11 Years for the Blue Jean Church

This weekend is our 11th anniversary as a church. Last year was the "big 10," so one could feel like this is a less "significant" anniversary perhaps.

But I don't.

In fact, I have this huge sense of anticipation that God is about to "bust a move" on us. I have seen him doing things in my heart... and with our staff... and with people in our church.... it just seems like it's a "windup" for something big about to happen. I can hardly wait to see what it is!

Also, this week was insane... I experienced probably some of the highest "highs" and the "lowest" lows I have ever experienced so closely together. What a crazy, hair-raising, tear-filled, wild ride!

Tonight, I read the story of Jesus casting the "legion" of demons out of a man, and into a herd of pigs (I call it the "case of the deviled ham" - sorry - couldn't resist!). Can you imagine seeing that all go down? Unbelievably, after such a great miracle, the local town's people were actually more afraid when they saw the man healed and in his right mind.

They had become so accustomed to seeing a man in bondage, they were actually more afraid of Jesus setting him free. Life was more comfortable and predictable with a possessed man always hanging out down at the cemetery. But Jesus didn't come to make us comfortable.

So...Lord... I pray tonight that you help us never become "comfortable with the status quo." And if that means riding the roller coaster of highs and lows... I'm in! But Jesus... keep a good hold on me, okay?

Polling Location Politics

Funny election moment today... we volunteered our church to be a "polling location" where people could vote today in the Primary Election. As part of that process, we had requested that no "campaigning" be allowed on our property by either side. Unfortunately, a ball was dropped somewhere along the line, and campaigning happened according to "the 75 foot rule." As people got out of their cars, they were asked, "Are you a Republican?" or, "Are you a Democrat?"

Great.

We objected, and then a state congressman called us to say, "You must allow it." Hmm. Within just a few more hours, we were able to get hold of the election officials, who faxed us a letter (the "dropped ball") which stated that campaigning wasn't allowed on our property, per a request we submitted as allowed weeks ago. Unfortunately, people assumed that we were somehow endorsing a particular party, and you could hear the angry complaints outside.

Well, it just goes to show you... you can't always tell what is truly going on by what you see. Kinda like faith: "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see." [Hebrews 11:1 - NLT] Well, regardless of the difficulties, we love supporting the privilege we have of voting in the USA!

Denver Bronco Chapel

Yesterday, even with the tragic events of the morning, I was still able to make it downtown to the Ritz Carlton for the Denver Bronco Chapel service prior to the game against the Cardinals. This is the 3rd time they have given me the honor. Being a Bronco fan, it's a dream come true!

I had several good reasons why I could have cancelled, including the tragic death of a young man in our church. But you know how you sometimes just have a feeling that, as tough as it might be, you just have to "show up?" That's how this felt. I didn't want to let the team down, and I just had a feeling - this is really important.

William Rader, my friend, and the Broncos chaplain, met me at the door, and said, "Come right in, we're all waiting." And the next 20 minutes were nothing short of a miracle. I had no notes. I had been unable to prepare after racing to the scene of a crisis early in the morning. I had to totally rely on God to give me the right words for those football players.

The Broncos have been through some tragic deaths in the last few years. Cornerback Darrent Williams was killed in January 2007 when his Hummer was sprayed with bullets following a dispute at a nightclub. Then less than 2 months later, reserve tailback Damien Nash collapsed and died after a charity basketball game. So here I was, still reeling from a tragic death myself, and wanting to speak hope and life into these guys.

Jesus said in Luke 12:12: "The right words will be there. The Holy Spirit will give you the right words when the time comes." [Luke 12:12 - Msg] Maybe it won't be until I get to heaven, but someday, I'll find out why today's chapel with the Denver Broncos was so important. And guys - great to see you again - as I told you, I will be praying for you. Go Broncos!

Sorry for the Silence

Have you ever had a week of craziness, followed by yet *more* craziness? I just did. So I apologize for not blogging for a few days. I will rededicate myself to blogging. I have to say... I truly missed it!

Today was a tough day, with the loss of a young man in our church named Curtis (20). The Collins family attends our church, and Curtis' dad, Kevin, sings on our worship team - he did just last weekend, in fact.

Some of you may have even been caught in the huge traffic jam at Bell and Reems today. That motorcycle accident was where Curtis lost his life. As a fellow rider, that always hits home. Yes, he had his helmet on.

Pastor Travis, Carissa and I were all on the scene for over an hour, just holding family members as they tried to comprehend through the tears what had happened. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Collins family.

Seeing how fragile and short life can be reminds me of what Moses wrote in Psalm 90:17: "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands."

Russia Invades Georgia... Next Stop – Israel?

I thought this was an amazing article (even though it’s long) on the Russian invasion of the nation of Georgia.

It is written by Caroline Glick, an American-Israeli Journalist and the deputy managing editor of The Jerusalem Post.

It isn’t difficult to imagine the events in Ezekiel 38 and 39 taking place soon, especially after reading the author's insights. You might also find her bio interesting.

Scary prophecy stuff? Nope. You can be encouraged - check it out!

Olympic Fever

Why is it that "Olympic Fever" always hits our house, and we never see it coming? Suddenly, without advance planning, we are crowded around the flat screen to see the latest competitions. We screamed and yelled as the US Men's Swimming Relay Team beat the French (does Michael Phelps have even 5% body fat? Oh my word!). 32-year-old Jason Lezak - oh yeah!

My favorite moment last night was watching the Women's Gymnastic Team having a "huddle." They had just had a few disappointments in the day's events, and also some moments of brilliance. And yet, after all of it was over, they had a huddle that was full of encouragement and support for each other. Camera's suddenly were trying to capture every word and hug. It was picture-perfect team spirit. I suddenly was crying. Why?

I think we all love watching a team that loves each other, and works hard together. Just like the staff and volunteers at Radiant Church! Love it!

Build It And They Will Come...

Wow... this weekend and last weekend, our new teenager youth center, "The Garage," is open. And there is some exciting stuff happening... like "tons of teenagers" kinda stuff. Like "hunger for God" kinda stuff.

Pastor Travis and Natalie, along with Josh and Holly Rahn, and the youth team counted over 525 last weekend, and now again this weekend! How cool is that? FYI - our youth group was averaging around 120 - 180 prior to us building their own Teen Center. Clearly, the time had come! Teenagers are now flooding into that space, worshipping God, leafing through newly-donated Bibles, and enjoying their awesome new "home!"

Becky, our youth admin, estimated that 100 hands went up to accept Jesus in that 11am service. I don't know about you, but to me, there is nothing more exciting than solving the problem of, "too many teenagers!"