Mark Beeson

Present / Plans

For the last week I've been racing through life pedal-to-the-metal with my hair on fire. I've dreamed some big dreams, gotten a lot done, preached several times, met some great people, foolishly hurt two good friends, made the most of a few rare opportunities and completely missed what should have been one very big moment.  I honored a great man and his wife before their entire congregation. I blessed a pastor who blessed me when I was a boy. During a crucial conversation I realized I was missing a very important meeting. I did well and I did poorly.  In just one week I've burned through seven more of the days God planned for me.

I wonder how well my plans were in sync with God's.

I again find myself marveling at God's goodness, my weakness and the potential in a prayerful life.  When I prayerfully give myself to God's plans and purposes, my steps make sense even when my life does not.  When I pray I remember God expects my participation in each moment.  He also reminds me my plans have consequences.

Like Aaron and Tracy before they were married - enjoying their life in this moment and planning their future together - day after day I'm in two places at once.

I'm in the moment. I'm in the future.  I'm both places at once.

I stand on the foundation I built yesterday, facing consequences surging up from past plans, decisions, successes and failures. I also stand in my own personal War Room of strategic initiative, poised for tomorrow's friendships, journeys and adventures. I live where the past and the future collide. 

So today I'm going to keep praying. It's the only way I can hope to order my steps for tomorrow as I'm taking each step today.

Jeremiah 29:11  -   I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.

God's Kingdom Is Coming...

Like it, or not, we're participants. There's no choice. The revolution under way around us isn't something we can choose to be part of, or not.  It is largely unavoidable.  God's Kingdom is coming.

We must not assume we can wake up in the morning and decide, "I think today I'm going to modify my world and conform my life to God's Kingdom." Your life is already being changed - your world is being modified for you - maybe in spite of you.  God's Kingdom is coming.

You are not passive, weak and helpless, so don't fear, but recognize this. Accepting God's radical reconfiguration of power and priorities will demand an intentional grasp on a whole new way of thinking and acting.  It'll seem radical. It may feel different and uncomfortable, so abandon your poetic notion that life is simple - and getting simpler.  Complexity is always expanding and the transformation of this world won't be established with easy-to-map interactions.  

Complex global problems are roaring - like a prowling lion seeking someone to devour. 

Make no mistake. The systems of this world are very resilient.  So are we.  We understand. We know the Truth. This is not a simple linear system with which you can map out the consequences of people's actions as if you're plotting the itinerary of falling dominoes.  God's Kingdom is coming but the easy prediction of near-term change is fantasy. How we will get from here to there is uncertain.  That we will get from here to there is indubitable.  God's Kingdom is coming.

His Kingdom will come with speed and disruptive violence - with a love so severe old systems will break. Nothing will snap back to old-fashioned stability. Everything will change.  Look with fresh eyes and see.  Open your ears and hear.  Radical newness is contagious.  Spreading Christ's Kingdom, rather than hoarding it, produces beneficial change you can't imagine in advance, and you can't control in the time of its appearing.

God's Kingdom is coming and the dynamics of the world-system will shift forever. Misallocated resources, underutilized talents, untapped potentials and ignored opportunities will succumb to the love of God.  Unused capacity - lingering in so many of us - will spark and catch fire.  Hope once unbearable will swell and grow. Love once unspeakable will pour from our lips and lives. 

The whole creation now groans and suffers the pains of childbirth, but one day creation itself will be set free from its slavery to corruption, entropy and decay. Not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit of God, even we ourselves groan, waiting eagerly for our adoption as God's children, and the redemption of our lives.  When Christ's Kingdom comes, and God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven, we will be transformed.

With God's Kingdom will come "shalom" - not just the absence of conflict, but the interjection of peace and joy.  Aspiring to a new order of peace in our lives, or peace on earth, while ignoring the Prince of Peace is useless.  Christ is God - unfathomable complexity - not simply reduced to unknowable chaos, but incarnate as God's Son, knowable and touchable. He is hope for a new beginning. He is your beginning.  

The Lord is God, the Supreme Judge; follow Him.

Hebrews 12:23b-29  -  You have come to God himself, the supreme Judge, and to the spirits of the upright who have been made perfect; and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to purifying blood which pleads more insistently than Abel's. Make sure that you never refuse to listen when he speaks. If the people who on earth refused to listen to a warning could not escape their punishment, how shall we possibly escape if we turn away from a voice that warns us from heaven? That time his voice made the earth shake, but now he has given us this promise: I am going to shake the earth once more and not only the earth but heaven as well. The words once moreindicate the removal of what is shaken, since these are created things, so that what is not shaken remains. We have been given possession of an unshakeable kingdom. Let us therefore be grateful and use our gratitude to worship God in the way that pleases him, in reverence and fear. For our God is a consuming fire.

Who's On Your Team?

Recovering from camp is a process demanding more time each year.  Drooling in fatigued delirium this afternoon, I clicked through some of my photos from last week's adventures.  When I saw this picture I paused and that was all God needed to break through the fog of my exhaustion with this question:

"Do you realize how important your teammates are?  Who you travel with matters more than you know - so who do you hold, and who holds you?"  Good question, eh?  it got me thinking...

Your teammates determine:
   ... your pace,
   ... your peace,
   ... your potential for success,
   ... your combined strength and corporate power,
   ... your altitude,
   ... your carrying capacity,
   ... your "bench strength,"
   ... your limitations,
   ... your options for innovation and creativity,
   ... and your influence.

