Mark Beeson

Easter Isn't Just Bunny Rabbits....

 

Pick a service. 

Experience the Risen Christ.

Easter means more than you know...

 

Hebrews 13:20-21

May God, who puts all things together,
    makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
    the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
    up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
    with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
    by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
    Oh, yes, yes, yes.

 

In The Shadow Of The Cross

 

It's Good Friday.

In the shadow of the cross, Trace Rorie helps us worship the Risen Christ.

I am a grateful man.

 

Colossians 2:15  -  Think of it! All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ’s cross. He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.

 

Good Friday Service @ Noon

 

This big Sandhill Crane was in high gear when he set his wings to brake for a landing in the marsh. I was amazed at his ability to slow down and land. 

I thought I'd use his picture to remind you to slow down tomorrow and land at GCC's Good Friday Service.

It will be a most sacred and holy experience.

We begin at Noon. 

Mark 15:33-34  -  At noon the sky became extremely dark. The darkness lasted three hours. At three o’clock, Jesus groaned out of the depths, crying loudly, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” 

ACTS 13 "The Holy Spirit Spoke to Them"

 

We studied ACTS XIII tonight.

Rob taught and I thought, "Only a few days are separating us from Easter and I'm spending these days praying we won't miss what God says."

Don't be surprised when you hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you this weekend. He is calling. God has work for us to do.

 

ACTS 13:2   -   One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.”

 

As Far As Sunrise Is From Sunset ...

 

Psalm 103:8-18

God is sheer mercy and grace;
    not easily angered, he’s rich in love.
He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold,
    nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,
    nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
    so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
    he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
    God feels for those who fear him.
He knows us inside and out,
    keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.
Men and women don’t live very long;
    like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,
But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,
    leaving nothing to show they were here.
God’s love, though, is ever and always,
    eternally present to all who fear him,
Making everything right for them and their children
    as they follow his Covenant ways
    and remember to do whatever he said.

And Why Exactly Are We Doing This?

 

 

I arrived early for worship in Elkhart. I saw what happened before worship happened. I saw the meeting before the meeting. I know what happened before the church gathered, when a handful of devoted singers, artists and pastors met together to articulate their intentions. No assumptions were made. Objectives were clarified. Prayers were prayed. Reminders were given. Plans were reviewed. Underlying every word was the deeply held belief that the matter-at-hand was of towering importance. 

There was conviction there. Each man, every woman, knew why they were about to do what they had resolved to do. I thought: None will be satisfied until everyone in Elkhart surrenders to God's LOVE and follows Jesus. Their purpose is consuming. As long as they draw breath they'll serve God - and God calls every man, woman and child in Elkhart to follow Jesus. It's the same in LaPorte. It's the same in Granger. It's for all of Michiana.

So if you're ever asked about the goals of Granger Community Church, do not proffer some tripe about little dreams and small vision. Love enough to speak the truth: "The people of the church are living for Jesus and they're giving their lives to help everyone else do the same. They'll settle for nothing less."

Prepare yourself.

God's vision for you is not paltry, meager or small; God's plan is neither measly nor pathetic. He redeemed us for a purpose and it is glorious. God came in His Son Jesus to serve, and to give away his life in exchange for those held hostage. His Love is changing the world.

One week from now, on Easter weekend, I'm asking everyone who hears the sermon to devote the rest of their lives to serving God. I'm asking every person with ears to hear to accept God's invitation and follow Jesus - giving away their lives in the service of others. 

Get ready. 

Matthew 20:27-28   -   Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.

Landing This Palm Sunday Weekend?

 

 

 

If you're going a zilion miles an hour and think you're going to land somewhere, you better plan ahead. There's no good way to suddenly stop but there is a good way to plan ahead and land on target.

Aviators call it a "glide path." It's a gradual and planned descent that makes for a safe, timely and gentle landing. The closer the landing, the steeper the trajectory of the "glide path."

Investors use the same term when referring to strategic asset allocation based on the number of years leading up to a target date. The formula of assest allocation changes as your target date approaches. A wise investment "glide path" allows you to arrive in good shape at your target date.

So if you're planning to land in one of our Palm Sunday services this weekend, lay out your "glide path" now. Prepare yourself (and the friends flying with you) for a planned descent with a scheduled stop that refuels your faith and ignites your spirit. 

We're bringing the church together at all our campuses this weekend.

What's your destination? Which service have you schedule for this leg of your journey? I'll be landing at our Elkhart Campus tonight at 7:30 and our LaPorte Campus Sunday morning at 10:30 (Central Time). 

Plan your approach so you can arrive in good shape to settle down and worship. 

 

Revelation 7:9-10  -  I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice:  “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

 

He Who Hesitates....

