Nov 10

Ranger Reflections

Christian Life, Contending (Jude) 2011, Missional Living, Theological Musings No Comments »

I always get nostalgic around Veteran’s Day. Every year I seem to go through my old military stuff (uniforms, gear, awards, books, etc.). This year has been no different. My family and I watched Discovery Channel’s Surviving the Cut: Ranger School (Episode 1) two times this week. I completed Ranger School in the summer of 1994. It was a life-changing experience. I learned perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness. It grew my faith and dependence upon Jesus. It increased my witness as fellow Ranger students were often desperate for something (or Someone) to cling to.

One of the most amazing things about Rangers is their vigilant adherence to the Ranger Creed:

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my Ranger Regiment.

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some.

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor.

What if followers of Jesus lived with the intensity of Army Rangers? What if we took seriously the spiritual war? What if we realized the calling and potential we have as followers of Jesus? What if we took care of our brothers and sisters the way Rangers take care of each other? What if we believed in the mission of Jesus so much that we’d do whatever it took to fulfill His mission?

You know what would happen? Our lives, our families, our church, our local communities, and our global world would never be the same. And the gates of Hell would not be able to withstand the revolution of Jesus and the kingdom of God.

Fight the good fight my friends. Contend for the faith. Be steadfast and immovable by Jesus’ great power and grace.

Oct 06

Be Ready for God to Use You

Missional Living, Northshore Baptist Church, Stories No Comments »

This is a guest blog post by Tim Burke, Northshore’s Pastor of Outreach & Local Mission

A few months ago I started praying differently. I felt like God was challenging me to open my eyes and heart to the unbelievers who I brush shoulders with every day. On my way home from work one night, I stopped by Subway and the TCBY to pick up a frozen yogurt.  As I was standing in line to pay for my dessert, I noticed a man next to me who was in a parallel line waiting to pay for his sandwich. As I watched him reach into his pocket for his wallet it was apparent he had not brought it with him. Just at that moment I looked at the cashier and said, “Put his sandwich on my card”. The man was speechless. The first words that came out of his mouth were, “Who are you?” That was a perfect open door for me to introduce myself and tell him about my new job as a Pastor at Northshore. The man thanked me and disappeared quickly. A moment later, he returned from his car with a business card. Written on the card was “one free home improvement” from his business. In turn, I gave him my card and invited him to join me sometime for church. He smiled and said he’d like that.

I share this story to encourage you. I also want to help you remember that when we open our hearts to reaching those who don’t know God in our community, He creates wonderful opportunities for us to love them. I don’t think there’s any big secret to loving those closest to us or inviting them to church. However, I have been praying in my devotional time this specific prayer from Colossians 4:3-4, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

I want to encourage you to pray this way with me. Here’s how you can structure your prayers from Colossians 4:3-4.

God please:

Open a door: provide a natural opportunity for me to share the gospel today.

Open their heart: prepare the hearts of those who don’t know you to be receptive to Jesus.

Open my mouth: give me the words to say and confidence to speak to the lost.

I’d love to hear some of your stories about how God is using you to love those in our community who are far from Him. Send me an email at timb@nsb.org

 

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Apr 17

THE Greatest Event in History

Missional Living, Northshore Baptist Church, Passion Week & Good Friday No Comments »

Sunday, April 24, we will celebrate THE greatest event in history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“…if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:13-14

If Jesus really is risen, then He really is the Lord. And if He really is the Lord, then everything changes. Grace, mercy, hope, love, peace… everything changes.

You have people in your world who need to know that Jesus is the Risen Lord. And you have the opportunity to invite them to experience reality of THE greatest event in history.

Invite a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor to this year’s Easter celebration at Northshore. We will have four services on Easter Sunday: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am & 5:45 pm

To send your friend an evite, go HERE.

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Mar 26

Generosity of TOUCH, Part 2

Christian Life, Generosity 2011, Missional Living No Comments »

Here are some more stories about generosity of touch.

