Can I just say what GOD did this weekend is unbelievable. The chair of grace. The work is done. I hope we always emphasize the WORK OF CHRIST and the REST OF GRACE. Seeing people walk up on the stage Saturday was awesome and inspiring. When I said some of us need to sit in this chair and the lady who 'started' the whole thing walked right up on stage, sat down and prayed to receive Christ, I was amazed. Too cool. Thank you Living Hope for always being real and always risking being vulnerable. Sunday is a day I will never ever forget. During the video at the end, at the 9:00 AM service a guy walks up on stage, sits in the chair of grace. All of the sudden, a woman walked up and prayed with him. UNTHINKABLE. I promise, I watched God's grace the way He meant it to work. Seeing her pray for him. Seeing his weakness exposed and then God's strength resting on and in his weakness is the picture of the New Testament church. A place where it is ok to be broken, a place where we get strength from each other. The Bible says in James, confess sins one to another and you are 'healed' The church is just that. A place to be real and a place to be healed. If you hide you can't really find that. So from that one picture, the rest of the day (Sunday) was amazing. Husbands and wives, families, friends, people who don't even know each other. All of us broken together become so beautiful to the watching world. It is grace that people can't get anywhere else.
Get it and then give it. Just do it. Continue to be a conduit for God's outpouring of love to everyone around you.
I love you all so much. Can't imagine being anywhere else, doing anything else with anyone else.
John
PS
My grandpa's birthday was amazing. Thanks to everyone who came, who helped, who listened to him sing, and who smiled and hugged him. His words, "This is the best birthday in my life." Pretty good for 85 of them.
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I didn't die, promise. Sorry, for not blogging sooner. Sometimes I just don't feel like I have much to say, then someone e-mailed me and said, "say anything" Tell us random thoughts. So here they are. IO will call them RANDOM DETAILS. Isn't life in the details? This has been a very busy week, with my son David in town for Tyler and Debbie's wedding, I have been spending alot of time with our family. First time in a few months, where we have been able to be all together. Good stuff.
I wanted to just quickly update everyone. Hope your week is going good. Hope your families are doing well. Can't wait for the weekend services. David leaves back to New Zealand on Tuesday. It has been so good seeing the New Zealand team, spending time with David Dishroon (the Senior Pastor at the church they are serving at in New Zealand). I am excited for all that God is doing. There will be more shared about what God is up to in New Zealand with our two churches in the coming months. Be praying for the team as they head back to "down under" Thank you Tabi, Dustin, Danny, Erin, Robbie, David and Laura for following the leading God placed on your lives. Listening to the voice of God can be a bit difficult. Thank you for listening and responding to God. Only in eternity...
This weekend we are ending our series DAMAGE CONTROL and beginning a new series called POTENTIAL...me. Have you seen the movie Freedom Writers? Such a great movie about potential. It is based on a true story and really is the type of movie I love the most. Someone doing something big with their one and only life to make a difference in the lives of others. Our series will be (I think) good. We are planning some very different things. What if we could all reach our God purposed potential in our lives? What if we could speak into each other's lives words of life and encouragement? What if we could see in us what God has put in us? I hate that life takes away what is there. It begins next week.
BAPTISM. There were so many people that have expressed interest in baptism. For some reason or another, at our Easter service, didn't and now want to. We are planning a baptism at the Portland campus. I will be there, along with other pastors and leaders. Service is at 11:00 AM. In fact, if you can join us this weekend do it. Baptism is next weekend, and for those who request it we will reimburse for parking. It is an exciting venue, so much so, we are beginning to look for permanent possibilities. Any ideas? Yes, they are letting us put a pool in the Oregon Convention Center. I think we push the limits with most everyone, but God has given us favor and it is a go. If you haven't taken this step of obedience, you should consider it. Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward commitment. You can read more and sign up on our baptism page, or tell someone, or just show up.
MY GRANDPA. He turns 85 this Sunday. He has been asking me what I am doing for him. He is so cute. I am doing something for him after Sunday services. He doesn't know and doesn't own a computer, so don't tell him. Pray for him though. 85 is old. He keeps telling me its his last birthday. I told him, no way.
All of these RANDOM DETAILS have one little connective element. Time. Each thing involves an investment of time. Not to quote a overused term, but isn't it so true that life is so short. So much "to do" So many good things, so much, and yet I wonder what we miss because we simply aren't looking? Maybe pause and see your family. No, really see them. Maybe we need to evaluate a bit what really matters. I often think what if I only had one month to live, what would I change. Sounds a bit crazy, but it is really true. Life is short. The minutes today can never be regained. Yesterday is but a memory, tomorrow isn't here yet and today is this unthinkable gift that God gave me. He put breath in my body, he allowed my family to wake up, to have eye sight, to have words. God in his wisdom and love gave us this precious gift called today. Don't hurry too much today. Don't miss the details, the little things, the quiet things, the unnoticed things. Just do the pause thing and see different. If God places something on your heart to do, don't wait.
I am this weekend going to be ending the series DAMAGE CONTROL with the message, THE END OF RELIGION. See you this weekend, or if you are at a campus you see me, and I still love you.
Your random friend,
John
When I first heard the news a couple days ago, it was so heartbreaking. Such a tragic thing, and so pointless. I just want to pause and pray for the families and students of those connected to this terrible thing that has happened in Virginia. I would ask you to do the same. Pause if you can or haven't and simply pray. There are times like these when we see suffering, we see unbearable pain and immediately we say it isn't fair. We wonder where is God. I encourage you to cry out to God, to pray and to lament (complain). Most of the Psalms are Psalms of Lament. We serve a God who is big enough to talk to. He is strong enough to cry out to. He knows how we feel, so we may as well tell Him. Having to have all the answers isn't possible, let alone reasonable. Take a few moments and pray for those who are devastated beyond belief. As I watch the news, with names of real students and teachers, who all have families I can't believe it, yet I will choose to trust in the total control of God.
Interestingly without parallel Ancient Israel was the only nation who believed that God would help them and that is what prompted their complaining to Him. These Psalms of lament were in anticipation of God helping them. They believed that God cared about them and their pain. Listen to Psalm 88:
"O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out to you day and night. Now listen to my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles, and death draws near. I am forgotten, cut off from your care. My eyes are blinded by my tears. Each day I beg for your help, O LORD; I lift my pleading hands to you for mercy. O LORD, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day. O LORD, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face away from me? I have been sickly and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate...You have taken away my companions and loved ones, only darkness remains." (Psalm 88:1-3, 5b, 9, 13-15, 18)
The author of this Psalm (Heman) is telling God what is real about his life and believing He (God) understands our deepest pain. It seems that so many people try to sort of "Christianize" pain and make it all OK. We act as if we can't feel terrible or sad or confused. Frankly, we all know it isn't OK. It hurts, it sucks, we really don't like going through it. The key to all of it is will I be real with God and will I allow my brokenness to draw me into His presence? It is all about will I trust God or not? Pain is the one thing in life that will never leave you where it finds you. It will either push me into His arms or cause me to step away from Him. Do we understand it? Not most of the time. Do we like it? I think not. God wants us to be passionately honest. He wants us to be real, He wants to in these precious moments where our hearts are broken wide open, be our daddy.
Once I can be gut level honest with God, then I need to hold on to His promise. When pain happens, we always will ask "Where is God in this?" When pain happens (and it will), here is the promise that I have held onto in my life more times than I can count:
"The LORD hears his people when they call out to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:17-18)
Be real with God and be rescued by God. His presence is all we really need, even though it doesn't feel like it is enough. I want to escape pain, but that isn't the promise of God. Read it again. The LORD (Yahweh) is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit." Simply admitting I hurt, telling him, praying, yelling, crying, lamenting will trigger the promise of His presence.
I wrote something in my Bible that I often have to come back to during times like these:
Will I allow circumstances to define how I see God or will I allow God to define my circumstances?
Such a sad and tragic week for so many Americans. Pause and pray (I am sure you have many times) Tell God how you feel about the Virginia Tech tragedy, but also tell him about your pain. Maybe being honest with God will usher in His presence to the situation in a way you have to experience?
Praying
John
Thursday (last week) I had the unfortunate experience of having my tooth chipped. I would love to tell you some cool reason, but reality and truth are...I was eating a piece of candy and my tooth broke off. We couldn't get to the dentist until today (Tuesday). Can I just say, I really wanted my tooth fixed, but quickly noticed I have a bit of an issue with needles being stuck in my mouth (three times). Maybe its just me, but I am not good with it. It worked, my eyes were so numb they were stuck in one place for 30 minutes. My ears were numb for almost an hour.
I love having my teeth fixed. I hate the process of getting them fixed. Everything about it isn't fun. The waiting room, the drilling, the smell, the suckage factor, the pain of the needle. Ya, graphic, painful and so necessary if I want my teeth to work. If I want what is broken to be fixed, guess I have no choice. I want things good and I want things to work, but somehow the disconnect is the work that is involved in "getting there."
Process matters so much and I am amazed at how many things this concept works with. Marriage, parenting, friendship, finances, business, your job, college, etc. etc. etc. We love the end result, and yet struggle so much with the process of getting there. We want the end, but really struggle with the process, especially when it involves pain, suffering or sacrifice.
Look at what Paul said. From a Roman Prison, he writes words to this church:
"I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:12-14)
Great verse for those of us who understand where we want to be and struggle with the process of "getting there." Admitting we aren't there yet, forgetting what is behind us, looking forward (anticipating) what is in front of us. Pressing on (straining) to finish strong what God has begun, that is our faith. It is His plan, His purpose, His process. We just have to stay focused, show up for the appointments and endure what goes on in the "chair" Trusting God in pain must be the absolute most difficult thing about being a Christ follower. Pain happens, immediately I ask, "so where is God in any of this?" I just have to stay focused, and so do you. One day you will see what you can't right now. Don't give up. Run, stay focused, strain and His promise is you will receive the prize He has for you. Also, you have to forget the past. We always wonder what we did wrong, why not focus on what to do right today? Do the next "right" thing, now in this moment. Find God in the pain, see His hand in the process.
Sorry, I just wanted to share about my dental nightmare. Not really, it wasn't 'that' bad. I still hate needles.
My wife says I am a baby. She may be right? I guess we all are in some ways? Aren't we all 'babies' compared to what Jesus went through?
My side note thought... I really think men are better with pain than women, but that is better left for another blog....
Admitedly...Not there yet.
John
PS
I am really so excited about our Portland campus. I want to say yea God for all the campuses. We had over 2300 people (close to 50%) worshipping outside our main 6 services at Brush Prairie. Every campus broke attendance records this weekend. All of the campus teams are amazing. The volunteers make the difference. Lives are truly being changed. Jesus is being glorified, families are different and it is all so good. We need to stay focused on "getting there" Helps to stay centered. Helps to stay encouraged. Thank you all so much for your amazingly kind words. TO GOD BE THE GLORY! HE IS DOING SO MUCH IN OUR MIDST. THANK YOU JESUS.
New Birth. Think about it. When each of my three children were born, it was so amazing. I was so filled with joy (Michelle was a different story). New Birth is a total miracle. So is REBIRTH. There is a picture in Time Magazine's website that is entitled "Rebirth" It is a picture of the one of the baptisms from last weekend. They only have eight pictures from all around the world each week. Eight. Of all those pictures, God saw to it that His Name would be proclaimed, right along side a Gorilla eating a hard boiled egg. It is amazing, (The baptism). If you want to go to the website, it is the fifth of eight pictures...click here.
