Faith in the Serving When Nothing is Happening

"You shall march around the city, all [you] men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. "And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. "It shall come to pass, when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him." 

- Joshua 6:3-5

This historical account of God's plan for the walls of Jericho to come down is in my file of "plans that don't make sense but we obey in faith" category, for God will give us directions at times that from a wordly perspective, don't sound reasonable.  Imagine being Joshua and relaying this to the camp: "okay guys, here's the grand plan God has given us to conquer Jericho....".

But that thought is not what I want to focus on in this brief post but another thought that came to me while listening to the song "Every Giant Will Fall" by Rend Collective and it is this: how is your faith when you are obeying and nothing is happening?

We often struggle when we don't see results and think "but I'm doing all the Lord has asked of me so maybe there is something wrong with me or my faith, etc."

For these guys, they didn't just march around a city (however long that might have taken) once or twice or three times or four times....but 13 times in total.  They had directions that it wouldn't be until the 7th time on the 7th day after shouting that the walls would come down, but from a human perspective, do you think they wondered and wrestled with whether it would really work or maybe hoped that by the 3rd day they would see some kind of results?

We pray for something once or twice or three times, etc. and start to wonder why God isn't answering, why we aren't seeing results, when maybe it isn't us but God's plan to unfold.  Why did they have to march 13 times, for surely God could have done it after the first walk around - but God has His reasons and part of those were to grow them in faith among others.

So keep walking, keep praying, keep going - you might think nothing is happening because we live in a results oriented culture and want to give up too soon but results are not our job, they are God's, so for us we keep walking, praying, serving, going even when we think nothing is happening.  

If we give up too soon, we'll miss when the walls finally come down.

The Sound of His Voice

“... and His voice as the sound of many waters;” - Revelation‬ ‭1:15‬

Ever listen to the sound of many waters, like a waterfall or fast rapids? It is both loud and peaceful at the same time. It tends to just make you quiet and be in awe.

The voice of the Lord will do this - make you stand in awe, get your attention and yet also instill in you a sense of peace (granted it is not one of rebuke).

I got to thinking about this while on a hike the other day when we came to some rapids at the end of our hike.  We all just sat there, quiet, enjoying the view and the peacefulness of it all.  And yet, it seems this same thing happens anytime a group comes to loud waters - you don't try to talk and compete over it, you tend to be quiet and listen.

So I wonder - with John telling us His voice was like the sound of many waters, does it come with not just a sense of awe and sovereignty but of peace and tranquility?

What is His voice like in your life?  Is it one that you seek to hear and be in awe of or do you find you can't hear it at all because there is no place for it in your life?  Do you find peace and assurance from His voice or simply fear because of lifestyle choices?

Know His voice is the same one that tells us He doesn't take delight in the death of the unrighteous, that tells us to repent and turn to Hiim, that tells us to come and find rest in Him, that sings over us, and that loves us.  It is the same voice that came from One who bled and died on a cross from our sin and Who rose again from the grave three days later declaring us free from sin, guilt and death when we place our faith and trust in Him.

What I Learned From My Time With Starbucks - Part 2

This is part two of the blog post I started here on what I learned from working at Starbucks.  As it became a rather long post, I decided to divide it up into two sections.  I highly encourage you to read the first one (found here) if you haven’t done so because this will make more sense to you as I jump right into my thoughts.

Starbucks is a great company at which to be employed.  Younger generations may not realize it, or those that get their first job at Starbucks, but the company seems to go out of their way to make their employees feel important.  We use “partner” over “employee” because management values the opinions of those that work for them and does not view anyone as “just” a barista.  It is more than just a nice catchphrase but a way of life with the company.  They do not have to give us free food items or drinks but they do.  They also offer health benefits, stock and other options while also encouraging growth as a person and as an employee (read: partner).  As a Christian I might not agree with everything they get involved with on the outside, but I would gladly work for them again with the way they treat those that are part of their team.  This is why so many people stay long term with the company.  If you have a great store manager, you’ll see minimum turn-over compared to other places.  So before you want to get into a rampage over their solid red cups for Christmas or things they support, understand they treat their employees (read: partners) very well.  I’d rather work for a non-Christian company who treats employees well than a Christian one who treats them poorly.

