Check the plans

Over our vacation last week, we visited the birthplace and homes of John Adams, our nation's second president. While there, I learned that Adams and Jefferson debated on the extent of the federal government's role. In fact, there was such sharp disagreement, they did not speak for years. I marvel how men like this can create a government almost from scratch and wrestle with issues so involved we still discuss them today. What did they use for a guide? How did they combine their various resources and philosophies of government to write our Constitution? The magnitude of the task is astounding. Since then, our form of government and founding documents have served as a blueprints for many others.

We need blueprints, but we also need a master architect in life to write the blueprint. Good thing we have one, huh? This is especially true when it comes to our families. As a husband and father, I often wish I had the write answer for every situation. It's not as easy as Ward Cleaver made it out to be. But, I do have blueprints written by my Master Architect. I can check the plans, see how the growth is going, make adjustments where needed, and correct any mistakes. But, checking the blueprint is not a passive activity but an active one.

Starting this weekend on August 2, we will start the Extreme Makeover: Your home edition. What does our Master Architect (God) say in his blueprints (the Bible) about our homes and families? While we all can admit areas to improve, this series may be especially relevant for friends and neighbors in need.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Joe

Stand certain

I once had a cordial discussion with a friend from a denomination different from my own. We were discussing how we knew we were saved. She confidently asserted that she did this activity and that activity. Every religious check box had been marked complete. I told her that I believed differently. While I understand that good works are a result of my salvation, they don’t make me saved. When I see God work in me and through me, it further assures me I belong to him. My salvation is based on the work of Christ on the cross – not by anything I’ve done.

Well, my friend did not get it. It just seemed more concrete to her to have this objective standard of works than simply by faith. So, I asked, “How do you know you done enough?” After a long silence she said, “I don’t know.” I do know because I know God has already accepted what Jesus has done. The resurrection proved that.

So, on what do we depend? How well we perform religion? How good we are? How much I give? How often I go to church? Or, we can depend upon God’s claim: We are saved by his lavish grace (Eph. 2:8-9) and held there by his love (Rom. 8:38-39). This does not grant us a blank check to live anyway we want, but I can rest on Jesus’ perfect fulfillment rather than my own imperfect attempts.

Hearts of Mighty Men

One of my favorite chapters in Scripture is 2 Samuel 23 which lists David’s mighty men. These were men of great valor, faith, and especially loyalty to David. At one point, David was out on the battlefield, and his hometown of Bethlehem was held by the enemy. Whimsically, David said, “How I wish to drink from the well at Bethlehem.” He was not commanding or dropping hints. However, out of their loyalty and affection for David, the three mighty men (Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah) broke through enemy lines, retrieved water from the Bethlehem well, and brought it to David. David was moved beyond words. He was overwhelmed not so much by the gift but by the bond these men held for him.

Someone showed this kind of love and affection to my family and me. No, they did not break through enemy lines or risk their lives, but their hearts beat similarly. Last Sunday, I mentioned (at the spur of the moment by the way) about God’s working in my life to live more contently and frugally. I briefly mentioned the repair of our wheelbarrow. So, what did I find later that day at ZPV? A brand new wheelbarrow! A nice metal one too that will not easily split like our old one. To the giver, thank you! While the gift itself is so appreciated, it’s the affection and care behind it that encourages us even more. The Zion family has always been so welcoming. My children experienced the true church. The heart attitude is greatest gift of all.

By the way, this illustrates the church in action: Kindness is never forced…it just happens. Thinking of others occurs first. Sacrifice and not seeking thanks is the norm. This is our testimony to the world, Zion (John 13:35). We treat each other based upon the fruit of the Spirit not by our own initiative but by God who works in us. Our community will see this authentic, organic, and spiritual fruit and want to experience it themselves. I do not mean simple material gain but being the church and not just attending the church.

And, thanks again.

Pastor Joe

ZPV June Prayer Letter

Here is my monthly prayer letter. Let me know if you want to get a copy regularly...

Dear Zion of Petroleum Valley Prayer Warriors,

Summer begins in the valley while it does not look like it outside. It has been on the cold side. Trish continues to work on her yard and landscape. Jess is just returned from a two week trip to CA after graduation. Ally has returned from her Jamaica trip with the church as well as summer volleyball and basketball. Mike’s foot is healed from impaling it with a nail, and football workouts start soon. All three kids have done a fantastic job in school. For me, I know that someone has been praying for me especially regarding my severe allergies. Now, I only take the prescription medications, and I actually feel normal. I was concerned that it would be fall before I could go the day without congestion, itchiness, and sneezing. We all very much appreciate your prayers.

