Here are some quick facts about passionate people:

I. The proof of their desire is found in their pursuit
• We can discover what we are really wanting in life by noticing what we are pursuing the most
• Pursuit will always be a by product of our passion
II. They follow passion and not others expectations
• How many historical accomplishments would have been thwarted if the majority would have been the main influence?
• When others expectations of us influence our dreams and purpose we choose to live by a protocol God did not ordain
III. Their passion always sets them apart from others
• Like Olympians we have to adhere to, abstain from and live by disciplines that only make sense to people who see the finish line
IV. Their passion has more influence than their personality
• Albert Einstein stated – “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:2 -” For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.”
• Personality might attract and draw crowds but passion will keep them long after the initial performance is over
V. Their passion for God keeps them from sin
• King David, the only one labeled a man after God’s own heart, wrote in Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
• If you have passion for God you will sacrifice anything including the distractions and ambitions that neutralize your pursuit of God

How do I get passion for God?

A. Realize God desires passionate followers
B. Make a decision that passion is the deciding difference in your life
C. Believe that God wants you to be a passionate person
D. Pray for passion
E. Return to your first love
Revelation 2:1-4 – “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.”
F. Associate with people of passion

Until next time….

Passion is defined as an intense emotion, compelling action or strong devotion to an idea, activity or concept. We all know passion is readily used in all sorts of marketing arenas and for good reason. It’s a word that needs no explanation. It is defined by it’s activity. More than any other venue, Christians should be readily earmarked by passion since we are followers of the greatest act of passion in history. As depicted in the movie, The Passion of the Christ, Jesus displayed His passion for us and His Father’s will. Trust me, no one walked out of the movie and thought, “I wonder if God loves me”. His actions clearly showed the overwhelming love that God has for mankind.

God not only has passion for us but He created us to be passionate for the things He is passionate about. If you will, we are a display of His passion and we should live that out every day on the glass shelves of our society. The problem is that some seem to have lost their passion. Why? Why do people lose it? I think the first reason is that they require the acceptance and approval of others. Abraham Lincoln is one of the most popular leaders in American history. For centuries we have rehearsed his humble beginnings and attitude towards failure. As you know, one of his great passions was abolishing slavery. And yet his passion fueled the anger of many Americans. Oddly enough he wasn’t esteemed and admired then as he is now. As a matter of fact he was killed for his beliefs. But aren’t we glad he followed his passion? The Apostle Paul stated in Galatians 1:10 – “Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” We all are pleasing someone or something. If this includes those around us alone then we cannot be pleasing to God.

The second reason we lose our passion is that we allow something that was precious to become familiar. I came across a story years ago about a man who had lost his elderly father and was rummaging through his possessions. He found a small old fashioned crate box that was labeled dynamite – handle with care! Obviously he began to treat it differently than some of the other things he had discovered. Building up enough nerve, he cautiously began to open the box and found it was a catch all box where all the miscellaneous things had been tossed. At one time it was handled with such fear and care. What would that be for us? Those things that were special and cherished but now ordinary. Maybe it’s a spouse, a child, a job, a ministry or conviction. Whatever it is I believe it can be rediscovered.

Like it was with our 16th President, we will be known and judged for our passion. It is what identifies us to the those around us as well as those who follow us. What is your passion? Is it easily identified?

Fasting Manual

There are a few iconic objects in recent history that have changed the way we think about that particular item.  Take Starbucks for example, they changed the way we think about coffee.  What about the Nike swoosh?  Our concept of footwear has been broadened by this $50 trademark image.  These companies, along with others like it, have changed our culture.  While it is natural to see change occur with time there are a few objects that transform the way we will forever see particular things.  As I was preparing for a message during Christmas I was reminded of several iconic images of Jesus.  The manger, a photo of Christ, the Bible are just a few of these “brandings”.  These images are the most circulated objects in the history of man.  These  objects prove without question that Jesus is the greatest transformationalist of all time.  And we are His followers which means we are carriers of His cultural transformation.

What is a cultural transformation or CT?  It is the process of seeing heaven invade earth.  So many throughout the years have embraced the belief we will experience heaven after we pass from this earth.  While this is true and should be greatly anticipated, it shouldn’t be viewed as the first time we see heaven.  Jesus’ model prayer for us included, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  This happens when we choose to be with the means in which this transfer takes place.  When Jesus left the earth He gave the continuance of transformation to 12 men.  According to Acts 17:6 these 12 men as well as others turned the world upside down..

