John Bishop

THE LAST BLOG OF 2007

This will be the last post I will make for 2007.  I know, don't cry...  Seriously, I wanted to thank each of you who read this blog and who comment on it as well.  Only been blogging now (seriously) a couple of years.  Thanks for the comments and thoughts (as of this writing, there are close to 2800 comments).   

2007 is ending in just a few hours. What does it mean?  Other than the obvious new year, I wonder if it can mean anything symbolically?

You may know, the number seven in Scripture symbolizes completion or a finished cycle and the number eight represents a fresh start or a new beginning.

Here are some interesting things about both the numbers 7 and 8.

SEVEN:   Spiritual perfection and fullness or completion.  It is the number of Covenant and of the Holy Spirit.
    * 7 is the second perfect number.
    * In Hebrew 7 is shevah (shebah) from the root shava (shaba or sheba), to be full.
    * God rested on the seventh day (Saturday) after creation. [Genesis 2:2]
    * To swear an oath in Hebrew is “to seven oneself”.
    * It took Solomon 7 years to build the Temple in Jerusalem. [1 Kings 6:37-38]
    * 7 days in a week.
    * 7 colors in the spectrum—the seven colored rainbow was the sign of the covenant with Noah.
    * There are 168 hours in a week = 7 x 24.

EIGHT:  sh’moneh in Hebrew, from the root shah’meyn “to make fat” or “to cover with fat” which means to super-abound.  The first of a new series: there are 7 days in a week; the 8th is the beginning of a new series of days.  It is the number of salvation, resurrection, and new birth/regeneration.  Interestingly, the numerical value of Jesus Christ is 888.
    * Eight is the first cubic number (2 x 2 x 2). This is significant because the Holy of Holies in both the Tabenacle and in the Temple were a perfect cube. [1 Kings 6:20]
    * 8 is the number of our salvation and the Second Coming.  It is the day Christ arose from the dead. [Matthew 28:1-28; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-8; John 20:1-10]
    * 8 (okto in Greek) days after the resurrection (literal Greek Translation) Jesus appeared to his desciples this time with Thomas. [John 20:26]
    * The 8th day which is Sunday, is the first day of the New Covenant.
    * 8 people were saved in the ark including Noah. [Genesis 7:13]
    * David, God’s anointed, is the 8th son of Jesse. [1 Samuel 16:10-13]

I have never worried too much about studying numbers, but there is significance in them.  Each number has value and significance. Here's what I know for our lives:

2007 is 'COMPLETED' and 2008 is a NEW BEGINNING.

This is a quote from the e-mail I received in December from Bev Goldsby about this, "This should be very encouraging to you!  You can step into a divine season of leaving behind past mistakes or disappointments and move forward into the next phase of your destiny."

I love it.  I got an e-mail from David Dishroon, the pastor of Living Hope New Zealand.  He said that their big statement for 2008 is "CLEAN SLATE IN 2008"   

The one thing about the calendar and time is that it moves whether we do or not.  It is not prone to worry or regret, it just functionally moves forward.

I think that is what we all want, so desperately.  To move forward.  To know we are forgiven, to know that the past is really behind us, to let go and to believe God for something better.  I know we can't move spiritually into a new year if we don't let go of what we are holding onto in 2007.

My prayer is that 2008 will truly be a year of new beginnings, new destinies, new dreams and new adventures.  In hours, we leave a year and enter a new year.  I pray for all the families of Living Hope. 2008.  A year of salvation.  A year of new birth. 

Look at Isaiah 43:18-19,

18 “But forget all that—
      it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.
19 For I am about to do something new.
      See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
   I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
      I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

God is about to do something new in your life.  He has already begun it.  It is unlike anything you can imagine.  I hope we all believe it.

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy and Holy New Year.

John

LIFE SUCKS SERIES

First, thanks to Mike Miller.  Mike has been a part of our teaching team at Living Hope.  I love his heart.  I love his heart for evangelism. I love that he was Dave's (our worship pastor) youth pastor.  Thanks for kicking off our LIFE SUCKS series. 