 

I observed no hesitation.

The waves rolled in and out and the little pipers rushed forward to gobble down the delicacies left behind after each surge. These tiny birds didn't waste a single opportunity. They ate when they could and backed away when the water returned, making the most of each opening.

Jesus once said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

These days won't last forever. Night is coming, so while the "light of the world" holds darkness at bay we shouldn't hesitate to do our best - living holy and godly lives, making the most of each opportunity. 

Don't vacillate.

Live for Jesus.

2 Peter 3:10-14  -  The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
     Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
     So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 

 

13 Months Ago At The Granger Campus

 

Thirteen months ago the Main Entrance to The Eatery at The Granger Commons looked like this. In this picture you're looking south, through the front doors before they're in place.

It's easy to see progress when we're looking at a building project, but growth and development in our relationships, friendships, faith and family can be harder to measure. Progress isn't always obvious. Delays happen. Development slows. If plans are unclear, or cooperation is missing, people may drift away from their dream - and then drift away from their team.  

Look back on your last year.

• What's right in your life? 
• What's wrong? 
• What's confused? 
• What's missing?
• What steps were taken to build the life God invites you to live?

Get clarity on your building process. Your next steps will take you somewhere and a year from now you'll want to look back on your progress, so worship God and follow the Way of Jesus. That's the way to build a life.

 

Acts 24:14a  - (Paul)  "But I will tell you this: I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way of Jesus." 

 

Glory in the Lord

 

Psalm 34:1-3

I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

 

 

 

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness ...

 

John the Baptist said of Jesus, "He must increase. I must decrease."

Even his contemporaries, the religious leaders of his day, didn't understand who John was (clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, eating locusts and wild honey). So John tried to clarify his own understanding of himself. He told them he came to prepare them for the coming of Jesus, "whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."

Don't be confused.

Jesus is Lord.

He is first. I am second.

John 1:22-23 

       They said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

       He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord.”’”

Precious Moments

 

Sometimes the playful little tussle of putting on a winter coat turns into a transcendent experience of unspeakable love. It seems only minutes ago that I was zipping Amber's coat on her, so seeing this beautiful moment between Ruby and her filled my heart to the brim.

Don't miss your beautiful moments. 

 

1 Peter 3:4  -   Beauty is something internal that can’t be destroyed. Beauty expresses itself in a gentle and quiet attitude which God considers precious.

 

Some Things Take a Long Time...

 

It takes a long time for God to sculpt the seashore, but eventually the erosive effects of the wind and water carve an impressive shoreline. The work of HIS hands is magnificent.

We are HIS workmanship and we are created for good works, so an old business axiom might serve today as an important reminder. We're not only to do good work, but to deliver our work in a timely manner.

"If you never ship your work is wasted."

It may take a long time to complete our tasks, but if we don't ship, our work doesn't matter much. In fact, if we never ship our work is virtually worthless.

Today I've been asking God, "What good work do YOU want me to deliver?" 

I better get busy....

Ephesians 2:10  -  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

 

Jason Raitz / Closing Session

 

Jason waxed eloquent with his story of an 8th Grade bully. Then, with a gesture and a wave, he tossed his carefully stacked papers into the air. I watched those sheets of paper drift to the floor and wondered how young Jason must have felt when the bully grabbed his carefully prepared homework and scattered it in the school hallway.

I was stunned. 

The illustration hit close to home; it's not that I've been picked-on a lot, but I have been undermined, blocked and discredited. You have too. We all know how criticism feels; it hurts. We know the facts; all too many in this broken world are ready to push others down and laugh as they fall. 

That's true enough, but Jason told us something else that's true. 

God is for us, even when people are against us. God has plans for us that can't be thwarted, no matter who tries to stop HIM. God has prepared works for us to do, no matter who throws us aside or mocks us for trying.

You can believe the people who take your hard work and toss it into the air as if it's nothing (as if you are nothing), or you can believe Almighty God, who says you are worth the life of His Son.

You are precious to God. You are loved. You are valued.

Don't believe the liars who say otherwise.

 

Ephesians 2:10  -  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

High School Winter Retreat @ SpringHill : Random Shots

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esther 9:28  -  These days should be remembered....

 

Our Kids Are Getting GREAT Stuff

 

I've been to a zillion camps, retreats and student conferences. During the last 40 years, I've seen few ministries put speakers like Jason Raitz in front of the students. I've heard few speakers deliver the content of scripture with such humor, creativity and clarity.

SpringHill's Winter Retreat ministry is awesome. Our kids are getting great stuff.

I like this guy.

I like this place.

 

Isaiah 55:3  -  Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words.

