Rick Warren's Plea...

For those of you who haven't heard, Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church just south of Los Angeles wrote a letter to his congregation letting them know that due to the recession and the church reaching out to help the 10% of its members who had lost their jobs (this is a church of 20,000), they were going to end the year with a $900K deficit. He asked for everyone to pitch in and cover the deficit. By New Year's Eve they had raised $2.4M. See the full story here.

I'm trying to process how I feel about this. Terra Nova runs lean. We do not have any extra cash. We have very generous members who are the best in the world. I am truly blessed to have a community like the people of Terra Nova!

My emotions are mixed as I read this story. I am familiar enough with Rick Warren to know that he is a godly, honorable man for whom I have tremendous respect. I am not a "mega-church-basher." I know that a lot of what Saddleback does is tremendous and benefits not just its members but the poor around the world.

I am also a bit discouraged as a church-planter. I can't imagine starting this decade with a surplus. I probably need to repent a bit for my jealousy of Saddleback. I am so proud of Terra Nova. Today we reviewed some of things we saw God do in 2009. My only reaction is WOW! TN was really generous and willing to serve in amazing ways. I have no room to be jealous! They are going to have to run me out of town before I will leave Terra Nova. No amount of money could lure me away from this community!

Maybe reading this article ultimately reminded me how wonderful my church community really is. I hope it reminds you how blessed you are (or can be!).

Under the Mercy (and very content!)
Jason

Ecclesiastes 5

Contentment. As I read this passage it makes me think of Paul's words in Philippians 4:12

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

The King tells us in Ecclesiastes that those who love money never have enough, those who are wealthy are never satisfied. He finally finds something good in life (v. 18) - be satisfied with what you have. When I can simply find joy in serving God wherever He puts me, I will make much progress in being content. The key is what I am working for. If I am working for wealthy and power...there will always be more to get. If I am working to glorify God, I can find joy in the smallest thing.

What am I working for? What is my goal in life. Money and wealth will disappear. I can't take it with me...just like Monopoly - when the game is over it all goes back in the box. When I define my goals, I can realize whether or not I will find joy.

Lord, show me my true motives. Show me what it is that I am truly working for. Know my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me.

Under the Mercy,
Jason