Love and respect goes a long way in your work environment.  I came in as “the pastor that just got hired.”  That came with a bit of stereotypes and curiosity from those with whom I would be working.  “Is this guy going to be some sort of prude?” was the common question on the minds of the people.  Everyone has different personalities – mine just happens to be a goof-ball that doesn’t take myself too seriously (though I take my job as well as the ministry very seriously).  I typically enjoy being with people (which my sound strange coming from one who leans more towards being an introvert and is an ISFJ if you understand Myers-Briggs personality types) and being a part of a team is a big deal to me.  In all reality, these people came to be like family to me and I enjoyed each and every one of them.  And like a family, there are times you drive each other crazy because you are in a confined space 20-35 hours a week with some of them.  I have learned as a Christian to apologize quickly when I am wrong and there have been times when I had to go back and apologize for blowing it or losing my temper – not easy, but in my mind necessary because I was sorry.  However, I don’t think it was simply my quick-witted, dry humor or “Charlie Brown dancing” ways that allowed me to be accepted, but my realness and love towards those around me.  Yes, everyone comes from different backgrounds and walks of life and perform actions outside work that I would not condone as a Christian.  But those actions do not make them less of a human or unworthy of my friendship.  I know they knew I did not agree with the various things they did, but they also knew I would be there for them regardless (and still am).   My co-workers are an extension of my family to me and I’d love all of them to come to the full knowledge of Christ, but I’m going to always be there for them whether they do or not.  Whatever work place you find yourself, if you seek to treat all those around you as equals, give them respect, and get to know them where they are, you can make an impact on their life.  And, they in turn, will impact yours for the better as well!

I think the problem as those who profess to be Christians comes when we forget the Gospel is just as relevant to our lives as to everyone else’s.  We are still sinners who struggle with our flesh and need the saving power of Christ in our lives daily.  His death and resurrection are still as important to us today as they were when we first chose to follow Him.  We are no better because we are Christians, but certainly we can act that way if we are not careful.  When we think we are somehow superior is when we will lose our witness.  Be honest and real – you need Jesus just as much as the next person.

Co-workers are just as important as you.  In a world where we feel we have no problems climbing over someone else to get what we want, we need to stop and consider if this is even right.  As a Christian, I seek to follow the pattern and teachings of the resurrected Savior, Jesus, who taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated, to love others as ourselves, and to love God with our whole heart, soul and mind.  We are also think of others first and look out for the interests of others.  Though certainly not called to be a door-mat, we should also never seek to build our own kingdom.  When you have a honest view of yourself and an honest view of Scripture, you will understand co-workers are not below you and are not to be used to get where you want to go.  They all have their own dreams, hopes and visions, and seek to get to know those.  In fact, we should “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15, though go ahead and read Romans 12:14-21 as it is excellent passage related to topic at hand) which comes from knowing your co-workers (and you seek to know your co-workers when you understand their value).  I am impressed with many of my co-workers and what they have accomplished: one worked long hours to save up for college all by herself getting accepted to CSU-Fresno, another studied long and hard to become a coffee master with a zeal for something he loved, another has been with the company since she was 16 and now is an assistant manager (soon to be manager of her own store), another takes care of his wife and kids while also highly involved in his church and even taking classes with his church to learn more, another has gone back to school to be a paramedic, and the list goes on and on (so for those who may be reading this and feel slighted I didn’t mention you, it is for the sake of the reader I didn’t – though if the reader has made it this far, props to you).  Now I don’t say all this for a pat on my back because it isn’t even about me – but I seek to be invested in the lives around me because as a Christian I cannot make an impact if I’m only worried about myself. 

You can impact someone’s day as a barista.  In the previous blog, I detailed how you can impact a barista’s day, but I want to encourage those who are baristas (or really any position in a company where you interact regularly with customers) that you have a great deal of power in influencing people’s days today.  Part of being a partner is seeking to connect to something bigger, to be meaningful to the world, and you definitely can do that simply from behind the counter.  We may never get to see the impact we have, but understand it is there.  People who come in the store have all the same type of struggles, frustrations, joys, hurts, and questions we experience and just like we can hide those things, they do too.  So when we give them that extra bit of attention or that kind word or simple acknowledgment that they are a human being, it may do more than we can even realize.  If you have ever spent time regularly in a Starbucks, you will notice there are regulars who come and hang out there.  Our store reminded me quite a bit of the old show “Cheers” and I perceive part of the reason for their regular attendance is the feeling of belonging.  We knew our regulars’ names, they knew ours and there was that connection.  Yes, we may not know what hardships they are facing (though some certainly told us) but to be able to get away for a bit from those hardships and be in a comfortable environment in part due to our own kindness towards them, can be enough to get through another hard day.  It can be easy to forget how simple gestures can have a profound impact on lives around us and we may feel like we are just doing a job much of the time.  But you are not “just a barista” (or whatever job you find yourself in) – you are someone that can influence a life and there is a power and responsibility in that.  Overly dramatic you may ask?  Perhaps, but from a personal standpoint, each time I go back to visit my former co-workers and am greeted with smiles, it touches me in a very positive way.  So seek to see how you can make someone’s day brighter today and you’ll also find how it will impact you as well.   

