Christmas w/o Christ is ... Un"Reason"able

If I were sitting down to write about the top five places to pick up a nativity for your front yard this Christmas, I would be finished… right about …now.

So at New Venture, we’re doing an “Assignment America” blitz to place a disappearing CHRISTmas at the top of our social media headlines for all the world to see. This Christmas season, wherever you find reflections of Him, grab your digital devices and snap it. Capture it on your smartphones, cameras, tablets, iPads, and post it on Facebook, Tweet it or Instagram it. I'll get you started with one of my own, snapped of my neighbor's driveway down the hill from us: A four or maybe five foot Cross of Christmas Lights.

That’s the assignment, here’s the why: At New Venture, we’ve been talking for a few months about how to start digging out from the pile of rubbish trying to diminish or even delete Our Mighty God – ways to Awaken a Sleeping Giant, whether that’s God’s global Church or our individual witness as Christians. Nowhere, and at no time of year is this “deletion” more apparent than at what is SUPPOSED to be the season of His birth.

I heard one of our staff members was out with a family member looking for a nativity and came home empty handed. They said they found inflatable seals and penguins, Ferris Wheels, plenty of North Pole gear, but no baby Jesus, away in a manger. Plenty of poinsettias, and things my wife loves like glittery ribbons or twinkly lights, and boxes of fake snow (sorry Northeast, we order ours boxed in San Diego). But no O Holy Night was stirring, not even a mouse. You can have a Happy Holidays in a million ways, but if you want to celebrate a Merry Christmas, you’re going to have to hit Home Depot and make it a D.I.Y. XMAS.

What about Christmas cards? Those are more likely to show the Spirit of the season – IF you’re looking for Hanukkah, Kwanza or “safe” nondescript blessings of goodwill and peace on earth. Otherwise, it’s pretty slim out there. Wal Mart actually comes out the winner here with several Christian Christmas Cards with Scriptures and other nods to the God of the Bible, the Word Become Flesh. Target had few in the beginning. Barnes and Noble will bury you in stacks and stacks of Surfin’ Santas, winter wonderlands, a Happy Owl-idays (with a Christmas Owl?!), and off-color options. I don’t know how we got from the miracle of a Messiah, “born that man no more may die,” to celebrating His birth with cards you wouldn’t send to a minor. But we’re there.

And the count of any of the above drops to an appalling zero when we narrow the question to how much “CHRISTmas” have you seen in public areas like parks, malls, stores? Nativities are being kicked off military bases left and right and barely covered in the news. The Mt. Soledad Cross was ruled against in the 9^th District Court days before this writing (more about that in the Sleeping Giant blog), and ordered taken down in 90 days. Christmas parades are banned in select cities around the nation including Santa Barbara and Encinitas … right here at home.

Instagramming the nearest nativity is not going to turn our country back into One Nation Under God, or put Christmas back on the public map. But it’s a start, and at the very least, as Christians, we’ll be drawing near to Him this year, stirring up the conversation, and making sure that the nations hear that Christ was born in Bethlehem, and in our hearts. Go tell it on the mountain…over the hills, and Mt. Soledad, and military bases, and wireless hotspots – and everywhere.

Storm Preparedness -- Prayers For & Lessons From the Philippines' Typhoon Haiyan

In the aftermath of the storm that recently ravaged the Philippines (Nov. 8, 2013), stories began to emerge that People Magazine described as "stories of horror and hope.” I found it almost hard to read the details the first couple of days of what would turn out to be hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and more than 5000 lives lost. Together with the church, we lifted up in prayer those who were hardest hit, distributed details for how to help (also available at the bottom of this blog), and thanked God for victories like the babies that were born in the chaos – literally “in the midst of the storm.”

The headlines were gripping and brought to mind God's frequent use of storm imagery to illustrate both promises and warnings in His Word. (For you have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Is 25:4).

One particular story of an area that sustained minimal damage and no deaths – and WHY this was the case – made me particularly interested. It was the one area you’d think would have been hit the HARDEST, but it was actually almost untouched – and even remained continuously functional during the storm, serving as an uninterrupted source of support to the surrounding community: The Tacloban Seaport. And why? According to the seaport manager, “Credit goes largely to a Philippine Ports Authority manual called 'Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures …During Inclement Weather,'” which he refers to as “our Bible.”

Local authorities from other devastated areas were criticized for “failing to adequately prepare” and left devastated by the storm. The Port Manager however, began to respond the minute he heard there might be trouble, implementing what he said he “memorized” from his “Bible." He not only limited the damage, but also enabled quick and near-complete restoration after the storm – allowing the port to do more than SURVIVE, but to immediately SERVE.

Right after the storm, the port opened for military vessels and ships providing aid. Almost the ONLY aid, which was crucial because “more help arrives by sea and less by air in the first few days after the crisis."

