Mark Beeson

Worship Last Night

 

After singing the old DC Talk song Red Letters with Seth Bible last weekend, Trace led worship last night.

I'm proud of Trace. He has decided to pursue Jesus' dream (VISION), according to Jesus' decision (INTENTION), the Jesus' method (WAY). He is determined to live in The Kingdom of the Transformed Heart. (Rob taught the VIM process at New Community.)

Trace knows a life that "shines like stars in the Universe" requires the disciplines of abstinence and engagement. He is training. His life makes a good case for Christ. 

Sheldon VanAulkens said, "The best argument for Christianity is Christians."  He was right. 

Galatians 5:22-23 -  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

35 Minutes

 

I took this picture ten minutes ago. I've been in the auditorium preparing for the New Community.

Rehearsal is over.

The musicians are ready. The technicians are ready. Trace is ready. Rob is ready. The crowd of people filling the Atrium, and waiting to get in, is ready.

We've come to worship. Only 35 minutes remain. We are ready.

Come. Give God praise tonight.

   Psalm 150:1-6 

    Praise the Lord.

    Praise God in his sanctuary;
        praise him in his mighty heavens.
    [2] Praise him for his acts of power;
        praise him for his surpassing greatness.
    [3] Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
        praise him with the harp and lyre,
    [4] praise him with tambourine and dancing,
        praise him with the strings and flute,
    [5] praise him with the clash of cymbals,
        praise him with resounding cymbals.

    [6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

    Praise the Lord.

The Fast and The Fire

Worship ignites the soul.  Prayer fuels the inferno.

At the core of the church there's a fire, a love for Christ that burns hot and bright. The searing heat of that brilliant flame warms the pulpit and ignites the congregation. When God sets the leaders of a church ablaze, the entire congregation feels the burn. 

We've been fasting this month. We've been praying.

It's in times of fasting and prayer that I often hear more clearly from God. Sometimes there's a new understanding of scripture; sometimes I hear God's whisper; sometimes God brings conviction through a trusted friend. 

That's what happened a couple of days ago.

God used Rob Wegner to bring me this NT Wright quote. God set Rob on fire with these words, then Rob torched me. Read Wright's words...and let the conflagration roar.   

"...when Tiberius or Nero came to power, the imperial heralds did not go around saying, 'There is this new experience you might like to try on for size, namely, you might like to give allegiance to Caesar if that suits you and if that's where you are right now in your own personal journey.' No, they said, 'Tiberius is emperor! Get down on your knees!'"   (NT Wright)

God, make your church courageous.
   Save us from tepid preaching.
      Deliver us from cold hearts, weak wills and mushy faith.
         Jesus is Lord.
            Help us boldly proclaim it.
               Amen.

One Prayer: Make Us Courageous

                                                                                      - Photo by Dustin Maust

My "ONE PRAYER" message is recorded and ready.  God showed up; scores of people from GCC prayed and encouraged me during the entire process.

I thank God for the privilege.  What an honor to offer my "One Prayer" for the Church. 

Lord, make us courageous!

1 Chronicles 28:20  -  David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you...."

North American Raccoon / Procyon lotor

This raccoon is living in our woods.

Looking at this little guy through the lens of my camera I thought, "Wow.  God's creativity is astounding."

God is awesome.

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. (Psalms 36:5-7)

Three More Hours...

 

It's almost time.

At 11:30 this morning I stand to deliver. 

The One Prayer request is that I record my one prayer for the Church.  Praying with Jesus for the Church, I'm asking God to give us courage.

My prayer, "Lord, Make Us Courageous."

The Lord spoke to Joshua and said, "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”    (Joshua 1:9)

He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light. (Job 12:22)

 

                                                                                          - Photo by Dustin Maust

"Clarity.  I need more clarity."

I heard it again today. Explain," they say, "Why are we fasting?  What are you asking us to pray about?  What are you expecting from a whole month of fasting and prayer?"

Here is my answer.

I'm expecting God to prepare us for the brilliance of his Glory. 
I'm expecting our hearts to burn with desire for God.
I'm expecting our congregation to embrace a bright tomorrow, where we step out of the shadows and into God's marvelous light.
I'm expecting our fast to make us hunger for obedience to God.

