Philippians 4 has the recipe for allowing your life to become better and better! God set the order and if we do our part faithfully we can become Better and Bigger! As I read this chapter here’s the order for success that I see:

Verse 4 states “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” Our day should be filled with moments to revel in Him, we just need to recognize them. We get better.

Then the next step is found in verse 7, “Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good…” As we realize a sense of God’s wholeness in our life we can begin to be open to more. We feel more complete in knowing that God is bringing everything in our life together for our good. As we allow our life to experience God’s wholeness we can’t help but get bigger on the inside.

Verses 8 & 9 give us practical steps to increase our capacity for more:
“…you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”

We can get better by filling our minds and meditating on what is good and as we do our capacity for good will increase, our thirst for more of God will increase, our day to day lives will become BETTER2BIGGER! It’s our choice!

Our assurance is in verse 13, we can rest in knowing that,“Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”We can’t fail with a God who loves us so much that as stated above “He will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” How exciting is that? Excellent harmonies! That’s better!

Verse 17 tells us, “experience the blessing that issues from generosity.” That’s bigger!

We can be a part of what God is doing here at Capital Christian Center as we begin to take steps of obedience in our minds and in the knowledge that we can “make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”

His final promise to us is this in verse 19, “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” His generosity exceeds ours! There is no limit to receiving all that God has for us as we focus on the things that make us BETTER…our capacity for BIGGER has no limits!

Begin reading Philippians 4 NIV or read Philippians 4 MSG.

This third chapter of the letter to the believers in Philippi begins with a wonderful charge, “Rejoice in the Lord.” But what does it really mean? How do I rejoice in the Lord? If I can choose to rejoice in the Lord, then is it also possible to rejoice in other things? What are some of the other things that I rejoice in?

As our lives go from Better2Bigger, we must ask ourselves where we find our joy in life. Joy is not happiness. Paul can be joyful even when he isn’t happy. In order for me to rejoice in the Lord, I need to adjust my definition of joy. Joy is the emotion evoked by well-being or the prospect of future well-being. As you read this chapter, what is your definition of joy?

There were some people who found their joy in personal credentials, but Paul encourages us to look elsewhere for our joy, identity, and well-being. Paul had fantastic personal credentials (v. 4-6). As a young man, Paul was mentored by a leading Jewish teacher, and was on the fast track within the Jewish religion system. He had leadership and influence. He had a rich heritage and impeccable character. And up until Paul’s encounter with Christ, that’s where he found his joy and identity.

After finding joy in Christ, Paul considered all of those wonderful things a loss and rubbish (which is a word that should definitely be used more often). Why? Were those things bad? Maybe persecuting the church was not the best thing, but everything else sounds pretty good. So why would Paul consider them rubbish? Because good often keeps us from best. Earlier in chapter 1, Paul prayed that these believers would be able to discern what is best (Phil. 1:10). Good is good, but it’s not best. Good is good, but there is something better.

When someone asks about who you are, what are your credentials? What are you most excited to share? What do you think makes you most valuable?

Our lives have to get better on the inside before they can get bigger on the outside. Our lives on the outside are constrained by the quality and capacity on the inside. When we can say, “I rejoice in the Lord,” it means our inside is as large and as good as that of Christ. That’s exponential possibility for my life on the outside. When my life finds joy in something else (ability, paycheck, status, heritage), my possibilities are finite.

As you read this chapter and as you go from Better2Bigger, pray that you would rejoice in the Lord.

Begin reading Philippians 3 here.

Philippians 2

(read Philippians 2 here)
Philippians 2 is rich in ideas to help us grow spiritually from better to bigger. I encourage you to meditate on all of it. I will focus on two crucial issues.

The first is to follow the model of Jesus in service to and relationships with others. Jesus was a giver not a taker and he was a willing servant not a demanding master. Paul uses these words: love, one in spirit, avoiding selfish ambition and vain conceit to demonstrate the model Jesus has set. He offered love, he promoted unity and he avoided putting himself first in a way that would harm others. Because sin permeates our world and our hearts we are born as takers. But when we experience forgiveness of sins and the power of the Spirit in us our lives turn from taking to giving. Pray everyday that the Spirit of Jesus in you will show you where you are a taker and help you become a giver. Make an effort to help others become successful. Be generous with your time, your love, and your help. As you empty your life of yourself (your selfish self) God will fill you with himself and you will discover your true self in him.

Jesus also sets an example for us as a willing servant and not a demanding master. Paul tells us that Jesus was God but chose to make himself nothing and take on the very nature of a servant. Yes, he is our creator, our God, our Lord, and our Master, but instead of lording it over us he comes to us as a servant. Jesus demonstrated his servanthood by his willingness to interact with everyone he met without regard to their status in life. He sought out “regular” people to be his disciples. In one incredible night  he led them in the Passover meal and he knelt down and washed each of their feet. Jesus set the model for us to follow – serve others without regard to their status or yours, be humble and willing to help, and go the extra mile with an attitude of love.

The second crucial issue that Paul calls our attention to is found in verses 12-18. Here he is calling us to keep on working on our salvation, making our lives better, so that God can work in our lives to make us the people he wants us to be. Then he gives a little list about what our attitude should be when we are working out our salvation – do everything without complaining or arguing, …become blameless and pure, become the children of God without fault. But this isn’t his main point. He calls on us to get better so that we shine like stars in the universe. Just like the old children’s Sunday School song, Let Your Little Light Shine.

This is the big point, we make a difference in the lives of others when we serve them with a Godly attitude and let our lights shine. God never intended for us to hoard him to ourselves. When we serve others we are letting them in on the secret of life – God loves us and God loves them and life is better when we live in his love. So, shine like a star and serve like Jesus and let others in on the secret of a happy life.
Begin reading Philippians 2 here.

What are your thoughts on Philippians 2? How are you getting better and bigger? Comment below.

I think I was first introduced to this concept of loving my city in February. I kept reading tweets by Ed Stetzer that said, how can you love your city if you don’t know your city. He wrote a series of blogs detailing research and demographic studies of cities. I appreciated his attempts to jumpstart a conversation about the importance of knowing your city.

He said, “The city” is an emerging phrase that seems to be embraced by a growing number of Christians. I intentionally say they are embracing the phrase, because I do not think that all are actually embracing the city, but rather they are embracing the idea of embracing the city.

I think that the song “God of this City” by Bluetree (sung by Chris Tomlin) http://Chris Tomlin
Is a great powerful song that gets at the longing– Christians want to embrace, engage, serve, and reach cities. Fair enough. It is a good thing.” (February 18, 2011)

I want to be a person who actually embraces this city. Carson City is a great place to live! Here are just a few statistics I’ve discovered about our city.

The median age of a resident of Carson City is 38.7 years. The median age across Nevada is 35.0 years. Compare that with the next Capitol city near us, Sacramento, CA, which average median age is 32.8 years.

Where do you fall in that? Frankly, I’m a little old! This statistic tells me we need more young people! We need to provide what they need and value so they will choose to stay and live here. The enthusiasm of the younger people balance out the wisdom and experience of the older people. We need their perspective and their hope.

In Carson City, men outnumber women! (Single girls, can I get an “amen”?) Males number 28,506 (51.7%) and Females number 26,670 (48.3%). Compare that to Sacramento, where the women outnumber men. Women number 209,234 and men number 197,784. Looks like the chicks have more opportunity in Carson City!

Now let’s talk weather! The sunshine in Carson City is amazing! I came from Washington State, land of grey, drippy skies. So looking at our sunshine chart we can see we are way above average for sunshine that the national average, and we never ever go below 60% all year round! Amazing! Admittedly, Sacramento is lovely, but 4 months out of the year, they dip down to far less sun than we enjoy. 2 months out of the year they have less than 50% sun. I’ll take Carson.

I’ll take Carson City. (did I just say that?) Think about that. I’ll take Carson City.

Six months ago I felt such a strong pull to see this city taken for God. I wrote on my Twitter page, “Where I have rested my gaze in the past is not good enough. Expanding my view. I’ve got my sights set on a city. GOD YOU ARE HIGHER.”

I wrote that, even while thinking, “well, who am I to ask for the city.” And I think God immediately reminded me of the promise in this scripture.

“Ask me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.”
Psalm 2:8 (NIV)

We shouldn’t ask who am I to ask for the city, but who am I NOT to ask for the city? The Bible says it all belongs to God anyway.

“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” Psalm 24:1 (NLT)

The place where you live and the people you rub elbows with each day may be unredeemed, but you are in this place for a reason. To be salt and light, remember? The Redeemer dwells within you! Therefore you bring a taste of redemption everywhere you go.

Let’s not feel insecure, thinking that we are too small and this place is so big. If your view has been too limited, let me encourage you to life your eyes. Look around our city, knowing that it all belongs to God. Walk with confidence and bring the redemptive nature of God wherever you go today, and say to yourself, “I’ll take Carson City.”

Philippians 1

(read Philippians 1 here)

This week, as a church, we begin to study Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Here we see several God-inspired principles given to aid us in our life’s journey.

The book of Philippians has come to be known as the joy letter to the early Christians. And this still holds true today for our church.

The first thing that I see as extremely encouraging is our partnership in the gospel. The word gospel means “the good news” of Jesus Christ.  As you read the first chapter of Philippians this week, consider the ways you are partnering in the gospel here at Capital Christian Center. Is joy evident in your partnership? Do others experience joy because of your partnership?

Next let us consider Paul’s words found in verse 6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Meditate on this verse for a few minutes. Ask God to reveal to you His eternal plan as He is molding and creating a remarkable person in you. Take the time to memorize this verse and take notes on how you see God bringing about change in your life’s journey.

The Apostle Paul seemed to have many obstacles while he was laboring for the gospel. It would be easy for him to just throw in the towel with these challenging people, but this was not the case. Instead he rejoiced! Everything that Paul did, he did as unto the Lord. Look at another passage that Paul wrote to the Colossians’ church.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24). When facing challenges in our service to the Lord, are we adapting Paul’s attitude or do we wimp out and throw in the towel?

Finally, Paul concludes this chapter with some hopeful words on how to conduct our lives in a world that often offers antagonism. As you read verses 27-30 give some thought to the following. Are you conducting yourself in a Christ-like manner, regardless of the situation you find yourself in? Are you standing firm in your faith? Are you standing fearlessly? All of these principles are God’s way of bringing you from Better2Bigger.

Begin reading Philippians 1 here.

What thoughts do you have on Philippians 1? How are you getting better and bigger? Comment below.

3-31-11

We have more freedoms as Americans than most people in other countries enjoy. It’s wonderful to be an American. It’s great to be free. But we know with freedom comes responsibility. That’s what the Bible says.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself.”         (Galatians 5:13-14)

I know myself pretty well. I know what I like and I know what I don’t like. It’s easy for me to love myself, I’m familiar territory. But my neighbor? How do I love her if I don’t really know her?

This question was one that prompted a whole series of other questions in my mind.

I mean obviously, according to the Bible, I am called to love my neighbor, right? If I’m called to love my neighbor, then am I called to love my neighborhood, and am I called to love my city?

Can we be called to serve specific people groups? In the New Testament, when churches were just being birthed, Peter knew he was called to the Jews. Yet Paul knew he had been called to the Gentiles. John 3:16 tells us that God is so big, he can love the whole world. I’m just one chick, living in Carson City, Nevada, how can I be sure what God is calling me to?

A scripture I am frequently reminded of is in Exodus 4:2, when God was calling Moses into service at the burning bush, and Moses was bringing up all his objections, one being, “they aren’t going to listen to me, I’m a nobody, and I have nothing to convince them with.” (my interpretation) God responded so simply. He asked Moses, “What do you have in your hand?”

I believe He still asks that question of us today. He expects us to do what we can with what we have for those closest to our reach. For me, that’s Carson City.  For many of you it’s Carson City too.

But how do we love Carson City if we don’t know Carson City?

I intend on introducing us to many little known facets of this city in which we live, through a series of blogs. I hope you’ll join me. Perhaps the more we know our city, the better we can love it.

