Internet Campus

Where Your Heart Is...

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:44:00 GMT

This post is going to be quick, I promise. I've been reflecting on the Spiritual Habit of tithing. Tithing is an important habit that we can build. Jesus states "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21 NIV) When we commit to tithing we are committing our hearts to that which Jesus cares about, his church. If you consider this place your spiritual home or you attend regularly I would encourage you to consider tithing. There is a lot we can say on this topic but we don't need to do discuss it all. Just consider Jesus' words and also Paul's words "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV) If after consideration you feel like this is your spiritual home or you attend regularly and you can give cheerfully then I would encourage you to give. If you want to give there is a button at the bottom of the live service page that says "Giving At Saddleback". It will walk you through all the steps. � If you would like more information on growing spiritually check out the�Spiritual Growth Center.

Love Somebody

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:34:00 GMT

That was a great sermon on Jesus, how he cared for his mother and for his best friend. And if, at times, it seems easy to care for just the physical need, for food, for a bed, for some clothes, there is the hunger of heart and soul that needs to be satisfied. Jesus gave Mary more than just food and shelter. Surely he gave her somebody who would care for her, but more important, he gave her somebody to care for. The great thing, as Jesus so clearly lived, is not to be loved. That is awesome and in society the big thing, but in the kingdom of God not the loved one is great. The one who loves most is greatest. When you feel completely unloved and unwanted, go and love somebody. Give kindness and friendship to somebody who may need it more desperately than you do. If you have several kids and feel like you have given your share, when you feel empty and scorched, give more. It will satisfy your heart more to love than to be loved. And if truly somebody wrongs you to whom you have been kind? Forgive. Try to overcome evil by being kind. That is what God is doing to you and me. Overcoming our natural tendency to evil by His grace and goodness. For he loves us, Jesus died out of love for us even when nobody cared. Take up the example. Die a little to yourself. And get closer to God. Audy Community Member

Serve Saturday Night

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Do you attend Saturday Night services? If yes,start serving during the service.� If your interested email Jay Kranda at Jayk@saddleback.com.�Live Chat Leader�- Own a service�- Setup/closeout chat room- Oversee and support Live Chat Partners�- Lay minister for service ��Live Chat Attendant�- Welcome and interact with participants enteringLive Chat�- Be encouraging and loving to chat participants�- Answer Saddleback related questions ofparticipants�- Assist Live Chat Leader ��

Make Every Effort

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:33:00 GMT

Occasionally I like listen to sermons by pastors at other churches and recently I heard asermon based on 2 Peter 1:5-8. After hearing the sermon I decided to go readthe whole passage for myself. After reading it I felt that I should share itwith you. 2Peter 1:3-11 states: "3�His divine power has granted to usall things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him whocalled us to�his own glory and excellence,�4�by which he has granted to us hisprecious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakersof the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the worldbecause of sinful desire.�5�Forthis very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,�and virtue withknowledge,�6�and knowledge with self-control,and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,�7�and godliness with brotherlyaffection, and brotherly affection with love.�8�For if these qualities�are yours and are increasing,they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our LordJesus Christ.�9�For whoever lacks these qualitiesis so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed fromhis former sins.�10�Therefore, brothers,�be all the more diligent to make your calling and electionsure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.�11�For in this way there will berichly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord andSavior Jesus Christ." (ESV)As Iread this I noticed the progression starting in vs. 5 where Peter states"Make every effort to" and then goes on to list out things that weshould be striving for. If you will notice he starts with faith, which is wherewe all begin. Then he ends in vs. 8 stating that we will grow and be effectivein our faith if we continue to do these things. So what are they?1.Faith2.Virtue3.Knowledge4.Self-control5.Steadfastness6.Godliness7.Brotherly affection8.LoveIfyou are anything like me you like to have specific things you can strive for.In this passage (and list) we are given specifics to strive after. So next timeyou are looking for something to work on try applying yourself to thesestandards and see which area you need to work on. However please know thatthese are not things you attain once and then forgotten about. You need toconstantly be striving for them.�If you would likemore information on growing spiritually check out the�Spiritual Growth Center.�

