Thoughts on Leaving California #CalExit

I offer this post very thoughtfully, graciously, and without any judgment. I’ve heard a lot of talk about #CalExit and leaving the state of California due to our progressive political atmosphere, liberal state leadership, and flailing moral climate. I understand the inner turmoil. These things break my heart as well, but I don’t believe they are good, biblical reasons to leave. The only reason you or I should ever move to one place and leave another is if God calls us to do so for His Kingdom purposes. Let us not forget the words of Paul to the Philippians. He writes, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” Those examples of faith in Hebrews 11, “Acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” We are told that Abraham, “Lived in the land of promise as in a foreign land… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” This sinful world, in its fallen state, cannot and should not ever feel like our permanent home. The best city, our eternal home, is yet to come. Until then, we as followers of Christ have to resolve to be a beacon of His hope and truth wherever He calls us.

If, after diligently seeking His face, God calls you to leave California, by all means, go by faith. If not, don’t allow your desire for worldly comfort and security to dictate your actions. Rather, become a missionary and stay. There is much need for the “salt and light” to continue its work in this state.

Like the pilgrims of old, there might come a day when we have to legitimately flee in order to protect our lives so that we can continue to carry the gospel to the world. Paul the apostle had to do this on several occasions as well. I think it’s safe to say we aren’t at that point yet. So, before you pack up and move to the state of Utopia or the garden of Eden, remember that the world is merely your temporary address, not your permanent home. Go or stay based not on your personal or political preferences, but on the leading of the Holy Spirit for the glory of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. #CalShine

Vote in Jesus Name

The Bible conveys an interesting principle for believers. Our lives are to be full of decisions and actions that are carried out, “In Jesus name.” What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to Jesus, just about everything. When I do something in Jesus name, I’m declaring that I’m reflecting His character, communicating His heart, and expressing His will. To the Colossians, Paul the Apostle writes, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Notice it’s not just big things we do, but all things. Jesus even told us that sharing a cup of water in His name with someone who’s thirsty goes down in heaven’s record books.

What does this have to do with voting? I believe that if Jesus cares about water, he cares about your vote. As a Christian, when you vote with the name of Jesus attached to it, the policies you’re voting for or against do matter. I could wax philosophical right here, but instead, I’ll get right down to the practical. I’m going to give you a few reasons why I believe the Bible calls the American Christian to actively and prayerfully participate in the process of choosing their leaders and laws.

Charisma and Truth

Charisma and confidence can often be the masks under which a lie masquerades as the truth. The sincerity of a communicator cannot establish truth, for truth is rooted, not in a person’s passion, but in unchanging absolutes. We are often drawn to believe an idea based on the confidence and conviction of the person conveying it, but we must remember that while charisma can beautify the truth, It can never define it. Let us always attempt to bring our ideas, convictions, and passions under the authority of God’s Word before we are drawn away by the loudest and most convincing human voices.

Jhn 17:17 NKJV – 17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

An Exhortation on Sexual Sin

As a society, we have minimized the horrific nature of sexual perversion and its long-lasting, damaging effects. Our culture sells sex at every mall and billboard; on every big screen and small screen alike. We romanticize evil and inundate vulnerable young minds with false sexual identities, harmful sexual practices, and sexually charged media, then stand aghast when sexual perversion, misconduct, and abuse mark our society.

The Bible is clear that God takes sex seriously, and He takes sexual crimes which defraud our fellow human beings even more seriously (see scripture below). Knowing this, its time to take our battle against the enemy in this arena seriously. Parents, guard the gates of your children’s hearts and appropriately instruct them with God’s word. Men and women, keep your heart with all diligence. Keep your eyes pure, which are the gateway into your mind and soul. Keep your body and its lusts under control by walking in the Spirit. Sexual sin is not just against God and others, but it is also a grievous offense against one’s self. God save us from this perverse generation!

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 – It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

J​oy in Obedience

As I’ve been reading again through the book of Joshua, one declaration made by the author struck me. It’s found in chapter 12 right after Joshua solidified the tribal allotments of the land. It simply reads, “Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.”

What God said He would do, He did.

He made good on His word. 

He didn’t forget or forsake one single promise.