For example: “In the early 20th century, Carson City was the quintessential small American town. In “Basque Hotel,” writer Robert Laxalt, who grew up in the capitol city in the 1930s, recalled, “The capitol dome was not much of a dome, but then Carson City was after all the smallest capital in the United States. This was drummed into the children of Carson from day one by townspeople and schoolteachers and the Carson City Daily Appeal. The children accepted the boast and repeated it to each other as dutifully as if it were one of the Commandments.”

Today, Carson City ranks #_________ smallest cities of State Capitols?

What’s your guess? I’ll just tell you now, my guess was wrong. Maybe you know Carson better than I do. But it won’t stay that way for long. I’m studyin’ up.

I want to love this city because God has so graciously decided to plant me here. I can’t wait to discover new and better ways to love this place. Already, I sense a shift in my thinking. Our sagebrush, our magnificent mountain views, our cute little downtown, our historic buildings, and our businesses that make this place hum, our beautiful, diverse people… I love Carson City!

Where in Carson is Pastor Connie?

But as I look out my window right now, it is slowly being transformed into a new color… white. Snow is falling and covering up the pewter color, black trim and earthy brown dust and mud. What was once a dirty truck is now a white box, hardly recognizable if I didn’t remember where I had parked this morning.

God’s grace is much like snow, yet it never melts and is always covering. What you were, what you’ve done and who you’ve done it to… is covered by the grace of God so that it is unrecognizable even to the all-seeing eyes of God.

Isaiah 1:18 says, “’Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.’”

Today as I watch the snow fall, I am reminded to rest in God’s grace. I’m not perfect, I am human. I don’t always make the right choices, I am human. I mess up… because I am human.

God’s grace will cover my mistakes… his grace will make them white as snow.

Are you living in God’s grace today?

“None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am reminded of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-12. The Lord told him to go out and stand on the mountain because God was going to pass by. Can you imagine, if God said, “go wait for me, because I’m coming.”?

How excited would you be? Heart racing, I’d run to the spot and look for something BIG! That is exactly what Elijah did.

“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

He came in a whisper. I think it’s human nature to expect God to show up big. It’s easy to notice things that are big. To hear a whisper, you have to stop what you’re doing, lean in, pay attention, and be still. We are not very good at being still.

I must say, the older I get, the better I am getting at hearing the whisper of God in my soul. When I’m feeling unworthy and unlovely, He whispers, “I am loved.” When I’m unsure of my proper place and feeling like I don’t belong, He whispers, “You are my daughter and I have secured a place for you.”

But am I so self obsessed to think that I am the only one He is speaking to? No! I am finding that what He speaks to me, He speaks to you!

In her book, Lioness Arising, Lisa Bevere writes, “Today increasing numbers of God’s daughters are declaring the life and freedom he is planting in their hearts. As a result, what began as a whisper in individual hearts has become a collective shout.”

I believe that is what has happened right here in Carson City. God began whispering to a few of us back in March of 2010. He was saying, “I want you to do something new, something yet unknown to you, lean in, pay attention, follow me, I’ll lead you.”

From that, the-legacy-project was born. Women are discovering not just their own worth and value, but their influence in those around them. We are learning, we have a responsibility to affect the destiny of those we love.

What began with those little God whispers to a handful, is turning into a shout from the rooftops from many.

“what Is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.” Matthew 10:27 NIV

It is time, my friend. It is our time to rise, to shine, to shout the wonders of our God. He has transformed my life by His attentive love and care. Hasn’t He changed your life too?

It is our time to build and create a legacy that will last from one generation to the next.

My legacy is not just my own children, my legacy includes everyone within my reach, my extended family, my church, my neighbors and my friends, included.

The legacy you received from your past might have included words like abandonment, financial struggle, and relational brokenness. But thanks to Jesus, Who writes a new legacy on your life, your legacy is one of joy, success, inclusion, and beauty.

Who is your legacy?

What do You want your legacy to be?

This week, lets remember what it says in Psalm 78:4 “We’re not keeping this to ourselves, we’re passing it along to the next generation—God’s fame and fortune, the marvelous things he has done.”

What has God been whispering to you? Is it time to shout it from the rooftops?

I’ll meet you there!

This is a profound mystery—Christ feeds and cares for the church; He loves the church so much that he gave himself up for her.

