of places – a barn. This should cause us to rethink our lives and celebrations as we seek to “uncover” once again what His Advent means to us and to our world.

Father in heaven, we long to see and hear you in every place we find ourselves. We are looking for Your Son in our celebrations. We are looking for Your Son in our despair. We are looking for Your Son in those around us. Thank you for giving us Your Son so we can know You. Amen

A newer song by Paul Baloche – Creation’s King

All creation is a song waiting to be sung

All of nature like a prayer waiting for a tongue
But who will give it voice and make it's anthem ring
Or rise to lead a choir of all created things
Lord hear your people sing

Blessing honor glory power
To creation's King
Songs of earth and songs of Heaven
Join as one to bring
Blessing honor glory power to creation's King

All the nations are a song waiting to be sung
Every instrument and voice created for the One
The Maker of all things Majesty above
Who brought us back from death with such a costly love
What praise could be enough

Blessing honor glory power
To creation's King
Songs of earth and songs of Heaven
Join as one to bring
Blessing honor glory power to creation's King

To creation's King
Angels gathered round your throne
Every nation, nations singing
They all bow down to You alone

Blessing honor glory power
To creation's King
Songs of earth and songs of Heaven
Join as one to bring
Blessing honor glory power to creation's King

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-05T21:11:00.001-08:00

Saturday, First Week of Advent

Colossians 1:15 (The Message)-

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.

On this final day of the first week of Advent we remember that Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end. He is the exact representation of God. When your heart is breaking, when your soul is dry, when your mind is questioning – remember Jesus. He has such great love for us that He set aside the splendor and glory of heaven to enter our world face to face with us – to show us the Father.

John 14:9

Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” --NIV

"You've been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don't understand? To see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, 'Where is the Father?'” --CEV

“Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don't you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father?” –The Message

Father, Thank you for giving us Your Son, and for filling us with Your Spirit. In Your holiness You have become intimate with us. Help us, as we have been touched by You, to reach out and touch those around us who need to know You. We want to be Your hands and feet to our world. Amen

“O to be like Thee”…

O to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

O to be like Thee, oh to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

Friday, First Week of Advent

Colossians 1:15a

We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. – The Message

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. - NIV

Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. –CEV

Hebrews 1:3

God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. –CEV

This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God's nature. – The Message

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, - NIV

Jesus Christ, the exact representation and revelation of God. What do we see when we look at Jesus?

Gospel writers Matthew and Mark show us…

he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

he had compassion on them and healed their sick.

"I have compassion for these people;”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.

Filled with compassion

he had compassion on them

"I have compassion for these people;”

Father, today we want to be Your image in our world, full of compassion. Thank you for Your Son who represents You – for His compassion that changed everyone He touched. Amen

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-03T21:28:00.000-08:00

Thursday, First Week of Advent 2009

Christ is exactly like God,

who cannot be seen. Colossians 1:15a – CEV

God is fully revealed in Jesus. The unknowable, unseen God is intimately knowable and completely revealed in Jesus.

In the Old Testament we get glimpses of God. He reveals Himself to a few choice people. He longs to know His people and be known by them. But His presence is dangerous to them. It is said you would die if you saw God. He seems aloof, all-powerful, and at times angry. Some see and know Him --

Adam & Eve who walked and talked with God prior to the fall and were clothed by God after the fall;

Abraham who heard God’s voice and obeyed, worshipping all along his journey;

Jacob who wrestled with God;

Moses who stood face to face with God on the mountain;

The Psalmist –

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

David saw and knew God. But even to him God was partially revealed; partially known.

Now for us, we can know Him – He is revealed to us through His Son. His Spirit is given to us so we can have complete intimacy with Him.

Don’t miss out on seeing Him today. Don’t miss out on knowing Him today. Through the birth of His Son He is revealed to us.

Our Father, we want to know You and be known by You. We want to live in relationship with You. Today as we go about our ordinary lives, would you reveal Yourself to us. Help us to see You in everyone we meet. Help us to see You in the beauty of Your creation. Help us to hear You in the silence and in song. Amen

Open the Eyes of my Heart

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.

Open the eyes of my heart.

I want to see you, I want to see you.

To see you high and lifted up,

Shining in the light of your glory.

Pour out your power and love,

As we sing holy, holy, holy.

O to be like Thee, oh to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-03T21:17:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, First Week of Advent 2009

“We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen.” –Colossians 1:15a (The Message)

During this time of the year we are bombarded with all the trappings of our secular society with a little goodness thrown in. We are encouraged to spend, spend, spend. Buy the latest ornaments for the tree – of course this year the color is purple. And of course spend some time down at the church decorating (possibly with our old ornaments). Shop, shop, shop. Everyone on the list must have the latest and greatest. Oh, and of course take a slip of paper off of a tree at the front of the Big Box Store and buy something for a needy child. We are encouraged to eat, eat, eat. Lots of parties, lots of goodies, a beautiful Christmas dinner. And don’t forget to give something to the local food bank’s drive for the hungry.

Buried underneath all the busyness, hidden by the decorations, drowned out by the music, is a tiny baby – “the image of the invisible God.” He’s crying out to us, “See me? See the Father.”

I often wonder what Jesus thinks of all this hoopla that we call Christmas. After all we are celebrating His birthday.

This is a constant issue for me – it’s a part of being in the world but not of the world. Will we continue to decorate, shop, and party? Yes. We will, but with more restraint – with more emphasis on others – with more quiet time celebrating Jesus.