Other thoughts you may have but weren’t mentioned?  Comments you wish to express?  Stories you’d like to share for the benefit of the rest of us?  Please leave a comment and let us know! 

What I Learned from My Time With Starbucks - Part 1

Normally when I write my blogs, it is with a Scriptural truth and/or teaching lesson in mind that I revolve it around.  However, this time I simply want to share what I learned during my time working at Starbucks as a Barista (for supplemental income while I pastored a church) and hopefully it will help you the next time you frequent a Starbucks.  I wanted to find a part time job that the hours worked around ministry, that would not destroy me mentally or emotionally (ie. did not want to be drained and then go to doing “church work”), and that would allow me to be a part of the community and get to know people.  Starbucks offered all this and I was excited to be given a green apron.  In fact, I absolutely loved my job and was glum when I had to leave due to moving.  There is a reason we love to use the hashtag #tobeapartner on social media afterall.  So here are just some thoughts and tips to help you:

The barista’s are educated.  Sometimes people ordering their drinks can look down on a barista because they are “just a barista” as if the job belongs to only those who can’t find better work.  I counted it a huge blessing to be hired and feel I could fit on the team even though there were reservations from them about “hiring a pastor” at first.  Many (if not most) of the baristas are going to college or have completed college and so they have are highly intelligent people.  Plus, there is a TON to learn when it comes to drink recipes, knowing the product, and being able to answer the customer’s questions.  This isn’t just a job you pick up on in the first week or two – you continually learn.  In fact, Starbucks encourages learning on all their various coffees and product thus the reason for baristas being able to drink the product for free (when at work).  And because they are astute and bright people, they are also quick witted which makes banter with them as a co-worker all the more fun!  So think before you start yelling at them for making your drink wrong or treating them as if they are dumb – mistakes happen as we are all human and in a fast paced environment they will.

They have vision for their life.  This goes along with the first point, but don’t think because they are working at Starbucks, that they are not ambitious people.  Nor are they less ambitious because they want to stay with the company as their career (more on that later).

Friendliness goes a long way.  This is a lesson to all walks of life and comes as no surprise, but if you treat the barista in an affable manner, they will treat you that way as well.  Now as barista’s we are trained to treat all in an excellent manner, and we strive to do so, but as humans it is easier to go out of our way for someone when their friendliness aids us in doing so.  Treat them how you would want to be treated.  We understand life is tough at times, because we have rough days too, but don’t take out your horrible day (or life) on your barista.  In fact, if you open up about how your life is rough to them (when it isn’t crazy busy inside), you may be surprised to find the empathy and sympathy you will receive from them!

If you want to know the locals, hang out in the morning at a Starbucks.  New to town?  Want to make connections?  Just take a registered Starbucks card (because you get free refills on teas and coffees for having one), buy a drink, and hang out.  If you keep coming in at a regular time, you’ll start to see others who also come in all the time around the same time and you can get to know them.  Our store reminded me much of the old show “Cheers” and it was one of my favorite things about working there because you got to know the regulars.

Ordering tips.  Friendliness goes a long way but so does helping out your local barista with your order.  If you are new to ordering coffee, no biggie, we understand.  If you are a regular coffee orderer, be sure you follow these tips of advice as it will make everyone’s experience (including those around you or behind you in line) better:

