It is not my intent with this posting to be ugly or vulgar. But just as God has given me words of inspiration lately summarizing my beloved Pastor’s living example and God’s wonderful plan…so too I feel as if I am bubbling forth with words to describe an experience with an individual I’ve met. This time with an unfavorable impression.

Well arighty…I know this one is rather dark. Don’t mean to bring you down. One thing that I thank God for is gift discernment. I am very grateful for it…and I’m sure God has used it to spare me some pain over the years

As revolting as I found this individual to be…I know as a Christian that God can even reach out and touch this person and change him. That while I was repulsed…God still loves him. So I guess I’ll conclude this posting with a prayer God will reach out, touch this man’s heart…and bring him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. That I’ll be able to stand back and see God do a great and mighty work in the life of a sinful man.

Yesterday’s service was so wonderful…a true gift from God. I think all who attended were filled to overflowing with joy and peace from our Savior. What a delight. Yet…we remain ever cognizant that each moment is a gift…we are not promised even the next minute.

Trust in God, our faith and praise must not be based in our outward circumstances. Our eyes must be focused on God and Him alone. God alone is our Foundation, our Rock…He alone will never change. Circumstances will change, our health will decline and people will fail us. If our focus is not on Jesus Christ…we will be like that wave tossed to and fro on the windy sea of life.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might!

Our hearts filled with joy,
Singing praise and thanksgiving
Loudly proclaiming the glories of our God

Each moment a treasure
A precious gift from above
Given to His own, from the Savior with love

One heart,
One mind,
One body in Christ

One Father,
One Savior,
One Spirit indwelling

Laughter and joy and peace fill this place
As He endlessly pours out
His marvelous grace

Susan Bunts – 8/8/05

Yesterday’s service was so wonderful…a true gift from God. I think all who attended were filled to overflowing with joy and peace from our Savior. What a delight. Yet…we remain ever cognizant that each moment is a gift…we are not promised even the next minute.

Trust in God, our faith and praise must not be based in our outward circumstances. Our eyes must be focused on God and Him alone. God alone is our Foundation, our Rock…He alone will never change. Circumstances will change, our health will decline and people will fail us. If our focus is not on Jesus Christ…we will be like that wave tossed to and fro on the windy sea of life.

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might!

Jeremiah 10:6
No one is like you, O LORD;
you are great,
and your name is mighty in power

We give praise and thanksgiving to our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. For His mercy and grace and for his sustaining strength and power poured out in abundance up our beloved Pastor, Chuck Obremksi.

God continues to open doors to Chuck and Linda…allowing them to proclaim the gospel message all who will listen. Chuck and Linda are walking obediently and selflessly…and choosing to serve God and praise him…even in the midst of their personal challenges.

God has answered our prayers in amazing ways…for which we are grateful. And we continue to keep our eyes fully trained Jesus…the author and perfecter of our faith. Our eyes on our Savior…not our circumstances.

Jesus…we give all praise, glory and honor to you!

Notes from Chuck Obremski’s sermon on 7/31/05. My apologies for the tardiness in transcribing my notes. I personally found this sermon to be very convicting. I had the opportunity to re-listen to it this afternoon after today’s service. Just a reminder…for those who want to listen online or download the sermon…please go to Kindred Community Church’s website…and avail yourself of the abundance of materials.

To Serve with Love – Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1. To serve with love requires transparent humanity. (1 Cor 2:1-3)

• Weakness, Fear, Trembling

2. To serve with love requires genuine humility. (1 Cor 2:4-6)

• But, Demonstration, God’s Power

3. To serve with love requires absolute honesty. (2 Cor 4:1-2)

• Renounce, Truth

This teaching is in direct conflict with our natural desires. For even the Son of Man, Jesus, Son of God, our Savior…did not come to be served, but to given his life a ransom for many.

Servants and givers…this is Chuck’s desire for us as a church. Why is this rare? Because we are selfish. We come into the world a sinner, with a sin nature, we come into the world wanting to be served. Not too many givers. (Romans 8:28-29) God’s will for His people is that we will be conformed to the image of His Son. We are to become more and more like Jesus…become servants and givers.