Father, help us to be in the world but not of the world. Give us the courage to change our culture by celebrating Jesus through acts of love and compassion, mercy and grace. We want to see You! Amen

Open the Eyes of my Heart

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.

Open the eyes of my heart.

I want to see you, I want to see you.

To see you high and lifted up,

Shining in the light of your glory.

Pour out your power and love,

As we sing holy, holy, holy.

O to be like Thee, oh to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart

Today's devotional is not meant to be a scolding one for anyone - it is a personal issue and I don't want to be condemning to anyone. May you feel the love of God poured on to you today and may you pass that love on to everyone you come in contact with.

Blessings, Robbie

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-12-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, First Week of Advent 2009

“He is the image of the invisible God…” –Colossians 1:15a NIV

God is invisible – we have not seen Him, nor can we touch Him. He is Spirit. The invisible means more than not being able to see God. It means He is unknowable. But now, through the Son, we see and know God. Nothing can keep us from knowing Him – we know Jesus!

Remember, this “image of the invisible God” isn’t just a likeness – a close resemblance – it is like a “mirror image.” I love that metaphor. When Christ looks in the mirror, he sees the reflection of the Father. When the Father looks in the mirror, he sees the reflection of the Son.

Many people who knew me when I was younger or who look at pictures of me from younger days say, “Wow, your daughter looks like you.” I take this as an extreme compliment. However, when we stand side by side looking in the mirror I don’t see much of that likeness. When she looks in the mirror she doesn’t see me, she sees herself. When I look in the mirror, I don’t see her (even though I search for the likeness), I see myself. Sometimes, I don’t even recognize myself! The likeness is there, but not clear or perfect. And if you know both me and my daughter, you will know that we are alike in many ways. But just knowing me doesn’t mean you know my daughter – there are many differences.

But with Jesus – we see and know GOD!

As we gaze into the face of Jesus, we will be more and more like Him. The image of His likeness will grow in us. Like Moses, when we spend time face to face with God, our faces will reflect His glory. We’re all busy at this time of year – but don’t let the busyness steal your “face to face” time with Jesus. As you spend time in His presence, you will be changed to be more and more like Him.

Psalm 145:8-9:

The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

Father, we want to reflect the image of Your Son. Today, would you give us a smile and good word for all we meet? We want to be changed to be more and more like You. Amen

Second verse again of the old hymn ”O to be like Thee”…

O to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

O to be like Thee, oh to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-11-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

Monday, First week of Advent 2009

“He is the image of the invisible God…” –Colossians 1:15a

Have you ever heard the phrase –“he’s the spitting image of his father?” I’d never wondered about this phrase until I began to think of Jesus as the “spitting image of His Father.”

Isn’t it true when a baby is firstborn everyone is trying to figure out who he/she looks like? At least I’m that way – for some reason it’s important to me to figure it out. Perhaps because I didn’t look very much like any of my siblings when I was growing up – so the old fear of not really belonging reared its head in my heart and mind. Of course that fear is gone now – as I’ve aged I look very much like my family!

Some say the phrase “spitting image” came from a comic play written in 1689 - "Poor child! he's as like his own dadda as if he were spit out of his mouth."

This is Jesus – the exact “spitting image” of His Father! The word used by Paul does not denote that Jesus is “like” His Father – it means that “Jesus is the very stamp of God the Father.” And of course we believe that Jesus is equal – one – with God.

So if Jesus is the image of God, what does God look like? For the past 17 days I’ve been in California with my grandsons, Andrew (7) and Ethan (3) while their parents were on a Work & Witness trip to Haiti. My daughter said to me several times – so who do my boys remind you of? Who are they like in our family? I had brought a photo taken of my paternal grandfather with me to show Olivia (my daughter) how Andrew’s ears are just like Great-great-grandpa McElroy’s. Ethan looks like his daddy, like his mama, like his Papa Randy all rolled into one.

As I’ve been thinking about this scripture from Collosians 1 and the fact that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, my mind continues to go back to the scripture from Psalm 145:8-9:

The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

Don’t we see this over and over again in Jesus? He is gracious and compassionate – the image of the invisible God. He is slow to anger and rich in love – the image of the invisible God. He is good to all – the image of the invisible God. He has compassion on all he has made – the image of the invisible God. Sometimes we forget these attributes of God our Father – they are lost in a muddle of guilt, regrets, and failures on our part to live up to His image.

So we have Jesus, born to us in frailty, the “spitting image” of His Father to show us what our Father looks like. We have the Holy Spirit to stamp the image of Jesus deep on our hearts. Today as you go about your everyday, work-a-day life, remember Jesus is the image of the invisible God and you are the image of Jesus.

Father, we are so thankful You gave us Your Son, Jesus, so we could see You for who You really are. Thank You for Your gracious compassion in our lives – help us, through the power of Your Spirit, to extend that gracious compassion to all we come in contact with today. Thank you for not getting angry with us – but covering us with Your rich love. Help us, through the power of Your Spirit, to keep our tempers in check and extend love to all we come in contact with today. We want Your image to be stamped deep in our hearts. - Amen

This is verse #2 of the old hymn ”O to be like Thee”…

O to be like Thee, full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.

O to be like Thee, oh to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Advent Devotional from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

2009-11-29T21:08:00.000-08:00

First Sunday of Advent, 2009

“Prepare the way of the Lord.” This is the reason we spend time during the Christmas holidays in daily worship. I don’t know about you, but if I don’t have something to prepare for, usually I get a little lazy about life. The floors don’t get mopped regularly – dust begins to build up on the furniture – weeds spring up in the garden – time is wasted in trivial pursuits.