200 Miles North of Granger

 

It's Friday night (well, actually it's Saturday morning) and I'm 200 miles north of Granger with GSM High School students and a bunch of GSM leaders. We are cranking! It's Winter Retreat Weekend at SpringHill and the kids are receiving instructions for their Broomball Tournament.

I personally received several shouted broomball admonitions. I'm sure each came from a heart of love and was intended to improve my tournament play. Unable to give any better advice than I've received, I'll pass along what I learned from those yelling at me from court-side: 

     "No high sticks!"
     "Play the ball not the person!" 
     "The referees have complete authority!"

These bits of advice are commonly heard, and they are certainly most endearing.  

Broomball on the ice is a lot of fun.
It appears I'll be coming home with bruised shins...

 

Proverbs 9:7-8  -  Confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins. So don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that’s different—they’ll love you for it! Save your breath for the wise—they’ll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know—they’ll profit from it.  

An Empty Reminder of What Once Was....

 

 

When I saw this lobster tail I was stunned by its beauty. (Research by the University of Maine suggests only 1 in 2 million are blue.) I was sobered by its lifeless form. What was alive and thriving, was no more. What lived and moved, was dead and still. I was looking at the mere shell of what once was...

As I peered through my lens to take this picture I thought of John Wesley's concern for the white-hot movement of faith sweeping across England and America on the heels of his evangelistic preaching. The river of revival was molten. It was Spirit and fire. It was passion. It was devotion to methodical holiness. It was methodical work to rescue the perishing in a debauched and drunken society. It was God at work through the people called "methodist" - and it transformed culture.

Three years before his death (as the "methodist" revival was growing and gaining momentum) John Wesley had a horrifying thought. He wrote:

"I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid, lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case, unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out." 

Never forget; we can't live Godly lives without God. 

I pray you'll join me for a fresh infilling of the Spirit as we bring the church together for worship this Wednesday at the Granger Campus.

Come.

Blaze again with sacred fire.

Do not settle for a form of godliness while denying its power.

 

2 Timothy 3:1-5  -  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Continuous Partial Attention

 

Amazing isn't it.

People dressed in black can lug big shoulder-mounted cameras around GCC's platform virtually unnoticed (largely because the continuous partial attention of our cultural conditioning enables us to look right past such things). Wires, cables, light-stands, mic-stands, music-stands, props and well-positioned camera operators quickly blend into the background as eyes and ears tune-in to the Gospel Story.

...  a lot has changed in recent decades. The Gospel hasn't changed but the culture Jesus Christ sends us into certainly has.

Tech-toys and tech-tools are now ubiquitous. Smart phones and wi-fi enabled tablets guarantee anyone anywhere can touch everyone everywhere. Today's social media nodes and networks don't merely help folks stay in touch; with these tools we're all in constant contact.

... and we think we love it.

Everyone wants to connect and be connected, so we're always-on: anywhere, anytime, anyplace. We pay continuous partial attention to everything and everyone. We feel chronic stress and anxiety because we're desperately fearful we'll miss an opportunity, conversation or experience. The problem isn't that we might be distracted; the emerging issue is that we are always distracted. Share dinner with a few friends (as they look at their smart-phones every few seconds) and you'll quickly see what I'm talking about; we're so accessible that we are inaccessible. We can look at everything and see nothing. We can be active everywhere without impact anywhere. Grandeur is missing when everything is noticed and nothing is note-worthy.

We're conditioned for continuous partial attention so when we finally see and hear the essential Truth (previously hidden in the cacophony around us), our lives become rich and full. At GCC we're doing our best to help people get past our culture's distracting white-noise and experience God.

I honor the volunteers who work each weekend, helping us recognize "the still small voice" of God. They help us sort through the ambient noise and focus on what matters most - giving Jesus our full attention.

 

1 Kings 19:11-13  -  Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Credit: I believe Linda Stone coined the phrase "Continuous Partial Attention" here. 

Looking For Something Right Now?

 

This is my son Aaron, looking out the window of our home. He's holding my granddaughter Ruby. Whatever they're looking at, I wish I could see it too.

A long time before I took this picture, John the Baptist was looking at Jesus when he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on HIM. He saw what everyone wanted to see, what everyone around him was looking for - the Lamb of GOD who would lay down his life and take away the sins of the world. 

John the Baptist said Jesus would baptize us with fire and the Holy Spirit.

John said, "HE must increase; I must decrease." 

I don't know you're expecting, but I'm coming to GCC's weekend services expecting to see Jesus. I want to see Jesus. I want to testify with John, "HE is GOD's Chosen One."

John 1:34  -  I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One.

 

Something I Need To Do....

 

I thought about my friends, Wyman and Sylinda Meinzer today; I prayed for them too. Back in 2010 I spent a few days with them, photographing Texas Whitetails, Bobcats and Coyotes. I enjoyed them very much. 

