Pastor T's Blog

A Greater Focus on Jesus Christ

2009-07-21T05:28:00.001-07:00

It was one of those nights when I was having trouble sleeping, so I went to the living room and grabbed a book to read (you know? One of those books that you've had for so long that you can't remember how long you've had and just have never taken the time to read it?). The name of the book is "Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ" by John Piper. After just a few pages I found myself really getting into the book. Listen to this quote from page 15.

"We are all starved for the glory of God, not self. No one goes to the Grand Canyon to increase self-esteem. Why do we go? Because there is greater healing for the soul in beholding splendor than there is in beholding self. Indeed, what could be more ludicrous in a vast and glorious universe like this human being, on the speck called earth, standing in front of a mirror trying to find significance in his own self-image? It is a great sadness that this is the gospel of the modern world."

At the end of this first chapter, John Piper included a prayer that I want to make my own.

"Father of glory, this is the cry of my heart - to be changed from one degree of glory to another, until, in the resurrection, at the last trumpet, I am completely conformed to the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Until then, I long to grow in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord, especially the knowledge of His glory. I want to see it as clearly as I see the sun, and savor it as deeply as my most desired pleasure. O merciful God, incline my heart to Your Word and the wonders of Your glory. Wean me from my obsession with trivial things. Open the eyes of my heart to see each day what the created universe is telling about Your glory. Enlighten my mind to see the glory of Your Son in the Gospel. I believe that You are the All-glorious One, and that there is none like You. Help my unbelief. Forgive the wandering of my affections and the undue attention I give to lesser things. Have mercy on me for Christ's sake, and fulfill in me Your great design to display the glory of Your grace. In Jesus' name I pray, amen."

Beach Wedding

2009-06-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 13, 2009 I had the unique opportunity to officiate my first Beach Wedding in Oceanside, CA. Although I've done many weddings, this one was especially fun. God provided a beautiful day, with a bright sun, cool breeze and the sound of the ocean in the background. Jacob, the groom, had one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen on any groom when he saw his bride, Rachel coming down the center isle of sand that was covered in rose petals. Marriage is a wonderful gift that God created for mankind to enjoy and it so much illustrates the relationship He wants to have with His church. Ephesians 5:25 tells us, "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her."

A Day With the Family at Sea World

2009-04-16T15:23:00.001-07:00

While so many were rushing around trying to finish up their taxes on April 15, 2009, we decided to have some fun as a family and go to Sea World in San Diego! It was an absolute beautiful day and we had a great time. It had been way too long since we had done anything like that as a family. The last time we took the boys to Sea World, they were so little they can't even remember the trip. I had forgotten how nice it was to leave everything behind and not answer the phone or emails and just have a relaxing time with my family. Here in this picture we were getting ready for the Shamu Killer Whale show. What an awesome thing to see as these large sea creatures do these amazing stunts! It was definitely a thing of beauty. And by the way, we were sitting closer to the water, but I was out-voted and we moved back several rows to avoid getting slashed. Had we stayed were I was wanting to sit, we would have been soaked!

Polycystic Kidney Disease

2008-10-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

This nasty looking picture is a picture of two kidneys. The one on the right is a healthy kidney. The one on the left is a PKD kidney.

It was almost four years ago in 2004 when I was first diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). When the doctor first told me, I had never heard of it before and wasn't sure what to think. I'm sure he spent the necessary time to explain the disease to me back then, but it was one of those moments when hearing words like, "no cure" and, "you have probably about three years" made it impossible to digest anymore information at that time. I have to admit that it took me a few months to process things.

Four years later, I have learned a lot about PKD and I'm glad the initial three year time-line of my doctor was not accurate (although I still do have PKD). God has been gracious to me and I am still doing fine for the time being. I am now involved in a clinical study through the Kansas University Medical Center (HALT-PKD) to help doctors in their research in fighting the progress of this disease. There is much information about Polycystic Kidney Disease on the PKD Foundation website. PKD is the most common genetic, life threatening disease affecting more than 600,000 Americans and an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide - regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. In fact, PKD affects more people than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, Down syndrome and sikle cell anemia - combined.