The self test is to ask ourselves…what would Jesus do or say? How many of you have ever thought that it would be easier to walk like Jesus if you had lived when Jesus did?

Matthew 20:20-21 is the earlier version of the parents who want to elevate their children…for example today in sports. Matt 20:24…the others became indignant. Indignant …used here means an increasing willingness to come to physical blows. Matt 20:22-23…you don’t know what you are asking. God’s systems contradicts the world…it works different in God’s kingdom. Jesus responded…”This is not so among you.” You want greatness…serve!

Col 1:15-17…Jesus is first…first place in everything…Creator, Savior, He is the Head…Jesus alone. 3 John 1:9…is a picture of someone who loves to be first. You can’t love and be a servant if you want to be first.

Even in leadership you must have a servant’s heart and to be a giver. Lead by Biblical example.

Paul was a in a leadership position. Anyone that loved Jesus…he ran them over. He stood in hearty approval of the stoning of Stephen. He had the attitude that if you don’t see it my way…I’ll help you to see it my way. So what happened? Jesus happened.

After Jesus…he had a new nature. Saw the resurrected Savior and came to faith in Him. A servants heart. A bond servant…the lowest man on the totem pole. Knocked off his donkey and and knocked to the ground…looked up and saw Jesus. He realized this is the safest position to be in.

Some of us think more highly of ourselves than we out to …and it effecting our relationships. Chuck challenged each of us to be servants and not celebrities, givers…not takers, be gentle and humble…and not run people over to get what we want.

We need to be transparent humanity. Real, open and transparent, what you see is what you get. Chuck reminded us that it’s not about us…but all about Jesus. Come in weakness, knowing we are not perfect, and accepting our weakness and humanity.

Chuck desires that people see Jesus and His strength…in his own weakness and illness. He desires that all the credit goes to Jesus. He doesn’t want any credit that is due Christ.

Are your eyes on Jesus? Do you see and receive strength and power through Him? Are your eyes on Jesus…and Him alone?

We can see a demonstration of the power of God. Our faith must rest on God alone and His power. Why? Because man can not save anyone. John 13:1-14…we should be humble before God. He alone has the power to raise the dead, to forgive sin.

Know your place in the universe. Know that He is God…and you are not.

Quote from James Irwin…former astronaut. “I am a servant and not a celebrity. As I return to earth, I realize I am a servant, to share with others what I experienced, so that others might know the glory of God.”

We are to be absolutely honest with those with whom we share. We are to renounce those things that are not of God. We want to know…but don’t know all the answers. Chuck acknowledged that he doesn’t know all the reasons God has allowed him to have cancer. He knows that God has a purpose and a plan behind it. He doesn’t know…but he does accept it.

We are to be servants and givers. Real, open, honest and transparent.

“We have to respect that any nominee to the Supreme Court would have to defer any comments on any matters, which are either before the court or very likely to be before the court. This has been a procedure which has been followed in the past and is one which I think is based upon sound legal precedent.”

Ted Kennedy – 1967…commenting during the Thurgood Marshall Supreme Court Nomination

For those know me personally…you could have safely bet that I would never have a quote from Ted Kennedy that I agreed with…and won yourself a boat load of money. But just like a broken clock is right twice a day…Mr. Kennedy gets it right every now and again. Now I did have to go back 38 years ago to find one…but by golly Mr. Kennedy got this one right.

Ted…I’d encourage you to stick with your philosophy from 1967 during the upcoming John Roberts’ nomination. You got that one right…and you can once again.

Today I attended the funeral of my friend, Neil Parker. My boss, my mentor and friend…of about 17 years.

When I heard about Neil’s death…I knew that his funeral would be one of celebration. One of remembering and sharing about this lovely man of whom we were privileged to know. A wonderful Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, American, Marine, officer, boss and friend who touched many, many lives.