Gotta get back there sometime, check-in with my friends and take a few pictures....

 

Proverbs 27:10a  -  Do not forget your friends.

 

God Is Great

 

Sheila and I worked for the last few days on leadership strategies for GCC's next season of ministry. We were with Bill Hybels and several leaders involved with Willow Creek's Global Leadership Summit. I learned a lot.

Early one morning I looked over the ocean and saw this long string of White Pelicans flying out of the fog. The order and pace of their flight was strangely comforting to me.

I had one simple thought: God is great.

Psalm 104:1-3

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great:
You are clothed with honor and majesty,
Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment,

Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.
He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters,
Who makes the clouds His chariot,
Who walks on the wings of the wind.

 

What's Obvious?

 

Look at this picture. I took it a couple of days ago as Sheila and I shared an evening stroll.

     What do you see?

     What stands out to you?

     What's obvious?

I'm amazed at our inclination to concentrate on what's missing from our lives rather than celebrating what we have in our lives. Why would we focus on what's missing, instead of what's adding value? The "glass-half-empty" syndrome blinds us to the goodness of life.

So, back to the picture ....

Do you see grandeur, order and a picturesque symmetry? Is this a scene worth celebrating? Do you see beauty, or are you focused on the burned-out bulbs that need to be replaced?

It's difficult to see what's good if you're focused on what's not. If all we can see is what's wrong, missing or flawed we may have deeper issues than we'd like to admit.

 

Psalm 73:1-2

No doubt about it! God is good—
    good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it,
    missed seeing his goodness.

 

What's Your Story?

 

Bill Hybels' story is being written through the lives of the people he led to Christ; one of those people is David Wright. 

I recently snapped Dave's picture as he helped some pastors board a bus. I know his story so I breathed a quick prayer. I thanked God Bill helped him meet Jesus a few years ago when he was one of Bill's sailing buddies. Now Dave serves on the Church Relations Field Team for Willow's Global Leadership Summit.

Our stories are being written with indelible ink through the lives we touch; Bill's is; Dave's is; mine is and so is yours. 

 

John 1 :41-42a  -  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

 

365 Days Ago...

 

One year.

It goes by in a flash. It seems like such a brief and fleeting measure of time, but it's filled with possibilities.

My granddaughter Norah changed from a helpless newborn to a laughing toddler in 52 weeks. The difference a year made in her life is amazing. 

I wonder what the next 52 weeks will produce in her life ... and ours. 

During the next year, we're invited to play a part in God's master plan; it's a plan that stretches the imagination and boggles the mind. The plan is clarified in the scriptures and though we've all heard people say, "I just can't understand the Bible," most of us can learn the Bible well enough to know how to radically change our lives and join God in His mission. Too often the parts of the Bible we know (and understand) are dismissed from our plans because we'd rather do what the Bible says to do later, not now.

But God's plan is about knowing Christ now. We were created to live every second of every minute of our lives surrendered to Him. So as our years pass like the sands of time pouring through an hour-glass, the best advice we can give or receive is, "Know Christ."

This is the year God has given us. This is our year to know Christ. This is our opportunity to discern God's will and do it. And if we do, maybe 52 weeks from now we can look back on the year-gone-by with deeper gratitude and appreciation for the lives we live in Christ.

 

Ephesians 5:17  -  Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

 

 

 

What Are You Reaching For?

 

I've been thinking a lot about our mission in the last few days and my answers to these two questions keep running through my mind:
 

1. What are we reaching for?
    
2. What are we willing to do to get it?
    

Most great visions are realized through intense focus, massive investment and grand collaboration. Few achieve lofty goals with little effort. It is faithful Resolve that reaches courageously into the future to grab the prize. 

Everyone runs; not everybody wins.

What are you striving for?

1 Corinthians 9:19-25  -  Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.

 

Do You Think She Looks Ready For A New Baby Brother?

 

Sheila and I spent Valentine's Day at COSI with Amber and her two kids: 3½ year old Ruby (who watches over her little sister) and 1½ year old Clara.

What Clara doesn't yet realize is that Amber and Ryan just found out Amber is going to have her first son on the 4th of July. Clara's little brother is on his way.

Does she look like she's ready for a new baby brother to you?

 

- This picture by Amber -

 

 

Exodus 2:4  -  The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him.

I'm Talking SEX at High School GSM Sunday Night

 

 

For what it's worth, I'm speaking to the High School students about sex this Sunday. We meet from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, but I'm only speaking 50 minutes. My talk is titled, "8 SIMPLE STEPS TO SEX." 