How much is this a direct image of our responsibility as Christians in the midst of a broken world? The need to be prepared before a storm hits – “memorizing” the instructions in our literal Bible with even more passion than the Port Manager studied the procedures in his guide. How immediately must we react at the first sign that our enemy the Devil is throwing some “inclement weather” our way? How important is it for us to not just know what we “should” do, but to take intentional steps to get our “port” in order? All of these things, not only keep our own lives in safe, minimal-damage conditions – but allow us to serve and support as Christ's hands and feet when the world around us is falling apart and in need of aid. This is our blessing and our responsibility -- keeping us in safe harbor AND serving as the vessels that allow His aid to Reach others. We never know the storms that are brewing in lives all around us. Be ready "in any season" (2 Tim 4:2)  to be His strength to those He sends your way.

If you’d like prayer for any of the recent circumstances, have other needs, or want to know more about how you can help, contact the church office at New Venture (760 721 7777). We also recommend some of the below trusted world aid organizations.

God bless you as you search His “instruction manual,” withstand the storms, and love and serve your neighbors in any weather.

Jesus With You,
Pastor Shawn

Philipines Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow.php

Unicef – http://www.unicef.org/media/media_70893.html

Doctors Without Borders -- http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=7143&cat=field-news

Well Done ... Pastor Chuck

Without question, God chose to use Pastor Chuck Smith as the cue ball of the Jesus Movement of the 60's & 70's.

I came to saving grace in Jesus Christ in 1971, at a tumultuous and demonic time in our nation's history, which included psychedelic drugs, Charles Manson, Woodstock and more.. The Bible says, "where sin abounds, grace much more abounds (Romans 5:20)." It sure does!

As national revival impacting millions swept across America, I got caught in that tsunami of God's Power and Love, along with my pastor Mike McIntosh, local pastors (and the fathers of Switchfoot stars) Mark Foreman and Chuck Butler, as well as the worship leaders who became the parents of Phil and Evan Wickham. My, how time flies.

God chose to use Pastor Chuck, as the flashpoint of this revival as hippies came through his church doors by the hundreds. Instead of turning them away, he welcomed all of these disenfranchised and hurting young people - as Jesus would. Today, Pastor Chuck begins eternal life, enjoying the One which he served so faithfully. Last Sunday Chuck preached his last sermon from a wheelchair. 86 years old, feeble and weak. Well, he sure doesn't need that wheelchair today, as Pastor Chuck begins enjoying his eternal reward.

He earned it, and a generation of us are eternally grateful!

One day, those who embrace the Christ that he loved, will join him. But until then...we're due for another NATIONAL REVIVAL. Through prayer, boldness, and a faithful walk with our Lord...let's be a part of it.

Pastor Shawn

FIX YOUR EYES….

It’s official – there is no “frontier” left that isn’t exposed to or covered by the Internet – Google, in specific. The Bible says that when Christ returns, every eye will see Him [Rev. 1:7]. It’s possible that by then, most of those “eyes” will be wearing Google glasses…or something similar.

Earlier this spring, 2013, Google Glasses and iGlass became available for public consumption. With a price point that kept them exclusively for celebrity clientele, it’s still a few years before we see them on the guy next to us at Walmart.

But Google, in their trademark formula for influencing our culture, already started with prototypes of their glasses in very visible (no pun intended) arenas like Celebs with “courtside seats,” Designers from New York’s Fashion Week, Artists at the Cannes Film Festival, and positioning sales to Influencers such as those on Fortune’s top 100.

There’s an exciting side to this. Did you ever imagine living in an age where you could pop on a pair of glasses and in a futuristic way, have them download extra info about everything you see – or record everything you encounter; give you directions; take pictures with the blink of an eye and share them with family and friends...everywhere?

The other side of this is, we’re multiplying our exposure to “the world” exponentially…but are we multiplying our exposure to God along with it? The Bible tells us to be careful what we expose ourselves to – what we hear and listen to; what we think about; and yes, what we see.

For all the benefits and advances the Internet has brought in changing our lifestyles – instant worldwide news, travel made easier, communication, information – there’s also a danger to what the Internet can put in front of you. And with smaller and more portable, affordable technology – tablets, smartphones, and now glasses – it’s possible to have the Internet – all its pros and cons – always before us.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’d love to get my hands on a pair of those glasses. Waiting for a flight watching Spiderman IV; grabbing a burger while watching SportsCenter; being able to prepare a sermon from anywhere, anytime. But as our opportunities increase to keep the World in front of our eyes and at our fingertips, it’s more and more important to remember what God says about the importance of keeping His Word ever before us, more than anything else. [Deut. 6:9, 11:20; Eph. 5:19]

As we start to see the world through Google’s glasses, are we remembering to put on God’s perspective first? Are we powering up His Word through all these gadets? Is His “report” [Is. 53:1] louder than what any headline tells us to believe about ourselves and the world around us? If not…put on God’s glasses first, and make sure His vision for us, His plan for you, and His point of view are the first and clearest things you see. Fix your eyes first and foremost on Jesus…the author and perfector of our faith, and let Him be the glass through which -- or through WHOM -- you see it all. [Heb. 12:2]

[Additional reading: Is. 55:9; Jer. 3:33]

Hitting The Target

I really appreciate this quote. It's a great source of inspiration and encouragement. We all encounter times in which we experience setbacks. Ever felt like you've taken 2 steps forward, but then... 3 steps back?! At times all of us have.

