Cavities and Community by Josh Patterson

 

Today is a great day! I’m excited that my friend, Pastor Ty Tamasaka, is flying in and will be spending the day with me. Good times and challenging conversations are ahead. Nothing like a Jo-Nathan (trusted friend and call-it-out prophet).

Several weeks ago, I re-posted a blog that I had read from Pastor Mark Batterson. In that blog I noted how much I have grown through the writings of others. Today, I am re-posting a thought from Josh Patterson of the The Village Church in Jacksonville, FL. In this insightful thought, you will see some striking parallels between Cavities and Communities.

As you read today’s devo, be reminded of the situation Paul is addressing in Philippi. In actuality, he is serving as the resident dentist, identifying their cavities. No one really enjoys it, but we all appreciate healthy teeth and fresh breath!

This Sunday’s message is going to be hot, so DO NOT MISS IT! The title: Faith: More than Pedigrees and Props. We’re tackling Philippians 3, a beloved passage of Scripture. Be there and bring a friend!

Ahhhhhhh,

Allen

 

Thoughts:

Cavities and Community

by Josh Patterson

I have a good friend who just went to the dentist and has nine cavities. At one time? Nine? I asked my friend, “Do you brush with sugar?” How is this possible? I thought it had to be some kind of record. But, my friend informed me that we have another mutual friend who had 13 cavities in one visit. This was not as shocking to me because this friend is from Louisiana and, well, just the fact that there are 13 teeth in the first place is something noteworthy.

The cavity scandal generated a lot of questions for me. I began polling people to better understand this mystery, and, hopefully to find the key to cavity free teeth. Did you have your teeth sealed at the dentist? Most had. I asked if people brushed. Most do (at least once a day). Do you floss? Most don’t (count me in the “no” category). In general most people had their teeth sealed, brushed daily and flossed intermittently. Isn’t this the formula we are supposed to follow? Close. The last piece of the puzzle is a regular trip to the dentist. And, interestingly enough, an infrequent visit to the dentist was the common denominator in my lackluster research.

What does this have to do with anything? Apparently, a lot. A visit to the dentist is a preventative measure. It gives us the opportunity to catch something early. It allows us the chance to have someone else assess the situation and help. My friends who are cavity laden have waited years between a visit to the dentist (they had dental insurance the whole time). This has led me to think about the parallel to my own life. Neglecting checkups from others is costly.

If I live in isolation, never open up and let someone else check out what’s going on, then I run the risk of rotting out. I might be doing some of the “prescribed” measures, but I can’t do these alone. They are insufficient in isolation and are most effective in community. Cavities are one thing, but rotting your heart is a whole new issue. Who knew that cavities and community had some parallels?

 

Application:

Are you one of those who have insurance but never take time out to have a check-up? (Don’t send me your reply! LOL)

Who are some of the dentists in your life that help you with check-ups?

When have you ignored a visit and suffered from cavities in your life and spirit?

 

Prayer:

Father,

I thank You for people like Paul, Pastor Ty and others who help us find the areas that need addressing in our lives. If it weren’t for them, I would never be able to clean the hidden portions of my soul, life, and character. May I not avoid these open-wide moments, but learn to embrace the process and love of those who desire a healthy me.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

The Exponential Power of Community

February 18, 2009
Text: Matthew 16:13-20
Title: The Exponential Power of Community

Thoughts:

Throughout my day yesterday, I couldn’t help but hear the ringing words of The Church I See devo. At every turn I was imagining an assembly of people, intent on listening to and responding to God’s voice, moving forward as an army for the Lord. They are empowered to take strongholds, establish God’s kingdom, and walk in victory over sin and the power of the enemy.

When I see this church, it is a community of like-minded people. Each addition provides greater resolve, tenacity, and faith than anyone individual can experience alone. Focused on one purpose and goal, this church is strengthened by the exponential faith that occurs in community.

The writer of Ecclesiastes describes the benefit of an exponential community,

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.  For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.  Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. (Ecc. 4:9-12)

In recent years there has been what I would refer to as a “revolt” against the church. In many regards this exodus is understood and excused. With the abuses, corruption, and scandals, it makes perfect sense. On the other hand, there is truly a biblical call to the community of faith. If it were unnecessary or simply an alternative, why would the writer of Acts so quickly respond with those who were “added”? Or why would the author of Hebrews encourage the believers to keep the “assembly” (10:25)?

I hold that there is power in the community of believers…the church. It not only adds strength, but exponential strength to all of those who are involved. Your partnership in your community of faith is essential to not just yourself, but your community. It’s exponential!

Application:

When have you experienced the exponential power of community?

What are the gifts and strengths that you add to your community of faith?

What do you draw from it?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for such an incredible community of faith You have placed me with. Looking back, I see Your hand directing me in every assembly of believers. The strength of the body kept me when I was often unable to persevere on my own. I am humbled by the times when I have been that strength for others. Together we have lived out the exponential power of community. May it only increase from this day forward!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.