It is my desire to help doctors in anyway that I can to find a cure for PKD, not so much for me, but for my three sons. You see, they have been tested and all three have inherited PKD from me. Although they have a good attitude about it, it sure makes me feel terrible that I passed the disease to them. I would feel so much better if a cure could be found soon enough that they could benefit from it. For those that would like to donate to the PKD Foundation and help in the research for a cure of PKD, I am part of a virtual Walk for PKD Fundraiser.

I'm thinking about my friend, Matt

2008-10-01T04:04:00.000-07:00

Matt and Tammy have been close friends with our family for more than 15 years. Our children (same ages) grew up together from preschool up through most of high school. Matt and I worked together on staff here at Victory Baptist Church for many years. Our families would spend countless times together at each other's houses, Bar-BQing, playing games, celebrating birthdays, holidays and just enjoying each other's company. Matt and Tammy were married the same month and year that Val and I were married in August of 1986, so to celebrate our 15 wedding anniversaries back in 2001, we traveled together as couples to Cancun, Mexico. We had a great time! We had so much fun together that just last month we agreed that we would celebrate our 25th wedding anniversaries (approaching in August 2011) together by going on a cruise with all of our kids. Even though Matt and Tammy moved to Oklahoma a couple of years ago, our friendship has continued to grow. I could share so many other things that would demonstrate how special Matt and Tammy and their children are to me and my family. I love them so much! Last night (9/29/08) I received one of those phone calls that nobody wants to receive. Tammy called me on my cell phone crying and asked me to pray because she came home to find Matt laying in the yard. The ambulance had just taken him to the hospital and she was scared. She couldn't talk anymore and said she would call me back as soon as she had more information. It is hard to describe how I felt after that phone call. I felt numb all over and in shock. I prayed and I prayed, and I called as many church friends as possible to pray for my friend Matt.
After about an hour of waiting and praying for my friend Matt, my cell phone rang one more time. As I looked down at the screen, it indicated that it was from Tammy. Part of me was afraid to answer and the other part of me was convinced that it would have to be good news. As I answered my phone there was a moment of silence on the other end, until I heard Tammy quietly say the words, "He's with the Lord now" As I sat there in my chair, the air seemed to leave the room and I could not find any words for the next several moments. The moment felt like a bad dream that I couldn't wake up from. As I looked up at the rest of my family, they could tell that the worst had happened and sadness began to fill the eyes of everyone. After what felt like forever, all I could push from my lips to say on the phone was, "Tammy....I'm so sorry." There was not much else that was said in that call other than the crying that could be heard from both ends.

...a couple of days have passed since I began this post....and probably the word to describe my feelings is "numb"

Today as I walked around the property of Victory Baptist Church, it struck me that my friend Matt had left his mark on so many things. The tree that I was standing under was planted by Matt. The water fountain that I got a drink from was installed by Matt. The well house that I walked into was built by Matt. The concrete ramp that I walked up and into the office was poured by Matt. The gate that I opened behind the office was designed and welded by Matt. Everywhere I looked, I was reminded of the handiwork of my friend Matt. But the amazing thing was that his handiwork was not just limited to things. His handiwork was, and will continue to be evident in the people that knew him. Matt left his mark in people around him by being the kind of friend you could only dream of having someday. I know that I am a better person today because my friend Matt left his mark in me. I know I will one day see Matt again, but I must admit that it saddens me to imagine that he's no longer a phone call away. Until I see him again, I'm going to really miss him.

VBC Missions Trip to Nicaragua

2008-07-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

A group of eight of us from Victory Baptist Church went to Nicaragua to work with our missionaries, Brian and Rachel Weed. We were there for 10 days from June 21 through June 30, 2008. It was a wonderful trip! Brian and Rachel are doing an excellent job planting churches in Nicaragua and turning them over quickly to National leaders. We spent most of out time on this trip approximately 4 hours north of the capital city of Managua in the city of Pueblo Nuevo. The church there is less than a year old. They recently were able to purchase a large older home in the middle of the city and are working to turn it into a meeting place for the church. During this missions trip, we were able to help with a lot of the demolition and clean up, along with mixing concrete and painting. It was hard work, as you will see in the video, but it was a lot of fun also. All the team members worked really hard and said that they were really glad that they were able to go on the trip. We praise the Lord for a safe, life changing experience there in Nicaragua. We also praise the Lord for Brian and Rachel Weed, who are taking the Great Commission seriously and are truly making a difference in Nicaragua (as well as all of Central America) for the Kingdom!