This is why I need to spend these days of the Advent Season preparing my heart and mind for the real reason we have Christmas celebrations. If I don’t, I will allow all of the worldly trappings of the season to muddy up my mind, the dust and cobwebs of spiritual neglect will collect in my soul, and weeds of selfishness in the pursuit of trivialities will sprout in my heart.

I wasn’t sure about taking the time to write this year – I’m even more insecure than ever about whether I have anything of significance to say to anyone. But maybe that’s good – it won’t be about clever words and phrases or technically correct theology (sorry you theologians) – it will be about what I see and hear the Holy Spirit saying to me. And once again, if it’s of any use to any of you – then God be praised. Otherwise, hit the reply button and tell me to take you off the list. Or if you feel too shy to do that, just hit “delete.” My feelings won’t be hurt!

This season I want to focus on Colossians 1:15-23. This is a beautiful passage describingJesus Christ and His work in the world and in our hearts. I plan to look at this scripture for this Advent Season and again during Lent – it covers the whole spectrum! Jesus Christ, firstborn over all creation; Jesus Christ, firstborn from among the dead – He is all in all!

So here’s the scripture today from the NIV:

The Supremacy of Christ

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

You remember the old hymn “O, to be like Thee” don’t you? Let me remind you of the words – just as Christ is the image of God – so our prayer should be to have His image stamped on our hearts…

O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,

Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness

Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

So as our culture strives to stamp its image on Christmas – let’s prepare our hearts, homes, and churches for the Spirit of Christ to be born anew in us – His image stamped on everything we say and do!

What a privilege to watch God at work!!

2009-11-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

It has been a pleasure to be a part of the journey of Shane and Crystal Endicott. The are real people with a transparency and authenticity that doesn't pretend to have it all together but does scream out "We love God!!" As often is the case, God has been preparing the Endicott's for something different and they didn't even know it. I'm not going to claim any clairvoyance, but I saw it happening I think before they did.

Shane has a clear calling to full time vocational ministry. He has enrolled in Nazarene Bible College online and will begin shortly. Last Sunday Shane came before the church board and shared his calling and the church board unanimously affirmed Shane's call by granting him a Local Minster's License. Yesterday the entire church body had an opportunity to affirm Shane and Crystal as the public presentation was made of his Local License.

I believe in you Shane and Crystal! I wish I could promise you smooth sailing with no bumps along the way, but I can't. God does promise to use you mightily if you will keep your servant's hearts attuned with Him, and you will be blessed by what He does through you!What a privilege to watch God at work!!

40 Days of Love Testimonies

2009-10-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

November 8th will be our final Sunday in our 40 Days of Love campaign. We will have a combined service at 10:30 to extend our celebration of what God is doing in our midst.

If you have a story you would be willing to share with our faith community of how God has used our study of 1 Corinthians 13 to expand your capacity to love others I would appreciate you meeting me in Room 201 after either first or second service this Sunday November 1st. I'll record your testimony for use in the service on the 8th.

Keep letting the love of God flow through you and pour into our hurting world. I love the words of the song "The Face of Love" by Sanctus Real. Enjoy it by clicking the video below.

"You look more like the face of love every day".

Reformation Day

2009-10-30T21:20:00.001-07:00

Most people know October 31st as Halloween but it is also the day that is celebrated as Reformation Day. This is the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the door of his Catholic church. He wanted to reform the Catholic church but ended up being excommunicated and the Protestant movement began.

The school that Sue teaches at and the girls attend, The River Academy, celebrates Reformation Day with costumes and activities from the early 16th century. Here are my girls in their costumes for the day.

Fall colors

2009-10-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

Went for a hike today. Long overdue! I needed to be in God's beautiful creation and talk to God as I took pictures. Enjoy!

On the drive home I found some beautiful colors in the orchards that dot the Wenatchee Valley.

Pinelow Park

2009-10-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Our Northwest District campground is at a bit of a crossroads. The video below will explain the history of Pinelow along with some of the current needs. There will be an informational meeting with District Superintendent Dr. Randy Craker on November 1st at 6:00 PM at Wenatchee Nazarene to learn how you can be a part of the future of Pinwlow.

If you are a subscriber to this blog and are not able to play the video in the email you may go to http://the-face-of-love.blogspot.com/ to view the video.

New song for next Sunday

2009-09-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

We'll be learning a new song next Sunday. It's called "Love" by Chris Tomlin and will be our theme song for our 40 Days of Love campaign. I need you my loyal blog followers to help me lead out next week when we sing this song. Enjoy!

2009-09-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of many church small groups over the course of my adult life. I still have very dear friends from these past groups that I keep in touch with over long distances. A strong bond was developed. This kind of bond can only be developed in smaller circles where we really know each other’s needs because we spend time together talking about real life issues and finding help and understanding through Bible study.

I’d like to invite you to try a small group for 6 weeks as we journey through a 40 day journey of discovery about love. 40 Days of Love will kick off on Sunday, October 4th and small groups will commence the week of the 4th. You can join a group in one of two ways. 1) Write the name of the group you’d like to join on the communication card and drop it in the offering plate. 2) Call the leader of the group you’d like to join and communicate your desire to join their group.

FAQ

Will there be childcare provided?
Childcare availability will vary between groups. Call the leader of the group you are interested in and ask them about childcare.

