Days like Sunday don’t come around very often. All of my favorite things happened on the same day. We had a great time with our family at lunch and Sunday night. We gathered with our church in the morning and celebrated baptisms that afternoon with a great turnout (see this: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyJ54XGPcfz/). Then, three of my sports teams were playing…even though we went 1-2 on the day. And the last loss was the most humiliating of all (more on that later). But the one win…what a win it was (again…later).
Shaping Virtues
Churches have a culture. By the grace of God, our church has a beautiful gospel culture. It is truly a work of God. I remember times when our church was not very friendly, had some unresolved conflicts, and had little gospel impact. I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true.
For over 10 years, the Lord has been kind to work in our hearts. He has shredded our pride and graciously brought us to where we are today. It has been His grace at work, not a one-time, big event. This has happened by believing the gospel is true and that the gospel is the power of God to transform His people (and pastor). If we have ‘done’ anything, it has been to believe that the gospel is true and trust God to work in His people. And…He has!
The biggest area that this has been seen is in our humility. There is a genuine gentleness and meekness at CLF. People don’t try to dominate one another, nor do they walk over the top of each other. The reason for this is that by the grace of God, our people see their lives before the cross and recognize that we’re all sinners in need of grace. We often say we’re just ‘one beggar showing another beggar where the bread is, and one day the tables might be turned.’
As I stated on Sunday, our main reason for covering the shaping virtues is to show what we believe defines gospel culture in a church—most who stay for very long experience this at CLF. But knowing why it’s important and how it’s happened is important.
The Philippines
On Sunday, I let the church know I was leaving for the Philippines late Wednesday night. I have an early flight out of Portland on Thursday so I will head to Portland after our CLF Student meeting on Wednesday night. As I explained, I get nervous telling the church when I will be gone because people see that as an excuse not to attend church. My hope and prayer are two-fold: this will give you things to pray for and encourage you to attend church. :).
Here is My Schedule
- Wednesday, October 11: leave for Portland.
- Thursday, October 12: fly from Portland to LA, then LA to Manila. I will land in Manila around 7:00 p.m. on Friday. To help you understand the time difference, that will be at 4:00 a.m. on Friday. Total travel time will be 20 hours.
- Saturday, October 13: Meet Pastor Jeffrey Jo’s family and leaders.
- Sunday, October 14: preach in the morning at the Cross of Christ Salvation Gospel Ministries Church in Cavite. In the afternoon, travel to Rizal to oversee the ordination of Pastor Caloy San Jose.
- Monday-Thursday: Work with Jeffrey Jo and SGC elders to plan for the next 3-5 years of SGC Philippines. We’re putting in the infrastructure and foundational documents to help build our denomination in the Philippines.
- Friday, October 20: Day off.
- Saturday, October 21: Lunch fellowship with leaders from Manila churches.
- Sunday, October 22: Preach at the Young Adult Summit for Manila churches. Around 9:00 p.m. Fly from Manila to LA. Land in LA around 9:00 p.m. Sunday (isn’t it weird to leave at 9:00 p.m. Sunday and land at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday?).
- Monday, October 22: fly from LA to Portland, land around 8:00 a.m., and head home.
Specific Prayer Needs
- Safe travel.
- The amount of times I’m preaching. I’m preaching on several topics, so my prep time is important. Pray for wisdom and power.
- Pray for unity among church leaders. Some critical conversations need to take place in this regard.
- Pray for our family. I don’t like being away from home. And I don’t like traveling alone. Both of those things are happening on this trip.
This Coming Sunday
This Sunday, October 15th, we will continue our series called “Shaping Virtues of the Christian Life.” This Sunday, we will look at encouragement. Perry Sorensen has the privilege of sharing God’s word with us. It should be amazing.
From the Cheap Seats
- I did not anticipate the Rangers having this type of postseason run after their series in Seattle to end the regular season. I had the privilege of being at the opening game of the Seattle series. They only needed to win 2 games (or win 1 and get help) to win the AL West. They didn’t get it. They went in as a Wild Card and were rewarded with a trip to Tampa Bay (the 2nd best team in the AL). They swept them and then onto Baltimore (the best team in the AL). They won 2 and need 1 of the next three to win the series. I’m holding my breath, but they’ve played very well. Sunday afternoon was a sweet win.
- And from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows…Rangers won, and the Cowboys…welp…were destroyed by the 49ers. I mean demolished. It was an impressive display by the 9ers. They’re incredible, And Brock Purdy is a joy to watch. BTW: he’s a very strong Christian. He’s a quiet, strong leader. Contrast that with the loud-mouthed Cowboys. I told my sons on Sunday night that the Cowboys need to be quiet and work. But that’s not what their owner will allow. I was embarrassed, but I wasn’t dismayed. Sports frustration was overrun with the joy of our day with family and church.
- Now, one thing about my Philippines trip…all of my favorite sporting events will be in the middle of the night while I’m there:). Keeping up on who’s playing when will be fun (not really)…
Have a great week!
To watch or listen to the sermon described in this post, please click here.
In Christ,
Dave York
