Review: Cigar Saveur (July 2016)

Yesterday, I received my second package from Cigar Saveur's monthly cigars and I must say that this was something I was looking forward to all week! I love unboxing new products and since I love cigars you can imagine how excited I become. To give you a quick review on this month's cigar, I wish to point out two things: 

• First, if you're new to the site or cigars in general, then I recommend you checking out my first unboxing review from Cigar Saveur HERE. This way, you can get caught up on what this all entails and why I enjoy these dudes. 

• Second, I wish to point out their great branding. I think I briefly mention this in my first review, but I really want to make a big deal out of it. To me, branding and marketing will help decide whether I want your product or not; whether I should set foot in your boutique or not. And the team at Cigar Saveur do a professional job at presenting to you with great cigars. 

In any case, below are the cigars that were delivered this month and then some quick thoughts: 

Olivia Serie V Belicoso
Tatuaje 10 Year Anniversary
Flores Y Rodriguez
Graycliff Meritage

I have smoked one of the four from this selection and that was the Olivia Serie V Belicoso and it's definitely one that stays in my humidor. I'm a fan of Oliva because they're consistent, great smoke out put, and perfect draws. I will say, though, that I'm very excited about the Tatuaje. Many have been recommending Tatuaje lately because of their great flavor and construction, but also because of the complexity.  I'm also looking forward to Flores Y Rodriguez because not only is it a limited edition cigar, it comes from PDR which are some of my favorite cigars. If you're unsure about giving Cigar Saveur a try, I'll give you two quick reasons as to why you should: 

• If you're just starting out, then this is a good way to step into the cigar world because it allows you to try a variety of really good cigars from all over, you get to see what your pallate is like, and when you find a cigar (or cigars) that you enjoy then it can prompt you to (1) buy a box at your local shop or (2) shop for others with similar elements exposing you to more cigars. I also wrote a brief blog on cigar culture and what's in store. If you have the time, check it out HERE. 

• You never know what you're going to get. Because of the diversity and variety that cigars bring, if you're one that tends to smoke the same sticks all the time (not that there's anything wrong with that!), this is an easy way to step out of your comfort zone to see what else is out there. Additionally, these are premium cigars so you're not being ripped off with cheap finds. In other words, these cigars were rolled with intention. And you love a good cigar, then you can appreciate the selection.

The Cigar Shop

Over the last several months, I have been asked about my cigar smoking and why I enjoy it. It's been everything from special hashtags on social media to practical joking in conversation. I thought I'd write something short and concise to share my thoughts about cigars. And for the record, I know it may not be for everyone, but it's definitely one of my favorite hobbies.

Also, I wish to share that I don't smoke as often as many think I do. Many of the pictures I've posted have been cigars that I just received in the mail for review or that I've bought- in essence, smokes that I'll eventually get to. Nonetheless, I have been smoking for several years now and I have a passion for cigars. They're my jam. I don't like cigarettes, weed was never an interest, and I don't believe vaping is authentic (another conversation for another time). 

The Experience

Cigar smoking brings several elements. We'll start with the overall experience. It's an art because each cigar has been constructed, rolled, and checked by hand which means they're made with intention. When you decide to toast (light) a cigar it's because you have time. It's not a quick smoke, it shouldn't be. 

When you smoke a cigar you're forced to slow down and take hold of what's been going on. This is the part where you simply reflect on the day or week, enjoy a good read or engage in work while in a great atmosphere, or engage in fruitful conversation with friends. The bottom line is that you have time; something people are quick to forget about and are constantly searching for. 

For a moment, the fast paced culture we're accustomed to doesn't exist.

The great philosopher, Ferris Bueller said it best in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986):

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

Is it Missional? 

Remember, in part, this is about preference so if cigar smoking isn't your things I completely respect that. Where I want to encourage and exhort you is in asking what are you doing to engage your culture? Your city? 