Will the small group continue after the 6 weeks are over?
It is our desire and prayer that this small group experience will be so positive that many of the groups will decide to continue meeting even after this 6 week study is complete. But for now, we are only asking for a commitment to the 40 Days of Love study. Small groups will be encouraged to talk about their future near the end of the 6 week study.

Click here to view the available small groups

Don Hellstrom - In Memoriam

2009-09-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Don Hellstrom passed away around 2:30 today.

I'll always remember Don as a staunch supporter of missions and evangelism work. He and Sheila always did mission work when they went on vacation. They teamed up with many different mission organizations to relieve suffering and share the gospel message of salvation. Don was an active participant in fund raising and enjoyed encouraging others to get involved with the projects he was so passionate about.

While it's hard to say goodbye to someone you loved we are confident that Don is where he always wanted to be and we look forward to a reunion someday in heaven.

Sheila and her kids, Paul and Lisa are being well cared for by friends but I'm sure a note of encouragement or a phone call would be much appreciated.

First day of school

2009-09-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

I know you find it hard to believe but today was my girls first day of school at The River Academy for the new school year. Katie's first day of 6th grade. Stephie's first day of 4th grade and Sue's first day of teaching 3rd grade. Everyone survived but is tired. I'm taking them all out to dinner to celebrate a successful day.

Children sports schedules

2009-09-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

One of the ways that I intentionally connect with young families and the children of our church is to attend as many of their activities as possible. Last night I went to Gabrielle Hegberg's soccer game and was fortunate to see her score a goal as time ran out in the game.

I would really like to receive a sports schedule from as many people as I can. I can't promise to make every game but I'll come to as many as I can. I'll bring along my camera and take pictures that I'll share with you and we'll have a great time talking about how wonderful your kids are. There's no age limit, I love watching teens battle it out as well.

Here's to a great year for Gabrielle and the rest of our student athletes.

Husky season opener

2009-09-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

I know I open myself up to ridicule in Cougar territory but does anybody that has ESPN want to invite me over Saturday night to watch the UW season opener against LSU?

General Assembly resolutions available online

2009-08-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

If you didn't have time to watch General Assembly online and are wondering what kind of resolutions were passed and rejected I have a solution for you. The denomination recently made public the resolution page that until now only delegates had access to. You can get a flavor of the assembly by looking at what was accepted and what was rejected. You can view the page by clicking here.

More Keith Green

2009-08-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

I've been on vacation for the last week and a half. I'll share a little about that in a day or two but for now I wanted to get back to my continuing series of Keith Green video's.

Keith Green was a big success and had made lots of money for Sparrow records in the late 70's. When his contract was up with the label he had offers coming in from everywhere for lots of money. Just days after he had resigned with Sparrow for another few albums he felt that he had made a big mistake. He was convicted that selling his albums would be selling the gospel and he just couldn't be apart of that. God wasn't for sale!! He called the head of Sparrow and asked to be released from his contract. Amazingly enough the label agreed to tear up the contract and release him from his contractual obligation. Keith decided to offer his new album "So You Want to Back to Egypt" for free to anyone who wanted it. He accepted whatever people donated to fund his growing ministry and distributed his album directly. You couldn't buy the album in any store and because of that I never purchased the album but I still enjoyed the title song in the radio.

More Keith Green

2009-08-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

Keith Green was radical in his approach to evangelism. He followed Jesus' example of working with the least of these, he met as many physical needs as he could (at one point he owned several homes in his neighborhood to house all the people he was caring for) but never stopped short with the physical needs only. Keith dug deep into people's lives and introduced them to Jesus with reckless abandon.

Sometimes Keith was angered by how complacent the church was and this song I'm sharing today, "Asleep in the Light" is no exception. It's always been a challenge to me and I hope it is to you as well.

For those of you viewing this in your email, I know you can't see the video. You can click here to go directly to the blog entry and view the song.

Unity in the body of Christ

2009-07-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

Pastor Ron has been talking a lot about unity lately. He's talked about the difference between unity and conformity but I still get the sense that this concept is a little difficult for some of us to get our minds around. I ran into a blog entry this week that developed this idea further and thought it might be helpful to us. You can view the blog here http://faithwalking.blogspot.com/, but the full entry is below.

Unity that only Jesus can create
By Jim Herrington

Lunch last week with my good friend, Rick, was lively. We had miscommunicated about some stuff and we met for lunch to work things out. We are both very assertive folks so you can imagine the conversation. At the heart of our miscommunication was the topic of unity in the Church. Rick and I are deeply passionate about this topic, and in a conversation a week earlier, the conversation became animated and misunderstanding ensued. We are good friends, so by the time lunch was over we had cleaned things up - emerging more committed than ever before to seeing God unify His body as servants in and to the city.

I walked away realizing how illusive unity is. Many people use unity to mean uniformity - coming together and doing things alike. In this context unity means that we gather others who see things pretty much like we do so that we build a larger, stronger force for seeing and doing things the way that we see and do them.

Some people actually mean conformity when they say unity. In this view of unity, there are some designated leaders who hear from God for the rest of us. They tell us what God has said. They develop plans to achieve what God has said. And, in this view of unity, they expect the rest of us to fall in line (ignoring or suppressing what we hear God saying - especially if it is different than what the leaders hear.)

Some people want unity so that "the Church" can be a more powerful voting block - a group who by the shear size of numbers can get the culture to acquiesce to it's wishes, desires, and even demands.

