John Bishop

WORTH IT!

Before I go to bed (remember I admittedly am not a morning guy), I am reflecting about the last four weeks.  Four weeks with one three letter word that caused SO much talk, news, controversy around (in reality) the country.  AND...so many truly changed lives.   

Seems so odd to me.  I need to 'pause' and say thanks Living Hope.  Thanks for risking, for fighting, for loving and for being the church you are.  You have 'GUTSY GRACE' and God is certainly glorified by your faith.  I want to thank everyone who served, helped, prayed and joined us for this revolution.  God (ONLY GOD) did amazing things.  EVERY service I heard stories of couples who came for the series,  and who were changed.  Story after story.  I so love what God does in the hearts of people and am so blessed to be a small part of it.

I felt a leading for the direction of the weekend, as we ended the series and moved toward a Purity Commitment, that the issue was far different than even I had realized.   

Colossians 3:11 says, "In this life...Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us."

This weekend, I realized that more than sexual sin, it is the guilt from the sexual sin that is what has become SO disabling and defeating to SO many people.   Can I be ruthlessly honest?   I do guilt well.   To be honest I like it sometimes.   Seems more comfortable to just be and live in guilt.   I am a recovering letter carrier... 

As I studied and reflected on the life of David, I realized that his devotion and deep connection with God is what made things so different for him.  He had faith and yet he failed.  David learned that the failing doesn't define us.  Honestly,  I hate sin, and I really hate what it does in the lives of people, families and students.  We talked about the process this weekend.  When you are faced with the reality of sin.  Then and only then are you able to confess, repent, own the sin and in the process can experience what David lived. 

He was able to live the title, given to him by God that no one else in the Bible can claim. 

"David, son of Jesse is a man after my own heart, for he will do everything I want him to."  Acts 13:22b

David sinned, stayed in it (rationalizing for over a year), but when he stopped covering up and came clean, he was 'cleansed', 'forgiven' and 'restored' in his heart.  His joy was given back to him.   Why?  Because he was a king?  Because he was a cool guy?  Because he was in the lineage of Jesus? 

Probably not.  He wasn't even a reverend...  What was he?  A broken man with a repentant heart.  Read Psalm 51.  In this Psalm, you get a peek into David's heart.  I think this is one of the most precious and priceless psalms in the Old Testament.  You see honesty, brokenness, and restoration.  You hear a child crying out to a dad.  You see a relationship that we all long for. 

God wants the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart. 

It is then in our brokenness that the grace of God is ushered into our lives. 

When we get to the place where we are done fighting and we see (for real) the sin, the worry, the doubt, the discouragement.  When we see our sin (and all of its ugliness) and we call it what it is...THEN and only then will things change.  David said, I have sinned against you alone O God.

SO MANY LIVES changed this weekend.  I stayed after the end of the 1:00 PM service and read things that people wrote on the stage and the cross.  So much healing.  So many stories.  So about God (ONLY GOD). 

The levels of confession, surrender and healing this weekend were unlike any other weekend I can ever remember.  One of those services.  Honestly it is weekends like these that make everything worth it.  All of the media, letters, anger and stress.  It is all worth it for the one student, the one marriage, the one person healed.   

As people wrote on and walked off the stage, I watched with tears in my eyes as hundreds of people placed a bracelet on their wrist.  A white bracelet that simply says, PURITY REVOLUTION. 

I reminded them that because of what Jesus did, because of the cross, we can confess, repent and NOT allow guilt to control our lives.  If we are in Christ, we are His precious sons and daughters.

Good weekend.  I am more tired than I have ever been in my life.  SO WORTH IT.

Thank you Living Hope.  I love you so much, you will never know. 

Your broken, messed up and in desperate need of grace pastor,

john

This picture is after people had written so much on the cross and I walked up, poured blood red colored paint over their words and simply walked off the stage. His blood is enough.  Jesus is enough. Nothing else to be done, nothing else to be said.

Comments about "Sex" series from local newspaper (The Reflector)

 

PASTORS

I wanted to take a second and ask you to pray for pastors in your communities and your lives.

Did you know that EVERY DAY 50 pastors quit the ministry?  More than ever, statistics tell us that Pastors and their wives are hurt, sick, burned out and discouraged.  The statistics are revealing and I would add alarming. Over 18,000 each year quit the Pastorate.  I read yesterday that many denominations do not have enough Pastors to serve their churches.  In 2003, 8 churches started nationwide and 6 churches closed their doors.  On any given weekend 62,000 Christian churches DON'T HAVE a Pastor.

Pray for your Pastor every day.  Really.  Partner with them.  If you can't support their leadership, search your heart and if you need to, find another church where you can support the vision of the Pastor and the leadership teams. 

Peter Drucker (leadership expert and guru) said, and I quote "The four hardest jobs in America (and not necessarily in order, he added) are President of the United States, a University President, a CEO of a Hospital, and a Pastor/Minister."

