So, when you HAVE it you have to KEEP it.

The Apostle Paul agrees: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit…” (Ephesians 4:3).

In an effort to foster unity please join us on August 7 @ 6 pm @ Riverfront Park for UNITED.

See you there.

Blessings,

John

Riverfront Schedule

FamilyFest 10am-4pm hosted by Family Building Blocks has kids zumba, animals, health information and more.

Fun & Fellowship 4-6pm come early to park, have a picnic with friends, play frisbee and fellowship with others.

United @ 6pm West Salem Foursquare will be uniting for one Saturday service at the Riverfront. *There will be NO Sunday Aug 8th services.

Where to park downtown…

You can’t blame Peter.  I probably would have done the same thing if given the opportunity.  His close friend and spiritual leader is talking nonsense about having to die and rise again after three days – foolish thinking!

So it was natural for Peter to pull Jesus aside and try to reason with him. Scripture says that Peter “rebuked” Jesus. That word has come to mean “setting an individual on course or setting straight.”  Peter was trying to get Jesus to get his story right.  It’s at this junction that Jesus gives his famous rebuke to Peter: “Get behind me Satan!”

I don’t feel that Jesus was specifically calling Peter the devil. He was generally addressing the devilish line of thinking that was being displayed in the disciples including Peter.  Peter was thinking rationally. Peter was thinking humanly. Peter, however, was not thinking spiritually!  He didn’t have the mind of Christ, instead he was thinking out of the reserves of his humanity.

Colossians 3:1 tells us to “set our hearts on things above…set your minds on things above not on earthly things.” Romans 12 exhorts us to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” Sounds like Peter needed a renewal of his heart and mind!  Don’t we all?

Blessings,

Pastor John

“Come and participate fully” these words have haunted me every day for the past several weeks. God used them to get my attention through a recent conversation with a friend. I left the discussion wrestling with my own hesitancy to fully engage with the people and plans for which God created me. In that moment I realized for the first time, how much of my life, including, relationships, opportunities, and daily moments I have not fully embraced due to fear of failure and rejection, insecurity and pride.

Maybe it’s just me…or maybe it’s you too. How many opportunities to truly live have been passed over in favor of maintaining the status quo?

I’ve come to the conclusion that “normal” is very over rated. I believe many in our western culture mistake the “abundant” life Jesus promised for living a comfortable, socially acceptable and relatively problem-free existence, when in fact it is so much more.

Are you familiar with that persistent ache and reoccurring question in your spirit constantly asking if your life was intended for something more? If so, consider it an invitation to move from the bleachers to the playing field of you own life- -to live daily with purpose and not at whim of your own insecurities.

Maybe you, like me, at times feel uncertain about your role in the story of humankind? Come with me, before we talk ourselves back into our unfulfilling but comfortable corners of “normalcy” and take a step toward participating fully in (as Eugene Peterson puts it) the “life life and more life” that Jesus makes available to all who know Him.

Commit with me to step where HE guides though the path seems unfamiliar and confusing at times. True fulfillment comes as knowing Him becomes our highest goal and trusting him beyond our comfort level our new “normal”.

You are not alone,

Valerie Bellamy

Women’s Ministry Pastor
womentoday@wsfc.org

As we read God’s words, we begin to see how God responds to things. Doing daily devotions re-patterns the way we think and transforms the spirit of the mind. Then when we face similar situations as Jesus did, we begin to respond in the same way.

Journaling is an excellent way to both record and process what God has spoken to us. It’s also a useful tool to use at a later time, to reflect on and review some of the ‘gems’ that you have received. Without writing them down, you may forget those blessings and some very important lessons! And while journaling is a very personal time with the Lord, you may want to share some of your daily journaling with your small group or mentors. Through discussion, you may be able to look deeper into what God is speaking to you, gain new insight and even encourage others.

S

for Scripture

Open your Bible to the reading found under today’s date of your Bible bookmark, reading guide on the bulletin or online at http://wsfc.org/resources/. Take time reading and allow God to speak to you. When you are done, look for a verse that particularly spoke to you that day, and write it in your journal.

O

for Observation
What do you think God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal Jesus to you. Paraphrase and write this scripture down in your own words, in your journal.

A

for Application
So what? What does this mean for me? Personalize what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now. Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, revelation of a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.

P

for Prayer
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.

If this seems a little overwhelming, take it slow and keep it simple. No matter how you decide to do your devotions, the important thing is to show up for your daily appointment, because God is always waiting for you!

via New Hope Life Journal

Optimistic? Yep.

Good attitude? Oh, yeah!

That boy has the right perspective on his situation. Imagine if The Church functioned with this kind of optimism. Imagine having a heart of expectancy and a hope that is birthed and rooted IN CHRIST. Our circumstances and trials could easily get the best of us (if we let them), but with Jesus as our strength and our foundation we are made “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). And it’s true that “greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

We have incredible Kingdom potential. Whether you’re a hitter or a pitcher, let’s step up to the plate and swing with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.