What do I mean when I talk about unity? Unity is when individuals with a core commitment to follow Jesus and who have truly different perspectives, come together in authentic relationships, loving each other - saying what their is to say - especially when the points-of-view are divergent - staying together long enough for the Holy Spirit to use our difference to give us all a larger view than we started with.

So in my view of unity, widely different perspectives in the church would come together and as a growing sense of unity was achieved the purpose would not be to serve ourselves but to serve the world. Paul says that it is a ministry of reconciliation to which we are called. Personal and community transformation result from the reconciling work that we have been given.

In our unity, we would intentionally gather democrats and republicans in the same room for honest, respectful dialogue about how to most effectively govern. In our unity, we would intentionally gather poor people and rich people in the same room for honest respectful dialogue about how to effectively deal with consequences of sloth and greed, materialism and hedonism. In our unity we would gather teachers, administrators, parents and students in the same room for honest, respectful dialogue about how to make our schools work. In our unity we would intentionally get those on both side of the immigration issue or the issues around the war in Afghanistan - or around any issue that divides people in our neighborhoods or communities- and in all these setting, honest, respectful dialogue would take place. It is, in my view, in this setting that Jesus is most likely to have our permission to be the head of His Church.

Out of this dialogue (that we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide) we would serve as a ministering, reconciling presence - salt and light in the places where there is the most brokenness, the most division, the most inequality, the most injustice. We do this, not to win converts (though some would be converted) but to be agents of God's mercy, love, and justice in a fallen world - providing the world with a foretaste of heaven, a incomplete but distinguishable taste of heaven on earth.

The challenge with this view of unity is that it requires participants who are capable of holding two opposite things in tension. First it requires that each participant has clear, well thought out convictions that can be expressed clearly. Second it requires that each participant has a deep sense of humility that leads to a recognition that they see only a part - not the whole - no matter how deeply convicted they are about their part. So they offer their part with confidence, and they listen to the part that others bring with a kind of openness that allows God to enlarge their view - trusting that He is at work in all this process.

That kind of spiritual and emotional maturity is deeply challenging and often absent. So, we settle for a cheap substitute that is about uniformity or conformity or political power in a fallen world. In fact, in the last book, A Failure of Nerve, author Edwin Friedman called our society a regressive society. A regressive society is one in which the level of chronic anxiety is so high that leaders are increasingly incapable of the kind of engagement with diversity that I'm describing here.

The leaders of the ministry of Mission Houston (of which Rick and I are a part) are committed to this level of engagement with diversity in the Church - not to grow a political power block but - to be servants in the city in the places where the amazing, unconditional love of Jesus brings his reconciling power. That kind of unity is unique and it is virtually missing in our culture today. And like all our colleagues and friends, we are incapable of the very thing we believe God wants for us. So, with humility we stay connected as a branch to The Vine and are intentionally seeking to allow Him to continue growing us up.

The Body of Christ has come a long way down the road in the 25 years that I've been observing it and participating in it in Houston. And, we have a long, long way to go until we become like Paul's description of the Church in Ephesians 4:14-15 . . . then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ.

2009-07-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

I returned this afternoon from a 2 night backpacking trip with our NYI President, Shane and four of our youth. We began our four mile hike into Spider Meadows in a driving rain that began to let up as we hiked and finally ended after about 45 minutes. We arrived at the beautiful meadow and enjoyed the evening with a sad little fire and went to bed early.

The boys slept in till after 9:00 so it gave me an opportunity to explore a little. I headed for a rock cropping where we had seen Marmot the evening before. I was not disappointed as I found them quite easily. The first one I found was basking in the morning sun before he began grazing for the day.

As I was walking back to camp I ran into another marmot that was nibbling on the fresh new shoots that were emerging from the avalanche debris leftover from winter.

After breakfast we walked up to the end of the valley and spent the afternoon playing in the creek, eating lunch and talking. Several of the boys asked about the possibility of being baptized in the creek. We talked about what baptism was all about and what God was doing in their life and then headed off to find a suitably deep enough pool of water.

I can't feel my legs!!!

The baptism was certainly the highlight of our trip but I will post a few more pictures just for fun.

2009-07-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager we had occasional Sunday evening gatherings at someone's home after evening services that were called Afterglows. I remember one Sunday evening about 25 years ago like it was yesterday. After we had partaken in some food, our youth pastor gathered us in the host home family room around a boom box and popped in a cassette tape. He opened his Bible and read from Matthew 25.

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
He then played the following song that has left an indelible impression on me to this day.

If you want to hear Keith introduce the song himself, watch this.

A very helpful rabbit trail

2009-07-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

I was doing some long term worship planning today when I was side tracked by a Keith Green song. Keith Green was always one of my favorites back in the day. I was never able to see Keith live in concert, but this afternoon through the magic of the internet I spent some time watching clips of Keith. He was definitely a radical, a Jesus freak! He was continually challenging the church and Christians to radical transformation and obedience.

I decided to share a few of my favorite Keith Green songs with you over the next week or so. The first one fits well as an complement to Pastor Ron's sermon this Sunday. Enjoy!

Surf and Slide

2009-07-14T21:17:00.001-07:00

Our NYI President, Shane Endicott is doing a fabulous job with the youth of Wenatchee Naz. With the support of his wife Crystal, Shane has committed one of his days off each week to spend with our students.

This week we ventured to Moses Lake to spend the day at Surf and Slide Water park. We had a group of 25 for this fun filled day at the beach.

Shane, you're the best! Keep up the good work!