Story #1 (stories from Andy Wright, Pastor to Junior High Students):

Two mothers, Margaret Downs and Anne Stenson lead a monthly effort to provide breakfast for all our students on “Breakfast Sundays,” when the students often invite friends to come to church with them.  This service is totally behind the scenes, but a great example of giving TIME and TOUCH to those who don’t “offer much in return!”

Paul Siegwald, a High School student, has sacrificed an amazing opportunity to connect with some brothers on Tuesday nights in his own small group, and instead, he has taken a group of 8th grade boys as a valuable small group leader and is seeking to point them towards Jesus.  It is one thing to give up being a part of a small group when your small group is boring, but Paul has a great peer group!  Thank God for the blessing he is to our Jr. High students!

Story #2: After reading Francis Chan’s Crazy Love this past summer, I felt God nudging me to quit making excuses about why I wasn’t serving those around me and get involved in ministry. I’ve known about World Relief for more than three years, but I always had an excuse for not getting involved. “I work full time. I’m pregnant. I have an infant. My life is busy…” (insert any applicable excuse in here). We can so easily talk ourselves out of getting involved because we think we are either already doing enough or we have to wait for the next life stage or someone else will do it, etc.

Anyway, we signed up with World Relief to house refugee families that are resettling in the Seattle area. Within two weeks of completing our application and background check, I received a call from World Relief. They needed housing for a young Iraqi couple with an infant son. When they came to our home, they had been in the U.S. for 24 hours and had spent their first night in Florida in the immigration process. They left everyone and everything they knew behind. They had one large suitcase and a backpack for two adults and their 10-month-old infant. We had them in our home for four nights and have stayed connected to them as “cultural companions.” We’ve visited them about two to three times a month.

I feel like there is so much more we can do for God’s kingdom and His people. We don’t have to travel to an exotic country and be away from our family to serve another family in need. The mission field is right here in our own backyard. World Relief is a local Christian organization that “welcomes the stranger” here in our own area.

Story #3: Pam (Liu) Davila is a former student of mine and member of Northshore. Several years ago, she did a very generous and brave thing. Her mother needed a kidney transplant, so Pam donated one of her kidneys to her. It was a successful transplant, and I know Pam’s parents are very grateful for her sacrifice.  Pam was in her early twenties when she did this.  Here’s a bit of background on Pam. She and her family immigrated to the U.S. from Taiwan when Pam was only 3 or 4 years old.  Through the prayers and influence of some Christian friends, Pam gave her life to the Lord when she was a sophomore in high school. Pam was in my Spanish classes all 4 years of high school. It was a pleasure to see her mature and blossom in her Christian faith and in her Spanish abilities. A few years after graduating from Wheaton College, Pam went as a missionary to Peru for two years. There she met her husband, Fernando Davila. Pam and Fernando started going to Northshore about a year ago. Pam’s parents are not yet believers, but I know they see the positive things Pam’s faith has produced in her life, and prayerfully, they will one day come to know the Lord.

Story #4: I began homeschooling my 7th grade daughters last fall for the first time.  Since they were in 3rd grade at Shelton View, in each of the 3rd grade classes, I have led reading groups.  I’ve done it every year since and really enjoy sharing my love for reading.  Since my daughters also love to read, I wanted to continue leading the groups, so every Wednesday and Thursday morning, the three of us head up to Shelton View and lead a group of 3rd graders for about 40 minutes.  We discuss what the book is about and take turns reading.  My daughters love doing it and both have some kids where English is their second language.  We look forward to these special times each week.

Send more stories to generosity@nsb.org.

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Mar 26

Generosity of TOUCH, Part 1

Christian Life, Generosity 2011, Missional Living No Comments »

I received numerous stories about generosity and touch, so I’ll do multiple posts on this value. Here are some great stories:

Story #1: Thinking about generosity, I couldn’t help but think of my husband. He was asked many years ago who is the most generous person you know, and he immediately responded, “My dad.”  All his life he gave of himself to others. Now fast forward to a week in the life of my husband. This week he volunteered at the local elementary school where he works with a student that needs extra help once a week. Then when weeding our garden he continued around the corner and weeded the neighbors as well. When he washed my car earlier this week, he asked the single older woman next door if he could wash hers.  She was delighted. Today after he washed his truck he went to the neighbor down the street a single lady who struggles with health issues and washed hers. Tonight as we grabbed a quick bite at taco time, we were eating and I said, “I think the woman ordering at the counter is a woman I’ve seen on the corner with a homeless sign.” He looked up from his food and said, “I’m going to go pay for her meal.” Anyway it makes me cry as I think of how generous my husband is. And it all started with watching the example of his dad.

Story #2: Our boys, who are in their early 20′s, were playing lacrosse and came across a young man who recently moved to the area. He moved without a car, without a job, and without a place to live. At dinner, our family discussed it, and we decided that he could stay with us until he got on his feet. He moved in a week later and was flabbergasted that we would do such a thing. He became part of our family and got a job a couple of weeks later. He stayed with us three or four months, and when he moved out he left a note:

You have been great beyond words to me. You opened your doors to me, a stranger, without question.  You said, “Here is a room and food”… again without question.  I have never met a family like yours.  Most families I know would not offer this kind of hospitality. You all have gracious hearts, and I wish that I could be as generous as you are. You showed me unconditional love in a world that is only concerned with what they get in return.

I cried when I read how this had impacted him. He was not our first “stray,” and I imagine he won’t be our last. We’ve had four people live with us while in transition. What I love is that our kids know when someone needs a place, and they say without missing a beat, “My parents have room.” Our neighbors think we are nuts at times but “that’s how we roll.”

Story #3 (From Pastor Gary Stabbert): On Sunday morning, Elaine Gillespie was generous with her touch in a beautiful way. Another woman who attends Northshore has recently gone through a series of painful experiences with her health and the loss of loved ones. Her emotions were close to the surface when she stepped up to the information booth where Elaine was serving. Shortly after asking Elaine about a class to attend, this woman began to cry. Elaine walked around from behind the booth and took her into her arms. At this expression of care and concern, she began weeping as she rested her head on Elaine’s shoulder. Elaine held her with love and compassion. Sensing the need for follow through, Elaine asked someone who was standing nearby to cover the information booth. Elaine took her to the Prayer Room to care for her further and pray with her. Elaine’s loving touch opened the door to a powerful ministry in this woman’s life.

Keep the stories coming. Send them to generosity@nsb.org.

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Dec 20

Christmas Compassion & Global Generosity

Christmas Behind the Seen 2010, Missional Living, Northshore Baptist Church No Comments »


The Christmas story calls us to be people of compassion and peace… people who understand the generosity of God as He sent us Jesus, His one and only Son. When we grasp this reality, God was made flesh to bring us peace, we are compelled to respond with acts of compassion, peace, and generosity in the world around us.

One tangible way to live out the compassion of Christmas is to be generous globally. This time of year, we spend so much time, energy and financial resources buying things that the people in our lives don’t really need. What if we chose to spend our financial resources on making donations to charitable organizations in someone’s name? A couple of weeks ago, our family received some “charitable gift” catalogs from World Vision, Agros International, and Living Water. For $25, I can buy someone a goat or a couple of chickens. For $25, I can feed a family for a month. For $25, I can contribute to digging a well in a village in some part of the world that doesn’t have access to clean water. There are so many options for using our financial resources to begin making a dent in global poverty issues.  This Christmas, choose to be agents of God’s compassion, peace, and generosity in our global world.

Here are some resources for Christmas Compassion & Global Generosity:

What other organizations do you recommend during this Christmas season and beyond?

