Entering the Holy of Holies

When it comes to worship, I have to admit that I didn't really understand it for most of my life. I grew up in a denomination that focused on hymns and liturgy, then I became a part of a denomination that was a little less structured. I thought that the service overall was the focal point. The sermon was the "main event" and I was to make sure to not get distracted by the getting up, sitting down, getting up, sitting down.

Then I walked through the doors of Calvary Chapel Albuquerque in 1988. Praise and Worship with guitars, drums, etc. People with their hands raised up filled the auditorium, a few people danced around near the front. It was a shock to my system, yet it made me hungry for the experience I was seeing in front of me. The problem? I never got it. Never had the "liver quiver". Never felt entirely comfortable dancing. Hand raising? That was gutsy for me, and after a while it became easier to do. However, none of that really gave me that feeling that I had made it into the throne room of God as part of worship.

I think Gayle Erwin captures this thought process succinctly:

So, what else troubles us? Perhaps that mythical "place" in our spirit where we feel constantly close to God, surrounded and protected from all worry and difficulty. Many seek that "place." Some sing progressively more serious or intimate songs of worship until they feel they will be granted entry to the "Holy of Holies." How sad that, by such, they resew the veil after Jesus ripped it open. We are in the Holy of Holies at this very moment! How else could we "come boldly" to the throne of Grace? - Gayle Erwin "The Servant Quarters"

It hit me like a ton of bricks. I was trying so hard, like building up speed to break open a door, only to find out it was open the whole time. There's no special trick, no particular song or music style that will "get you into the Holy of Holies". We merely need to enter into prayer, and we are there. And worship? It's not about ME anyway! It's about God!

Does that nullify the feelings of love and joy that people feel when singing songs of praise and adoration to the God they love? Absolutely not. But don't make the mistake thinking that it is necessary to enter the throne room of our Heavenly Father. There's no need to build up speed for take off. It's like the Transporter in Star Trek. Instant access. If that doesn't blow your mind, I don't know what will! Worship is not the access to our Father in heaven. Prayer is the access.

That leaves the worship part to honor God with our voices, our songs, our hands, our feet, our lives. I'm just sorry it took me 35 years to figure it out. I'm a slow learner, good thing Jesus is patient with us slower folks.

They can't do it without me!!

Have you ever had that one thought in your mind about how useful or important you are? One of the struggles of humanity I feel is our own felt importance. What amazes me is how easy that can be taken away by a small infection in your colon.

Sign me up folks! I'm the latest member in a large community of people who suffer from Diverticulosis, small pockets or tabs that form on the lining of your Colon. You know, that part of your large intestines that's at the end? Truly amazing things I've learned about this portion of my body as on Tuesday of last week (July 13) these little pockets got infected and inflamed. Welcome to PAINville, population me.

But what was even more amazing was learning that life can go on without me. Project Management class online? Taken care of by the very talented Ashley Hunt and team at SkillSoft. Calvary Chapel Maricopa Sunday services? Pastor Clark delivered a great message (check it out online) and our awesome servants handled the rest.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting in a hospital bed with tubes stuck in me desperately desiring solid food and eating jello. All this while watching the Food Network (not a good idea) and whining to whoever will listen to me about how I want to go home. I hope and pray that I wasn't a horrible patient as I was wearing my Honduras missions T-Shirt.

Laying there in the dark, I admit I felt a little sorry for myself. It seemed that I wasn't important, that what I did in life didn't really matter. Then God spoke to my heart by reminding me, "I made you, fearfully and wonderfully made you. I love you and sent Jesus to die for you. You are important to me." How cool!

There is a fine line between being self-important and being aware of who you are in Christ. I'm grateful that the LORD took this opportunity to remind me of which is the most important. And of course the tons of prayers, well-wishes, and Twitter/Facebook comments, showed me that I am loved and cared for by many people.

Life goes on...this little rest-stop on earth is only temporary. Can't wait for Heaven, our home, where we are all important to the ONE who made us.

When all fails...

It's not easy to admit when you've failed. It's even harder when you've failed someone else and not just yourself.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that struggles with sin, doubt, and other foibles of the flesh. I'm also pretty sure I'm not the only one that can get a little too overconfident in my ability to win out over the flesh. When Paul tells us in Galations to "Walk in the Spirit...and ..Do not do the deeds of the Flesh" we cinch up our pants and start heading down the Spirit path. Or so we think.