Neil was a man of extraordinary character…who was able to live an ordinary life…and yet make every day special. He knew how to treat people right…and chose to do so, with each person he met. From a seemingly insignificant person…to one who received much acclaim…each one was important and worthy in Neil’s eyes. That’s because he looked at people through the eyes of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

So today we celebrated a wonderful man whom God gave to us for 71 years. We celebrated, rejoiced and were comforted that Neil had been called home and was united with Jesus his Savior.

Through our tears and grief we are able to rejoice, give praise to our God and loudly proclaim “It is well with my soul.”.

On the eve of your funeral Neil…I wanted to say goodbye.

I do so with deep sadness…and almost disbelief that you aren’t here anymore. While your phone calls in recent years were not frequent…I treasured them…and it was always a treat to hear from you. I looked forward to your Christmas letter and note…filling me in on what happened to you in the year gone by.

Not sure that I can put into words…how much I loved you and what you meant to me.

I don’t remember the exact day I met you. Not sure if it was when you came in to audit the store I worked in as bookkeeper? Or maybe it was to investigate some cash variance or other area of concern? But I do remember when you really made an impression on me. It was when I worked at the Outlet store. That store was something else. There was always an issue at hand that had you in the store almost daily conducting a Loss Prevention investigation. When you needed information or help on the bookkeeping end…you asked me for some help.

That’s when the Loss Prevention bug bit this girl. I loved it from the get go…and it changed my life. I continued on with bookkeeping for about another year or so…and then got up the courage to call you and ask for an LP job. You were game…and I was interviewed for the job of Loss Prevention Agent. After the interview…which I think took place at McDonald’s…I had a polygraph. I was nervous…but passed and was given an LP job.

I trained as an Agent in the Hollywood store. Oh my gosh…that sure was a different place. Glad it wasn’t a permanent location for me. I worked in multiple locations…and you were my boss. While I didn’t do a terrible job at catching shoplifters…it sure wasn’t my strong suit. But you were patient with me…and about a year later…moved forward with the idea of a Loss Prevention Office Coordinator. It was a new position that was being created and defined at that time. So I joined Eva in that role. She had LA North…and I had LA West which was in your area.

What fun we had. It was something brand new…and we figured it out as we went along. I loved our travels to different stores…and digging in to the reports and finding out what was going on. Each day had something new and challenging. We did some good stuff Neil…and had some fun along the way.

I loved hearing your tales…whether from your LA PD days…or interesting investigations that you had handled over the years. The love and passion you had came through when you talked about those times.

Things changed and we moved on…you worked in a different area and I changed jobs. For a while…we didn’t talk a lot…things were a bit bumpy. But fortunately…that changed too. Now all these years later…I’d be hard pressed to remember what caused our falling out. It didn’t last…and you were gracious…and our friendship resumed.

All too soon you were announcing your retirement. It seemed unreal…after all you had been the backbone, heart and soul of our department. How in the world would we get along without Neil Parker. But the time was right for you and your family to make that move.

You didn’t stay retired for long. You ended up back in law enforcement…working at the federal court houses. I’d hear from folks now again about seeing you at the court house when they were on jury duty or responding to a subpoena.

I was most blessed that you did keep in touch. A phone call every now and then keeping me up to date on what was going on in your life. I think we even squeezed in lunch, now and again.

Neil…you believed in me and gave me a chance. You believed in me when no one else did. I thank you from the depths of my heart.

You made a difference in my life…a difference for good. You were giving, encouraging, gracious and forgiving. You unabashedly spoke of your faith in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Neil…I love and I miss you. I know with absolute confidence that you are in heaven with your Savior. You have entered into your rest…and have heard those much prized word, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

I know that when I die I will join you…and I look forward to that day. I will see my Savior Jesus Christ face to face…and join those who proceeded me to heaven.

So while I am sad and will miss you…I look forward to our reunion one day. What a lovely day that will be. Neil…say “Hi!” to Hugo for me…and I’ll catch you on the flip side. See you kid!

Today marks my 21st anniversary working at Sav-on Drugs.

In some respects it’s made bittersweet by the sad news of the death my friend and former boss, Neil Parker. Neil was very influential in my career…and I owe him much more than I can say.