Rebirth. Jesus talked about it in John 3, when the religious leader Nicodemus came to him and asked how a person can "enter" the Kingdom of God.
"There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,†he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.†3 Jesus replied,“I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.†(John 3:1-3)
For so many, this is the abar moment we talked this weekend. Abar is a Hebrew term (used 21 times in the story of Joshua and Israelites crossing the Jordan River). which denotes or means to cross-over or pass-over. It is a defining moment in a persons life. It is something you don't forget. One abar (significant) moment is like the moment Nicodemus had with Jesus. An abar moment is one of risk and subsequent reward. One of those moments is when we believe and accept the claims of Christ.
Like so many people, it is the moment that changes everything. For Melissa, it wasn't the Rose Garden, it was watching the message online, having never been to church in her life, believed the claims of Christ and prayed to confess sins, and commit to follow Him. She met me at our Brush Prairie campus at our Saturday evening service, and for the first time took communion "remembering" what Jesus had done for her. The moment when Jesus invades your life is so unpredictable and yet so unexplainable. I heard a story about a guy who was searching, came to a "body, life and soul" conference at the Convention Center Sunday. "Happened" to hear music. "Happened" to stop in and sit in the back row and "Happened" to receive Christ. God knew, and I am so glad we were there to be part of what God was about to do in Portland. Those abar moments are so important, so critical and so unforgettable.
Life change is what we always want to be about. I keep getting story after story about what God did during the Easter service. Please tell your story, we are going to put together an "ONLY GOD" book about everything. People are asking, God is prompting and we are working on it.
Rebirth. What about you? Have you truly made the decision to fully surrender your life to Christ? Please don't wait, don't think you have tomorrow, you don't for sure have any day but TODAY. If you aren't sure, read Romans 10:9.
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Confess and believe and you are saved. A promise preceded with a simple process. So simple and yet so many people truly miss it. It isn't about a prayer. There is no recorded "prayer" in the Bible. It is about simply believing the story and claims of Jesus, confessing you can't make it to Heaven on your own 'goodness' and following Him. It is easy but it costs you everything. It is simple because my 12 year old daughter gets it. But difficult, because so many never really want to surrender everything. They don't really get trust and faith. Can I just tell you, It is the only decision in your life that matters. Mostly what we stress about won't matter in 10 days let alone 10 years. Take these simple moments and pray.
The reason for this blog entry is that God is so totally in love with you. I sat down to share about "stuff" and God led me to share these truths. Please don't wait.
1. He really did create you (Don't believe the lies, if you think you were created, ask someone where the pile of tails are at...)
2. We really did blow it and have rebelled ever since the Garden of Eden. Sin isn't something you have to be convinced of.
3. He really did send His son Jesus Christ to live (and show us what God is like) and to die (to pay for the crap we did) and rose from the grave (to conquer our worst fear and enemy).
4. All you have to do is make the one step to Him. That is a step of Trust and a step to surrender your one and only life to Him.
Please, don't wait. Don't complicate it. Don't question it (Today is the day of salvation). Don't overthink it (we aren't really that smart, at least I'm not, I can't even understand gravity, let alone His plan to redeem us). Just take these few moments and pray to receive His gift of eternal life and a life of peace. When I prayed this prayer, it changed everything for me.
"...to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12)
Pray this prayer:
Jesus, I believe you really died for me. I believe you really did rise from the grave after three days. I believe that you love me and I ask you to come into my heart right now, to be my leader and my forgiver. I commit my life to you. I turn from the old ways. I repent and turn in a new direction, toward life and grace and love. I am your disciple and will follow you the rest of my life.....AMEN.
If you prayed this prayer, you have been miraculously "reborn" into the family and Kingdom of God. Congratulations. You are now his son or daughter. The best days of your life are in front of you. Begin to study the Bible (our fresh start with God studies will help you). Tell someone and if we can send you a Bible or answer any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. If you prayed, please tell us on this blog or e-mail me personally at johnb@livinghopechurch.com.
Rebirth. What an incredible miracle. For someone reading this, the most incredible miracle in the universe just happened in your life. You are a new person. I am glad for you, and the Bible says that Heaven is rejoicing. To all who become Christians, the Bible says you are a new person. Amazing.
Miracles still happen. Some did today.
John
Thank you Living Hope.
What a great weekend to pause and to thank God for all that He has done.
Living Hope Portland is officially off the ground and launched. We had our opening first soft launch today in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center. Must admit, never been in the Convention Center, and it is an incredible venue, with so many opportunities. So excited. Thank you to everyone who came and were part of this next chapter of our ONLY GOD existence.
700 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE ON OUR FIRST PRE LAUNCH DAY!!! ONLY GOD.
Thank you Pastors Rick, Will and Bruce for your heart for Portland. Thank you worship and band team members. Thank you technical teams, programming teams, first impression teams, KidsWorld teams, and all the volunteers that made this first service so memorable.
We need help organizing, setting up, tearing down and following up with hundreds of people that are making their home at Living Hope.
I asked God to give me a heart for Portland, for the city and for the people. He did, and the best days are in front of us.
I am short on words these days. God is doing so much.
I still hear so many stories from our day in the Rose Garden. I pray to God we never forget. It would be so easy to do that. I was at a Blazer game this last week, and all I could do was sit there and be amazed of what God did.
Still remembering. Still grateful. Still humbled. Still crazy in Love with Jesus.
John
PS
You gotta come and be part of the Portland campus this week. We start setting up at the Convention center at 8:00 AM. Service starts at 11:00 AM. I will be there live every week. Dave will be leading worship there live. I hope to be at Brush Prairie at both the 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM services. If you can, invite your co-workers and family and friends. It is such a good venue.