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Dec 16

RainCity Lounge Re-cap

Missional Living, Northshore Baptist Church No Comments »

As I sat in the Worship Center (a.k.a. RainCity Lounge) during the full dress rehearsal Wednesday night before the first show, I enjoyed watching the various acts and thought to myself, “This is amazing. All the hard work and prayer for the past nine months has certainly paid off!” And sure enough, over eight performances of Christmas at RainCity Lounge, guest after guest told me how incredible the show was. There were a lot of amazing aspects to the show and experience. Northshore’s musical and artistic talents were showcased. Our heart to serve our people and our guests was evident. And our deep desire to offer people the gift of Jesus’ gospel was central.

Northshore, thank you for making Christmas at RainCity Lounge a success. We had over 2550 people attend the show. We also deployed around 800 volunteers from cast, crew, servers, designers, decorators, pray-ers, ticket sales…, and on and on the list of volunteers goes. To date, we’ve had around 80 inquiries about the Discovery class which starts January 9, 2011. This last is the key ingredient because our ultimate goal of Christmas at RainCity Lounge was not to entertain ourselves with a great Christmas show. Our goal was to invite the people of our world into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus, and the show helped and will continue to help move many people further along in their exploration of Jesus and the Christian faith.

I want to thank all of you who served, prayed, and invited guests. Thanks for using your gifts and talents to magnify Jesus and be a part of His mission. And a special thanks to Pastor Mark Kohls who oversaw the whole project, to Rose Tom who served and led as the House Director, to Cindy Swenson who was responsible for all of the creative expression on the stage and behind the scenes with the tech crew, and to Bruce Bickel who played the role of RainCity’s emcee and who will lead the Discovery class. I wish I could list everyone who contributed by name, but there are too many!

Lastly, outreach doesn’t stop here. We are called to be on mission for Jesus, taking Him and His gospel into our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and families every day and season of the year. Follow up with your guests. Invite them to our Christmas Eve services (2:45, 4:45 & 6:45 pm). Invite them to accompany you to the Discovery class in January. And above all, continue to pray that the Holy Spirit to draw them to Jesus.

Merry CHRISTmas and many thanks Northshore!

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Dec 14

Choosing Joy

Christian Life, Christmas Behind the Seen 2010, Missional Living, Northshore Baptist Church 9 Comments »

This Sunday, in our December series Christmas Behind the Seen I talked about choosing Joy, even in our disappointment and in light of God’s promise of restoration. As part of the message, I talked about Alan and Heidi Matthew who are going through the fight of their lives as Alan was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer of the esophagus and lungs. In the midst of this incredibly difficult trial, Alan and Heidi are choosing joy. Here’s the unabridged version of Alan’s note he sent last week as we’ve been talking about joy, faith, and trials.

Oh Jonathan, I so much appreciate you my brother and pastor. You have truly been a new and positive influence on me as you took over for Jan. My life experience holds lots of choosing joy in trials but I must tell you it is so different this time. You see, this time I am truly focused on the Lord and what He has planned for me. With the faith in what is to come – promised by Him – I am free to choose His Joy. I cannot control my own life and have not been able to. Once I really grabbed onto that concept and it became real to me, I can surrender my cares to Him. This time it is not as conceptual, however, it has consumed me to follow what He wants me to do: look outside my own trials and reach out to others. That means sowing the seeds of Truth and bearing spiritual fruit. This lesson squares with James 1 because it grounds me. I am not tossed by the waves but can focus on God’s truth and share it with others. The test of trials makes me stronger when I have this confidence.

It has been very exciting to have non-Christian people ask me about positive attitude in the midst of trials. What they are asking me is, “What is it that allows you to be positive?” My response about having faith in the unseen future puzzles them. What they are really looking for is how they can share that confidence in facing their trials, their heartaches, and their failures. Doubt is what holds us back and throws us back into the waves (just like Peter when he took his eyes off Jesus when walking on water). I was pleased to have 9 guests to attend two RainCity Lounge performances because people were open to my invitation… because they saw something different in me when I responded to this great trial in my life.