I'm asking you pray for a spiritual break-through, a miracle to rock GCC over a critical tipping point and into a new realm of devotion.
I'm asking you to pray for our courage as God brings us into new territory.
I'm asking you pray for our One Prayer ministry.
I'm asking you to pray for the message I'm recording for all the churches of One Prayer.
I'm asking you to pray for me.

Even if we grow weak with fasting, God will answer our prayers and the world will see God's Kingdom values of "up there" lived out "down here."

Live in the light. Join the fast. Join the prayer.

Psalms 109:21-27 
But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me because you are so faithful and good. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain. I am fading like a shadow at dusk; I am brushed off like a locust. My knees are weak from fasting, and I am skin and bones. I am a joke to people everywhere; when they see me, they shake their heads in scorn. Help me, O Lord my God! Save me because of your unfailing love. Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it, Lord.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake. (Psalms 79:9)

 

I proclaimed a fast, ... a fast to humble ourselves before our God and pray for wise guidance for our journey—all our people and possessions.   -  Ezra 8:21

I've proclaimed a fast for the month of May. Obviously, I'm not the first to do so. 

Like Ezra of old we stand in need. We must pray for wisdom and guidance for our journey. 

We've never been where we're going.
We've never done what we're doing.
We've never seen what we're seeing.
We've never traveled this road.

There is beauty ahead. We're invited into His story; we're called to give Him glory. Will you join us in prayer? Will you fast and pray during one meal this month? 

I'm asking.

Joel 2:12-13 says, "That is why the Lord says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me all your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your remorse tear at your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered; he is full of kindness and anxious not to punish you."

Our Dogwoods Are Blooming

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.   -   Psalms 96:9-13

Kids And Mountain Top Moments with Jesus

                                                                                            - Photo by Sheila Beeson

On the heels of the Women's Retreat I'm left pondering my own "mountain top experiences with Jesus."  I've had some; so have you.   My personal "mountain top" list includes a number of "Camp Adventure" entries with my family.

For more than three decades I've spent at least one week each summer at Camp Adventure.  I've served as a counselor, cluster leader, worship leader, director and photographer.  I've mopped floors, performed injury triage and towed swamped canoes.  I've prayed, preached and counseled counselors.  I've loved it all.

When our children were still at home we took them camp.  They shared the adventures, the games and the thrills.  They grew up in the context of worship, praise and passion for Christ.  Each summer we took them with us to a "mountain top." 

Getting them up there required effort, money and time.  If you wonder what I mean by this, simply pick up a baby and bear full responsibility for moving it "up and the the right" for about 18 years.

Here's a summary of the price we paid to get our kids up to some mountain tops with us.... 

We gave them attention (so they felt our love and concern). Children need to be watched all the time, not just when they're shouting, "Watch me! Watch me!"  Come to think of it, silence should concern the parents of young children.  Silence demands inspection.

We gave them limits (so they didn't participate in the Camp as "campers" until they were old enough).  We believe children benefit from age-appropriate boundaries. It's a good thing for children to wait their turn.
We told our kids, "You can't drive yet." 
"You can't date yet." 
"You can't pierce your ears yet." 
"You can't have a cell phone yet."
"You can't have a BB gun yet." 
"You can't go to the school dance yet."   
"You can't wear make-up yet." 
"You can't let go of my hand while crossing the street yet." 
"You can't participate in camp as a camper until you are old enough to actually be registered as a camper."

We gave them space (kids are like fluids - they occupy the shape of their containers).  Children fill your space.  Everything from diaper bags, to cribs, to car seats, to sleeping bags, to clothes packed in suitcases...children fill all your available nooks and crannies.

We gave them opportunity to be inspired by real people, with real resolve to follow Jesus, (because "seeing" the faith lived out in the lives of fantastic, spirit-filled, fired-up young adults burns a vision for the Christian-life into their psyche).  Kids will have heroes.  Parents have opportunity, and responsibility, to put their children where they can see people worth emulating - up close and personal.  We exposed our kids to high-voltage radioactive Christ-followers and we often heard them say, "I want to like him!  I want to be like her!"  Getting kids around great people is a really, really good idea.