We are doing a Leaders Gathering coming up in December about Pastoral Purity.  Pastors need to know you will support them and walk with them through fire.  Hardest thing is they won't tell you they need encouragement, so (whatever church you go to) tell them anyway.  Don't wait to hear the need.

Let me thank a few Pastors who have over the years 'been there'.

To this day I thank Pastor Neal from Vancouver Community Church who took the time to pray with me and help me in my spiritual journey to find faith in Jesus Christ.  19 years ago THIS month I surrendered my life to God.  Thank you Neal.

Matt Hannan, Senior Pastor of New Heights.  You are amazing.  Your wisdom and discernment and ability to teach is second to none (well maybe second to Jesus).  Thank you for your investment in me and in Living Hope. 

Ted Roberts, East Hill Church.   I can't believe you are running triathlons at 63.  Your heart for purity and for seeing people free from bondage is awesome.  Thanks. 

H.B. London, your heart for Pastors and for me illustrates whose you really are.  The calls you made, in one of the most confusing times of my life while I was dealing with cancer are moments I will not soon forget.  Thanks for 'being there'.

Luis.  I want to be as passionate to reach people for Jesus when I am 73.  You are funny and yet so humble.  Thanks for your investment in me, and for the millions of lives who are going to be in Heaven when you get there because of your sacrifice.  You are fast forwarding the return of Christ.

Phil Baker,  Riverview church, Perth Australia.  Your call.  The invitation to speak at the 500+ was both encouraging and stretching.  Brian Houston in the front row?  Anyway, thanks for opening the door for being able to serve down under. 

Ian Woods,  Hawkesbury church, Australia.  Thanks for paving the way to allow God to work in the lives of people in your church in Australia.  More than that, your words about God allowing me to speak into people in Australia.  Your prayers for my family.  Your encouragement and realness.  AND,  I can't to this day believe the bracelet thing still happened, but I have gotten a lot of miles from it, believe me.  See you in October 2008 mate. 

Lastly Living Hope Pastors.  You are the soldiers and warriors and shepherds that God is allowing me to do battle with.  With each decision to reach people and to stretch and to risk, you are right there, we together will stand for righteousness.  Each week I hear stories of lives changed by you.  Ya, we are in a season of change, but seeing your hearts and willingness to do WHATEVER blesses and amazes me.  Live by the sword, die by the sword, right?  I believe in each of you more than you will ever know.  The best days are in front of us.  Email your Pastors now to encourage them this month: Duane, Rick, Dave, Dondi, Missy, Seth, Jon, Bruce, Felix, Chris, Will, Chuck, Danny, Dean, Erik, George, Johnny, Kirk, Kris, Mark, Matt, Preston, Joe and Aaron.

Words matter.  They change things beyond what we can really imagine.  God used words to speak creation into existence.  Our words need to bring blessing to these men and women whom God has chosen to spiritually oversee and protect and serve us. 

Send the card to a pastor in Clark County or Kona, or Portland or Australia.  Tell them. Tell their wives.  Love them and pray for them.  What they do matters so much. 

"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  Jim Elliott.

See ya soon. 

John and Michelle

Thank you Ted Roberts.

I just wanted to thank Ted Roberts for speaking into our lives this weekend.  Simply an amazing service.  A total God thing and Ted, thank you.  You are a friend of Living Hope and me.  I appreciate your heart to serve, your passion for purity and your wisdom in recovery.  I can't wait to see what God will do. I am excited about all that God is doing through this series. 

Everything isn't comfortable by a long shot.   I have received more negative e-mails and letters than ever in my life, but am more resolved to love people and to speak the truth.  Good days. VERY tiring, but good. Please keep praying.  So many stories of changed lives. 

One exciting side note is having our Longview campus worship with us at the main campus.  It was AWESOME. I got to meet alot of cool people.  Truth is...God is doing so much.  Lives are being changed.  Keep telling the story about the God that risked everything and became vulnerable for YOU. 

I wanted you to see Ted's bio:

Dr.Ted Roberts came to the Lord as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War.  He was called to the Pastoral ministry after his return to the United States.  He entered Seminary, completing his masters at Asbury Theological Seminary and his doctorate at Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary.  He has served in a multiplicity of ministries, from chairman of the theology department at a Bible College, Staff Pastor, Director of a Counseling Ministry, to his present position as President of Pure Desire Ministries International.  He is the author of Failing Forward and For Men Only: The Courageous Fight For Healthy Sexuality, Pure Desire, Living Life Boldly, and his newest release Going Deeper written with Pam Vredevelt.  Dr. Roberts is a frequent speaker to various civic and business organizations ranging from the Oregon Bar Association to Boeing, and is in demand as a speaker both in the United States and around the world.  He is co-recipient of the Telly Award for excellence in video and film production.  His hobbies include triathlons, scuba diving and underwater photography.