At GSM, we're adding three weeks of biblical counsel to the lessons High Schoolers are already learning from their friends and from the "research" they're doing on-line. So,if you want me to talk with your teenager about sex, get them there. If not, I’m sure their friends are already helping them learn about sex, so if they won’t be without help either way.

 

1 Thessalonians 4:3  -  God wants you to be holy, so don’t be immoral in matters of sex.

 

We're Expecting A Lot of Our ACTS Experience

 

I spent the last two days with GCC's Senior Management Team working through The Paterson Center's STRATOPS (Strategic Operating Plan Process). If we're going to "take our next steps toward Christ together," as our Mission states, then we want every step to logically and systematically build a foundation for our next. 

We're focusing like a laser on the 2016 Vision God gave GCC.

• Just as The Book of Acts begins in Jerusalem with Christ's followers huddled in a room together waiting on the Lord's Promise, we're prayerfully waiting together too.
• Just as the Holy Spirit came to rest on those first Christ-followers and empowered them to be faithful witnesses, we want the Holy Spirit to come and empower us so we can be faithful too.
• Just as The Book of Acts describes the ripple effect of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those first disciples, we're expecting the Holy Spirit to flow through our lives too.
• Just as those first Christ-followers relayed the Good News about Jesus everywhere they went, we're expecting to pass along the Good News about Jesus wherever we go too.
• Just as those disciples faced opposition, we're expecting antagonism too.
• Just as our spiritual forebears carried the Gospel to cities from Jerusalem to Rome in less than 35 years, the same power is available to us and we're expecting to deliver the Gospel to the cities of Michiana in our first 35 years too.

This has been a very long day. I'm happy to be ending it with you, following Jason as he leads us through "The ACTS Experience."

 I'm expecting a lot. 

 

Acts 1:8  -  (Jesus) "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

America's Fascination With Football

 

I came across this little video and thought it might entertain all the people spending Super Bowl Sunday wondering about the fascination everyone else seems to have with the NFL. 

 

 

Although I do recognize his language as English, I have no idea if any of this guy's facts are accurate. They are however, quite entertaining.

 

1 Chronicles 12:23a  -  Here are the statistics...

 

One Week Ago

 

Last weekend volunteers took the initiative to distribute thousands of colorful boxes to food pantries and soup kitchens across Michiana. Each box carried a message of love: on the outside hand-drawn expressions of personalized kindness and on the inside hand-packed cans and packages of food.

God is at work reconciling the world to Himself. Because God loves us, He invites us to reset our lives and join Him. So when those receiving a box ask why we give them food, the simple answer is, "God loves you."

 

John 3:16a  -  God so loved the world that he gave...  

 

You're Not Dead. You're Not Done.

 

When you feel like you're done, and the buzzards are circling overhead, don't quit. God is still working and when the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe reveals to you where He is working, you're invited to join Him in His activity.

The ignominious end of a wasted life, that offers little more than food for the vultures, is tragic - and unnecessary. Instead of sitting down and waiting for the finale, accept God's invitation and take action.

You're not dead and you're not done. 

Respond to God.

Reset your life.

Live.

 

2 Peter 1:3-4a  -  Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God.

 

Invasion of the Cardinals

 

 

I arrived home this evening as the snow was flying in the twilight. Meteorologists were warning of tonight's lake-effect-snow-squalls and my driveway was already deep with snow.

I stepped inside the house to find Sheila pointing out the window.

She said, "Look outside."

Matthew 6:26  -  Look at the birds.

 

Standing With Raj

 

- Photo by Jack Magruder - 

I had lunch with Rajendran today.

When we got back to my office I asked our friend Jack Magruder (GCC's Director of Life Mission), to grab a quick picture. Standing with Raj is an honor.

Raj inspired me with a story this afternoon. It's about a church-planter.

This fellow couldn't read, but when he surrendered his life to Jesus he believed God wanted him to plant a church. He spoke with his pastor and was told he would never be able to plant a church because he was unlearned and illiterate. When he told Raj how sad he was that he couldn't plant a church, Raj offered to train him.

His training began. In his first three months (the time between the 1st and 2nd of the 5 training modules), this illiterate man befriended people and led dozens to Christ.

Here's how...

He approached educated and esteemed men with this request, "I cannot read but I have this book. Would you help me understand the meaning of this book?" 

Many agreed to help him. They read his Bible. They discussed its message and many believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

This man not only planted a church, he now helps Raj train church-planters.

Zow.

How great is that?

( FYI  -  If you want to go to India and and see how your story intersects the stories of our church-planters, check this out. )

Matthew 28:18-19a  -  Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples."

 

Food Drop 2013 Photos - This'll Take a Minute....