I miss my kids, but I have no regrets.  Sheila and I did everything we knew to do so they could have mountain top experiences with Jesus.  It was a lot of work, but Amber, Aaron and Angela were worth the effort.

Your kids are worth the effort too.

No doubt about it.

Proverbs 22:4-6 - Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

 

Saturday Night Women's Retreat

 

Everyone who's been away to summer camp, or spent a weekend on a retreat, has a similar question.

When you leave retreat territory and return to the land of your forefathers, who will you be?  Whether you've been on a mountain top, or soaring in the clouds, who will you be when you come back? 

There is no question that you'll face challenges.   You'll certainly experience disappointments.  Stuff happens. The Bible says, "God sends rain on the just and the unjust too."  So, no one can choose problem-free living, even though we do get to choose some of our problems.

Saturday night Kathy Guy hit the topic head-on and offered everyone help with "re-entry."  In this photo I captured Kathy addressing the women.  She is a remarkable leader.

She had counsel for every person wanting a strategic (and workable) plan for taking additional steps toward Christ.  The God who is with us on every mountain is with us in every valley.  There is no need to fear re-entry. 

We are not alone.  Though we walk through the darkest valleys we need not fear.  God is with us....even there.

But mountain tops sure are special.  Even the first disciples thought so.

Mark 9:2-5 -  Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes.  His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them.  Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.  Peter interrupted, "Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let's build three memorials—one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah."

Let me ask...

When was your last "mountain top experience" with Jesus?

I Love Artists

 

Why was worship so powerful at the Women's Retreat?

Simple.  Jason brought it!  His band was phenomenal; the musicians gave heart and passion to their worship.  The women sang along as Jason led us in praise, confession, prayer and celebration.

Where would normal people - people like me - be without the artists who help us worship? 

With great artists leading me, I confess my sins more throughly.  I praise God with more focused enthusiasm.  I repent more deeply.  I sing more confidently.  Jesus-loving, God-fearing, Spirit-led artists are God's gift to the Church. 

Every artist who commits their art to the glory of God enriches the Church. 

Artists arise! 

No one can do for the Church what you can do, so bring it, and we'll gladly follow.   

Hebrews 6:1  - "So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God."

Dr. Bob Joined Me At The Women's Retreat Today

 

Have you ever seen a picture of Dr. Bob that better captures his love and compassion?

The Apostle Paul wrote the Philippians,  "So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God ... God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus."

Friday Night Women's Retreat

 

Nearly 200 women are with Sheila and me at the Oakwood Inn on Lake Wawasee. Kathy Guy ran point on our first meeting tonight.  When she finished, Jason Miller lead worship with a cadre of musicians.   I stood up in the afterglow of worship and preached the opening session. 

God showed up.  This retreat is awesome!

Sheila and I used to lead all the GCc Women's Retreats.  I'm honored to be here with Sheila again.  Weekends like this help us take steps toward Christ...and each other.  We're glad we're here.

Galatians 5:22-24 - "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there."

This Mother's Day at GCC

The date is set.

Our Director of Student Ministries will be dancing during our Mother's Day weekend services.  Tell every student you know. Tell your family.  Tell your friends.

What's the theme for the Mother's Day services?  "Space Invaders; Sometimes letting a friend invade your space is a good thing." 

Mother's Day at GCC will be a fun celebration, packed with music, song and practical advice straight from the Bible.  Bring a friend to the celebration and we'll help you take a step toward Christ.  Maybe you'll want to take a "two-step."  Sometimes you just gotta dance.

Psalms 68:3-5 
The upright rejoice in the presence of God, delighted and crying out for joy.  Sing to God, play music to his name, build a road for the Rider of the Clouds, rejoice in Yahweh, dance before him.  Father of orphans, defender of widows, such is God in his holy dwelling.

 

One Prayer Fast

 

                                                                                        - Photo by Dustin Maust

My request was clear tonight.  The response was overwhelming.

Someone at GCC will be fasting during every mealtime for the next 30 days.  Someone will be praying during through every breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

I asked everyone at the New Community to volunteer. Now I'm asking you.

Will you fast and pray?  Will you help?  The future is grounded in prayer.

Simply pick one meal during the month of May.  Skip that meal.  During the time you would have been eating read John 17 instead.  After reading consider this; if you could pray one prayer for the Church, what would you pray? 