Ted and his wife Diane, who serves as Director of Women’s ministry, have two grown children, Nichole and Bryan, and four grandchildren.

Dr. Roberts pastored East Hill Church for approximately twenty one years and the flock grew to 6,000.  East Hill is located in one of the most unchurched areas of our nation.  There was a unique growth in small group ministry and support groups for the particular needs of hurting people – from drug and alcohol, divorce recovery, marriage enrichment and care groups and sexual addiction groups.  A significant portion of these groups are composed of individuals who have recently come to Christ.  Dr. Roberts passed the baton as Senior Pastor to his son-in-law, Jason Albelo in August of 2007, and is now heading up Pure Desire Ministries International.

Pastor Ted.  Simply thanks.  You are a warrior for the cause of Christ.  Your passion inspires me and your courage is contagious.  You are making a difference around the globe.    I am excited to hang out with you more in the future.

Living Hope.  Two thoughts.  PRAY and PRAY.  The battle is SO spiritual.  Satan is working overtime in trying to discourage and defeat, but greater is HE who is IN US than he who is in the world.  The stories of healing outweigh the other stuff about 100 to 1.   

Keep trusting.  Keep telling the story.  Keep praying.  Keep loving people.

Good?

John

Weekend Update

TODAY:

Just got back from speaking and praying at a Portland business leaders event today, rallying people for the Portland City Festival with Luis Palau in August 2008.   I am so excited to be part of the planning and thought for next summer's event.  Whatever we can do to help reach people for Christ.

TONIGHT:

Luis is joining me to honor the pastors in the Portland/Vancouver area.  Excited to have him speak into our lives.  This is the fourth year we have hosted and sponsored a dinner for pastors and their wives.  This year it will be in Portland.  Thank you to the Living Hope family that sponsored this (you know who you are...THANK YOU).  You are loving over 100 Pastors tonight!

October is National Clergy month.  We want to thank and encourage pastors.  Churches are still closing daily nationwide, pastors are still more discouraged then ever and the church is STILL THE ABSOLUTE ONLY HOPE OF THE WHOLE WORLD.   Pastors need to be built up, supported and encouraged.  This dinner is just that.   I have pastored Living Hope for almost 11 years.  More than ever in my life I have an increasing passion to not only finish 'well' but STRONG.   When one church hurts, we all hurt, when one church wins, we all win.  Pastors have to be encouraged. 

Think about this.  Luis Palau is 74 years old and still traveling the globe telling everyone he can about Jesus Christ.  He could be taking the retirement road, but he told me he will preach until his last breath.  Love that.  He is on 2600 radio stations in a 100 countries, has written 50 books and is definitely one of my heroes.  How I feel about Luis is less about what he has 'done' and more about who he 'is.'    His passion is as much or more today to reach people than it has ever been.  He is committed to finishing strong.   Pray for him and for his organization. 

DIVINE APPOINTMENT:

God did some stuff this week that allowed me to have a “divine appointment”. You know what I mean? Like those times where you have a specific need, and then a person/place/thing shows up to fill it in a way that is so tailor made for you there’s no other answer than that God brought it?  Well that happened to me this week.  It was refreshing, encouraging, and just what I needed after the last couple weeks of tremendous spiritual warfare.    CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE IT WITH YOU.

I also wanted to take a second to thank you for all your encouragement and prayers for me and Michelle, our staff, our church and our community. You guys have been an amazing support this much needed series.

FOR THIS WEEKEND:

We need help from students and singles!  If you made a commitment at our Purity Service last year we would love to have an update on how your year went. (Even if you messed up, it's okay. We still would like to hear your story.)   You can leave a comment on this blog or email us here. If you are comfortable to take a step beyond writing we will have a room set up at the Brush Prairie campus to video your story in between services.  We will announce the location during services.

Don't miss the weekend.  This weekend we will offer tools and practical things to help in the journey and revolution of purity.   Invite someone.  7 weekend services at our main campus, and 8 additional services at other campuses.

I NEED YOUR HELP:

Continue to pray. As many as there are negative comments, we have had even more positive and encouraging comments about this series.  People are being exposed to God’s Truth about sex and it is revolutionizing lives, especially in our young people.   Everyday I am more committed than the last day to see this revolution a reality.  This week, did you read about the school system in Maine?  Go figure.  Tell me we don't need a revolution? 

THE MEDIA

I want to thank (again) the Columbian and Reflector and all the news stations for their fair and 'balanced' reporting of the controversy. I am attaching links to two really really good articles here and here (Take special interest in Judy Holt, our California member.)

Can't wait for the weekend.  Share your stories.  Tell everyone about purity.  Walk it out. Run from sexual sin.  Take your wife on a date.  Love your kids as if it is their last day. Hug your cat, unless it is a 350 lb 'cat'

See you this weekend.

