Free Yourself

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8


The first thing that David did in the morning was look for a word from God. Why, because David trusted God with his life. David lived a good portion of his life with many uncertainties, a king with an entire army was chasing him, David fought many battles and he carried the weight of an entire kingdom. God's direction for David's life was was of upmost importance that's why it was the first thing he looked for.

Ever notice that in the morning you senses to the little things are just a little better? Example people read the newspaper in the morning? Eating breakfast at the table you read the outside of the cereal box even the boring stuff trying to sound out the long names of the preservatives. You stay in bed on Saturday morning just a little longer and watching TV you watch shows that you would never watch. One time I was watching a filipino channel but it totally had my attention. There's something about the morning that allows for our best thinking, our attention is fixed, we come to conclusions much easier. Wanna know why? Because the day is not yet completely started. The weight of agendas, problem solving and traffic haven't effected a person yet our minds are free. Wouldn't it be great to have clarity and thinking and direction this liberating all the time? Why is it that some people struggle to dream they aren't free? How is it that I can take a nap and still not feel not feel rested, not free? Why are energy drinks so popular now a days, people are not free. There's a lot not just on folks plates, but on their hearts, on their minds they live life shackled by work, problems, busyness and a desire for temporary results. I have found an incredible freedom in my life, in my heart, in my mind when I start the day with journaling, worship and the presence of God. I accomplish more, I see things differently, results are better when I start with my mind on Christ and His direction first above everything else. Isn't that what Jesus said..."the truth will set you free?" When you are truly free a whole new life opens up, a life that so many miss, a life that so many are desperately looking for. Start with the word, with God's presence, allow Christ and His direction to be the first thing on your mind...Free yourself!

Monday Highlight reel...

Starting something new. Every Monday I will have a quick highlight reel from Sunday. Here's the first one:

Sunday morning actually started in the wee hours. Vince, Santz and I watched team USA Basketball win gold against Spain. High fives at 1:00am with family are priceless...

Drove with the family to church today. Sure do miss that. Felt better going into Sunday having just a small amount of family time prior.

Saw BJ putting gas before service. Good to see him already, he is such a hard worker.

Got to church a little later than normal, walked in and the team was ready to go with smiles.

Rudy lavished me with more gifts, he sure does like to give. I think we discovered his minstry.

Spoke with a few people on the picnic. This has been are longest marketing campaign of an event. People are really excited; maybe we need to rethink marketing?

Santz and I always have these little moments when much is spoken with few words and it pretty much sets the day. "It's relaxed today huh Santz" "Heck yeah" Santz answers. A smile and were gone.

I'm listening to Reuben in the back. Man that dude can play.

Troy is so funny when he does announcements. There he goes again connecting with people at an amazing level.

Matt Mueler saved my butt on Pro Presenter. Whewww!

Amanda leads "How Great is our God", awesomely... Is that a word? In Anthonys dictionary it is.

Started preaching, the first five are the hardest but this week it was unusally easy.

Spoke with Vin after, man he is incredible something very graceful about him.
Definitely a culture setter...

Nehemiah project ended powerfully. You can see community being built...

Spoke with Linda and Steve they have a love for the islands too and they are moving there? Wow!

Chalk up another W. Two people got saved! People are on board. We have a lot of work to do but we are not alone. God is building the team!

Jesus you are incredible.

Quick tidbit

We had a summer intern working with us at my job for the past few months and her name is Iris. Iris is the daughter of another employee in my same department. Today as I got ready to walk out the door I received a thank you card from Iris as it was her last day. I was blown away at what she said and how appreciative she was. We don't see appreciation to much in the marketplace on the contrary it just feels like hard work, long hours, and low pay are just expected of us. As I drove away I begin to think about appreciation a little more. There's no doubt that even though I try to leave work at work and not bring it home even still the marketplace has a way of molding you into performance monster, a results driven maniac and forgetting about those who are right by your side. So for my wife first I appreciate you sooo much your such a hard worker and I've seen such strength come out of you like never before. For my kids thanks for just being you and putting a smile on my face by the crazy things you do. For my team, I do not take not one day for granted for all of you. I think about your sacrifice, your hearts, your hard work often and I am constantly praying for you. There's a huge list that I could go down and thank, but let's just put it this way; if you have crossed my path I appreciate you.

Got Credibilty?