Pray for the Church.  Pray for GCC.  Pray for me.

Thirty days of prayer.  Pick one meal on one day in May...skip it and pray. 

Are you in?

When will you be praying?

Worship Facilities EXPO and Conference

Long before the sun came up this morning I was sitting in my hotel room putting the finishing touches on my WFX Keynote address.  I'd already invested hours in prayer and preparation. My assignment was to tell the story of Christ's work at GCC and I wanted to wring every possible benefit from the moments remaining to me.

I live in the tension between God's call and my weakness.

No matter how prepared I am, I keep working on my messages until I'm finished delivering them.  Sometimes I wish I was smarter.  I wish I could finish my preparation, put the talk to bed and let go of it until it's time to stand and deliver. 

That'd be nice, but I can't do it.  My mind won't shut down.  I'm still turning words and transitions over in my psyche long after the text is prepared.  I try to conjure better ways to articulate my position.  I wonder if there isn't some clarifying illustration that will help people apprehend essential truth.  I pursue elusive analogies. I yearn for inspiration - not only for me but also for those listening to me. 

I have to work hard to do what God calls me to do.

So I stay up late.  I get up early.

If I was smarter it might be easier, but I'm admitting the truth.  If God doesn't show up when I preach, we may as well go home.  In fact, if God doesn't show up when I preach, I'm going home.

2 Corinthians 12:9 - Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

 

Club Noma. You Gotta Go...

 

                                                                                           - Photo by Mark Waltz

When you think of Asian fusion restaurants you might imagine them being in cities like New York, LA, or Miami but there is one in downtown South Bend, called Club Noma.  You have no need to travel to Chicago for style, presentation and taste; it's right here in Michiana.

It’s a little bit Asian, it's a little bit trendy, and it's a whole lot of flavor.

Noma owner, Nat Buraprateep, is a participant in our GCC congregation. He's a solid business leader with a tremendous work ethic.  Many Saturday nights he doesn't leave Noma until 3 or 4 AM, sleeps a couple of hours and attends one of our services on Sunday. Nat adds good jobs, and great value, to our community.

Last week I took all the pastors with "Leadership Live" to Noma.  The whole experience was simply fantastic.  Nat hosted our group, and sacrificed a lot, helping me pay tribute to the pastors.

I couldn't be more proud of Nat. I was honored to stand beside him for this picture.

Want a recommendation for a very special evening?

Stop what you are doing, call some friends, and make your reservations for an extraordinary night at Noma.  Exotic delicacies and prompt service in a stunning environment await.  You won't be disappointed.

You Asked For It

 

Several have asked if I've ever taken a picture of a female Oriole.  A few stated they'd never seen one, or if they had, they didn't know it.  Males are so brilliantly painted that people usually recognize them, but the more muted females have apparently been unnoticed and undetected.

I took this picture before the clouds rolled in yesterday.

This is what a female Oriole looks like.

Northern Cardinal / Cardinalis cardinalis

The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of Indiana.

I was working this morning on the sermon I'm to deliver at the Women's Retreat when I noticed this female Cardinal. 

You may think I'm easily distracted.  I like to think I'm able to quickly focus on a vast array of assorted topics in rapid sequence.  All I know is when I stop typing and look up...I see things.  When I glanced up this morning, I visualized a picture of this bird and thought, "Well now, I can see the photo so I better get my camera and take it."

If you don't take the picture, it'll fly away.  Truth is...it'll fly away whether you get the shot, or not.  The question is, "Did you engage the opportunity while you could?" 

Life roils in the wake of your answer to that question. 

Opportunities come and go.  If you don't maximize the moment, it'll fly away.  In fact, the moment will pass whether you lean in to exploit it, or not.  The question is, "Will you engage the moment while you can?"

Today I'm busy.  I have a lot to do.  I've got my minutes all planned out (χρόνος/chronos), but I'm never sure when a God-ordained-moment-of-opportunity will occur (καιρός/kairos).

I plan to make the most of the opportunities God gives me.  I don't want today's opportunities to fly away without my notice. I want to make the most of each occasion.

What are you planning to do with the moments God gives you today?

Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 says, "After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot.  Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift!