Mark Beeson

Remembering Mark Beeson

NILES, Mich. – R Mark Beeson, the founding pastor of Granger Community Church, always planned on meeting up with friends and family in Heaven. He went to that reunion on December 17, after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mark was the son of Reginald Max and Arah Wandah (Fouts) Beeson and grew up in Greenfield, Indiana. His brother Matt (Linda) Beeson and sister Becky (Joel) Hunter were his lifelong best-friends.

In the summer of 1976, Mark married the love of his life, Sheila McNichols. They were married for 44 years and raised three children: Amber, married to Ryan Cox, Aaron, married to Tracy (Frost) Beeson, and Angela, married to John Keim. He adored each of his eight grandchildren: Ruby, Clara and Charlie Cox, Fisher and Ford Beeson, Lydia, Norah and Audrey Keim.

Mark had countless degrees, awards, accolades and accomplishments, but he never cared about any of those things. It was his charisma and care for others that drew people to him. Even on his darkest days he wanted to encourage, to help, to tell someone how much they mattered to God. Mark’s favorite Bible verse was John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” And that’s the way he lived. He was only 67, but lived so fully it was as if he’d lived to be 100.

He loved calling out the best in those around him, whether they were in their 90s or in second grade. There was an especially soft spot in his heart for middle school students. He spent a week at middle school camp every summer for 49 years. He really wanted to make it an even 50, so it’s safe to assume he will be hosting middle school camp in Heaven this summer.

Mark’s hilarious stories were just one of the things that made him so magnetic and relatable. His self-deprecating humor, combined with his brilliant wit and comedic timing, made him remarkably entertaining whether he was around the breakfast table with five people or preaching to thousands.

He was an artist, he loved to draw and had handwriting worthy of being made into a font.

He was a photographer, stating, “If you don’t take the picture you won’t have the picture.”

He loved nature and had unending, detailed knowledge about animals.

He was an outdoorsman, often testing his survival skills with large animal encounters (and that one time he got stranded in a storm in Alaska for 14 days).

He often said, “Attitude is everything. We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we react to what happens.” That’s why, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he didn’t spend his time fighting death, but doubled down to squeeze more life out of this ridiculously short time we have.

His family can’t wait to join him in Heaven, where they will be reunited with the man who made everyone brave enough to take night hikes without a flashlight.

Due to COVID-19, funeral services will be private. The celebration of his life will be available online. For more details go to grangerchurch.com.

In lieu of flowers, consider sending a kid to camp. Memorial contributions may be made to Granger Community Church for camp scholarships, by texting "Camp" to 574.575.4114 or giving online.

To send condolences to the family, please visit McGannHay.com.  

Granger Community Church was established in 1986 by founding pastor Dr. R Mark Beeson and his wife, Sheila. With more than 4,000 in weekly attendance and a unique vision now upheld by Lead Pastor Ted Bryant, GCC ministers through the arts, media and culturally-relevant teaching. For more information, visit grangerchurch.com.

Food Drop 2018

 

  - Photo by Rick Cave - 

 

Granger Community Church delivered 88,000 pounds of food to ten area Food Pantries and three nearby Homeless Shelters last Saturday. Every box of food was decorated by hand. Hundreds were colored by children.

 

In South Bend, food was delivered to: The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Hope Ministries, The Center for the Homeless and The Monroe Circle Community Center. 

 

We launched from both campuses: Elkhart and Granger. 

 

In Mishawaka, food was delivered to: The Storehouse Food Pantry and MAC Food Pantry. 

 

In Elkhart, food was delivered to: Susanna's Kitchen, Church Community Services and Faith Mission. 

 

In Edwardsburg, food was delivered to The Edwardsburg Food Pantry. 

 

We also delivered food to Helping Hands of Cass County. 

 

In Goshen, we delivered food to The Window. 

 

In Nappanee, we delivered food to The Family Christian Development Center. 

 

We needed 29 trucks, semis and cargo vans to transport all the food. 

 

All of the boxes were colored by hand and covered with prayers. 

 

We delivered food to twelve different neighborhoods.

 

In South Bend, food was given to the residents of Monroe Circle, South Bend Mutual, Karl King Towers and The Sanctuary at Trinity Towers. 

 

Those living in Mishawaka's 100 Center High Rise Apartments, River View 500 and The Tree of Life received food too. 

 

We delivered food to The Washington Garden Apartments. 

 

In Niles, we carried boxes of food to The Four Flags Plaza Apartments and The Gateway Plaza Apartments. 

 

We took food to The Main Street Manor in Nappanee. 

 

Those living in Buchanan's Mill Pond Apartments received food too.

 

Thousands of volunteers made the 2018 Food Drop a smashing success, providing enough food to feed 6300 families across nine cities in two states.

    *     *     *     *     *     *     *    

Is it not a time to share your food with the hungry, and bring the poor man into your house who has no home of his own? Is it not a time to give clothes to the person you see who has no clothes, and a time not to hide yourself from your own family? Then your light will break out like the early morning, and you will soon be healed. Your right and good works will go before you. And the shining-greatness of the Lord will keep watch behind you. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer.  -  Isaiah 58:7-9  

 

Home From INDIA just in time for the GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

 

-  That's me, sitting on the steps of the Training Center -
(Photo Credit to Bruce Obenin)

I just returned from India.

Upon my return, our legislators got into a tiff, played a game of political brinksmanship, manufactured a crisis and shut down the government. Even so, it’s really good to be home.

I don’t want to shock you, especially if this is your first time reading my blog, but I’m going to toss this out there for your consideration.

All countries aren’t ruled as we are. All nations aren’t governed like this nation. When you travel to another country you see the blessed uniqueness of the United States of America.    

I suppose all governments do essentially the same thing; they oversee the interactions, regulations and laws of those living under them. Beyond that, governments first serve the interests of either their governors or their governed.

Government matters.

My deep appreciation for government is inextricably tied to my consternation about it. My appreciation for governmental assistance is soaring. My concern about distended governmental infringement on unalienable individual rights is snowballing too.

The machinery by which the sovereign power in a state expresses its will and exercises its function is one thing; the willful intent of the office-holders and rulers may be something else.

Go ahead and ask the question: “Who is served by this government? Are the governors self-serving or do they serve the people?”

Laws don’t change as quickly as desires, so while it may not always be said of the masses, this can certainly be said of those with the ambition and ability to make the rules: “They most certainly do.” They make the rules and change them too.

It’s guaranteed that the budget shutdown won’t financially impact the politicians responsible for it. Members of Congress keep getting paid when the government shuts down. Their ongoing compensation is mandated by the Constitution.  

It may require time, treasure and blood, but governments eventually flex to accommodate the governors. It’s real people that write the laws, enact the laws and enforce the laws they wrote. Systems of governance ultimately, albeit imperfectly, reflect the values and desires of their imperfect authors.

When the governors are coupled with the governed, personal freedom and responsibility get linked-in too. But when those governing are uncoupled from the governed, they are free to govern without empathy and compassion for the masses. In that case, self-serving and detached governors are free to regulate others while enriching themselves. Although historically such a decision is highly unlikely, detached rulers can also choose to do the improbable and serve their people.

That’s one of the reasons our Founders believed it is important to ensure that nobody in government has so much power that they can be above the law. Accordingly, our Constitution established a separation of powers, instituting three co-equal branches of government to provide checks-and-balances to the rule of law.

Sounds great, doesn’t it?

The problem, as James Madison observed in The Federalist Paper No.51, is that the law is ultimately “administered by men over men.” The rule of law cannot be uncoupled from the people who make up our governments and our society. Men and women make the laws in their legislative roles. They enforce the laws as police officers and interpret the law as judges.