• Know your size and state it first: “I want a venti/grande/tall  _________”.  I cannot tell you how many times as baristas we have to ask “what size?”.  This simple change alone brings a smile to our face.
• After stating your size, tell us the drink AND THEN the modifications.  We can keep up with your order, but it is easier to put it in the computer when you say “I want a grande mocha with 2 pumps mocha, nonfat milk, keep the whipcream, and add an extra shot” rather than “I want a grande 2 pump, nonfat, extra shot, with whipcream mocha”.  Why?  Because after we enter the size on the computer, we then press which drink.  If we have to wait until the end to hear which type of drink, we lose time and also have to make sure we remember all the modifications.  When you give the type of drink first (after size), we punch the modifications at the same time you are ordering and everyone is happy! 
• When they repeat your order or ask you if all is right on the screen (for those in drive thru), please listen and/or look.  Make sure it is right before you say “yes” when asked if everything is correct.  Nothing slows things down quite as having to remake a drink that was made “correctly” after you said it was correct when you really wanted it iced rather than hot or grande rather than tall, etc.
• Don’t order from the passenger side of the car.  You might be yelling, but it is still hard to hear you.  Have the driver order for you.
• If going through drive-thru, do not order more than 3 fraps or complicated drinks.  The company would not say this and we are glad you are ordering a multitude of drinks from us, but when you order a slew of drinks in drive-thru it slows things down.  It is more of a courtesy thing than anything else.  We are trying to be very fast both for those who order in-store and in drive-thru, but with drive-thru we are timed and nothing hurts time more than the person who orders 7 different fraps for their family.  And then that holds up those behind you in line.  If you have a large drink order and you can do it, come inside.  Again, this is just out of courtesy not a standard rule.  For more tips on drive-thru etiquette, check out this site: http://www.wikihow.com/Practice-Drive-Thru-Etiquette

Baristas are people too.  I love when people do the little things that can make a big impact on my day whether they realize it or not.  Something as little as a "this drink tastes great" to the one who made it speaks volumes.  I had a regular customer who loved how I made his iced coffee and always let me know how excited he was to see me on bar.  It wasn't that the others were not doing their job (we all follow the same recipes), but I knew exactly how he liked his and sought to make it that way.  We also had a lady come through drive-thru during Christmas (and a few weeks after) who always brought us See's candy.  A simple tip in the tip jar encourages us.  And if nothing else, asking "how is your day?" and then following that with "why is it happy/bad/sad?" shows you care enough to listen.  So if you go in with the mindset that you want to bring a little joy to the baristas with which you interact, you will find you will do just that - whether you know it or not!  Of course, the same is true on the opposite end and your words can have a negative impact as well.  Don't be the customer that makes the baristas roll their eyes to each other when you walk through the door - be the kind that makes them smile and yell your name when you walk through!

In part two of this blog, I will dive more into things learned working that will help more in life than in visiting a Starbucks.  But I hope this bit gives you a little more situational awareness both for your time in Starbucks as well as your life in general to those around you.

The Power of One

"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." - Hebrews 6:10

There are times when a Christian can feel like they aren't really making an impact for the Kingdom of God, where they question their worth as an ambassador for Christ, especially in light of what they see other Christians being used to do.  Maybe you are a person called to ministry but have been waiting (perhaps even for a long time) for that chance to do full time ministry as a pastor or missionary.  Maybe you feel you "just" work a normal job and are merely surviving in this world of bills and appointments and therefore aren't productive in the Kingdom.

If you simply don't care about service, this blog isn't for you - feel free to stop reading now.  For all others, I want to encourage you to think about the power of one.

One person can make a huge difference to the world and I'm not talking about the one person like a Billy Graham, Francis Chan, Greg Laurie, or any other well known pastor or evangelist.  I am talking about a person like you.  You may say, "What do you mean?  I do not/will not have a huge following or get to speak to large crowds like those guys.  How can I make a huge difference?"  Because it only takes you ministering to others in whatever capacity God has you.

Ever hear of Modeccai Ham?  Before you Google him let me save you the time.  He did revival meetings across North Carolina and at one of the revivals he preached, Billy Graham came to know Christ.  You may not know Mr. Ham's name, but God does and God used one person to lead a man to Christ who would go on to lead thousands to the Lord. (and of course, there were others along the way that planted seeds in the mind/heart of Billy Graham).

Jim Elliot is a name you probably know because of his matyrdom in Equador.  By his life he may not have changed many lives, but by his death (and those of his team), he has inspired many to be missionaries which has impacted thousands of souls for Christ.  And Mr. Elliot's life was shaped by a few unnamed men that encouraged him to live for Christ whose names we don't know but God does.

Francis Chan has helped to influence, encourage and embolden many Christians through his books and teachings, but he was encouraged and shaped by those in youth ministry, nameless individuals we don't know but who had major impacts in his life.

I certainly am not anything close to being known by multitudes (nor desire it), but I know the Lord has used me to speak at multiple churches in multiple countries and has used me to minister to the saints.  I am where I am because one man, Pastor Hank Brooks, took me under his wing when I was only 17 and poured into me and discipled me for ministry.  Without his initial influence, I would not be where I am today.  And he gets to share in the fruits of what God has done from using me because he took time to minister to me.  One man.

