Revival in Colossians

"Knowing oneself is the beginning of all wisdom." -  Aristotle Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  Colossians 3:15

Throughout the post Easter series, “Raised to Life,” we have been focusing and studying Colossians 3:1-17.  Many people have memorized or re-memorized this passage, including my daughter Becca.  Listening to my daughter recite the passage that she learned as a child was inspiring. She told me later that memorizing Colossians 3:1-17 was the breakthrough for her in her education, which allowed her to graduate with such high honors at Seattle Pacific University and get a scholarship from Princeton, Duke and other fine schools.  She had previous to memorizing the passage had to work extra hard to get her grades, but through the process of memorizing she discovered she was an auditory learner.  What an extraordinary opportunity that she not only was able to learn and hold God’s word close to her heart but to also learn about herself.

The Colossians passage is challenging us to know ourselves.  “You died,” it says – so frankly and shockingly.  “You were raised to life with Christ.”   It then goes onto say so “live like a miracle has taken place in your life.”  The dichotomy drawn in this passage is that you can forget that the peace of Christ is going to rule no matter what we do it is your choice if you are going to let it completely into your heart.  The rich, the evil, the liar, the con artist are all going to die and learn that they were only manipulating themselves. Honestly, bearing with one another faults and kindness is going to win in the end.

Currently, the church staff and about 25 leaders of the church are studying the DNA of the church.  We are discussing and praying about how we can remain true to our identity and yet become a better church.  Even if you are not part of these two groups the re-engineering project will continue through the summer as we have discussion groups, prayer vigils, and retreats aimed at taking that yearly stride, described in my book Astoundingly Joyful – Amazingly Simple, when we embrace change as long as it is led by Jesus Christ.  Reformation will continue in the life of the church.

It is going to be a great summer because we expect the same renewal to take place in our marriages, our Tiny Little Churches (small groups), our non-profit foundations, our all nations congregations, our worship celebrations, and our families.  When revival strikes nothing is left untouched, we are all changed.  So whatever we do, in word or deed, let us do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp5cHK7rHTw

What are you wearing?

What do Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars and Miley Cyrus all have in common?  I learned after attending a seminar that just mentioning one of their names in a blog will increase the attention you get on the web.  I didn’t, however, learn who they are because I belong to the secret society of the ‘uncool’, which prevents all members from knowing anything about what is cool.  It is kind of a “bizzaro world” to find I am the opposite of today’s cool young pastors.   But happily I am part of the church, which is the family of God where we are all loved and accepted.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free.  Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:10-11

Have you intentionally put on your new nature today?  I remember when I was a football player we had a cowboy on our team who used to put his pants on two legs at a time. I asked him once why he did such an odd thing and he responded, “Well, right now the other teams coach is telling his players not to worry about us, we put our pants on one leg at a time. I am proving to them that they need to worry about me.”

Putting clothes on is an intentional act.  Have you ever tried to dress a two year old? They squirm – they run away. In fact, I think they would rather be naked like some vestige left from the Adam and Eve linage from the Garden of Eden.

Putting on our “new Christ like nature” clothing is also purposeful.  We clothe ourselves with tenderheartedness, mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  We make allowance for each other’s faults.  And above all else we clothe ourselves with Christ’s love.  Just like we decide what we are going to wear for the day every morning, we need to make the choice to put on a Christ like nature.

For some of us it is slipping on a cross necklace everyday.  For others it is kneeling at the foot of our bed to dedicate the day to Jesus before we tackle the challenges ahead of us. There are so many ways to make that choice ranging from daily devotions to verse memorization to quiet time in prayer to many other practices. What purposeful steps are you taking to dedicate each and everyday to filling your life with Christ?

There are so many different ways, find the one that centers your heart on Christ. Be willing to change up your routine if your heart isn’t following your actions. And remember you are not alone in pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ, your church family (the same one that accepts my uncoolness) is there to encourage and support you.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypBccI8YBH8

How's your heart looking?

“Blessed are those whose hearts are pure for they shall see God."  Matthew 5:8

Our lives are full of lists, some are stressful 'to do' lists, some are helpful, and some are funny.  I really enjoy the lists featured on Jimmy Kimmel's late night show. One of my favorites is the "Mean Tweets" segment, where celebrities, artists, athletes, and comedians read some of the worst tweets that have been sent their way. It is a great way for the guests to have a chance to respond to these mostly anonymous internet bullies in a fun, lighthearted way.  I stay up late at night just to see this list of mean tweets.  It is so funny.  

While I don't have a funny list to share, I have a helpful list that can guide you in cleaning your heart. With all the darkness around us, it helps to have a short checklist to help recenter your heart that you can quickly look at throughout the week.