The freedom of rulers to limit the freedoms of their people is astonishing, but in America, rulers can’t limit others’ freedoms without limiting their own. In America, the law effects both: the rulers and the people they rule, the governors and the governed. The rule of law functions because most of us agree that it is important to observe the law, even when police officers are not present to enforce it.

Life is better for us when those in authority execute the basic functions of government mentioned in our Constitution. Government’s role is:

• “To form a more perfect Union”
• “To establish Justice”
• “To insure domestic Tranquility”
• “To provide for the common defense”
• “To promote the general Welfare”
• “To secure the Blessings of Liberty.”

Life is harder when the powerful cast off godly restraint and serve themselves rather than the people they govern.  

Solomon said, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)

Having just returned from the other side of the world, I’ve renewed my commitment to pray for those responsible for running our government. I am all for more rejoicing and a lot less groaning.

I am praying that those responsible for the Government shutdown will have the faith, courage and grit, to fulfill their responsibilities and end it, so that our common life may be lived in peace and quiet, with a proper sense of GOD and of our responsibility to HIM for what we do with our lives.

May GOD bless all those in authority over us. May GOD bless all those bearing the burden of responsibility and leadership.

1 Timothy 2:2 (PHILLIPS)  -   Here then is my charge: First, supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings should be made on behalf of all men: for kings and rulers in positions of responsibility, so that our common life may be lived in peace and quiet, with a proper sense of God and of our responsibility to him for what we do with our lives.

 

Wild Seas, Safe Harbor & GOD's Provision

  

Kodiak, Alaska / Harbor 

 

For decades, Granger Community Church sailed the seas like we were made for them. We sailed through chaotic waves, dark nights and terrible storms, as if we were created for the very purpose of sailing. GOD is great, good and patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance... and many of those, "sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore," were saved. 

But sailing, even when you are made for it, takes a toll on both vessel and crew. So GOD leads us to quiet waters and restores our souls. Not only does GOD provide for us on turbulent seas, GOD provides safe harbor too. 

If you ignore the maintenance of your dilapidated vessel, you'll ruin the ship and your crew. But if you stay anchored forever, you'll ruin more than the ship and your crew; you'll dishonor the original intent of the boat's builder, recinding and repudiating the ship's very purpose for existing. 

We had a few years when we didn't know why our pace slowed. We didn't understand what was holding us back. Maybe we were overburdened. Maybe barnacles hitched a ride on the hull and the resistence was difficult to manage. Maybe we had sprung a leak. Maybe we lost our buoyancy. 

Whatever the problem was, it had to be figured out, diagnosed and repaired.  So we sailed into safe harbor and dropped anchor. 

If we didn't do a serious diagnosis, admit the truth, make some repairs and refurbish our supplies, we weren't going to get out on the water again anyway. 

We made adjustments in the safety of the harbor we couldn't have made when we were under full sail. 

Some of our High Seas Crew didn't stay aboard for the maintenance season in the harbor. Do you blame them? Navigating by the stars isn't necessary when you're anchored in the harbor. Nobody needs to rig the sails when the sails have been removed for repairs.

GOD brought new mates aboard to help us in the harbor. They fixed torn sails, patched holes in the hull and pumped the bilge. Good work was done by good people. In the harbor, GOD provided the right people, with the right gifts, to help us get back to doing what we were made to do, sail the open sea, and now, we're heading out to fulfill GOD's purposes again! 

Thank GOD for designing HIS Church for HIS rescue mission.

When our sails are full and we're sailing the open seas, GOD provides.

When it's time for maintenance and repairs, GOD provides. 

In every season of our voyage we have GOD's provision. 

Get on-board.

This ship is setting sail.

 

2 Corinthians 4:6 - For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 

 

Wyoming Shiras Moose

 

 

I took this picture in Wyoming last year.