Remembering My Mom

2008-05-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago on May 16, 2008 I had the opportunity to visit my mom's grave in the little Kansas town of LaCygne (while I was on my way to Kansas City from Springfield, MO). The cemetery is located just outside of this small town surrounded by large trees in every direction. It's a very quiet place away from any major highway. As I walked around some of the tombstones near my mother's, it made me wonder what the story was for each life. It also made me contemplate what others would write on my tombstone if it were my time.
It would have been my mom's 62 birthday. It's kind of hard to imagine what she would have been like at 62, since she was only 43 when she died. She was really a great person. I can only tell stories of her to my kids (Stephen was not even 2 years old when she died). I guess one of the main things I have learned over the past 19 years is to never take the people you love for granted. You never know how long you have on this earth with them. Make ever day count for the important things!

Celebrating the Meaning of Easter

2008-03-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

The greatest thing about Easter is the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Even though our society has made it sound like it's more about egg hunts and bunny rabbits, anyone who takes the time to research the facts will discover that it's about victory over death. Three days after His crucifixion, Jesus Christ rose from the grave. That single piece of history is the most pivotal in all eternity.

Think about it: Almighty God sent His only Son to this earth to pay the price for our sins on the cross of Calvary. He paid the price by giving His life, but He didn't stay dead....He rose from the dead on the third day! Praise the Lord for a God who has the power over death and the grave!

Another Birthday

2008-03-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hard to believe it, but I finally reached 42 years today. I remember when that seemed to be so old. I know one thing for certain, it didn't take long to get here. I remember when I turned 15, it felt so good to be half way to 30. But now when I think that I am half way to 84, that just doesn't feel right. Oh well, I'm not complaining, just letting everyone else know who might be reading this that time flies by faster than you realize. Invest everyday in the important things of life...things will last for eternity...things that will make a difference.

Later...

Beauty Even in the Ashes

2007-10-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hard to describe the crisis that much of southern California finds itself in as smoke has filled the skies for the past 3 days. Yet, even with the awful smell of smoke in the air, and the dusting of ash on the ground, the sun sets and the sun rises the past couple of days have been breath-taking. This photo was taken Wed. morning (10/24) at 8am toward the east. Of the many southern California fires that are burning, this one is referred to as the Santiago fire, and is about 20 miles away. Let us pray for God's help in this time of tremendous need for so many people.

More Pictures to Share

2007-09-12T19:48:00.001-07:00

It seems like we have gone for ages with out taking many photos and then, all of sudden, we have all these opportunities to get some pictures taken. I think it has something with experiencing your first child leaving home and being on his own. It makes you think that time is going by really fast and if you run out and get some pictures taken real quick, it might be able to slow down time just a little bit. I know that sounds a little crazy, but it's the best explanation that I can come up with for now.

Reaching Milestones in Our Life!

2007-08-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

There are times in our lives when we will realize that we have reached a milestone, a point in life that we thought was farther away than we imagined. After being married for 21 years to my wife Valerie, we have just sent our first child to college on the other side of the country. I don't feel like I'm old enough to have a college age son, but oh well, time marches on. It just seems like yesterday when I was helping him put on his shoes and pack his sack lunch for school. I still have two teenagers living at home who are also growing up very quickly. I know that God has wonderful plans for each of my sons, and I pray that I stay faithful to Him to reach all of the milestones that He has for me. Our life is truly like a vapor that appears for a short while and before we know it, much of it is behind us. Praise the Lord for the promise of eternal life!

Praising God For My Family!

2007-08-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well, we have reached another mile-stone in the Birge family. My oldest is getting ready to go off to college. We thought we would run to Sears and get some family pictures taken before we head in different directions. It doesn't seem like it was very long ago when I was changing the diapers on these guys; now look at them. I'm proud of all three of my sons and I praise the Lord for giving me a wonderful wife and three fine boys! God is good!