Cigar smoking is incredibly missional because, as mentioned before, time slows down for a moment and people who enjoy cigar smoking at a B&M ("Brick and Mortar" or lounge) appreciate conversation. The cigars are what brings them together and serves as neutral ground so it's one of the best places I have found to talk about Jesus and to share His gospel with those who don't know Him. In my experience, when sharing the gospel at our local cigar lounge, tolerance is replaced with sincere respect and handshakes. 

I am well known at the cigar lounge that's in town and love talking with several of the men who visit frequently. The culture of cigar smoking is unique and not as popular as many think, but it is alive and well. It's authentic. 

So, the next time you find yourself (if you ever do) with an hour or two to spare and the smell of rich tobacco is one that you enjoy, then I encourage you to stay in at your local shop and spend your time wisely, incline your ear, and turn the cell phone off. 

For The City | The Book of Nehemiah (New Sermon Series)

This Sunday we begin a new sermon series at Logos Community Church. I'm pretty excited as it's one of my favorite books of the Bible. We will be walking through the book of Nehemiah beginning in July (which is tomorrow) through the Fall; finishing somewhere in November. The title of this series is "For The City." 

I am honored to be preaching through this series during the opening month and because it's one of my favorite books, I thought I'd add further thoughts on here in case you wanted to do a little more digging on Nehemiah. But essentially, this Sunday will be "setting scene" so to speak. Nehemiah was written about 400 years before the birth of Jesus Christ and about 15 years after the book of Ezra. In fact, in the Hebraic bible and up until the 15th century, scholars considered Ezra and Nehemiah as one book ("Ezra-Nehemiah"). The history is enormous and when you dig around you can uncover a lot of connection in not only Ezra and Nehemiah but also Esther. 

As we take a look at the opening verses of Nehemiah, we need to consider the amount of historical events that have happened before diving into our boy. Events such as the fall of the Northern and Southern kingdoms followed by the conquering of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (not to mentioned the capturing of the Jewish people for nearly 70 years). Later, the Jewish people were then released and allowed to go back to the Promised Land, but only about 2% (along with Ezra) returned. Here's some perspective: the Babylonians captured anywhere between 2-3 million people and only 2% of them (roughly 50,000) returned. The rest? They set up shop in Babylon. Nonetheless, Ezra goes back to Jerusalem and is tasked with the rebuilding of Solomon's temple but the city of Jerusalem is still in rubbles; it was a ghost town. 

I understand I'm giving you the cliff-notes version of all of this history, but it's impactful because the connection of these events to the response from Nehemiah upon hearing about Jerusalem's destruction is astounding. I won't give it away here because I'm still blown away by it. I know I've written a lot about everyone else except Nehemiah and the truth is that the bible doesn't tell us much about Nehemiah prior to the momentum of his calling and heart transformation. We do know, however, that he was working in the city of Susa which is the capital of the Persian empire. And here's where you come in as we prepare for Sunday: 

Nehemiah was just a dude working a job. He was faithful to his work and the Lord. Then one day, God radically changed his heart for Jerusalem (a city he'd never been to). As Christians, we either complain about where we're at in life or are utterly confused on what to do. But from Nehemiah, we see that God can choose anyone at any moment for an immense task. I believe one of the reasons God had favor on Nehemiah was because he was a faithful-bible believing-God fearing dude and his response is evidence of that. 

If I've given you enough ambiguous detail, then let me give you some specifics: join us this Sunday during our 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. service to learn about Nehemiah and how God impacted his life radically and what that means for you and me. The coffee is on us and the music is pretty rad. I'll see you then.   

Book Review: Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

This short read was definitely encouraging to me during my time off this past month. In Kevin DeYoung's book, Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will, he gets right to the point about discerning and knowing God's will because essentially this is a question that haunts so many Christians. What is God's will for my life? What's my purpose on this earth? These are all questions I would constantly ask myself and at times still find myself asking. 

To be fair, questions like the ones mentioned above are purposeful. Some simply don't want to let God down while others are crippled by making the wrong choice that they simply don't do anything with their lives. Read this book. It's short and to the point while being theologically on point, relieving, and encouraging. 

