Yet, once I am certain that I am actually awake, I still struggle to believe the surrounding realities.

I find my self pleasantly overwhelmed with the memories of Vista’s first half-decade. The story of Vista is one full of ups and of downs, of success and of failure, of joy and of pain. Vista is the story of life and of loss. The story of Vista has been anything but boring, nor has it been a saunter through a rose garden.

The story of Istanbul (that’s how my iPad auto-corrected my misspelling of Vista!) Anyway…the story of VISTA has been nothing short of what Jesus promises those who follow: Troubled, yet rich.

“In this world you will have trouble…”–John 16:33. “I come that they may have life. And have it to the full”–John 10:10. It has been troubling at times. Not just for me, not just organizationally, but most significantly in the real lives of the people who are Vista. We’ve been through disappointment, unemployment, loss, prison, divorce, sickness and death…and we’re in the middle of all of that even now. For the church, “trouble” isn’t an imaginary scary monster that we hope and pray stays under the bed…it’s a reality we battle every day.

The fullness of life comes in the way Jesus meets us in those troubles and the way a Jesus-following community of God comes together to care and to pray and to persevere–-to laugh and to cry. Together we have walked the crooked, rocky paths together with an eternal perspective and purpose that brings a joy, a peace and a purpose that supersedes the circumstances and transcends our personal struggles and challenges, and our pleasures and breakthroughs.

On what other platform would the real, true gospel of Jesus expand, than on the truths and realities of life? For Jesus to meet us in our denial, for God to comfort us in our fantasies, for the Holy Spirit to arrive in our dreams is to make the Trinity a myth, a religious crutch, a facade.

But when Jesus shows up in the truth, when God engages us in our darkest moments, when the Spirit speaks peace and joy into the deepest waters of our soul…then the Trinity is real. Then our outreach is sincere. Then our friendships are genuine. Then our ministry is rich. Then God inhabits our prayers and our praises. And then…only then…does God show up for our hurting, our lost, our lonely friends in our eyes, our words, and our deeds.

Vista has embraced the Truth head on—the truth about our lives, and the truth about God. And the truth is that the outcomes are inexplicable. How is it that God would see fit to expand his rule and reign in and through such unworthy subjects? How is it that us cracked pots (2 Cor 4) would be filled with such treasure? How is it that we have enjoyed the blessings of the children in Cambodia, the churches in Kenya, the new site in Worthington?

How is it that the invisible God has made himself more known in our soul? Why in the midst of all of life do we experience more peace, joy and hope? Why has our faith been tried, tested and secured? Who are we? Why has Vista come to where it is? Why have we become who we’ve become? Why have we been blessed in such ways?

Because God loves us.That’s all! Because Jesus loves us. He really does. Why? Because he loves us. That’s God.

I’m shaking my head again…

~mike

This  coming Sunday morning we will spend time “telling of the mighty deeds of the Lord,”(Ps 78) during services, so come prepared with your stories of encouragement to share.  (You can also add to the growing number of stories here: Web, Facebook, Twitter.) And more importantly, we will remember the challenge we face as a church to embrace the real work that began as soon as the caravan of trucks circled in salute on their way out of the TWHS parking lot at 9:45pm Sunday night.

It is critical that we put equal energy into the follow-up and search for those who need others in the journey they began or are continuing as a result of God’s move in their heart this weekend. We need each other, there is no doubt, and some folks really have nobody…but us/you.

Like the excitment and fun of the day the new puppy dog arrives, the next day begins the real work. It would be flat wrong to play with the puppy, but never feed her; to teach the puppy tricks, but never clean up after her; to run with the puppy, but never provide a place to rest.

Last weekend we enjoyed the loving-kindnesses and favor of God. He trusted us with his greatest love…his creation…precious people. He trusted us to share about him clearly and unashamedly. He trusted us to be honest and vulnerable (like Jesus) to our guests. He trusted us to express the joy and the purpose found only in him. He trusted us to serve and love those who are lost, lonely and hurting.

We did all those things as best we could, and God graciously brought an audience to receive, to be refreshed, to be honored, and to participate in the celebration of Jesus. It is amazing that he would do that, but he did. And what a joy it was! Like 180 new puppies to a child…it was an overwhelming joy!

And now Jesus’ challenge to us shifts…to the work we so often and too often forget or avoid…loving, serving, building, restoring, comforting, praying for those whose hearts have been touched, whose wounds have been re-opened, whose needs seem overwhelming…

But this time is crucial, more crucial than any segment of the Program, and it doesn’t simply include those whom you invited that came. What about the ones who didn’t come? Are we only interested in them as a potential attendee? Or did we, in either case, open a dialogue…carve a path…for building a relationship? We did!