Just writing a quick thought down because I feel like I have to. A few weeks ago I posted some video clips of the song "Healer". Well I was just shocked to find out via the Neue e-mail newsletter that the author of the song who claimed to have cancer did not have cancer at all. I love that song and still do, but I think it might take me a little while to listen to it again. I'm fully convinced God is a healer and I believe the song will still influence lives (God's word never returns void). The sad thing for me is what people are saying now about Christians. I know you can't blame the entire Christian community for this lie and if I'm approached by an unbeliever on this I know I definitely will apologize for this man's actions. What good can come out of this?; because God can always turn things around. For me it's conviction on how I walk daily. I want what I believe to be credible to others so I must strive to follow, walk and live like Christ every day. The question that I will ask myself out of this situation is "do others see me as credible or see me as questionable?" There's no doubt that some folks will use this situation as ammunition against Christians if you are approached handle the situation with grace and the Love of God. If you feel led maybe even apologize for Michael Gugliemucci's actions. You don't have to prove the gospel it's already true, all you have to do is live it...

Much Luv

The Greatest Symbol

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jeremiah 24:7

We live with symbols in front of us everyday. In fact every fast food chain has a symbol that they want us to remember them by whether it's the "golden arches" or a "Bell". People have identified themselves with symbols, I read a blog today and it mentioned iconic symbols such as Abe Lincoln's stovepipe hat, or Steve Job's famous black turtleneck. Much like the accomplishments of the individuals just mentioned, their symbols are powerful, they convey a message, they leave something behind, and often it's the first thing you think of when hearing the names of these individuals. Today's verse shows what symbol we should live by as followers of Christ, the heart. As a result of living with a heart for God the Lord say's "you are my people and I am your God"

A Jiffy commercial appeared some years ago where a mother makes a peanut butter sandwich for her son. When the mother gave the son the sandwich, the peanut butter had a heart design on it. The greatest symbol we can live with as Christians is a heart for God behind everything we do. It's not just a job but it's the heart of God behind how I perform my job, it's not just my talk but the heart of God behind how I talk. "Heart first living" influences the lives of unbelievers and showers them with grace, mercy, peace, hope and the Love of God. Living "heart first" for God is the greatest symbol that my life and your life could live by. When we live heart first the message that is conveyed, the message that is left behind and the first thing that people will think of when your name is mentioned is "we are God's people and He is our God".

Lord help me to live with heart first above everything that I do. I want people to see the reason behind everything I live and You are that reason. Keep my heart pure, focused, intentioned towards you, treasured on the things you treasure. In Jesus name, amen.

Nothing short of amazing...

25Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
John 21:25

I love John's account of Jesus and the miraculous and amazing things He did. John says, if everything was written down that Jesus did the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. This let's me know that everyday Jesus did something so amazing, something so incredible, that words could not explain it. Think about that word amazing for a moment, when I've seen something amazing usually it's so incredible that it's almost hard to believe. Amazing goes beyond reason, understanding, or comprehension it can't be completely explained, it's just amazing. Jesus amazed people by healing them, setting free, seeing their true worth, answering unspoken questions, releasing grace, revealing love, Jesus was nothing short of amazing...

We are living in a time of amazement, a time of the raw and concentrated power of God healing the land. Last night I asked a question in bible study, if you could explain in one word what God is doing in our church or in your life what would that one word be? One person said new, another incredible, and another free, but one word that stuck out was "amazing". Some have called the move of God a wave, some have identified it as a time of healing, some have called it a time of renewal, whatever you want to call it, it's just amazing. God is blowing my mind away, He's doing something new in my heart and I just feel this incredible desire to never be the same again. I believe the Lord is just as active as He was when He physically walked on this earth. The work of God's amazing love, amazing grace, amazing power continues through the lives of ordinary, and average people like you and me and I don't want to miss it. I don't want to get caught up with busyness and performance anymore but I want to live being amazed by God daily and amazing others with His touch through my life. It's an incredible time to live for Christ, do something amazing today, something that takes someone's breath away, something that get's someone asking the question why?; then reveal Jesus to them.

"The Blackberry" Friend or Foe

Back from Vacation... First day back at work so I just wanted to drop a quick thought down. We went to Legoland last week and I was able spend some much needed time with the family. I'll try to get some video up of my son while on a roller coaster and also some footage of Isaiah doing a wall climb. Our first roller coaster ride was called "Project X" it had the longest wait in the park and well worth it. While in this line for this coaster I noticed a particular father who had two sons with him. The father had a blackberry. I'm a gadget guy and techie so I noticed what model the guy had (because I'm in the market for one again). Anyway I begin to notice that this father in line wasn't the only person that had a blackberry. Ever notice something then all of the sudden realize they are everywhere after you start looking?; yeah it was one of those moments. So I'm watching people like a hawk now. The blackberry was everywhere, and sad to say it was paid more attention to then the kids of these fathers. I actually starting timing folks and noticed that everyone who had a blackberry could not go 10 minutes without brining it out. How sad that we can be so connected to meetings, and e-mails, calenders, and events constantly but disconnected from relationship. I had planned to share moments of our trip with everyone across twitter in fact I sent out a post that I would, but after that moment I decided to limit my post. I had a great time with my boy. My son is awesome and I value him more then an e-mail. I love technology and being connected but is it really that necessary and if the answer is yes at what expense, certainly not at the expense of our families. I have a motto that I try to live by "always online but not always connected" Just a thought that I wanted to share.

MIGHTY to SAVE

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."!

What powerful and true words from today's reading. "God is with you, HE is mighty to save"

Lately God has revealed in an extaordinary and beautiful way how mighty He truly is to save. This morning I read a blog from a young man who came into my life a few years ago. Reading this young man's story and having a privelege to be a part of the saving work of God in his life leaves my mouth speechless. Another young man on Sunday I met for the very first time at church. We talked for a few minutes and by the end of the conversation I asked the young man if he would like to receive Jesus in his heart. Hearing this young kid say "I accept you into my heart Jesus, as my saviour", brought a smile to my heart. God is truly mighty to save, and it's amazing that through our lives God wants to partner with us to reveal and share His saving power. God wants to use our eyes, our hearts, our mouths, our hands, and our feet to further His kingdom. Both of these young men that I have talked about are modern day miracles. I wonder how many modern day miracles I've walked by without noticing. I don't want to miss any. Moments like the one's I mentioned are what God delights in, in fact He rejoices with singing and if it pleases God that much how much more should we pay attention and look out for people in need of a touch. When I see someones life change by God I can't explain the words I feel, it truly is indescribable and I get to be a part of it. As Bishop and my team echo from time to time "We get to change lives." Is there anything better?

Even though I don't see it...

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habbakuk 3:17-18

Habbabkuks frustration and desire to see God move are cleary evident in ch. 1 he starts his plea with God "How Long oh Lord". Habbabuk pretty much get's to the point where he ask God, "Do you hear me" What amazing is how the book of Habbakuk ends. If I were to paraphrase v.17-18 of Chapter three it would be something like this. "Even though I don't see it God, I'm going to rejoice in you and have joy anyway."

The reason why this verse spoke to me is I have been looking up a lot on church planting recently. It just seems like every time I look things up I start to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes I just want to close my web browser and forget everything because sometimes you don't always see it. I'm a visionarie, a dreamer, I want to do and see big things for God, but sometimes it's hard to see it actually unfolding. I have this incredible heart to influence peoples lives but sitting behind a computer 8+ hours a day it's hard to see it. I've learned something recently about results and fruit in our lives. Results are better, when left up to God. All I have to do is follow not drive, leave the results up to Him. I need the attitude of "even though I don't see it, my joy will not be affected" It's evident that Habbakuk was carrying a huge burden a huge weight upon his shoulders at first but between ch1 and ch3 his attitude and that weight shifted. Problem turns into opportunity, stress turns into success, frustrations turned into fullfillment when we just follow Jesus. "As much as I am driven, as big as my Vision is, and as much as I want to accomplish for God because I only have 1 chance to do it, I have to sit by the master daily to allow Him to put me back on track, put heart first, and allow Him to work in my life. I'm seeing so much more progress when I have the Joy of the Lord. I've noticed when I have joy I am more creative, I think clearer, my decisions are wiser, and in the end I'm fullfilled. Take the "results and performance driven weights" off of your shoulders give it to God "even though you don't see it" doesn't mean it's not going to happen, just follow God, keep an attitude of joy and God will rock your world and show you the most amazing dream possible. "What you have seen up until this point is just a small portion of what's really in the works"

Encounter with Jesus

50Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51"Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?" 52They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet[e] does not come out of Galilee." John 7: 50-51

Here Jesus, "the Christ", the Saviour of the world, miracle working, full of authority and wisdom, telling the people who He is, walking among them, yet still there were people who missed Jesus. There were people who did not believe, they doubted and then there were others who missed Jesus because He did not fit their box. It's no question that people were looking for the Messiah, but because they had an idea of Jesus and not an encounter with Him they were missing Him. Now not all had missed Jesus, there were many that believed, but what stood out was Nicodemus. Nicodemus did not miss Jesus because He had an encounter with Him it was real and it was life changing and it's what's needed in our lives daily.

Looking at Nicodemus I realized that enounters don't just happen they are purposed, they are purposed by God and on purpose by us. Back in John 3 Nicodemus a Pharisee himself, went looking for such an encounter he went looking for Jesus, because he was looking for truth, he was looking for something different, something inside him told him just look for Him. So under the cover of night, Nicodemus did something that he probably thought was crazy, but he did it anyway, he went looking for an encounter. And now in John 7 it's evident that the encounter had paid off, there was something about Nicodemus that reveals his life was changing. Isn't it like that in our life when we encounter Jesus in a powerful service, journaling time, worship that our life is different. I know in my life I begin to see so much progress when I purposely set out to encounter Jesus. In my life I have been doing this 21 day challenge and so has my family and my team. I have noticed so much progress on what is now our 12th day. I see gifts being used, I see deeper insight, I see this incredible reflection of Jesus in my family, and my team. Everything is changing because of a decision to no longer live without a daily encounter with Jesus. Three things about encounters I've seen in Nicodemus and even in my own life:

1) Purposely listen for the Holy Spirit: You might hear "slow down, stay on track, look for an encounter..."

2) Purposely do something different: Challenge your heart to a deeper walk, deeper hunt, challenge yourself to look for something about God you have not seen yet. (A 21 Day challenge on: heart, discipline, faith etc) Whatever it is that you know you want to grow in your life.

3) Be willing to lose something but gain everything: Nicodemus was a pharisee, he was an official, he was well respected but all of that did not matter anymore when he encountered Jesus. It's no longer about who I am but it is about who Jesus is and who He is in me. I am nothing without God so I am empty without a daily encounter. Nicodemus put everything on the line the night he went looking for his encounter. Sometimes I am not even willing to give up time, sometimes I'm unwilling because I'm tired. Think of it this way: if you turn on the tv instead what do you gain? If you ignore an encounter what do you miss? I guarantee you if you are willing to drop everything at the feet of Jesus daily you will gain everything.


"Live to have daily encounters with Christ, you can't afford not to..."

HISTORY IN THE MAKING...

Breakdown of events leading up to a remarkable Sunday.

Wed Afternoon: 4:46 PM I send an e-mail to Manny. Subject Line: "Expect something BIG this weekend. Last line of the e-mail "Get ready for a BIG move of God this weekend."

Wed Night- 7:00PM Milpitas team meets at Milpitas to put together an agenda for Sunday. (Started with worship then had a meeting) First Idea scratched it out, didn't feel the heart. Second idea was cool, but something still did not feel right.

Thurs Afternoon: 1:57 PM I receive an e-mail from Jesse, a report from Jesus Culture. Elena GOT HEALED! No more Scoliosis. SHE's HEALED!

Friday- 1:52 PM I talk to PDan about Sunday. We are working out any last minute details. Something still does not feel right. I'm ready to preach, have everything printed already for Sunday. Am I missing something, is this the wrong sermon? (Am I going to preach God?...This is what's going on in my mind.)

Saturday- 2:52PM Talk to Matt, tells me what happened at Jesus Culture. Yup God is going to do something big. My feelings are beginning to solidify "You know what, I don't think I'm going to preach this weekend"

Saturday Evening: 7:59PM (Milpitas team is practicing worship) Meanwhile I talk to PDan. Working out the Final details for Sunday. Official words to PDan that I said. "P, I'm going in on Sunday with an open mind, no agenda, I'm prepared to speak but truthfully I'm going in with no Agenda" (The water is stirring now at rapid pace)

Saturday Evening: Approx 8:45PM Milpitas ending there last song, ("Healer" something about this song that just seemed right for this weekend) They are ending practice but then the practice turns into worship, Tara shares a word she receives. Yup it's not a practice anymore. Oh man, it's definitely not a practice. I look at Reuben on the drums and he's drumming in the spirit. I look at everyone's face and they are all pressing in.

Saturday Evening: Appox. 9:15pm Speak with the team. Tell them that you can feel something brewing. There's an electricity in the air. Reminded me of the time I was in Vegas and there was a big fight in town at the same time. Everywhere there was excitement and energy about what was going to take place. This is what you could feel about Sunday, it had been brewing all week and now it was hours away.

Sun morning: Approx 12:30am I tell Santos, I don't think I'm going to speak tomorrow. I prepare anyway, but still don't feel right about it.

Sunday morning: 6:59AM Official Text message from Bishop: "in the last days I will pour out my Spirit" That time is now! Get under the spout. Get ur people under the spout. Believe in the supernatural. "I've heard that scripture millions of times, but today it was more real to me...when I read it, I gasped for air it literally took my breath away.

Sun morning: 8:30AM Matt addresses the team, he feel's it, everyone does, it's not going to be a normal service.

9:30am Service starts (hallelujah is the song the worship team is singing, people are just ready and so was God for the people) During worship I get what I'm actually supposed to speak on from a journal entry earlier in the week (Spiritual thirst)

10:15am First Service is well on it's way, Matt gives me the mic, I know what I have to say. Word goes out: The problem "when we get physical thirsty we do something about it but when we are spiritually thirsty at times we don't do anything. The challenge "how long will you wait, WHY WAIT? It was the quickest sermon ever. We get into worship "All HEAVEN BREAKS LOOSE)

Time Unknown: Word goes out to Aunty Gwen, she's rocked by God

Time unknown: I speak to a kid named Daniel, battling with discouragement and depression. I lead him to the Lord, release vision into his life.

11:00am First service carries into second with worship

11:30am approx: I look at Isaiah, he's praying for someone. The man went up with a cane but now I see him walking without one. The Lord shows me a vision of Isaiah as he's older, couldn't make out his facial features but I knew it was him. He was moving in Signs and wonders(Marsha had the same vision). I lost it, I was behind the curtain during worship, knees buckled, full of the power of God, had a hard time walking. I talked to Zai later did anyone ask you to go up and pray, he say"s "no, I just wanted to do a good deed" Then what Zai said next blew me away, he told me "I wanted to go and pray up on stage but I was scared there was too many people," understandable he's six, but this confirmed what I saw because one day he will be in front of a lot of people and he will operate in signs and wonders. WOW

Time Unknown: Tara releases a word about threshing wheat.

Time unknown: Matt talks about Spiritual Dryness (confirms first service word) Little did I know at the same time Matt was receiving his word for second service in a class room, I was speaking to the first service about the same thing. The word was shared by several people and all of it was in line, it fit perfectly. "Wait a minute where have I seen this oh yeah the bible. 40 Authors, 66 books, 1500 years, different walks and it all fits perfectly. God's word is powerful!

Time unknown: I see Troy getting blessed, power of God is upon him.

Time unknown: I see Nicole getting prayed for by... (wait a minute is that Britney praying for her mom) Oh man, it is Britney. And God is totally all over her.

Time unknown: Troy speaks, same thing talks a little about water. I've never seen the look that I saw on Troy today. I witnessed a different man.

Time unknown: Fire Line takes off, God moves, GOD Moves, GOD MOVES.

Approx. 12:30 I address the congregation for approx. 3 minutes. "The time has turned" Situations, circumstances, frustrations, opposition, fear, anxiety, depression, it's all turning. "Get ready your at a new level"

Spoke with Bill Belaski later. Informed me the Lord has been moving in a powerful way for three weeks now. The same has been true in Milpitas. Things will never be the same, they can't be. We have God and He has us. I got a picture of an umbrella as I was worshiping tonight. God used this as symbolism of His presence. The presence covers us, were under it right now, we've been under it. I hate to put it this way because you can never have a handle on God but we have caught God. We have God by the umbrella handle, what's keeping Him close, passionate love for Jesus, hearts full of worship and a hunger for more. But before we caught Him, He had to catch us first. God had to slow us down, get our mind off life and get our mind on Him. How do we stay here? "The best thing we can do is to discard our programs, shred our syllabi, slide off of our seats and fall on our knees" -Tommy Tenney, God Cathcher's

Check out 2 Chronicles 7:14 (Amplified Version)
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

...spoke with Greg Card at the end he said, "history in the making, this is it" Yes it is Greg. "History in the Making"
I wonder what's going to happen next week...?