I was thrilled when I saw the bull approaching. He was over six feet at the shoulder and pushing 1000 pounds. It was exhilarating to see him walk so near. I was still electrified as he faded into the forest. 

I wasn't upset because our encounter was brief; I was overjoyed that it happened at all. What's to complain about when you've had a once-in-a-lifetime-experience? 

Asked if all I got from the experience was this picture of the south-end of a north-bound moose, I answered that I'm grateful to have seen the beast at all. Rather than complaining because life's wonderful experiences seem so brief and fleeting, I intend to give thanks for them.

May GOD give us the grace we need to joyfully live within the limits HE has set, as we cherish each sacred moment. 

Titus 2:12b  -   Grace teaches us to live in the present age in a wise, self-controlled, upright and just way. 

 

Alaska Shoreline / Worth Walking

 

 

 

Picture the way forward.

Think it'll be so easy we won't need to watch our step?
Think we won't need to help each other forward?  

Think again. 

Making progress in treacherous circumstances can be difficult, so here's a little advice.

• Stay close. Hold the babies and bring them along.
• Help when you can, as you can, whomever you can.
• Adjust your speed as wisdom dictates.
• Expect progress. 
• Keep doing the next right thing. 

I'm looking forward to what's ahead. And I'm glad we're on the journey... together. 

 

Matthew 7:14  -  The road is narrow, difficult and hard that leads to true life.  

 

Food Drop 2017: It's a Team Effort

 

 

There are always chores to be done.

When I was fishing in Canada last summer, we carved out time to hang an overhead light. It was a team effort. Trent and Marvin can do things I can't, but I wanted to help so I looked for a way to participate. I found it. I took a picture.

This Saturday morning we have work to do. Thousands of us will pack, load and deliver tons of food to Michiana's hurting and hungry. It's time for our annual Food Drop.

Let's do this good work together... and I'll take a few pictures as we do.

Matthew 25:34-40  -  “Then the King will say to those on His right side, ‘Come, you who have been called by My Father. Come into the holy nation that has been made ready for you before the world was made.  For I was hungry and you gave Me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave Me water to drink. I was a stranger and you gave Me a room.  I had no clothes and you gave Me clothes to wear. I was sick and you cared for Me. I was in prison and you came to see Me.’ Then those that are right with God will say, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? When did we see You thirsty and give You a drink?  When did we see You a stranger and give You a room? When did we see You had no clothes and we gave You clothes?  And when did we see You sick or in prison and we came to You?’  Then the King will say, ‘For sure, I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of My brothers, you have done it to Me.’"

 

Direct, Correct and Redirect Your Children

 

My Grandson Charlie

  

My grandkids are like most kids. They're not special just because they're mine. They're special like all kids are special... because GOD says so. 

Like all children, they have questions, a lot of questions.

And, like all children, if they can come to their parents with questions about anything, they'll be less likely to go underground for answers. Of course, that means parents are going to be asked uncomfortable questions. But children can't wait until their parents feel comfortable about fielding their questions, or they will wait too long. 

When kids ask questions, even disturbing and difficult questions, don't be upset with them. Love them, and in the most age-appropriate way possible, clarify the truth for them. 

I'm proud of my children. They're great parents. They all know that a question-asking-child isn't the enemy... his or her ignorance is. 

Ephesians 6:4 (JB Phillips) - Fathers, don’t over-correct your children or make it difficult for them to obey the commandment. Bring them up with Christian teaching in Christian discipline.

 

Recipients of Grace

 

- Another couple responding to GOD's grace through baptism last weekend - 

Every day we are given countless opportunities to make decisions about how we will respond to GOD's grace. Sure, these opportunities are undeserved, but GOD sovereignly acts in grace and we are summoned to respond.

GOD's grace is inextricably linked with GOD's beckoning to join HIM in HIS redemptive work in the world.

• The healed are invited to become healers.
• The forgiven are called to forgive.
• The rescued are summoned to set other captives free.