God's Coffee

2007-07-12T08:25:00.001-07:00

I usually don't take time to read all the emails that are forwards of forwards of forwards. There are just so many of them that I don't have time to read them. This morning though I did read this one and it was really good, so I thought I would post it on my blog. It was entitled "God's Coffee" and the author is unknown.

"A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee. When all the alumni had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups. Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of Life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us." God brews the coffee, not the cups.......... Enjoy your coffee! "The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God."
Author unknown

Fun in the Photo Booth

2007-06-11T23:09:00.001-07:00

At a recent wedding, the bride and groom had a great idea. They had a photo booth at the reception for everyone to get their picture taken for their memory book. It also provided a great opportunity to get some family photos taken :-). Valerie and Timothy teamed up for a photo session and then Michael and I had our picture taken. As you can see, I had a little fun with Michael (I didn't really yell in his ear).

Stephen was around somewhere and I know he had his picture taken as well, but I didn't get a chance to see it yet. I know we need to get some family photos taken real soon, but at least this is most of the family.

It's Nice to Finally See Some Fruit

2007-06-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

About two years ago, my son Stephen and I planted a nectarine tree and a Fuji apple tree in the back yard. The only other tree back there was a lemon tree that Timothy and I planted three years ago. The lemon tree has been producing tons (maybe not tons, but you know what I mean) of lemons from the beginning, but the apple and nectarine trees have been slower getting around to producing fruit. Finally, we are starting to see some nectarines and apples this year. I can't wait until they're ripe enough to eat. It's really nice when a fruit tree actually produces fruit!

That's probably what the Lord says about us when He is able to produce spiritual fruit through us, "It's nice to finally see some fruit!"

One of those days...

2007-06-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord anyway. I know that's what I need to do. That's what I would tell someone else. Don't you hate it when people judge you to be this terrible person, when in fact you have been everything but that? Yet, to try to explain your heart to that person would make you sound like some kind of "ego-hungry" character. So...you choose the path of remaining silent and taking the verbal lashing. Someone told me a long time ago that it was wiser to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open my mouth and remove all doubt. I don't know if that is always true or not. I just hate it when people think you are some kind of self-centered, uncaring, inconsiderate monster; when, if they really knew the truth......well, it doesn't matter..... Praise the Lord anyway.

Visiting My Dad in Kansas

2007-05-28T13:19:00.001-07:00

I had the opportunity to surprise my dad last week and fly out to Kansas (from California) to attend his retirement party at his place of employment. After 42 and a half years of working at the same place, my dad finally decided to go ahead and retire. It was nice to be there to hear how all his co-workers appreciated his years of service to the company. My sister was also able to drive up from Springfield, MO to attend the party. It was good to catch up with the family and remember all the fun times we had growing up on the farm in Kansas. It's amazing how times moves so fast. I hope that my dad is able to enjoy many wonderful years of retirement and that the Lord continues to bless him with good health.

I Just Led Someone To Christ!

2006-10-18T22:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a joy to be used of God to lead a young man and woman to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! I praise the Lord for all those that had a part in sowing the seeds of the gospel in the lives of these individuals prior to tonight. It was obvious that many have shared their faith with both of them as they were both ready to be saved. I know that the angels in heaven are rejoicing and signing praise for the expansion of the family of God that took place tonight! I am so thankful for their decision and I pray that God will continue to work in the hearts of people. Use me Lord in anyway possible. Dear Lord, I pray that you would place your protective hand around these that have just received you and that you would keep Satan away from discouraging them in their new walk with You. Help them to trust in You with all their heart and to not lean upon their own understanding. As they acknowledge You, I pray that You will direct their paths. In Jesus name, Amen!

The Passing of Time

2006-10-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

It amazes me how fast time moves now that I'm older. I can remember when I was just 10 years old and watching my dad shaving one morning just after he turned 35 years old. As I stood in the doorway of the bathroom and wondered when I would ever be old enough to shave, I thought to myself, "Thirty-five years seems like forever." Now I am 40 years old with three teenage sons and wondering when it was when I got older. It is so true when the Bible tells us that life is like a vapor, it appears for a little while and then it is gone. Why did it seem like it took forever to get through school? If I could have spoken to that little 10 year old boy 30 years ago, I would have told him to invest his time wisely, because before you know it, it will be gone. And once it's gone, you can never invest it again.

"The Amazing Race"

2006-03-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hebrews 12:1 tells us to, “…lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and … run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The Bible compares the Christian life to an athlete in a race. It also tells us that there is only ONE WAY to get into this Amazing Race; we must be “born again” (John 3:7). Our enemy, Satan, tries to keep everyone out of the race, but once you’re in the Amazing Race, all Satan can do is try to get you to STOP running, pointing our attention to “other stuff” instead of running the race with all our heart.

After we enter the Amazing Race, Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that we must fix our attention and focus on Jesus, the “author and finisher of our faith.” Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 9 that he needed to discipline his body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. He also mentioned that his greatest fear was being disqualified, in other words, being DETOURED from the race and losing his effectiveness for the Lord’s work.

The most difficult part of the Amazing Race is YIELDING to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to direct our paths. There are millions of people around the world that have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. It is important that we get as many people as possible to join the Amazing Race while there is still time. If we are not able to go to the foreign mission field to run the Amazing Race, we must be willing to send those that have trained to go. Regardless of us GOING or SENDING, the Apostle Paul encouraged us to, “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:14). Remember that all athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!

What An Amazing Blend of Cultures!

2006-01-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

Today was an exciting day for me as the pastor of Victory Baptist Church here in Anaheim, CA. This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of a baby dedication. Eventhough I have been a part of many dedications over the years, this was the first one that blended in the wonderful Filipino culture and traditions. I was truly blessed to be a part of it. If that wasn't enough for a day of culture, the evening brought another baby dedication from another family within the church, this with India traditions and cultural practices. What an amazing day that we live in when within one church there can be such a blend of cultures from around the world. It just goes to show that as members of God's family, we can learn to appreciate the jewels of cultural diversity that are sparkling around the world. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Tis the Season to say, "Merry Christmas!"

2005-11-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! All this politcal correctness that is sweeping the nation lately is really starting to get frustrating. When I hear that so many employess of businesses are being instructed to only say, "Happy Holidays," and not, "Merry Christmas," it makes me wonder where this is all heading. Come on, give me a break, it's a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If that offends you, then don't celebrate Christmas.

The true purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the fact that God sent His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to come to this earth and live among sinful mankind. He lived a sinless life and was crucified on the cross of Calvary to pay the price for all our sins. He rose from the grave on the third day and then acsended up into heaven. The forteenth chapter of John tells us that Jesus will come again someday and receive us (those that have trusted Him as Savior to forgive them of their sins) to Himself, that where He is, we will be also. What a celebration that will be! The greatest gift available for Christmas is Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!

Following God's Directions

2005-10-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a teenager, I have wanted to follow God's direction in my life. Although I never really knew what God had in store for me, I knew that I wanted to give my life to Him for His service. If you would have told me when I was 17 years old that I would be pastoring a church in Anaheim, CA 20 years later, I would have laughed at you. Eventhough I had a lot of dreams in my early teenage years of being an electronic engineer, going to the Air Force Academy, and maybe even going to NASA, today, I can't imagine myself doing anything else other than trying to make a difference in God's Kingdom.

Following God's directions in our life doesn't need to be something that we fear. Yes, it can be scary at times, but when you look back on your life, there is a wonderful sense of peace. Too often we ask God to control our lives without willing to give up our goals for which we strive. If we're not careful, we may find ourselves asking God to help us to where we want to go. We must be willing to turn over not only control of our lives, but the destination of our lives. This can seem really scary, but it is a matter of trusting God totally with every aspect of our lives. Another step that is critical is to do what we already know God requires of us. Don't wait for more directions from God when we haven't been obedient to what we already know to do. No matter how silent God may seem to be in directing us, we must listen for further direction from His Word - God's map for life.

My First Blog

2005-10-03T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been wanting to do this for a long time. This is something that is definitely a sign of the times. I will keep this first post short for now.