John
Lead Pastor

“Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Luke 6:12

Jesus knew how to take timely breaks to replenish his soul. He was the master at balance. He purposefully took time off, not based upon the calendar but for the condition of his soul.

From the above passages in the Book of Luke I see a pattern of health for the Christian believer.

Withdraw…in Preparation for…in the Process of…and Prior to!

First, notice the context in which Jesus withdrew in preparation for ministry to people (Luke 4:42).  This happened to be a time when his popularity was growing and his name was catching on. People wanted to be around Jesus – therefore he knew the value of first being with his Father.

Secondly, see how Jesus got away in the process of intense ministry (Luke 5:16).  Crowds, sick people, and draining ministry situations are all reasons to step back and quietly connect with God.  What are the pressing issues that you are facing right now?  Before going any further – go be with God! It will make all the difference.

Lastly:  Jesus took extra time with his Father prior to making a large decision (Luke 6:12).  Before he chose the twelve disciples he went away for an extended time to get the “mind of God” on that significant issue.  He ended up spending the entire night in prayer.  Do you have a large decision to make?  If so, follow the model of Jesus by getting away to pray prior to making that decision.

I encourage you to take some time this summer to carve out a solitary place with the Lord.  It is a great way to prepare you for a season of ministry or hard work to come in the fall. If you’ve been in the middle of a trying time, then perhaps a time away to pray and be refreshed is in order. Or maybe you have a large decision that needs to be made and you need wisdom from the Lord…find a solitary place to get his heart for your next steps.

Jesus did it. Shouldn’t we?

Walk a little slower daddy,
said a child so small.
I’m following in your footsteps
and I don’t want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they’re hard to see,
Sometimes they’re a little slower,
Daddy, for you are leading me.

Someday when I’m all grown up,
You’re what I want to be.
Then I will have a little child
Who’ll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And to know that I was true.
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you.”

When Joshua was 6 years old he gave this poem to me. It was a school project. Silhouetted in the background of the card was his painted footprint. His footprint is frozen in time – preserved in history. I’ll never see his footprint at this size again because it will continue to only get bigger (and most certainly has since he is now 15!!).

He now pours his own glass of milk, walks to the store alone, is getting his drivers license soon, and will graduate from high school and…like his father…get married at 19 years old! Whoa Nelly, I’m having one of those ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ moments!!

Bottom line for us to consider on this Father’s Day weekend: Walk A Little Slower Dad.

Remember that there is a young generation that is following us (trying to anyway). Give them something to follow. Give them a life completely dedicated to Our Father in Heaven.

Below is a map with some of the parking structures within a few blocks of Riverfront Park and more info about our UNITED service.

I can’t believe I said NO.

When I was a senior in high school I was one of three students that were asked to consider being the commencement speaker. The administration asked two people but only needed one.  I declined even though I knew exactly what I would have spoken on. I could picture myself on the platform. I knew the exact stories, Scripture and key points I would make.  I could even hear myself speaking the words to the crowd and sharing the Gospel with them.

Even in high school, I was no stranger to public speaking.  I did it often in speech classes, drama class, school plays and youth group. It wasn’t that I was scared or intimidated. I shoulda said YES. I don’t know why I didn’t.

But, alas, I didn’t.

Instead I deferred to the other student. Inside I was hoping she would defer back to me. Then I would rebuff and point back to her. Then she would customarily shift it back my direction and THEN I would say yes. You know the drill. The same thing happens between multiple parties at a restaurant when the bill comes!

On that note…have you ever had the bill come and you said “Oh, let me get this” only to have the other party immediately say, “OK, thanks.” Isn’t there something in you that mutters “Hey, you broke the bill paying rules!”

Anyway…I shoulda said yes. Now, 21 years later I still think about it.  I want to encourage those that are graduating this month to live with as few regrets as possible. Few spiritual regrets. Few relational regrets. Few financial regrets. Few emotional regrets.

Here is the text of Scripture I was going to talk from in my “Graduation Speech Never Heard”…

Ecclesiastes 12:1 / Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them.”

If you read this ad would you pay attention?

A while ago I was given one of those daily calendars at the beginning of the year. It has a different church bulletin blooper on each day. One of the bloopers caught my attention.

“Our church will present a series of classes on various subjects throughout the month of March. The classes offered include: ‘How to Lose 100 Pounds, from 7-9 PM Monday.’”

Many would show up if it meant losing 100 pounds in only two hours! Everyone wants a quick fix to our physical conditions. But it just doesn’t work that way. Neither does it work that way with our spiritual condition.

1 Timothy 4:8 says “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

No one can promise instant results because Christianity is an on-going journey.

Eugene Peterson calls it “the long obedience in the same direction.” If you are struggling with unresolved issues in your life or if you are anxious for a life-change then I encourage you to“go to the Lord” and allow him to work the process in your heart.

Forget the quick fix.

There is no magic pill that can be taken in order to bypass hard work and discipline. Commit yourself for the long haul and trust that “he who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it…”

~ John

On Tuesday, June 1, Glenn C. Burris Jr. was selected as the next president of The Foursquare Church at Connection 2010, which is currently being held in Atlanta. The licensed ministers and registered delegates voted by written ballot at the annual convention as prescribed by the Foursquare bylaws.

As Glenn responded to his selection as president, Dennis Easter, senior pastor of Portland Foursquare Church in Oregon, prayed over him, encouraging Glenn to “be strong and courageous, for the Lord will be with you wherever you will go.”

Addressing the convention body, Glenn noted that the position would require partnership from the Foursquare family, and that he “can’t imagine leading into the future without you.”

He then added that the convention body should “look toward the rest of the week, committed to a mission of reaching the lost for Christ, birthed in our movement from the very beginning!” as the convention body erupted into applause.

Glenn received Christ as a child in the church his parents pastored; he was filled with the Holy Spirit and committed to a life of Christian service at a Foursquare youth camp. Following his graduation from Mount Vernon Bible College in 1975, he served as a youth pastor; he later became a senior pastor and served as a divisional superintendent.

He became the supervisor of the 10-state historic Southeast District in 1992 and served in that role until 2002, when he became the general supervisor of The Foursquare Church, a vice-presidential position. His direct oversight included the districts, churches, ministries and ministers within the U.S. He is a member of the board of directors and served as chairman from 2004-2008. Additionally, he served a brief term as president of LIFE Bible College East in Christiansburg, Va.

Glenn became interim president of The Foursquare Church September 1, 2009. In that role, he serves almost 1,900 congregations and approximately 7,000 licensed ministers in the United States. He also partners with national leaders in 143 other countries and territories. Though his office is based in Los Angeles, Glenn travels frequently, keeping in close contact with the leaders and churches he is privileged to serve.

Glenn has influenced countless leaders, and he celebrates the success of others as distinct victories to the glory of God. Glenn and his wife, Debbie, have been married since 1975. They are the parents of two adult children, Heidi Conley, whose husband is Dustin, and Joshua Burris.

Dr. Glenn C. Burris Jr. will assume his new responsibilities October 1, 2010. Please pray for him and his family, as well as the Foursquare family, as we make this critical transition in leadership.

For more information on Foursquare News go to http://www.foursquare.org/articles/1344,1.html.

It seems as if the older I get to more I forget. I live by my to-do lists and handwritten notes. When I sit at a local coffee shop to read my Bible, I will always have an extra napkins on the table in order to capture quick thoughts that I don’t want to forget as I’m in the Word. It seems cheesy, but I’m the kinda guy that would go around with a string tied to my finger as a memory device.

Sadly, I’d probably forget why I have it on!!

In the Scriptures there are a number of things that we are told to remember. On this Memorial Weekend, I wanted to “remind” you of just a few.

1. Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy (Exodus 20:8)

2. Remember the commands of the Lord that you may obey them (Numbers 15:39)

3. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt (or slaves to sin) and the Lord your God redeemed you (Deuteronomy 15:15)

4. Remember the wonders God has done (1 Chronicles 16:12)

5. Remember the deeds of the Lord and the miracles of long ago (Psalm 77:11)

6. Remember how fleeting is my life (Psalm 89:47)

7. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

8. Remember if your brother has something against you…go and be reconciled (Matthew 5:23)

9. Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6)

10. Remember the poor (Galatians 2:10)

11. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead (2 Timothy 2:8)

12. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners (Hebrews 13:3)

13. Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you (Hebrews 13:7)

14. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do what you did at first (Revelation 2:5)

Just a friendly reminder from your friendly, neighborhood Foursquare Church Pastor…

John

On a recent Friday, Craig Oviatt steers a small white box truck to an apartment complex in the Edgewater neighborhood of West Salem.

Led by a parade of waist-high children, Craig knocks on neighbors’ doors, greeting tenants by name and telling them he had arrived: “free clothes — ropa gratis.” Several teen boys run up to Craig to help unload the truck. Within minutes, tables are assembled in the parking lot, covered with donated clothing, toys and assorted household objects.

Though it may seem like a contradiction, this outreach pastor for West Salem Foursquare Church dislikes religion and charity. Instead, Craig believes in relationships, especially the big one: with God. “If you walk up to a stranger and say, ‘Here’s a coat,’ that’s charity,” Craig says. “If you know where they grew up, their brothers’, sisters’ names, and give them a coat — that’s helping a friend.”

To read this four page article download the following PDF:  SJArticle-5230328

or go to http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100523/NEWS/5230328/1001

I’ve got all the marks of a 21st century GEEK: iPhone, laptop, internet access, voicemail, Facebook & Twitter accounts, and soon…an iPad (Lord willing). If I ever needed to be reached there are about billion ways to do so at any given moment! The selling point for each modern burden, I mean, convenience, is that it will keep you better connected. Mankind is always striving for a higher level of integration and acceptance. Spiritual, emotional, physical and relational connection is the want and desire of many today.