God often allows us to advance from what initially feels like retreat - or defeat! Much like an arrow in a bow, when we feel like we're going backwards, often times God is about to launch us into future opportunities that only He can see!!

When the arrow is positioned to be shot by the archer, oftentimes the Master Marksman aims it in a direction to accomplish His ends.

God is the same way. He "Readies" us, "Aims" us, and then "Launches" us forward. Allow God to do that in your life. Ask Him right now, saying, "Lord, I yield myself to You. Knowing that You are aware where I can be most effective and accomplish the most good, no matter how I feel today. I trust where you're taking me."

God bless you friend. Good things are coming! Happy landing.

A Healthy Case of Spring Fever

Happy spring season to you. The Lord speaks about the 4 seasons He created in Gen. 8:22, and from an informal survey I took recently while speaking to our church family, springtime seems to have won out as NV’s favorite. I hope you’re enjoying and adjusting to Daylight Savings…with all the ministry that’s been happening around here at New Venture, we could use that hour we lost, back! I sure like it lighter, later though. You too?!

It’s been nothing short of thrilling to observe many of the ministries at NV springing to life (no pun intended). Our Spanish Service is a blessing, with 14 additional friends joining us on our Transportation pickup last week. Epic teens just returned from Winter Camp. Children are having a blast, with many coming to Christ in Kid’s World. A recent All-Church Baptism saw many take this important step in honoring and pleasing God. MPACT Men’s Ministry has been hitting the streets and spreading the word of our fast-approaching 24th Annual Easter Outreach services. And the launching of our new Traditions service has been far beyond anything we could have hoped for, with 51 enjoying the great hymns of old this past weekend in our Upper Room. Soon we’ll be adding Gospel Celebration Services, for those who enjoy a different expression of worship. God loves variety – and He sure loves the amazing people of NVCF!

I couldn’t be happier as we move into spring. Here’s a neat quote I came across, that speaks about the importance of not making excuses, but to keep looking to God for great things. I tell you this... the fired-up folks at New Venture, not only relate to this, but are living it, looking to God for great things and looking forward to experiencing more of Him together in the days ahead.



Yep, spring is in the air. That means new growth and opportunities. Maybe in your garden but definitely with our God.

Warmly,

Pastor Shawn

COMMITMENT, SOUL TRAIN and 21 (ALREADY?!!)

Only a few weeks into the New Year and already God is moving at New Venture especially with our new, life-changing “NO REGRETS: Living the Life You are Meant to Live” series. Based upon Kerry and Chris Shook’s book One Month To Live, our entire ministry is gaining a fresh, new perspective on honoring God by “Living life like we’re dying!!” Do that, and you’ll find yourself living better! I love John 10:10 in the Message Bible – “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

Ken Blanchard who’s a bestselling author, management expert and firm believer in our Lord, and has ministered here at NVCF, has said,

That’s a powerful dose of conviction right there.

As human beings, we all have varying interests. And those, in and of themselves are not necessarily bad things. Back in the day (a looongtime ago), when I was a regular dancer on the hit television show, Soul Train (I know, hard to believe, huh?!) I used to enjoy shaking it up on the dance floor. And boy - while I still love to dance - I love it so much more when God get’s my spirit dancing for Him, rather than the amazing things that He continually does, rather than secular television. Interests like the latest fads and trends are often interchangeable or replaceable. But more often than not, sometimes interests capture our attention away from committing our gifts, hearts, resources and even our time to heavenly matters – like living life for eternity, and not solely time...

21 years ago today, one of the biggest commitments I ever made to Jesus was to be the best father I could be to my son, Shawn Jr. No longer was parenting an interest, it was something I pledged everything I was, everything I would be and everything I had to. What changed…love is what changed. I was now responsible for the rearing of another human being in this world. I could see clearly what God must have felt knowing the sacrifice He’d pay because you and I were more than just His interests but rather his adopted sons and daughters. And His commitment to us is most evident in the sacrificial life and death of His Son, Jesus Christ. Now that’s commitment!

The direction of where we choose to take our faith lies in where our hearts are at. Today, ask yourself is church my interest or is my relationship with my Lord and Savior, my commitment? And if you can’t say the latter, I pray you come this weekend to discover more about what’s holding you back as we explore a life where we’re just breathing versus a life that’s breathtaking!

Join us, we’re saving a spot just for you… and so is God.

Resolutions and Results - God's Way

Dear New Venture Family and Friends,

It's that time of year again.…The beginning of a new start, a point in time to start fresh, to turn a new leaf, to write some goals, and more importantly, to be resolved! Welcome to 2013.

Today, approximately 45% of Americans dedicate this time to write out formal New Year's Resolutions with the number one goal usually being to lose more weight, get in shape or to get healthier. The goals sound worthwhile don't they? The only problem is that within months, most Americans forget what their New Year's goal(s) were, much less being on the way to fulfilling them. Want some Resolutions with Results?! The best way, is committing to do them God's Way. Let me explain:

Direct your goals away from your own abilities and back on track toward God. For instance if you’re trying to take positive steps towards getting healthy try this goal out:

Less sugar, more fruit. Less meat, more vegetables. Less soda, more water. Less driving, more walking. Less worry, more sleep. Less words, more actions. Less me, MORE GOD!