What’s your next step with each person you reached out to? Make it normal; make it relational; make it simple. But for heaven’s sake take it!

It’s a sobering thought…that through us, God might reach the hearts of some who don’t currently know him. It’s a pretentious thought…that through us, God might reach the hearts of some who don’t currently know him!

But that’s what he does, he works through us. And those are the marching orders Jesus left with us: “Go and make disciples…”

Fortunately…thankfully…Jesus ends that thought in Matthew 28 with these words: “Surely I am with you always.” I’m counting on that…for all of us…as we encourage and invite others to join us this weekend…and for those participating in and supporting the Program…and for those searching for the time and the courage to attend…

I’m praying even now for the Father to strengthen you and draw others to himself…

I’m writing with hopes of continuing to stir your heart for others and to increase our urgency in the final week…

You understand, of course, that the lost, least and lonely live among us, in many cases unnoticed. People don’t typically advertise their hurts, disappointments and discouragements because it’s often accompanied by guilt or shame or a desire to appear strong and all together (like everyone else, of course). Like you and I do at times, we tell ourselves that our challenges and predicaments are silly, or weak, or embarrassing.

But we cannot afford to be fooled by hardened exteriors or the easy, “I’m fine!” The reality is that life is hard — that’s universal.

Isaiah 61:1 …the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…

We operate from this foundational truth: People need to know (sometimes for the first time, sometimes as a reminder) that God loves them and that there is a space in the human heart that only Jesus can get to.

Yes, our Christmas programs are a big deal, but they are a relatively simple and easy invite. And if you’ve been there before you know that the impact can be big too, yet in a non-threatening, winsome and simply authentic way.

God is moving in people’s lives and hearts — we don’t do that part. We are simply called to notice what He may be up to and to help someone take the next step. 2 Tim 2:25 reminds me of what God does…not me:

…in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…

Be praying. Be ready. Be faith-filled. Be active. And watch God!

Note: If you have, thanks! If you haven’t signed up to serve at one of the programs, we still need Pre-service Parking Attendants for Friday and Saturday, and Welcoming for Saturday and Sunday. Email Jen your preference and program. And remember that every Vista regular attender is a “greeter” whenever you are around!

P.S. I’m not sure which program Mr. Enberg will be attending…

Press on!
mike

Years ago (people say “years ago” to suggest a distant past when they were less mature) I was invited to visit and tour the Southwest side Youth For Christ (YFC) location near Hilltop on West Broad Street. That particular area doesn’t enjoy a sparkling reputation…its kinda rough down there…at least as far as the “North Side” understands it.

I hadn’t been in that area before…never had a reason. So, as I drove in, it was unfamiliar. Unfamiliar is anxiety-provoking no matter what the situation. The West Side reputation helped me to bypass anxiety directly for irrational concerns. Those concerns deteriorated into fearfulness as soon as I inadvertently turned down a dead end street in search of a parking place. I wished I’d not recently washed my SUV as it glinted and attracted attention, and as I adroitly executed a 9-point turn between the cars parked on both sides of the narrow street, I simultaneously jabbed at my door lock button. The sound of all four doors electrically locking in unison certainly communicated what all those that had stopped to watch already knew I was trying not to show: I’m scared of you. Like I said, sometimes I make myself sick.

It was an awesome visit. the sorts of contributions YFC is making to that community and the young people there is beautiful. I met some wonderful people that had found some meaning and hope for their lives. By the third time I visited, I was comfortable parking anywhere there was space, greeted whomever was walking by, and struck up a conversation with someone i recognized from the first visit…we were both walking across the street to the YFC building. I came away with a new perspective and another layer of hardness gracefully dissolved from my heart.

The Vista 3:27 Project (Proverbs 3:27) has similar objectives. Partnership and opportunities to be involved in community service and ministry are more often about growing in faith, compassion and God-heartedness than about gaining a reward, allaying guilt or simply doing your part.

Most folks are compelled at some point in life to help others. But most folks are also anxious about new things, unfamiliar territories, and strangers. Add to those apprehensions a general conclusion that we have too little to offer, or little clue about what to offer. The good news is that no one who follows Jesus need be concerned about any of those dynamics, excuses, anxieties. In Jesus, we have been given “everything we need for life and godliness,” and as we add action and obedience to our faith, we will be kept from being “ineffective and unproductive…” (2 Peter 1:3-8)

During Sunday’s message we talked about how when Peter (Acts 3) simply offered one word and one hand that God showed up miraculously. There are lot’s of folks in our spheres of influence, work places, neighborhoods and lives who need God. What might Jesus do for them through your simple, even awkward, word or unskilled hand? It’s not about what we have to offer, but about what God can do with our meager efforts. All we need is a bit of faith and a small step of action. Go ahead, step.