Sadly, the exact opposite is true. Americans tend to be unconnected and isolated. Many do not even know the neighbors that live right next door. So many others have not experienced the authentic relationship that can be found in the person of Jesus Christ. The following are three connecting points to work on:

• Connecting With God
Psalm 73:28 says “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” We can experience the blessing and joy of being near our God in the fullness of relationship. James 4:8 encourages us to “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

• Connecting With Friends & Family
The Bible encourages us to not give up the good habit of “meeting together” – that is an important point of connection (Hebrews 10:25). There is strength and safety in numbers and no matter how you slice it: we need one another.

• Connecting With Ourselves
This more than just “getting in touch with yourself” or some kind of new age mumbo-jumbo. This is about really knowing who you are and who you’re becoming in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1 often uses the phrase “in Christ” as a point of connection for us to understand ourselves better in the context of a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

Get connected – stay connected!

Gotta go, my cell phone is ringing…

~ John

P.S.
UNITED: August 7th @ 6pm
Grab your personal calendar, electric organizer or smart phone…Mark down August 7th for West Salem Foursquare’s one united service at the Salem Waterfront Park. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and invite a friend. We’re looking forward to a fun day downtown. No Sunday August 8th 9 & 11am services.

Camp Scholarships for Kids/Youth
Pitch in and help students get to camp!
Donate at WSFC: Mark camp on the offering envelope.
Donate Online: http://www.razoo.com/story/Camp-Crestview

Like us, these folks were anticipating who the victor would be. Who would get the title of American Idol? They were absolutely ‘caught up’ in the hype and I think I noticed them beginning to froth at the mouth! As I quietly read the following passage from Revelation 9 I kept drifting in and out of their conversation:

“They did not stop worshiping idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood – idols that cannot see or hear or walk! And they did not repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” Revelation 9:20-21

Does America have idols? You bet it does. They are everywhere! We make decisions constantly regarding our worship and focus. Will we pander to the desires of our flesh? Will we give preference to worldly possessions and monetary gain? Our idols may not be as obvious as Revelation 9 describes them, however, they are nonetheless an issue to be reckoned with!

The Bible says to “love the Lord your God with your whole heart, mind and soul”. I believe this is the cure for the American Idols!

Bangkok, Chaing Mai & Udon Thailand
Beyond the bustling streets, protesting crowds and street vendors we were able to spend some time visiting with a pastor and his wife at a new church plant. Pastors and church leaders in villages have difficultly getting Bible training. There is a team working with a modified TEE program (Sa Sa Pa) to provide translated classes in a local setting.

Carefully stepping out onto a bamboo building on stilts we gathered for worship.  A leader from the village read some Scriptures, played the guitar and sung praises they had written. They are learning how to not only be dependent on God but how to work together and make a living.  Current projects include growing rice fields, mushrooms, peppers and other local items.

Phnom Phen, Batdambang & Poi Pet Cambodia
The largest church we visited with around 60 who were in the  service. The service lasted around three hours including worship lead by the youth, scripture reading, message and ending worship. But there are still many who do not know the freedom and love of Christ. Buddhism is the major religion.  Many do not know the freedom of Christ.

Mark and Ashley Smith along with their son Trey are in Batdambang with YWAM. They are working on language study and teaching at the School of Biblical Studies (SBS). “God has given us the desire of our hearts to move to Cambodia as missionaries. We want the people to hear and learn about the Good News of Jesus.” Mark & Ashley.  It was a blessing to spend a few days with Mark and Ashlie while in Cambodia. They appreciated the care package, prayer and time of skype on the weekend service at WSFC.

There is still tremendous work to be done.  Join with me in prayer for the workers, Mark & Ashlie and lost people of the world.

Kara Sappington

P.S.
Partner in Prayer: For up-to-date prayer requests and information you can contact Mark and Ashlie at mark.smith81@gmail.com.

Partner Financially: Donations for missions at WSFC and/or Mark and Ashley go to http://wsfc.org/resources/give/

Each one of us has the privilege to partner with God in His call to, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28:19

The ups and downs of daily work and life may not hold the dire circumstances of airborne combat, but there are lessons we can learn. Sgt. Donald G. Malarkey and leadership consultant Vance Day share amazing stories of the gallantry and courage of “Easy” Company, 506 Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne, during World War II.

Sgt. Malarkey is one of the original Easy Company members and served more days of consecutive combat than any other E Company veteran. He is prominently featured in the award winning HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers” produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Video clips and true-life events are used by Vance and Don to supply leadership lessons to us that are applicable to our daily circumstances. You will come away better understanding your unique set of leadership gifts and how better to apply them to your life and personal goals.

Come and enjoy this meeting. You will feel empowered to make a difference as an individual man, despite the odds and the circumstances.

Download the Men’s Breakfast Flyer

Let this reminder serve as a template for your Kingdom Prayer Path.

Kingdom Presence
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

Jesus taught us to begin prayer with the establishment of God’s incredible presence in our midst.

Kingdom Preeminence
“…your kingdom come, your will be done…”

Jesus challenges us to prayerfully consider the preeminence of God in the realm of our human context. YOUR kingdom and YOUR will…through our prayers these are being firmly enthroned upon earth as well as in heaven.

Kingdom Provision
“Give us his day our daily bread.”

In our prayers we are bringing our hearts to a place of both recognition and request. Recognition that the giver of all gifts and blessings is God Almighty. Request in humility, with a grateful heart, knowing that God awaits his approaching children and loves to help those in need.

Kingdom Priority
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

One of the most important priorities for Kingdom expansion is forgiveness. It’s just that simple.

Kingdom Protection
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

Father God is the protector of our souls in a dangerous time. It’s dangerous because the Father of Lies awaits to steal, kill and destroy. But God has given us his Son who gives life to his children.

Kingdom Praise
“…for yours is he kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Just as our model of prayer began with an acknowledgment of God’s presence, so now its crescendos with the understanding that everything belongs to Him!

~ John

If you would like to submit a praise report or prayer request please click the link below or stop by our Prayer Booth in the Auditorium.

http://wsfc.org/resources/prayer/

These are triumphant words that culminate in Kingdom Praise!  Just as our model of prayer began with an acknowledgment of God’s presence so now it crescendos with the understanding that everything belongs to Him!  The kingdom is HIS.  The power is HIS.  The glory is HIS.  Our God is an awesome God and He is worthy of all worship and praise.  To Him be the glory now and forever more.

When we gather at West Salem Foursquare for corporate worship and praise,  we have the privilege of joining “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:

To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

Kingdom Praise is what we are to be about.  Join me today in that incredible pursuit.

As humorous as that is, it is sadly true. Resisting temptation is really tough when you consider the powerful lures of the world.

“For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16

Today, I want to continue looking at the Kingdom Prayer Plan that Jesus gave us in Matthew 6. The spotlighted phrase is: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” This is our Kingdom Protection.

The Father God is the protector of our souls in a dangerous time. Frankly, it’s dangerous pretty much ALL the time because the Great Liar (Satan) awaits to steal, kill and destroy. However, we know that God has given us his Son who extends life and strength to his children to overcome the enemy. That includes the intense temptation thrown at us constantly.

The Apostle Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 10:12,13 - “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

What is the way of escape? How can we be delivered from temptation?

1. Catch it. An important first step is to recognize temptation for what it is. When we see it sneaking in through the back door, call it out. Name it. Catch it red-handed before it becomes fully formed in our hearts.

2. Confess it. Next it’s vital to confess it to someone you trust. This is called accountability. It doesn’t come naturally, and your flesh will really fight it. But you can fight back. Take the necessary steps, make the appropriate calls to confess the temptation. By bringing it into the light the work of the enemy is defused.

3. Correct it. Often times temptation finds opportunity in our lives through wrong thinking. Catch it, correct it then take those thoughts captive and allow the Lord to correct us. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

~Pastor John

Here are a few upcoming events at West Salem Foursquare.

WALKER BEAUTIFICATION DAY
Come to our 6th annual Walker School Beautification Day. Help us give back and bless our school on 4.24.10 from 7am-1pm. We will be trimming, planting, building benches, painting and spreading bark. Please bring tools and gloves.  For more information e-mail Craig Oviatt at craig@wsfc.org.

PAJAMA PARTY
Looking for a night of fun? Ladies, come join us for a women’s only pajama party on 4.30.10 from 7pm-12am, here at the church. Bring a snack or beverage and wear your favorite pajamas.  Questions? email Jennie Smith at jennie503@gmail.com

FAMILY LIFE GROUPS
Are you looking for a family small group where you can connect and grow? Join us Sundays from 6:30-8:30. We are following the WSFC SG2gO series. Childcare is provided birth-5th grade (small donation is requested). For more information contact Kristin Chaney at kristin@chaneyfamily.info.

CONNECT CAFE
New to WSFC? Want to connect with Pastor John and others? This Saturday we are hosting a Connect Cafe, April 17, at 9:30am in the Lobby. For more information contact Joan English at joan@wsfc.org. Children are welcome with their parents.

SUSTAINABLE CHRISTIANITY :: PART III
Toxic Removal :: The Holy Spirit begins this Thursday, April 15. Learn about those heart issues that inhibit a close relationship with God and how to be cleansed of them. Fill out a Grow Card and write Sustainable. Drop completed cards off in the Lobby at Connecting Point. Cost for the “Doing What Jesus Did” Book is $20. (Already have book? no cost) Contact Penne Ryan at 503.851.6868

EI8HT
Are you 18-early 30′s? Join us April 17th at 8pm in the Lobby for worship with Anna Gilbert & Chris Marshall, free coffee and a great message. Follow ei8ht on Twitter @WSFCyoungadults.

I want to continue on in my series of emails that I’m calling “The Kingdom Prayer Plan.” This is Part 4 of some simple thoughts based upon the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. This week’s portion is called:

Kingdom Priority
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

One of the most important priorities for Kingdom expansion is forgiveness. This Kingdom Priority is found in The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:12) in which Jesus taught his disciples (that would include us now) to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

As a follow up Jesus says in verses 14 and 15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Those are strong words, definitely ones to take note of and make every assurance that we are conforming to! It’s been said that “not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.” The one that gets hurt most is ourselves when we harbor unforgiveness!

The implications of forgiveness, or the lack thereof, are widespread, therefore, it’s important that we do something with our unforgiveness. What, you may wonder? Here are some thoughts:

1. Surrender it to God. Let him do a work upon your heart first and foremost.

2. Keep no records of wrongs. Stop waiting for “the straw that breaks the camels back” or the “shoe to drop.” The Bible says that love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13).

3. Refuse to punish. Look at the example of Christ on the cross. Look at his kindness. He could have destroyed everyone that attacked him but he did not. We shouldn’t either.

4. Keep your mouth closed. A wise person once said, “Never miss a chance to keep your mouth shut.” Part of forgiveness is the discipline to not keep bringing it up again and again.

5. Deal with it immediately. Scripture tells us to “not let the sun go down upon our anger (Eph. 4:26).” It’s vital to be diligent about unforgiveness – deal with it before it gets out of control.

If there are areas of unforgiveness in your heart then I exhort you to make every effort to get those things taken care of soon. I believe, and the Word supports, that God’s blessings is dependent upon that act of obedience.

I was reading in my devotions today from 1 Corinthians 15. In it the Apostle Paul says, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scripture, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” This statement is widely accepted as the earliest church creed, which began circulating as early as AD 30-36, just shortly after Jesus’ resurrection. The early date of this creed proves that the church did not corrupt the truth about Jesus with folklores and fables, but rather, just clung to the plain and undeniable facts of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

In other words: this resurrection stuff is TRUE! Over the years many have tried to convolute the truth with random theories and speculation regarding the resurrection, but nothing can refute an enormous rock that was moved, an empty tomb, burial cloths that were left behind and over 500 eyewitnesses to the risen Christ!

Make no mistake: Jesus is Alive.

It is this truth that we are celebrating this weekend at West Salem Foursquare. I invite you to join us for one of our 5 worship gatherings. We have identical services at 5:00 and 7:00 pm on Saturday evening, as well as Sunday morning at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:15 am.

This weekend we are launching a teaching series called “Can You See Him?” where together we will take a good look at Jesus through lens of the Book of Revelation. We also have a corresponding Small Group DVD & Guide that goes with the series. We invite you to get a group of people together, pop in the DVD and grow together. For more information contact Joan (joan@wsfc.org), or just stop by Connecting Point on the weekends or the church office during the week to pick up your Can You See Him? SG2gO (Small Group to Go) Box.

~John

P.S. He is Risen.

P.P.S. He is Risen Indeed!

CYSH_Series_-_Loop_Video_PAL

“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 611)

This important phrase addresses Kingdom Provision.  In our prayers we are bringing our hearts to a place of both recognition and request.  Recognition that the Giver of all good gifts and blessings is indeed God Almighty.  God is the one who bestows upon his children our very life’s breath.  It would make sense than that we would turn to him to supply our daily needs.

That brings us to our request. We have been trained since infancy to demand our way and try to get our needs met immediately.

“Gimme, gimme, gimme!” says the anxious child to the fatigued mother.

This mindset does not quickly leave us, and we often carry it right into our adult years only to approach God as if he is a cosmic dispenser of goodies!  God is not a glorified gumball machine. You don’t stick your quarter in and expect something to fall out!

However, God, in his mercy, does want us to come to him. He awaits his approaching children and loves to help those truly in need. What he is looking for, I believe, is a grateful heart.

How grateful are you today for the blessings of the Lord?  Has he supplied your daily bread?  If so, have you said ‘thank you’ yet?

~ John

Starting last week, we began looking at the following Kingdom Prayer Path as Jesus taught in Matthew 6.

Kingdom Presence
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

Kingdom Preeminence
“…your kingdom come, your will be done…”

Kingdom Provision
“Give us his day our daily bread.”

Kingdom Priority
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Kingdom Protection
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

Kingdom Praise
“…for yours is he kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.”

Kingdom Preeminence
“…your Kingdom come, your will be done…”
Matthew 6:10

Jesus taught his disciples to pray in such a way that establishes first the presence of God within the realm of the heavenlies.  Secondly Jesus challenges us to prayerfully consider the preeminence of God in the midst of our human context.  YOUR Kingdom come and YOUR will be done. Through our prayers these are being firmly enthroned upon earth as well as in heaven.

God is preeminent.