Every single day, we have innumerable opportunities to respond to GOD's grace. So every day, we have decisions to make. 

• We decide to forgive... or not.
• We decide to support the church... or not.
• We decide to encourage another... or not.
• We decide to pray... or not.
• We decide to care for the least, lost and hungry... or not. 

GOD's grace is always undeserved and always tethered to an invitation, a summons that beckons and calls us to join GOD in his redemptive work in the world. I'm praying every recipient of grace will settle for nothing less.

 

Matthew 4:19  -  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." 

 

Mournful Broken Hearts Rejoice

 

A Warm Embrace from Dr. Bob Laurent / GCC's Baptism Service  

 

Some of us left home to find the "good life," only to discover our steps brought us to a land of heartache. We went off by ourselves to do what we wanted, and woke-up distanced from Love's warm embrace. We became unhappy people in unhappy circumstances, surprised by the sadness of isolation. Our decision to leave took us farther than we wanted to go, kept us longer than we wanted to stay and cost us more than we wanted to pay. 

The distance we'd chosen wasn't all it was cracked-up to be, so we got up and went home, only to discover our eternal Father welcomes the solemn, sorrowful penitent. 

The warm embrace of homecoming is a beautiful thing. Maybe that's why it's so difficult to see people "keeping their distance," as if they might be unwelcome... should they choose to return home. 

 

Luke 15:24  -  This is my son—I thought he was dead, and he’s alive again. I thought I had lost him, and he’s found!

  

Remember What, Who & Why

 

 

A long, long time ago (back in 2016), I went fishing in Alaska with a few friends from GCC. 

We had a blast, caught some fish, solved many of the world's problems and donated a pile of money to GCC's Early Learning Center. We shared the adventure. Now we share the perspective we gained by taking good steps, in a good direction, with good companions, for a really good cause. 

• What are you doing in 2017?
     Got a good direction in mind?
• Who are you taking with you? 
     Got some good friends to share the adventure?
• Why will your 2017 be worth the trip? 
     Got a good enough reason to give the next year of your life for it? 

Join me for one of GCC's weekend services and we'll help each other live a life worthy of GOD's reward in 2017. 

 

Colossians 3:23-24  -  Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.

 

Welcome to 2017

 

 

Sheila and I launched 2017 with our grandkids making a big effort to "Feed The Birds." We know GOD has that covered but we figured we'd help by packing some home-grown nutrients into our home-grown feeder. We made some memories and cooperated with GOD's care for HIS creation in the process. 

You are much more valuable than you know, so live 2017 well.

• Take your loved ones with you and make some memories this year.
• Remember to care for what GOD cares about.
• Pay attention to what refreshes and nourishes you. 
• Make some effort. 
• Help those you can. 
• Help when you can. 
• Help where you can.
  
  

Matthew 6:26  -  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  

 

Seems Like a Good Time to Pray

  

 

 

Another Presidential Debate is only a few hours away but I don't know if there will be anything "presidential" about it. "Presidential" implies "legitimate" and "dignified" so we may be in for a long evening. 

If you haven't started praying for our country and our leaders, this may be a good time to start. 

Tonight we'll listen to the candidates as we pray (and doing both at once is entirely possible). You may discover you are a little short on hope because you think our candidates are flawed, but GOD has a long record of using imperfect people and imperfect leaders who surrender themselves to serve HIS Purposes. 

I'm praying GOD will bless us with such leaders. And I'm praying GOD will bless each of us with the faith and courage to do what is right, to love mercy and take our next steps in full surrender to HIM. 

 

Micah 6:7b-8  -  Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

    

Preparation

 

 

Success is often preceded by inconspicuous, unnoticed and thorough preparation. 

That was the case with my grandson Charlie's bubble-blowing adventures yesterday. He spent a lot of time preparing to blow bubbles and took the preliminaries in stride. The kid is tenacious. His results were impressive. 