Fresh Start with God

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:25:00 GMT

The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? Truer words were never spoken(or sung for those who know this hymn). The question is how well do you know these things to be true? Do you know the Lord to be the light in your life? Do you know his salvation is available to you, right now this very instant? This past weeks service spoke to the assurance of salvation for all of us through God's word. "Assuredly, I say to you today you will be with me in paradise" Luke 23:43 This statement made by Jesus himself, was not made to the leader of a nation, to a person who was the head of a major business, who owned much land, or had oodles of friends and family. No actually this statement was made to a criminal who had been justly convicted for crimes he had committed and who had been condemned to death on the cross. The promise of salvation was given to him as it is and has been given to each and every one of us. Regardless of mistakes we may have made, in spite of what we own, or titles, material possessions or connections to family and or friends. God's salvation is open to all "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2 Apparently, when it comes to salvation and knowing when the time is right, there is as they say, "No better time than the PRESENT." To find out more about who God is check out our Fresh Start with God site (click) Alinda Community Member

Share It

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMT

As Jesus promised the man on the cross to be with him, so he has promised different people different things. A young ruler, who wanted to accompany Jesus, was asked to leave everything behind. Jesus promised heaven and paradise. He promised peace and joy. He promised to take care of our needs. However, he promised persecution and even death because of his name. He is promising the same things today. Although as believers we will be with him in paradise, there are times when we, as a body, suffer persecution, torture and even death for the name of Christ. For we are one body in Christ, if a part of the body is aching, the whole body feels it. Jesus always wanted his children to go into the world and be witnesses for him. The one who believes in his heart that Jesus is risen and who confesses with his mouth that Jesus is Lord is the one who will be saved, he said. So tell somebody. Make sure people around you know you believe in Christ. Tell your neighbor or your co-worker, make sure your family or friends know. I know it is not always easy and you may be mistreated, but know that you're following Jesus' teachings if you do. As the pastor says, don`t keep it a secret, share it- today, and tomorrow as well. Audy Online Community Member

Unplug

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Sometime during the past few weeks I came across the image below and I wanted to share the concept it relates. It is the focus of a webpage (http://analogsunday.com/). There actually isn't much to the webpage. Just the title and a short description about the goal of Analog Sunday. In our modern world we do not unplug very often, we are constantly connected to the entire world. Constantly being connected has an impact on our souls. It does not allow time for reflection or for God to speak. We are always on the go because we constantly need to respond to what is happening. We are not allowed the freedom to get lost on a Saturday or just spend time with our closest friends without the possibility of being interrupted. Because of our constant connection people assume they should be able to get a hold of us at any moment. In our overly connected society we do not experience the freedom to breathe. We are not allowed the opportunity to drink deeply from the fountain of life, Jesus Christ. If you have read some of my other posts you will know I am in favor of you getting away or slowing down. I want you to hear something and hear me loud and clear. You are free to get space and unplug. You can remove yourself from the technological society occasionally. Now this doesn't give you the freedom to ditch your commitments but you can start to build this into your life. Build in a time of intentional disconnection.Now may you experience the freedom of disconnection. May it be a time where Christ encounters you in a new way. May it be a place where you experience refreshment.�If you would like more information on growing spiritually check out the Spiritual Growth Center.�

Start Serving Online

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Below are the serving opportunities online. If your interested in one the roles email Jay at Jayk@saddleback.com and join our Internet Leadership Group on Facebook for further training. Live Chat Leader -Own a service -Setup/closeout chat room -Oversee and support Live Chat Partners -Lay minister for service Live Chat Attendant -Welcome and interact with participants entering Live Chat -Be encouraging and loving to chat participants -Answer Saddleback related questions of participants -Assist Live Chat Leader Creative Editor -Modify service notes for social media posts -Design social media posts to be conversational -Include links in posts that allow further exploration on posted content Facebook or Twitter Moderator -Read and respond, in a loving way to Facebook/Twitter posts -Ensure all comments are responded to quickly Facebook or Twitter Prayer Partner -Pray for services while they're happening live -Send daily prayer messages to Facebook Fans/Twitter Followers Teach Admin -Upload posts in HootSuite -Assist Creative Editor Facebook Coder -Help Customize our Facebook Layout

Preparing for Success

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:12:00 GMT

This week I spent time learning from Peter Scazzero in a large class setting at Radicalis (the Latin term for Roots), a conference we had at Saddleback. Peter is known for writing Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. On the first day he shared with us about setting up Daily Offices. A Daily Office is something monks do throughout the day to call them to prayer. For several years Peter has practiced these in his life and they have had a tremendous impact on his relationship with Christ. Peter encouraged us to add these to our lives as well so that our relationship with Christ might flourish. He suggested we practice three Daily Offices. To do that we would stop, pray and reflect on God three times a day. If you are like me your first thought probably was "How on earth am I supposed to remember to do that three times a day?" As I thought about it I realized something, I needed something to help me succeed at this. I needed something to remind me to practice the Daily Office at the right time. So I decided I would set three alarms on my phone to remind me each day to stop, pray and reflect on God. Each day at 8AM, 12PM and 7PM my phone reminds me to practice my Daily Office. If there is one thing I have noticed in life it is you can help yourself succeed or fail (Why do you think musicians and athletes practice so much? They want to succeed). In life we need to prepare ourselves for success not failure. And that is what I want to encourage you to do. If you want to pray more find ways to remind yourself, whether it be your phone, Outlook on your computer, or note cards. If you want to know more Scripture then write it everywhere or read your bible more, maybe both. If you want to overcome an addiction get help, don't try to do it on your own. If you want to spend more time playing with your kids get rid of Cable or Satellite Television. I don't know what you want to accomplish in your life but I know with God and wisdom you can succeed. When we combine God's help and wisdom we can succeed at a lot. Setting ourselves up for success is a way of exercising wisdom. Now may you find power in God and wisdom to overcome or succeed at the task before you. If you want additional tips or help for succeeding at your relationship with Christ check out the Spiritual Growth page.

What is He Like?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:41:00 GMT

Have you ever tried to figure out what Jesus looked like? Have you ever tried to think of what he liked to eat and to drink, whether he was usually merry or melancholic, always kind or inclined to outbursts of temper? Has he been an obedient child or did he do what he pleased to do? Was he quarrelsome or peaceful? Talkative or quiet? Talking loud or talking with a soft voice? Jesus has done all of the above at some point or another. What would he look like today? Would he be with the hippies and sing songs of flower power? Would he be a social worker in some slum of this world? Or would he be born into such a slum? Cast out and roaming the streets? Dancing in some hot spot? Surfing a Hawaiian wave? Would he own a gun or smoke a cigarette? Would he ride a sports car or a SUV? Where would he be born? In Haiti? In Iraq? In China? In Palestine as he did so many years ago? Jesus said, if you want to know what I look like, look at your neighbor, at your wife, your friend, your child. We are, what Jesus looks like. You and me. If you look at me, try to see that I am what Jesus might look like. He took a child and gave it as a standard. Who cares for one of these, cares for me. Who gives anybody in my name food, drink, visits, flowers, gives to me and I will reward it. Next time you get angry at somebody, in the car, at home, at work, stop, breath deep, and than think: This is just what Jesus might look like today. And then do as you would do if it were Jesus. Find out more about what Jesus looks like by listening to Drivetime Devotions by Pastor Tom Audy Online Community Member

Online Small Groups

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Now you can be in a small group no matter where you live or what your schedule looks like. We'd like you to experience online small groups. Come and see if this is the right type of group for you. Try a group by clicking on the times shown under Dates & Times on the right. If there isn't a group meeting when you want, just fill out the form to the right to suggest a time. We may put together a new group for that time. If you have further questions about online small groups, want to host a group, or you're having trouble registering for an online small group, please email onlinegroups@saddleback.com. Register for Online Groups!

Store It Up

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The animal kingdom has been something that has fascinated me since I was a young boy. When I was very young, 3 maybe, I could tell you more about animals than anything else. I was obsessed to say the least. I knew more about animals than most adults and I soaked up all the information I could. Everything in my life revolved around animals. Everywhere I went I gathered knowledge about animals. Recently I reflected on what I learned about animals as a child, most of the things I learned are gone now but not all them (I didn't work to maintain that knowledge). One thing I noticed during this period of reflection is that God placed a great deal of wisdom in his creation. For example many animals gather during the summer months to store up for the winter (bears, squirrels, ants). We could learn from the animal kingdom in this way. Like animals we need to learn to store up what is important for when it really matters. However there is one major difference between what we should store up and what animals store up; we should store up things in our hearts and animals store physical things. In Psalm 119:11 the psalmist states "I have hidden your word in my heart�that I might not sin against you." And in Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked�or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.�He is like a tree planted by streams of water,�which yields its fruit in season�and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Memorizing scripture has been a long held practice of the church; prior to the printing press in 1440 most people did not have their own bible so it required that they memorize scripture to keep it with them all the time. This is a practice we should continue to keep even if we have bibles on our phones. When we memorize scripture the Holy Spirit can recall it to our memory at any moment in any place. If you would like helpful tips on how to memorize scripture go to Navigators Scripture Memorization Tips. If you would like to grow deeper in your faith check out the Spiritual Growth Center.

Sing a Song of Praise

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:36:00 GMT

I was riding on the bus when somebody started to talk real loud, so that the whole bus could hear. The conversation was really bothering me. It seemed to sneak into my thoughts and my prayers. I could not focus. I was loosing my cool. And I didn't know what to do. Have you ever felt that way? I started humming an old song, than singing it softly just to myself. No, I had no iPod with me. But my outlook started changing nearly immediately as I realized how hungry the speaker was for attention and how he drew on the energies of everybody around. So I started praying for them, for the whole bus, and I praised God that I do know a source of fresh strength when everything goes bleak. I worshiped him right there by singing: Heaven is a wonderful place, full of glory and grace, I want to see my Saviors face,`cause heaven is a wonderful place. And as I sung heaven started right there in my heart. Praising God for my circumstances was just what I needed to do. Blessed is the man, who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners,or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers (Ps 1: 1-3). Try and learn one song this week that you will know so well it is stuck right in the heart of every bone, so that you have it ready when things aren't easy. Then hum it, sing it, teach it to somebody else. Let it leak and spill like fresh tap water on a hot day. Praise God! Take YOUR WORSHIP to the next level by checking out the Spiritual Growth Center Online. Audy Online Community Member

Slow Down

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Slow Down! If you've ever been pulled over for speeding, these are the words you dread. You've been caught and you know it. You just hope he wasn't paying attention to exactly HOW FAST you were going, or maybe he'll be nice and let you off with this simple warning. Maybe. In life there is seldom someone telling you to slow down until it's too late. You fill your life till it doesn't have any space. You are constantly on the go. If you are like me you like the fact that you are constantly busy. You don't know what to do when you have free time. It is weird to not have anything to do. So when I tell you what I am about to tell you I am also telling myself. Remember how I said we don't have anyone to tell us to slow down. Guess what? Now you do. SLOW DOWN!!! When we look at the life of Jesus we will notice he always moved at a deliberate pace that rarely involved rushing to something. He didn't even rush to save Lazarus from death. I for one think he knew what he was doing. Do you? If Jesus is our example, maybe we should follow his lead. We need to slow down. This is a simple habit we can develop that will aid us greatly in the end.. If we put this habit into practice we will be less stressed out, we will have deeper relationship, we will have greater patience, we will see what really matters, and most importantly we will have a better relationship with God. I know all the practical people out there are thinking "What does this look like or require of me?" It is simple really. Next time you are at the grocery store go to the longest line, not the shortest. Next time you schedule something give yourself more than 15 minutes to get there, i.e. don't have back to back appointments. Next time you find yourself with an opening in your calendar, use it to relax, whatever that looks like for you (and if you don't know what that looks like, figure it out). Next time you are sitting in traffic don't change lanes, just sit there. Next time you are looking for something to do with a loved one go to the park watch the clouds. Next time you find yourself with a day off commit to spending some of that time with God reading your Bible or talking with him (i.e. praying). Jon

Chat Online during Church

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Saddleback Church offers live Chat during many of its weekend services. It's simple, fun and spiritual. I'd like to Share these Simple Steps. STEP 1. Five minutes before the start of the the Sunday 9 AM, 11:15 AM, 4:30 PM, & 6:30 PM services enter the chat. STEP 2. Click on "Click Here To Enter Chat" and enter your name. STEP 3. Watch the service and follow along with the online notes. Chat and enjoy a bunch of random people from all over the planet discuss the content of the message. I loved attending Sunday's service. The chatters of last nights online chat, during the 4:30 service, were watching the service live and the chat box contained statements such as, "I love this song", "What You live in NY too?", "This Scripture Really Hit Home with Me", and "When I'm away I feel more connected to the Church when I can talk with others about the message During the message." The host was great. The whole Experience was Stimulating. If your interested in moderating a chat email Jayk@saddleback.com James Online Community Member

Climbing Mountains

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:58:00 GMT

Have you ever tried to climb a mountain? A big, no a huge snow clad mountain? Where icy winds will meet your cheeks and harsh cliffs will hinder your march, thin air will make you breathe hard and cold will make you shiver. And yet you will go on. Because you want to reach the top of the mountain. It is exhilarating to do so. It is a big satisfaction. And it leaves you longing for more. Now meeting God has pretty much similarity to this. Things my get a little rough around the going. Some icy wind may come from unexpected corners meeting unexpecting parts of your body. And you shiver. The cold can be deadly. Very easy to just get to sleep in the snow and never wake up again. Not even wanting to wake up. Just let go. Trying to approach God is like climbing a mountain that reaches so high into the sky you cannot see the top. Nobody can see God and live. Elija coverd his face, so did Moses. They saw the shadow of God passing by. Nobody can stand God's presence. And to approach him is dangerous. Jesus said that those who stumble over this stone will be broken. God's presence will break you as sure as constant cold will break you until you are a bundle of shivering nerves wanting to sleep forever. That's when you start to be useful for God. When your self is completely broken. When you need to trust somebody to help. When you have to trust that God will send the right person to be there. You'd never ever think about climbing a very high mountain alone. Not if it is worth a song. Or a tale. Or God's favour. It may prove deadly to approach God. Yet it is the most fascinating and exhilarating thing to do. Nothing compares to God's presence. Nothing. You may pass through the valley of death as the psalmist says, and you probably will before reaching a spot being worth to be reached. Yet once tasted this, as Jesus said, once drinking from the well, you'll be wanting nothing else. But don't do it alone. Don't loose the contact, don't do it alone. For your sake, for the sake of those around you, for the sake of God's kingdom. If you are commited to doing what seems to be folly in the eyes of the world, to meet ridicule and persecution and slanderous words, stay connected. You may not need anybody to climb a small mountain, you may not even need anybody to approach the great mountain, but to reach the top, no, you won't make it alone. Stay tuned. Audy Online Community Member

Become a Fan

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Get Involved!

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:08:00 GMT

This Little Light of Mine

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Listening to this weeks message about being an ambassador for Christ was just the reminder I needed. See the world and life has a funny way sometimes of making you feel down and out. Job that is unfulfilling can make you feel weighted down. Responsibilities to family can make you feel even more weighted down. Before you know it, you are so weighed down with the cares of the world you forget that God put you here for a reason. This weeks reminder of being ambassadors, for Christ serves as a reminder of just how important you are to God, being his representatives here on earth. Charged with spreading the good news - what more important task can one have? How much love does God have for all of us to entrust us to something so incredibly important? You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 14-16 Alinda Online Community Member

What Would an Ambassador Do?

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 06:09:00 GMT

After listening to the sermon of Pastor Rick Warren on being an ambassador the old saying comes up. "What would Jesus do" in a new coat. What would an ambassador do? And how do you represent an eternal and unfailing God? Many ambassadors make it one of their priorities to live in a nice house, wear nice clothes and do a smooth talk. They are watched 24/7 and they want to look good for their countries sake. But what does it mean to look good for a God who claimed it perfection to give his only beloved son into a manger where it could have been a palace, wrapped in cloths instead of a beautiful gown. His parents were so poor, they could only offer the required minimum at the temple, a pair of turtle doves. The church, in her attempt to appear blameless, has often taken for granted the standard of the world. If you are a good christian, you live in a decent house, you put on your best Sunday clothes as you go to church, being all smiles and full of joy it says. This is of course to honor God, but I still wonder what a God, who gave his son to the cross would think of it. We seem to need so much money to be a good christian. Often the maturity of a believer has been measured this way. They seem to be blessed just as Abraham, who was a rich man, was blessed by God. Even Job clearly lacked God's favor when Satan was allowed to take it all away from him. How do I worship a God who allows Haiti to happen, who allows wars and poverty to happen, child abuse and cancer and HIV? C. S. Lewis wrote, that pain is the only thing that can make man change.That Job was more in favor, more blessed when he had lost all. Which he acknowledged in the end. We are so hardened, that only utter pain will bring us onto the road to salvation. We need to be shattered in all our assumptions to come close to God's assumptions about us. I don`t have all the answers, but I know they are different from my expectations. And not always easy or pleasing. As the cross was no laughing matter. Our way of being needs the pain. How am I an ambassador for such a God? If I want to represent my country I have to live up to my countries standards. And even when Paul says I became all to all so that I can win some, he never compromised. I fear even the church has for a to long time taken for granted that money is a sure measure of spiritual maturity. But look at Jesus. He praises the poor woman, who gives all she has. Will she have food at home? Will her children be angry and hungry? She doesn`t seem to care and so does Jesus. So here is, what is of the first importance for an ambassador: Get your priorities right. Step in line with God's priorities. Be prepared for assaults as you leave the standards of the world behind. A true ambassador must wear his kings colors. And our king is different from the worlds standard. So be holy. Get out of it. Get separated and do it now: They will start watching you 24/7. And as God's power grows in you, God will get the glory. And make sure to pay in the currency of your true country. With love and trust and obedience, with trembling and wisdom and fear. Our God is a holy God. Audy Online Community Member