Stumbling and falling, we cry out and ask God why He didn't keep us from making that mistake, yelling at that person, walking by the needy ones. We seem to forget that the sanctification process is messy, not because of the Holy Spirit's lack of ability, but because we still wear this flesh suit. True, it doesn't have the power over us that it did before we knew Jesus as Lord and Savior, however, it still trips us up with the help of the world and our enemy.

That's why I'm so glad the Holy Spirit allowed the whole picture to be painted in scripture of the "Heroes of the Faith." Think about it: Moses reluctance and anger issues, David's adultery and murder of an innocent man, Solomon's brilliant wisdom turned to useless mutterings as he followed his young pagan wives to the idol's altars, Peter's 'foot in mouth' disease, John and James 'Me first..me first' squabbling, and even Paul's unforgiving heart towards John Mark early on in his ministry.

When all fails...God does not.

On my knees yesterday with heart broken, tears spent, I cried out and He heard my cry. I had failed, He had not. I had sinned, He forgave. I had lost, He restored.

When all fails...God does not.

Let that be something that you repeat to yourself on a regular basis. It's the truth the enemy doesn't want you to know. Guilt is his weapon of choice, especially for failures like you and me. The good news is that it's rendered ineffective by the blood of Jesus shed for all.

Time to get back up and let Him dust me off and set my feet back on the path of righteousness with a Spirit walk. Can't wait to keep this sanctification journey going. Join me...

On Memorial Day, this "Bud" is for you.

Today is Memorial Day. For many it is a day filled with picnics and BBQ's, it is a day of rest and relaxation. We celebrate life on this day, because of those who died to protect it.

The World War II Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands. The cemetery site has a rich historical background, lying near the famous Cologne-Boulogne highway built by the Romans and used by Caesar during his campaign in that area. The highway was also used by Charlemagne, Charles V, Napoleon, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. In May 1940, Hitler's legions advanced over the route of the old Roman highway, overwhelming the Low Countries. In September 1944, German troops once more used the highway for their withdrawal from the countries occupied for four years.

The cemetery's tall memorial tower can be seen before reaching the site, which covers 65.5 acres. From the cemetery entrance the visitor is led to the Court of Honor with its pool reflecting the tower. At the base of the tower facing the reflecting pool is a statue representing a mother grieving her lost son. To the right and left, respectively, are the Visitor Building and the map room containing three large, engraved operations maps with texts depicting the military operations of the American armed forces. Stretching along the sides of the court are Tablets of the Missing on which are recorded 1,722 names. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.
It holds the remains of my Grandmother's brother: Harry Edwards "Bud" Byerman. Tailgunner on a B17 that went down over Belgium.

My family overall has been blessed when it comes to the ravages of war. Out of my cousins, Uncles, Grandparents, and most importantly, my Father, only Bud lost his life over the course of 5 Wars our country has fought in the past 100 years. Yet each one of them stepped forward to take our place. On this day I give thanks for all the brave men and women who have given their all. I also continue to pray for all the brave men and women that stand ready to give their all for our country.

The Bible says, "Greater Love has no man, than he lay his life down for a friend." Bud Byerman and the thousands who gave their lives in the wars did it for friends, family, and even people they never met before. I say this not to make you feel guilty eating your Hamburgers and Hot dogs this Memorial Day, I say this so that we remember what true sacrifice really is.

So raise your glasses high me boyos! Salute those who stood in the breach. God bless you all, and I thank HIM for you.

What is the world coming to?

One of the things that astounds me in this country of ours, is the ability for common sense to get thrown out the window. While the Federal Government mocks Arizona's decision to enforce immigration law, it then turns around and begins to enforce it against those who have attempted to gain political asylum legally and with legitimate reasons. Below is a post from my Pastor, Mark Martin of Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, that everyone should check out.

I've been recommending a great book lately called "Son of Hamas" by Mosab Hassan Yousef, his American name is Joseph. His father is one of the founders of the Hamas terrorist organization in the Palestinian Authority. Joseph (Mosab) didn't believe in all the violence and terrorism against the Israelis and he started working for the Israeli Shin Bet (like our CIA or FBI) as a secret agent and informant. He helped the Israelies greatly throughout the years and became a Christian a few years ago. He left Israel for the US a couple years ago and applied for political asylum and now Homeland Security is wanting to deport him as a "terrorist." This is insane and would amount to sending him to his death because he's considered a traitor by his people.

We need to pray fervently for our brother and spread the word about his situation. Write to as many news organizations as you can as well as to our Senators and Congressmen urging them to help Joseph.


More on the story can be found here:

Assist News Service Article

Joseph's Blog


Visit Joseph's Facebook page with more info at:

Joseph's Facebook page

Joseph's Facebook Comments and Request for Help
(Note that you need to have your own Facebook account in order to view other pages on Facebook).