So what is the result? Perseverance in Faith. And how does that happen in my trial? I have to ask for it. I have to ask Jesus with faith to supply it to me without doubt. This is what differs in my life today. I can ask without doubt because I believe it.

Finally, God is good. He wants the best for us, not the empty trials that enter our lives. He wants us to be stronger and more productive (John 15 – my Father prunes the branches to make them stronger and more fruitful) How am I pruned? How is it that trials make me stronger and more confident in my faith? How is it that my Lord went through all trials and more than I will ever see, yet without sin?

“I can therefore come boldly before Jesus knowing He went through trials much worse than mine and can help me overcome mine with mercy and grace in my time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

So how is this practical when facing a trial? True faith brings joy. Joy overflows when you reach out beyond yourself. People see that in you and respond. They want what they see in you. It isn’t the trial that brings the joy. It is the response to the trial that people see. My prayer is to respond to trials by asking Jesus for the extra measure of faith I need – without doubt or reservation. Believe me when I say that it is not easy to do and requires focus on Him to deliver it to me because I don’t have that kind of strength. He develops perseverance in me to make me mature and complete, and He uses trials to do that. Bless you my brother!

That’s how you choose joy, even in your disappointment because God has promised ultimate restoration in and through the Christmas gift of Jesus Christ.

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Dec 14

Discovery begins January 9

Missional Living, Northshore Baptist Church No Comments »

Discovery is a safe zone for anyone who simply wants to learn more. It’s for committed Christians, curious skeptics, and anyone in between. The next 6-week session begins Sunday, January 9th, at 10:45 am.

Bruce Bickel, a member of our church and an author of a number of books about the Christian faith, will lead the class with the help of Tom Regan, our Young Adult pastor. They won’t be defensive, judgmental, or confrontational. They want everyone who comes to Discovery to feel free to bring their questions and doubts about Christianity, as well as their friends who have them, too. The goal is to help bring clarity to what Christianity teaches and help provide answers to pressing, relevant questions.

Here are the types of questions that you, or friends of yours, might be asking that Discovery will be addressing:

  • What makes Christianity unique among other faiths?  Do the differences really matter?
  • Is it possible to be a Christian without all of the religious baggage?
  • Why do so many Christians come across as offensive in matters of faith?
  • Is the Bible reliable? What if I think it’s trumped by science?
  • If “God is love,” then why is there so much suffering in the world?
  • What if I can accept some parts of Christianity, but disagree with (or have serious doubts about) other parts?
  • Who did Jesus claim to be? Was he really who he said he was?

The subjects covered each week will vary, but it’s not a problem if you can’t attend every class session.  Each week’s discussion is not dependent on what was covered previously. The class will meet for six Sundays in a row at 10:45 am in Room 212/213, starting Sunday, January 9th. Coffee and refreshments will be provided.

So, come and check out Discovery. We trust you will find it enjoyable, informative, and—knowing Bruce—quite humorous. And if you know others who would benefit from this please invite them, too.

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Dec 03

The Uncommon God becomes Common

Christmas Behind the Seen 2010, Missional Living, Theological Musings 2 Comments »

This week, as we head into the Christmas season, here’s a YouTube video that’s gone viral: “Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah”

YouTube Preview Image

This is all about the Uncommon God becoming Common. This is all about the omnipotent God becoming the seemingly impotent Man as Jesus the Christ Child is born in a stable in the backwater town of Bethlehem. This is all about the Sublime God reaching into the slime of a broken world.

I think there’s something beyond the beautiful opera music that penetrated the Welland Seaway Mall on November 13, 2010. I think, if even just for a moment, people saw a glimmer and tasted the reality that the Uncommon God became Common… for His glory and for their good.

This December as you walk the halls of the mall, don’t forget what this season is all about.

Merry CHRISTmas!

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