Author Archives: chadzaucha

It has been very humbling to have so many people praying for me.  Words cannot express how much I appreciate that.  Here is an update on what is happening physically:

1. I had  MRIs taken of  my mid and lower back on Friday.

2. The neurosurgeon called Monday to say that he saw no problems in those MRIs.  So, from his perspective, the issue with my numbness and tingling in the extremities is not with my spine.  So then, what is it?

3. I have an appointment with a second neurologist a week from today at USC for another perspective.  They will perform more tests.

4. I have an appointment with a second neurosurgeon August 3rd.

5. In the meantime, the symptoms seem to be worsening in my arms and hands.

So, please continue to pray.  Pray most of all that I would trust God completely.

When I Lay My Isaac Down:  Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances by Carol Kent.

“A seed has to give up its familiar form as a seed, allow itself to be buried in the dark earth, and trust that God will bring new life–even lush life–when the seed sprouts.  In the same way, we need to be willing to give up whatever is most familiar, comfortable, and precious to us, allow ourselves to sink into the darkness, and trust God to bring life out of what feels like death.  This is the mystery of fruitfulness:  Life multiplied many times over from what seems like death (55).”

Last week, Paul had some pretty harsh things to say about The Law.

In Romans 7:6 he says that we were in bondage to the Law.

Romans 7:5 (NLT)  When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced sinful deeds, resulting in death.

He seems to directly connect The Law with sin.

This raises the question, “Is the Law sin?”

Paul answers this important question in Romans 7:7-13.  Come tomorrow to find out the role God’s Law is to play in the life of people living under God’s grace.

When I Lay My Isaac Down:  Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances by Carol Kent.

“When we fully understand that we are in a spiritual battle, that the world is not our home, just a “stopping off” place, we can begin to get excited about having a short time to engage in the battle raging around us (27).”

True heart sacrifices involve:

• identifying something precious to us (our Isaac)
• letting go of our control over the situation, event, or the person as an act of worship
• embracing God’s love in the process of the release
• resting in the outcome, even if in this lifetime we are not allowed to understand the reason behind the need for the sacrifice and the pain involved (43).”

In Tuesday’s mail I received an official looking envelope from the Superior Court of the State of California.  Gulp.  I opened it to find that I am potentially part of a class action settlement against our insurance company due to “management service fees.”  The amount of the settlement:  $455 million!  Hooray!  I’m rich!

The next line in the document gave the amount I could expect to receive from this settlement:  $1.56.  Not $1.56 million.  One dollar and fifty-six cents.

There must be a spiritual application here somewhere.  Any ideas?

Leading With A Limp by Dan B. Allender, PHD

“Even in the church, “better” has become a consumer-driven concept.  We ascertain the hot issues and the most winsome ways to win over the largest number of customers, clients, or congregants.  In doing what is better, however, a more important value has been given the backseat.  Perhaps in the work of growing the organization bigger through doing better, leaders lose sight of the goal of growing character (144).”

Come to First Baptist tomorrow to hear about my first wife (Romans 7:1-6).

If you have ever struggled with serving God out of the crushing weight of obligation, this message is for you.  There is hope through Jesus Christ and the freedom of serving Him out of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:41 (NIV)
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

This picture was taken over the weekend (photo from ojaipost.com and an article by Evan Austin entitled “Destroy? Satan?” on July 3rd).  More than being a simple act of graffiti, I believe it communicates a message from the spiritual realm.  It is a reminder that there are very real forces of evil that intend to destroy this valley and are working diligently to do so.  It is a call to the church to wake up and engage the enemy in the authority and power delegated to us by Jesus Christ.  We are reminded that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12).  While the evil one comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus comes to bring abundant life.  Let this picture be a call to battle.  And let us be reminded that, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4, NIV).”

One of the things I appreciate so much about this church family is that we are learners.  We love to study God’s Word and to read the material of gifted teachers to enhance our understanding.  Frequently I hear someone say, “I was just reading…”  That always brings joy to a pastor, provided the material is from a biblically sound author.  Summer is a great time to read—whether sitting on the back porch sipping lemonade, or at the beach listening to the waves.  So, I thought I would share with you a summer reading list.  These are some of the books I have been reading lately and would recommend to you.

1. The Bible – Don’t go rushing to read a human author until you have spent significant time with the divine author.  There are many good books, but only one Word of God.  It alone is the sword of the Spirit and full of divine power.  If you would like some encouragement in your study of the Scriptures, join a pod (Life Transformation Group).  If you are not sure how to do this, give me a call.

2. A Place of Healing:  Wrestling With the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty by Joni Eareckson Tada.  This is the best book I have read regarding this subject and by an author who certainly writes from a position of authority.

3. Just Courage:  God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian by Gary Haugen.  This book will open your eyes to a much larger perspective of what God is doing in the world and challenge you to participate.  It specifically focuses on God’s call for His Church to rescue those suffering injustice.

4. Revival’s Golden Key:  How to Share Your Faith Simply, Effectively, Biblically…the Way Jesus Did by Ray Comfort.  For decades now we have been taught to share the Gospel by beginning with “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life…”  This book examines the tragic results of this approach and how it has shaped generations of self-centered, shallow Christians.  There is a better, biblical starting point for sharing our faith.

5. Erasing Hell:  What God Said About Eternity, and the Things We Made Up by Francis Chan.  I haven’t actually read this book yet as it just came out yesterday.  But I trust Chan and look forward to his perspective on hell in contrast to Rob Bell’s Love Wins.  Wait for a full endorsement until I read it, but I am expecting a solid, biblical treatment of this subject.

Happy reading!  Let me know what books you recommend.