Jesus started many conversations or teachings with the phrase, “the kingdom of God is like”.  Through these parables and analogies He was communicating how heaven should be manifested on earth.  In Luke 13:20-21 Jesus used yeast to bring about a kingdom principle.  I think so many times the thought of an entire community, city, region or nation being transformed for Christ seems too overwhelming and out of reach.  But if you faithfully apply the “yeast of the gospel” in small applications in various venues it will eventually infiltrate the whole area.  So how do we do this?  So many Christians feel they have committed too much wrongdoing or feel too unqualified to be a transformer.  I’ve noticed God doesn’t need a whole lot to do a whole lot.

Let’s discuss 3 attitudes we need to bring a CT:

First, we must believe we have the ability to influence.  Too many Christians are convinced only those with type A personality or extroverts are influencers.  But if you think about it some of the most unsuspecting people have initiated huge transformations. Like John Geddes, a layman who ended up in New Hebrides, South Pacific Islands, because no missionaries would go.  On his tombstone it was written, “when he came here there no Christians when he left there were no heathen”.  We all are influenced by those who are unaware of their influence.  Have you ever ordered a menu item only for those with you to choose the same item?  That’s influence!  There are people evolving around our world everyday who are being influenced by us.  We have the abilty to insert Christ through us.  It is the faithfulness of these seemingly small actions and words we knead the yeast of Christ into our society.  Secondly, we must live carpe deim.  Of course this means to seize the day or moment.  Micheal Kovatch, for a few dollars in 1995, bought the website iphone.com.  In 2005 Apple bought it from him for over a million dollars.  My father would say there is no time like the present.  Others would say why put off for tomorrow what can be done today?  There are divine opportunities all around us waiting to be grasped.  I believe God continually sets up moments to which He can seize the hearts of people so they can begin relationships with Him.  This leads to the last attitude which is look for the harvest.  In John 4:35-38 Jesus challenges us to look for the harvest.  In my back yard we have several lemon trees.  Recently, I noticed a perfectly ripe lemon had fallen on the ground.  Fortunately, it was not rotten or dirty.  But it reminded me of the importance to look for people who are ready to be harvested.  Jesus reminded us of this continually.  He was always looking for those who were lost, hurt, alone and sick.  He transformed the world and has asked us to do the same.  I pray you will experience a CT in your world.  I know I’m completely committed to see this occur in my world.

Until next time….

Without a doubt Jesus was a catalyst.  He was the first to do a lot of things like walk on water, feed 5,000 people and turn water into wine.  One of the most revolutionary things Jesus did though was live His entire life for someone else.  Of course, to some this kind of life doesn’t sound very appealing.  Afterall, who wants to live a life where others are considered first?  It definitely contradicts the norm of our society that promotes the only way up the life ladder is to turn inward and focus on self.  People who actually care or consider the interests of others first are labeled as door mats and walk overs.  Ironically, according to the scriptures, people didn’t walk all over Jesus but rather they couldn’t quit hanging around Him.  As a matter of fact, He had to sneak away at times just to be alone.  Selflessness makes people attractive and enjoyable to do life with.

I love this passage of scripture in John 12:24 which states, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.” Before He came to earth He had it all, right?  Apparently not!  He didn’t have us!  But in order to acquire our lives He had to give up His!  The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one.  One of God’s greatest mantras is OTHERS!  He looks past us and through us to those who are around us.  He repeatedly leaves the 99 and goes after the ONE!

Philippians 2:5-11 states, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Obviously, Jesus was God before He came to earth.  However, this declaration from His Father came as a direct result of something never done before.  Because Jesus lived His life completely for others He was given a promotion unlike anything else declared in all of scripture.  His selflessness created His legacy and increased His potential as being the most influential person ever!

According to the scriptures, for us to find our life we must first lose it.  Perhaps the greatest way to lose our life is to be put others first.  In turn, we become aligned with what God has prepared for us and therefore live out our full potential.  Regardless of our past including mistakes, failures, poor decisions and wounds we can still recover our potential.  We can start by choosing to let our past be passed and developing a mantra of putting others before ourselves.  It’s the only way we can live the life that God intended!

Until Next Time…..

For the last four weeks we’ve been in Turning Point – the second track of our church growth track here at Bay Summit!  While creating this course I’ve realized how far we can sometimes stray from the basics of Christian life.  In a world full of fresh revelation and current trends when presenting the gospel it’s easy to forget the foundation of our faith.  For instance, it seems as though mainstream Christianity has promoted the life of Christ more as an additive than a life-surrendering experience.  As I was growing up the word surrender was the theme of various songs and sermons.  I do admit it was a bit overused but today it seems to be extinct.

Jesus was clear when He said to gain His life we have to lose ours.  Of course this does not happen overnight but without these words as the goal or focus of our journey we can easily embrace a gospel Jesus never preached.  And therefore, we will struggle to express the authentic lifestyle of Christ to a world that sees our faith as a tainted religion.  Jesus’ spin on living the life His Father intended for Him evolved around surrender – giving up His for ours.

I’ve discovered there is a liberating factor in surrender.  For certain, the human nature within us screams at the thought of surrender but the God nature craves it.  As a matter of fact, the will of God being accomplished in and around us hinges on it.  While the act of surrender is elementary to the Christian faith, it never ceases to be the turning point in all God leads us to be and do.  May we always live out the words written in 1891 by Judson Van DeWenter:

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Until next time…….

It’s hard to believe in a few weeks we will have resided in California for one year.  I have to say, without a doubt, more has happened this past year than any other year of my life.  The headliners would be as follows: The move which, according to UHaul, is 1949 miles,  starting a new business, planting a church without a team, official launch on 3/1/2009.  In retrospect it is inspiring to feel as though we exerted a lot of time, energy and financial resources toward making our lives count for the kingdom.  While I do not think anything is more fulfilling than working for that which is eternal I clearly see the physical results.   It’s amazing when I think of the people now in my life that I get to hang with who I didn’t even know six months ago.  And together we get to do something that is bigger than all of us combined.

I’ve read and spoken about the story of Peter getting out of the boat many times.  I’ve often wondered why Jesus stayed on the water and did not get into the boat.  Then it became clear, the Lord always gives us an opportunity to move from where we are to get to where He wants us to be which is closer to Him and His plan for our lives.  This usually involves risk but the potential benefits are endless.  Peter was able to accomplish something that night that only Jesus did.  What a legacy!  I think God thinks more about the legacy we leave behind than we do.  He wants our life to count!  What is it that He is calling us to move toward?  Whatever it is and regardless if we succeed or fail, we will be close to God.  Obviously, there is no greater place to be on the planet.  For the Purkeys that place is the east bay of Northern California and we couldn’t be more fulfilled!

Things that have amazed me:

The people who are hanging out together now who didn’t even know each other existed 3 weeks ago.  The amazing people we have become connected with in such a short time.  The number of students and young adults who love and serve in the church.  The amount of people who called Bay Summit their home church the very first day we launched.  The quality of staff we do life with even though we did not know them previously.  The central location of our church and how it is positioned in the community.  The worship team that leads us weekly into the presence of God.  Over half of those who attend Bay Summit are attending our life groups.  Somewhere between 3 and 20 receive Christ every weekend.  The privilege we have to be a part of the ARC – the greatest church planting organization on the planet.  The backing of New Life Church in Arkansas – we couldn’t have done it without them.  The overwhelming grace and anointing God has bestowed upon us.  We know God is building His church and the most amazing fact – we get to be a part of it!

As I was traveling with Lynnette today throughout the San Francisco area I was caught up in the beauty once again.  I was reminded of the times I dreamed of making this drive as a Californian and not as Arkansan.  Well… I’m here!  It’s a dream come true!  Les Brown, a business consultant, once communicated,”find out what you want and go after it as if your life depends on it.  Why?  Because it does.”  I’ve learned if a dream is within my reach or is something I can get to using my own resources it is not a dream from God.  He only gives dreams that include His involvement and they are big as He is.

I can’t wait to continue the series God’s Top Ten this coming Sunday @ 5pm!  One of our overseers, Bobby Hamilton, will be with us as we celebrate what God is doing @ Bay Summit.  We hope to see you there!

Livin’ the dream!

It’s hard to beleive we are already upon our second service. This week has been a blast as I have hooked up with some awesome people who attended our grand opening.  It is so cool to feel as though you have known people for a long time even though you just met.  Their comments have been encouraging and at the same time confirming to what God has called us to do here.

This week starts our new series, “God’s Top Ten – Reshaping Your Life Code” .  Are the 10 commandments a list of rules and regs?  You won’t want to miss this series as we will be taking a peek at these ancient words and discovering how relevant they are to where we live today.  Look forward to seeing you there!