I just want to say God has done so much in the lives of so many people and families. I have heard so many stories of how God has changed someone's life. Thank you for your comments on the last blog entry. I hear stories about how God is restoring marriages. I hear about people hearing the message and RESPONDING in faith and repentance to Jesus. Your faith in Christ is making ripples around you. I love that. I just want to say to everyone who has decided to really follow Christ. Don't give up. Don't let what God has begun be diminished by what the world does or says. We can so easily listen to the words of the enemy. We can so easily put our eyes on people. We can allow words sometimes to hurt us or discourage us. I just want to tell you to put your eyes on the One who died for you. Keep making ripples. Keep telling people. Keep being kind. Keep praying. Ripples really do matter.
I have been thinking about these words from Hebrews:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I love that passage so much. It is a "making ripples" passage in Scripture. So many people watching (The cloud of witnesses). So much on the line. To finish the race, it is really about Eliminating and Concentrating. Eliminate what isn't necessary in running the race of faith. Doubt, discouragement, etc. Eliminate the sin that weighs you down. Eliminate stuff that doesn't matter. Concentrate on Jesus. It seems in this life, our focus (concentration) can be so easily challenged. I hope we can always stay centered, stay focused and really concentrate on Him. If you are a new or newer person to faith can I just tell you you will get to the point where you will want to quit. Promise. Welcome to life. People and stuff can so easily distract us from the real "race" which is running for God's purpose and plan. You have to just slowly eliminate what slows you down or stops you from running and then concentrate on Jesus. When you do and only when you do will you be able to not quit.
I love what God started in you. He started a relationship with you. He began and promises to 'perfect' or complete your faith. You have to believe that by not quitting. He began in you something that is amazing. Don't let the world or people steal it, OK?
I would love to hear stories of how God is changing lives. If you can share them. The e-mails I am getting are awesome, I hope some can be shared in this blog.
Thanks again to everyone who did so much.
John
PS
I would love to see a couple hundred people join me at the Convention Center. E-mail if you can.
I wanted to take a moment and just tell everyone how amazed I am by your faith. There were well over 14,000 people in the Rose Garden arena. In addition, there were over 700 baptisms. The arena is now marked by God for God and His glory. We will always remember.
I feel so completely overwhelmed I am struggling to stop crying and trying so hard to articulate what is in my heart. That is why I have waited so long to blog. I SIMPLY DON'T HAVE WORDS. Everyone did so much. Kidsworld leaders and band members. You guys are such a blessing. Kids really loved it. I was so proud of each of you. Thanks for giving so much. Ministry leaders, your 'booths' looked so good, and people seemed so engaged. Good job. Dondi, Faune, Ginger and the others who led the army of volunteers. You are Jesus to this world, don't ever let anyone tell you different. Dondi, having you baptize with me was something I will never forget. Roy, Teresa, Aaron and the others who directed the programming. The service was incredible. Roy I will say it again. God knew what we didn't months ago. Thanks for listening. I was so undone when the cross came up. The lighting, technical details, precision and excellence is just like each of you every week. Every week. Teresa, please now rest. You did so good, as you always do. You have such amazing vision for what 'can be.' I love that. Dave, the worship team, the band and the choir. The joy on your faces as you worshipped Jesus? I really have no words, except thanks for leading us into the very presence of God today. Preston, have you seen yourself on the news? Dave. Best friends for almost 30 years. The Rose Garden? You looked so natural up there. You have always been there, and now we have a new memory. Rick and Duane. How could we have known what God was going to do? 7 years ago we were meeting in a grange, just trying to organize the next potluck? Ya. Thanks for everything. I love you guys so much. Rick, each week you help me with message prep. Duane, you knew and said Rose Garden. Guess you get the last laugh. I will never forget our drive across the I-5 Bridge. Thanks for believing in me Duane. You really do so much. I don't deserve your friendship. Trinette. You have the most amazing gifts of serving I have ever seen in anyone. Thanks to you net. Carly. You always bring a smile to me. You are always there. Thanks. Missy. You just keep us all centered and focused. Thanks for all you always do.
Staff and volunteers. When I left last night and so many were still there at almost midnight? You get what it is about and you work so tirelessly. I love you so much. You came early, you stayed late and I just love that we all get to do this together. Eric and Eric. You both did so much with such joy. Thank you for staying focused and centered through it all. Your resolve and attitudes were awesome. God was glorified. Randy. Your team did so well. Thanks. To everyone else who did so much. God knows. Every job is important. Nathan and the video team. Alot of sleepless nights? I am in awe of how God has blessed each of you so much. Nathan, you are becoming such a good leader. You did your first commercial? Too cool. David the Rhino? You have a new calling in life. Cheryl, and the web team. You worked so hard to get the new site up. Your hearts are amazing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Prayer team. You are the unseen heroes of this whole thing. Your prayers move Heaven. Thanks. John, Becky, Karl and Heidi. Thanks for praying for us. I am so humbled and so grateful at the same time. Promise it is all so good.
Pastors. You just amaze me. Seeing what God did through your lives. We will never forget these moments. Don't let them pass too soon. The best days are still in front of us if we keep our focus on Jesus Christ. Will, glad to have you on board brother. Next week we begin a new work for God in Portland Oregon at the Convention Center. Yeah God.
George and the whole team of people who handed out 7000 water bottles and hundreds of signs. Unbelievable. I wonder who in Heaven will thank one of you for that water, and invitation that led to eternal life? I heard stories of people who came because of a water bottle invitation. ONLY GOD. Joey, you are so gifted and now can rest in the fact you will spend eternity with Christ. Thanks for letting me baptize you.