He stands out among all others because of His sheer superiority and because of His majestic rule and reign throughout mankind.  It’s obvious to see His mighty hand working throughout the ages. It is equally wonderful to dwell upon His incredible power that can be seen in and through His people.  But the real rub comes when His Kingdom and His will are brought into confrontation with our purposes and our choices.  Who will win then? Who is truly preeminent now?

Are your prayers loaded with your own will and selfish endeavors?

Are you more focused upon your well-being and betterment than the will of the Lord and the needs of others?

If so then I encourage you to readjust the direction of your prayers.  Aim them up-word.  Express them according to God’s will and Kingdom development.  In doing so you are giving place for the life and touch of God to be brought to earth, and thus into the place where you live on a daily basis.

Isn’t that what we really want anyway?

~ John

I have been reading the Book of Exodus lately. In it we discover such great detail regarding the construction, décor, and maintenance of the temple of the Lord. If you’ve ever read through Exodus, then you too have discovered the incredible minutia. Frankly, it can be a bit mind-numbing. Every detail has a corresponding detail. Everything has a purpose and a place – it’s amazing and awe-inspiring, yet, it can be overwhelming.

So, just when my eyes were beginning to gloss over, my heart was captured by these verses:

“And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel.” Exodus 27:20-21

Here we discover God’s command to the priests that there should always be a light left on in the temple. The inner court must always have illumination. The lamps were to be filled with pure olive oil. The process by which olive oil is harvested and refined is pretty amazing. There are various grades of oil, and the command was such that only the purest form was to be brought to the inner court to keep the lamp burning day and night.

Throughout Biblical history, we discover that oil is often used as a typology of the Holy Spirit and His anointing presence. From this passage, one can surmise that the Lord God desired that there be a visual reminder of His Presence always burning brightly within the temple and before the people. God’s desire for His manifold Presence to be expressed, enjoyed, and exalted remains today. He wants His life-giving Presence and Power to be evident in our churches.

And yet, how often have we been a part of, or at least aware of, congregations in which God’s Presence has not dwelt for some time? These are empty shells, white-washed tombs, and shadows of their former selves. It’s sad to find churches with beautiful architecture, but lacking the life of God’s Spirit. How does this happen? Who is to blame when the lights are barely on, and God is certainly not at home?

The better question might be: “How can we, in our postmodern culture, insure that the Presence of God still burns brightly within our gatherings?” I believe there are two components that are found in the Exodus 27 passage.

The People BRING It

The people of Israel were commanded to bring the pure oil to the temple for the lamp to remain lit. There is a responsibility on their part that is often overlooked today. Our contemporary churches have largely become spectator based in which folks rate the service like that of an episode of American Idol, or So You Think You Can Dance? In large part, the leaders of the local church have a heavy expectation to “bring it,” and if there seems to be a lack of God’s Presence, then the services are rated accordingly. In this passage we discover the opposite expectation. The people were to “bring it.” Let me repeat: THE PEOPLE BRING IT.

Imagine with me what would happen when Spirit-filled believers come together and collectively bring the indwelling Presence of God with them. Our gatherings would be lit up! Church services would be alive with the collective spiritual energy that is generated by God’s people full of God’s Spirit.

Now that’s where the pastor’s role begins.

The Pastor TENDS It

Aaron and his sons were the priests of the temple. They were commanded to tend to the lamp from evening to morning. That would probably involve filling the lamps with oil, keeping the wicks trimmed, and watching the flame.

What is notably absent from this passage? Simply: bringing oil was not their responsibility. The role of the priest involved tending. Today in our churches, we have pastors that are given the same role of keeping the lamp burning with the oil that the people bring.

I have known good and Godly leaders that struggled in their place of ministry service. There are a number of reasons why this could be the case, but it occurs to me that perhaps they were trying to keep a lamp burning without oil. These well-meaning pastors have too great an expectation upon them to be both bringer and tender. That is an undue presumption that leads to a high burnout rate for pastoral leaders. To be sure, our pastors ought to be spiritually alive people that embody the Presence of the Living God. Yet, often they are expected to be the sole source. This is akin to lighting the pastor on fire while everyone stands around and watches the show. Have our churches become Pastor Shows? If so, are we OK with this? What will the fallout be when the heavy yoke of bringer and tender becomes too much?

Let’s stop placing this undue burden upon our church leadership. They are called to tend to that which people bring to the assembly, and not the other way around. This is the appropriate place where the Kingdom of God becomes a partnership: people and pastor.

Together we can keep the light on for God.

Author: John Fehlen

Via Rethink Monthly: http://www.rethinkmonthly.com

I was driving from a conference site to my host home (trying to save money by skipping a hotel). I was grumbling because I had been placed in a host home that was a substantial distance away (ie: like a billion miles), and was further aggravated by the rottenly thick LA traffic! It was in that moment that the Lord spoke to my heart. He asked me to pray. Out of obedience I turned off the radio and quietly responded in prayerful submission to the Lord.