The reading of this verse brings great hope and comfort, but the realities that took place in Israel’s history after this verse leave questions. From this point on, throughout the periods of the Judges, the promised land changed hands several times. Israel experienced loss and defeat at the hands of their enemies. To this day, they don’t possess all of the land that God promised. So, did God keep His promise of not?

The short answer is yes, of course, He did. There was a specific moment in time when God delivered to the children of Israel all the land that He promised if they would inhabit it. The problem? While God kept His end of the bargain, the people neglected theirs. God delivered to them the land of promise, but the people failed to keep their promise to drive out every enemy from the land, which brought forth trouble in future days. There were also seasons of disobedience that brought forth necessary judgment from God as well as certain natural consequences. The point is short and straightforward.

Israel’s problems were not a result of neglect on God’s part, but disobedience on theirs.

I think there are some valuable principles here we can glean from today. In 2 Corinthians, Paul tells us that every promise of God in Christ is, “Yes and Amen.” in Christ, God has confirmed every promise of the New Covenant. God has been and will be faithful to deliver those promises in full. While every promise is ours in Christ, I believe that our enjoyment and experience of those promises is often dependent on our obedience to walk entirely in them by faith.

A Dying Pastor

UPDATE 9/11/2019 – In light of yet another high profile pastoral suicide this week, I thought it appropriate to repost this article with a couple updates and revisions. Also, I’d like to note that I’m not directly implying that pastoral ministry within itself is a cause of suicide, or that people’s treatment of their pastor somehow creates suicidal tendencies. This is not a rebuke of parishioners, neither am I blaming people for a pastor’s own decision. I simply believe that some of the unhealthy trends in pastoral culture today can exacerbate preexisting internal struggles with suicide. That is what this article is meant to address.

I just got word of a young, fellow senior pastor who committed suicide on Friday (Update: Another young pastor, Jarrid Wilson of Harvest Christian Fellowship, committed suicide this week on 9/10/19). This breaks my heart for so many reasons. I don’t know the source of this man’s pain or the reasons for his actions, but it has brought to mind something that I have been long burdened by.

Our culture has created a celebrity pastor model that no human being can effectively measure up to (for more on that, please see my more recent article on pastoral culture). While pastoral pressures were probably not the sole factor in these suicides, they certainly may have added unnecessary extra weights to already plagued minds. Christian, please remember that your pastors are just people. They too are sheep that are part of the same flock as you. They are men who are being sanctified and are doing their best, by God’s grace, to shepherd the flock of God and be an honorable example of Jesus. Unfortunately, pastors also make human mistakes. They fight with their spouse, they aren’t always great fathers, they battle with temptation and pride… and they are afraid of vulnerability. They fear being eaten alive by the sheep if they disappoint them in any way. Instead of dealing with the criticisms of nonunderstanding people, they instead put on a face and press through their struggle… alone and isolated. This is unhealthy and often ends in tragedy. I’m not excusing the blatant sin of some pastors, hypocrisy from the pulpit, or the responsibility of a pastor to be honest and maintain his integrity. There are certainly high biblical standards for the office of overseer that must be taken seriously. I will say, however, that the Instagram, success-driven, celebrity culture in addition to unrealistic human expectations that have been laid upon pastors today are heavier than what many are able to carry.

If we are honest, we can clearly see that there has been an unbiblical precedent set for today’s ministers. Yes, pastors need to take heed to their character and doctrine, but people need to pray for, support, submit to, and show grace toward their pastors. As a pastor, it’s time to speak up. Not merely for my own sake, but for the sake of those who have given their lives to the calling of leading, teaching, and shepherding God’s people. It’s a hard job and not for the faint of heart. There are unspoken battles, intense spiritual warfare, and unbelievable mental and emotional weights that every pastor carries. The culture has to change both internally within a pastors heart, and externally within our churches.

Instead of idolizing your pastor, support him. Instead of criticizing his every move, pray for him. Instead of demanding from him, empathize with Him. Instead of assuming the worst, have a conversation with him. To those reading, please don’t hear my words as a harsh rebuke or blame. I merely say these things to bring light to an important issue, and offer encouragement and insight on how you can be a blessing to those who lead, teach, and shepherd you.  And to my fellow pastors, don’t hide in the shadows. You need accountability, and you need friends. Face it, you need the body of Christ just as much as they need you.