Here is the latest for us and Zion of Petroleum Valley:

• Our summer program for kids is called Summer Fest, and it will meet June 29 to July 1 in the evenings. There will be lots of fun and games but especially a Gospel presentation. These kinds of events are very popular in our area, so please pray for our volunteers and those who come.
• Throughout Zion, we have stressed becoming connected with one another. It’s the difference between going to church and being the church. Please pray for our connectivity especially over the summer with lots of plans and competing activities.
• As I mentioned in our last letter, our series called Gravity has begun. We have covered the Bible, the Father, and the Son. There is still much weighty doctrine to cover and we want to be accurate.
• For me personally, God has me working through some “character enhancing” times with me. Don’t worry – I’m fine. This is a good thing. But, I want to learn more than just the facts of following Christ, and the process is tough. Just keep praying.
• We will be heading to Boston next month for vacation and Jess’ college orientation.
  
  Appreciate you all so much! Let me know how we can be praying for you! And, check out my blog at http://www.pastorjoeszpvblog.blogspot.com/ for information and musings.
  
  In Christ,
  
  
  
  Pastor Joe
  Zion of Petroleum Valley

Summer Fest

Hello ZPV,
As you can see by driving along our roads and highways, it’s kid’s summer camp season. At Zion, we are pleased to see Summer Fest come to the Petroleum Valley campus. It is June 29 to July 1 (Monday to Wednesday) from 6-8PM. It’s a fun carnival for kids from 4 years to forth grade. And, they will hear the gospel message! This is a “Viral” kind of event to spread the Word around. Here are a few important bullet points:

• We need workers. Drop me an email (joe@zionlife.com) or call 724-445-2142 or let me know Sunday. It’s easy stuff to run the games!
• Spread the word. While we have posters up and postcards going out, nothing beats the word of mouth. If you have friends, neighbors, or co-workers with kids, this a great opportunity.
• Start praying! Meet Trish on Fridays this summer at ZPV at noon to pray for not only Summer Fest but our church and community too.
  
  Hope to hear from you.
  
  Pastor Joe
  Zion of Petroleum Valley

What's on my mind?

If you’ve been part of the FaceBook thing, you know that people jot little notes like “I’m washing the dog” or “Watching the game…don’t bother me” or “I’m going on vacation!” I’ve been thinking about pollen. Try not to be overwhelmed by the depth of my thoughts. Actually, it’s all I can think about. As I write, I have burned through yet another tissue, and I have reached the point of wearing a dust mask. Every time I breathe, it fogs up my reading glasses. This year’s allergies are intense. Nothing seems to bring relief. A friend (who also suffers) said, “It’s like waking up sick everyday.” Yep. That’s it.

The other day, I had another sneezing fit which means ten to twelve sneezes right in a row. Yes, they hit me when I drive too. By the way, if you see me engage in multiple sneezes, it’s ok to wait till I’m done; you don’t need to say “Bless you” for each one. I launched into self-pity mode and asked God what is the point of allergies. How is this hyper-sensitivity to pollen making me a better Christ follower or bringing him glory? No word yet.

In WWII, Corrie ten Boom and her sister where thrown into a Nazi death camp. On top of all the abuse and starvation, they had lice. Corrie’s sister could not understand how lice help…until later. The sisters smuggled a pocket Bible into the camp, and they began to read it at night. However, they worried that they would be caught and punished. One of the more experienced prisoners reminded them that the guards would never enter the barrack. Why? They don’t want lice. There’s one good thing about the nasty little bugs.

Hebrews 11 lists the heroes of the faith. Near the end of the chapter, the author summarizes the victories and sufferings of the faithful. At verse 38, he writes, “…the world was not worthy of them…” That expression has always haunted me. They suffered such awful persecution and horrible deaths. I am sure they had their own “why” moments. Yet, their lives did bring honor and significance to God even in the confusing times. If they can take being sawn in two or prison or flogging, I suppose I can endure a few sneezes. I still don’t like and I still don’t understand. If I am ever told the why, I will let you know. And, I need the same grace I suppose they were granted.
Pastor Joe

Bearing Interest

What grabs my interest? Penguins are in the playoffs, and Pastor Trent is a Detroit fan. Yep, that has my attention. The warning light on the dashboard turns my head. Phone calls, family schedules, to-do lists, meetings, the economy, and the status of lunch all interest me. Most people turn to a specific section of the newspaper, watch certain television shows, and involve themselves with various activities because that is what interests them. Yet, I am starting to see that while many of my interests may be good and noble, they are often short-sighted and selfish. Rather than what grabs my interest, I should ask, “What grabs Jesus’ interest? What’s important to him? If I am a Christ follower, do I bear the same interests he does?"

In Philippians 2, Paul writes about interests. He shows how Jesus laid aside his own interests for us. We are important to him. Paul explains that he strives to make Jesus’ interests his own. Then, he explains how Timothy and Epaphroditus also focus on Jesus.

So, where do I stand? Are my interests the same as Jesus’? If not, how can I realign them or at least admit I’m playing a game? If so, how does this flesh out in everyday life? What does this mean for me, the Christ follower? Join Zion of Petroleum Valley this Sunday, May 31, and we will look at Philippians 2 together on this message, Bearing Interest. See you at 10AM.

Pastor Joe