Those who use this time of year to glorify and honor our Lord, rather than ourselves with our resolutions will be blessed (Matt. 6:33). Putting God back into the process of making goals and trusting in Him to guide your path is the best insurance of success you could ever have. The more we take ourselves out of the equation of our lives, the more God is able to work miracles in our lives. Here's how the equation should look: My responsibility is to get out of the way and allow Him to work. His Promise: "to do exceeding abundantly beyond anything I could possibly ask or think" (Eph. 3:20).

It's been wisely said that…"NOTHING VENTURED = NOTHING GAINED!" You can't get anywhere unless you're willing to take a risk (the Bible calls it "faith"). Don’t be afraid to risk it all - taking positive steps of faith with God this year, as opposed to merely "leaps of the imagination." This year, with Him, I plan on doing that. How about you?

My prayer for this New Year is that is that we become more than just resolved, but rather glorify Him with resolutions that honor God and draw lasting attention to Him.

"13" may not be a lucky number. But I've got a special feeling - that this year... it's going to be a blessed one!

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let's rejoice and be glad in it…” ~Psalms 118:24.

A God blessed and awesome year to you!

There is Hope – His Name is Jesus

When the headlines break – when they sicken, anger, or frighten us – you can be sure of two things.

1) You are not alone in that you have an entire nation of people experiencing the same crisis in their own ways – finding out through an email, jolted by a newsfeed sent to their phone, shocked by a call from a friend or a nervous-sounding anchor interrupting with “breaking news.”

2) No matter what…there is hope.

Tragedy that affects the innocent is a deeply saddening thing – always difficult to process or bear. When the innocent victims are children…the mind races, the spirit drops and prayer is fervently lifted. It shakes us to our core – as individuals and as a nation. The enemy knows where to hit us – most often where we think we’re not vulnerable. A small town. Places we trust. Our staples. Our children. Today, a little elementary school in Connecticut will join forever the ranks of Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora Colorado’s Century 16 Movie theater and countless other places both in sorrow and infamy. 

We are too often reminded why our nation needs Jesus Christ! 

This is why the mission of our church—New Venture Christian Fellowship--and the other 350,000 churches across the United States have a significant and critical responsibility.  We are called to be Ambassadors of Hope to a hurting world.  And yes, there is an Answer! There is Hope – a real and tangible hope that we can grasp firmly. His name is Jesus. As much as He is the answer – He is also the “how” that equips us to get through these heartbreaks and empowers us to reach out to others. There is an urgency we too often forget. In this sad moment of remembering why the message of Christ is so desperately needed, we merely need to be prayerful, passionate and above all, fully committed in getting that message out a pained and sickened world.

Our Lord says…

“…If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”
(2^nd Chronicles 7:12-14).

Praying for Hope, while knowing we have it…

Praying for Healing, our nation needs it...
Tell someone else today who needs to hear it from you.

Let’s get busy! 

Unwrap Your Joy

What an amazing time of year it is!  As we’re running errands, planning get-togethers, cooking meals and wrapping gifts,  it is my hope that we don’t forget to take joy with us.

I heard a powerful statement the other day: “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?”  Within moments it was evident to me that God can use as little as 15 words to vault me into a more highly sensitized awareness of “I’m still breathin’ thinking”..  Not only do these words carry a poignant message of gratefulness and humility, they also come with a challenge that I hope we all as Christ followers are challenged to consider.

Just for today…designate a couple moments to reflect on what you’re grateful for.  Keep an ongoing “gratitude list” to remind yourself of both the calming and chaotic moments of life, that we’re really more blessed than we often consider.

Reflecting further on  these thoughts, my own gratitude list immediately grew. My top gratitude list items include…  

• My great God, who daily affords me “Mercies which are new every morning” (Lam 3:22,23)
• Jesus – who not only is the Lord of the universe… but the King over my life! Wow, simply… amazing!
• My wife of 25 years and best friend - Laurie, and an amazing son that I’m so proud of and grateful for  - Shawn Jr. (see picture)
• For one of the most loving and amazing groups of people you’ll find anywhere… the incredible family of New Venture Christian Fellowshi
•  Having a place to call home, a bed to sleep in, food in the cupboard
• Health (for me - that’s a miracle and a real big deal!)
• Vehicles
• And the list goes on…

But then I thought…if this was all I was grateful for, I’d be forgetting all the countless other blessings the Lord graciously gives to me… and they’re everywhere! James 1:17 says: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father… Although our circumstances may change from time to time, our joy doesn’t have to.  During these busy moments (be it at Christmas time, or just everyday living), take time out for God. And start counting -  your blessings. 

A wise person once said that the quickest way to realize you’re rich is to count our blessings. Thinking about that – I’m feeing like God’s answer to Donald Trump or Bill Gates about now!   The Bible says that “the JOY of the Lord is our strength” (Neh. 8:10). Begin with how you’ve been blessed and you’ll get there a lot quicker. Are you ready? Let’s start counting… “Two eyes to see, two hands to write, one mind to believe, one heart to love and one life to live out His message”. Feeling better? Don’t stop now – there’s a long list left to go.

May your joy light the world this season and always! 

Life Begins...at 97!

Well it happened. My dad went to heaven today. June 26, 2012. 97 years old. What a day. What a Homegoing. It was perfect.

If you were with us at New Venture last weekend, you know that I told the story of how I received a call from the hospital on Father's Day that my dad had taken ill and was being admitted to the hospital. Obviously that changed the Father's Day luncheon that Laurie, Shawn Jr. and I were enjoying. I was told that his health was failing fast. In fact, his decline was so rapid that 24 hours later, the hospital informed my family that he was on life support and we would have to make a decision about pulling the plug.

That was over a week ago. The great thing was that we didn’t have to make that decision. He was taken off life support and the Lord kept him here with us another week – and what a week it was! Holding his hand, reading him the Word, singing songs, and speaking words of love into the ear of a great dad who was unable to speak or move, lying in that hospital bed waiting for heaven, and who undoubtedly heard every word that his grandson Shawn Jr., Laurie and I, and many others had a wonderful week to express.

Even as I write this, I’m smiling. Have you ever been both happy and sad at the same time? That was me when the nurse called and said, “Mr. Mitchell, I’m sorry, but your father passed a few moments ago. But he went peacefully.” I was immediately sad that he has left us for a little while…but oh so HAPPY as to where he is at this very moment!!! Reunited with my mother and two brothers, and most of all…being in the presence of the one he loved most – Jesus Christ. There’s no sorry in this story!! \

The Bible says, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” (2 Cor. 5:8) I’m so happy my dear dad made it. He saw almost 100 years of life – but now…he REALLY begins to live!!

Thanks so much for your prayers for me and my family. We really feel them. I look forward to seeing my dad again, but there’s still more work for all of us to do down here first.

Tiffany, I hope that when you read this, that you will be as blessed and encouraged as I have been today, basking in the assured promise that, as Christ followers, we never fully die.

I’m reminded of what we discussed at last weekend’s Celebration Service:

Dance like No One’s Watching…
Sing like Only God’s Listening...
Serve Him, like it’s your Last Day…
Live like Tomorrow’s Not Promised...
Ad Enjoy Life…Like You’ll be Living Forever – Because You Will!! (John 11:23)

Much love to you. I’m looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

So Long...Superman

I write this at the end of an unprecedented week of sadness, anguish and heartbreak over the tragic passing of Junior Seau, who was a close personal friend, and a friend to many at New Venture.

Wednesday morning, I received a phone call from the Coroner’s office informing me of his tragic end and asking if I could quickly drive to his home and break the news to his parents before they were informed by the media. When I arrived – it was obviously too late, as the street was cordoned off with hundreds already gathered, helicopters flying overhead and media from everywhere arriving in news vans.

The most important act you can do in a moment this intense and heartbreaking – is to pray. I sensed God’s strong nudging to graciously but firmly call everyone to gather hands, bow and PRAY. The Seau family is a spiritual family, they understand where the Source of their comfort and strength comes from, and they all found it in that moment, as the “God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3) supplied it, in the midst of unspeakable despair.

As the saddened crowd of family, police, and emergency workers quietly bowed their heads, I read out loud the 23rd Psalm, followed by the respectful, hurting throng making their way to say “So-long” to their “Superman.”

The world witnessed the anguish and tears of a broken mother, as she took to the microphone and cried out to God for her son, whose body was inside with the authorities. That moment began an avalanche of calls from TV, print and radio – as the world searched for answers to “how could this happen?” – untold hours of being a quiet support to family, speaking with Junior’s beautiful children about love, loss & longing, dealing with funeral plans and much, much more. If it wasn’t for New Venture’s Great Week of Prayer, and the support of a church family like you and all the wonderful people that make up NVCF, I have no doubt that I, and more importantly the Seau family, could not have been sustained through this incredibly trying week.

Through all the pain, I am most grateful that we at New Venture have been able to be a voice and a comfort for this entire city – and beyond, as God’s words of comfort have gone out over the airwaves here and across the nation. I have been contacted and/or interviewed, by personalities as diverse as Piers Morgan, Dr. Phil, Geraldo, ESPN and brain specialists from La Jolla to London. Tomorrow morning, Saturday, the TV interviews continue again bright and early – and every one is a chance to speak of Jesus Christ.

A noted pastor prayed for me the day I wrote this, that God would use all of this to “touch America.” I am aware that a prayer like that is only answered when a group of people believe that God works miracles when people pray. Without a doubt, “the devil has meant this for evil, but God means it for good” (Gen. 50:20). We can’t bring Junior back, a man who was an extraordinary athlete, and exceptional person. However, I’m so glad that Jesus Christ promises to “never leave us nor forsake us” (Heb. 13:5).

Whenever you read this, would you remember to keep the Seau family and Junior’s children in your prayers? They need them during this very difficult time -- but the need for prayer will also never go away. At New Venture, we spent the first weekend after this tragedy talking about God's strength “In The Midst Of Life’s Storms.” It's something we can continue to do: Celebrate LIFE, and the One who died – so that we wouldn’t have to. Ever.

I pray you're trusting Him through whatever your circumstances -- and if you're hurting...reach out. God can make a way.

Many blessings on you.

Your friend,

When America Went to Church

Dreams come to an end. The lights go off. Sometimes truth comes out, and you realize the glitter wasn’t as bright as it may have looked. But one thing shines through – always. One light never dims or dies. One “legendary name” will never leave you or forsake you.

More and more God is using the stories of our culture and current events to bring this hope to a larger audience of people. Earlier this season, we watched an NFL quarterback revive the game of football for fans and non-fans alike – by getting God and His Word into national headlines. Everyone was talking about Tim Tebow… Jesus… the Bible… and John 3:16.

94 million people Googled that verse after the famed Broncos game against the Steelers on [date] when “316”appeared multiple times during the games stat – which was only noticed because Tebow had been known for wearing that reference in his eyeblack in college, and because of the phenomenon of his faith keeping God in the spotlight, against pop-culture odds. It went so far that “Tebowing” (the “prayer” stance) became a verb and launched a global trend.

Tebowing then gave way to “Linsanity” as another pro athlete’s faith started getting equal airtime. Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks as so captured the attention of NBA fans and beyond that Ben and Jerry made “Linsanity” an ice cream flavor!

Tebow & Lin’s stories turned the spotlight on God in exciting ways. The stories that surfaced after Whitney Houston’s passing were sad, tragic and heartbreaking to the same “phenomenal” degrees. But they resulted in God-in-the-headlines almost as much.

The day before Whitney Houston’s death, while singing at a pre-Grammy party, she spontaneously broke into an impromptu version of “Yes Jesus Loves Me.” On her final day, she kept quoting the story of Jesus’ baptism to friends. Reporting on this, countless news agencies printed these Scriptures in their entirety. The New York Daily News, Huffington Post, TMZ and other notably unlikely sources published Matthew 3:13-17 in full to their massive readership.

The day of her funeral, one headline read, “The Nation Goes to Church,” and ran a photograph of the Houston “Homegoing Celebration” being broadcast live, right into the heart of New York’s Times Square. Words like “We are here today, hearts broken but yet with God’s strength” captured people’s hurts over more than just a pop-star’s passing.

I tweeted the day Don Cornelius (Soul Train founder) took his life after a lifetime of never seeming happy and finally fighting degenerative illness, “Try Jesus…Please.” I can’t say that enough again today. Suicide is a “permanent solution to a temporary problem.” Drug and alcohol addiction is equally no laughing matter and severe in permanent effects.

Kevin Costner said Whitney thought she was “never enough” – pretty enough, smart enough, talented enough. Few of us attain legendary superstar status – but we all listen to those same lies about ourselves. The Bible says Satan will lie and “accuse” us about ourselves (Rev. 12:10). Costner went on to say that Whitney wasn’t just “enough”…she was “great.” That’s the same thing God tries to tell us – that because of His love, He sees us as…great. That’s the kind of headline I like reading.

We don’t know what the headline will read tomorrow or what our final life headlines will read. We know only one thing for sure. That God gave His only Son…that whoever believes…shall not perish. As Tyler Perry said during Ms. Houston’s funeral, at the end, loving the Lord is the best thing that weyou can do with our lives.

Every Day is a Birthday

I don’t remember a birthday when there was so much to celebrate. Of course I’ve probably said that almost every year – because “God is good…all the time.” There have been years when I’ve celebrated God’s healing and being given a new lease on life…again. Many years I’ve praised God for a new revelation for His church, New Venture, as we begin a new year. My son was even born in January, about a week before my birthday. All these “good gifts from above” (James 1:17) are things I don’t take for granted – and as “bday time” lines up with the beginning of the year, it’s a great time to thank God … and celebrate His gifts.

This year is no exception. For our church, it’s the Year of Venturing Out and, ever since the call went out a couple weeks ago for people to “get out of that La-Z boy” and “start something,” I can’t turn around without bumping into a story about God meeting needs.

The Worship Team’s CD is about to release. God has expanded our REACH thanks to national headlines and New Venture Press Publication Take a Knee and Win (http://www.newventure.org/take-a-knee/). We’re going to end up ahead of our one-year goal of LiveStreaming in 50 countries. Marriage and Teen Purity conferences are coming up this month. And 7 new ministries have started in the last 2 weeks alone.

That’s not counting “the regulars” (everything God has been doing all along) – Men’s, Women’s, Young Adults and Seniors groups all growing as healthy things do; sports, arts, community service, an Action Sports Park welcoming sponsors and riders from all over the state, and somewhere in the background of all of this, is a staff who truly loves one another, loves God, and remembers to “take Him seriously and not ourselves.”

We had a young man visit recently for the first time who had a rare heart condition. We happened to play the viral video of Ben Breedlove – the teen who recorded an incredible message about Heaven that’s been viewed by millions…just before he passed away on Christmas day 2011. Moved by this testimony, the young man visiting gave His life to Christ and I had the opportunity to pray with him, just before he collapsed in our parking lot and was taken to ICU. He’s still facing tough challenges, but at least in His weakness, he now knows God’s strength.

I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life than being around the great stories God allows here at New Venture. I can’t imagine either, any more special ways to enjoy this week. The staff blessed me with a great gift to celebrate the Year of Venturing Out; my family and I enjoyed a great dinner during a night out together; I even got to end my actual birthday with a packed-out Connections Café, singing Happy Bday, after a warm and quiet hour in the Word together. But it was something one of our pastors said during devotions that morning that stuck with me the most.  He mentioned the most important “birthdays” around here are those who raise their hands every weekend to say ‘yes’ to the Lord and celebrate the first day of their new – and eternal – life.

My joy is wishing “happy birthday” to any and all who have come to know Him, and continuing to invite anyone who hasn’t.. He stands and knocks, and if you haven’t opened that door…right now is a good time. Maybe today is your “spiritual” birthday – or your chance to help someone else celebrate theirs.

2012: The Year of Venturing Out

Within hours, 2011 is soon to give way to 2012. The Bible says “You crown the year with Your bounty…” (Psalm 65:11). I absolutely believe that is what the Lord has planned for you as we approach the dawn of this exciting New Year.


At New Venture Christian Fellowship, 2012 is The Year of Venturing Out. I’m looking forward to what He has in store for me… and you – as this is truly the year of God–sized expectations, big attempts and courageous faith.

As you step into 2012, I want to encourage you to join me and our NV family in Venturing Out by making a Bible reading plan a part of your entire year. A few of us will be attempting to read through God’s word in 90 days (quite a challenge, but if you’ve got the time you may want to try it) with a plan called B-90, others will enjoy reading through The One Year Bible, while others still will read an At Your Own Pace Bible plan.

If you’re in the area and around New Venture on Tuesday nights, beginning January 3rd, The Quiet Place kicks off in the Connections Café from 6-7pm. It’s a once a week gathering for those committed to keeping the Bible as priority in their lives this year. You’ll experience quiet time in The Quiet Place, and a chance to catch up on your reading for that day (or week).

You’ll enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and a time to connect with God through your own individual reading. Just imagine your favorite Starbucks or Barnes & Noble – with light food and beverages available (and free Wi-Fi) -- at the Connections Café every Tuesday night. I look forward to seeing you there.
Ready to experience your best year yet? I am! I can’t wait…Happy New Year!!!


Your friend and pastor,
Pastor Shawn

"Bullet Proof Moose"

That couldn’t have been my son…standing there in a bulletproof vest! What happened to little Shawn, stumbling down a “grassy knoll” trying to catch a football that he could just about hide behind? What happened to the “little guy” whose feet didn’t reach the edge of the passenger seat in my SUV? Those size 18s (not really) were now getting shoved into police-issue work boots, as Shawn Jr. begins his training…with our city’s Police Department. Yep, Shawn Jr. wants to help others…as a policeman.

But what do I do with that information…as a dad?

On one hand, very few things are as pride-prompting as having your son come in and say, “Dad I’m feeling led to serve as a police officer.” It’s inspiring to see God raising your son up to be a contributor to his community.

But how do you watch your only child preparing to put himself in the line of danger? To strap on the extra large Kevlar and say, “Bring it on?” I couldn’t even make it through the fitting. I was clicking away taking pictures on my Droid like it was his first day of kindergarten when the woman behind the counter said, “Boy your dad sure is proud.” Looking back over his shoulder Shawn Jr. asked, “Is he CRYING?!”

Only a little. But I remember a day when a child size helmet and jersey would swallow him whole. When he wore a lion suit at AutumnFest* because his dad was a Roman Gladiator. When he would pretty much fit into my hand with tiny arms and legs spilling over. Now Laurie & I wonder how on earth this refrigerator of a young man came from us! Our fun-loving boy has grown into a caring man – AND a moose of a guy! He’s a big dude – but with a warm smile. That’s a combination God can use in today’s Police Force.

But as a PASTOR, there’s more going on here than just parental pride. I can’t help but believe this is part of God’s ultimate plan for him to make a difference in the lives of others, including in the local church. I think of all the things that each of us learn by serving others, making sacrifices, being responsible for ourselves and our community…all of that sounds like ministry to me. It sounds like a leader. So I can’t help but pray that God is fostering this in him – and that he is PROTECTED in the meantime…from “powers and principalities” and punks.

If you think of it…would you join me in prayer for him – that this “little kid” who’s now hitting the streets in ride-alongs as a “bullet proof moose,” would be kept safe and strong, and be used by God in mighty ways for the citizens our region.

Shawn Jr. tells me, “Dad, I’ll bust’em…and you save ‘em.” I have a feeling somewhere down the line, he might find himself called to the “saving” too – whether that’s on the streets of O’side, or here at New Venture. But for now…my son has got himself a deal!!!

Don't Quit...Don't Camp... KEEP CLIMBING!!!

I thought I would blog a few notes here on a message I preached recently, due the number of responses I’ve been receiving on Don’t Quit… Don’t Camp…KEEP CLIMBING!!! Dropped a few pictures at the end. May it encourage you today!

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Life is a lot like Mountain Climbing - Sometimes fun… but not always easy!
Sometimes during the stresses and challenges of life, we forget the value of all that God has done and given to us, that's when it's easy to simply "camp" where you are, or even "quit." But it's during life’s tough times and difficult experiences that we all need to be reminded to “keep climbing!”

There are 3 different responses to climbing. Which one are you?

Quitters: They focus more on the obstacles, than the opportunities. They cop out, back out or drop out.

Campers:They decide to go forward... but only so far. They start... but soon, give up.

Climbers: They never lose sight of the goal. It may get tough... but there is no thought of quitting.

From time to time, all of us get reminders of how precious and fleeting life is. For that reason alone... don't quit, or camp... KEEP CLIMBING!
Climbing with You!

Encouragement Anyone?

Ever have the need for encouragement? I think I know the answer – ALL OF US DO.

I had lunch with a pastor I greatly respected through the years, Chuck Swindoll, (Former President of Dallas Theological Seminary). Over gourmet burgers at a loved restaurant, he shared how tough sermon preparation can sometimes be for him. As soon as you’re done with one, you have to start on the next one. I thought to myself, it’s like being an NFL kicker – you’re only as good as your last kick.

Now I’m talkin’ this was CHUCK SWINDOLL who was expressing the need to sometimes be encouraged in preparing for the next sermon. He’d been one of my greatest inspirations through the years, as I listened to his great sermons on his radio broadcast. If a pastor like Chuck Swindoll needs encouragement from time to time, how much more the rest of us?!

Then, in getting ready to prepare a weekend message the other day, an email popped up on my screen which humbled me while at the same time, put wind in my sails. The Lord must’ve known my need.  It read:

Dear Pastor Shawn:

I never get a chance to tell you how important your messages are to us and how we feel so blessed to have you as our pastor. We have never found such a wonderful Godly man so talented, that holds our attention no matter what else is going on. And we are being fed as we attend. God Bless You and your family always.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.
(name withheld)

Like I said, I was greatly encouraged and touched by these words that showed up just when they were needed the most! It’s amazing that God gives us exactly what we need – even when we’re not aware we need it.

My prayer is that you find some encouragement through this today – and the reminder to keep our eyes open for the ways God is reaching out to encourage us in those moments that matter.

My Mom. Missed...But Not Missing.

I have warm, inspiring & thankful thoughts of my mom today. She made it to 85 yrs & and went home to be with the Lord 3 yrs ago. She told her 5 boys at age 60, "If you don't see me next year -- you'll know where you can find me." Isn't that a great line?! Well, today I find her in a multitude of unforgettable memories.

Memories that now make me smile. My life perspective has largely been shaped by her love for people and life. It shaped my faith in God as well, as year after year I would watch her begin each day in the Bible and four different devotionals.

Through the years I've heard people remark that I'm pretty high energy. I've got news for ya -- next to my 80+y.o. mom, it appeared like I was moving in slow-motion! That lady had serious ENERGY!

And what a lady she was -- such style...flair, and a love for life. In many ways, she was ahead of her time. And now...she lives with the "Timeless"! More alive than ever.

You see, Alzheimers didn't take my Mom in 2007. The Lord took her, painlessly & peacefully.

Yep, no doubt - one day, I know where I'll find her. I can't wait to see her again.

Peggy Mitchell. What a lady! And this man is so thankful for her. This Mother's Day -- and every day!

Thinking About: The Osama bin Laden Mission & an Unwanted Eternity

Amazing sitting here blogging today. Usually I write and speak about “life”. Eternal life… Living life to its fullest… making the Rest of your Life – the Best of your Life, etc. But today, I write about… death. as headlines around the world proclaim... Osama bin Laden is Dead.

As a Christian and US Citizen, my emotions are varied. As a Christian it’s hard to take pleasure in the death of anyone who is destined to spend a dark, anguishing, ETERNITY outside of God’s Presence – in Hell! But as a proud citizen of this country, to know that Navy Seals swooped into bin Laden’s 18’-wall-fortified compound, and successfully completed their assigned mission to “take out bin Laden at all costs.” The 44 minute mission was a “surgical strike” that occurred without American casualties. Talking about PROUD!!! I felt like one of those 45,000 fans in Philly Stadium for the baseball game last night who read the news of bin Laden on their cell phones and began chanting “USA – USA – USA… “ throughout the stadium. I got goose bumps and shared in their pride.

This past Sept. 11th I was in New York City where the terrorist attacked occurred. I was there for radio interviews, to share the Gospel, etc. I was emotionally struck by the deep block wide holes in the earth where the World Trade Towers once stood. I met and spoke with some who had loved ones trapped in the towers when the airliners hit them 9 years ago on that world changing morning.

What I’ll never forget was the silent sobs from many of the thousands around me that came to honor all the innocent whose lives were needlessly taken due to the diabolical –and demonic– scheme of one man to strike terror into the hearts of millions. The man – Osama bin Laden.

Bin Laden was successful. Yesterday, the US was successful. “Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.” Matt. 26:52

May those who lost loved ones, sleep more peacefully tonight. And may we as a church -New Venture Christian Fellowship - and as a nation – double our efforts to spread PEACE around the world. Peace… begins with JESUS!

Be blessed. … … USA! … USA!