Fellow Christians, please join me in praying for and encouraging your pastors as I also pray for the pastors in my life. And please pray for the families, friends, and churches of these young pastors. The ripple effects are many on will be ongoing. If you made it this far, I ask you to share this and help encourage pastors everywhere. #Pray4Pastors

Update on AB 2943

Update on CA bill AB 2943:

As many of you know, I’ve been posting updates on the progress of California’s AB 2943 bill. In a disappointing but unsurprising vote, the California Senate has overwhelmingly decided to move AB 2943 to the assembly for final approval before heading the governor’s desk. This bill prohibits the exchange of money for any efforts to help someone navigate coming out of an LGBTQ sexual identity. In reality, this bill isn’t about money or business practices, but about a minority group of people who want our laws to declare that there is nothing wrong with the LGBTQ lifestyle.

Does this anger me? Sure. I have a level of righteous anger at this arrogant and blatant disregard for personal freedom and God’s moral standards. Like righteous Lot surrounded by the perversion of Sodom and Gomorrah, I too have a vexed soul. But the larger part of me is saddened. It grieves me to consider those who genuinely want help but will not be able to find it easily. I’m broken-hearted for those who will spend their lives being affirmed by society in a false and dangerous sexual identity. I fear for the godless men and women who think they are casting an archaic God out of their modern society, but in reality, are only storing up judgment for themselves.

This battle is about more than a bill; it’s about the need for revival and salvation to come to our state and nation. Thankfully we serve a God who uses Satan’s schemes for His ultimate glory. It will be amazing to see how God uses this development to bring about His greater plan.

People of God, continue to pray! Pray for our leaders and our state. Love your neighbor, preach the gospel, and stand for truth. I rejoice that we are going to see God move in mighty ways in the days to come!

The Fire we Need

Our state is on fire literally.

Our nation is on fire socially, racially, spiritually and politically.

Our world is burning in the fires of poverty, injustice, and wickedness.

The entire world without Christ is headed toward the fires of eternal judgment.

In the meantime, the one thing that needs to be ablaze, but instead sits as a smoldering, smoking remnant, is the church. Yes, there are pockets of flame burning brightly, sparks that are ready to ignite, but in many places, I see passion waning.

Oh, we might be fired up, but that’s different than being on fire. We’re fired up about politics, were fired up about people being offended by us. Many things fire us up. That’s good and fine, but we don’t need any more smokescreens. What we need is the fresh fire of God.

We are in desperate need of the blazing passion of the Holy Spirit to ignite our hearts to lavish obedience, and the fervent coals of love, compassion, and truth to reignite our mission. We need the fire of prayer once again filling the halls of our churches, burning down barriers of kind-heartedness, and the inferno of faith turning our unbelief into ashes. We need the fire of holiness to spark up consecrated lives for Christ and His kingdom, and the heat of God’s righteousness to burn away the dross of our idolatry.

I’m convinced that the one fire the world needs is a church full of Christians who have decided that their lives no longer belong to themselves but Christ; a church that burns on the pure, life-giving fuel of the Holy Spirit, emitting the aroma of life and shining brightly the light of truth.

Christian, start burning and watch the trail of beauty that God leaves in your path.

Ephesians 5:14 – Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

God of Small Things

The vastness and greatness of God are unfathomable. When we consider the works of God, from creation to salvation, it is plainly evident that God is big (or as my daughter would say, “ginormous”). I wanted to lay that out there lest what I say next is misunderstood. The Bible is clear; we have a big God! But here’s the catch–We have a big God who delights in doing small things. The fact that God even loves you is proof that small things matter to him. King David plainly understood this. Consider the words of Psalms 8 & 144 where the Psalmist ponders, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” How can a God so interminable be so intricately acquainted with the ways of a creature that is so infinitesimal?

Independence Day and the Cross

July 4, 1776, represents the day when the thirteen original colonies rarified their declaration of independence, declaring their sovereignty and freedom from the rule of the United Kingdom of Britain. Most people don’t stop to consider that the war for that independence didn’t come to an end until November 30, 1782, approximately six years after Congress signed that landmark document. In other words, freedom was declared a reality before the battle was over.