Truth is, Life can sometimes suck.  Sometimes we "christianize" things, but truth is, sometimes life really isn't the best.  Think about the people whom the Bible records.  Job, Daniel, Elijah, Joseph, Jesus, all the disciples.  Although God is good and loving and perfect, for each of these God-following people, life (at times) was tough.  Jesus said, "in this world you will have trouble, but take Heart I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) .  In a world full of trouble, it is reasonable to think that people can say (and do, and did this weekend) that Life sucks.  That is just real, and what is real is a true and right place to start our journey. 

God is good, ALWAYS, but at times we have to sit in 'stuff'. Anyway, I heard amazing things about the weekend.  Hundreds of brand new people.  Mike did a brilliant job at describing the different levels of depression, how it affects us, how the enemy lies to us and how it is all about our thinking. 

Over the next few weeks, we will look at different people who really lived in a life sucks world, trusting a perfect and loving God.  I am talking to a guy who has an incredible story of a life that sucked before he discovered God's purpose for his life. 

I have been thinking a lot this week about the topic and am excited to share what God is doing in my life. It is a topic that is closer to home than most series.  Michelle has been sick for months and is seeing different doctors, taking tons of tests and we are praying more than ever.  I would humbly ask to pray for her/us/our family.  Right now, that what is most needed.  Today is a good day, she feels better, for that I am so grateful.  I think so much it is simply she needs time to rest.   

Times like where we are, where so many are can be cause for depressed emotions. 

I read a quote from Rick Warren: 
"Depression is one of the great problems in the world today. It has been called the common cold of emotional illnesses. Everyone gets depressed at times, but some people are depressed nearly all the time."

So true.  Depression isn't the end of the day, but it is like a cold.  It is tiring, confusing, and frustrating.  Depression is real and, if not dealt with can take us to places that can destroy our families, our faith, our futures and our lives. It is a problem that has to be addressed.   

I am so glad to be part of a church that has the guts to talk about tough stuff.  Interestingly, I wasn't even slated to speak in this series and when I heard about it, I felt like I wanted to, and more importantly 'needed' to. 

One person e-mailed me today.  She said, thanks for tackling the tough topics.  She wasn't a 'church' person, but a real person wanting answers from a real God. She was amazingly blessed by the service this weekend.  ONLY GOD.

Anyway.  I hope everyone had a great, restful weekend.  I have some things to share about my (this) weekend, 'next weekend' (sorry). 

2008 is the beginning of a new year, with new possibilities and new hope.

Jesus said, take heart I have overcome the world...

When the day is over Jesus wins, which means we do as well.

I am more excited about this coming year than any year at Living Hope.  SO much to share.

Rest.

John

REFLECTING

I was thinking about 2007, and 'reflecting' about stuff.

The dictionary says to 'reflect' is:

1.	the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.

2.	an image; representation; counterpart.

3.	a fixing of the thoughts on something; careful consideration.

The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected. An image or representation.  Fixing our thoughts on something (OR SOMEONE). 

The word REFLECT.  When I think of 2007 and dream about 2008, it is one of the words I think about. It works for a church and certainly for each of us individually.  Reflect Jesus.  Risk to bring others to Christ.  Reach in 2007 and even further in 2008.

There is a lot to share for 2008.  Stuff I am excited about.  I am spending time thinking a lot about church, what God has for us, where we are and where we are going.  Vision.  I have been thinking about Jesus.  What if He were a pastor in our day?  What would He focus on?  Where would He go?  Who would He do life with?  Those are the questions I am asking and trying to seriously think about for the next season of life, ministry, family and friendships. 

No matter what, for sure Jesus would be about Reaching more people, Risking more than ever and Releasing more people into ministry.  He was in control and less about 'being' in control.  Jesus was an amazing leader.  He is the ultimate leader in all of life.  I want to be more about these three things in 2008.  Reaching more, Risking more and Releasing more. One of the things I see in His life, is He genuinely and authentically believed in people more than the people He talked to believed in themselves. I wonder if the best we have to give is through simply and intentionally investing in others.  It is one of the highest goals for my life.

Reflect.  Ephesians 5:1-2 says, "Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ..."

Reflecting is really just imitating.  It is reflecting an image.  It involves focus and energy. Imitate God.  In everything you do. I have to reflect before I can act. 

Reflect.  I just want to thank God. In 'reflecting', I am so excited to have been part of a church that loves and accepts people right where they are at.  Can you believe that in less than 4 years, we have seen 3510 people spontaneously baptized?  Who would have ever thought that losing a baptism list four years ago would (or could) relaunch an Acts 2 paradigm to do what the early church did?  So simple, so life changing and so glad that we lost that list. I am excited to have been a part of a service that was planned in less than 40 days, have close to 15,000 people in the Rose Garden.  To see the news stations reporting on a traffic jam (because of an Easter service...)  The coolest thing and memory about Easter was to witness with my own eyes over 700 people spontaneously baptized in ONE service.  Every time I see the Trail Blazers play I am reminded of the divine purpose in God's Kingdom that arena served. I am excited to see what God is doing in Living Hope New Zealand.  They opened their third campus and are seeing people come to Christ each month. I am excited to see people connect in small groups, ministries and purpose.  Outside of seeing someone come to Christ, nothing excites me more than seeing people unwrap their spiritual gift and serve the God that put breath into their body.   

Reflect.  So much to thank God for.  Two words really.  Same two words we have been saying for over three years.  ONLY GOD.  They are what and who it is about.  His Kingdom, His glory, His purpose. 

Reflect can also be a word to think about the future.  It is a good word to use as we stand in the doorway of a new year.  Walking from 2007 and into 2008.  There are so many things to share.  Just can't yet.  Easter 2008?  It will be here soon, and we will say those words again.

Reflect.  Personally, my prayer is that with greater intentionality I can reflect the Love and Life of Jesus to people who I do not yet know, who don't know me and who don't (as of yet) know God.   

Reflect.  Fixing our thoughts on someone.  I suggest that with the daybreak of a new year, we focus our thoughts more on Jesus than ever.  I have committed my life to become a student of Jesus.  To use the words of first century Jewish people.  May we all be covered in the dust of your Rabbi. 

Read these words that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth:
11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us,^[b] so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us.^[c] Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.^[d] 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,^[e] so that we could be made right with God through Christ."   (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)

Really when the day is over I guess I care more about reflecting Jesus to the people around me, than anything else. I want to reflect God's love to my kids, my wife and my friends, and the people I meet this year.  I want to reflect in every moment exactly what Jesus would say or do. I hope to reflect Jesus to my neighbors, my co-workers and people I meet in different places in 2008.   

Reflect God.  Imitate Jesus.  Love people.  Risk more. 

John
One of the guys at Living Hope.

AFTER CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

All of the decorations are out of the house.  We clean things up either on Christmas (in the evening) or the next day. The kids pitched in and we had quite the little clean up day.  Nice.

Today is our 24th wedding anniversary.  Michelle and I were married the day after Christmas in 1983, because I was in the Air Force, had a break and didn't want to take the chance on losing her.  I am honestly, for real, more in love with her today than any day.  She is the most amazing woman I know.  She supports me, church, and is the mom of the decade.  She bought me a sweet as blu ray disc player.  I now officially own the best DVD player available to mankind.  Too bad I don't have a TV that supports it.  The card she wrote me brought tears to my eyes.  Her words meant more to me than the DVD player.  Promise.

We are hanging out at home.  She is still not feeling well, so we are trying to bribe our kids into cooking and making us an anniversary dinner.  So far, not going to happen.  We may go see a movie, the jury is still out on that one.  If you think about it pray for her. 

I love being married.  I love Michelle and really appreciate her wisdom and encouragement.  I am hard to love, sometimes even hard to like. 

Quite the Christmas around Living Hope.  Thanks to everyone.  I loved Christmas Eve services.  Simple, and profound.  Music was amazing.  Word on the Street was instrumental in seeing hundreds come to Christ.  I think there were almost 13,000 people at church services in like only 8 days. Thanks so much to the staff, pastors, leaders and volunteers. 

I am excited about our new series.  It is entitled LIFE SUCKS.  It will be at least 4 weeks long, and will deal with things like depression.   

Leadership Network will be visiting Living Hope in January.  They are writing a book about Mega Churches, growth trends and other stuff like that.  They will get to see first hand how real and weird you all are. My friend Warren Bird will be visiting, so please be nice to him.  He is a cool guy.

I wanted to make a quick blog entry, so I hope you all had a great Christmas.  Thanks for all you do, for reading this blog and for your prayers.   

I am praying that 2008 will be even a more incredible ONLY GOD year.

Cheers to my friends!

John

Christmas Day

In Luke, chapter 2, we read the story of Christmas each year in our home.   I wanted to simply post these verses.

"1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

If you haven't seen the movie "The Nativity Story", watch it.  It is really inspiring and incredible.

Joy to the World.  Jesus is born.

John

18 Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve services will be:

Sunday:
Brush Prairie campus
9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 6:00 PM

Hockinson campus
11:00 AM

Fishers Landing campus
9:30 AM

Portland campus (Laurelhurst)
10:00 AM

Longview campus
11:00 AM

Orchards campus
9:30 AM

Hispanic campus
12:30 PM

MONDAY @ BRUSH PRAIRIE (ONLY)

9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:00 PM

18 Christmas Eve Services.  All Live teachings.  All 1 hour each.  All focused on One baby who came to change the world, one life at a time. 

I hope everything is going well, as we move closer to Christmas.  I pray the reality of the story invades our hearts, families and lives. 

A Simply profound Christmas.

I hope to see you Sunday or Monday.

John

THE END IS THE BEGINNING

Tonight is the last performance of Word on the Street.  It is the end. It has been a blessing to see the story of Jesus retold in a contemporary way, 11 times in the last week.  Cool to see thousands of people touched by a story of faith and courage and risk and blessing.  Love it.

I am so proud of our teams.  They have served with such incredible attitudes and displayed such teamwork.  I am excited that you all have finished so strong.  ONLY GOD, right?  These are moments of serving you will not soon forget.  Moments marked with community and a sense of purpose to serve God and each other.  Although it is the end, it is the beginning of so many moments you will carry with you.  It may be the end of the play this year, but it is the beginning of memories you have had with the cast, with each other, the beginning of so much. 

I think to remember is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. You finished what you started and now remember that God will finish what He has started.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6

The end of a play each night was marked with the beginning of new life for literally hundreds of people who received Christ over the last week.  Hundreds of people (mostly people that are not churched people) who came to see a play and who left as sons and daughters of God. Hundreds who prayed to receive the ultimate gift.  Hundreds who surrendered their one and only life to the God who put breath in their body. Each night, as the play was ending, I stood in the back, praying, thinking and believing that God would use a re-told story to touch the hearts of so many.   

A few hundred people made the steps to connect with some of our pastors, sort of taking the next steps in their faith.  I got to meet many of them. We were able to give people a beginning Bible study, a Bible, a DVD of the message "The Grace Chair" and some other things.  I am SO excited for our next spontaneous baptism which is being planned for Super Bowl weekend (first week in February) at our Brush Prairie campus. 

I got to meet a woman named Rosalinda.  She came to connect to the next step and as I sat down and talked to her, found out that she has been a practicing Buddhist for almost 30 years. She was one story who as the play finished, as the message ended, it was also the end of religion for her.  Rosalinda said yes to Jesus.  She allowed the story to be real for her personally.  She, last night, began a relationship with Jesus Christ.  As she told me her story, tears streamed down her face.  I said, you are home now.  You can stop striving and rest.  You are God's daughter.   

I had the privilege of praying for her.  It was one of the most precious moments that help to remind me what matters, (and by default) what doesn't.  It was one of the sweetest moments all week for me personally. It reminded me of why I decided to help start a little church called Living Hope.  It was a moment where I got to witness the 'ah ha' moment in the life of one woman, where she left 30 years of striving and trying to 'be good', 30 years of wanting God's best, yet missing something.  30 years of religion.  All in one prayer of surrender and acceptance.  Acceptance of an invitation by Jesus to believe and receive His offer of eternal life.  I love the words of Jesus in Matthew 11,

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."  (Matthew 11:28-30, Message paraphrase)

The end of religion was the beginning of grace invading Rosalinda's heart. It is the beginning of eternal life now. It is learning to walk different, to trust different and to love different.  Religion always burns us out.  Always tires us out.  Jesus always brings rest to our souls. 

Christmas is the greatest rescue effort the world has ever seen or known. I love watching what ONLY GOD can and will do if we will let Him.  I told her, we always think that Jesus is the reason for the season, but really He would say she is the reason for the season.   

Thanks again to our amazing cast, staff, lighting, sound, video and tech teams.  Thanks to everyone who works in our programming departments, creative teams and production teams.  Thanks to the teams who built the sets.  Thanks to our staff pastors and leaders.  Thanks to everyone who RISKED to invite people to the play.  Thanks to our First impressions teams, who become the message before anyone sees or hears the message. Thanks to those who will work Saturday all day taking the set down, to rebuild and set everything for the 12 Christmas eve services (Sunday and Monday).   

A good tired, right?

What you all do matters more than we will ever know.  That is until eternity.  One day this life will end, and eternity will officially and REALLY begin.

Everyone is someone who will spend eternity somewhere. 

The end is always the beginning. 

Can't wait to see what God will do tonight.

John

Jack Frost Confession

Sooooo, yesterday, I am sitting with Michelle talking about 'stuff' and somehow we got on the topic of one of my blog posts and our favorite Christmas movies.  I told her how excited I was to share with the blogging world about her favorite Christmas movie.  I shared proudly how it is a classic and how people shared her passion for "It's a Wonderful Life".  The more I talked, the more she stared, which freaked me out a bit.  We talked (mostly I talked), and she nicely shared how really her favorite movie isn't "It's a Wonderful Life", but rather "Jack Frost".  Michael Keaton in his finest performance.

I take pride in knowing Michelle.  Promise.  Her likes, her movies, her favorite candy (purple M&Ms) and etc.  So, my pride got stomped into the ground as I moved from know it all to know nothing about her movie world.  Those are not the best moments in marriage, where you forget what matters...

Knowing each other.  It matters so much.  The more she talked, the more I listened, the more I began to realize that my problem isn't knowing what matters to Michelle, but rather at the core of things it is a fundamental not listening issue.  James talks about being quick to listen and slow to speak.  I think I get it backwards.  Guess it goes with the messedupness. 

So, we watched Jack Frost.  I watched her laugh and smile.  The kids fell asleep, I was watching Michelle more than the movie.  She is doodaleedoo gorgeous. Have you seen this movie?  A bit surreal that the dad becomes a snowman.  Could be worse.

Life is so short.  I thought I was an in tune guy, but ya, not so much.  Can't change the movie knowledge past, but I can focus better. 

For Advent (tonight was Katie's night), my 18 year old daughter bought me a t-shirt that says EASILY DISTRACTED across the front.  Nice.  After Katie gave the family gifts and we gave her words of encouragement we watched one of the most hilarious Will Ferrell movies ever, ELF. Stupidly funny.

Because this blog has no real eternal or missional impact, I wanted to encourage you to spend time seeing and knowing your family and the people you love.  I am serious.  What matters and what doesn't. 

Have you ever wondered, what would God really want at Christmas from us?  In my opinion, if I had to make a list, it would be to forgive others, love people, bless people that aren't nice to you, have faith that God can and will, trust Him with your decisions, give Him your life. 

Just a few thoughts.  Wrapping not necessary.  Just you.  Your heart. Your life. 

Learn to see, listen and encourage those around you.  All boils down to we only have today. 

Less than a week to go. Sorry about the movie thing. 

Peace.

John

LOGAN'S VIDEO

I got this sent to me twice.  Not sure if you have seen it, but it is encouraging. 

A remarkable phone call from a 12 yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website. Click below to listen to it.  It is only a couple minutes, and if you haven't heard it, very much worth your time.   

I have listened to it a few times, just because of the profound simplicity of the message.  Loved it.

Funny, out of the mouth of babes.  Kids have the best insight sometimes.  They say things that can have a tendency to make you think.  Childlike faith.

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

Word on the Street is going well, 4 more services (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 7:00 PM each night).

See you this week.  Thanks Logan.  Your 'faith' encourages me.

John

SNOW FAITH to SNOW FLAKES

Last week I get this little card from (I am guessing) an 7 or 8 year old girl named Alisha.  It tells me to have a happy Christmas and good new year.  Then she asks if I can pray for snow.  I laughed (like some of you are now). 

Then the more I thought about her little 'ask', why not?

So, the next day in our staff meeting we prayed for snow.  Then Sunday, it snowed. 