As the different elements are systematically placed and poured into the bucket, it appears to be a demonstration about how, through sound time managing and hard work, you can always fit more than you might imagine into your day, week, month…and life. Whether that is true or healthy is another matter, but the point of the demonstration simply and profoundly turns in the end: If you don’t put the big rocks in first…the important things in life…you won’t likely ever fit them in.

Our family uses forms of that concept often, “Hey, let’s get the big rocks in first.” “Is that a big rock or a small rock?” “We may have too many big rocks. We’re going to have to re-evaluate our priorities.” We say it often, and it helps a lot: Big Rocks. We don’t say, “Big Boulders.” We don’t use the phrases, “Big Blocks,” “Big Things,” “Big Apples,” etc. Only, “Big Rocks.” We don’t substitute words like bricks, chunks or logs in place of rocks. You could…it wouldn’t damage the illustration…we just don’t. Rocks works fabulously well.

Having just completed a sermon series essentially covering four of the important teachings of the Apostles, it was a useful reference, “To keep the gospel message pure and simple, make sure to always remember these four “Big Rocks”: Mission of God: Reconciliation (2 Cor 5), Character of God: Inclusive Mercy (Luke 4, Is 61, Jesus) , the Son of God: Forgiveness (John 3:16-17), and the Kingdom of God: Faith(Mark 1, Rom 1, Heb 11).

It’s worth your time to find the video of Stephen Covey on the Net using the Big Rocks illustration. Simply Google, “covey big rocks first“. Just make sure you use the word “rocks.” Don’t mistakenly substitute words like I did Sunday morning. That would produce undesirable Google results.

And this is either the second video accompanying the one
above or it’s a photo of me getting ready to catch my own
head if it should suddenly happen to roll off my shoulders…

It was a big deal because Christians, churches and denominations make a big deal out of baptism. Well, it IS a big deal, but we tend to make the wrong things the big deals, when it is the new believers declaration to associate with and put their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and eternal life that is the big deal!

Next week we are, as a result, doing a mass baptism! It promises to be a wonderful celebration with 15-20 folks already committed to participate! If your still praying and considering taking the step, let us know when you decide so we can plan on it. Remember my invitation: Don’t take the step of baptism unless you are compelled by Jesus and in response to his command, not the pressure of others, even a pastor. God forces no one to follow his Son, nor should we. Until it’s a real move of your own conscience, it’s not likely real.

But, even if you are undecided…on the fence…even coming into next Sunday’s service, I would suggest you bring a change of clothes and a towel. God may move you in the moment…that wouldn’t be unlike Him!

I’m still praying for many more of you to follow Jesus in this way as a way to get our own “house” in order as we step out in faith as a church and begin our season of two sites! Let’s never find ourselves in a predicament where we are hesitant to challenge others to obey because we know in our own soul we haven’t responded to God where he has called us.

I look forward with great anticipation for last weeks watershed moment to be eclipsed by a God-burst this Sunday!

“Where are you gonna be?” will be a common question around Vista this month. As we prepare for two sites, it is natural to wonder what impact the change will have on our relationships. Who will be at Vista-Worthington and who will be at Vista-Dublin?

If you know where someone lives, that tells you a lot. Since the services will be virtually the same (except start time: 9:15@V-Worthington and 10:30@V-Dublin), most folks have indicated that they will likely gravitate toward the site closest to them…which makes great sense since much of our incentive is to bring the church closer to those your reaching out to in your neighborhoods, etc.

Staff are also be asked, “Where will you be?” Naturally. (Staff are people too!).

So, where will the staff — and elders — attend?  The answer is both sites!  Remember, the only staff assigned to a particular site is Brian Coffey, the Site Pastor for Vista-Worthington. The rest of the staff, including me, serve both sites equally.

Pastors Webb and Treichler equip and support ministries at both sites. Justin oversees the central office, worship teams and morning logistics at both sites through leaders at each site. Amber is the Kids Director for both sites (overseeing all 11 Vista Kids Community Coordinators), while Cindy directs family and women’s discipleship throughout Vista, etc, etc.

Worship leaders will tilt toward the site closest to their homes, but rotate to the other site once a month.  I (pastor mike) will teach from 9:30-10:15AM at Worthington and then travel to Dublin to teach again from 10:45-11:30AM every week. In general, staff and elders will move around week to week.

For the first six months, we’ve asked staff to attend services at both places each week as much as possible. They will be at the start of both services sometimes, and sometimes they will be at the finish of both. After six months and once things begin to take shape and run smoothly, staff will begin to settle in near their homes. But we will still manage a scheduled rotation so that the entire staff will maintain a presence at both sites.

As you can see, we are quite serious about keeping Vista broadly connected as best we can, while fostering unique local expressions at the sites.

By its very nature, following Jesus requires sacrifice, and there is no doubt as the time draws near (very near!) we will all feel the sacrifices more and more acutely.

Thank you. Thank you for sacrificing and serving for his sake…for Jesus.

Maybe one of the most disturbing things many of us walked away with this week is that we can barely take a breath or speak a word in our significant relationships without discovering an expectation. And maybe that fact isn’t even as disturbing as the fact that our expectations are often rooted in some very significant and painful experiences, disappointments and even trauma.

Tammy and I talked about the distinction between expectations and legitimate desires/hopes. What struck my heart most deeply as we read through the honest and humble expectations that you feel you need to let go of, was how in so many cases there is/was a deeply legitimate desire, hope or need associated with the expectation.

The very very difficult challenge in relationships is to drop the expectations we have of others, and to honestly communicate/express and discuss the underlying hope and/or desire…and even sometimes the underlying damage, dysfunction or sin driving the expectation.

In short, our hearts were deeply moved by the many painful realities that many of you live with in some of your most significant relationships. And it should be remembered, so as not to minimize, that much of that difficulty and pain will not necessarily quickly diminish when you begin to manage and deal with your expectations.

As we prayed, we thought it might  be good to help you process and to see how to move from expectations into healthy discovery and discussion about your very real hopes and desires.

So, we thought why not start a Q&A blog conversation to field some of your questions and interact around your thoughts. Feel free to comment below or hit the Vista  Facebook and/or Twitter pages.

SOME Q&A AND EXAMPLES

Q: “I put expectations on my girlfriend/boyfriend regarding the future. What do I do with them?”

A: As difficult as it is, those expectations are best to be released. Jesus said (paraphrased), it is presumptuous upon God to worry about the future (Mt 6:34). We have NO idea what it holds. There is plenty to be concerned about today. We would add…your boyfriend needs to be free to hear from God, to prepare him/herself, to grow in character and wisdom. AND at some point, you may have to admit that his/her  lack of independent (apart from pressure and expectations…and threats!) initiative, commitment and courage are indicators of his true love and character.

On the other hand, desires regarding your future mate are  legitimate longings of the heart. It is certainly no sin, nor is it wrong in any way to express your hopes to be married (for example) and have a family someday. It could be important to communicate (again, for example) how your family was so vital in your life that you are now seemingly  hard-wired to continue that heritage.

Or, maybe for you it’s very different than that…in which case you would communicate how difficult or awful your family was, and that you’re realizing your marriage and family desires are almost purely self-motivated to get something you never had. You may then, together, rather than driving for future certainty you want to talk and work on healing  regarding marriage and family. (In this second case, it is entirely likely that the girl/boyfriend is hesitating and anxious because he can sense, yet unable to articulate, the pressure to fill a family deficit  she/he cannot.

Q:  What do I do about my expectation for my for my [daughter/son] to leave his destructive life to embrace my ways and values?

A: Oh my, what a truly painful situation. Who could ever fault a parent from hoping such things for their daughter/son? No one. These are legitimate hopes and desires.

Expectations though (remember from the talk) are either legal in structure or perceived as such. Meaning that an expectation is an obligation that must be met to be either accepted or loved. Some of the most lost people are the most insightful, even genuine. And as a result have no desire to be accepted or loved under condition. In fact, they may be in the place they are because that has been the equation for love and acceptance thus far. We aren’t suggesting that is the case here, but it is common.

Some things that are necessary to explore here are the degree to which the parents social status and/or sense of significance comes from their children. It’s a mixed bag, but an important one to sort through. Oversimplifying to be sure, a discussion along these lines might be healthy: Son, it kills me to see your life, even your physical body, deteriorate like it is. For your sake I deeply hope and desire for something to help you change course. But I have realized I also want you to change for my sake and that I’ve even withheld my love as leverage. I’m so sorry. I want to love you unconditionally, but I have a lot of my own cr*p to clean up too.  Is there ANYthing I can say or do now that would be helpful in ANY way? I want to set you free of me and my debilitating expectations.

And here are a few of your “expectations’ that are simply powerful to have discovered and to work on:

“I need to let go of my expectation that friends will spend more time with me.”

“For my parents to be excited and interested in my spiritual life.”

“For my husband to be the solution to me being happy.”

“Oh my, I have a lot of cleaning up to do…I expect something out of everybody…”

“For her to change.”

“My [spouse] to love and serve me before anyone else.’

“I expect my [family member] to come to church.”

“I cannot expect things to go exactly my way all the time.”