Living Hope. You believed for your friends and family. You sacrificed. Remember I said we would know it was worth it? It is and it was. Right? The tears of surrender and joy were incomparable. You risked. We together saw history be made and we will never be the same. I love you and will say it again. I can't imagine being anywhere else, doing anything else with anyone else. We have so much to still do for God, but now it is time to celebrate (and we will). It is time to rest, to collect our thoughts. To thank God again and again and again. To keep being Jesus to the world.
Michelle. You are my best friend. You see the worst in me, the best in me and always love me the most. I don't know how you do it. Really. I watched you sleep last night, promise and thought I so don't deserve you. I love you so much. So much. You helped me to find my way to Jesus. You have shown me how to live for Him. I only love Jesus more.
Jesus. It is all about YOU. Your name, your glory and your plan to save so many people. Thanks for letting us be a small part. Jesus paid it all...all to Him I owe... I love you. You have saved me and have given me (us) purpose. You promised to build YOUR church. You are, and we have seen so many lives changed to your glory. Thank you for coming into our world.
Can I just say that I know I can't name everyone, and want to thank everyone. You all gave and gave and gave. So many deaf people here today. So many hispanic people hearing the message live. With over 100 staff and 1000 volunteers, I can't think of everything, but wanted to thank everyone. You all did so amazing. the longer I write, the more people I think of, so we will keep adding people and as we thank them we honor God. Please help me, so we don't forget anyone. EVERYONE IN A BLUE SHIRT. THANK YOU. Photography teams, thank you. Our financial teams, usher teams, and others who literally sacrificed seeing the service. You know who you are and God knows how you gave. He will bless you. Thank you. Also, to those who financially sacrificed to make this happen. Words aren't enough.
I just don't want to forget these precious, history making, God honoring moments.
ONE LAST GROUP OF PEOPLE. To the hundreds of people who left because there was no room (except in the 300 level) and no parking, I am sorry for any inconvenience this has caused you and/or your family. I heard so many stories, and apologize. The big venue is new for us, and if you got offended, please know that isn't our heart. Please consider coming to one of our campuses in Clark County, Longview or our newest campus at the Portland Convention Center. Let me at least buy you a Starbucks?
Living Hope, rest now.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
john
PS
Portland Convention Center this Sunday at 11:00 AM. If you can join me, or if you want to help, e-mail the church. It will be amazing. We are working out little details, and will reimburse parking for anyone who requests it.
CLARIFICATION: I will be at Brush Prairie for all Saturday services and Sunday at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. We will be continuing in the series DAMAGE CONTROL, talking about the problem of hypocrisy. Don't miss this weekend. If you can go and celebrate with our campuses that our celebrating one year!
I am in awe. So much has happened today. If you were at the Rose Garden you know. I truly have been pausing, reflecting, thanking God and today I was as close to speechless as I get.
There were close to 1000 people there today, preparing. I just can't get over how big it all is. The Rose Garden? I love seeing God work in your lives. I just do. I love being around people who aren't content with the picture on the wall version of Jesus. Followers who are courageous and contagious. I got to the Rose Garden around 11:00 AM. There was so much going on everywhere. Everywhere. Staging, pool set up, chairs, sound, lighting, video. prayer teams praying. Then we worshipped and I just was undone. We will be for the first time as a church together under one roof. For seven years we have been doing multiple services, for 12 months in multiple locations. All together, in a few hours as of this post.
It will all be over in 10 hours, but so much begins. New life for hundreds of people. "To all who receive and believe they are given the right to become children of God." John 1:12
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that those who become Christians become new persons. NEW! I love that so much. The eternal destination of so many is about to be changed. Then, their lives will begin to reflect Jesus Christ.
I want to sleep, can't sleep but need to sleep.
Be early.
John
PS
We will be on the news live, on channel 8 (KGW) at 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM Sunday morning. Isn't that just like God, to have the news cover things before the service begins?
So in the midst of just so much chaos, I was able to watch my daughter Hannah jump on the trampoline (Sidenote: can you get exercise just watching others sweat?)
The whole pause thing works. I hope you will do it. I hope you are doing it. I love the every hour pause for 6 minutes (thanks Becky). Give God back the time and watch what He gives you in return.
In "pausing" and preparing my heart for the message, I was able to look back 12 months ago to a time when I was dealing with health issues, and in the uncertainty of those moments, I found strength in God. Maybe some of you right now need these words:
"Yet I still belong to you; you are holding my right hand, You will keep on guiding me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; his is mine forever." (Psalm 73:23-26)
I read those verses over and over last year, through tears of uncertainty I kept asking and answering the question is God really bigger than cancer? Is God there for me, Is He enough? In the asking, I found the answer. It was a whole lot of "pausing" that got me there. I found what my heart needed. I found a God so in love with me. I found grace beyond words and love from people around me beyond what I ever deserved. I found out what it means to follow and what it means to be carried. I found out what being scared was really about and how in being real with my heart, God was so there for me. I found out He always is, ya know. "...but God remains the strength of my heart..." I love that.
I love you guys, really. I love what we are doing but more than all of it, I love knowing how loved you are, no matter if you act like it or if you think you deserve it. I love how in love with you Jesus is.
See ya in 48 hours. Pause if you can. Remember, reflect, breathe and "be"
John
PS
Thank you prayer team. We couldn't do it without you. You are the unseen heroes and warriors. It matters.
I want to pause from Rose Garden for 12 hours and just thank Mike White (Senior Pastor for Hockinson Community Church) for his Kingdom mindedness. I paused from everything going to thank God for Mike for his incredible encouragement for his contagious faith. He was with us at our staff meeting. When we sang the old hymn (one of my favorites) The Old Rugged Cross, I looked over and here is Mike sitting there with tears streaming down his face, worshipping Jesus. "I will cling to the old rugged cross..." He was, I was blessed, he is one of my heroes, as are the staff at Living Hope. You are all doing so well. Please know in the end, every job is important. Every detail matters and without what you have done, we wouldn't be where we are. OK? I love you so much. There are so many details, but instead of focusing on that, I focused on them. Today, I paused. I just watched them sing, I quietly thanked God for their faith, their friendship and our family. It was great to watch them sing, pray and love God. It blessed me so much.
We paused for a few precious moments today as a staff to reflect, to remember what God has done, to think about what Easter means to "us". We went over a few little details and we ate lunch together. We sang together, it was worth it. Pausing always is.
I think so often we are trying to be where we aren't and in the process miss where we really are. Last night I was a bit overwhelmed by the reality of it all. Today. although stress wasn't completely absent, neither was holy pausing. We just need to pause to be where we are. We need to pause to remember it isn't our battle, it is God's. We need to pause as single adults to pursue His love, more than that of a human. We need to pause as students to think about how grateful we are for the parent(s) God has blessed us with. We need to pause to tell them, they want to know. We need to pause in our marriages to ask, is this worth it? See the person whom you love, not the issue. Really, in the end, does this conflict matter? We need to pause to "see" the person whom God created in His image. No, not see them, "SEE" them. Watch them breathe, look at them and know God made them in His image. We need to pause and realize how stinkin temporary life is. Pause, and don't change the channel from disney. It's ok, the kids will grow and you will then wish you hadn't. Pause and right now go tell your kids you are proud of them. I am so proud of my kids. So proud. Tell them, they can't read your mind and they need to hear you SAY the words. Promise, it matters so much. Pause and do it now.
Today I paused. It was priceless. Pausing is a spiritual training kind of thing. I (we) need to do it better and do it more.
Pause and take a deep breath. He controls the very air you are breathing. He is your God, you are His daughter or son. What matters more?
Pause and tell God.
OK, I paused now there is 59 hours...
John
PS
Pray for all the churches in and around Vancouver/Portland. I never want us to be so busy we forget that it is about God's Kingdom and His bride (us/the church)
You have to pause to be thankful....
Do it. For real...
Ever have that butterfly feeling? Ya, well, I have it right now....
As I am typing this, an Easter service in the Rose Garden arena will begin. In 72 hours, there will be hundreds of cars pulling in to three different parking lots. In 72 hours, we will be getting ready to worship the One who put breath in our bodies. We will lift up the name, That Name, the Name that is above every other Name. The Name of Jesus will be lifted up high in the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. History will be made, but in the end all of history is His-story. In 72 Hours, a vision that was driven by your sacrifices will become reality. In 72 hours, we will cheer, we will sing, we will cry (as I am now), we will make God's voice a little bit louder.
Ya, the butterfly feeling? Well, for me they are more like hummingbirds.
72 hours
john
PS
Please keeping praying. We don't want to just finish well, we want to finish 'strong' for God. There are people right now at the Rose Garden and around the arena handing out flyers, water bottles and holding up signs. Ya, yesterday our Rhino mascot was at the Garden handing out flyers as well.
I just feel like we need to keep praying. It seems Satan is a over sized mosquito and I am tired of his stupid, predictable attacks. PRAY. I wanted to forward an e-mail from David Adams, who has been a friend of Living Hope and me. Good words...
John-It was good to briefly see you a few weeks ago. Just wanted you to know
I am praying for you and
the work God is going to do at Living Hope this weekend.
This is a good excuse for me to pray because my prayer life has been
suffering lately. So thanks for giving me a
great reason to pray and get back on track for where God wants me in my
prayer life.
Only God- remember that means you must rely completely on Him when you
or "the team" begin to get stressed out
and/or if unexpected things come up. He really is going to show up!!!
It's not just people in the Northwest who are praying for you!!!
The Spirit of God will empower you and transform lives.
David Adams
The Spirit of the Lord will empower you and transform lives. That preaches.
Thanks David. Living Hope. Pray.
me
I just got back from a Blazer game. They won. I can't believe how big the Rose Garden is. There were a group of us. There is so much going on. I thought I understood it until tonight. Oh boy.
The words ONLY GOD have a whole new meaning.
john
OK, so today we just finished programming for the weekend. Can I just say W.O.W.
The worship, the videos, 4 pools, 5,000 gift bags for kids (going by my office earlier on a forklift to be loaded on the semi), so much prayer, so many volunteers and so totally ONLY GOD.
There is so much to do in the next few days, but I am learning the joy is in the journey. Take a deep breath, thank God for all He has done in your life and ask Him what is the next right thing for you to do. Enjoy the journey, find joy in the steps you take each day.
I know it is a bit random, but just my thoughts for where we are at, and where I think God wants us to be.
One of the verses I have been "again" meditating on is 2 Corinthians 11:3, "But I fear that you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ..."
Fight to keep joy. Enjoy your kids. Love them. I just had Hannah read me an amazing short little (4 page) story she wrote. It was one of the highlights of my day. She is 12 and will soon be grown up and gone. Time goes so stinkin fast. I know it seems a bit "out of place" but with so much going on, I just want to not lose perspective of what matters, ya know.
Almost there.
John
PS
Pastor George is going to be in Portland doing some last minute advertising efforts. If you can help him, please e-mail him or call the church office 360-944-3905.
Our Kids program is going to be amazing. Thank you Pam, Christie, Dondi and so many others who are helping. Katie, you will do great leading worship. Volunteers, we are almost there (by the way, parking is free on Saturday...)
Thanks to Roy Fisher. You are such a gift. Promise. I ask stupid questions and with such grace you give confident answers. Screens that are 13 x 24?
Are you getting baptized? Please register if you can. If you have questions, call or go on line for a good explanation of what it means and what it doesn't. Families can be baptized together. Friends can be with friends (and should be). There will be four pools, and thousands of gallons of water. Call if we can help you answer questions.
Everyone is invited (we have had that question?) Parking is free, admission is free, gifts for kids are free and history will be made. I hope you will take the risk for these last few days.
Hug your dog. He can't come, sorry.
Sometimes plans change. I Just got off the phone and got a bit of news...
It is interesting how we make 'plans' but it is the 'purposes' of God that always prevail. Sometimes you have to be just open to what He is doing.
A couple announcements.
1. We are not going to be on 24 tonight. There was a snafu on with FOX network, so no go for 24. BUT, they are putting us on the number one show on prime time TV on Tuesday night at 9:00 PM. The show is HOUSE, it has more than double the audience (200,000 more people watch HOUSE than 24) and because it was their bad, the price is the same. YEAH GOD.
2. The Georgene Rice Show (which airs 3:00 - 6:00 PM on FM 93.9)
I will be on her interviewed on her radio program (via phone) at 5:30 PM today (Monday). If you have a chance, listen to her show (or at least at 5:30). Great talk show, they want to talk about the Rose Garden, Easter and ONLY GOD.
I wanted to thank Gene Joner, who is the Producer for our Radio Ministry (LIVING REAL Ministries)
Currently we have 6 programs each week you can listen to:
Sundays 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Last weeks message is replayed on KPDQ 93.9
Monday - Friday EACH DAY 5:00-5:30 PM
Older 'archived' messages are played each day on True Talk AM 800
You can also download the weekend message (unedited version) for no charge on a PODCAST. It is MP3 and is in I-Tunes. Also, older messages can be accessed on my blog. Click here to link direct to Living Real Podcast. Click here to download iTunes.
Thank you Gene. You have been here since almost day one. You have seen what ONLY GOD can do. Thanks for helping to lead this ministry. I meet people each weekend, who are so grateful for the radio ministry.
Hope you are having a good Monday. Hope I am not blogging too much for you. Thanks for keeping up and for praying.
Who are you bringing to the Garden??? Have you made the invite???
5 DAYS, 19 HOURS...
John
PS
Services were all good this weekend. I want to especially thank the 1 PM service. Your energy and passion so fires me up. It is mostly the service that gets recorded for DVD distribution and the one that gets put on the Internet. I really appreciate everyone, and just wanted to thank that service. OK?
GREETINGS FROM REV. JOHN BISHOP
I wanted to forward a letter and and two e-mails I received today. They are just a few results of the power and influence of Kindness. The letter is from the Portland Fire Station 4. Your cards to the Firefighters have made a big difference. You are changing the world, one act of kindness at a time. One of the e-mails touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Someone bought a meal at Burgerville and the girl who said to someone who e-mailed us, "I guess God hasn't forgotten about me." I LOVE THAT. I LOVE WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH SIMPLE STRATEGIC ACTS OF BEING JESUS, BEING KIND. Awesome. Read it, and realize that what God is doing is so unbelievable. It is for sure ONLY GOD.
We said two weeks ago that Kindness changes everything. These are just two stories of hundreds. The Purple Salt Strategy is a 4 way win. think about it. First of all, It is a win for the person receiving the gift, they see God and know they matter. For real. Secondly, It is a win for you. The Bible says it is better to give than to receive. When we do something for ONLY GOD, it is amazing how it changes our attitude and perspective. The joy is contagious because it is right and God honors it, by rewarding you with that sense of peace and joy. Third, It is a win for the Church, it is a "Damage Control" thing, so in general people get to see Christians differently. Lastly and most importantly it is a big win for the Kingdom of God. Don't be discouraged. Let God continue to speak through your lives. Just like salt is visible until it permeates what it touches. Be purple salt. Get visible for God and then get invisible so they see ONLY GOD. (I LOVE THE NEW SONG. THANK YOU PASTOR DAVE AND SHAWN LEWIS) It is truly an amazing song. Thanks. Thank you all for the comments on the blog entries. I have never blogged every day, but like it. Who knows? I can't tell you how much I appreciate your prayers and words.
6 more days until Jesus in the Garden
John
PS
If you have any questions, call or e-mail the church. There will be so much for the hour before service for kids, so please bring people early. Also, remember if you want to ride a bus from a campus, call us or e-mail. If you are in Portland or know someone who needs a ride, we will rent taxis or send people to pick people up.
THIS LETTER WAS RECEIVED TODAY VIA E-MAIL TO OUR CHURCH MEMBERS:
April 1, 2007
Portland Fire – Station 4
511 SW College
Portland, OR
John Bishop, Senior Pastor
Living Hope Church
10702 NE 117th
Vancouver, WA 98662
Dear Pastor Bishop,
Over the past week we have received numerous letters from members of your congregation. The personal words of encouragement and gratitude have been deeply appreciated.
We occasionally receive notes of appreciation from individuals that we have served, but it is rare to receive such a large volume from a single group. The amount of time dedicated to this effort from your church leadership and individual members has made a very positive impression.
On behalf of the twenty-five firefighters assigned to this station, and our families, I thank you for your prayers and support.
Sincerely,
Joe Budge
Captain, Station 4
E-MAIL RECEIVED TODAY:
Hello,
I want to thank you for the love shown to my sister today, April 1, around
3:30 p.m.
My sister had just gotten through getting her taxes done and was feeling
quite drained by the whole process. She decided to drive through Bugerville
on East Mill Plain to buy a hamburger and fries as an early dinner and treat
to herself. When she got to the window to pay for her meal the Burgerville
employee told her that her hamburger and fries had been paid for by the
people in the car in front of her. The employee proceeded to hand her a
card that read "This gift has been given compliments of the Living Hope
Church. We hope that you might join us this Easter.............."
Needless to say she was quite touched by this act of kindness and later told
me that God hadn't forgotten about her.
You see she is a "baby" believer and we can all pray that she will avail
herself to the Living Hope Church service and find a closer walk with Him.
God bless you and keep doing great work in His name.
Sue Roller
Another E-MAIL THAT WAS FORWARDED TO ME
margaret keire
Story: My kids were with me this last weekend when we went to the car wash. I gave the attendant a purple card and a car wash for the next car and he just didn't understand why. He kept asking, Are you sure. All we did is said yes. So from there I was talking with the kids and they were asking, How many cards do you have left? I had a few. So they said they wanted to get some out. So . . . . I made a batch of brownies and two batches of cookies and made little Easter plates of cookies and brownies, put a purple card on them. And the kids are taking them around the neighborhood today. They were so excited they wanted to do it last night. I love how this makes you feel. ONLY GOD could bring this pure joy. Thank you
margaret keire
Story: My kids were with me this last weekend when we went to the car wash. I gave the attendend a purple car and a car wash for the next car and he just didn't understand why. He kept asking, Are you sure. All we did is said yes. So from there I was talking with the kids and they were asking, How many cards do you have left? I had a few. So they said they wanted to get some out. So . . . . I made a batch of brownies and two batches of cookies and made little Easter plates of cookies and brownies, put a purple card on them. And the kids are taking them around the neighborhood today. They were so excited they wanted to do it last night. I love how this makes you feel. ONLY GOD could bring this pure joy. Thank you
I am at my desk, wrapping up things for the weekend, listening to the worship practice for our 6:00 PM service.
We will be in the Rose Garden in 7 days. There are meetings all over the place. A semi truck just pulled in to the back of the church, to be loaded up with pallets of everything for next weekend. At the 1:00 PM, I had this flood of emotion come over me when I thought about you Living Hope. You are the most amazing church anyone could imagine being part of. In the Book of Acts you see this radical, spontaneous, put it all the line church. One of the dreams of my life is to be part of a church like that. You are that church. To think about gathering, all campuses together under one roof next weekend is too much to think about. I love being part of your life more than you ever know. You are an ONLY GOD, for GOD ONLY kind of church. I just met with a young man who has been incarcerated, broken, alone, and in need of being accepted, being loved and having hope. I was able to lead he and his daughter to Jesus Christ. They are both planning on being baptized next weekend. With tears in his eyes he said to me, "I am a broken man." To which I said so am I.
We all are broken. We all need grace and love and acceptance. The mat just represents the human condition. Don't we all have a mat? Don't we all need friends who will carry our burdens, who will love us right where we are, but also love us enough to get us to Jesus? 7 DAYS.
It is a surreal feeling leaving this building in a few minutes. Next week the Garden. Two weeks our newest campus begins, in Portland (at the Portland Convention Center). So much to share. So many people who will have their lives changed for all of eternity.
HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEW SONG? ONLY GOD. Listen to it right now if you haven't already.
Who will you carry to Jesus?
See ya in 7 days.
John
PS
Thank you campus pastors. I love you guys so much. Thanks that one year ago, when you said yes to God, now you can look back and see the changed lives that have happened because of your decision. You are such amazing men. The best days are still in front of us.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF. Really. Today (after being sick and not around for two days) when I got to the church, I couldn't believe all that has happened and was happening. The joy, the resolve, the sense of believe that I felt is unparalleled. You are the best. Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to make this event reality. Roy. I love your heart and appreciate your skills. You are so gifted. You are such a good husband. I have often wondered where we would be without you. Thanks for listening. Two semis? You got to be kidding. Dondi. We haven't seen each other for a week, but as one of the primary event coordinators, you must be so tired. Thank you Dondi. You are so loved, and such a good leader. Your team does so well. I am praying for Greg. Just heard. Nathan and Robert. You are both amazing artists and becoming great leaders. I love you both so much. We will have so much fun in New Zealand. Aaron. How does a person 22 years old become the pastor/man of God you are becoming? I am so proud of you. I really mean that. Missy. All I can say is rest. You do so much, give so much and I pray you and your family will be able to rest. You have done good. Your team is amazing and it is a reflection of your leadership (Maria, you like it). Cheryl. The website is a reflection of your tireless efforts as a leader. I appreciate you and your team so much. Teresa. I don't think I have ever met anyone that works harder in my life. You are becoming quite the leader. Thanks for keeping things focused. Sorry I am not good with details. I will do better. Dave, Rick, Duane. Who would have ever thought 10 years ago? What a ride it has been. Duane said Rose Garden, we all laughed. Guess that laugh is on us. I can't imagine doing ministry without you. I love you so much.
David. My amazing son. I wish you could be here. You have endured so much and are such a good kid. I write these words with tears in my eyes. I don't know if a daddy could love a son more. I ache with love for you. I will be thinking about you during the Garden, sorry you can't be here. Katie and Hannah. You are simply beautiful and I am so proud of you both. Please wait until you are 30 to get married... Michelle. I have no words and truly in my life only love Jesus more. Who would have ever thought? It is late, you are asleep and I am praying, thanking God for allowing me to share in this life with you. You are my bestest good friend. I want to dance more, promise.
Jesus. What will happen next weekend is for you and will be about you, promise. I pray satan is bound, and cast so far from here. I pray that Your Name is lifted so high above Portland that the whole world will KNOW that you are real. ONLY GOD.
There is so much thanksgiving in my heart for so many people. I can't begin to thank our staff enough. Living Hope, you are so blessed to have a staff that not only 'gets it' but 'gives it' over and over and over. They love you, pray for you and serve you tirelessly. Please tell them how much you appreciate them. There is so much to do still, but let's pause and just reflect and thank God.
8 DAYS UNITL HISTORY IS MADE.
John