What began with a simple ‘Lord, teach me to pray’, grew into a wonderful time of being in the presence of the Lord. I sensed that he was asking for me to set that drive time aside to him for the remainder of the week. What flowed out of those times in my rental car on the hot LA freeways became the outline for the Kingdom Prayer Path that I want to share with you over the coming weeks.

These emails will hopefully serve to fuel your personal prayer times as well as lay a foundation for four specific upcoming events in the life of West Salem Foursquare.

1. Pep Rally on Friday, March 12. All servants and Easter volunteers are invited to join us as we kick off the Easter season with prayer & fasting (many of our staff & key leaders are initiating a season of fasting leading up to Easter)

2. Good Friday Prayer on Friday, April 2 from noon until 7 pm. This is an open time in the auditorium for any and all to want to pray, meditate, read scripture and take communion. Our prayer guide will be taken from Jesus’ prayer plan in Matthew 6.

3. Easter Services on Saturday & Sunday, April 3 & 4. These services will be bathed in prayer! We are believing God for a powerful display of his presence and the fruit of many coming into relationship with Jesus.

4. Can You See Him? Small Groups2Go. Springboarding off of Easter, we will begin a 6 part teaching series with a corresponding small group video curriculum. Our small groups have a number of components, one being prayer with one another. It’s powerful when God’s people unite their hearts in prayer.

Over the next handful of weeks we will look at the following Kingdom Prayer Path:

Kingdom Presence
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

Kingdom Preeminence
“…your kingdom come, your will be done…”

Kingdom Provision
“Give us his day our daily bread.”

Kingdom Priority
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Kingdom Protection
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

Kingdom Praise
“…for yours is he kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

1. Kingdom Presence
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

The disciples made an important request in Matthew 6 (Lord, teach us to pray), and they were met with a practical plan for Kingdom entrance, praise-initiation and the offering of petitions. It’s a plan that will assist us in our times of prayer and will lead us into greater relationship with the Lord of the universe. Jesus taught us to begin prayer with the establishment of God’s incredible presence.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”

God presence is powerful and His name is to be praised. That is the place of humility, dependence, surrender and adoration that is necessary to enter into a recognition of God’s presence. It reminds us that it is not about us. It is about HIM.

Together we say: “Hallowed be your name, oh Lord!”

~ John

Donations of glasses and wool socks are being gathered up until March 17th. You can drop these off at the WSFC Office.

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Community Homeless Connect
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
9:00-4:00
Salem First Baptist Church
395 Marion St NE
Salem, Or 97301

The leader’s most important move is to step aside and give God the proper room to do what God does best. You see, we are completely dependent upon Him. We may not realize it or may not accept it, but it doesn’t deny its reality. Everything we have comes from Him.

Consider the air you breathe.

Did you produce that in and of your own strength?

No. It comes from the God of the Universe.

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the men of Athens was simple: “For in Him we live and move and have our being.”

He even quoted some their famous poets in saying, “We are His offspring.”

So often leadership is equated with independence and a renegade spirit, but not so in the Kingdom of God! Leadership is about submission and servanthood. Our strength comes from above and can only be made active as we approach God in humility and contriteness of heart. It’s about pushing aside our pride and creating space in which God can act!

Let’s continue to be dependent upon God. As leaders (whether in the church or at home or at work) we must lean into the Lord for his wisdom and strength.

Last year was our first Pep Rally. It turned out to be a great time of fellowship and leadership training. If you are a current servant or planning to volunteer at Easter please join us. Our Easter Pep Rally will be on March 12th from 6:30-8:30pm. This fun evening will include

– worship & prayer

– dramatic production with Chuck Neighbors

– ministry training breakout sessions

Easter Gatherings at West Salem Foursquare at Sat April 3 @ 5 and 7pm and Sun April 4 @ 8, 9:30 & 11:15am. There are multiple opportunities to serve including:

- Set-Up/Tear Down

- Facility

- Prayer

- Hospitality

- Security

- Guest Services

- Children’s Ministries.

Fill out an Easter Serve Card on the weekend service to volunteer.

Last week I gave us a biblical description of a leader. This week I want to look at the discipline involved in leadership.

Let’s be honest: discipline is an “icky” word.

Nobody wants to be disciplined. I don’t know many people that enjoy strict perimeters and defined guidelines that come with a disciplined life. Yet, the Word of God places such a high priority upon leadership functioning within a structure that helps us live holy.

From a secular point of view, the higher up you go in terms of leadership the more freedoms and allowances you have. The opposite is true in a spiritual realm: the higher you go the less you are able to get away with.

Leaders in the Kingdom of God have more constraints upon their lives because there is a greater demand upon their life.

In a nutshell: you’re being watched!

That’s an incredible responsibility, yet a wonderful privilege as we rely upon the Lord for His strength, His grace, and His direction.

If you want to study this topic a bit more I recommend you read the Book of 1 Peter and note the references to self-control, submission, obedience and holiness. It’s a wonderful study.

~ Pastor John