What does God love to see?

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin" Zechariah 4:10

I've asked often in prayer, "Father, what do you see when you see my home, my marriage, my work place, etc?" But I have never asked him, "Father, what do you LOVE TO SEE?" Through Zechariah we are told one of the things God loves to see is the work of the Lord begin. I personally attempt to daily be mindful of my calling to reach, build and send out emerging leaders. This entails at times assisting in the launching of new ministry endeavors that will advance the Kingdom of God. The early stages of any work of the Lord usually can be characterized by small, humble beginnings. We see this in the lives of so many Biblical characters, including the birth of Christ himself. The text above tells us not to "despise" (avoid and evade due to not wanting to keep company with) small beginnings. The opposite of despising small beginnings would be to welcome with open arms, prefer a humble, simple beginning. A few verses prior, God says that it is not by power or might that the work of the Lord will get done, but by His Spirit. Too many of us have attempted to make something happen in the name of ministry for the Lord. A simple, humble start reminds us of our ongoing need to be led by His Spirit throughout the lifespan of any work of the Lord. Total dependency on His Spirit will be tested throughout the journey. But it is the beginning of an honest effort of cooperation with His Spirit to advance His Kingdom that we are told our heavenly Father "loves to see." I know what you're thinking, "He sees everything!" I agree, but why then does the Bible make special reference to God giving special attention, intentionally viewing something or someone, like here in Zechariah 4:10? Most children want their parents attention and usually will even fight over it with siblings. We too are instructed clearly of the very things that will turn Abba Father's head. A simple, humble, small start of an effort to advance His Kingdom in any way, shape or form, excites and pleases Him, resulting in a fatherly impulse to watch his kids. Too much advancement of God's Kingdom gets gridlocked and quenched before it even begins due to apathy, lethargy, fear, doubt, etc. Here's a word from the Lord, "Just Begin..." You will have the full attention of the One who will lead you, guide you, teach you, coach you, provide for you every step of the way. To begin might mean to strategically pray, discuss and plan the work of the Lord. For Nehemiah it was visiting the ruins of the war torn walls. The beginning of any ministry is usually not so public, but extremely personal and involves the true contents of our heart toward the matter because all ministry flows from the assumed interior work of His Spirit. All I know is, God loves it when we "begin" His work, done His way for His Glory alone. Nike declares, "Just do it." God says, "Just begin... I'll do it"

I'm in Ocean Park - Willapa Bay this weekend...

Several months ago the men in the Columbia River Open Bible District asked me to come speak at their men's retreat.... and here I am getting all set up in my cabin. The coast is chilly at night, but beautiful. I look forward to my sessions with the men. I feel God desires to meet with them. I've committed in my heart in these circumstances to try and stay out of the way, tell the men what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, and to never ask anything of these men in response to the word of the Lord that I have not already required or practiced in my own life. Keep me and these men in your prayers this weekend. PV

these books weren't this heavy a few years ago...

I just finished moving this evening my home office from downstairs to upstairs to make room for the return of my brother-n-law, Nefty. I finally inventoried and boxed most of my home library books that have been sitting in piles on our loft for a couple of years now. Some I am selling, some giving away and the classics and necessary I am keeping for that grand day that I finally make my book shelves up in our loft. I've been doing this this week while preparing to go speak this weekend at the Columbia River Open Bible District Men's Retreat on the Oregon Coast. Busy, but good busy, you know what I mean? I have decided that Books should not be moved, at all, if possible! Knowledge is so heavy.

my lachele is getting married...

My beautiful 20 year old daughter Lachele and her fiance, Will are getting married December 1st. They've already sent out the "save the date" notices, and the official announcements will be on their way in a few weeks.

Make her day by checking out their pics and wedding website www.WillandLachele.com 

signs of authentic christianity...

"What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way." Luke 6:22-23

I have had an authentic concern for an overall pervasive message that has inundated the church for some time now, and that is the focus on living a Christian life in such a manner that people around you love you and are accepting of your faith. The thought of this happening is awesome, but not realistic when you hear the words of Christ in Luke 6. He assumes for his (true) followers that people will hate them, exclude them, mock them and even curse them. No matter how "seeker friendly" any of us attempt to be, the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is going to offend and rub people the wrong way, because of what I call "a clash between two kingdoms," their kingdom and God's Kingdom - their way and God's way! I firmly believe in being approachable, clear and relevant as we reach out to people in this day and age, but to expect them all to like us and want to be a part of us is not a Biblical reality. Jesus goes on to say that when people do respond in a defensive or even threatening manner to our real attempt to follow Christ, that we should "be happy," and even "leap for joy," because a great "blessing" awaits us. Much of the population of western followers of Jesus Christ have not encountered such persecution and life threatening rejection of their faith. This could be due to a couple of reasons: One, God could be holding back the impending persecution for us to "get real" in our attempt to follow Christ. So many western believers say they are Christian due to family origin or their emotional response and prayer following a service a while back. God, by his grace, could be allowing us some time to "get real" when it comes to our walk of faith. But if that were true, then God somewhat owes believers in the past (such as his OT prophets and early disciples) an apology, because they were immediately tested, tried and refined by daily impending persecution. Following God was never a real safe lifestyle accepted, and nearly adopted by the majority of their social settings. The other option, is that perhaps most in the west who profess to be Christian, are not, and are truly deceiving themselves. This sounds harsh, but is worth looking into. Are we true followers of Jesus Christ? Have I exchanged my kingdom for His? Am I daily picking up my cross and dying to self? If the answer to these questions is a resounding yes, then chances are, not everyone likes you, accepts you and wants you perhaps to even live. It sounds radical, but we talking about a massive clash between two very real kingdoms - the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. What has our faith in Christ cost us? I know it cost Him everything! Just some things for those of us who claim to follow Christ to think about. Remember, great "blessings" await those who genuinely follow Christ, resulting in genuine (not fabricated or coerced) persecution. Long live King Jesus!

blame it on the rain...

I love the smell here in the great northwest after half a day of pouring rain. It is absolutely incredible.  Most of my family are all snuggled up in our TV room relaxing, some napping, some snacking and others laughing.  Outside is a site for sore eyes - tree limbs soaked, cars drenched and my gravel driveway full of puddles.  The rain is welcomed at the Wood home.  Most of my kids prefer rainy days. Daniel would prefer snow days, because of the chance of no school.  It feels good to relax and enjoy the moment. Thank you Lord...

myrtha, myrtha, myrtha...

Today I have been meditating a lot on the incredible gift God has given me in my wife, Myrtha. She gave up twenty-two years ago a beautiful name that almost musically flowed together... "Myrtha Maldonado" for Myrtha Wood, but has never complained. I make fun of her though how she signs her name now when she needs to give a signature. She will sign in cursive beautifully her name "Myrtha" and then quickly print W-O-O-D. She laughs. Every time I spell her name (such as in this blog) even the spell check creative genius doesn't know what to do with such a special gal and a special name, because her name always shows that I've misspelled it. It's never misspelled, it's just not ordinary, just like her. You can see my new tribute slide show to her on this blog. She is truly an incredible lady. I told someone the other day that I have often asked her on a date night, "what are my most unattractive qualities, sweetie?" She will gently begin to tell me not what I want to hear (which is that I have none) but she will tell me what I need to hear, and never have I ever felt that what she has said is not from God. She is usually right on the money, then I am able to begin working on the things that she has mentioned. This person asked me, "then what is your most attractive quality, Vaughn?" I simply replied, "That's easy, my wife!" We both got a chuckle. 1 Corinthians 11:7 wraps up, "...the woman is the glory of man," and boy does Paul have that right.
PRAYER
Thank you Lord for Myrtha. Forgive me for not always being a good steward of the incredible wife you have given me. Bless her today. Give her peace, quiet and the rest that I know she needs. Continue to teach me how to be a better husband, loving my wife like Christ loves unconditionally the Church. From my heart Lord, help me to not screw this up! Yours, V

route 73...

I saw a thirty year old mentally challenged young man today approach a young girl (later discovered she was 16) on a city bus. His greeting was abrupt and caught the young lady by surprise. This was the fifth time I've seen this man do this on this particular morning route. Each time the women have been very uncomfortable, as should be expected. I happened to be sitting across from the girl when he approached and heard their entire dialogue, which was far from appropriate. The young lady handled herself well, but I could see the nervous look in her eye and hear it in her voice. She was polite, but non-inviting - a great skill beyond her years. She continually looked at me like she had things under control, so I did not interrupt, yet I kept a close watch of the entire thing considering, "what if this was my daughter? What would I want someone else to do for her?" The man did become a bit too friendly and crossed some normal social boundaries, but every time I began to confront him, she gave me that look like she was in control and I shouldn't worry. I was getting angry at the guy, having seen him do this to at least four other women over the past eight weeks. Personal space is a big issue on the bus system. People often cross boundaries and make others upset. This young lady kept it together. As our bus came to the plaza (where all of us get off) I informed her that I had noticed she handled the situation very well for her age. She said, "My age? Mister, you don't know what I've lived through in my sixteen years of life," and then she left. At sixteen, this young African American woman was already tough as nails and announcing through her actions that she was a survivor, and I had no doubt. I began to wonder what all she had probably been through. I did know that the last thing she didn't want to convey is that she needed any help (that's pretty normal for sixteen). I informed the bus driver what had happened and that this was the fifth time I had seen this man uncomfortably confront and solicit a young lady. The driver told me that there was not much she could do but that I was free to deal with the situation if I saw him do it again. I noticed that the drivers advice had left all three of us (the man, the young girl and me) with no real options other than simply accepting the world and the condition of the people around us as it is. In other words, just deal with it. Much of life is that way for so many people - their only hope is to just cope, to just deal with it. I pray now more earnestly daily for my fellow city bus riders. The more I pray for them, the more weird stuff happens on the bus. But by praying I'm choosing to not just cope with it or deal with it. I'm choosing to believe that people can change as they encounter something and someone so much bigger than themselves (meaning, Jesus Christ). I prayed today for God to touch both the man and the young lady in a real way. I'm expecting change!

whose son am I...

FROM EZEKIEL 40:46
"The room beside the south inner gate is for the priests in charge of the altar—the descendants of Zadok—for they alone of all the Levites may approach the Lord to minister to him.”
My Life Journal time today was a bit interrupted, as can happen from time to time, but God is so faithful to point out something specific for me to chew on throughout the day. For me this was verse 46 of Ezekiel 40 - in the detailed description of Ezekiel's vision of the Temple, the messenger points out to Ezekiel two rooms, one on the north side and another on the south side. Both were for the levitical priesthood to occupy as they served the Lord in the Temple. As a minister I found this interesting and looked a bit more into the significance. The south room was specifically for the priests who oversaw the altar. The altar was where the sacrifices would be placed unto the Lord on an ongoing basis. Verse 46 tells us that only the priests who were direct descendants of Zadok could perform the sacrificial work on the altar before the Lord on behalf of the people. What makes this so interesting is that the name "Zadok" means "Righteous." Only the "Sons of Righteousness" could bring an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. In our union with Christ, we are considered "sons of righteousness." The imputation of the very nature of Christ qualified us for the "south room." How cool is that? There is nothing worse than feeling like you don't measure up. Imagine the priests who could only work the "north side" of the Temple because they were not "sons of Zadok." God has made it available through his Son for all of mankind to be qualified, but not all choose regeneration by his plan of salvation. Knowing that I am a "Son of righteousness," not by my own good works or attempts to be perfect, but by the perfect work of the Cross makes me rest in my relationship with Christ, rejoice in my Lord and Savior, give thanks today for his incredible, complete, work of grace in my life. Wow! I'm qualified to work the "south room!"

keepin a right perspective...

I'm pulling an all-nighter tonight. I have a tendency to over prepare for most speaking engagements, so I need to be careful. But every now and then, although I prep far in advance, God seems to nudge what I've prepped off my desk, if you know what I mean. A long time a ago I prayed that it would always be God's Work, Done God's way, for God's glory. It is his heart that the people in various places where I share need to hear. This weekend is full, beginning with our "Get BIT" weekend retreat (stands for Bible Intensive Training) where I'll be teaching on the "Means & Extent of Salvation," and when I wrap that up at noon on Saturday, I will be conducting a funeral for a dear friends father, followed of course by this weekends Sunday service at New Heights, leading right into a meeting with all our Core Leadership. Each week has been somewhat this way in September, but God is so faithful to come through with a fresh word in each case for those who need it most. Although I like to be prepared, He sure has the right to change any agenda and advice that I have planned. His work, done His way, for His glory.

listening & learning from my kids...