John

PS
Signs got stolen AGAIN this week.  We don't need security cameras.  God knows.  Pray.

YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS

Shocking News About Maine Middle School

For such a time as this we need to speak the Truth boldly, loudly, and with love more than ever. My gut is wrenched over this decision to offer birth control to middle school children. These are young kids beginning at age 11. As God's people we must make a stand for purity to save the spiritual and physical health of our next generation. Please take time to read the article and check out the news clip below. There is no question in my mind that our current series "Sex" is needed more than ever.

For resources on how to talk to your kids about sex, to get answers to questions, or to learn more about The Purity Revolution click here.

Middle School to Offer Birth Control

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine -- After an outbreak of pregnancies among middle school girls, education officials in this city have decided to allow a school health center to make birth control pills available to girls as young as 11.

King Middle School will become the first middle school in Maine to make a full range of contraception available, including birth control pills and patches. Condoms have been available at King's health center since 2000.

Maine school offers birth control

Students need parental permission to access the school's health center. But treatment is confidential under state law, which allows the students to decide whether to inform their parents about the services they receive.

There are no national figures on how many middle schools provide such services. Most middle schoolers range in age from 11 to 13.

"It's very rare that middle schools do this," said Divya Mohan, a spokeswoman for the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care.

Portland's three middle schools reported 17 pregnancies during the last four years, not counting miscarriages or terminated pregnancies that weren't reported to the school nurse.

The Portland School Committee approved the plan, offered by city health officials, on a 7-2 vote Wednesday night. Whether the prescriptions would be offered this school year or next wasn't immediately clear.

King is the only one of the three schools with a health center, primarily because it has more students who get free or reduced-price lunch, said Lisa Belanger, who oversees Portland's student health centers.

Five of the 134 students who visited King's health center during the 2006-07 school year reported having sexual intercourse, said Amanda Rowe, lead nurse in Portland's school health centers.

Committee member Sarah Thompson, also the mother of a King eighth-grader, supported the policy, even though it made her "uncomfortable."

"I know I've done my job as a parent," Thompson said. "(But there) may be a time when she doesn't feel comfortable coming to me ... (and) not all these kids have a strong parental advocate at home."

Chairman John Coyne opposed the change, saying the roles of social agencies and public schools have blurred over the years. "At some point there needs to be a clearing of the gray lines," he said.

The other "no" vote Wednesday night came from Ben Meiklejohn, who said a parental consent form, which allows students to receive any kind of treatment at the school health center, does not clearly define the services being offered.

Some opponents cited religious and health objections.

"We are dealing with children," said Diane Miller, a former school nurse said. "I am just horrified at the suggestion."

Another opponent, Peter Doyle, said he felt the proposal violated the rights of parents and puts students at risk of cancer because of hormones in the pill.

Supporters said a small number of students at King are sexually active, but they need better access to birth control.

"This isn't encouraging kids to have sex. This is about the kids who are engaging in sexually activity," Richard Veilleux said.

At King, birth control prescriptions will be given after a student undergoes a physical exam by a physician or nurse practitioner, Belanger said.

Nationally, about one-fourth of student health centers that serve at least one grade of adolescents 11 and older dispense some form of contraception, said Mohan, whose Washington-based organization represents more than 1,700 school-based centers nationwide.

A high school in Topeka, Kan., stopped providing free condoms to students Wednesday after district officials learned of the month-old program. The district has a policy against providing contraceptives.

Email this article to a friend.

INVEST IN OTHERS

One of the deep core values of Living Hope is investing in the next generation.  The value says, "it isn't about us" and we have to INTENTIONALLY disciple, train, model what it means to give away ministry and to INVEST in the generation behind us.  That all sounds good, but the reality is we don't do well at letting go. Letting go and serving others is SO hard, and SO reflective of the life of Christ.   

I wanted to share one of those dad moments with you and also say thanks to a church that is truly living this value.  Katie isn't perfect (who is?), but when a dad sees a kid make the next right choice, you want to celebrate it.

I had this short video shot in my backyard (flowers aren't ours).  It is pretty self explanatory.  It is about investing in the next generation.  It is about investing in others just because. 

Katie, dad is proud of you.  You may never know how God has used your life in the lives of others until you get to Heaven.  You make me smile.   

Students, you are the next generation.  Progressively be more about others than yourself.  Always think and ask the question, "am I getting or giving more?"  It has helped me alot. 

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, had one word that described the way he wanted people to see and remember his life....... "OTHERS"

I LOVE THAT.  If he hadn't lived to bless others, we probably wouldn't have remembered his name.  I hope we can be a church made up of families who are about others more than ourselves. 

Romans 12:15 says, "When others are happy, be happy with them.  If they are sad, share their sorrow." 

One of my all time favorite passages, so rich with meaning and thought:

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Don't be selfish, don't live to make a good impression on others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.  Don't think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing."

