Woodland Hills Community Church » Pastor’s Blog

incredible grace

judys — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:19:41 +0000

Meet our two dogs, Tucker (on the left) and Sadie. Both are Golden Retrievers from the same breeder but from different bloodlines. Tucker is the well-mannered, calm, [more] obedient one and has outgrown chewing everything in sight. He reminds us of Shadow in Homeward Bound: calm, composed, patient, and wise. Sadie spends every waking moment at full throttle. Always bouncing off the walls, she is impulsive, hard to contain, and forever in trouble for chewing something else to shreds. Unquestionably ADHD. She reminds us of Chance in Homeward Bound. She inhales her entire bowl of dry dog food in 20 to 30 seconds. I am not kidding.

Last Friday both dogs escaped. They were gone all weekend and the sadness grew each day. We looked and looked and put “Lost Dog” signs up all over the place. Nothing. On Monday I called the County Animal Shelter. Great news! They’d been found and brought in! And for a few greenbacks each they could be ours again.

A few greenbacks, huh? How many are we talking here?

Now I hate to admit it, but I had second and third thoughts about “redeeming” one of our dogs–I won’t mention which one. I mean, how much more sane our lives would be! I mentioned to Barb this idea of just picking up one dog. She said it was “tempting.” And we’d be saving money, too!

Well, don’t worry, we ended up paying for and picking up both dogs. But now that Miss Mayhem is back and going full tilt, I’m asking myself, “What was I thinking?”

Here’s where I’m going with this. I was practicing conditional redemption toward my dogs. One has pleasing behavior and a more likable personality, so I was inclined to redeem that one but not the other.

Aren’t you glad the Lord Jesus did not redeem us on the basis of our condition? either on how good we were or how likely we were to improve?

Ephesians 1:3-14 is one of the places where God’s plan for our redemption is spelled out. Read this again carefully, because there we find nothing at all about conditional redemption. It was His love, kindness, and grace that initiated our redemption and adoption. Who we were or who we’d become made us not one bit more inviting or repulsive to Him.

Whenever I take a good look at me I hear myself saying, Thank You, Lord, for Your incredible, inexhaustible grace. You chose me knowing full well how wretched I was. And You redeemed me knowing how miserably I’d progress toward Christ-likeness. But You took me anyway. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Blessings,

truck loads

judys — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:25:39 +0000

Truckers have a saying: If you have it, it came on a truck.

Well, they’ve got a point. After all, what do you have that didn’t come on a truck? Not much. And their idea, I suppose, is that once we take note of all the benefits trucking delivers… we’ll be thankful… and grumble less about all the big trucks on the road.

Their slogan reminds me of 1 Corinthians 4:7, “What do you have that you did not receive?” Ultimately, everything we have came from God, whether tangible or intangible.

As I reflect on all that He’s given, one thing in particular stands out. It’s something all Christ-followers have received. Jesus said in John 6:46, “No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” If it were not for our Heavenly Father drawing us, we wouldn’t be following Christ! And where would that leave us?

O Father, thank You for providing redemption and forgiveness through the death of Your Son. But thank You for not stopping there. For I would not be Your worshiper if You had not also drawn me to Your Son. Everything I have received — even this drawing — is from You. How I thank You!

Blessings,

toddler laws

judys — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:19:22 +0000

Have you been around any 3-year-olds lately? Their view on what is whose is pretty simple. Check this out.

Property Law As Viewed By A Toddler

1. If I like it, it’s mine.

2. If it’s in my hand, it’s mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.

5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I’m doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it looks like it’s mine, it’s mine.

8. If I saw it first, it’s mine.

9. If I can see it, it’s mine.

10. If I think it’s mine, it’s mine.

11. If I want it, it’s mine.

12. If I “need” it, it’s mine (yes, I know the difference between “want” and “need”!).

13. If I say it’s mine, it’s mine.

14. If you don’t stop me from playing with it, it’s mine.

15. If you tell me I can play with it, it’s mine.

16. If it will upset me too much when you take it away from me, it’s mine.

17. If I (think I) can play with it better than you can, it’s mine.

18. If I play with it long enough, it’s mine.

19. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it’s mine.

20. If it’s broken, it’s yours (no wait, all the pieces are mine). *

Well, humorous as all this is, I’m ashamed to say I find too much of these values about stuff still lurking in me. What about you?

I wish instead I could fully and finally operate on the principles expressed by these statements:

“I will place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of Christ. If anything will advance the interests of that kingdom, it shall be given away or kept only as by giving or keeping of it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity.” +

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” #

“Hold everything in your hands loosely, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” %

“The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. May the name of the LORD be blessed!” ^^

Blessings,

* “Restating Implied, Perspective and Statutory Easements,” Michael V. Hernandez. Real Property, Probate and Trust Journal, (American Bar Association, Spring 2005).
+ David Livingstone, Scottish missionary-doctor to Africa in the 1800’s. http://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/ilivingstone.html.
# Saul of Tarsus, Philippians 3:8, NLT.
% Corrie Ten Boom, holocaust survivor, quoted by Charles Swindoll in Living Above the Level of Mediocrity, p.114
^^ Job, after he had lost every material possession, Job 1:21.

at what price greatness?

judys — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:53:58 +0000

Reid Stowe recently completed an 1152-day nonstop sea voyage. Mr. Stowe, 58, stayed aboard his schooner Anne these three-plus years without returning to land or restocking. He built his 70-foot two-masted sailboat to handle the rigors of the deep. And she did. Short, stubby masts and super-thick rigging enabled Anne to survive a freak wave off of Cape Horn that rolled her upside down, as well as a collision with a freighter. The boat held a 1200-gallon tank for catching rainwater and large stores of beans, pasta, rice and oatmeal. Sprouts grown onboard and all the fish he could catch completed the menu. Solar panels powered his satellite phone and GPS navigation. Among Stowe’s objectives: he wanted to experience the solitude that would be endured by astronauts on any future manned mission to Mars.

So into the history books he goes, smashing numerous records along the way. But, I ask, “At what price greatness?”

You see, Stowe began his journey accompanied by another record-seeker, Soanya Ahmad, then 23. But ten months into their voyage, a persistent case of what they thought was seasickness forced Soanya to abandon the trip and she was taken to land by another vessel. Turns out she was pregnant. She gave birth to their son Darshen in the following months. Stowe remained at sea, though, in search of the record books. Seeing Darshen would have to wait till he was 23 months old. In the lonely interim, Soanya received a verdict against Stowe for unpaid child support in the amount of $10,000.

For Darshen I ask, “At what price greatness?” Neither father nor son knew the other’s voice when they first met. Darshen learned to roll over, crawl, walk, run, feed himself, throw a ball, and talk… without his dad. Mr. Stowe wasn’t there for the early smiles, laughter and songs. Much less the bonding.

Is it just me, or is something wrong with this picture? Record books are great, I guess, but I just keep asking myself, “At what price greatness?”

Mulling over this story has brought me to this question: Does my Heavenly Father look at some of the life-choices I make and think, “Where in the world did he come up with out-of-whack priorities like those?”

We’re all so busy about many things, pressing hard for this or that, but… “At what price greatness?”

Blessings,

pardon for all

PaulCochrane — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:36:44 +0000

Approximately 45,000,000 turkeys are desperately hoping for a pardon this Thanks-giving season.

Turkey pardoning was first mentioned by President Harry Truman in 1947, but there is no evidence to support that he actually pardoned the turkey. Uh oh.

President John F. Kennedy spared a turkey days before his assassination, but the bird never received a formal pardon.

President George H.W. Bush was the first to officially pardon a turkey, and this practice has since become a White House tradition. President Bush sent the pardoned turkeys to Frying Pan Park in Fairfax County, VA. The birds’ new home thus serves as a perpetual reminder of the grace they received.

In 2005 the pardoned turkeys became regulars in Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as the honorary grand marshals.

Tomorrow, President Obama will grant a presidential pardon to a Thanksgiving turkey named “Courage.” Courage will then head to Disneyland in California to join the annual Thanksgiving Day parade.

Pardoned turkeys travel to their parade destinations in First Class, as seen here. (Your tax dollars at work!)

It’s an amusing tradition, but there’s a message, too! Have you ever con-sidered the parallels and distinctions?

The most obvious parallel is… What a bunch of turkeys we are! How doomed we are because of our sin, and how desperately we need a pardon!

Furthermore, turkey pardons remind me that the pardon is not earned. It is a gracious gift bestowed on the undeserving.

But the most glorious fact of all is this: There is not just one pardon available. Not one in 45 million, but “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” * And no matter the crime, “He will abundantly pardon!” #

So this Thursday, let’s make our first order of business giving thanks… for our pardon.

Blessings,

* Acts 2:21
# Isaiah 55:7

bow down

PaulCochrane — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:22:43 +0000

Quite a fuss has been made over President Obama bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito.¹

Some contend he was just trying to be polite–bowing is a common social gesture in this part of the world. Others are appalled or even angry, convinced he is communicating deference and subservience to Akihito as a superior.

I don’t intend to weigh in on that debate. But the ruckus has been enlightening. Of particular interest is how many people are opposed to any American bowing to anyone for any reason. Here’s a sampling of some of the nicer comments:

“Americans bow to no one!”
“This man represents the United States and he must remember that we bow to no one.”
“America should bow to no nation or people.”

After reflecting on these comments, I’ve begun to wonder. Does this sentiment point to something deeper? Is this an indicator of a root problem?

Nothing at all against national pride, but has that “We-bow-to-no-one!” mindset crept into our attitude toward the True Sovereign? Most Americans are proud of the fact that we bow the knee to no one. But has this made us such proud individuals that we cannot bow our hearts and lives to God?

It’s something to think about, because God says “every knee will bow” to His Son.² To Christ-followers it’s especially important because we’re part of His Kingdom and under His rule. If we will not bow the knee to Him we really do have problems! ³

Lord, I love my country and I’m proud to be a free American. But don’t let my pride become an unwillingness to subject myself to You or Your authority. Please check any independence, defiance, or arrogance toward You. I affirm You again as My Sovereign. To You I bow the knee.

Blessings,

¹* Los Angeles Times, “How low will he go?” November 14, 2009
² Isaiah 45:23; 66:23; Philippians 2:9-11
³ Luke 6:46

at what price freedom?

PaulCochrane — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:58:43 +0000

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1919, an armistice was signed that ended the fighting of the Great War — World War 1. They called it Armistice Day.

Every November 11 thereafter, businesses would close their doors at 11 a.m. to honor those who had served in that awful war. With the passing of time it has come to be known as Veterans Day — a day to honor the fallen and veterans of every war.

On this November 11, thirteen fresh graves from Fort Hood, Texas press the question once again: At what price freedom?

Please take this opportunity to pause for a moment… to reflect on the freedoms won for us by someone in uniform… to remember their devotion to country… and to honor their sacrifice.

And then let your thoughts travel to another war, another Hero, and another Sacrifice whereby we mark the price of our eternal freedom. *

Because freedom is never free.*

Blessings,

* Luke 4:18, 19; John 8:36; Romans 6:23; 8:2

a listening heart

PaulCochrane — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:43:17 +0000

Time didn’t allow it Sunday, but I wish we could’ve looked at one more “listening” story. Here’s the Cliff Notes version.¹

King Zedekiah — alarmed by the invading Babylonian army — sent word to the prophet Jeremiah: “Please pray to the Lord our God on our behalf.”

Apparently, Zedekiah is following the example of his great-great-grandfather King Hezekiah. He, too, was being attacked by a huge army and sent a similar request for prayer to the prophet Isaiah.² God answered the prayer: the angel of the Lord went out that night and struck down 185,000 enemy warriors. The remaining army left in a hurry! Zedekiah seems to be hoping for a similar answer to prayer.

In Zedekiah’s case, however, God refused to help. In fact, He promised them certain defeat. How come?

Despite appearances to the contrary, Zedekiah was not sincere.

Zedekiah wanted God’s help, but “neither he nor his servants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the Lord…”

He called Him, “the Lord our God,” but his actions proved otherwise.

Hezekiah appealed to the Lord in brokenness and humility, wearing sackcloth and torn clothes, praying in the house of the Lord. There is no mention of Zedekiah humbling himself whatsoever, or of his entering the house of the Lord to pray.

God doesn’t play those games.

Once again, Zedekiah proved that he really didn’t have a “listening” heart. (Click here if you’d like to hear the other 5 stories about a listening heart.)

O God, save us from saying all the right things… without really meaning them.

Blessings,

__________________________________________________________

¹ Jeremiah 37:1-10
² 1 Kings 19

the presence of God

PaulCochrane — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:48:17 +0000

Dear Woodland Hills Family,

In case you weren’t with us Sunday, our worship time grew out of this foundational truth from Psalm 139:7-12.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?”

What a comfort is the nearness of our God! Deepest depth or loftiest height–He is there; darkest night or brightest day–He never leaves us. Fantastic!

After the worship I challenged us to think more deeply on that theme–the presence of God. We surveyed a number of Scripture texts that speak of God’s presence. I asked why the Bible speaks of God being present everywhere, yet it also speaks of Him being particularly present in specific places or with certain people. On occasion God even casts some from His presence.

But the psalmist indicated there’s nowhere we can go from His presence. What’s up with these seemingly contradictory statements?

My intention is to discuss this further in the service on September 27th. In the meantime, I encourage you to wrestle with how the Scripture texts I’ve listed below square with the one from Psalm 139:7.

Blessings,
Paul

* Cain “went out from the presence of the Lord.” (Gen. 4:16)
* Isaac wanted to bless his son “in the presence of the Lord.” (Gen. 27:7)
* Sinai quaked at the presence of God, and the people were forbidden to go near or touch the holy mountain, made holy because of God’s presence. (Ps. 68:8; Ex. 19:12, ff.)
* The LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. (Ex. 19:2, 18-20)
* Moses was in the Lord’s presence long enough that his face began to shine. (Ex. 34:28-33)
* The children of Israel were to eat their offerings to the Lord “in the presence of the Lord.” (Deut. 14:23)
* The covenant was made “in the presence of the Lord.” (Deut. 29:15)
* David “sought the presence of the Lord.” (2 Sam. 21:1)
* Elijah was told to “go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” (2 Kings 19:11,12)
* The Lord cast Jerusalem & Judah out from His presence. (2 Kings 24:20; Jer. 23:39)
* We are to come before His presence with thanksgiving and singing. (Ps. 95:2; 100:2)
* Satan departed from the presence of the Lord. (Job 1:12; 2:7)
* Jonah fled from the presence of the Lord. (Jonah 1:3)
* The angel Gabriel stands “in the presence of God.” (Luke 1:19)
* Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:19)
* Paul charged Timothy “solemnly, in the presence of God.” (1 Tim. 5:21; 2 Tim. 2:14; 4:1)
* Those who do not know God will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, “away from the presence of the Lord.” (2 Thess. 1:9)
* We are to humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord. (James 4:10)
* Heaven & earth will flee away from God’s presence. (Rev. 20:11)

we remember

PaulCochrane — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:05:52 +0000

We remember…
We remember the cold, calculated killings of September 11, 2001. The vicious depravity.
We cannot forget the 247 crew and passengers held hostage, then murdered on flights 11 & 77 (American), and 175 and 93 (United). We reel at the unconscionable malice.

The sight of the collapsing Towers is etched forever upon our minds. Brutal cowards snuffed out 2016 unsuspecting, unarmed lives. Hideous minds chose for them gruesome and terrifying final moments.

Never to be forgotten are the horrific fires at the Pentagon. 125 civil servants never came home again.

Indelibly stamped upon our minds are the scenes of courageous firefighters and paramedics. 343 answered that day’s tragedy with their lives.

We tremble at the ongoing suffering for 3051 children who lost a parent. We cannot
fathom sufficient retribution for the perpetrators of their loss.

We remember. Time has not diminished those atrocities.

And we cry out, How long will the wicked, O LORD, How long will the wicked be jubilant? ¹

How long till You wipe away every tear? Till there is no longer any death or mourning or crying or pain? When will the first things have passed away? ²

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! ³

Blessings,
~Paul

¹ Psalm 94:3
² Revelation 21:4
³ Revelation 22:7, 12, 20