 

I could say a lot about all the fantastic people who spent Saturday working together to feed the hungry, but since "a picture is worth a thousand words," I'll let these photos do most of the talking. 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

We delivered 7,875 boxes of food to: Monroe Circle Community Center, M.A.C. Food Pantry, Food Bank of Northern Indiana, South Gate Food Pantry, Middlebury Food Pantry, Elkhart's Church Community Services, Lamb's Chapel Food Pantry and State Street Community Church Food Pantry. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We received help from our partners: IRBN Foods, Northern Indiana Food Bank, Penske Trucking, South Bend Airport, Dunkin Donuts, Welch Packaging, Williams Lumber and The Eatery. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congregations participating as Food Drop sites this year included: GCC Elkhart, Waypoint Church, GCC LaPorte, South Gate Church and GCC Granger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The guy pictured above is Rob Wegner, GCC's Pastor of Life Mission. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9  -  Two people are better than one, because they get more done by working together.

 

Megan's Guitar

 

This afternoon, when I walked into the auditorium to meet with the leaders of our Granger Student Ministry, I saw Megan Steven's bass on stage.

Rehearsal had ended. Everything was ready. I walked up the steps, and before the leaders settled into their seats for our pre-meeting meeting, I took a simple picture of "the calm before the storm." 

Tonight our students begin preparing for several Summer Mission Opportunities, so take a deep breath and let God calm your heart.

The GSM adventure is about to begin. I believe those "who dwell on the far edges" will stand in awe of what God does through this generation of young Christ-followers.

Psalm 65:5-8

In righteousness you answer us,
    by your awesome deeds,
    God of our salvation—
    you, who are the security
        of all the far edges of the earth,
        even the distant seas;
you establish the mountains by your strength;
    you are dressed in raw power;
you calm the roaring seas;
        calm the roaring waves,
        calm the noise of the nations.
Those who dwell on the far edges
        stand in awe of your acts.
    You make the gateways
        of morning and evening sing for joy.

 

Cody Baker

 

 

The Food Drop was astounding. I'll post some of my photos as soon as I can, but this little blog offers a word of gratitude for the incredible behind-the-scenes efforts of our media team. Volunteers and staffers worked together to capture video of the Food Drop (from a gazillion angles), photograph the people (at all our sites) and edit the footage in time for a report to be ready for the 5 PM service. 

Cody Baker was the one who made the final edits, weaving the story of the Food Drop into a captivating review of Saturday's compassionate outreach to Michiana's hungry poor. 

The guy is awesome and I got a picture of him in action yesterday - a Christ-follower flinging himself into heaven's cause ... making the world a better place.

You can see some of Cody's influence here, here, here, here and here.

 

Galatians 6:4-5  -  Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.

What "Activate The Campus" Sometimes Looks Like...

 

What would it look like if the Church understood and acted on Her dual role of serving and loving people?

What would it look like if the Church used every tool at Her disposal to feed the hungry, care for the marginalized, bind-up the broken, help struggling families and lift high the ideals of the Good Life?

What would it look like if the church called “Granger Community Church” resolved to activate it’s campuses for the common good?

It might look something like I’ve pictured in this post.

We hosted Penn High School’s winter dance last night. The kids were safe. The parking was secure and the students were well supervised. Penn’s staff was superb. Professional security officers were on duty. GCC volunteers and staff were everywhere: checking coats, registering students, serving refreshments, running lights, monitoring sound, helping young men tie their neckties and young women rearrange their wind-blown locks.

The Granger Commons was busy last night.  It’ll be busy again this Saturday, when GCC engages the largest Food Drop in our 26 year history, but I’ll save that story for another day. For now, enjoy your vicarious experience of “Snowball at the Granger Commons.”

 

 

Ecclesiastes 3:4b  -   There is a time for dancing.

 

RESET Continues at GCC

 

We're "RESETTING" our lives for 2013. GCC has already addressed the issues of TIME and RELATIONSHIPS, so before you shift gears into this weekend's topic (Resetting Your BODY) enjoy this amazing video our media team created for last weekend's services.

 

Reset Relationships from Granger Community Church on Vimeo.

 

This weekend's topic is RESET YOUR BODY. We'll consider what the Bible says about the impact of physical reality in a Facebook-world of virtual relationships and on-line community.

Here's a question for you: 
In a society that's happy to sing along with Brad Paisley's, "I'm So Much Cooler On-line," is there any reason to ever show up physically? Is there any value in putting your actual physical "BODY" in an environment, relationship or activity? Why not simply live a virtual life?

Romans 12:1-2  -  So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

 

God's Power

 

When life is difficult and my world is in turmoil, it helps to remember God can calm the storm and bring order out of chaos. So do not despair when trouble comes. Nothing is beyond HIS power; you are never out of HIS reach.

Job 26:12  -  With his supremacy God calms the sea and the powers of chaos.

 

This Weekend at GCC: RESET Relationships

 

Before attending the service this weekend, I hope you'll read Frost's great old poem, "MENDING WALL."

Frost's image of two men, annually building a barrier to keep them apart because it is their tradition to do so, is confounding. No matter how often they rebuild their wall, it inevitably tumbles down.

If you're spending time maintaining the walls that keep you apart (assuming it's the right thing to do just because those walls have stood between you for as long as you can remember) your work won't ultimately bring you satisfaction.

"Good fences make good neighbors," implies we are better when we are apart. That's not always so. God's Story brings us together. We all have a part to play and when we strive to "reset our relationships" instead of "resetting the walls between us," we're more fulfilled, not less.

 

Hebrews 11:39-40  -  Not one of these people, even though their lives of faith were exemplary, got their hands on what was promised. God had a better plan for us: that their faith and our faith would come together to make one completed whole, their lives of faith not complete apart from ours. 

 

MENDING WALL by Robert Frost

 

Something there is that doesn't love a wall, 
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it, 
And spills the upper boulders in the sun, 
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast. 
The work of hunters is another thing: 
I have come after them and made repair 
Where they have left not one stone on a stone, 
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding, 
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean, 
No one has seen them made or heard them made, 
But at spring mending-time we find them there. 
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill; 
And on a day we meet to walk the line 
And set the wall between us once again. 
We keep the wall between us as we go. 
To each the boulders that have fallen to each. 
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls 
We have to use a spell to make them balance: 
'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!' 
We wear our fingers rough with handling them. 
Oh, just another kind of out-door game, 
One on a side. It comes to little more: 
There where it is we do not need the wall: 
He is all pine and I am apple orchard. 
My apple trees will never get across 
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him. 
He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors'. 
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder 
If I could put a notion in his head: 
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it 
Where there are cows? 
But here there are no cows. 
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know 
What I was walling in or walling out, 
And to whom I was like to give offence. 
Something there is that doesn't love a wall, 
That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him, 
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather 
He said it for himself. I see him there 
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top 
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed. 
He moves in darkness as it seems to me~ 
Not of woods only and the shade of trees. 
He will not go behind his father's saying, 
And he likes having thought of it so well 
He says again, "Good fences make good neighbors." 

 

 

Patience

 

Sheila and I were in British Columbia staring across a wild field, watching a stream on the other side of the meadow and hoping to photograph any bears that happened along.

We wondered if we'd see any bears. We had anticipated everything we could; we were in a good place, at a good time with a good set-up.

We were as ready as we could be.

We just had to wait.

There was only one thing we needed to add to our long list of preparations. What we needed was "patience." There was nothing more required of us. So we waited in the early morning light, and to our delight, this Kermode Bear came along, fishing his way down the stream.

Our patience paid off.

If we hadn't waited, we would have missed him. There are only a few hundred of these bears in the world, so it's astounding that one came close enough to photograph. 

The whole memory of this experience makes me wonder, "How many things have I missed because I've had trouble being patient? What have I missed because my patience ran out and I gave up too soon?"

Romans 5:3-5  -  There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. 

Double-Digit Growth in Student Ministry at GCC

 

Many of our students have been on Christmas break for a while, so GSM's official "launch" of the New Year was sandwiched between the fantastic weekend communion services (We should all write a note to Dr. Bob saying "THANKS BOB! WELL DONE." And yes, we should use all CAPS.), and the Notre Dame National Championship Game (Displayed so everyone in Michiana can enjoy the game on the big, big, big screens at The Granger Commons). I was excited to see the students and their leaders back together.  

I talked to 1,234,576,019 people (that's a rough estimate) and took some random pics during the hours of GSM meetings yesterday.  

GSM is soaring. I've checked the last few years of stats. Both Middle School and High School grew by double-digits in 2012 and I'm persuaded 2013 will reach more students than ever.

Thanks for caring. Thanks for praying, serving and sacrificing so students across Michiana can experience God in loving community.

You matter.

This generation is following your lead; keep leading well.

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

     

 

      

 

 

 

Psalm 71:17-19

You got me when I was an unformed youth,
    God, and taught me everything I know.
Now I’m telling the world your wonders;
    I’ll keep at it until I’m old and gray.
God, don’t walk off and leave me
    until I get out the news
Of your strong right arm to this world,
    news of your power to the world yet to come,
Your famous and righteous
    ways, O God.

 

Cookies & Canvas at The Granger Commons

 

People across Michiana are discovering the value GCC is adding to our community through The Granger Commons.

Scores of children signed up this week for "Cookies & Canvas" at The Commons. Following their instructor's step-by-step instructions, they painted some impressive tigers, penguins and fish.

"Cookies & Canvas" has booked two more painting parties at The Commons. You can register you kids for either time: Saturday the 12th or Saturday the 19th. It's fun for kids and parents alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proverbs 4:1  -  Hear, my children, listen to instruction, and give attention to know understanding.

Together On The Way

 

There is a direction we should go.

It's necessary for the good life. It has never been mistaken for the "easy way," but it is the "right way," and it's a course best traveled together.

This weekend you can RESET your life; begin 2013 by taking your next step along The Way - living the good life reserved for the person who fears God and lives reverently in HIS presence.

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13  -  Even though a person sins and gets by with it hundreds of times throughout a long life, I’m still convinced that the good life is reserved for the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence, and that the evil person will not experience a “good” life. No matter how many days he lives, they’ll all be as flat and colorless as a shadow—because he doesn’t fear God.

 

Blessings On My Grandchildren

 

We celebrated Lydia's 3rd birthday last night. It was two days early, but since Sheila's parents were here it was a timely party.

Throughout the evening I kept thinking of the rich heritage Lydia enjoys.

Her parents are "bringing her up in the training and instruction of the Lord," as the Bible says they should. Both of her grandmothers devoted their lives to God's service. Her "Granny" and "Papaw" (pictured above) were married more than 60 years ago and Lydia is made better by their love, whether she knows it or not. 

Happy Birthday Lydia. 

You, and your generation, are blessed.

 

Matthew 18:14  -  Your Father in heaven does not want any of these little children to be lost.

Another Hunting Season Ends

 

New Year's Day was the last day of the hunting season.

It was a memorable season, mostly because of the massive die-off in southern Michigan and northern Indiana. In a few areas of Michiana, EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) killed more than half of the Whitetails.

I didn't see as many deer this year (and I didn't kill a single one) but I did see a few beautiful bucks worthy of a second look. I hope they survive the winter.

Job 27:22b-23  -   They run this way and that, but there’s no place to hide — pummeled by the weather, blown to kingdom come by the storm.

I Wonder What Would Happen ....

 

I was pulling Lydia around on her sled this morning when Sheila grabbed my camera and took this picture. When I saw it, I thought, "I wonder what would happen if I resolved to pull someone along the Jesus Way all year long?"

Then I thought, "I wonder what would happen if every person at GCC pulled a few people along the Jesus Way in 2013?" 

I believe, if we all pull a few folks along the Jesus Way this year (adding our faith, help, strength, love and encouragement to theirs), it will change the world. In fact, I'm sure of it.

Titus 1:2  -  My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. 

 

Happy New Year!

 

I saw this big Tom yesterday. He had roosted in a tree the night before and was late flying down to browse around for food. Turkeys usually leave their perch shortly after sunrise, but I think this old bird was content to sit for a while, reflecting on 2012 and giving thanks that he'd survived the Holidays. He hadn't ended up as someone's Thanksgiving Dinner, so no matter how difficult 2012 had been, his year was ending on a good note.

Some years are like that; it feels like we get through them by "the skin of our teeth." When the difficult season finally ends we breathe a sigh of relief and think, "Whew. That was a tough year, but I made it!"

Maybe 2012 was like that for you. Maybe you're looking back on the last twelve months thinking, "I'm just glad I didn't give up. I did my best, followed Jesus and made a little progress. I know I've got challenges ahead, but I'm glad 2012 is behind me."

I understand.

Every step we took in 2012 (the easy steps and the difficult steps) prepared us for the season ahead. Even if we didn't make the progress we wanted, our current reality "is what it is" and our next steps will be taken from where we are, not where we wished we'd be by now.

We're walking into 2013 with the knowledge we've gained, the debt we've incurred, the spiritual maturity we've established, the friends we've developed and the faith we've embraced. We are where we are, and when we wonder how we got here we'll be well-served to remember the steps we took throughout 2012 (and before). All the steps we took last year brought us to this place. 

Now were standing on the brink of a new year filled with new opportunities, and the steps we take in 2013 will determine (in large part) where we find ourselves twelve months from now.

I need to reset my life for 2013 ... and I'm planning to.

If you are ready to reset your life for the season ahead, join me on the first weekend of 2013 for worship, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper and our first step into GCC's RESET Series. 

2012 is behind us.

It's 2013.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Let's take our next steps toward Christ ... together.

2 Timothy 4:5-7a  -  But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant. .... My life is an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting...

A 2012 Memory I Share With My Bride

 

Sheila and I waded up a little stream in The Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia and watched this black bear for a while.

It's a 2012 memory I share with my bride.

It's a good memory. 

She's a good bride.

Song of Solomon 9:9a  -  You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride.