Adoption

Love is an amazing thing. Its not a depletable resource - it actually multiplies! We have a new addition to our home - after a long process of more than two years we finally made the trip to Ethiopia this year and now our daughter is home and sleeping in her bed as I write this. It didn't take long to realize that I didn't have to divide my love and ration it out - love multiplied. We loved Amira before we even met her and we knew that we were prepared to overcome any obstacles, travel any distance, break though any barriers, prejudices, or fears. Our love for her was unconditional, it didn't matter where she came from, how she looked or what needs she had. She is our daughter and one of God's most beautiful creations.

Throughout this entire process I began to realize how strangely familiar this was, and that this kind of love did not originate within me. My human nature and my ego tend to want to be selfish, self-centered, stingy and greedy. But there was a time when I was adopted too. This same thing happened to me spiritually. God adopted me into his family and loved me so much that he overcame all obstacles, traveled any distance (look it up, it was pretty far), and broke through all barriers. His love for me is unconditional, it didn't matter how I looked, what I'd done or what needs I had.

I am so thankful that God calls us his own - to the point that he even calls us "co-heirs" with his only son Jesus Christ!

Someone once asked us how we could love a child that was not our own - Russell Moore said it best in an article he wrote describing his experience: "I was at first reluctant to adopt, because I assumed an adopted child would always be more distant than a child "of my own." I was wrong. And I should have known better. After all, there are no "adopted children" of God, as an ongoing category. Adoption tells us how we came into the family of God. And once we are here, no distinction is drawn between those at the dinner table."

Who Jesus is not:

What Jesus is not, but at times throughout history
mis-represented as:

*Angry

*Controlling

*Imperialistic

“Forming an empire, based on domination and subordination."

*Narcissistic

“Personality trait of egotism, pride, selfishness. Applied to a social

group, it is sometimes used to denote elitism or an indifference to the

plight of others.”

*A Franchise

“A strategic business model and system to effectively distribute goods

and services”
It’s time to re-discover Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life. John 14:6

Persevere

Great big HELLO!
I'm not sure if anyone reads this but its great for me to write and put my thoughts down on the keyboard. It's crazy to think that its been 4 months since we started Live Church LA. That's roughly 16 Sunday's and everything important in-between. So here's the truth, this is hard and easy all at the same time. Doesn't make sense? Well, its like navigating a brand new road when you're the guide and you don't know what's around the corner, if you have enough gas, do we have money to buy gas, where are we going anyway, what does the destination look like, is there a destination etc. And yet its easy because I realize that there are things beyond my control and that my main job is to love, trust, persist and be anxious for nothing. My faith has really been tested in amazing ways - do I really trust God to lead, guide, speak, provide, and do the impossible!
I know that theologically and philosophically people question whether or not God is in control or we are. My answer to that question and my understanding from scripture is that we can be in control if we want to, or we can surrender it and allow God to be our guide. I chose and continue to choose the later.

Matthew 16:24-26

²⁴Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ²⁶What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Video

Cool story on Live Church LA from student at USC School of Journalism:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzrpl2tKy5o

Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9 - "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Whatever challenges or opportunities you are facing today, we are praying for you that God will give you strength, courage, and hope. Remember too that there are many around us (family, co-workers, friends, even enemies) that are facing incredible challenges and opportunities as well. Sometimes God's answer to their prayer is us - be strong and courageous for them as well.

Keep going strong!

This last Sunday we knew there was going to be a triathlon in town, so I requested and viewed the "official" plans directly from the city and LA Live concerning street closures. We were thrilled to know that Olympic would be open to all traffic. Well, on Sunday morning we discovered that not only was Olympic completely closed, but so was every other street surrounding the South Park district. There was mass confusion - even the police didn't know what was going on. AEG employees were shocked to learn that they could not get to work, and they run everything here. Awe - the beauty of living in downtown LA. We sent out word to everyone driving in to not come - the closest parking was three blocks away and Club Nokia couldn't even open. I've never told people to not come to church!! Sorry to everyone who was diverted. This will never happen again, I promise!

We ended up having church at the restaurant below, and it was great. God had other plans for that day. We talked about overcoming obstacles and having faith, perseverance, vision, hope, and surrender. Everyone sitting around the table opened up and shared current experiences in their lives that required these attributes. There were no musicians, but we all worshiped God and His goodness, faithfulness, mercy and blessings in our lives.

Surrendering our plans to God and allowing Him to guide our steps brings true success and fulfillment. Keep going strong!

Grand Opening!

We had a great Grand Opening service! Thank you to The Movement Band, to all the support and encouragement from friends who came, and to Councilwoman Jan Perry for presenting the church with a Certificate of Commendation welcoming Live Church LA to the city.

We are ready to build! I imagine it will be like planting a seed, constantly watering it, giving it time, taking good care of the soil, patiently letting it take root, giving it sun, and watching it grow. It will be a labor of love, a walk of faith, and a true blessing.

Please pray for wisdom, favor, provision, and a constant focus on the goal - loving God and people!