Better than the weather reporters, sorry Matt.

When I walked outside to get around to the back of the church building, I felt like God was reminding me how important my faith is to Him.   

I want to have snow faith.  Faith that really (really) believes God will do what He says. Faith that sees possibilities.  Faith that connects my faith with God's incredible faithfulness. 

There is a direct connection in our lives between believing and blessing. Luke 1:46 says, "...you are blessed because you believed God would do what He said He would do."

Mary had snow faith.  God blessed her life as a result.

Hebrews 11:6 says it best (or perhaps the most convictingly), "without faith it is impossible to please God.."

We have a Father in Heaven who is the maker of snow.  Why have we stopped believing in Him being the abundant giver of snow?  He uniquely put together every snowflake.   

Mathew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened .   For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

So, what are we not believing God for?  What have you stopped asking him for?  What are not knocking about any longer? God wants us to have faith like Alisha.  Faith that believes if you pray it will snow.  Faith that moves mountains.  Faith that asks and is content in whatever God says or does.  Faith changes things and unlocks so much. 

If He can create a world with words, and put billions of galaxies in the sky and if He can make it snow, probably He is biggest enough to help you with your life. 

If you have stopped asking, I want to encourage you to get back 'in play'.   

Pray and don't worry.  Trust and stop doubting.  Believe and be blessed.

The difference is having snow 'faith'.  I was thinking about my life and how either I have snow faith or no faith. 

Thanks Alisha.  Your card inspired me to believe and to ask and to knock and to trust God.  We prayed and it snowed.  Thanks for asking us to believe with you.

John

CHRISTMAS KINDNESS

The BIble says in 1 Corinthians 13 that "love is...kind.."

In Romans it says "God's kindness leads toward repentence.."

Unexpected, random acts of being kind.  Showing and sharing God's love.  Reflecting the light and love of an invisible God in a visible way to a hurting world. 

Among other attributes or descriptions it says that love is demonstrated by kindness.   

Last Easter we did community kindness project.  This Christmas, as well.

I think that kindness changes everything.  Kindness works.  It just does.  Funny how we love to be kind when people are kind to us first. 

How are the purple 'kindness' cards working? How has kindness invaded your life?

Don't stop being kind.  The tendency is to slow down or wait, but kindness can't be predicated on what someone else does or doesn't do.   

John

Favorite Christmas Movie

I am sitting in our bedroom with Michelle, thinking about Christmas and movies.

Her all time favorite is "It's a Wonderful Life". One of our kids gave it to her last week with a new enhanced version sporting both versions of B&W and color. Doesn't get better.

Why is it that every year we watch the same movies over and over? 

My favorite is "The Nativity".  Came out last year.  Awesome movie.  Love it. Hannah and I watched it last week.

OK.  What is your favorite Christmas movie?  And...why?

John

PS
Word on the Street will be great this weekend/next week.  Hope to see you at one of the services.  Every campus this weekend will have different, live messages from the campus pastors.  I talked to Jon Andersen today.  His message is going to be amazing. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our 3 week Christmas Clutter series ended Sunday, and everything was off the stage and moved to storage, and the Word on the Street set was up in a few hours.  It was all because of volunteers who faithfully serve each week.

I was thinking about the church, and how really without volunteers we wouldn't be the church we are today.  THANK YOU for serving.  Your tireless efforts are the difference. 

Excited about this weekend, and next week. 

If you are able to volunteer at one of the 23 services at our Brush Prairie campus, call or e-mail the church.  360-944-3905, or info@livinghopechurch.com 

There are opportunities to serve in First Impressions, KidsWorld, technical teams, programming, and other areas.  Thank you ahead of time.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend.    

John

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Last weekend, (Sunday, December 3rd) began the Advent season.  For our family it has become a treasured season of memories. 

"Advent" refers to the coming or arrival of Jesus Christ. Jesus coming in flesh.  Immanuel, God WITH us.  God with skin on.  The implications are really amazing, life changing and mind blowing all at the same time. God becoming flesh?  God stepping out of Heaven?  Being born to eventually die?  For me?

Celebrating Advent, or observing the Advent season, is a rather late addition to history.  Our family learned about it almost 18 years ago. We celebrate it as a family each of four Sundays leading to and including Christmas eve.

Our family celebrates by reading a portion of Scripture and/or a story, and then we take turns each week giving presents.  Each member of the family gets one of the five days to give presents to each other.  Michelle always goes first and I always end on Christmas eve. 

In addition, we watch a Christmas movie together.  Key word together.  We have missed some years, but for the most part it has been a family tradition we have always appreciated and valued highly.  Because of life, we allow necessary flexibility.

The person giving gifts also lights a candle on the Advent wreath.  Five candles.  Five things to remember about Christmas. Peace, joy, love, etc.  One candle week one, two the second week and so on.

For us, we have adapted things and traditions that our family can treasure and remember.   

The verse I read to our family is found in Isaiah.  Written by a prophet over 2,700 years ago to people who were drifting, discouraged and defeated.  It is a book of promise prophesying about a Messiah that would come to rescue His people from their captivity.  It is a book of conviction, but also about comfort.

Isaiah 9:2-6 says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned...  For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

A child is born...

That reality changes everything for all of us.  He is a Mighty God.  A Wonderful Counselor. An Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. 

With so much going on, our family pauses to pray together, read the Bible together, laugh together, give to each other and spend moments hanging out.   We eat a great meal and relive the tradition of advent, which we have so treasured over the years. 

I was thinking that to seize the reality of Christmas, there has to be a level of intentionality.  Intentional to give, to reflect, to be with family and to intentionally show the way to Jesus by being Jesus to them.  In a season of more busyness, if I don't intentionally slow down I miss what it is really all about, and more than that, who it is about.

Whatever your traditions are or maybe need to be, don't lose sight of what matters.  There have been years we weren't in the place to do it.  The traditions are the means to the end.  The end is growing closer to God, experiencing the peace of Christmas, and to receive His gift of eternal life.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST TREASURED FAMILY TRADITIONS? 

Maybe we can learn from each other?  Pretty sure we can.

John

Campus Cheers

For almost every night the last two weeks, we have been pausing to have a few Christmas parties in our home this year.  We paused to celebrate all that God is doing in the lives and ministries of each of our Living Hope campuses.  There were over 300 leaders at our house eating, praying, laughing and hanging out, during the last six nights.  We still have one more to go Saturday after the services. 

We sat and stood together, literally cheering each accomplishment and different people. We prayed for different leaders each night.  We paused, and it was worth it.  Amazing stories of changed lives, sacrifice, kids coming to Jesus, people honoring each other etc.

Our newest campus which is just beginning to organize and get started is Bend.  We wanted to invite them to the party, even though it is a four hour (one way drive).  Bend campus leader Paul, who was working in Portland, drove back to Bend to pick up his wife and campus volunteers to come to the party, then drove them back to Bend, then drove back to Portland to be at work just so they could be at the party to cheer and celebrate. He is a bit of a Rhino.

These have been incredibly valuable nights.  Tired, but wouldn't trade the time with all the leaders and staff for anything.  Thanks to all of you.

The vision of these campuses began out of a need for space and the desire for connection.  What God began 18 months ago has birthed churches in Fisher's Landing, and Hockinson, and Orchards, and a Hispanic ministry, and Longview, and Portland.  You are Light to your communities.  What you do matters, and God has uniquely, strategically placed you to shine the Light of God's Love to a world that is stumbling in darkness. It is your purpose and destiny. 

I want to especially thank a few people for the last two weeks.  Lee, Trinette, and Teresa.  Your tireless efforts to set up, serve and clean was so important to Michelle.  Thank you for all you do.

I want to give cheers to my kids, who share Michelle and I (and have their whole lives).  They are amazing (albeit normal) kids.  I cheer to each of you.  You make the word dad have meaning and purpose in my life.  Thanks for your hearts.  No you can't have any money, thanks has to be enough for now.

I want to cheers to Michelle.  She is one of the most gifted leaders I have ever met.  She also has the purest gift of hospitality I have ever seen.  Even with her not feeling the best for months now, she never complains, always prays and always asks how I am doing.  I wasn't sure if we were going to be able to do these parties at our house, but with God's grace and Michelle's determination, we did them. I love her more than words can say and in case she reads this blog, cheers to Michelle.   

Thanks mostly to God for all that He has done this year. Cheers to what He will bring in 2008.

Cheers to Jesus who came into a dark world to be Light to show us the way to God, to show us what God was like, to show us how can be.

He said, "I am the Light of the World."

Thank you Jesus.

So excited for the weekend.

John

Art Young

Art Young transitioned from this life to eternity at 2:45 PM Sunday, December 2nd.

Art was an amazing husband to Barbara, father, grandfather and friend to so many.  He was an Elder at both Living Hope and New Heights.  Art was one of the most Kingdom-minded, selfless Christ followers I have ever met in my life.  I met him a bit over six years ago. 

It is a bittersweet day for the world.  Sweet for Heaven, sweet for everyone who knew Art and have seen him suffer for so long.  Sweet for the thousands of people who watched him walk through months of a painful and seemingly purposeless journey.  Sweet for the people who this weekend (partly because of his life and story) came to faith in Christ at one of our 13 weekend services.  It is a bitter day because anyone who loved and knew Art asks the question "why"?   I know in my mind that God is in control. I know in my mind that God allows or causes everything that happens to happen.  I know, (we know), but then there is the frail human part of us that can't see everything but still asks "why".   

Art was such a fully devoted follower of Christ.  He was what I call a Kingdom "impact player".  He was one of those spot on guys who could step up or step in to do whatever, whenever to strengthen or advance God's Kingdom. 

All I know is earth's loss is Heaven's gain.  For real. What we can't see we will 'see'.  What we can't know we will trust for. For what we can't understand, we will simply believe God's provision for.  We will all pray for family, who are so loved.  We will support them collectively as family and we will live the life that Art Young lived.  On Saturday, the few minutes we spent together were moments I WILL NEVER FORGET.  I was crying, he was asking questions about Michelle's health and believe it or not, was talking about church.  Who does that?  Jesus did.  Art did. I hope I will.

A life fully devoted to the cause, Kingdom and life of Christ. We love you Art Young.  We already miss you.  Your memories will live in the hearts of thousands of people. 

To me personally, Art the was the big brother I never had.  I am not a super good mechanic (maybe someday?). He 'checked' on me.  Whenever we talked he wanted to always know how things were.  In my life, my family, the church, my cars.  It really didn't matter, he simply knew I was a guy who needed to be checked on... 

The Bible says that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).  It is so true.  Life is short at best. (James 4:14). 

Art lived like next week may never happen.  It won't for him.  It may not for some of us?

I will never forget Art.  I have seen hundreds of people who have been at that undeniable and sensitive time in their lives where they ask "I am not sure what is next". Few people facing inevitable death have visibly displayed so much peace.  Peace that genuinely passes all human understanding.  Peace that is secure, eternal and very real.

I think we have a tendency to focus so much on our life or our 'life-style'.  So much on what we have, who we are or where we are at.  Art never seemed to be consumed with that cultural pressure.  I was around him enough to know.  He made good, sound decisions.  He modeled the "do the next right thing" attitude.

Prior to 90 years ago, it was less about 'life' style and so much more about 'death-style'.  Less about living and more about dying.  Weird, but true.  He lived well and died well.

Dying well.  Finishing well.  Living with no regrets.  Being about others more than yourself.  These are short descriptions of my friend.  He will be missed, to say the least.

Well done Art.  You finished well.  You are now with God.  You will rest and rejoice for all of eternity.  Rest in God's arms and rejoice for the work God did through your life. Those who knew you (especially your family) will miss you, and for those in Christ, will see you again soon. 

Barbara, Benjamin and Marcus.  Thanks for sharing your husband and dad with SO many people.  I promise to pray for you.  I really can't begin to understand what you are going through.  You are loved and prayed for by so many.

Personally, I am a better person because I knew Art Young.  So many are.  People I know, and so many who placed their faith in Christ this weekend.  The angels are at this moment rejoicing. 

I miss him, like so many do, but am so glad that cancer is eradicated from his body.  I am so thankful for the promise in Scripture that says to be absent from the body is to be with the Lord.   

Art is healed (not the way some of us had hoped and prayed for), and he is with God at the very moment you are reading these words.

Cheers to Art Young. 

To an amazing friend, from the friend that needed to be checked on.

John