While I’ve held a number of positions over the years…I remember quite clearly how I got my first job with the company. I had been working for a number of years at a local department store called Wineman’s. That day we had just gotten news that another company, the Boston Store, was buying us out. I had just been interviewed and was offered a job as a supervisor with the new company.

While at work that same day, I received a call from my friend Kathy. For some time I had been applying at Sav-on Drugs trying to get a job as a bookkeeper. This would prove to be my lucky day. Kathy was calling to tell me if I went to the Sav-on in the same shopping center I would be interviewed for a bookkeeper position.

Well lickety split…I was down at Sav-on for my interview…and thank you Lord…I was given the job. I was to start work at Sav-on #69 in Fullerton, CA. The store has since closed and been relocated.

I was trained by a terrific bookkeeper, Gayle. She had high standards and communicated things clearly. She got me off to a good start. I loved my job as a bookkeeper. Now I probably shouldn’t say this…but in school…math was always my weak point. But when I became a bookkeeper…suddenly math clicked and I understood it. It made sense. I worked as a bookkeeper for 4 years.

During that time…I ended up working at a temporary outlet store in addition to my own store. It was wild there…a whirlwind…even now it boggles my mind. This is where I ended up meeting Neil Parker. He was the Loss Prevention Manager for that area. And trust me…Neil made frequent visits to that store…just to try and keep things in line. That was where I was bit by the Loss Prevention bug…and have been sold ever since.

I continued to be a bookkeeper for about another year…but finally worked up the courage to ask Neil for a job in LP. I was interviewed for the job…and back then had to take a polygraph test…which thankfully, I passed.

I started out my LP career as an LP Agent catching shoplifters. While not wretched at it…I would catch them…but it scared the heck out of me. In fact sometimes I would even start shaking when I’d see someone shoplifting because I knew I have to stop them. While they may have been thieves…fortunately…most were not violent. There were a couple of scary times…but God had His hand of protection upon me. I only worked an agent for about a year…one very long year.

Next…I was an “office coordinator”. Along with another lady at work…we were the first to start that position. It was very interesting…and allowed me to approach LP from a paperwork and research standpoint. Suited my abilities much better.

Not sure I remember how long I was an office coordinator. But next I was the supervisor for the in house collections department. That was a different story altogether. What I did like about that job was having the ability to help customers…if they were a victim of a crime and their checkbook had been stolen…or even if they just had some bad times. But I’ll tell you…those collection agencies that we had to deal with made my blood boil. I keep thinking that someone would be hailed as a genius if they came up with the idea of doing collection on bad debt with the key motivation to keep those good, long term customers and not alienate them.

Another bright spot of that job was a wonderful, beautiful woman name Marion. Marion was such woman of character. She was a single mom…and had a wonderful son Jonathan. Marion was such a hard worker…did quality work…and she really truly cared. She cared about the people she worked with and our customers. She’d knocked herself out to help someone. I knew if I wanted the job done right…Marion was the person to have work along side me. Marion died from ovarian cancer…and her loss was very painful…but she left a lasting impression. I will always remember her.

The department was closed when they consolidated everything in our Franklin Park office. Disappointed and scared described me then. But God had His hand upon me. I felt that he impressed upon me the scripture verse, “My grace is sufficient for you.” I clung to that verse and listened to inspirational tapes daily, during that time. And God brought me through.

He laid a burden upon the heart of Peter Bartholomew. Peter took pity on me…and offered me the job of secretary for the Loss Prevention department as his then secretary had recently quit. Now keep in mind…I didn’t even know how to turn on a PC/computer. I had worked on a Wang…which was quite a bit different. You’ll understand how precious this man is when you know that after hiring me…he asked, “Do you know how to type?”. God bless that man.

Peter gave me the classes I needed to get up to speed on the computer…and eventually unleashed the monster that loves the computer…and now blogs daily. I thank God and I thank Peter for my job. I love it…and I love the people I work with. I love the challenge of my job. I love the fact that I’ve been given freedom to grow and develop in my job…and that I’m able to give input.

I work with a group on people directly in my department that ranges from about 20 to 30 people. Additionally there are many others in our stores. And of course there is a lot of interaction with other departments…so to say I’m never board is an understatement. I love my job! (Just between you and me…there are times they make me a wee bit crazy too.)

I’ve had some terrific bosses in LP over the years…Peter Bartholomew, Terry Sullivan, Len Thielen, Louis Escarcega, Robert Wiltfang and my current boss Doug Kuripla. They are each tremendous people…and I consider it a privilege to have worked with them. Peter always used the phrase, “Simply the Best”…and by golly these folks really are.

Do I have a favorite…out of all these people? You bet ya I do…I wouldn’t tell to save my life. But kind of like a mom…while she may have one child that she really connects with…she loves each child in their own special way. There is something special about each one.

So on this 21st anniversary…I thank God for my job…and for the people with whom I’ve worked for low these many years. Blessings to you all.

Please be sure to read the posting “On a Personal Note” by Cindy Swanson. It’s a beautiful piece that she republished on the one year anniversary of her father’s death.

Her father, Thomas V. “Pepper” Garrett passed away a year ago on July 28th.

This writing illustrates perfectly what the death of a believer can be like. Something beautiful and not a struggle…like one going home. It’s also shows the reassurance and peace you can have when a loved who is a believer dies.

Cindy has some great postings on her website definitely worth exploring.

A couple of follow up notes on this thing called faith.

Tonight I was talking with a gentleman named Mike about faith. About not doubting God’s ability to answer my prayers…but knowing that He may answer them by giving something different than what I asked for…or later on down the line.

Mike added that we know that God sees that which don’t see…He can see further down the way…and know if something is good for us or not. You ever have those moments when you actually, maybe, kind of, sort of “get it”. Hearing Mike’s answer was one of those moments.

We can be certain that God’s answer to our prayers will be one that fits His plans and purposes. And yes…I’ve heard what Mike said before and maybe even uttered those words myself…but it really clicked this time.

Second note…thanks to David Fisher from Pilgrim Scribblings for his kind words. David is so open and transparent…and shares so freely. I’m enriched with each trip I make to Pilgrim Scribblings. Thank you!

From Webster’s Dictionary…here the definition of faith:

Main Entry: 1faith Pronunciation: ‘fAthFunction: nounInflected Form(s): plural faiths /’fAths, sometimes ‘fA[th]z/Etymology: Middle English feith, from Old French feid, foi, from Latin fides; akin to Latin fidere to trust — more at BIDE

1 a : allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY b (1) : fidelity to one’s promises (2) : sincerity of intentions

2 a (1) : belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) : belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2) : complete trust

3 : something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

synonym see BELIEF–
in faith : without doubt or question : VERILY

Time for a little “true confession”. Sometime I feel like a complete failure as a Christian…especially with regards to faith. Oh not faith in God or if He exists…I absolutely believe in God. No doubt there. I guess I ought not to say that so glibly…since there was a time before I became a Christian…when my belief in God was not fully manifest. And there have been those dark times as a Christian…where I cry out to God…”Are you there God?”.

But right now…I’m trying to figure out faith and how it intersects with believing God and trusting that he will answer my prayers.

Sometimes I almost feel envious of those folks in the so called word faith movement. They seem to have the ability to pray for something…and despite the current circumstances believe that God will answer their prayers just as they have asked.

I’ve never really been able to muster up that kind of faith. I know that God is servant to no one. That He is not obligated in any way to answer my prayers. It doesn’t matter if I pray in some set manner or utter certain words…He is God and I am not. He will answer my prayers that He chooses to, in the manner in which He chooses to do so…in His time frame, not my own.

Yet…I know that I don’t want to not ask God in faith…and get to heaven and find out all that God would have given me, but didn’t, because I didn’t ask.

I also can appreciate the idea of believing and focusing on the goal. I learned that from an athletic perspective. Now for those of you that know me personally…don’t you dare laugh. Yes I fully acknowledge, I ain’t going to be winning any marathons any time soon. Yet seven years ago when I started walking…it enabled me to lose weight and keep it off. I learned from walking and some running that when I focus on the goal that which is ahead of me…tune out the distractions around me…I can get to that goal. So belief, focus and faith are invaluable.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Yet… in Hebrews 11 the great chapter on faith, person after person is commended for their faith…faith in which they don’t see answers to their prayers, nor do they see God’s prophecies fulfilled during their lifetime.

Hebrews 11:39 “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”

But their prayers were answered, God’s promises were fulfilled…it was just in God’s time, not their own.

I am a realist…and quite honestly there have been many prayers that God has said no to or has seemingly not answered. Now I will fully grant you that if you say that it’s because I lack faith that He didn’t answer my prayers…you may be right.

So my struggle and questions with faith and prayer continue. However…I feel like I’ve come to good place to be with it all. That is, knowing and believing that God is able to answer my prayers. Taking my needs, and even wants and desires to God in prayer. Yet…trusting God and saying, “Thy will be done.” Accepting in peace that which gives me. (Some days that attutide is a struggle and evades me.)

I’m sure some days I’m like a small dog yapping at the heals of Jesus…and continuing to pester Him for that which so far He has not answered…at least not how I want Him to answer my prayers.

So a faith failure I may be…but at least I have a certain measure of peace and trust in God that I didn’t previously hold.

Have you ever had those times in your life while you are in the moment…you really get it…you understand just how precious or extraordinary this time or this person with whom you are with is. There is something different, something very special about a person. Maybe they are extraordinarily kind or gracious or very honest and real in contrast to this all to often plastic world we live in. Or there is that something there, and you can tell that God has His hand upon this person…and is working in them and through them. And it’s quite remarkable…and you “get it” at the time…during it…not afterward in reflecting back…but in the moment. That makes it a very precious time indeed.

When I think about Chuck Obremski…and remember when I first heard him preach…and look back over the years that I’ve been able to participate in his Bible study…and what God has now grown into a lovely, wonderful church…it takes my breath away. You see, I remember quite clearly when I first walked in that door and heard Chuck preach.

It was January 1999…my second week attending Calvary Church Santa Ana. In addition to attending the regular service I had wanted to get fully involved, including a Bible study. So looking in the church bulletin…I found this one Bible study called Kindred. I knew which building was in…and it was easy to find.

So that second week…I walked in the doors. I can even remember about where I sat. The gentleman who sat next to me and the people who were around me were all very kind, considerate and caring. Even back then at Kindred…each week they ask whoever is visiting for the first time that week to stand up. Back then you would say you name and where you were from…and the congregation would applaud and those around you would welcome you. It was a very warm and inviting setting and group of people.

Of course there was a time of worship with songs of praise and thanksgiving…and some of those good old hymns. The gentlemen who lead the worship team had and continue to have real love for the Lord…and made worship fun. But they also helped you to focus in on who God is and why He is worthy of our praise and worship.

Hold on to your hats folks…because that was just the beginning. Then it was time for Chuck to preach. Even back then…Chuck was a very powerful preacher. Back before the cancer, before our church was founded…back when it was just a weekly Bible study…it was quite evident that God was using this man to preach His word in a very powerful and dynamic way.

I affectionately refer to Chuck as my “kick butt pastor”…and that he is. He is one that speaks the truth from God’s word quite boldly. He holds nothing back. Yet it is not done in a fashion to beats you over the head. But instead the Holy Spirit is working in that Word that’s going out…and convicting the hearts and minds of believers. Helping us to grow and develop into the person God would have us to be. Also reaching out to the non-believers…and giving the no nonsense message…”Hey…you are lost in your sin and perishing.” But there is good news…God has a plan to save you from your sins. Because He loves you…He provided His Son Jesus Christ to pay that penalty for your sin so that though Him you might be saved.

You couldn’t sit in in that Bible study and not hear the Word of God…and clearly hear the gospel message preached each week. Oh I have been most blessed in my life by hearing and sitting under some great preachers…but there was something very different about Chuck. Sure, some of it was style. I really love his no nonsense way of speaking, I loved Chuck’s way of being very open and real…sharing from his life and his heart. Not setting himself up as a paragon on virtue by any means…but knowing that God was in the process of transforming him. Using him for His purposes and growing him up. Chuck has always freely shared about what he was like before he became a Christian…and also stories about his Christian walk since then.

You see I need that “kick butt pastor”…the one who freely and plainly preaches God’s word. I need someone who doesn’t sugar coat it…but gives you that message in a straight forward manner. Knowing that God…through His Holy Spirit will work in you through the cleansing of His Word. And that pastor for me has been Chuck Obremski.

You could also see quite clearly that God’s hand upon this ministry. Sometimes it was confusing to see exactly what God was doing…or where He was going…but you knew God was at work. This was especially so as we transitioned from a Bible study into a Church. Some of the things didn’t make sense from a human perspective…but God had a bigger purpose and plan in mind. It was “A God Thing”. God was at work…and sometimes those growth periods and changes are quite confusing and painful.

I remember on that last week…as we prepared to say goodbye to Calvary Church and start out on our own, Chuck asked for everyone who was planning on making that move to raise their hand. Nearly everyone in the room raised their hand. You know when you hear God’s word given so clearly and undiluted…you begin to crave it and look forward to hearing it each week. Those weeks when we just had one service…so our our entire congregation could be together as one…we had no Bible study. Man oh man alive…it made me all the more eager for Bible study the next week. You see, I’m one who is a super mega bonehead…and I need God’s word to help me so I at least improve or grow each day and week.

But with our eyes fully on God…and trusting Him…with our beloved Pastor leading…we stepped forward in faith. With no official church building…we stepped out…and God provided. Each week for two years we met at the Elk’s club in Santa Ana. The first week we met in the auditorium which proved to be too small to accommodate our growing group. There after we meet in the largest room they had. That required the service of some willing servants in setting up and tearing down the chairs and platforms each week. And God provided…and continued to provide for each different area of ministry or service. God raised up some godly men among us willing to serve as Elders for our church. Each step…our God has provided.

About six months after we started our church, Chuck was diagnosed with cancer. And it turned out to be another time…where things were a bit confusing. Not exactly sure what God was doing…yet knowing and trusting that He was at work and had everything fully in hand. With Chuck and the leadership of church elders…we continued to move forward trusting God in faith. All the while seeking God’s wisdom, guidance and direction each step along the way.

Through it all Chuck’s preaching has became even more intense, dynamic, passionate and straight forward. Each day, each week has become more precious…since we don’t know how much more time God will allow us on this earth with our beloved Pastor. God is using Chuck’s preaching to reach out an touch people’s lives who other wise wouldn’t take the time to hear some “preacher boy”. But because of the circumstances they are in…they are more open to hearing from someone who is in quite desperate circumstances…but whose faith is unyielding. Who in the midst of great pain and suffering continues to trust his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. One who doesn’t cry out and ask “Why God?”…but instead asks, “What God? What do you plan to do with this cancer and how are you going to use it for your purpose, plan, glory and kingdom?”

So you see…in the midst of this time…from when I first heard Chuck preach the Word of God…I got it. I knew just how special man is and that God was using him greatly to teach His word. How precious this time was and is and continues to be.

I remember a call on the Dennis Prager’s show…in which the caller was asking about seeing God…or seeing Him at work in our lives. Dennis responded to the caller that sometimes we recognize God after He has passed by. Kind of like Moses when he asked God if he might see Him. God was unable to let Moses see him directly. Instead he protected Moses in the clef of the rock and permitted Moses to see His afterglow that passed by. Probably in most situations in life…you can see God’s work or His presence after the fact.

Yet there are those rare occasions in which you can see God at work in the present. It is truly a sight to behold and one that is very precious.

So while I am very grateful to recognize the extraordinary person that Chuck is…and how God is at work in him and using him…I wonder. I wonder what it would be like if I sought to look deeper at each person God brings into my life and look for that thing that makes them special or unique. In each situation and circumstance…look for God’s hand and see what work He is seeking to accomplish.

I continue to praise God for what he is doing in and through my beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski…and look forward to seeing God’s plan in action. It was, is and will continue to be “A God Thing”.