Great shot here to the left of my youngest, Daniel, the trickster, getting some serious air, and landing it may I add.  One thing that Daniel has learned so far about skateboarding is that nothing comes easy and everything takes a whole lot of practice.  For every trick landed, there has been literally hundreds of failed attempts, not to mention the bumps, bruises, cuts and soar muscles. The tenacity in which I have witnessed my son tackle his favorite sport has inspired me in my walk with God.  I've noticed with Daniel's skating that no matter what the trick looks like, if he doesn't end well, it was all meaningless.  How appropriate is that for us in our walk.  I do want to end well, but am I willing to put up with all the practice?  So much of scripture declares the process of following Christ as something that would have to be "endured."  So often we are only in it for the parts that we enjoy.  But what if we were willing to endure the pain and suffering of "doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God?"  What if we really practiced at listening, learning, loving and living the way God has planned?  Perhaps the results would as Jesus put it to his early followers, "greater things than these (miracles) you shall do."  God has planned "great things" in store for us.  Let's not just settle for being able to stay on a skateboard for a few feet and call ourselves a "skater" (spiritually speaking).  Let's some air!  Let's land those divine appointments!  Let's spur each other on to greater things.  Sure we will get bumped, bruised, cut and exhausted, but remember Jesus is our teacher and he's landed all these supernatural transformations, "in the world you will have trouble, but take heed, I have overcome the world."

No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, don't give up and don't give in to status qou.  Don't settle for less than your own personal best.  And remember, "in your weakness, he is strong." You can do all things through Christ - so grab your spiritual board and get out and practice the faith and life that Christ has given us through his death and resurrection.  Go higher, so you can see farther! 

time to cuddle...

I have been wrestling a lot lately with a busy schedule. Most often when I have this struggle my intimacy with God takes a dive and I fall into a co-pilot kind of mentality due to the fact that most of my busyness involves ministry appointments and items.

My son, Daniel (pictured left) taught me a lot this morning by just being himself. I heard him ask his mother if he could jump in bed and cuddle with dad (me). Hearing him, I went ahead and answered his question with a big resounding "ya, come on!" For the next ten minutes my big 12 year old (Jr Higher, I may add) crawled under the covers and cuddled in next to me, trying hard to wrap his arm around me. I held him and stayed put as long as the morning school schedule would allow. To be honest, I didn't want the precious moment to end. After about ten minutes he darted up and out of bed to get his school clothes on and I headed to the shower. In the shower I mulled over all the feelings I had as Daniel's dad, the way in which his desire to cuddle with me made me feel. In those ten minutes he communicated clearly that he valued me, time with me and he believed me to be warm, inviting and safe. For him, it was important to start his day with that. I thought of my busy schedule and my lack of intimacy with my heavenly Father, as I brush past him daily rather than even a ten minute cuddle where I let him hold me, communicating clearly to him that I love him, value time with him and find his presence to be warm, inviting, and always safe.

Thanks Daniel for teaching your old man a great spiritual lesson - I am never too big and should never be too busy to cuddle with Dad!

Wii Me...

I'm warming up in this video for the Father / Daughter dance at Lachele's wedding in December. The kids help create my Wii character...

perfectly imperfect...

Today's reading is fairly heavy in the lifejournal.cc schedule. From three chapters in Ezekiel we here of God's non-tolerance toward the behavior of his people who had become incredibly tolerant of each others sin. It's amazing to me how even today we can fall into the same trap. Once you learn more about sin and righteousness as you grow in Christ, the more you recognize the commonality that each of us have in our sin, which, if not careful, can lead to enabling one another and nearly expecting sinful results on a daily basis. God doesn't raise the standard with his people in Ezekiel, he reinstates the standard that he had always set for his people. In Revelation seven we read of the people of God being counted, particularly Jews and end time martyrs. It is the balance of this picture that brings it all together. None of these people would be standing in God's presence and surviving it if it were not for the Lamb on the throne. The Lamb took our place, being perfectly everything that we could never be on our own, Righteous. "Christ in me the hope of Glory..." Today I praise the Lamb for his unblemished record of making God's standard of righteousness and holiness doable in the lives of those who have identified with his sacrificial work of propitiation. To God be all the Glory, now and forever more.