Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas is for All...Especially, the Elderly
3:57 PM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
*Last night we had our annual Christmas Reading and it was truly a
wonderful time reading and re-visiting the Christmas story
together! It is a great joy to serve
with such committed, caring and creative people! Since I have been fairly immersed in the
Christmas story, especially the cast of characters that cross the stage of Christ’s
birth and entrance into this world, I thought I would share with you one that particularly touched
my heart. I don’t think I had fully
examined the life of this fascinating individual before last
night. I am passing it on to you in a
mostly unedited version of last night’s performance.
Finally, tonight, we’ve all
heard the saying that “Christmas is for
the children.” I’m sure that is
definitely true, at least from a secular or cultural perspective. There’s no doubt that their anticipation,
their delight and their wonder brings something special to the season. I am grateful for that feature. But, I’d like to point out that in God’s Christmas, some of the major
beneficiaries and contributors were...the elderly! I’m sure you might not
have considered this before. We know
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth,
unless you are converted and become like little children, you will never enter
the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt.18:3)
That’s why we’ve emphasized having the “heart of a child” as one of the spiritual high points of
life. Let’s not forget, though, that
just as important is the devotion of the elderly! Those who through the inevitable
process of getting older, have been faithful to God: through all the years, through all the
battles, through all the highs and lows of life, they still have a vibrant
faith and hope in God!
It’s here in our story that we
are introduced to a woman who’s been called one of the “3 Wise Women of Christmas.” Her name is Anna. We have a brief, but beautiful,
biography of her life is in (Lk.2:36-38)
“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe
of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from
her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did
not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and
day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him
to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Ah, yes, Anna. We generally only think of her in connection
with Simeon in the Christmas story. While there is definitely a shared hope in
the promises of God, Anna has her own story to tell. She had gotten married with all the dreams
and hopes of a good life, but after only 7 years her husband died. Life changed drastically for her, and now she
was faced with the decision of “what do I
do with my life now?” Do I spend all
my time and energy in hopes of finding another husband? That certainly would not have been wrong, but
Anna came to the conclusion that the best way for her to spend her life would
be devoted to loving and serving God.
Her goal became to stay as close to God as possible, which is why “she did not depart from the temple, but
served God with fasting’s and prayers night and day.” Everyone knew that she loved the house of God
and the people of God. She was a regular
in the temple settings. Now, well over
60 years has passed since that original life decision, and she’s 84 years old
when she makes her entrance on to the Christmas stage!
Anna possessed one of the things
that God prizes the most: a heart of
devotion! Fortunately, there is no
age limit when it comes to devotion.
Hers was a devotion that did not quickly fizzle out but, persevered though the loss of a husband
and the uncertainty that brought with it.
It was a devotion that continued through the long years of waiting as she clung to the promises of God as
utterly reliable... even when other’s zeal for God had grown cold. Anna’s testimony is the story of faithfulness rewarded! This devotion is what kept her so in tune
with God since the Bible records, “coming
in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Israel.” Talk about being in the right place at the
right time! Even if her role in the
sacred drama was brief a brief one, Anna savored the richness of seeing God’s
promise fulfilled!
In spite of what the world may
think, Anna was not passed her prime,
at least not in God’s eyes. She was able
to bring a “word in season” and her testimony carried the weight, and wisdom
and worth of a life devoted and well-lived for God!
The unparalleled message of Christmas is not just God reaching
down to the lowest, but also God reaching out to the forgotten and the marginalized. Anna certainly qualified here: first, she was
old, strike one...next, she was a woman,
which back then was strike two...and finally, she was widowed, strike
three! One of the most poignant prayers
about old age is (Ps.71:9) that says, “And
now, in my old age, don't set me aside.
Don't abandon me when my strength is failing.” One of the many challenges of growing old is
the fear that your best days have come and gone, and there’s nothing left but
to be put on the shelf, and life now is nothing more than just watching from
the sidelines. Anna lets us know that as
people age, they still have a place; they can still be useful for many tasks
that God has for them. They still retain
their value! That’s why someone has written
the true words, “Beautiful young people
are acts of nature, but beautiful old people are works of (God’s) art.”
Note: I’m sure there’s much more here, but
this wonderful cameo we have of her life speaks to many today (if you’ve looked in the mirror, you,
too, are getting older). This was
“confirmed” to me in a very specific way that had “God” written all
over it. Two weeks ago, I was preaching
in Hesperia, CA for pastor George Neos. I was facing the deadline of completing the
script for this Christmas Reading.
On Sunday morning, I went across the street to Starbucks with my notes
with me to work on this, as I drank my tall, triple-shot,
sugar-free vanilla latte (extra hot).
There was a man next to me with his laptop open and a journal open, and I
sort of knew he was a Christian. I asked
him if this was true and he told me yes, and we talked a little
bit about our shared faith in Jesus Christ.
I told him that I was writing a script for our Christmas
drama, and especially the scene about Anna.
He asked me if I would send him a copy of it when I was
done, and I said, of course. When I
finished it a week ago, I sent it off to him. I was blessed when he replied, thanks, and
told me that he would be reading this to his 84-year
old mother on Christmas Day!
Christmas is not just for the children.
Christmas is also for all the Anna’s in our world who love the
Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you all, and have a Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Back At You! - ThanksGiving, 2010
11:42 AM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
I am
convinced that the greatest gift I have received over the course of my walk
with Jesus (next to His grace and salvation, my blessed wife, and many faithful
friends) is the prayers of people for me.
I am an undeserving recipient of this precious and powerful gift. I can think back to my early Christian days
to Sister Marcela Burgess. She was the 70 year old-plus sister in the
church who took me in as a young convert and gave me a place to live. Sister Burgess graced me with her prayers
from then to the time Mona and I went to Tucson to pioneer, right up until she
went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Another is my mother-in-law, Toni Pena. Her salvation is such a miraculous testimony
to God’s grace and power that transformed her almost 38 years ago. Besides the fact that she gives me favor with
her daughter (“You listen to my hijo,
Mona”), she has blessed me with a constant stream of prayer for God’s help
over all these years. Thank you, mom
Toni. Then there are the countless
people who come up to me and say to me “Pastor,
we are praying for you.” I never
take that lightly that someone would actually remember me before the throne of God’s
grace. In fact, I need it and am
unashamed to solicit it!
So,
when I was thinking about Thanksgiving 2010...the best I could come up with is “back at you!” or my prayer for
you. This prayer is not “original” with
me, but it is a “Bible prayer” which
means it is not only inspired (praying directly in the middle of the will of
God), but also powerful and effective.
It was one of Paul’s prayers for the believers in Thessalonica. I’ll give it to you and then, there are 4
particular aspects of this prayer that I would wish for you all.
“How can we thank
God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God
because of you? Night and day we pray
most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your
faith. Now may our God and Father
himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and
overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you
will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord
Jesus comes with all his holy ones.”
(1Thess.3:9-13)NIV
#1,
EXTRA THANKSGIVING, PLEASE!
Just
like people would ask for extra mashed potatoes or gravy (even dessert at least
once a year) Paul’s prayers are richly flavored with thanksgiving. “How
can we thank God enough for you.”
This was the consistent pattern throughout the New Testament: prayer
that begins with praise and worship and ends with praise and thanksgiving. Paul was always doing this. This was not the exception but the rule! He began his letter (1:2,3) “We give thanks to God always for all of
you, constantly mentioning you in our
prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of
love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Even when he wrote to and prayed for the
Corinthians, which many have labeled as “the
problem church” (I’ve got breaking news for you: they all are!) he began, “I give thanks to my God always for you
because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every
way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.” (1Cor.1:4,5)
These are not the words of a flatterer or a manipulator but someone who was
genuinely grateful to God for the contribution and faithfulness of others. He’s encouraging them by telling them when he
prays for them he thanks God for the grace evidenced in their lives. It really is striking how prominent a part this
plays in all the New Testament epistles: prayer and thanksgiving go together!
“Father, I am
extremely grateful for the faithful saints of God here at ‘The Door.’ I thank you for all that You have done in
their lives and continue to do. They
have truly been enriched by You in every way, and that has spilled over on to
my life as well!”
#2,
STRENGTH THAT YOU NEED!
This
was at the forefront of Paul’s concern and their need. Earlier he told them why he had dispatched
Timothy to go and minister to them (3:2,3) “We
sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the
gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one
would be unsettled by these trials.”
He prayed in vs.10, “Night and day
we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in
your faith.” This deficiency was not
the result of disobedience but ignorance.
Paul had only been with them a short time when they came to salvation
through faith in Jesus Christ, but persecution forced him to leave
prematurely. He was deeply concerned to
see them strengthened. Like the song
lyrics, “You are my strength, strength
like no other, strength like no other, reaches to me.” I believe in the days we are living in, every
season of life calls for a corresponding measure of God’s strength in our
lives.
“God, I thank you
that your promise to us is ‘As your days are so shall your strength be.’ You’ve promised strength that would
correspond exactly to whatever it is we are facing. Be the strength of our lives and let it be
evident to all that this is supernatural: that we ‘might be strengthened with
might by the Spirit in our inner man.’”
#3,
LET LOVE OVERFLOW!
Love
is the only spiritual muscle that
motivates us to do the right things, in the right ways, for the right reasons,
and at the right times! This is why the
Bible says that love operating in our lives is “the fulfilling of the law.”
Love motivates us to live outside
of ourselves and our own small world, to join with others in something
bigger than ourselves! It is the “glue”
that binds together the different joints, ligaments, bones, muscles in the Body
to make it effective. Paul’s exact
prayer is that this love would “increase and abound” to the point it overflows
to both those within the church, and those outside the church! The Apostle John reminded us that this is the
supernatural evidence that we have been born again: that we love one another. Jesus reminded us that this would be a
specific last days target and assault, “Because
iniquity will abound, the love of
many will grow cold.” (Mt.24:10) This is why we can never take love for
granted like some static quality.
“Lord Jesus, we
are living in a ‘dog-eat-dog’ kind of world where ‘looking out for #1' is not
just a popular saying, it is the normal way of living. The reality is the world can be a cold,
brutal, self-serving place. If you add
to this our own lack and deficiencies in the love department, that we can let
people down and they can do the same, it’s not hard to see the buildup of deep
and personal hurts that hinder our walk with God. Don’t just ‘heal our land’ but also ‘heal our
hearts.’ Help us to fan our love into a
flame and keep it burning so that we don’t take You or others for granted. Help us never to leave our first love.”
#4,
ALWAYS STAY IN STYLE!
I’ve
got to tell you, if your goal in life is to keep up on all the latest fads,
with the next “big thing” so that you will always be fashionable and
trendy...you’re going to wear yourself out!
I will tell you, though, what is always in style (at least with God) and
that is holiness. If the
Scripture says, “without holiness no man
shall see the Lord” it is telling us that holiness will always be “in
style” with the One who matters most! So
Paul prays, “so that He may establish
your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”
There is no greater incentive to holiness than the Lord’s return...the 2nd
coming of Jesus Christ!
“God, finally,
help us to live and love and labor with eternity
in mind. If You are most glorified when
we are most satisfied in You, then fashion in us Your ‘family likeness.’ Because you are holy, make us holy. Let us learn and love to walk in the ‘beauty
of holiness’ all the days of our lives.”
IN JESUS’S NAME, AMEN.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Veil is Torn in Two!
11:19 AM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
Note: I was asked to write an article for
our Bull’s Eye publication on the theme of The God of Relationship. I thought I would post it here as well. As if the Apostle John was the correspondent!
I will never forget the day and
that history confirms, it was the “day
that changed the world!” I don’t
think anything could have prepared me for the events that occurred that day,
and I realize that words are almost inadequate to describe them all. I’ve already told you that “we beheld his glory, the glory as the only
Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” What I do know is that it was an extremely
long and grueling day. In fact, the day
really started the night before, and events just kept on building and
propelling us into the following day.
It all began at the Passover
meal the night before. I’d observed our
sacred Passover celebration every year.
I knew this would be like no other when I heard Jesus say, “You've no idea how much I have looked
forward to eating this Passover meal with you before I enter my time of
suffering. It's the last one I'll eat
until we all eat it together in the kingdom of God.” In spite of the arguments that erupted among
us about who was the greatest (looking back, I’m ashamed to have to admit
that’s what we were doing) it was still wonderful to spend such intimate time
with the One I had come to know and love as the Christ, the Son of the living
God! I’m not sure how I managed to
weather the shock of hearing Jesus say that night, “one of you shall betray me!”
You’ve got to be kidding, that’s impossible! How could that be, or more importantly, who
could do such a thing? That’s why in the
end I had to be honest enough to ask, “Lord,
is it I?” The words almost stuck in
my throat. While I didn’t get a direct
answer there was some kind of exchange that Jesus had with Judas. I was the one lying closest to Jesus at the table
and Peter (who always wanted to be in the know) kept nudging me to ask “Lord, who is it?” I still wasn’t sure who or what he meant
completely, even though Judas at that time said he had to leave early to take
care of some urgent business.
I forgot all about it though,
when Jesus changed the conversation by talking to us about the “new
covenant” in his body and his blood!
Wow! Who could forget the promise we’d held to for
centuries of a new covenant that God would make with his people! I had almost memorized Jeremiah’s words, "Behold, the days are coming, declares
the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel .... I will
put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be
their God, and they shall be my people.
And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother,
saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall
all know me, from the least of them to the greatest....for I will forgive
their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Then Jesus took the bread and blessed it,
breaking it and giving it to each of us, and he did the same with the cup after
supper, telling all of us “do this in
remembrance of me.” All this seemed
to seal the almost sacred atmosphere we were experiencing that night. I hated to see it all end, but we eventually
sang a hymn of praise together, and then went out with the Master into that
fateful night.
You talk
about feeling special! I was stunned and
honored when Jesus asked me and my brother James, and of course Peter, to
accompany him to a place which he frequented for prayer, a place called Gethsemane. He asked us to “watch with him” as he was obviously troubled over all of these
converging events. Jesus had always been
a rock-like personality to me, always concerned for others more than himself
and willing to help bear their burdens.
That night he seemed to be carrying some burdens none of us could fully
grasp or comprehend. I wish I could give
you a more detailed account of that precious moment but, well, to be honest...I
kept falling asleep. I know it
disappointed the Lord, but after that long day I just couldn’t keep my eyes
open. Even with my acknowledged
drowsiness I did sense that something pretty momentous was taking place. I’m sure I heard him pray, “nevertheless, not my will but yours be
done!” If you saw his demeanor the
way I did, you too would’ve known that he definitely meant it! There was no wavering about him when we
departed from that garden.
The rest of the night dissolved
into pretty much of a blur because things started happening so fast. The night was suddenly interrupted by the
noise and the torches of a large group of men approaching us. We noticed that there were also soldiers
among them, along with officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were asking for “Jesus of Nazareth,” which seemed odd to me since they’d seen him
at the temple all during this week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Now you may not believe me, but I was there
and saw it with my own eyes. When Jesus
said to them, “I am (he)” they were
all like bowling pins that had been knocked down by a perfect strike! They all drew back and fell to the
ground. It was pretty awesome to see! I didn’t know it, but Peter was
“carrying”...he had his sword with him.
He drew it and attempted to lop off the head of one of the
intruders. Thankfully, he missed, but
the guy’s ear was missing and was a bloody mess. Jesus instantly took command and told Peter
to put away his weapon, and then, amazingly, he healed the man’s ear! In the end, we were greatly outnumbered and
overpowered and felt pretty helpless, as they took Jesus into custody and led
him away. The rest of us were left standing
there bewildered and asking, “What’s
going on? Where are they taking Jesus? What had he done wrong to be arrested and
treated that way?” In the end, to
our shame, we all just turned away and tried to distance ourselves as much as
possible from this chaos and the threats it carried. It was not our finest hour.
Because of my family connections
I discovered that they had taken Jesus in the middle of the night to the house
of Annas who was the High Priest’s father-in-law. I can’t even begin to describe the mockery of
justice that followed! This wasn’t a
legal trial by any stretch of the imagination.
It was more like a “kangaroo court” as they shuffled Jesus about from
the High Priest, then over to Pilate, the Roman governor. I even heard that they made a quick trip over
to the palace of Herod of all people!
When the verdict came back “crucify him,” I couldn’t believe what I was
hearing. Death by execution, for
what? What crime had he committed? Was it loving the unlovely, or healing the
sick, or giving people hope? Was it
because he kept choosing to operate outside of the establishment’s accepted
guidelines? I have to tell you, my head
was swirling with all the things that seemed to be snow-balling out of
control.
Things really started to turn
ugly. The degree of hatred and animosity
fueled by obvious envy was beyond belief.
The only way to describe it was there was something downright demonic
about it. Pilate issued the order to
have Jesus scourged! That meant 39
lashes that tore at a man’s flesh. While
scourging doesn’t always kill the prisoner, for the one under-going this brutal
suffering, they almost wished it had!
The Roman soldiers had a field day as they put a robe of purple on his
battered body, and a reed-scepter in his hand, as they proceeded to hit him and
spit on him while taunting him to prophesy the one doing it, if he really was
the “king of the Jews.” Before I knew
it, the night’s rush to justice ended as they were leading Jesus away to be
crucified that day. Rome had this
practically down to a science. They made
the prisoner carry his own cross, or at least the upright beam, as they paraded
him through the streets. This was
purposefully designed for two things: first, to further humiliate the prisoner,
but also, to send a message of fear to the gawking crowds, “You don’t ever want to oppose or stand up against Rome!” To me, the saddest part is that no one came
to Jesus’s defense. Where were all the
people he had healed? What about those
who had been so amazed at the divine authority evident whenever he spoke? Even I was silent because, after all, who’s
going to listen to a simple ex-fisherman anyway?
The gruesome procession finally
ended at Golgotha, a favorite execution spot outside the city. Here they nailed Jesus to the cross and hung
him between two thieves. It seemed as if
time stood still, almost like heaven was holding its breath. Plus, the ominous darkness that settled on
the land added to the somber quality of these unparalleled events. In my mind I kept thinking back to when John
the Baptist first saw Jesus in his public ministry, “behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The only interruption was the hateful insults
that continued to be hurled at Jesus.
Everyone in that crowd joined in: the two thieves, the Pharisees who
were sent to witness the execution, and of course, the soldiers
themselves. No one cared or had the
decency to realize that his own mother was standing in that horrific place in
the midst of that crowd, along with myself and a few of the other women. Besides us, I think the only one who got it
that day was the Roman soldier in charge who later exclaimed, “Truly this was the son of God!” In the end, I can still hear it today:
Jesus’s final cry from the cross. In the
midst of his horrible agony and incredible suffering came the unmistakable note
of triumph and victory, “it is finished!”
I’ve recounted all this because
one thing stands out in my mind; the reason is because nothing like this had
ever happened. At that specific and
fateful moment when Jesus died, the veil of the temple, the veil that
separates the holy place, that veil was torn in two, “ripped” from the top to the bottom. There is no question that this was
supernatural! This veil was up to
4" thick, and God himself tore that veil in two like you would a piece of paper! Do you know what that means? It’s almost too good to be true. Yes, relationship with God was now made
possible! My sin that had separated me
from God, like that veil separated people from the holy place, had now been
paid for, and now...now, there is access into the presence of God for
everyone! I can now come with boldness
to my king’s wonderful throne of grace!
Did you hear me? Relationship with God is now a
glorious reality and a precious privilege!
Salvation has been made available to all who would come to my
Jesus! I don’t have any problem saying
“my Jesus” because, praise be to God, he had died for me that day. “And
this is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus
Christ whom you have sent.” Eternal
life isn’t just living a really, really long time. Eternal life is relationship with God!
That’s why I’m writing and had to tell you my story, because it’s such
good news! “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have
seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands,
concerning the word of life— the life
was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you
the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we
proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed
our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ!” That’s
why I’m waiting now for the day when I shall see him uninterrupted for
eternity! OH HAPPY DAY WHEN JESUS WASHED
MY SINS AWAY!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tumkhulu Fundisi
4:17 PM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
I feel constrained by a number
of things to write and post another blog.
The first is simply the discipline of writing, you must keep doing
it. The other is that Sunday, September
12th is National Grandparents
Day. Yes, I know there is a holiday
or day designation for just about everything, but this one has merit. There is small disagreement over the actual
origins but most attribute the impetus to Marian
McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia.
Originally she wanted to champion the cause of lonely elderly folks in
nursing homes as well as urging young people to tap into the wisdom and
heritage grandparents could supply.
Eventually, Congress officially designated the first Sunday after Labor
Day as National Grandparents Day. The actual resolution cited the day’s purpose
as: “...to honor grandparents, to give
grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to
help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people
can offer.” I can’t disagree with
any of that! The final reason for
writing this now is the growing realization that more and more people (and
they’re still young!) are becoming grandparents!
The real genesis of this idea,
however, can from some of our strategy for 2010. I wanted to give a chance to new and younger
evangelists to preach in our church. A
fresh voice and good benefits all the way around. The first up in February was Jamil Hurst from the Rotherhithe
congregation in South London. During the
revival I had Marty Carnegie introduce
him in the first service, since he had been his pastor in London for many
years, and he was largely responsible for recommending him. Marty said, “He is a true grandson of this
congregation.” When he said that
something was immediately triggered in my spirit!
It’s been happening to me more
and more frequently, too. I am speaking
in places and being introduced as Pastor Warner...“He is the grandfather of
this church or ministry.” This is
the meaning behind the title of this article.
It comes from the Xhosa tribe in South Africa when I was preaching in
Pt. Elizabeth, S. Africa. I was
introduced as “Tumkhulu” (tum - cool
- loo) meaning grandfather. Along with
this is “fundisi” (foon - dee -see)
for pastor. I still have the figurines
they gave me of two Africans (gray-headed and “mature”) in honor of this title,
having planted Alan & Laurie Kern there many years ago. Plus, this kind of recognition or
appreciation is always received by me, not personally, but as a representative
of our local church and the faithful investment of our great people for many,
many years. All of this inspired me
beyond the obvious that we ‘might’ be getting older! There are some very potent spiritual truths
and blessings connected with this that we should consider.
1st,
The spiritual delight & encouragement grandchildren bring!
The Bible is very clear here in
(Prov.17:6)NLT “Grandchildren are the
crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” There is a blessing and a responsibility
inherent in this facet of life. We need
our youth and our youth need those who are older. This is why we don’t just divide the church up
into a permanent and exclusive “youth group.”
While we do minister to our youth, we don’t give in to our culture’s
obsession with youth (will do anything to retain this, real or artificial). God’s will and purpose is expressed though
people of all ages joined by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s marvelous
“Body.” There is no doubt that becoming
a grandparent represents a true milestone of life. It seems that once you marry off a son or a
daughter, there is a bit of a loss that can accompany this. Then you start looking for a “return on your
investment” in the form of your “children’s
children!” Along with this comes
some interesting changes. I asked
evangelist Marty Carnegie if he and Barbara were coming to this year’s marriage
retreat. “Ahh, Pastor Warner” he said,
“we’re going to be baby-sitting.”
I’ve never heard that from him before!
I’m sure it was a blessing to Cetan and Brittney, but my, my, how things
change! In this same vein, one of the
great blessings and delights of our Bible Conference is to see the sons and
daughters and the “grandchildren” of this congregation come to Tucson and be
with us for that blessed week.
2nd,
The organic nature of revival and the work of God!
When Marty referred to Jamil as
a “true grandson” he was not referring to an organizational linkage, but a family
bond. The dictionary defines
organic is “having a growth and
development analogous to that of living organisms.” The scriptural pattern of this is the
life of Abraham. (Gen.14:14) describes
Abraham’s response to a crisis involving his nephew Lot. It says,
“When Abram heard that his nephew Lot had been captured, he mobilized the 318
trained men who had been born into his
household.” Even though he was
outnumbered by his enemies, there is a dimension of victory related to an
“organic” group, or those born in your house!
The lesson is pertinent to the church today. Many of the “mega-churches” or moves today
are not convert-based but involve people looking for a “better deal” and
moving from one field to another. It is
not focused on those moving from darkness to light or from the power of
darkness to God and the kingdom of light.
The blessing of sons or daughters or grandchildren in the faith is that
of a valued, cultivated and guarded relationship. Isn’t this the Pentecostal promise Peter
preached on that miraculous day? He
said, “your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy.” I believe that though it
has broad application, that promise and dimension can be taken literally.
3rd,
The awesome power of multiplication
This promise is inherent in the
faith and blessing of Abraham. God told
him, “I will surely bless you, and I will
surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is
on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and
in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed...”
(Gen.22:17, 18) There is a generational
quality to God’s blessing and the Gospel’s capacity. The promise of covenantal fruitfulness and
progeny reaches to the “children unto the
third and fourth generation.” No,
this is not automatic, but if we contend for this and pray, then the Gospel
carries this dimension: the power of multiplication! How many “generations” are we talking about
today? In some cases, there are four
generations removed of pastors; and some fifth generation workers! What a mighty God we serve!
So if someone refers to me as tamkhulu, I wear that as a badge of
honor, and give God all the glory, “Lord, continue to prosper the work of Your
hands.” Does this mean that the sky is
the limit? I don’t know, but I do know
that we are extremely privileged as a church to taste something of this reality
and vision. Helen Keller was right when
she said, “Life is either a daring
adventure or nothing.” Oh, and by
the way...! Do you remember when you
were willing to go and take your kids with you anywhere that God had called you
to? Those things haven’t changed just
because there are now grandchildren! We
could add to what Jesus said, “And Jesus
answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house,
or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands
or ---- grandchildren ---- for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive
an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and
mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come
eternal life.” Happy grandparents
day to all.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Are You Nuts?!
5:49 PM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
That’s why I asked myself, “are you nuts?!” I will admit it: I say some pretty dumb
things from time to time. Once of the
most recent examples was flying to California to preach for Pastor Rob Scribner
and the Lighthouse Church in Santa
Monica. Traveling for me carries its
share of potential for “drama” from the trivial to the trying. I landed in LAX with my usual excess of
luggage: two suitcases, one duffle bag and my valise with my sermons, a
briefcase, and a carry-on bag with my laptop, miscellaneous items, some medical
supplies etc. Just the “normal” amount
of things to elicit appropriate mockery from my friend, Rob Scribner. I got in to the passenger seat of his car and
Rob went about loading the luggage and putting my wheelchair in his car
(unfortunately, there were no Sherpas
to help). I was staying at his house and
had unpacked, settled in, and we had eaten dinner.
Afterwards I went to my room and
did not see my carry-on bag. I asked Rob
if he knew where it was or had brought it into the house. He wasn’t aware of it but he checked his car
just in case and...no bag! I assured him
that it had been part of my luggage load when I landed. Oh, oh, we have a problem! He’s feeling bad because he wants to be a good
host. I’m feeling bad because some of my
things are missing. So, we both
proceeded to call LAX-Southwest Airlines-airport authorities about the lost or
left bag. In the midst of this situation
I went and added more drama to things by turning up the “anxiety dial” by
saying to Rob, “Some of these things are irreplaceable!” Now this story has a happy ending. Someone had found my carry-on bag sitting all
by itself in the LAX parking garage (uhhmm, can you say security issue?!) where
we left it by the car, and notified the authorities. I guess the bomb-sniffing dogs gave it a
thumbs up so, by the time we called and described the bag and what had
happened, they told us that they had it.
Pastor Scribner then went to pick it up.
Phew! Relief!
End of story, right? No, not
really, because the Holy Spirit started dealing with me about what I had said, “some of these things are irreplaceable.” I thought, “Are you nuts?! Irreplaceable? You’ve got to be
kidding?!” It’s just “stuff” and
even if it’s an inconvenience, stuff can be replaced. You see, stuff is only temporary, it doesn’t
last...none of it. It’s not “irreplaceable.” Needless to say, I had to repent, “God, forgive me, that really was a stupid
thing to say.” I had to repent and
apologize to Pastor Rob as well. One of
the fundamental life lessons about spiritual maturity is being able to discern
and live for what is eternal not what is temporary. Jesus instructed, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and
rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in
and steal.” Listen up, stuff is only
temporary, it cannot make you happy or secure, and it certainly is not
“irreplaceable.” Scripture reminds us on
different occasions, “For we brought
nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” John Ortberg wrote, “We come in naked and penniless; we’re going out naked and
penniless. In between we get some stuff
to put on our bodies and some stuff in our pockets, but none of it is really
ours. We borrow it for a while; then one
day we will hand it all back.”
All of this made me think again
and remind myself about some of the things that really are irreplaceable, and how these are the things I need to
always give priority to. Consider a
number of them, in no particular order.
- The truth of God’s Word. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass
away.” In my book, that’s
irreplaceable! When Peter was talking
about the active instrument in the miracle of the new birth he said, “having been born again, not of corruptible
seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides
forever.” (1Pet.1:23) In the family
setting of Martha and Mary’s house where Mary sat at Jesus’s feet and heard His
word, and was criticized for doing so, Jesus came to her defense by saying, “there is really only one thing worth being
concerned about. Mary has discovered it — and I won't take it away from
her." (Lk.10:42)
- God and His wonderful presence. This is one thing in life that I can’t live
without. It is irreplaceable! This is
why in David’s prayer of repentance he said, “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from
me.” More important than position or
title or things was the sense of God’s presence.
- Love and God-relationships. We know that love is not just one of but it
is the greatest abiding quality. The circle of relationships and the deep
friendships that have been cultivated are one of those irreplaceable things in
life that we tend to take for granted or neglect. Patrick Morley writes that as a young
businessman he always made it a habit to ask older men their regrets. At the top of the list was: “I was so busy trying to improve my family’s
standard of living that, before I knew it, my children were grown and gone, and
I never know them. Now they are too busy
for me.” The lesson for us is it’s
easy to find ourselves with little time for people that matter. Reality is that relationships cannot be
microwaved; they take work and are never convenient.
- Labor for Christ and the Gospel. The capstone teaching about the resurrection
is a call to give ourselves to the work of the Gospel. Paul’s reasoning is that our labor is “not in
vain in the Lord.” It is irreplaceable. He
said, “So, my dear brothers and sisters,
be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know
that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1Cor.15:58) Jesus even
went so far to say that something as
small and seemingly insignificant as giving a cup of cold water to someone in
His Name would mean, “he will certainly
not lose his reward.” The old poem
still rings true that says, “Only one
life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s
done for Christ will last.”
- God’s favor and a good testimony. Isn’t the ultimate and irreplaceable goal to
hear those words from the Lord Jesus one day, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Nothing can top that. That’s why when Jesus was cautioning us
against a man-pleasing spirit or doing things just for human recognition, He
said, “they have received their reward in
full.” There’s nothing more He said,
that’s it. Nothing is worth selling out
God’s glorious grace and favor and the testimony of a faithful life.
- Precious souls won to Christ. We’ve had it drilled in to us that the true treasures
of the kingdom are the trophies of God’s grace that we have witnessed and the
people we have influenced for Christ.
All of our “stuff” will perish or go to someone else, but souls won to
Christ will be an eternal satisfaction. When the apostle Paul wanted the believers at Thessalonica to know his
heart and motivation he wrote, “For what
is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of
our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and
joy.” (1Thess.2:19,20)
- Money and resources invested in the Gospel. When you get this revelation things are never the same! God gives us the privilege of taking the money and “stuff” that ultimately does not belong to us, but He has entrusted to us, and use it for His glory and kingdom. He credits this to our account! Hey, what a deal this is! That’s why King David said, “Who am I, that I should be able to give like this?” Temporal riches given to God or used for the Gospel take on an eternal quality. They become irreplaceable.
So, back to my stupidity. Lord, remind me over and over about the
things that are truly irreplaceable and let me focus on them. The Bible makes it clear that it is this kind
of “sight” that is crucial for victory, for overcoming and for longevity. This was Paul’s “big secret” when he wrote, “That is why we never give up. Though our
bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present
troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an
immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the
troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet
seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last
forever.” (2Cor.4:16-18)
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Getting Back In The Game
10:56 AM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
It was exactly a year ago that I was struggling to climb Hatcher’s Pass (8 miles anywhere between a 6-15% grade) in the final stage of the Sadler’s Alaska Challenge. The “mental game” in any endurance event like this is so strange: while you’re competing your mind is telling you “You’re nuts! Why are you doing this?” Then, when you finally finish and the race is over, the thoughts become more like, “That wasn’t so bad; I could do that again!” So, it got me to thinking what it would be like to be “back in the game” like last year.
More importantly, it made me think about God’s aim and priority which is always seeing people “back in action” or back in the game! He is always at work to this end. Hebrews 12 is all about running the race and in vs.11-13, God says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather be healed.” He talks about the unpleasant but necessary dimension of the Father’s discipline pointing out that fact that it is afterwards that makes the difference. “Afterwards it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” God’s exhortation in light of this is to “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees; make level paths for our feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather be healed.” Can you see that God’s priority and working is to see you healed and back in the game? Several years ago I had a bout with cellulitis and had to go to the emergency room. The first doctor that saw me after being there all night began almost immediately talking to me about amputation!? I understand that if an infection goes unchecked drastic measures may be called for, but you haven’t done anything yet! Don’t you think it’s a little premature to be looking at the amputation option? Why don’t we concentrate on getting this infection under control so we can get this man back in the game. When I mentioned all this to a respected Orthopedist I know and he asked me the name of the doctor, his response was, “Oh, he’s new.” That says a lot.
This should remind us of an important aspect of the Church’s ministry. (Gal.6:1) says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Restoration is such a needed and powerful work in the “people business”! The word means, “to mend (what has been broken; torn; dislocated); to equip; to make one what he ought to be.” It’s clearly talking about a dislocated member of the church, the Body of Christ. We are not an “art gallery” for the saints, but we are a “hospital for sinners.” This doesn’t mean that we ignore or minimize sin, lowering God’s standard and making room for loose living. It means that God’s aim and our calling is restoration, helping to get people back in the game! This is definitely an atmosphere that we must contend for and a spiritual skill we must develop. When you ask people how they are doing and they say, “Oh, Pastor, I’m fine.” Not really, not if you’re not back in action! There’s a little hint here about the cost involved because it is in the Greek continuous present tense (an on-going dimension versus just snapping your fingers). It is God’s way of telling us that this work will require a great deal of patience and perseverance.
There are many aspects where we see this in people’s lives. There are those who are backslidden, out of the will of God and no longer walking in His ways. There are others who have suffered different wounds or injuries. Then there are those who have been side-lined by life’s circumstances, or they are passing through a different season of life. Other times they’ve simply given up to a spirit of withdrawal. Either way, this is real, and an ever-present reality. It is also one that the devil, our adversary, exploits all the time. If he can work to get people effectively out of the game or dislocated, then he has won a victory of sorts.
There are so many great examples of God working in people’s lives to bring about restoration. Let me just mention two because they are similar in both their experiences and also the word that describes the work God did in their lives: John Mark and Onesimus. Both of these men had disqualified themselves by turning back. First, John Mark by backing out of Paul’s first missionary journey at a critical time, and Onesimus by stealing from others and fleeing to Rome. Paul wrote to Timothy about bringing John Mark because “he is profitable (easy to use) to me for the ministry.” Regarding Onesimus, who had been converted in Rome where Paul was in prison, the apostle Paul could point out the transformation in his life by saying that he “once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.” I am so glad that God is in the restoration business! He is able and He wants to teach us to also be those who are able to work with people to see them back in the game and once again useful to the Kingdom of God.
What is our confidence in all of this? (Phil.2:13)NLT says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” You know that desire in your soul that is drawing you to Christ and to get back in the game, well, that in itself is a work of God. He put that there, along with the power to make it a reality! I find it very interesting in the Old Testament there is so much detail and effort related to the placement and purpose of the cities of refuge. Without going in to all of the rich truth about these cities, God was making sure that throughout the land there were to be these reminders (clearly marked) that there is a way back home! He is still making that known today. I think of the poem that says:
The good news is that God wants you back in the game and will help you to see that process become a reality. These are some of the miracles in Gospel ministry that truly refresh my soul! Uhhmm, maybe that’s why I am starting to work to regain some racing shape because there’s a race coming up in August. “Harold, it’s time to get back in the game!”
More importantly, it made me think about God’s aim and priority which is always seeing people “back in action” or back in the game! He is always at work to this end. Hebrews 12 is all about running the race and in vs.11-13, God says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather be healed.” He talks about the unpleasant but necessary dimension of the Father’s discipline pointing out that fact that it is afterwards that makes the difference. “Afterwards it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” God’s exhortation in light of this is to “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees; make level paths for our feet so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather be healed.” Can you see that God’s priority and working is to see you healed and back in the game? Several years ago I had a bout with cellulitis and had to go to the emergency room. The first doctor that saw me after being there all night began almost immediately talking to me about amputation!? I understand that if an infection goes unchecked drastic measures may be called for, but you haven’t done anything yet! Don’t you think it’s a little premature to be looking at the amputation option? Why don’t we concentrate on getting this infection under control so we can get this man back in the game. When I mentioned all this to a respected Orthopedist I know and he asked me the name of the doctor, his response was, “Oh, he’s new.” That says a lot.
This should remind us of an important aspect of the Church’s ministry. (Gal.6:1) says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Restoration is such a needed and powerful work in the “people business”! The word means, “to mend (what has been broken; torn; dislocated); to equip; to make one what he ought to be.” It’s clearly talking about a dislocated member of the church, the Body of Christ. We are not an “art gallery” for the saints, but we are a “hospital for sinners.” This doesn’t mean that we ignore or minimize sin, lowering God’s standard and making room for loose living. It means that God’s aim and our calling is restoration, helping to get people back in the game! This is definitely an atmosphere that we must contend for and a spiritual skill we must develop. When you ask people how they are doing and they say, “Oh, Pastor, I’m fine.” Not really, not if you’re not back in action! There’s a little hint here about the cost involved because it is in the Greek continuous present tense (an on-going dimension versus just snapping your fingers). It is God’s way of telling us that this work will require a great deal of patience and perseverance.
There are many aspects where we see this in people’s lives. There are those who are backslidden, out of the will of God and no longer walking in His ways. There are others who have suffered different wounds or injuries. Then there are those who have been side-lined by life’s circumstances, or they are passing through a different season of life. Other times they’ve simply given up to a spirit of withdrawal. Either way, this is real, and an ever-present reality. It is also one that the devil, our adversary, exploits all the time. If he can work to get people effectively out of the game or dislocated, then he has won a victory of sorts.
There are so many great examples of God working in people’s lives to bring about restoration. Let me just mention two because they are similar in both their experiences and also the word that describes the work God did in their lives: John Mark and Onesimus. Both of these men had disqualified themselves by turning back. First, John Mark by backing out of Paul’s first missionary journey at a critical time, and Onesimus by stealing from others and fleeing to Rome. Paul wrote to Timothy about bringing John Mark because “he is profitable (easy to use) to me for the ministry.” Regarding Onesimus, who had been converted in Rome where Paul was in prison, the apostle Paul could point out the transformation in his life by saying that he “once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me.” I am so glad that God is in the restoration business! He is able and He wants to teach us to also be those who are able to work with people to see them back in the game and once again useful to the Kingdom of God.
What is our confidence in all of this? (Phil.2:13)NLT says, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.” You know that desire in your soul that is drawing you to Christ and to get back in the game, well, that in itself is a work of God. He put that there, along with the power to make it a reality! I find it very interesting in the Old Testament there is so much detail and effort related to the placement and purpose of the cities of refuge. Without going in to all of the rich truth about these cities, God was making sure that throughout the land there were to be these reminders (clearly marked) that there is a way back home! He is still making that known today. I think of the poem that says:
I wish that there was some wonderful place;
In the land of Beginning Again;
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches;
And all of poor selfish grief;
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door;
And never put on again!
In the land of Beginning Again;
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches;
And all of poor selfish grief;
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door;
And never put on again!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
“The Trophy Of Fallen Heroes”
9:36 AM | By
Pastor Harold Warner
A Tribute to Brother Jesus Vizzerra
I can’t remember how old I was when I received my first trophy; but I was very young. I think it was for sailing, and it was small pewter dish engraved with the event, my name, and my placing. There were a few more to follow for playing ice hockey. They are sitting somewhere today, definitely tarnished, I’m not even sure where. Later on in my life there were numerous medals, and some trophies for competing in various marathons, cycling and handcycling events. Most of these are hanging on a nail in my garage. All of them are memories, but I’m not sure how memorable they really are.
Now let me tell you about some other “trophies” that are much more meaningful to me. The group picture for Pastor Warner of NGM (Next Generation Ministries) reminding me of the sacred responsibility of the children of our church congregation. Then there is the plaque from Cameroon and Gabon and other places reminding me of the investment in world evangelism that we have been blessed to participate in. There is the picture of my two “bodyguards”, Frank Romero and Chayo Perez (another story for another article). There is the picture of a young and happy Benjamin Cervantes sitting on my lap with the inscription, “The little lion has gone to The Lion” which I will forever cherish. There are the acrylic globes from the churches in Cape Cod and El Paso recognizing the decades-plus of faithful ministry. And, oh yes, there are the countless “works of art” that children draw and give to me all the time representing some aspect of their faith and their depiction of Pastor Warner’s preaching and wheelchair! All of these expressions of gratitude are things that I really do treasure and do not deserve, and many of them I have accepted not for myself, but as a representative of our church, The Door - Christian Fellowship in Tucson, AZ.
The greater question occupying my mind today is “what are God’s trophies”? What are the things that the Father delights in and have eternal value to Him? First and foremost, the greatest trophy is Jesus, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Then there is His Church, the Bride of Christ, made up of men and women redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb “out of every tribe, language, people and nation.” When Saul of Tarsus met the resurrected Lord Jesus on the Damascus Road he was asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” The church is His trophy! He is so identified with her that when Saul was persecuting believers all the way from Jerusalem to Damascus, he was actually persecuting Christ! There is the trophy of the Lord’s faithful and devoted followers. Referring to them, Malachi says, "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels." Jewels that are symbolic and worn for special occasions! And let’s not forget the trophies of those who have preceded us in death and gone to be with the Lord, since we are told, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” God does have His trophies!
There is also the “heroes of faith” that we talk about all the time and who are recorded in Hebrews chapter 11: a whole chapter devoted to those who believed God, lived by faith, and staked everything they had on God’s Word and promises. The impressive list of people like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, King David, Samuel and the prophets. Then, to be reminded, “For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.” That means that the story is not over yet. There are still “heroes” of faith running the race today who are part of that great company of God’s people down through the ages, saved and justified by grace through faith.
As a church family, we also have our own “heroes of faith!” The converts to Christ and changed lives that are God’s handiwork and the true credentials of Gospel ministry. The faithful saints who have served God with love and excellence for ten, twenty, thirty, some of them going on forty years. Oh yes, they are definitely on the mantelpiece of memory! Having just come out of our Bible Conference we must also recognize the trophies of the men and women God has called and raised up, and are being used by God preaching and planting churches all over the world. People who like so many others God says are “chosen vessels unto Me.”
Jesus Vizzerra was one of those heroes! He was born on September 28, 1946 and he went home to his eternal reward with Jesus on June 23, 2010. He was saved in 1976 and was one of the many “Sahuarita crew” of outstanding converts that came from Sahuarita and Continental, AZ and are woven into the fabric and story of our church family over the last thirty-seven years. From the time “Jesus met Jesus” it was so exciting to see him grow in the things of God. He was such a wonderful blessing to our local church as he worked at the mines south of Tucson, and did all he could to be in every service. Even if that meant working the graveyard shift and coming right to church with little or no sleep. He was hungry for Jesus! He is one of my heroes because when he got saved he was not able to read. He went to school and he diligently taught himself to be able to read and write because he wanted to study God’s Word! There were the countless outreaches and “carne asada” fellowships all emanating from Sahuarita, from Jesus and his dear wife, Frances, and the other saints there. The trophy that was Jesus Vizzerra went to pastor a church in Silver City, NM. The trophy that was the Vizzerra family went to pioneer a church as missionaries in San Jose, Costa Rica (and who can forget the “good times machine”). Brother Jesus was one of, if not the longest-standing evangelists in our entire Fellowship of churches, preaching and ministering to people all over the world. It wasn’t so much the eloquent or exegetical quality of his sermons that was such a blessing, but it was his spirit, the type of man he was. He dearly loved His Jesus, his wife and children, his church, His Bible and the people God allowed him to touch over many years.
Much of that hyphen “ - “ between 1946-2010 was about Jesus Vizzerra as a disciple, a beloved brother, a faithful minister, a devoted husband, a committed father (who led by example and wanted more than anything to see his children following the Lord Jesus Christ), a hard worker, an upright man, a prayer warrior (“Lord, we are desperate for You”), a man willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel (not just one time but as a lifestyle). What would be my own personal tribute to Jesus Vizzerra? Yes, he was a disciple, but he was also my friend. He was the type of man who made being a pastor a joy and a delight. I was proud of him, because when I saw brother Jesus I knew I was looking at the real deal, a genuine Christian man.
One of the secrets to living life well is learning to collect the right trophies. At their best, they are a little reminder of something to make us grateful for the past and motivated for the future. According to the Apostle Paul in 1Corithians 9 one of the fundamental problems of humanity is they’re giving themselves for the wrong trophies, ones that will not last, those with a fading not an eternal glory to them. That’s why he would say “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” People, saved by God’s grace, are the right kind of trophies! That is why we are living to one day stand before God and hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Just try to imagine what that will be like (what Jesus Vizzerra is experiencing right now). John Ortberg said, “The trophy that matters is not on our shelves or our resumes. It is the soul that we become. That is the crown that we will one day cast before God.”
In our country there are numerous fallen hero organizations and memorials to soldiers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and others. Their purpose is to remind us that while they are gone they are not forgotten: the memory of them lives on. One poem for Fallen Heroes by Linda Racaniello concludes with this:
I can’t remember how old I was when I received my first trophy; but I was very young. I think it was for sailing, and it was small pewter dish engraved with the event, my name, and my placing. There were a few more to follow for playing ice hockey. They are sitting somewhere today, definitely tarnished, I’m not even sure where. Later on in my life there were numerous medals, and some trophies for competing in various marathons, cycling and handcycling events. Most of these are hanging on a nail in my garage. All of them are memories, but I’m not sure how memorable they really are.
Now let me tell you about some other “trophies” that are much more meaningful to me. The group picture for Pastor Warner of NGM (Next Generation Ministries) reminding me of the sacred responsibility of the children of our church congregation. Then there is the plaque from Cameroon and Gabon and other places reminding me of the investment in world evangelism that we have been blessed to participate in. There is the picture of my two “bodyguards”, Frank Romero and Chayo Perez (another story for another article). There is the picture of a young and happy Benjamin Cervantes sitting on my lap with the inscription, “The little lion has gone to The Lion” which I will forever cherish. There are the acrylic globes from the churches in Cape Cod and El Paso recognizing the decades-plus of faithful ministry. And, oh yes, there are the countless “works of art” that children draw and give to me all the time representing some aspect of their faith and their depiction of Pastor Warner’s preaching and wheelchair! All of these expressions of gratitude are things that I really do treasure and do not deserve, and many of them I have accepted not for myself, but as a representative of our church, The Door - Christian Fellowship in Tucson, AZ.
The greater question occupying my mind today is “what are God’s trophies”? What are the things that the Father delights in and have eternal value to Him? First and foremost, the greatest trophy is Jesus, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” Then there is His Church, the Bride of Christ, made up of men and women redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb “out of every tribe, language, people and nation.” When Saul of Tarsus met the resurrected Lord Jesus on the Damascus Road he was asked, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” The church is His trophy! He is so identified with her that when Saul was persecuting believers all the way from Jerusalem to Damascus, he was actually persecuting Christ! There is the trophy of the Lord’s faithful and devoted followers. Referring to them, Malachi says, "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, ‘On the day that I make them My jewels." Jewels that are symbolic and worn for special occasions! And let’s not forget the trophies of those who have preceded us in death and gone to be with the Lord, since we are told, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” God does have His trophies!
There is also the “heroes of faith” that we talk about all the time and who are recorded in Hebrews chapter 11: a whole chapter devoted to those who believed God, lived by faith, and staked everything they had on God’s Word and promises. The impressive list of people like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, King David, Samuel and the prophets. Then, to be reminded, “For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.” That means that the story is not over yet. There are still “heroes” of faith running the race today who are part of that great company of God’s people down through the ages, saved and justified by grace through faith.
As a church family, we also have our own “heroes of faith!” The converts to Christ and changed lives that are God’s handiwork and the true credentials of Gospel ministry. The faithful saints who have served God with love and excellence for ten, twenty, thirty, some of them going on forty years. Oh yes, they are definitely on the mantelpiece of memory! Having just come out of our Bible Conference we must also recognize the trophies of the men and women God has called and raised up, and are being used by God preaching and planting churches all over the world. People who like so many others God says are “chosen vessels unto Me.”
Jesus Vizzerra was one of those heroes! He was born on September 28, 1946 and he went home to his eternal reward with Jesus on June 23, 2010. He was saved in 1976 and was one of the many “Sahuarita crew” of outstanding converts that came from Sahuarita and Continental, AZ and are woven into the fabric and story of our church family over the last thirty-seven years. From the time “Jesus met Jesus” it was so exciting to see him grow in the things of God. He was such a wonderful blessing to our local church as he worked at the mines south of Tucson, and did all he could to be in every service. Even if that meant working the graveyard shift and coming right to church with little or no sleep. He was hungry for Jesus! He is one of my heroes because when he got saved he was not able to read. He went to school and he diligently taught himself to be able to read and write because he wanted to study God’s Word! There were the countless outreaches and “carne asada” fellowships all emanating from Sahuarita, from Jesus and his dear wife, Frances, and the other saints there. The trophy that was Jesus Vizzerra went to pastor a church in Silver City, NM. The trophy that was the Vizzerra family went to pioneer a church as missionaries in San Jose, Costa Rica (and who can forget the “good times machine”). Brother Jesus was one of, if not the longest-standing evangelists in our entire Fellowship of churches, preaching and ministering to people all over the world. It wasn’t so much the eloquent or exegetical quality of his sermons that was such a blessing, but it was his spirit, the type of man he was. He dearly loved His Jesus, his wife and children, his church, His Bible and the people God allowed him to touch over many years.
Much of that hyphen “ - “ between 1946-2010 was about Jesus Vizzerra as a disciple, a beloved brother, a faithful minister, a devoted husband, a committed father (who led by example and wanted more than anything to see his children following the Lord Jesus Christ), a hard worker, an upright man, a prayer warrior (“Lord, we are desperate for You”), a man willing to sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel (not just one time but as a lifestyle). What would be my own personal tribute to Jesus Vizzerra? Yes, he was a disciple, but he was also my friend. He was the type of man who made being a pastor a joy and a delight. I was proud of him, because when I saw brother Jesus I knew I was looking at the real deal, a genuine Christian man.
One of the secrets to living life well is learning to collect the right trophies. At their best, they are a little reminder of something to make us grateful for the past and motivated for the future. According to the Apostle Paul in 1Corithians 9 one of the fundamental problems of humanity is they’re giving themselves for the wrong trophies, ones that will not last, those with a fading not an eternal glory to them. That’s why he would say “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” People, saved by God’s grace, are the right kind of trophies! That is why we are living to one day stand before God and hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Just try to imagine what that will be like (what Jesus Vizzerra is experiencing right now). John Ortberg said, “The trophy that matters is not on our shelves or our resumes. It is the soul that we become. That is the crown that we will one day cast before God.”
In our country there are numerous fallen hero organizations and memorials to soldiers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and others. Their purpose is to remind us that while they are gone they are not forgotten: the memory of them lives on. One poem for Fallen Heroes by Linda Racaniello concludes with this:
So as long as we are alive
we will hold them in our hearts
and as long as we can breathe
our heroes will never be apart
So as we bury you with honor
we will grieve, then heal and pray
and even though we’ll miss you you
we’ll be reunited in heaven one day
One of our warriors has gone on to be with the Lord. He will be truly missed. However, in theface of the last great enemy, death, we have something better than a poem or even a memory. We have the unshakable promise, purchased with the Blood of Christ and the power of His resurrection, of a reunion in heaven one day!! The old hymn says, “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon his face, the One who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me to the promised land, what a day, a glorious day that will be!” Jesus Vizzerra will be there on that day, rejoicing in the presence of His precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I look forward to seeing him on that day! Until that day we must continue to run our race. Let this be our guiding light: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
One of our warriors has gone on to be with the Lord. He will be truly missed. However, in theface of the last great enemy, death, we have something better than a poem or even a memory. We have the unshakable promise, purchased with the Blood of Christ and the power of His resurrection, of a reunion in heaven one day!! The old hymn says, “What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see. When I look upon his face, the One who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the hand, and leads me to the promised land, what a day, a glorious day that will be!” Jesus Vizzerra will be there on that day, rejoicing in the presence of His precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I look forward to seeing him on that day! Until that day we must continue to run our race. Let this be our guiding light: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
Translate
Popular Posts
-
We’re off and running into a new year, 2011! It has been my practice now for many years to preach to our congregation a New Year’s “th... -
In many places of the British Commonwealth, today is a holiday, Boxing Day , the day after Christmas, December 26 th . It was for years w... -
My practice of preaching a “theme” for the new year, and of late, incorporating this into our Conference theme, was never intended to be... -
As we reach the end of another year, 2011, I am reminded of one of the great secrets of life: to live life with as few regrets as possi... -
A good fisherman always “sets the hook” before trying to reel in the fish. Hopefully, now that I’ve got your attention, let me go back... -
One of the most famous speeches in recent times was delivered by President Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate, prior to the demolishi... -
Recently, President Obama’s “evolution” on his views on marriage came to an end in both an historic and tragic milestone: the first time ... -
*The headlines on the Drudge Report on the day after “Black Friday” tells it all. This was the list of articles relating to the activit... -
The event caught my attention on a number of different levels. It was billed as a “Reason Rally,” and it was held in Washington D.C... -
The early church gives us a great model to pursue and to pray for. I am reminded of the episode in Acts 4, where the apostles had been t...
Powered by Blogger.