Write Your Senators:

Senator Jon Kyl
730 Hart Senate Office Bldg
Washington DC 20510
Email Contact Form

Senator John McCain
241 Russell Senate Office Bldg
Washington DC 20510
Email Contact Form



Write Your Congressman (the 2 that represent Calvary's 2 campuses are here):

Representative Trent Franks
2435 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington DC 20515
Email Contact Form

Representative John Shadegg
436 Cannon House Office Bldg
Washington DC 20515
Email Contact Form

I hear you're starting a church...

When the thought first crossed my mind that perhaps God had called me to Pastor a church, my first reaction was fear. I was afraid it was just another ego thing. I love to perform, I love being on stage, so here was another way for me to be in the spotlight. I knew that was NOT a good reason to start a church plant. So, I quickly squashed the thought, prayed for forgiveness and greater humility, then went on my merry way. Or so I thought...

The funny thing about God's calling, is that you can't outrun it, outlast it, or ignore it. The other funny thing about it...it's not what I personally would have thought God would have me do. It seemed like a sure fire way to feed my flesh. I decided rather quickly to put out so many fleeces that Gideon would be embarrassed. Fleeces are not God's idea and we all know what happened to Jonah when he ran from God's calling. That's when I began to just open myself to listening to the Lord's leading. When I did that, things began to fall into place. Let me share a few things I think all future church planters need to consider. No, I'm not considered successful by many, but after 5 years in and a church that is growing deeper in faith, I feel that I can give you at least a few pointers.

1. Put yourself under a Mentor. For me it was my Pastor, Mark Martin. By willingly waiting upon the Lord and serving wherever your spiritual authority points you can get you ready for when you will be listening to the Great Shepherd's instructions.
2. Don't borrow sheep. Most of you will probably be church leaders, people that are teaching and preaching with many folks that love you. It's natural to want to then transplant the whole ministry into your new startup. Fight the urge. Do not ask ANYONE to leave. Instead, leave that up to them and perhaps even make it hard for them to leave where they are.
3. Find a Tent-making job that fits. If you are stressing big time at your paying job, how much do you think that will transfer to the spiritual job? Quite a bit of your early ministry will be just simply trying to juggle the Family, Job, Church balls and keep them up in the air. If you can be doing something you enjoy (I worked at Starbucks for a while), you will find it a lot easier.

So there are three tips to start off with. I'll post more as time goes on. One big one is "Don't worry about everyone else". Easy to say, hard to do. I really have a great relationship with many of the other church pastors here in Maricopa. I truly pray for them to make a difference for Jesus. Not that I don't wistfully covet some of the toys the other guys have, but it's quickly put out of my mind with the thought that many people look at our fellowship and covet things they see here. It's just part of the fleshly nature we still fight with.

Prayers are lifted for all of you seeking to begin new fellowships where God has placed you. Be faithful..Be watchful..Be grace filled.

Procrastination

We all fight it. Well, most of us fight it. Some people are just born with "Type A" personalities that strive to get everything done a day early. I can assure you that I'm not one of them. What's really strange is that I can almost step outside myself and look down saying, "Why did you put off all that stuff until the last minute??"

It's a curse. It's the tool of the devil. Call it what you will, it's something that needs to be excised out of my life. What brings me to this posting is the overall sense of "look what's coming" that has been approaching. Being the Pastor of a church is a blessing and a responsibility, and sometimes things aren't going great or bad, they are just...going. That's when the the flesh kicks in and wants to make things happen. I begin to feel the need to start new Bible Studies, renovate the Calvary Kidz ministry, change Service times, and just generally make a ruckus. Instead, I should be waiting on the LORD.

So how does that relate to procrastination. I'm glad you asked, I was getting to that. When I raise a ruckus and operate in the flesh, I begin to create tasks and activities for myself. I share these things with our staff at CCM and then they begin to get the ball rolling. Then the procrastination kicks in!

So, let's recap: Pastor Chris doesn't see anything happening and begins to try and make things happen. Everyone tries to help out, but Pastor Chris' procrastinating stalls things out. Meanwhile Jesus is up in Heaven shaking His head and saying, "You're not going to change until you start listening to me more." Well, that's what I imagine He's saying.

For those of you out there that are procrastinators like myself, perhaps we will find ourselves being more timely if we let God set the timetable. When I do that, I find it's a lot easier to get things done on time. Speaking of time...I need to go finish the dishes before I get too tired and put it of til tomorrow. God bless you this week.