For every man who is seen in the spotlight being used by the Lord are men and women who are unknown by us but who made impacts on these "spotlighted people".  There are testimonies of men and women whom the Lord has used that were given a gospel tract on the street and went on to be saved, even though they don't know who the man/woman was who gave them the tract.  Pastor Pasha in Vladimir, Russia came to the Lord because he found a poster/invitation to a Christian rock concert on the ground, a poster that probably been dropped by someone who was given it by a short-term missionary.  Pasha was saved at that concert and now pastors the church in Vladimir.

Just because you do not feel like you are being used or fruitful does not mean it is true.  If you are seeking to serve the Lord, then you do not know the impact your life may be having (or has had) on those around you.  The Lord may not allow you to see the fruits of your labor until you are with Him.  But your life can have a huge impact - keep serving and don't let the lack of seen fruit be the indicator to whether you are "successful" or not.

The Power of One can be immense - keep pressing on!

It's Just One More Wall

"It shall come to pass, when they make a long [blast] with the ram's horn, [and] when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him." - Joshua 6:5

I've always loved the account of Joshua and the fall of Jericho.  Against a seeming impenetrable wall, God gives Joshua a command that no battle strategist would ever suggest - simply march around the city once a day for six days and on the seventh day, march around the city seven times while the priests blow trumpets and then at the end they will make a long blast, you will shout and the walls will come down.  Joshua lets the people know, we see no mention of anyone complaining or questioning the decision beforehand or during any of the days. Sure enough, in Joshua 6:20 we see it happened simply as God said would happen.

It was no problem for God, because to the God of the whole universe, it was merely a wall much like your child's building blocks are to us for knocking down.

To the people, it may have seemed like a huge deal.  Before God gave the plan to Joshua, perhaps they wondered how exactly they could conquer the city.  But then they got the battle instructions laid out by the Lord and there was no questioning for they knew that God could do anything - they simply had to obey His instructions.

Perhaps you're at a place today where something lay in front of you that seems impenetrable and you have no idea how to get around it, over it, through it or bring it down.  It may be the weight of an unexpected bill or expense that just came, a person whose goal in life is to bring you down, an addiction you can't seem to shake or a step of faith you know you need to take but have no clue how it will all work out.  Have you taken it to the Lord and sought His advice?  Because for Him, it's just one more wall.  Don't let yourself lose sleep or be dismayed or discouraged - hope in the Lord and let Him fight for you.

And the glorious hope that we know will come to pass will be the end of Satan's rule as prince of the power of the air.  One day soon too he will fall because afterall, he's just one more wall!

Author's note: For further encouragement, check out the song "One More Wall" by Apologetix, which provided the inspiration for this post.

Light Cannot Fit In With Darkness

Ever been aboard a flight during the night?  If there isn't any cloud cover, you can easily tell when you are flying over a city or open land.  Why?  Because of the lights. 

Ever been in a movie theater and someone starts messing with their cellphone?  How do you know they are doing that?  Because the light from their phone in the darkened room quickly alerts you to the fact.

Light has a way of easily calling attention to itself.  Jesus has told us that we are the light of the world, a city that is set on the hill and cannot be hidden and therefore we are to let our lights shine (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Ever notice how light doesn't really fit in well with darkness?  If it did, it really wouldn't be light anymore or at least not a very good light.  You wouldn't want to use a flashlight that hardly produced light would you?  Or watch a movie where you couldn't make out what was happening on the screen because of the lack of light?  Yet, we as Christians, who are called lights of the world (and the world is a darkened place), somehow feel the need to try and "fit in" and be like the world so the world will come to Christ.  However, we cannot "fit in" if we are shining lights because our light exposes darkness and the world does not like that (John 3:19).

So do not worry about being mocked for your faith or ridiculed or judged.  Jesus already promised it would happen (John 15:18-25 (and many other places).  Live out your faith and let the light shine and don't spend your time worrying how you can fit it so the "cool kids" will like you and want to hang around you.  Love people like Jesus did, serve them like He did, but also know the world will hate you even in doing that because they hated him.

I will leave you with this 90 second clip that speaks perfectly to this thought: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZZqUonNIFs

Original blog posted on refugesanger.wordpress.com as this blog post comes from further thoughts of the sermon on John 15:12-27 titled “The Great Juxtaposition Paradox” which can be found by visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings.  Sermons I have taught are also on iTunes - search "Refuge Sanger" or "Pastor Mike Massey" to find our messages.