Submission is not a word we like to hear. It sounds harsh; it sounds restricting. But maybe that’s because we’ve got it wrong. We think: I’m weak; therefore, I submit. I’m conquered; therefore, I submit. I’m commanded; therefore, I submit.

In other words, we submit because we are forced to submit. We are forced by circumstance, society, or even the Bible, and so we submit.

BUT…

I love; therefore, I submit.

That’s what Christ does.

Christ submitted to me, and not because I could make him. I couldn’t, and I can’t. Christ loved, so He submitted.

It is a profound mystery. Inexplicable. Unknowable. Yet, it is.

The beauty of the Gospel is found in this mystery. Don’t try to dissect this love. Don’t over-analyze and over-process this love. Bask in it. Marvel in it. Accept it, and live in it.

I love; therefore, I submit.

What do you think about submission and love in all of your relationships (God, spouse, parents, children, friends, coworkers, etc.)? Leave a comment below.

Get A Life

This devotion was given yesterday at our Huddle and a few people heard about it and asked for the information, so here are some excerpts for this week’s blog.

When people become overly anxious about stupid things, petty things and things we think don’t really matter, what do we say? (Even if we turn our backs and say it under our breath) we say, “get a life!”

I believe that more people come to church for this reason than for any other reason. They realize they have to do something different to get a life.

Our core values statement for life is: “we are a church that defines the life-giving spirit of Jesus Christ, extending freedom and victory in His name.”

Our church defines the life giving spirit of Jesus Christ. Wow! Did you know it’s our responsibility, as Christians and as His church, to define that?

At first this was a very daunting thought for me. How do we do that?

The dictionary defines life with words like growth, reproduction, adaptation. Ok. I can get my mind wrapped around that.

See, we believe that this scripture is our underlying foundation as we look at life:

John 10:10 (Amplified Bible)

10The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows).

Many people imagine that those who go to church are tightly wound, extremely controlled, straight laced individuals who follow rules, and nod their heads and obey blindly. Where did that image come from?

At Capital Christian Center, we believe that God wants to strip us of shackles that have been placed on us through life. Jesus came to set us free of human expectations and put His dream in our hearts. He came to save us from death, yes but he came to give us big, fat, joyous, abundant life! What a reason for joy!

I want us to go back and look at the dictionary definition of life: let’s be the judge of whether or not we define life for our community.

Growth-are you growing personally? Do you apply scripture to your life? Are you being stretched beyond your former capacity? Are you growing? How about growth corporately? Do we have new faces entering our church every week? How would you score on growth?

Reproduction- are you sharing your life with others? Are you bringing them with you on this journey? It’s not about reproducing yourself in strangers- it’s about people you already know. People who know and judge your life. (People are asking, Is your relationship with God authentic? Is Jesus real? Can I believe in the hope you have?) Are you reproducing?

Adaptation- are you able to roll with the punches in life? Are you able to look at shifting sand around your feet and truly understand your foundation is secure? Do you freak out when you see change coming? Or are you learning the fine art of adaptation?

How did you score?

I don’t believe our life should be boring.

Ephesians 2:10 says,”We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” He designed and planned cool stuff for us long ago. Gods imagination is so much bigger and more beautiful than mine, when looking at this scripture, I have no choice but to be more open minded.

I love this quote, its a description of what one author believes life should be: ‘Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways – body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘WOO HOO, What a Ride’

We value the life giving spirit of Jesus Christ. We believe Christians should have abundant, overflowing, victorious life in every area of our existence. Christ didn’t die just so that you could have life after you die, or just so that you could have church life; Christ died so you could have life.

So the things we do are filled with life and energy. People leave church feeling energized and empowered, joyful and strong.

So today, maybe you are just beginning to stretch the boundaries in your mind of what God intends your life to look like. Maybe your life is something you think about often, but still struggle with. I want to close with a quote that changed my life. Someone once told me, “life is too short to be shy!” And it is! You can fill in that blank with anything that you feel holds you back. Life is too short to be _________. What would you fill the blank with?

Overcome that thing! Get ahold of God’s abundance. When you do, it will encourage everyone around you to “get a life”!