Coming soon:

Next up is a game day on July 20th.
The following week is Creation at The Gorge. Shane has won 4 free tickets for the entire event. See Shane by this Sunday if you are interested in going and we will draw to see who gets the free tickets.
July 26th through 28th is a backpacking trip for any interested guys. Spider Meadows will be a great hike and with great views. Please let Shane or I know by Sunday if you are interested in going so we can gather enough gear.

Very belated birthday party

2009-07-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Katie's 12th birthday was 6 weeks ago but due to a very hectic year end schedule with school and church we weren't able to have her birthday party with her friends until this last weekend. They had fun being silly girls and I am a very proud dad of a wonderful young lady.

Father-Daughter fishing

2009-07-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

My eldest daughter Katie and I were invited by one of her school chums to come along fishing with she and her Dad on the fourth of July. I haven't had a fishing license in over 5 years but we gladly accepted. I am what I call a casual fisherman. If some one asks me to go I'll come along with them but I don't ever think of going fishing on my own. I did fish a fair amount in college with my roommate so I have all the gear and look the part even though I am NOT much of a fisherman. I go along for the friendship and camaraderie.

We went up to the Bebe bridge near Chelan Falls and fished in the Columbia near a creek inlet to the river. We had a good time with each other although the girls were more excited to swim and giggle than fish. Katie did catch one fish and I caught 3. There were all the same kind of fish although I have no idea what kind of fish it is. Who can help me out? What kind of fish is this? Here's Katie with her catch!

Not so fast.......

2009-07-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

I started viewing General Assembly online this morning and was shocked to see them voting for General Superintendent again. I did some searching and found that early this morning Dr. John Bowling had rescinded his election as the 38th General Superintendent. You can read more by clicking here.

The assembly moved to electing a new General Superintendent and very quickly elected Stan Toler. Stan is a pastor in Oklahoma and was just recently elected the DS for his district. Stan is a prolific author and public speaker. You can read more about Stan by clicking here and here.

Historic week for Nazarene's

2009-07-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

As I have shared recently, our denomination is in the midst of our every four year General Assembly in Orlando, FL. For several reasons this was a very pivotal Assembly. One of those reasons is that 3 General Superintendents were to be elected. There are only 6 total so half of the General Superintendents were to be replaced. (There is a mandatory retirement age that forced the retirement of Nina Gunter, James Diehl and Paul Cunningham) As of this evening all 3 of the Superintendents have been elected.

The first to be elected was Dr. Eugenio Duarte, regional director for Africa and a native of the island of Brava in the Cape Verde Islands. Dr Duarte became the first citizen from outside the USA/Canada Region elected to the Church of the Nazarene's Board of General Superintendents in the 100 year history of the denomination on Tuesday, June 30. You can read more about Dr. Duarte by clicking here.

The second to be elected was Dr. John Bowling, my Pastor during my freshman year of college at Olivet Nazarene University. He was pastor of College Church, in Kankakee, IL at the time. Shortly after I left Olivet he became the President of the University where he is currently serving. You can read more about Dr. Bowling by clicking here.

The third to be elected, on the 22nd ballot, was David Graves. Rev Graves is currently the Senior Pastor of College Church in Olathe, KS. You can read more about Rev Graves by clicking here.

You can download the Quadrennial written report from the Board of General Superintendents by clicking here. (you will have to create a free account to download the report)

You can still watch the proceedings live on www.nazarene.org or you can watch archived footage of the last few days at the same address. We're marching forward as a denomination

Backping trip to Lake Ingalls

2009-07-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

I've been gone the last two days on a backpacking trip to Lake Ingalls with my good friend Larry Pusey. Great views and great conversation was the order of the last few days.

We made camp just short of the saddle that leads to the bowl that contains Lake Ingalls. We had a beautiful campsite that was protected from the howling wind that whipped through at night but we were still afforded a beautiful view just outside the tent. Can you see Mt Rainier in the distance?

We hiked to Lake Ingalls on Monday and spent the afternoon there having lunch, reading and napping in no particular order. The lake is still frozen but is melting out quickly, you can see little pools of water near the edges of the shoreline. I plan to go back in a few weeks with my daughter Katie when the wildflowers are in full bloom and Mt Stuart is reflecting in a thawed lake so I can fill my memory card on my camera with beautiful images. Speaking of my camera, you won't believe that I forgot it on the front pew of church on Sunday. Fortunately Larry brought along a small digital camera that he allowed me to use for most of the trip.

I have read many trip reports of mountain goats in the Cascades but have never experienced them myself until this trip. We saw goats neraly our entire time near the top. They woke us up in the morning tromping through our camp and hung around us as we ate. At one point we had over 15 goats within about 25 feet of us. They were very tame and most of them had a young kid (is that the right term?) in tow. Mother and child made sounds like a little baby crying quietly. It was fun to watch them run up and down the steep slopes that Larry and I were lumbering over.

I'm taking a group of teens to Spider Meadows on a backpacking trip July 26-28. Anybody interested in coming along?

Summer SLAM

2009-06-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

Shane's
Leisure
Activities on
Monday

Lots of things going on this summer for the youth and friends of Wenatchee Church of the Nazarene. Our next outing is a campout at Silver Falls along the Entiat River. Deadline to register is this Sunday. Please see Shane Endicott or myself for permission form.

Date of Campout: July 5-7 Departure: 2:00 PM Return: 11:30 AM Student Cost: $20.00

Destination: Silver Falls Campground along the Entiat River

Individual(s)/ in Charge: Shane Endicott and Pastor Donavon

Mode of Transportation To & From Event/Field Trip: Church van and private vehicles of adult chaperones. No students will be allowed to drive!