The cure for most problems in marriage or other relationships is simply to think of others as better than yourself.  In fact the word translated from the Greek (original) language is better translated "Superior."

Jesus lived, and died for it, Paul said it, and I have graciously seen my daughter believe it enough to do it.  Her actions have challenged me to be more about others than myself. 

Maybe we are the most like Jesus when we are serving others?   

Actions really do speak louder than words, don't they?

John

SPAGHETTI AND MOVIES MONDAY

Today, there were no (minimal) phones, no meetings, no sermon prep and no office.

This was Spaghetti Monday.  We basically situated ourselves on different chairs in the living room, ate spaghetti and watched movies (old movies...)

It seems it is easy to forsake the thing that restores your soul the best.   Rest.  When I reflect I regroup, I recalibrate, I rest, I remember what matters and I 'receive' the best God has for me.  His best is rest.  He wants us to stop every week.  I don't do this well, but am trying to be more intentional.  Maybe I will take up rugby?  Maybe not.

Resting is part of the game of being human.  We aren't made to go and never stop.  We need to take time to reflect, rest and remember we are human beings more than human doings.

Finding a healthy work and rest pace is the most difficult thing in the world for me. 

I watched movies, ate spaghetti, ate more spaghetti and am SO sick.  I ate so much spaghetti with salt that my cheeks are puffed up like helium balloons.  Not the best.

Guess this blog is just a confession of sorts.   

There is always stuff to do, but when we genuinely disconnect and rest, He does what only He can do.  He restores our souls.

Never give up friends.  I am tired, but good. 

Share your stories.  How has God changed your life?

John

LIFE GROUPS,

Excited about Life Link tonight at our Brush Prairie campus. 

We need homes, leaders and a commitment to connection. 

With 70% of people coming to faith in Christ AT Living Hope, we are having an increased focus on connection more than ever before.  Every night of the week, there are hundreds of people meeting all over Vancouver, Portland and Longview in homes.   

My commitment is to see 100% of everyone who calls Living Hope Church their home be connected in meaningful relationships.  Life Groups are that vehicle.      

I hear stories each week of how a Life Group was 'there' for each other.  I often wonder what I would do without the friends in my life.

We say it all the time, life change is really the main goal and it happens best in Life Groups.  The weekends are the place to gather, worship and learn together. 

During the week, it is about applying what we are learning.  It is about friendship.  It is about knowing that you aren't alone.  It is about knowing someone and being known.  It is about celebrating and being celebrated.  It is those moments on the couch where you need to know someone cares.  Hebrews 10 talks about not forsaking 'meeting together'.   That passage says so much in such few words. 

It is like anything else.  Last weekend we shared about the priority of date nights.  What you don't put in the calendar doesn't get done.  It is just that simple.  Priority determines capacity.  Take the time, get involved and begin the journey of connecting with other people.

Enough said.  I just want to say thanks to all of our Life Group leaders, which better said is Life Group pastors.  You are the men and women who are shepherding the people who call Living Hope their home.  Thank you for your sacrifice, commitment and heart.  It matters.

To everyone who has never tried out a Life Group or House Church (High School students), I just want to tell you that you will never know what God may do until you take a risk.  Call the church office, or e-mail at info@livinghopechurch.com 

If you can, post your thoughts and comments about your experience or stories about Life Groups.

Until next time,

John

PS
The signs at the road got stolen again.  Twice stolen and once vandalized.  ?    Expensive series.....  Glad it is only 2 more weeks.

Remember, the DVD's will be provided for free of charge, and resource packets will be put together for churches, and the purity revolution website is up, going and being developed.

THEPURITYREVOLUTION.COM

Been a crazy busy week.  Hope things are good with everyone.

Wanted to let you know we are working on answering ALL questions, categorizing them and listing them.  There are hundreds.  Five pastors are working on them, correlating them with Bible verses, etc.

Every generation needs a revolution:   I am more committed to this than EVER:

With the whole revolution thing in mind, I want to announce a couple of things:

1.  I am launching a new website for this revolution:  www.thepurityrevolution.com 

E-mail your questions to info@livinghopechurch.com.  We will continue to answer every question.

This will have a blog section, messages, free downloads, etc.     It is in infant stages, with all questions (not comprehensive by a long shot), answers and the beginnings of a resource section.    It will be fully developed by the end of the series.


Students you can sign up on line and JOIN THE PURITY REVOLUTION.  This will be a global and continuous thing.

2.  We are GIVING away each and every message of this four week series.  If you want to donate, cool, but absolutely no obligation.  Let us know and we will hook you up.

3.  I am putting together a comprehensive packet for churches, with message transcripts, videos, logos, creative planning and brainstorming,  programming sheets, resource lists and all of our details.  THIS IS GOING TO BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.   If collectively churches launch an assault together it will change the world faster and more unified.  I am hoping other churches will provide their resources free as well. 

4.  We will be planning more follow up groups for students, married couples and singles.  The key beyond these four weeks will be our commitment to connection.  By the end of the series, we will provide numerous connection opportunities.  You can sign up at info@livinghopechurch.com

5.  We are planning our second annual PURITY REVOLUTION weekend at Living Hope.  You will be able to sign up on the thepurityrevolution.com website. 

6.  We are planning something that will become a yearly, global thing.  More to come.

OK, that is all I have for now.

Keep praying.  The battle is God's.  The weekend is going well.

Thanks you guys for your encouragement, prayers and support.

John and Michelle

IN THE NEWS (AGAIN...)

   

Hey, I guess we made the paper again, and when I read the article, I learned I am a reverend again...  nice
   

I hope everyone is having a good week.  Been a bit busy this week.  In the Columbian twice, interviewed by the Reflector for their newspaper next week, and just got off the phone with KPAM radio. On my way to the office to be interviewed by KATU. 

Didn't ask to be interviewed.  Didn't ask for the conflict.  Don't enjoy conflict.  I promise, we didn't expect so much attention.  And, to clarify we have never hired a PR firm to help us get in the paper or news.  Appreciate the thoughts.  Let's be clear,  GOD and God alone is who will get the glory.  We fight the battle, but it is His.  Reclaiming what has been stolen by the enemy is what it is about.  Battles happen.

Can I say that sometimes you end up in a battle you didn't ask for.  You don't pick the battle, but sometimes it picks you.  David fought Goliath because really enough is enough.  40 days the Giant taunts the nation of Israel.  God's chosen people.  No one did much.  Fear ruled most of those 40 days. 

When I decide to speak about a topic, it isn't about 'shock' value, but restoring lost values.  My goal for this series is awareness and action.  It is moving all of us continually toward purity.  It is restoring what is broken.    You can't change something you aren't aware about.

Living Hope, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support and your willingness to write to the Columbian and the Reflector.   More than that, to continually live the values Jesus died for.  We are in this together, The battle is real and is destroying lives every day.  God will win, truth will prevail, marriages will be restored, teenagers will be pure and we will all together say ONLY GOD. 

Keep praying and tell everyone you can.  Bring someone this weekend, no bring 5 people with you this weekend.  Michelle and I are working on our message together.  I appreciate her so much.  This weekend we are talking through the STEPS TOWARD PURITY IN MARRIAGE.  Purity is always the pathway to intimacy.  Excited about the weekend.  It will be beneficial to every age, but specifically about sex in marriage. 

It was fun, and a bit different answering questions live during the services.  People loved the format and we may do it more in future services and series.   Keep e-mailing your questions.  We are trying to answer each one, but there are hundreds.

I am more passionate about this than I have ever been.  Talking to one of the media people, they, I think they sensed the passion and said, this seems more like a campaign then a series.  Well said.  Yes. 

In fact we are working on a website that should be launched by the weekend about purity.  We will have resources, Bible studies, and allow people to join the global purity revolution.   Very excited about what God seems to be doing through the series.  We are going to make all the graphics, messages, everything available for churches for no charge.   We are going all in.

I read something and it struck me so much I wrote it in my Bible: 

"Sex is a sacred covenant between a husband and a wife.  Anything else or anything less devalues something sacred."

See you this weekend.

John and Michelle

ONE WORD CAUSES CONFLICT

Let me begin this blog by saying I am more passionate, committed and aware of the need for a series about SEX.   I said Sunday, Thomas Jefferson said, "Every generation needs a revolution."

The dictionary says a revolution is "a radical and pervasive change in society and the social structure".

When there is a genuine revolution there is a revolt or rebellion from what has been.  Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary.  He came to change the world, and change the world He has.  No one in human history has done more to place value on the lives of women.  He came and called broken people to join Him.  He came to replace religion with a relationship.  He came to heal the broken-hearted, and to restore lives.  I simply and genuinely love Jesus, and want my life to be so much about Him that I grow more in my faith.

Interesting how one word can cause so much conflict.  SEX.  Something so good, so beautiful, something given to us as a gift by God is (in the name of a sexual revolution) fast becoming the unpinning of the moral fabric of our generation.  Every generation needs a revolution.  Think about these facts:

We have the highest divorce rate in the world.
Nationally nearly 2800 teens get pregnant each day.
One in six rape victims are under the age of 12.
1 in 4 sexually active teens are infected with an STD every year.
Parents spend 38.5 minutes per WEEK in meaningful conversation their children.
52% of children ages 5-17 have a TV in their bedroom.
75% of all prime time tv has sexual content (2004 statistic).
50% of all adolescents do not consider oral sex to be sex.
1 in 5 of all teenage girls will conceive while still in high school.
Half of all teenage high schoolers will have had sex before they enter the 10th grade.                                              

Every generation needs a revolution.  Can't think of very many things where a genuine revolution is more needed.

One word can cause so much conflict.  I understand that there are a number of people calling the Reflector and the Columbian, frustrated by our signs.  I have prayed, talked to our leaders, and prayed more seeking God's will in the whole thing.  We have always been and will always be about being a blessing, not a burden.  To help and not hurt our community.  By a long shot we aren't perfect, and aren't 'there' yet, but we will do our best to serve the people in and around Living Hope. 

I was thinking.  Why don't we all weigh in with the Columbian and Reflector?  If you are offended by the signs, tell them.  I have only heard 5-6 complaints.  Maybe there is 50 or 60?  Tell the paper.  They are running a story about Living Hope in the Reflector next week.  The voice of a few offended people have surfaced the whole story.  I think we all should have a voice.  I think if you are offended you should tell whomever (and you will).  I also think if you are glad we are doing the series, you should tell them.  The voice of a few shouldn't be the decisive 'vote' or voice of all of us.   It seems through history it is the way it is (sometimes).   One word can cause so much conflict.  Go ahead, weigh in.  Be Jesus, be His arms and His feet.  Be His voice.  We have to.  Every generation needs a revolution.  Click below to send your thoughts:

Reflector
Columbian

After this weekend, I am more resolved to talk about this.  So is Michelle.  Bring everyone you can.  It is time to say no more.

I met with couples after every service, counseling, praying for, and helping people.  I prayed with a young boy who feels guilt for some 'stuff'. He asked me (he is 11) if he will go to hell.  Is God mad at him?  He prayed during the Tiger Weekend to receive Jesus into his heart.  I put my hands on his shoulders and said, nothing you do will make God love you more, and nothing you have done makes God love you less.  Go, stop the internet stuff (he is 11...).  Walk in purity now.  I hugged him and he had big tears welling up in his eyes.  His eyes told the story.  God gets the glory and the revolution can continue.  This is one of 100's of stories that are beginning to change.  There were a few hundred students who on the spot stood, declaring that they will stay pure until the day they are married.

Is the conflict worth it?  I hate conflict.  I don't naturally move toward confrontation.  The fact that people are frustrated has caused me not to sleep very well.  How can one word cause so much unrest and conflict? 

I will pray and we will continue to walk down this road.  Our roadside banners have been defaced once and stolen once in less than one week.

Satan, sorry, you don't get to stop this.  You always go too far, you lose in the end.  Greater is HE who is in us that he who is in the world. 

TODAY IS A NEW DAY.  A new revolution is beginning across America. A revolution of purity.  There are churches who aren't willing to stay silent any longer.  This is our day!   

It is just time the church steps up and shows up and SPEAKS up.

Think about it.  Every generation needs a revolution.  Always has been the case.  For such a time as this, Living Hope.  This is our time to be heard.  To be Jesus.  To love people right where they are.  To tell them the truth.  To see God set them free.  ONLY GOD.

One word can cause SO much conflict.

I can think of another 'word' that has caused conflict for a couple thousand years.....

JESUS.

Nothing else to really say.

John

PS
SO many questions have come in (hundreds through text messaging during the service, and e-mails and my blog).  We are getting a plan, and will have things made public in the next couple of days.  Sorry about the delay, we are inundated with questions.  People want to know.

Don't Pet the Tiger

Have you ever noticed that it is easy to get 'drift' in relationships? When we drift, we lose our perspective.  When we lose our perspective, we lose our focus and then we lose our way.  That is the point of danger.

It is easy to get comfortable and in that we can become careless.  Such was the case at the 6:00 PM Sunday service last weekend.  I had been close to a 350 pound Bengal tiger for 6 different services.  The seventh service things got a little lazy.  I was a little tired and began to forget the fact that the tiger was still an animal that could kill me.  What was a dangerous (beautiful) animal became a cute little kitty cat.  Not the best focus.

All weekend I 'maintained' my distance.  I had accountability partners (the trainers around me).  I knew how real it was, was briefed (told the truth) and did ok. That is until the last service.  Isn't that the way life really is?  We do so good for so long and then get tired, comfortable and irresponsible.  There's always a day when we get tired and give up.  There is always a 7th service, a 7th year of marriage, a 7th day at the office.  The 7th day is the time where you let down.  It is that place where you think the danger isn't real, the stakes aren't that high and things get comfortable.  When we stop being alert, we stop being controlled.  When we stop being controlled we are in the most danger.  Something is always on the line.  For me, it was unsolicited, uninvited and unintended. 

When you get too close to the tiger, you will lose.  I wanted to share this video with you.  Laugh.  I did.  Then, take a moment to pause and realize how real the enemy of your soul is.  The video is in two parts.  First there is the the few seconds of 'getting' too close, and then I added a second piece, which is slow motion.  I simply got too close.  Really.  Can I ask if you are 'getting' too close to danger in your life, in regards to sexual temptation?  Lust?  Friendships?  Internet stuff?  Only you will know.  You do.  I did.  In the end Sundar is still a tiger.  Cool and beautiful, but still an animal that could have killed me.   Let's be a bit more focused in this area of sexual immorality.  Let's be real and be healed.  Let's trust God for meeting our needs. 

I didn't need to pet the tiger.  Just wanted to.  Glad it turned out good.  Next time, I will be more careful....

1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."     Could be a tiger.  Same threat, different continent. 

Loving the series.  So much healing has already begun in the lives of hundreds of people. 

Still need questions about marriage, sex and stuff.

Let the revolution begin!

john

I NEED HELP

Hey my friends in the blog world.  How are you? 

I am excited and also a bit on 'edge' about the new series, called "SEX".  The tagline (or summary) is some things are still black and white.    We will take the next four weeks to unpack one word:  PURITY.  So often we hear what not to do, but I hope we can unpack why not to do.  Promise, I am excited, but...

I need your help.

1.  ASK QUESTIONS.   Michelle and I are going to be doing something totally different during this series.  Each week we are going to look at different questions, and answers, based on what the Bible says.   IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, will you be so kind to ask the questions in this blog?    We will categorize questions and give answers based on the week we are in. 

2.  PLEASE PRAY.    I remember doing a series called "True Desire" a few years back that yielded HUGE benefits and memorable spiritual warfare.  As I look back, in retrospect it is one of the riskiest, but best series (in terms of response) we have ever had.   So, some vocal people aren't that happy about the series.   People aren't always happy, but that isn't our goal.  I love people, we accept people RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE, always have, always will. 

I love truth.  I love talking about things that will bring freedom, healing and restoration to lives.   The fact is, we aren't happy about the results of the brokenness that has resulted from our rebellion against God's plan and will.  Simply stated.   I have a lot to say about this area,  and so did Jesus.   

The truth sets people free.  We will do our best to say what needs to be said in a culture that has lost it's way in this area.  Satan isn't about it.  In the end, he loses, so let's pray, trust God, bring everyone we can to learn and commit ourselves to a different kind of revolution.

I am so stoked.  I can't wait for the weekend, the series, and for God to open our eyes so we can be restored, healed, and used to changed the world.

Truth still is truth.  His Love still wins.  It will be a good four weeks.  Hope you can help us out.  Pray and ask the questions.  We will have people able to text questions live during the services, each week.  It will be, how shall I say...good.

Don't miss the weekend and please help me out with questions (appropriate for a blog....)

John

EVERYTHING LOOKS GREAT

Just got back from the dermatologist's office.  Excited to hear those words, "everything looks great."  Not sure if he was talking about 'me' or the absence of moles?   Either way, I am good.  Happy.  Elated.  Grateful.  Can't think of any more adjectives to describe how it feels to know that malignant cancer had invaded my body and now after 3 surgeries and 18 months I am cancer free.  Thank you God. 

Lesson... It seems we can forget so easy.  I think I am the most forgetful person I know.  Isn't it true, that we can can get so hurried and at times stressed or worried that our joy gets sucked out of our lives. 

WHEN you lose clarity, you lose perspective.  When you lose perspective, you lose your way. 

I become so unclear about what matters, SO EASY.  The bottom line is gratefulness.  Gratefulness is wrecked by forgetting what God has done, or allowed.

I am so grateful.  EVERYTHING LOOKS GREAT.  When you see though the lens of what 'could' be, or what 'was' you have a greater clarity about what can be. 

It boils down to how you see God.  He is active, and present in our lives, but crap that happens makes us think He isn't 'there' for us.  He is.  Count on it. Most repeated promise in the Bible.  If HE is for you, who (for real) can be against you?

How do you change how you live?  Begin with looking at what God has done, not what isn't.  Start thanking Him for what HE has allowed, not what you don't have.  Stop thinking about what may be and remember what IS.

I am grateful to God for allowing cancer in my life.  More times than I can count, the scar on my leg has reminded me about what God allowed and what God has done and who God is.   Reality is  I could have missed all of my kids birthdays in August.  I could have missed the Rose Garden.  I could have missed SO much.  I didn't, I am grateful and ya, it is all so good.

I think it is CANCER CLARITY.  I am just not in control.  Never have been, never will be.  God is and I am so thankful for it.

Tell people you are grateful.  Tell your family. Tell your spouse.  Tell your mom.  Heck, tell your cat (just don't get close to tigers...).  Tell people you are thankful for them.  It sucks that we don't do it enough and we only have today.  I suggest a grateful revolution.  CANCER CLARITY.  When you 'see' what matters, you are changed forever.

Cancer Clarity.  It matters.  It changes things....mostly you.

Yeah, for no cancer.  Not sure about next year, but really are we sure about tomorrow?  Not.

The weekend will be good.  Excited about sharing. 

Some things are still black and white.  Some things are worth remembering.

John