(I'd write more, but I've got to prepare for the weekend... )

 

Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well.  -  Proverbs 16:3 

 

Can Newcomers Come In... or Not?

 

 

Back in the day, when visitors came to the Houmas Plantation, they sometimes stayed for weeks. They often stayed for months. It was a big place (300,000 acres) and it was a busy place (producing 20,000,000 pounds of sugar each year).

To get to the plantation, travelers braved brutal people and brutal challenges: the turbulent Mississippi, swamps filled with gators, outlaws, poisonous snakes, impenetrable undergrowth and mosquitos carrying a deadly Yellow Fever virus. Some died trying to make the trip. There were settlers, pioneers and merchants among them. They were slaves, refugees, wholesalers and traders. 

Most visitors expected something upon arrival.
Some hoped for a little food, shelter and rest. Others expected to stay with the family in the main house. They assumed they would dine at their table, drink their rum, smoke their cigars and be treated as part of the owner's family.  

It's easy to see why expectations developed. You can imagine the expectations you would have if you were arriving at this incredible plantation after a long, grueling journey. 

It's almost Christmas. People are on their way and they're bringing their expectations with them. 

The question isn't whether travelers will arrive at our place with expectations. The question is what we expect when they get here. 
  

A.  I don't expect every newcomer to arrive valuing me and my expectations more than they value themselves and their expectations.

• Some guests show you respect from the moment they arrive. Some don't. 
• Some appreciate your generosity. From the moment they arrive, they show their gratitude.
• Some get to your place knowing it's your place. They value you. They treat your stuff like it's not their stuff. Others don't. They treat your stuff like it's their stuff. Keep this in mind because people live according to their values; that means your stuff will soon look like their stuff.  
  
• Some care about your beliefs, customs and traditions. Some expect you to cater to theirs.
• Some newcomers pitch-in and help. Some don't.  

2 Thessalonians 3:10  -  When we were with you, we gave you this rule: “Anyone who refuses to work should not eat.”

 

B.  I'm compelled by the love of Christ, I won't withhold love until I receive love. 

Luke 6:32-35  -  If you love those who love you, what pay can you expect from that? Sinners also love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what pay can you expect from that? Sinners also do good to those who do good to them. If you let people use your things and expect to get something back, what pay can you expect from that? Even sinners let sinners use things and they expect to get something back. But love those who hate you. Do good to them. Let them use your things and do not expect something back. Your reward will be much. You will be the children of the Most High. He is kind to those who are not thankful and to those who are full of sin.

 

C.  I'll live right. I'll stop and T.H.I.N.K. before I speak.

Is what I'm about to say, True, Helpful, Important, Necessary and Kind? 

Isaiah 33:15-16  -  The answer’s simple: Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live. A nourishing, satisfying way to live.

 

D.  I expect the burden of my responsibilities to increase as I help others, because caring for others doesn't mean I care less for my own family. 

1 Timothy 5:8  -  But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. 

 

E.  I don't expect newcomers to set the tone for my faith. I expect to worship GOD... no matter who shows up.

I know my daily practices impact my personal faith.
Will we observe a Sabbath Day? Will we remove our hats and bow our heads before each and every meal as we thank GOD for our many blessings? Will we go to church and worship GOD with his gathered church? Will we read the Bible? Generosity? Kindness? Is it OK to happily curse, blaspheme GOD and use vulgar language in the presence of my wife or children? 

I don't expect newcomers to determine my practice for Christian living.  I do expect that we respect each other and honor GOD when we're together. 

Leviticus 19:3  -  Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest. I am the Lord your God.

 

F.  I expect a consequence from the influx of people heading our way. Newcomers always change culture if they don't embrace it. 

They're on their way. 

What are you expecting? 

 

1 Corinthians 9:19-21  -  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. 

 

 

DO NOT ENTER

 

 

This New Orleans property didn't see damage from the floodwaters of Hurricane Katrina and (because of its DO NOT ENTER sign), this property didn't see me either.  