What to bring:

Sleeping bag
Bible
Clothes (bring extra in case of accidents)
Toiletries (There is a toilet but no showers)
Flashlight

Nazarene General Assembly

2009-06-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Every four years our denomination holds a General Assembly. I know your next question is, "What is a General Assembly?" General Assembly is an international meeting of the church where business is conducted (you can view the resolutions that the delegates will be deciding on here and 3 new General Superintendents will be elected along with many other officers voted on) training seminars are offered, and worship is paramount. General Assembly is in Orlando, FL this year but you can still be a part of much of the program through the wonder of the internet. Click here to be directed to a page that explains the streaming video resources available.

My kid's are growing up

2009-06-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

We have been in need of more help in the sound room at church for awhile. We could use a few more people to mix on the soundboard and we also need more people to run Easy Worship (software we use to manage what is projected on the screen). A few weeks ago I was thinking about our needs and I had an idea pop in my head that my Katie would be perfect for running the projection software. I talked to her about it and she was excited about the opportunity. Yesterday was her first day of training with Miss Nancy. I guess she did alright because I noticed she was behind the computer running things for second service. All I could really see was the top of her head because she isn't tall enough to look over the monitor. I was surprised at how emotional I felt watching her up there.

Today was her first day at a youth group activity since she is going into sixth grade. I'm not sure I'm ready for this. My little girl is growing up.

LAN party Friday night at my home

2009-06-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to celebrate the end of the school year? You're invited to a LAN party at my home Friday night beginning at 7:00 PM. If you don't know what a LAN party is, then it's probably not for you.

Anybody want to go here?

2009-06-10T08:53:00.001-07:00

Because of a busy work schedule and covering for a sabbatical last year, I haven't been backpacking in almost two years. This really is one of my favorite things to do so I have a real itch that needs to be scratched!! I have my first trip of the summer planned. I'm going to Lake Ingalls up the Teanaway River valley. The picture on this post is of Lake Ingalls as it reflects Mt Stuart in the distance.

I plan to leave the afternoon of June 28th and return on the 30th. It's a 4.5 mile hike from trailhead to lake with 2600' of elevation gain. I may be bringing my daughter Katie along as she loves to backpack with Dad. I have one other friend confirmed for the trip. Let me know if you'd like to come a long. I have gear to loan so don't let that be the reason you wouldn't go. Can you hear that..........it's the outdoors calling. I almost said it was nature calling, but that has an entirely different connotation.

New song this coming Sunday

2009-05-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

I first heard the above song several months ago. I liked it well enough but it didn't make a big impression on me. I heard it again last week and instead of trying to sing along I meditated on the words. All of a sudden I loved the song. The verses declare a vision of what the future can look like if we allow God's will to be done through us. We'll be singing it in our service this coming Sunday. I hope the song speaks to you as it has me!

Do It Lord - by Tommy Walker

I see your glory, covering the earth Lord
Just as the waters, covering the sea
I see the millions, coming to salvation
I see revival, fire in the land
I see the lost, nameless ones remembered
I see the widows, shouting out your praise
I see the friendless, loved and celebrated
Orphans fulfilling Lord, your calling on their lives

Do It Lord, do it lord
Do it Lord we are praying
Do it Lord, do it
That your glory may be seen

I see forgiveness over taking hatred
Pride and prejudice, now giving way to love
I see depression replaced with joy and gladness
And Satan's lies, now bowing to the truth

Do It Lord, do it lord
Do it Lord we are praying
Do it Lord, do it!
That your glory may be seen

This is our prayer oh God
This is our desperate cry
In these days that were living now
Let your kingdom come
Let your will be done

I see the brokenness of families, brought to wholeness
I see the prodigals, running home to you
Father's hearts, now turning toward their children
And the children's hearts, turning toward the fathers
I see your Church, all rising up in power
Laying down their lives in unity and love
I hear the sound of every tribe and nation
Giving glory to Jesus Christ the Son

Complin

2009-05-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation of my recent posts about resources to help you with your Holy Habits.

When Sue and I were dating she took me to a service in an old Episcopal church in Seattle that she explained as chanting monks. I was intrigued but quite frankly I went because I was in love with Sue not the idea of listening to chanting monks. When we arrived I was quite taken back with the already sizable crowd waiting for the doors to open. It wasn't the size of the crowd that surprised me but who the crowd was made up of. They were mostly teenagers with a lot of tattoo's and piercings. Were they in the wrong place? Certainly they couldn't be here to hear monks chant.

As we entered the sanctuary it was sparsely lighted. There was a huge suspended cross above the altar of the church that was the focal point. People filed in and sat in the pews but they also filled the aisles, sitting on the ground and were all over the altar and the stairs to the platform. At the appropriate time the choir of 8-10 men (they aren't really monks) walked in and stationed themselves behind the crowd and began to sing. The music was absolutely beautiful.

Tune in Sunday evenings at 9:30 PM to hear the live broadcast of one of Seattle's most charming long-standing musical traditions. Here the men's voices of St.Marks Cathedral chant the Office of Compline, the last monastic office of the day. Click here to listen. Let me know what you think.

Drive Time Devotions

2009-05-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have another resource suggestion along the same topic as yesterday's post, daily devotions. If you have an iPod you can subscribe via podcast to a daily 10 minute devotional that you can listen to on your way to work or while you are working out. If iPod's and podcasts sound to high tech for you, the service is available to listen to on your computer. Click here to check it out.