SANCTIFICATION

As I mentioned, Kevin gets straight to the point in his book about approaching and defining God's will and that is...drum roll please...sanctification. Yes, that's right. God's will for you and me is our sanctification; that we would be drawn closer to God through the person and work of Jesus Christ and when it comes to everything else, simply make a decision. 

I don't want to give too much away, but Kevin does a wonderful job in presenting the reader with several reasons as to why this generation (millennials) simply don't do anything; that is, making decisions. And several of his reasons from pride to a plethora of choices resonate in me because I can remember thinking some of the same things or worse, being crippled by some of these very reasons on making a decision. 

Just Do Something

I recommend this book to every 20-something who finds it difficult to make decisions and who is often dazed and confused about God's will for their life. In short, Kevin's formula for making a decision is (and he gives better clarity and detail) to search the Scriptures, being in constant prayer, receive wise counsel, and finally make a decision. Honestly, when I read this I was taken back because I felt like it couldn't be that easy, but that's the whole point! When I make a sound decision or a decision in general, God is still at work in my life whether it's allowing me to face some hardship or provide revelation. He's not thrown off but rather at work intimately. God wants people not automatons. 

Here's the link for the book that you need to buy today: Just Do Something, A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will by Kevin DeYoung. And then, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the book; love conversation. 

Disclaimer: upon reading several reviews, many readers were disappointed that Kevin didn't dive deep into the world of theological confusion and wish he did. In the beginning pages of his book, Kevin openly says this is not going to be a deep theological brain buster, but a book about helping you make a decision! 

SABBATICAL

For the month of June, I was given a wonderful blessing, the gift of time off; a sabbatical. I have been involved in ministry since the infant months of my walk with the Lord 8 years ago. I have had time off such as holidays and days off (typically Saturday), but never an entire month. To begin, my family and I are grateful for this time together and I also wish to shed light on what a sabbatical is. Ministry brings very unique pressures and various seasons (some that are rather fruitful and others that are extremely humbling). A sabbatical is when you take a break for an extended period of time for the purpose of rest, communion with the Lord, and a sense of renewed strength. In short, you're not wasting time on a sabbatical. 

"Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength. It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less." - C.H. Spurgeon

Over the last 7 months, my family and I have had a long season; walking through the death of our son's best friend in the Fall, a pastor and beloved brother resigning from pastoral ministry, and an increase in responsibility and care. Now, even in the middle of all of this happening, we have seen God move in tremendous ways. For instance, in the tragedy that was Dylan's passing we saw his sister and her boyfriend accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and his grandmother recommitting her life to Christ; everyone still attends our church today. Later and though it was an emotional time to see my friend resign, I saw my friend love his family in a way that he hadn't and rejoicing in the work that the Lord was doing. And finally, though responsibility had increased, the care for our people has become increasingly intentional (not that it wasn't before, rather we saw more care to our flock and saw needs being met). So, despite an emotional time, we have seen God at work in His people and building His church for His glory. 

So, where has that left me and my family? Exhausted. My friendship with my wife is great and my relationship with my son is amazing- I love them both dearly. The time we're spending away is to enjoy one another, worship God together, and then spend some time in solitude- praying, crying, repenting, and then worshipping Him more. This is also a time for clarity especially as I pray continuously for the "joy of my salvation to be restored (Psalm 51:10)." This time is also an opportunity to read. A lot. 

PRAYER

If you're reading this and would like to pray for us, then I would say that it is incredibly appreciated. First, we wish to thank our church family for allowing me and my family to have this time off; allowing me to grow in my relationship and worship of God so that I can first serve my family and then serve those I have been entrusted with. I wish to you ask you to pray for my family and their hearts; that they too would enjoy time away from the norm and experience God in their times of scripture and prayer. 

And if you're thinking shouldn't you not be on your laptop? You're right and that's why this post was written and scheduled a few days ago! Thank you, technology.

BOOKS

There's a post coming out next week on everything that I'm reading with links provided. If you're a reader or simply looking for a good book, then you'll want to be on the lookout. 

Friends and family, Thank you. We love you and thank you for your prayers!