The message was perfectly clear: "Everything on the other side of this fence should stay there. If it's out there, keep it out there. Don't bring it in here." 

A closed gate is going to keep everything out? 

Yeah. Right. 

DO NOT ENTER signs are posted to deny access, but ideas come through closed doors like they're not even there. Conviction isn't stopped by gates. Facts denied are often undeterred. Truth isn't stymied by DO NOT ENTER signs. 

GOD can open any door for telling the mystery of Christ (and I expect HE will), so when doors open to me, I want to make Christ plain to those who've lived their lives behind locked gates.

 

Colossians 4:3-4  -  Don’t forget to pray for us, that GOD will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. 

 

A Blacksmith Pounding With All His Might

 

 

I looked at my hands.

Then I looked at the blacksmith's hands.

Then I looked again at my hands and thought, "I'm soft."

I met this iron-bending, horseshoe-making, anvil-hammering fellow a few days ago, on an old plantation a few miles from New Orleans. "I graduated from Horse Shoeing School in '73," he said. "Been shoeing horses ever since." 

I sat and listened, marveling at his skills and listening to the tales he told of shoeing horses that "toed-in" or "toed-out" or "wore uneven."

He made customized horseshoes, pounding and shaping them with all his might.

We talked for quite a while.

I was impressed by what a man can do when he pounds with all his might.

 

Isaiah 44:12  -  The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a tool, pounding and shaping it with all his might.

 

2015 Middle School Summer Camp

We’re halfway through another week of Middle School Summer Camp but this week isn’t just “another week” of Camp. This is an amazing week of opportunity for more kids than we’ve ever taken to Summer Camp… ever!

We’re giving everything we can to help Middle School’ers take a step toward Christ. We’ve prayed for many months and assembled a great band, incredible counselors and an amazing staff.

We’re having a great week and the best way I can tell you about it is by posting this video. It was captured and created by Adam Tarwacki and Dustin Maust. The kids saw it last night. Watch it and you’ll better understand why I serve at camp… year after year after year.

 

 

Joel 2:13-14a

Change your life, not just your clothes.

Come back to God, your God.

And here’s why: God is kind and merciful.

 

 

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

  

 -  Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls  - 

Steve Holtje was talking with me about the challenges faced by Christ's first followers when I snapped this photo of Paul, depicted here by Giuseppe Obici with a sword in one hand as a symbol of his martyrdom, and a book in the other as a symbol of his mission as GOD's messenger. 

I set my little Fuji camera on a tiny tripod, tripped the shutter and waited ten seconds for the "self-timer" to take a picture after all the vibrations ended. The camera recorded the shot and we went inside... to see artistry, beauty and grandeur juxtaposed with curiously primitive images of Jesus... looking angry and strange. 

I've studied Art for decades and I'm continually amazed at artists' depictions of Jesus. It's perfectly appropriate that He is painted, sculpted, drawn and colored by the world's greatest artists... and the world's worst.

Portrayals of Jesus often say more about their creators than they say about The Creator. He is depicted as meek and mild, suffering, bearing the cross, hugging children and floating in the air. He is a baby in a manger. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Paul had a lot to say about Jesus, so I scrolled through some creatively profound Pauline texts as I sat inside this beautiful Basilica. 

 

 

Only a few days later I was hooked to a tower of monitors by a tangle of tubes and wires. In Gemelli Hospital, I thought long and hard about Paul's struggle with limitations and weaknesses.

I remembered what happened when Paul's weakness pushed him to his knees... and he let Jesus take over. 

 

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2 Corinthians 12:7b-10   -  I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

"My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

 

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Apparently, if you are weak, limited, abused, opposed, disadvantaged, pushed-down or diminished.... it's a really good time to come to Jesus. 

  

Video Update | May 16-17