Avoiding Social Networking

For a while, I have avoided social networking.  It hasn't been purposeful, but more out of necessity.  Social networking has dominated my time and I have to learn to limit myself especially when more important matters should take priority.  But while I am not avoiding it entirely, I would like to offer my thoughts on social networking:

• Be careful what you post! - Employers are now searching Facebook, Twitter, and blogs when hiring.  So be careful what you post, even though it may be in jest!
• Too much info. - There is so much information available on your profile pages.  You must be careful what information is for public view and what information is private.
• Don't post when you are angry. - There are have been several times I wanted to blog on something that I was angered about.  Or there have been times where I have viewed other people vent too much information because of what they were involved in.  You can express your frustration, but do so constructively and without names (implied or otherwise).
• Your tweet, blog post, Facebook comment is a reflection on you! - I have admittedly gotten "called on" a comment I posted.  I did not think anything of it at the time, but it was clear that my comments angered and offended someone.  Instead of admitting I was wrong, I tried to justify and explain why.  I am analytical and I try to reason, at times, my actions.  The relationship was broken and it probably did not need to be, but I believe I was at fault.

What are your thought on social networking?  Has it dominated your life?  What mistakes have you made?  

Seven Things The Church Can Learn From Disneyland

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1. WELCOME PEOPLE:  The staff at Disneyland was always helpful and inviting.  They made you feel comfortable from the time you boarded the parking lot tram on your way to the park.  What would a church look like if it welcomed people from the moment they entered the facility?  What if they were greeted with a smile, provided information about the church, and was escorted to a seat?  They would never sit alone and they would definitely want to stay.
2. CLEAN FACILITIES:  During one of the parades, some Mickey Mouse confetti shot out and got into Main Street.  As soon as the parade was over, there were about 5 vacuum machines, a number of manual street sweepers, and it was definitely a neat street again.  Churches need to be well maintained and cared for.  This goes from the pews (or chairs) to the restrooms to the nursery.  If you clean, it shows you care and we definitely should care for God’s church! 
3. BE READY:  I have been to Disneyland many times, but others were new or haven’t recently attended.  The staff there was ready for any situation, was accommodating, and made sure that the guest’s enjoyment is a priority.  Shouldn’t the church make visitors a priority?  Be prepared for their questions instead of judging them, be prepared to direct them to restrooms, and be prepared to meet the need no matter how small it is.  After all, Jesus always met the need!
4. ORGANIZED:  With the exception of California Adventure, Disneyland is one of the most organized and well planned parks.  In church, I have long debated if the church is an organism or an organization.  It is BOTH!  Not only are we a living, breathing growing church, we also have structure.  Lack of organization leads to chaos and a chaotic church is not what God wants.  Doesn’t He want some order when we come together
5. CHANGE:  I was disappointed when the Star Tours ride was not available.  I was informed that they were doing some remodeling of the ride.  Remodeling means change, but in my mind it was perfect.  “Change” is the word we don’t want to hear in our churches.  Nobody likes to change, because they don’t see the value of it.  Change in churches means, we have to do things differently to keep connected to people and so our regulars don’t fall into a rut.  If we didn’t change, why would we have websites, emails, or COMPUTERS?  Churches need to lead people into change.  After all, don’t we change our mind when we have JESUS? 
6.   .  ABOVE EXPECTATIONS:  I have seen the Disneyland fireworks over and over again.  It is a true highlight of the evening.  I thought I would see the same big, bright fireworks I had seen before.  To my surprise it was a well coordinated, audio, visual and live entertainment event.  It went above my expectations.  When people come to church, we should go beyond their expectations.  We should deliver the best customer service for JESUS!!!  After all, our God is a big God!
   7.  COME BACK:  When people were exiting the park they had two choices.  They can leave the park and not return or they can leave the park and have their hand stamped so they would be able to return that day.  We have to create an environment where people would want to return.  Don’t get me wrong our church is not for everyone, but we should have quality worship, bible teaching and connecting with people so that they want to return.  Why?  Because Jesus is in those things and He will draw them near when the church is doing what God has shown them to do.

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Sunday Afterhoughts 09.12.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:  

• We had a leadership meeting and we read from the book of Acts the dramatic change that had happened in the church.  I mentioned that our church has experienced dramatic change, but quite the opposite.  Smaller leadership and smaller attenders.  But God's vision remains the same and we should be faithful.
• Leaders were asked if they were on board with the vision of our chruch.  All said, "YES!"
• Our Boomers class expanded when we combined it with our Youth class.  Miraculously God added more than what we started with!
• I have been recording my messages, so if you have a chance listen to this Challenges Part 3
• When God leads, people respond.
• We had a few make first time commitments or recommitments to Christ!
• One family filled a whole pew yesterday!  If you have pews, you know that is AWESOME!
• Thankful that people see the need to decorate the church so it is inviting to guests.
• Very grateful to Pastor Alex of our Spanish Ministry and their gifts in repairing the church.  They do it because they love JESUS!
• Praying for God to bring more people and for us to be motivated to inviting other to join us!

A Broken Promise...

It has been nearly a month since I updated my blog.  I am a bit disappointed in myself.  I set out to regularly update my blog.  It was a goal I set for myself earlier this year.  I was pretty gung ho about it and was commenting fairly regularly on the book of Acts, but then something happened.

BUSYNESS!  Busyness can distract us from goals.  It can distract us from those things that are important!  It can distract us from being a God follower.  The cost of busyness is life changing in the wrong way!  It can be destructive to your health and it can be destructive in your spiritual walk with Jesus.  Jesus said to the rich man:  "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."  His possession, his wealth, his money is what kept him away from Jesus.  He even knew the commands, but he would not live by the commands of grace, love, forgivenss and a pursuit for Jesus.

What is keeping you busy from attending church?  from praying?  from reading the Bible?  from making some significant lifestyle changes?  from following Christ?  You know what they are.  God knows what they are.  All you need to do as I have done...confess...give it to God.  He has made a difference in the world and he can make a difference in YOU!

I ain't afraid of no Ghost! Or am I?

I have been reading a book called Forgotten God by Francis Chan.  It doesn't imply that God is missing, although that is what I thought when I picked it up.  But it talks about this person, the Holy Ghost (or Spirit)!  He explains how we are missing out on the Holy Spirit being active in the church.  Francis spends alot of time developing the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and the believer of the NT times.  Then he goes on to define the Holy Spirit.  He continues to develop the theology of the Holy Spirit and then...I get to Chapter 4.  And then...I get to page 84.  Here is what he says:

Right now I want you to take a break from reading and some some time asking yourself why you want the Holy Spirit.  Is it for power?  Is it for your own betterment and purposes?  Or is it because you want to experience all that God has for you?  Is it because you love the church and desire to be a better servant to your sisters and brothers?

So I stopped.  I said, "Okay.  I am going to stop reading and really ponder what Francis is writing."  So I stopped at the very first sentence.  Here is some of what I recall my thoughts were: 

• Lord, work in me and straighten me out give me Your Spirit.
• With Your Spirit, I can do all things!
• Father, bring the Holy Spirit to Your church, so I can see it grow.
• Holy Spirit, work with in this situation to resolve the feelings I have.

Did you notice a trend?  Did you notice what I was asking this Holy Spirit, this "Ghost" to do.  First, let me say, I do believe in the Holy Spirit.  Totally.  But what I was asking for were selfish things.  Look at the two statements after the first sentence.  Yes....some of what I asked was for power for me.  I asked for ability.  I asked for the future to be seen by me.  I asked the Spirit to work within me and another person.  Those things I mentioned are "spiritual" for the most part.  We ask that from God and they are not necessarily "bad things".  We have all said things like that.  But what got me, what convicted me, and what I hope will convict you is that last two sentences:  Or is it because you want to experience all that God has for you? Is it because you love the church and desire to be a better servant to your sisters and brothers?

I don't believe what I asked was for either of those things.  My heart was dislocated from God's Spirit.  My heart was only asking for a partial grasp of the Spirit instead of the fullness and "sold out" life that listens to the Spirit.  Where is your relationship with the Holy Spirit?  Are you afraid what He can do for you?  Have you said, "I ain't afraid of no Ghost!", but in reality you truly are?  Take advantage of what the Spirit of God wants to do in your life.  He wants to take it up a notch.  Because He is God and there is no other.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:4 (NIV)

Click on this video to introduce you to Forgotten God.

6 things about family and future

Inspired by another blog, I am answering the questions about my family and future:

Tell us more about your family. (Married, siblings, etc)

1. Are you married? Yes.  I love my wife, Marie!
2. Do you have brothers and sisters? I have one brother who is five years younger than me.  No sisters.
3. Where do you live and what type of house? I live in Southern California, in an unincorporated area of Riverside.  I have a two story house in an average neighbrohood.
4. How about mom and dad? My mom and dad live in the community where I grew up in.  I work for that particular city.
5. Are you in school? I will be returning to seminary this fall.  Hopefully, I will.
6. Do you have children? Yes.  I have two daughters and one son.  By the end of this year, I will have a total of 5 grandchildren from each one of my children.  I love to spoil them!

The Future

1. Where would you like to “be” ten years from now? (if the Lord hasn’t returned) – I will be 50 in 10 years, so I hope that I will be living in a newer home or remodeled my current home.  I would pray that the church I am apart of will be transformed.
2. Marriage? I will be married to my same beautiful wife.
3. Do you plan on having children? Already had them and don't think I will have anymore at the age of 50.
4. Having a job? Begin to think about retirement and dedicate myself to working more at the church.
5. School? Prayerfully, be able to teach at a school or conduct workshop or leadership meetings.
6. Where do you want to live? I want to live where God wants to put me.

One of the best Mother's Day Messages...

This video definitely should hit your heart on what we are supposed to do. It is worth watching.

Cover

Recently, Apple's CEO Steve Jobs announced a solution to some signal problems with Apple's Iphone 4.  The solution is a free protective case.  Some expected refunds or perhaps something of significant value such as some free Itunes would have been a preferred method.  While I don't know how common this problem is, the fact that Consumer Reports would not recommend a purchase is significant. But here's the problem.  The case only covers the problem.  It masks what the problem is which is the design of the antenna on the phone.

Thousand of years ago, there was a man and a woman who lived in a perfect world.  They had everything they wanted.  Perfect weather, food, and just a perfect life.  Then one day, they gave into temptation.  They ate of the fruit from the tree of knowledge.  When they did, they noticed something different about themselves.  Their minds had been altered and they would never be the same.  They could no longer look at themselves with purity and holiness, instead their minds became full of sin.  So in order to hide their sin, the Bible says this:

Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.  ~Genesis 3:7

They tried to cover their sin themselves.  But the sin was still there.  We try to cover up our sins.  We make excuses, mask the symptoms, blame others, and deny we have problem.  We hide them by saying we are "saved" or that we are a "Christian", we "go to church", we "pray" but in reality God knows that your sin is still there.

The solution is not to cover your sin, but to change your life.  In order to do that, you need Jesus.  You need a new life.  2 Corinthians 5:17-18 says:

¹⁷Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

Don't "cover" your sin, let God create a new life in you.  Jesus wants to give you eternal life, all you have to is to admit your sin, believe in Christ, and confess your sins to him.  Steve Jobs still has a problem with the phone when you take the cover off.  Do you have a problem you are covering up?

The Pain

One of the "products" of getting old is pain.  Things that weren't a problem before are now a problem.  I am currently experiencing back problems and other physical problems that I didn't have before.  I feel as though I am in a lot of pain.

My son had just come from running and he had a shirt on that said this: 

What does that mean?  Pain can make us weak.  We don't like to be weak.  Weak makes us incapable of performing at our best!  My son said that what it means is, "It [pain] makes us stronger!"  Think about that "pain makes us stronger".  What are you doing with your pain?  How can your pain make you stronger?  Jesus' death was painful, yet it made the whole world a lot stronger than before.  When Paul was suffering with pain, Jesus gave him a few words.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.   2 Corinthians 12:9

How is the pain your going through making you more powerful in Christ? Maybe right now, you don't know Christ and you are experiencing pain...physical, emotional and spiritual pain.  God's grace is found in the person of Jesus Christ.  He endured the pain for you on the cross, so that you can have a relationship with God right now.  Do you want to be forgiven?  Do you want eternal life in heaven?  Just repeat this short prayer and mean it from your heart.  God will hear you.

God, I am sorry for what I have done.  I have trusted in myself instead of you.  I now want to change my life.  I want Christ to be the center of my life.  I ask for your forgiveness, love, and healing.  I know that Jesus died for me on the cross for me.  I now turn my life over to you and will follow you now even when I don't understand it.  Thank you for hearing me.  In Jesus name.  AMEN!

If you said that prayer, welcome to God's family.  I encourage you to email me or contact a local church and tell everyone about your new life.  The pain can now be handled by the freedom we have in Christ.

Relax...Give God The Box

I took a few days of vacation.  It was much needed.  In actuality, I have been off for 5 days and it has been great.   I had time to spend with my wife and just talk about things we normally don't talk about.  Even though I had alot on my mind, the days off from work was still relaxing.  I like The Message translation of Psalm 9:9-10:

"God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked."  Psalm 9:9-10 (The Message)

It is a delight that I can take my box of worries and pains to God.  But what about my other box?  The box of unforgivness.  The box of "things I don't understand".  The box of loving those I hate.  The box of confusion.  The box of "why me".  You get the point.  You have a box too!  You have been holding on to it for so long.  You need to relax and give God the Box.

One in 1.7 million

If you were one of the many people who preordered or stood in long lines at the Apple store to purchase the Iphone 4, you were one in 1.7 million.  You were unique and had the latest gizmo since slice bread.  Okay, maybe not slice bread, but you were in a unique group.  You were the envy of Iphone 3 users, you were the envy of those of us with Blackberry phones.  People would be asking you a lot of question about the phone.  How much it cost?  Is it really that much better and faster?  How much memory does it have?  You would have the one thing that many of us desire.

But think about this.  There are over 6.8 billion people on planet Earth.  That makes you and I, one in 6.8 billion.  That is in smaller comparison the Iphone 4!  But it also you makes you unique.  It also makes you valuable in the eyes of God.  You see, Jesus told a story about some sheep.  He had 100 of them and he could account for 99 of them.  What about the other one.  Wouldn't you give up?  Who cares?  You have 99 other ones, no need to look for the one that is lost.  But that is exactly what God does, he searches for the one who is lost.
 
 ^4-7"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.  Luke 15:4-7 (The Message)

When God finds you and rescues you, He, the angels, and all of us on this Earth are going to celebrate.  God is looking for you and when He rescues you, you will never be the same.

The Hardest Job...

I don't know about you, but I do like the show on the Discovery Channel called Dirty Jobs.  Mike Rowe is the host and he searches for some of the dirtiest and sometimes hardest jobs in the world.

Some jobs are just disgusting.  Others are unimaginable.  Still others come as a surprise to us, because we didn't even know such a job existed.  But Mike, reluctantly, takes on the job and gets dirty.

In Exodus, God had told Moses, "You 'da man!"  Okay, maybe not quite like that, but God revealed Himself to Moses through the burning bush and said, "I am going to get you guys out of Egypt.  I have seen it and now I am going to take you out of the bad company.   I am going to give you a land flowing with milk and honey!"  "That sounds good, God but..." Moses might have thought.  "What if they won't believe me and will not obey me..." Exodus 4:1 (HCSB)

Moses answered God, but if you read the last verse of Chapter 3, God did not ask him a question.  Moses was fearful of the job.  He knew it was going to be the hardest job and he didn't believe in himself.  Later on in Chapter 4 after God provides more details,  Moses says, "Please, Lord, send someone else." Exodus 4:13.  The job is just too hard.  I am not qualified, I don't speak well and people are not going to believe it is you.

I would agree Moses had the hardest job in the Old Testament.  Moses had the hardest job being the spiritual leader that God wanted him to be.

What do you believe is the hardest job?  Perhaps, a police officer or firefighter.  Perhaps, people who serve in our military.  Perhaps, being a single mom, school teacher, or counselor.  I believe all those are some of the toughest job.  But I believe, like Moses, that the spiritual leader that God has called in the local church is the Senior Pastor is the hardest job.

I know because I have felt like I wanted to give up!  I have felt like saying, "Why me, God?"  I struggle with being on fire every single Sunday.  There have been times where I have felt like leaving it.  Where I have felt like enough is enough.  Sometimes I feel as though I am a firefighter, putting out one fire after another.  Sometimes I am surprised, like Moses was when he came down with the tablets, about how people are.  Sometimes I am surprised by people's actions.  I put alot of effort in trying to organize our leaders, shepherd our church, and outreach to our community.  God I feel like leavingYour church and let someone else do the job!

The Senior Pastor is one of the hardest jobs on the planet.  There is alot of work that goes on "behind the scenes".  There is preparation on Sunday Mornings, there are visits to be made, there are problems, crisis and surprises that come around.  Maybe.  But if you are a Christ follower and you go to a local church, you need to get behind your Senior Pastor.  I am not a big name Senior Pastor like Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, Perry Noble and whole host of others.  But these guys have shared their ups and downs of being a Senior Pastor. 

Back to Moses, alot of the Hebrews didn't want to get behind Moses.  They started going their own way.  They didn't even begin to understand what Moses was doing.  As I have read his story, Moses put up with alot of complainers and whiners.  The job didn't pay well, but the rewards were great.  And even though Moses did not make it the promised land, he still remained faithful to the hardest job.

What about your Senior Pastor?  Are you make it hard or are you getting on board with what God wants to do?  Are you going back to Egypt or are you going to the promised land?  Make your choice, because I have.

Sunday afterthoughts 06.06.10

We had a blessed Sunday and there were many prayers that were given specifically for this service.  With that, here are my Sunday afterthoughts.

• We had 4 visitors on Sunday and that is always great to see. 
• I got so excited at the end of the service that I had to be reminded about the offering during our service.  A funny moment, but it goes to show everyone that Pastors are human.
• The music was great and I just want to say a big thank you to my friend, Jeremey, for coming out and bringing his band to bless us with music.
• Sometimes when you are on the spritiual high, the enemy wants to drag you, the church and everyone aroudn you down.
• Leaders are called to see the problem, develop a solution, involve others and pursue the goal.
• If you go to church, you don't know how much it means when a person complements your preaching.
• Thankful to all the Pastors (Rick Warren, Andy Stanley, and Perry Noble) for the amount of energy you invest in God's people, outraching to the community, and challenging church leaders.
• When people get your point, it is so rewarding.  When people got Jesus' point, the angels began applauding.
• We had one person come to Christ!  That makes yesterday's service totally worth it!

An Open Letter to CornerStone

Below is an email sent to members and friends of CornerStone:

As most of you know, we are having a guest worship band this Sunday. I want this to be another outreach event. We have had postcards made and the event is Sunday. This is a time where we need to be proactive with our faith. We can't go any longer with watching people go down the road to destruction. It is time we start acting like the church has called us to be. We can no longer sit down and make excuses. We can no longer limit ourselves through finances. I don't know about you, but it is my understand that God is greater than anything on this earth. God is so loving even when people are hard to love. If I remember correctly, He sent His son to earth to show us and teach us the seriousness of a follower of Him. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, His Son (Jesus) died on the cross for me and for YOU and for the 12,000 people in YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS. Our church has been around for 55 years and yet we still struggle to share our
faith, invite and encourage others, and connect with this community. That type of behavior has to be unacceptable in our church.

Jesus gave us a mission. His mission. His mission is to be the church's mission. It was simple. He said, "Go...." We can't just say, "Come to church." We need to say, "I would love to see you there and in fact I will meet you there." Make your invitation personal and not just handing out a postcard and prayer. We are called to be in action. We are called to continue to reach others in the name of Jesus Christ. We can not be the same church, we need to be God's Church. The one he established 55 years ago! The one that had a passion to communicate the gospel.

A few weeks ago, I met with most of our church leaders. I asked them to evaluate themselves and their ministries. Your church leaders have some serious business to tackle. Some self reflection and some honesty in their service here. I laid out alot of information on them. Shared with them the vision God has for this church. We can't be afraid any longer to take steps towards that vision. We must do what God has gifted us to do to get the church there. We will work hard and evaluate our church and its ministries.

So what am I asking you to do? I am asking you to pack our church this Sunday. I am asking you to make the extra effort and be challenged. I am asking you to make sure you attend! I personally have invited people from my work and people I know. I am hoping to have at least one couple attend this Sunday. Don't let the enemy get a footstool in our church. By not doing nothing or by simply making it another list on your prayers is not all that we should do.

Are you taking ownership in this church? Do you believe in the Vision, Mission and Purpose that has been laid out for you? Take the Vision, Mission and Purpose to heart! Make it happen. Don't wait. Move. Move NOW! Support! Encourage your leaders! Don't say you support the church, but support the church in action.

I normally don't write e-mails this late, but God has been moving me in ways I can not express. He has put some challenges in my role as Senior Pastor. He is little by little peeling away at my outer shell and breaking me down periodically. He shows me that being a leader isn't easy and it is full of risk. I trust God and sometimes trusting him in ALL things is difficult. However, I am prepared to follow His lead and what He has shown us and the message that continues to be on my heart from God is to lead this church to being The largest family oriented church in our mission field. We have a huge parking lot, a great facility, and now it is time to pack the pews, pack the church and make it overflow.

Jesus wouldn't have done anything differently and neither should we.



In His Love,



Pastor Waldo

A Monday's reflection on Sunday Morning...aka Sunday's afterthoughts.

Here are my Sunday's afterthoughts:

• Sunday Service was busy:  patriotic songs, honoring our vets, reading a story, and communion.
• I used little notes yesterday and it gave me some freedom.
• We had 3 people who served (or still serving) in our military.  All were USMC!
• The point of the message:  Let God Be the Spark!
• The Boomers class (aka Adult Small Groups) keeps growing and it is great.
• Thankful to see some people I haven't seen in a while.  I really missed you guys and hope you continue to come!
• Anger is not a good thing to hold on to.  Especially on Sundays.
• Make sure you are thankful to our veterans today!  They sacrafice without question!
• Next week we have a special worship group!  We start a new series and we need to be a new church!  We can't be the same church, we need to be the church of Jesus Christ and we need to start acting like him.

Acts 8 - Need a guide?

One of the places my wife and I visited a few years ago was the Grand Canyon (south rim).  We have been there a few years before that, but really didn't see too much.  We were limited in time, and if you know how big the Grand Canyon is you know you can't limit viewing this awesome sight!

On our visit, we had planned it out.  We took a few days off of work, left early in the morning and made a few stops along the way.  We had reserved a hotel in the little town of Williams, Arizona.  We had planned everything but one question arose.  How were we really going to get a good view and understanding of the Grand Canyon?  We could go online and see all the maps of the canyon and points of interest, but we still were not going to be able to enjoy it.  Thankfully, my brother referred me to a trip he had taken with an experienced Grand Canyon expert.  We booked our time with the Grand Canyon Tours companty (there were others too who had done the same thing) and we had a great experience, view, and history of the Grand Canyon!!!!  If we are going to have a great experience to an unfamiliar place, we need someone who has been there.  Someone who is knowledgable and can share the ins and outs of the place.  We need a guide!

In Acts 8, God placed Philip in the deseret.  He didn't know why he was there, because God just told him to go there.  There he noticed a man, an Ethiopian eunuch, traveling with his chariot.  Philip was summoned to go over there by the Spirit and when he arrived he had heard the man reading from Isaiah.  Obviously, this man was reading out loud and loud enough to be heard by those around him.  So Philip asked him a question.  "Do you understand what you are reading?"  Do you know the significance of the verse you are reading and how important it is?  Perhaps puzzled, but also curious the eunuch replied, "And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him."  Acts 8:31.

Have you ever found yourself lost on the freeway?  Lost in your marriage?  Lost in your parenting skills?  Have you ever found yourself lost as to what life is really about?  Have you ever wondered what your purpose is here?  You need a Guide.  You need a Guide who will lead you into understanding your need for Him.  In Him, we find direction, purpose and eternal life. 

It took alot of guts for the eunuch, a very important official to the Queen, to ask a stranger for help.  But when he got the help, his life would never be the same.  His life would be changed becauuse Philip made himself available to be his guide and point him to the purpose of Jesus Christ.  Will you ask God to help you today?  Let God be your guide.

Somebody chose me...

Okay.  Someone tagged me in their blog and so now I guess I will respond.  Thanks Becky for making me ponder on these questions. 

1.What is your favorite food?  If I had to say what my one favorite food would be, it would probably be chips and salsa.  Honestly...is there anything better and more addicting?


2.What is your favorite thing to do?  Other than to read the bible, I would say surfing the Internet, blogging, facebooking, twittering...you get the idea.

3.Why do you blog?  I blog for two reasons.  It is outlet for me to share my thoughts with others.  It is also a great way to practice writing.

4.What is your dream vacation?  For right now, I would say going to Alaska with Mrs. Waldo.  It is one of our vacation plans.

5.When was the last time you watched a movie?  Well, the last movie I believe we saw was To Save A Life.  A definite must see movie.

6.What is your favorite outdoor activity, and why?  Camping.  It is relaxing and helps me to appreciate God's creation.

7.Morning or night person?  I used to be a night person, but I am definitely a morning person that to coffee!

8.Do you like camping?  See question 6.  I enjoy the process of getting settled and walking around the camp area and visiting other places.

9.Do you have brothers or sisters?  Yes.  Only one brother and that is it.  I figured our parents wanted to limit the US population.

10.What is your passion in life?  To preach the gospel and to connect with so many people to hear His message.  The basics of my passion it Love the Lord and Love Others.
 
That is a little about me.  What about you?

Sunday afterthoughts 05.16.10

I have been lagging on my Sunday's afterthoughts, but here they are:

• Many of our regulars were out on Sunday, but that means we shouldn't be discouraged.
• Our children nearly outnumbered our adults/youth in service.  THAT IS AWESOME!
• God wants our marriages to be built on trust and not just love.
• Trust and Love is a must in a healthy marriage.
• Even the most successful people can fail in their character and marriages.
• King David's story about his encounter with Basheba sounds like a "Godfather" story.  Lies, manipulation, murder.....it is all in there.  (2 Samuel 11)
• The Bible amazes me with the stories it tells.  It is not about the good things, but the bad things as well.
• Our chuch, CornerStone, needs prayers.  Many of our people are sick or attending to sick family members.
• I need to be more committed in my marriage.  I can't lead unless my marriage and leadership in the marriage is healthy.
• You will never ever get away with sin.  NEVER.  (2 Samuel 12:13)
• God will always forgive you!  (2 Samuel 12:13)

Sunday afterthoughts 05.09.10

Today was Mother's Day.  It was a day we honor all women and for the gift and talents that god has given them.  But this morning was different.  Our church was challenged to do something I have never asked them to do.  With that said here are my Sunday after thoughts:

• We had our Sunday School Director out (get better soon JoAnne) and so I was able to share a bit from the book of Amos during our Set Our Sights session before small groups.
• The Boomer's class still continues to grow spiritually as we learn what 1 John says about the "last hour".
• Our attendance was low, but that didn't hinder what God does....more in a minute.
• Romans 12:2 is a powerful verse.  It is more powerful when it is in our hearts!
• If you want to see transformation listen what I asked the church:  "Today's offering will go strictly to evangelism".  I asked them if they had a problem to let me know.  But we needed to get serious with the gospel and no one objected.  We raised over $1400 plus.  God will meet our financial needs here, but there greater need is the gospel, especially in Tennessee.
• Happy Mother's Day!
• To my church, thank you for putting up with me today.  I had alot of sinus problems and God shook me up this morning where I was literally crying out to God.  Do you need to cry?
• I can't wait until next week's service where lives will be changed and people will be impacted.
• Next week's message focus on marriage and your invited.
• Evangelism takes place everyday when people see are lives.
• Impacting the community for Christ has to be a number one priority.

Acts 7 - Speak Out

"You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are alway resisting the Holy Spirit; as your forefathers did so do you." Acts 7:51 (HCSB)

Those are some harsh words. Those are confrontational words. Or in the south "Them is figthin words!"

This where we find a man named Stephen. A man who was selected with six other men to serve the neglected widows. He had something to say. He had something that the people needed to hear. He wasn't afraid to speak out. We know nothing other than Stephen's characterisitics (Acts 6:3). He obviously knew his history, he knew what the prophets said, he knew his Old Testament. But the one thing I admire about him is that he was not ashamed to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ. He was not ashamed where they had fallen short. He was not ashamed to point out their history. He was not ashamed to stand and speak out his faith. Because he did, he was stoned to death.

In your faith, do you speak out? Do you speak out in your actions? Do you speak words of encouragement or love? Do you speak out when you worship God? Because Stephen spoke out, an important man was somehow impacted by this event. Will you be impacted by your faith? Will you be impacted by the faith of other Christ followers. Make a decision to not be ashamed.

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, and then for the Gentile."-Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Acts 6 - People Problem

Have you ever had a people problem? Where there was just so many people you couldn't meet the needs of all of them? It may have been overwhelming and you may have been unprepared it happens.

Sometimes in churches growth can be a blessing, but ministry opportunities can be missed. It has been said that people will often make their decision to return to church within 5 minutes. We must not miss an opportunity to serve all people and we must figure out to deal with the problem.

Such was the case with the early church. They had explosive growth. Acts 6:1 says, But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

There were probably almost 10,000 people in the church and some people were being neglected. Intentionally or not, they had a legitimate gripe. So it looks like the Pastor's were going to get involved and start serving these people food. NO! In fact, listen to what they said. We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word. Acts 6:2-4 (NLT)

Here is the point. God assigns people to serve. He gives you the talent to serve. He uses people to serve people. Sometimes the "people problem" is us. The church. We are too busy to serve, that we don't seek solutions but seek prayer. Prayer is used as an excuse instead of acting on what people need.

How do you tackle people problems? Do you wait for others to solve them? Do you "pray" that God would send someone? Do you not act? Maybe the people problem is you!

Acts 5: Liar, liar...pants on fire!

In the movie Liar, Liar, Jim Carrey plays the role of a lawyer who is a divorced father. Surprisingly (wink, wink, nod, nod) he is a consummate liar to his ex-wife, son, and fellow coworkers. Throughout the movie, he uses his smooth talk to get himself out of situations or to garner a promotion at work. Then one day, his young son makes a birthday wish. He wishes that his dad can never tell a lie. So from that day on, Jim Carrey is not able to lie again and the adventure begins for him to be truthful with everyone.

In Acts Chapter 5, we find a married couple, Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias had just sold some property. He wanted to take that money and give it to the apostles just like others had done.

"For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the
money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet," Acts 4:34-35

But here is the problem: Ananias (and his wife) kept back some of the money for themselves. They gave the impression that they gave it all, but Peter quickly detected their deceit.

3Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart
that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the
money you received for the land? 4Didn't it belong to you before it was sold?
And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of
doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." Acts 5:3-4

What happens next? Ananias aka Liar I dies. Instantly. Right there! They scoop him up and bury him! Now his wife comes and Peter asks the wife a simple question. "Is this the money from your sale of the land?" "Yes," Sapphira says "this is the money". What happens next? Sapphira aka Liar II dies. Instantly. Right there! They scoop her up and bury her right next to her husband.

What is the point of the story? Don't lie? YES. God sees lying as a sin and there are consequences when we sin. Yes. But an important point is that God wants us to be truthful and honest with him. He demands truth over lies no matter if they are the little white lies we think we will get away with. Live honestly before God. Make it part of your character.

At the end of Liar, Liar, Jim's character discovers that life is better when we are truthful. He discovers that being truthful leads to a better life with his ex-wife and son. His relationships are real. What in your relationship do you need to be honest about? Jim got a second chance. Ananias and Sapphira did not. Won't you take a second chance with God so no one says to you, "Liar, liar...pants on fire."

Easter Sunday...you are invited!

My son at his best....

Sunday afterthoughts 03.21.10

I enjoyed the Sunday morning worship. Our young people were the highlight of the service. With that, here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

• I will be taking (okay I have been taking) a break from my blog posting of the book of Acts. We are going to Kentucky this week to see my son graduate from his job training. He is a US Marine. We are proud of him.
• When packing, we bring only the necessities. When we pack to live for Jesus, we need the necessities. All else is extra or is unnecessary.
• Jesus was a master storyteller and he gave us the responsibility of knowing and understanding the stories (aka parables).
• When we worship, are we worshipping to be seen or to connect to God? Check out Psalm 25:12.
• Too all my friends on Twivotion, I really love what you do! You help me worship with others Monday through Friday.
• My wife and church secretary (aka my daughter) made 30 sandwiches while my son-in-law and I got out the chips and water to fundraise for a church computer. $5 for a lunch raised us about $125! Beat that Subway. :-)
• Looking forward to my trip to Kentucky. We will see our son soon. Semper Fidelis!

Sunday afterthoughts 03.14.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

• It is great to have visitors, especially when they feel loved.
• One of my deacons was back and was serving like no other. I praise God for him!
• My message doesn't impact people, God's message does!
• We had people who came forward to be prayed for and prayed up!
• Jesus was a transformer of lives and if we don't let him transform us, then we are pew warmers.
• I learned that I am a "leper" and have been one of the nine instead of the one who thanked God. Luke 17:11-17
• An unhappy Christian is an oxymoron. Psalm 68:3
• I don't have religion, I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and you can too!

Acts 4 - Get Out Of Jail Free

As a kid, I remember playing monopoly with my uncle. We didn't really understand all the rules of the game, but there is one thing we did understand. We understood the value of the "Get Out Of Jail Free" card. It would mean that we would no longer would be trapped in jail, having to roll the perfect die number, or pay a subastantial fine to be released. Sometimes it seems as though we did not belong there in the first place because we did nothing wrong.

Peter and John had performed a great miracle in the healing of the crippled beggar and they were announcing to the world about Jesus and the resurrection. So many people were interested in what they had to say. They were receiving alot of attention and it was noticeable among the religious leaders who would have them arrested and put in jail. While in jail they were questioned about "what power or what name did you do this [miracle]?" Who gave you the authority?

Peter got right to the point and no longer feared them. He declared that the way to heaven is through Jesus (Acts 4:12)only. Which to the religious leaders meant that there was nothing they could do in their conduct, religious obedience, or other way to arrive in heaven. The only way was to have Jesus, their Get Out of Jail Free card!

Have you heard about God? Jesus? Did you realize that He has a plan and purpose for your life? Have you been trying to do everything on your own: be a good person, help others, obey the laws? It is time to be free of the things, attitudes and actions that have separate you from God. Will you accept God's Get Out Of Jail free card? Take Jesus in your life right now and experience God's love for you!

Sunday afterthoughts 3.07.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

* It is difficult not to be discouraged at times, but I must remember that God has called me to speak no matter who is not there.
* Our Spanish Ministry rocks! Not only in music, but in the numerous amount of ministries they do!
* Another Kudos to our Spanish Ministry who had 7 baptisms yesterday spanning 3 generations. So awesome to see.
* Wondering at times why God puts challenges in front of us. It is to make us grow.
* Evangelism is not an option. It is what we are supposed to do. Matt. 28:19-20
* We need to do more living the gospel instead of reading. 1 Corinthians 8:1
* Leaders need to listen, love and learn from others.

Sunday afterthought 2.28.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

*Having many things to do can wear you out, but God's love should never wear you out.
*Having a church family means alot, but I appreciate it much when you see them in action with you.
*We learned that being a Christ follower means nothing without love!
*When people are hurting, we need to help. Be in help mode.
*My grandma's memorial service was done well with songs, bible verses and prayer.
*My grandma sought to bring many to the church, when God called her home and the service was done, there was at least 300 People at Trinity Cristo Del Rey!
*Losing a loved one is tough, but our memories will never fade.
*I will see my grandma again one day, will you see me or her?

Give...Give...Give - Acts 4

I have not been able to update my blog until today. My grandma just passed away yesterday and since that time, I have been thinking about the times I have had with her.

What I remember most is that my grandma was a giver. Every Christmas she always gave us grandkids gifts. Same gift for all the boys and same gift for all the girls. It didn't matter how many grandkids or great grandkids or step grandkids...she always gave.

She modeled the principle we find in Acts 4:32.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possession was his own, but they shared everthing they had.

My grandma was a giver. She gived, because she believed in every word in the Bible. She believed in living a life full of God. She was dedicated and if you saw her, she might ask you if you want something to eat. She would greet you and love you.
WHY? Because that is how God greets us. That is how Jesus would greet us. He would give and love you. Remember to live for God is to be a giver. How is your giving? Are you sharing what you have?

Sunday afterthoughts 2.21.10

Inspired by Perry Noble, I am posting my Sunday afterthoughts:

• Prayer is a tool that we forget to use. Don't use in case of emergency, use all the time.
• We had good attendance, but God still wants more people in his church.
• I preached for 15 minutes, yet God used it in so many ways.
• I am glad I can be open and honest in the church, after all isn't that the way we should be?
• Having church dinners is what makes me a Baptist! LOL!
• Glad to see that creativity still exists in the church!
• Paul did so much more than teach people, he actually reached people even if they weren't saved. Acts 28:1-10
• I learned that I love my neighbor, but I really need to learn to love my spouse before my neighbor.
• God's love is immearsurable and incomprehensible. So why do we seek to understand it? Because love comes from God.

Peter is on a roll... - Acts 3

Welcome back! I love those Energizer bunny commercials. That bunny has so much power that he continues to keep going and going and going. It seems that he is just on a roll.

As we continue to journey through the book of Acts and one thing is for certain Peter is full of power! He just preached his first message (he didn't even use a concordance) and now he continues to carry on the message of the cross.

I want to focus on one verse to express a thought to you and those around you. It is in the story of an encounter with a crippled beggar. The story goes that Peter and John (for some reason we see people in groups of twos, but I digress...) went to the temple to pray. They encounter a man who was crippled from birth who was set in front of the temple courts (a sort of main entrance) for the purpose of begging for money. In fact, this beggar looked specifically at Peter and John and asked them (as he probably did everyone), "Can you spare some change?". He probably was expecting to be ignored, after all no Jew would even want to be near someone who had a physical disability for fear of being "contaminated". Instead he got a different response. They said, "Look at us!" They wanted to make sure he was not distracted, but he was probably expecting some BLING BLING, $$$$$, M-O-N-E-Y! Then Peter said he had something better to give him and it would be done in the name of Jesus.

So in Acts 3:7 this is what Peter did, "Taking him (the beggar) by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong." Here is my one thought (believe me there are thousand more in this story). Peter touched and helped this man. Peter, a Jew, was actually touching him. It was probably one of the rare opportunities that this beggar had from another human being. This was a big "no no" for Peter. All other Jews like Peter probably never even considered touching, speaking, or looking at this man. He was probably the most neglected man both emotionally, physically and spiritually. Peter was on a roll of spreading the Message!

Here is my question for you. Is there some relationship you are
neglecting? Is there some issue or attitude you are neglecting?

Wouldn't a touch from Jesus help you to be on a roll of living a life for Him?

I am going now. I need to touch someone right now.

Sunday afterthoughts. 02.14.10

Inspired by Perry Noble, I am posting my Sunday after thoughts:

• People need to be real 24/7 and we must live for Christ 24/7.
• I love my Boomers class, they teach me alot about myself and the world around me.
• Guest speakerers are not only a good break for pastors, but also a good lesson for pastors.
• It is hard to love when you face trials and the unexpected happens, but we must continue to love.
• Shopping teaches you alot about the community around you. Who they are and what they need?
• When we can live like Jesus, then we are perfect....until then I will continue to strive to be like Him.
• My heart breaks when I see so many people lost, and so little people showing people how they can be found.
• We all make mistakes and we need to learn, live, and be accountable for them.
• Love will conquer all things....Yes....I need to learn to love like Jesus did.
• John 3:16 says how much God loves us, how much do we love God?

In His Love,

Pastor Waldo

Supernatural - Act 2

For those of you who have been following my blog....WELCOME BACK! For those of you who have randomly selected my page...WELCOME! I am going through the Book of Acts. Each chapter tells us of alot of miraculous things that happen, but what we see is something...well explosive...something supernatural....and Peter was the one who led the charge.

Maybe you thought it was the coming of the Holy Spirit. No! I am talking about the impact of the words Peter said. He began to give his first sermon and at the end he gave what we call today as an "altar call" or "invitation". He did not hold back his words. "Repent", "Be Baptized" and he said every one of you!

What happened was so cool and I can't think of one single event where this supernatural event. We find this in Acts 2:43,

"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were
addded to their number that day."

Three thousand! The same day! Baptized! WOW! Peter must have been exhausted from dunking those folks. Okay...I am being a bit humorous, but I can't imagine an entire neighborhood being changed. It doesn't seem possible. They didn't have webcasting, email, or podcast! That is what makes what happened, SUPERNATURAL.

We must never doubt the power of God! We have the same power that existed back then. However, I think we limit ourselves....and we should know better. God is supernatural...he is beyond what we can think or imagine. We have a big God, with big Power. Are you willing to be stretched and allow God to do the supernatural in your life?

Next week....Peter keeps on going and going and going....

Leadership Void-Act 1

I attended a major California university (aka CSUF....Go Titans!) and enjoyed my business management courses. As I took each class, I began to discover that business practice originated in the Bible. No doubt! For any buisness practice I saw, I can see where this came from.

One encounter that churches and businesses encounter is a leadership void. Whether it is an owner, key manager, or lay person leadership voids need to be dealt with. In Acts chapter 1, we see that was the very first issue that needed to be addressed. How do we fill the void?

We see that they had gathered together and one of them (a key leader named Peter) spoke up about the problem when he quoted Psalm 109:8 in verse 20,

May another take his place of leadership

We have a problem. We have an important role that needs to be filled. We must find someone who shares the same experiences and shares the direction that we are being told to go. We must "choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time..."

In leadership, it is important that the problem be defined and addressed. Once they discovered they were going to choose another leader, it was a group (team) effort. Leaders must recognize that it is important to have teamwork. It is important to have unity in decision making.

Verse 23 says, "So they proposed two men...". Together they made some recommendations. Worthy and respected people were nominated and the decision now relied on God's hands.

Ultimately, God knows the leaders. We must recognize what our roles and responsiblities are in leadership. Once we accept them, we must trust God and follow through and apply the principles he teaches us.

A good leader can make things go and run well. A great leader can make thing go, run, and grow. That's the difference. Growing together...growing in God. What void do you need to fill?

Ready, Set, ACTION!

The Cast: The Eleven and a few others.
The Play: Acts (of the Apostles or Church or whatever you want to call it).
The Director: Holy Spirit

I really wanted to begin reading and discovering a particular book of the Bible. As I read the verses from Acts, I was amazed of the insight I had missed. Acts is truly a beautiful story of how the church began. You may find it boring, perhaps uninspiring, but very early on we are introduced to the Director of this movement. His name: The Holy Spirit. From Chapter 2 on, He is the Director of the Church. He puts leaders together, sends them on journey, He enters into the hearts and minds of people. His work continues even though many reject the messenger.

Over the next 28 weeks (there are 28 chapters), I will be sharing some insight, thought, or principle from each chapter. I hope you will join, read and discover what God did when the church began.

Get Ready....Get Set....Get Action!