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6 ways to clean your heart:  

1)      Don’t be surprised when God has some work to do to clean up your heart.  (Psalm 51)

2)      Do spend time asking God to clean out your heart. (1 John 1:9)

3)      Don ‘t be discouraged if someone is critical of you.  We are all imperfect human beings but God is not finished with us yet. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

4)      Do remember to forgive everyone every day for any way that they may have hurt you – you cannot carry around that burden and effectively live for Christ (1 John 4:7-8)

5)      Don’t let others influence you negatively through gossip.  As tricky as it is – it leads to a path of harm for you and your family. (Proverbs 16:28)

6)      Do fill up your mind with the good.  (Philippians 4:8-9)

 

It is only with pure hearts that any church can be a healthy, happy family serving God.  It all starts with a group of people who are committed to give the hearts to God to keep them pure.

 

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDdfz3P_2BU

Photo Credit

The Business of Blessing Others

The Reformation is one of the greatest events in history, in which Martin Luther started a movement, one that is still transforming lives today.  This movement began when Luther rediscovered the Gospel, or Good News, of Jesus Christ in the book of Romans and reread the story of Jesus’s life and his Sermon on the Mount.  Today the whole world, Catholic and Protestant, is impacted by that reformation.  One of the biggest impacts was people beginning to read the Sermon on the Mount for themselves, it was revolutionary! It was beyond religious. This month, we began a series on the Sermon on the Mount, called “What Jesus Meant,” and as we focus on this life-changing sermon we can experience for ourselves what countless people before us have been inspired by. When St. Francis of Assisi first read the Sermon on the Mount it changed his life and how he lived out his faith. The present pope, Francis, is a reformer because of conviction in the Sermon on the Mount.  They are life-altering words.

Last week when I kicked off the series, I focused on the fact that God wants to bless us and that he wants us to cooperate with that blessing.  Even more than being blessed, we are to become a blessing ourselves that is why Jesus called us the salt of the world, the light on a hill. We are called and encouraged to spread blessings into our communities and into the darkness.

One of the dreams we have is to spread God’s blessings by working to end elective homelessness in our area. Let’s be thinking and dreaming about it.  I have some ideas and I am sure that you do too.   But the main thing is: let's get about the business of blessing others. And if you are lacking inspiration or feeling discouraged pick up your Bible and read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5- 7). Soak in the life-changing words and rejoice! Shine with God’s love as you bless others.

May God bless you abundantly.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Photo Credit

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4HniklCq-Q

Lifetime Friendships

Lifetime friendships form the real church.  Anything else is a crowd or an event.

Greater love has no one than this to lay down one’s life for a friend.  John 15:14

Throughout two thousand years of history there have been many things that have been called ‘the church’.  Buildings, wars, rallies, crusades, organizations, political regimes, clusters of political/social groups which would unite together to protect their cultural identity, liberals and conservatives, armies and social organizations, tax loop hole people, etc. However, none of those are the bride of Christ or the body of Christ.

As my grandpa used to say, “You can’t climb the ladder of success by using the church.”  The church is about humility, service, authenticity, sacrifice, joy, family, and reaching out to others that are not like your group. A huge crowd is not a church, a beautiful building with gold ceilings is not a church, scholastic degrees do not make a church, nor does a wonderful success story make a church.  A church is when Jesus is present and it is apparent by the love.  It’s when we are friends not slaves.

When my wife, Jackie, and I started Washington Cathedral we made a radical commitment that we expect to honor.  We knew it would not be easy. It fact it would require crazy love.  You’re friends for the rest of our lives.  I’ve turned down a lot of great job opportunities to honor those words.

Those roots mean something, especially to the kids and the senior adults in our community, and we couldn’t quit loving the people of Washington Cathedral even if we tried.  Throughout the years it has meant early morning hospital visits, all nights of prayer, late evening counseling appointments, and middle of the night emergencies. And for many more years it will continue to mean meeting people for coffee to encourage them, praying three hours a day for every friend, attending kids’ games, visiting people in jail, and having friends stay at our home with us. Through all these things we reach out with Christ's love.

I was recently talking to one of the sharp young people who grew up in our church and tumbling out of me came, “I so appreciate your ministry.  You are a valued to friend to Jackie and I.  You always seem to have our back.  I know God has great things ahead for you.”  Those words came from a deeper place in my heart than I knew existed.

Last week, I shared the vision of the church and shared a quote from Mother Theresa, “We don’t get clarity as much as we get trust.”  I trust that our church family will continue to focus on healthy life long friendships as we try to live up to being a great caring network or as the Bible calls it the Body of Christ.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4leT5obUr4

The Vision of Worship

Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Exodus 20:8 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. John 4:23

Last week as we began the series “Setting the Table,” we began to share the excitement the church feels as we develop our vision for the next ten years.  We are not going to be reactive to life but proactive. So we are listening for God’s vision as we find our place at the table for one of the most exciting conversations of our lives.

What will your life look like in the year 2025?  Will they discover a pill to make everyone one of us slim, young and athletic with heads full of hair?

No one knows what the future holds.  We can see the problems, which we hear about every day.  But do we see God’s love and power and how he wants to work through us?

We are going to be dreaming about improving our worship at Washington Cathedral in amazing ways.  As the word of God says in John. “The Father is seeking those who will worship in him in Spirit and Truth. “

1. How do we make worship a non-entertainment event and yet pursue excellence?
2. How do we experience the power of the Spirit of God in worship and yet remember that Christ is over culture and our many congregations will worship God with different culture and languages?
3. How do we grow deep in the truth of God’s word so we are not confused in a shallow understanding of Jesus so that people can grow up strong and put down deep roots?
4. How do we make worship like Jesus wants it – reaching out to the least of these in our area showing them the grace and friendship we have found in Christ?
5. How do we launch multiple campuses with many language and cultural groups throughout our area?
6. How do we teach people to be free to be the people that God created and loves so much, without looking down their nose in superiority turning our Holy worship into a political club?

The questions can go on and on and they will.  Because we are determined to teach people how they can have a seat at the table and engage in our community in the exciting vision we have for the future.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hps6HSiEXA

Trusting God can Open Doors in your Relationship

I will say of the Lord, HE is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:2

Last week I gave assignments to every married couple and single person. For married couples, I was wanted each couple to move towards a healthier Godly relationship. Since sin is partially defined as lack of trust, we try to not be manipulative in our relationships. It is a tough stance to take. I trust God so I am going to work toward honest communication, Christ like listening, valuing personalized friendship time.

Many times we like to trust ourselves over God and use manipulation in our relationships. In the T.V. sitcom Modern Family, the character of Phil Dumphey is completely intimidated by his “take charge” wife. In one instance, he tells his son that he is in trouble and his mom wants to talk to him. Thinking he is helping, he tells his son that fake tears can really help if he is in trouble. Offering further assistance he asks his son, “Do you want me to spray water on your eyes?" The son Luke says, “Dad, please I have been able to fake cry since I was five years old – how do you think I have gone my whole life without having to eat salad?” The wife surprises the pair by announcing she wants to talk to the Phil, not her son Luke. Before Phil leaves he asks his son for his secrets to faking tears. His son gravely says, “All the three stooges are dead” and his father starts weeping on the spot.

For all of us manipulation is often just a part of our lives. But how can we move deeper – be more honest and build on solid ground in our relationships? As Jackie and I were driving home together after Saturday night service she said, “So you gave as an assignment to ask your spouse what you do that might be manipulative in your relationship.” I said, “Yes.” Jackie asked, “What do I do to manipulate you in our relationship?” I thought about it a couple of minutes and replied, “I can’t think of anything. I think you are very straight forward, honest in our relationship and that allows us to have more trust.” Jackie said, “Good.” There was a long pause and then I asked hesitantly, “What do I do that is manipulative in our relationship?” Jackie replied with such joy, “I’m glad you asked.”

Later I was telling Pastor Rex about it and he jokingly said he was glad that he and Christalle driven home in separate cars after the sermon. We all have a lot of room to grow in the honesty, trust enabling relationships that God wants us to have in our lives. The kind of trust we strive for and need really comes by trusting God so we can risk opening imperfect relationships to the amazing blessed growth that God has planned for us.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYl1miqX81Y

Everyone Needs a Pastor

Jesus said, I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.He who is a hired hand and does not love the sheep when he sees the wolf come – he flees.  But the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  John 10:11-12

This week, Josh and I sat with a wonderful family at Swedish hospital as their father/brother/husband went through a quadruple bypass.  The night before, our Middle School pastor, Josh Zappone, texted me and asked if he could join me learn about pastoral care.  He is also a friend of the son-in-law of this dynamic member of our church and work together in the Student Ministry.

I told him to meet me at my house at 5:00 am.  He asked what should he wear to the hospital. I replied, "Wear slacks, a dress shirt, and a sports jacket." However, when I replied I sent the text to Debbie Walter instead of Josh – it must have been around 10:00pm at the time.  She texted back, "I think this message was intended for someone else."  Jackie had a good laugh.  When Josh arrived at my house the next morning his first words were: "Man, this is early."  Thinking about many other early mornings, I responded, "Yeah, it's just like going fishing."

There is a joy in helping people and friendships run deeper when you share challenges.  It has been our practice to have a pastor wait with the family as their loved one is going through a bypass, or transplant etc.  It is also our policy that no one in the area dies alone.  We wait with patients who will never go to our church just because it can be so helpful to sit with them, pray with them, and even sing to them (yes I have even been known to sing in such situations - although some request that I don’t).  Every once in a while some one says, "I bet you don’t do this for everyone."  I reply simply, "Yes, we pretty much do.  Even people that don’t go to the church."

While church growth experts will tell you this is kind of hands-on pastoral care is quickly disappearing from growing churches, we hold this as a high ideal.  My dad did as well for 58 years of ministry.  My grandfather for 55 years.  As they taught me the ministry, it was non negotiable because everyone needs a pastor.  Church can be a show on Sunday mornings where no one gets to know each other.  They keep a distance, which is becoming so prominent in our digital age.  Their kids never get to know the pastor as friend of the family. People go through divorce, job loss, pressures of success, weddings and funerals, crisis and death alone.

When I go door-to-door inviting people to church, some people will say they used to be a churched person but they were so turned off.  "Why should I get or stay involved in your church – you are obviously not perfect."  I always respond, "Because at some point everyone needs a pastor."

It was just a couple of weeks ago that I was intensive care.  Someone advised me to keep it a secret that I had a life threatening Pulmonary embolism.  I counter, "No, I need as many people praying as possible."  When my daughter Becca came to be my pastor, I told her I didn’t need a pastor I knew almost everyone at this hospital – I felt like they were all friends. And I am not afraid to die.  My daughter scolded me, "Dad everyone needs a pastor."  She took my hand and prayed for me and I had to agree.

Pastor David visited not long after and he also grabbed my hand for a prayer.  Pastor Linda read me a scripture and led Jackie and I in prayer.  You know what, Becca was right everyone needs a pastor.  Every doctor, every nurse, every pastor and every executive, children and grandparents.  All of us. I think I am a living, walking, talking miracle.  Yes, I have great doctors that saved my life and the nurses were exceptional.  But I would not wanted to go through what I went through without the calming, loving, healing, restoring, unifying power of prayer by friends from many churches.  Thank you if you were one of the people praying for me.  Let's continue being a church that believes that everyone needs a pastor sometimes.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White

Photo Credit

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VSrWRXV5_Q

A love you can't resist

Written by Pastor Tim White I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love is genuine.  2 Corinthians 8:8

What an insightful verse.  The Bible has so much to say about love.  God is love (1 John 4:7-8). Love is the greatest (1 Corinthians 13).  You will know you are a Christian if you love your brothers and sisters in Christ (theme of 1 John).  But here the apostle Paul is saying when God’s love really happens it causes a chain reaction, which is unavoidable.  Like an atomic Bomb.  Can you imagine standing next to an atomic bomb blast and someone running up to you exclaiming what happened and you said, “I didn’t notice anything”?  That is ridiculous.  When Christ’s love happens it is unmistakable, it is a love you cannot resist. 

This morning I woke up early.  After I let my dog out, and I was surprised to see my grandson, Elijah, sitting reading on the chair in the family room.  I asked, “Elijah what time did you wake up?  He replied, “Oh, about 7:30.”  “It’s not about 7:30 yet,” I chuckled looking at the clock. He shrugged, “I don't know… All I know is when I tried to wake up my mom and dad they said they were still sleeping.”

Knowing that they are leaving in a week for Dallas, I smiled and asked Elijah if he would like to sneak out for a cinnamon roll with G.P. He thought about it for a moment.  When he responded he told me he would have to ask his mom and dad because he’s not really a sneaky guy.  I teased back, “You're not?”  With a serious look on his face he answered, “I could be, but I have chosen not to be - I think it is just better that way.” So he asked his parents for permission and then we went to get him a cinnamon roll with their blessing.

When we got back Grandma met us at the door and greeted us, “My two boys sure have sparkling eyes.”  We did, Elijah’s eyes were twinkling because we just had a lot of fun.  My eyes are twinkling because I have a grandson who loves his parents so much that he chooses not to be sneaky guy.  The love that he has been taught and shown is unmistakable, unavoidable, indisputable, it is a love you can't resist.

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Take a deep breath of life

Written by Pastor Tim White Take a deep breath of life?  I have seen the first breath of life taken by a human being created by the almighty.  I have witnessed the last breath of this life taken by a loving person who loves so many.   I have observed a person stressed out and overwhelmed by problems stop and take a deep breath of life.

We were designed to live in peace in the midst of troubles.  Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace and in Greek it is eirene.  The Greek word means "join the prosperity of God".  In other words you can't do it alone- so don't - take a deep breath of life.

Moses said, “Be not afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” Exodus 14:13

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adhaJs7vuzw