God called me today

2009-05-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I think it's fair to say that we're all busy. Finding time to do anything is difficult. Even when we want to alter the way we spend our time, it can be difficult to change our habits to match our priorities.

If you struggle to find time for reading your Bible, I have a few suggestions for you. The first is a service I ran across last week that will call any phone number you want (home or cell) with a daily one minute devotional. You pick the time of day for the call and the service is free. A phone call from God, that's pretty cool!! You can listen to a sample by clicking here. To subscribe to the service click here.

There are many Bible reading plans online, but I found one that you can subscribe to in your email by clicking here. Look for the link in the Subscribe Now text box in the upper right hand corner of the page. If you like, there are links in this blog to have the scripture read to you. If you don't enjoy reading perhaps this would be a nice option.

Why not use technology to your spiritual benefit! Let God call you or send you an email, He's already proven how much he loves you.

We all have a call

2009-05-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

My girls have the privilege of attending The River Academy, a classical Christian school here in town. While the school is far from perfect, I am pleased about the education they are receiving. While the spiritual education of my children is my job (and I take that responsibility seriously) I'm glad to have the church and school reinforcing what we talk about at home.

I came home earlier this week and found the picture to the left hanging on the fridge. When I picked it up to take a closer look I noticed Katie's name on the back. I asked her to tell me about the picture and she told me that her teacher had encouraged them to draw a picture as he read a portion of scripture to them. While I'm proud of her good grades and artisitic ability, I'm most proud of the way that she is letting what she learns sink into her heart. The training of children (or anyone for that matter) does not guarantee immediate behavior change but I am becoming more and more comfortable leaving the results in God's hands. That sounds almost wrong to admit. Do I not trust God? If I'm honest with myself, there are times when God is just to slow for me and I step in give Him a hand. Certainly there are times when God asks us to act but I'm recognizing that there are also times when he asks to us be patient and loving while he does His work.

Where are you at today? Are you seeking out God and obeying his direction for you, or are you making things happen outside of God's will because somebody needs to do something? Lord, help me to seek you and abide in you. May my heart beat in rythm with yours and may I have ears to hear and join in your work when and where you call me!

Prayer Retreat at Pinelow

2009-05-08T15:48:00.001-07:00

Earlier this week I had the privilege of attending a prayer retreat for pastor's at our District's campground Pinelow. I had no expectations of the 3 days away but I have been praying for some very specific things recently. It shouldn't surprise me, but God decided to answer my prayers this week at Pinelow. I needed reassurance and he provided just what I needed and more. He assured me of my call to continue vocational ministry in Wenatchee through at least the interim period. I'm on a need to know basis with God and my future so don't read anything into my statement above other than I know where I'll be for the next year or so. We'll just have to see what God has in store after that.

My funny wife

2009-05-08T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day weekend but I don't think Sue will mind me sharing her great costume for Egyptian Feast Day. Every year the second graders spend a lot of time studying Egypt and near the end of the year the class dresses up and feasts like royalty. Sue came up with an idea for a costume that surprised me. Sue decided to use the story of Pharaoh Menes, who united upper and lower Egypt as the basis for her costume. The other second grade teacher dressed up as Pharaoh Menes and Sue dressed up as a hippopotamus, the animal that killed the great Pharaoh.

Mariner's

2009-05-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

I'm way behind on blog posts. Time to get caught up today. We were invited to attend a Mariner's game with the Mason and White family's a week ago today. It was a beautiful night at the Safe and the Mariner's won on the last at bat in the bottom of the ninth. How much more exciting can a game be?

Griffey didn't play the night we were there but I am so glad that he has become a team player finally. His first go around in Seattle he was looking out for himself but it appears that age has taught him something. The Mariner's could have a great year. Here's to hoping for an exciting summer of baseball.

Music

2009-04-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Music is the sound track to my life. I can't remember a time when I didn't love music. Music moves me and it helps establish a timeline for my life. Whenever I hear certain songs they bring back memories. "Betty Davis Eyes" will always remind me of stretching exercises in 9th grade. "Oh What a Night" will always remind me of riding the bus to Kent Elementary in 3rd grade.

I like to listen to a variety of music. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit this, but before we moved to Wenatchee my families Saturday evening tradition was to eat dinner while watching Lawrence Welk re-runs on PBS. That's how serious I am about liking different kind of music. Last night after getting home from work at 9:00 PM, I ate a late dinner and watched a little TV. As I was flipping channels (quite the male stereotype I know) I ran across a concert on PBS that I settled into. Never heard of the gal before but I really enjoyed her music. She looks more like a librarian than a musician but I can now add Ingrid Michaelson to my timeline.

Spring has sprung

2009-04-20T22:01:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden spring came out of nowhere. The orchards are in full bloom and today it was in the mid 80's. I went for a little hike this morning exploring the hills to the South of Saddlerock.

2009-04-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Robbie Craker for making me think and for inspiring me with her Lenten devotionals. If tradition holds, she'll write an Advent devotional as well and I'll share it with you all. Thanks again Robbie.

I started a post yesterday but never finished about our Easter service at Wenatchee Nazarene (www.wenaz.org). All i can say is WOW!! The spirit was evident on the faces of those present and we had a tremendous first service with our Transitional Interim Pastor Ron Tyler and his wife Jane. If you haven't had a chance to meet them or talk to them yet I know you'll love them.

I'm excited to discover together what the Lord has in store for this great body.