So, think seriously about two things:

1.  Are you on the journey with great teammates?  If not, why not?  What will you do about that?

2.  Are you a great teammate?  (If you insist on acting like an irresponsible Bozo, why would great teammates want you to be on their team?)  if you are not a great teammate, what will you do to become one?

2 Corinthians 6:14-15  -  Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?

Uncertain Times / What's Going On?

 

"What's Going On?" 

Kim Stewart sings that Marvin Gaye song this weekend - just before Andy Stanley speaks to us in our OnePrayer series.  Kim articulates a good question. It's worth considering. 

"What's Going On?" 

Many of us are facing uncertain times.  Thousands in Michiana have lost their jobs.  Thousands more fear they'll lose theirs too.  A glace at the news opens a floodgate of concerns; Iran is getting crazy; North Korea is crazy; some of our political leaders are acting crazy.  Our kids are growing up in a virtual world of social networks and communities many of us don't understand. The new iPhone came out before we even touched an old one. 

"What's Going On?" 

In the last week scores of GSM middle-schoolers took big steps toward Christ.
In the last week new babies were born to our church family.
In the last week some good friends moved away.
In the last week parents registered their children for Day Camp at GCC.
In the last week four people in our congregation committed suicide.
All that happened last week...

"What's Going On?" 

Is God trustworthy, or not?

Come to one of our services and wrestle with the question.  Let Andy Stanley take you on a journey through the Bible. Listen as Andy tells you about Moses and David and Joseph; he'll encourage you to remember God is at work, even when you can't recognize it.

When it appears God is not active in your life, do you still trust Him?  Do you trust God in uncertain times?  Can you?  Will you?

Job 13:15a  -  Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him.

New Levels of Devotion

At an altar of prayer campers knelt and made commitments - some to follow Christ, some to accept forgiveness, some to enter full-time vocational ministry and some to turn from sin.  Some simply said, "Yes.  God, I'll do what you want, go where you want, say what you want and live as you want."

When your camper gets home, I suggest you do three things:

1.  Let them sleep.  Let them sleep a lot. 
Fatigue is an enemy and they'll be at their best when they have had some rest.

2.  Don't tap the brake. 
Fight any temptation you may have to "temper" their enthusiasm for Christ.  Even if they make bold and unusual statements like, "I'm going to win all my friends to Christ," or "I'm going to start carrying my Bible to school with me."  Even then, don't yield to your temptation to suggest they calm down, slow down or lower their expectations.  Let them dream. Let them step-up to a new level of devotion and commitment.  Let them feel your support - even when they're attempting something that can only happen if Almighty God steps in and makes it so.  (Because Almighty God just might!)

3.  Say, "That's great," or "That's awesome," a lot. 
When they tell you a story about camp, say, "Tell me more about that."  When they talk about the steps they took toward Christ, say, "That's wonderful. I'm proud of you."  Your encouragement means more to them than mine.  Your encouragement means more to them than the encouragement of their camp counselors.  Encourage them - and watch them grow!

Thank you for the privilege of serving your children this week at camp.  I love them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11  -  Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Always The Best!

The counselors at Camp Adventure are always remarkable. They are devoted to the kids and committed to Christ. DC built a great leadership team for our June and July camps.  I'm honored to serve King Jesus beside them. 

After a week of sleepless nights, and no-holds-barred 24-7 ministry, this is what they look like "post slip-n-slide."  They're awesome!

Proverbs 15:22  -  Without deliberation plans come to nothing. Plans succeed where counselors are many.

Unorthodox

 

I've seen a thousand campers go down the slip-n-slide. I don't recall seeing anyone go down standing up. At least, that's the way it was until Ty Robbins did the slip-n-slide last night...

Isaiah 43:19  -  For I’m going to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Don’t you see it?

Tech Staff For June 2009

 

These guys ran hard all week.  Because of them, everyone could see the speakers, medias, dramas and stage presentations.  Because of them, everyone could hear the messages, the music, the scripture readings, the sermons and the soloists. 

The lights and media tools, computers, amps and mixing boards? They set all that gear in place - and they'll take it all down.

When the band was rehearsing, they were tweaking audio levels to perfection.  When the videos were prepared, they made sure the kids can see them.

These guys worked for Jesus all day, every day, all week.  I'm grateful. I hope you are too.

They are warriors for Christ.  They are worthy of honor.

Psalm 45:3  -  Strap your sword to your side, warrior! Accept praise! Accept due honor! Ride majestically! Ride triumphantly!

Help Staff For June 2009

Not only did these GCC'ers serve the largest 1st week of Camp ever, their ministry took camp to a new level.  They've been weeping, moping, cleaning, moving tables and chairs several times a day, doing dishes and laundry and sorting mail...the list goes on and on.  They made camp soar!

My personal thanks to this great team of world-changers.  You can be proud of them too!

Romans 13:7d  -  Pay everyone whatever he ought to have: pay your taxes and import duties gladly, obey those over you, and give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due.

Bible Reading

 

Jeff holds the mic and one of our campers reads the Bible in each morning worship service.  The kids love it.  The counselors love it.  I love it. God loves it.

Romans 14:11  -  Read it for yourself in Scripture: "As I live and breathe," God says, "every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God."

Rainy Start to Friday

 

 

My mother told me, “Never judge a day by its weather.”

We live by that motto at Camp Adventure.  Sure we’ve had storms. Sure we’ve had rain. Sure there are consequences. (Have you ever smelled a cabin filled with wet middle-school boys?)

But, who cares?

The weather doesn’t determine our outlook or attitude.  We’re on mission for God – rain or shine.

Matthew 5:45b  -  He (your Father in heaven) causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

 

The Shoe Game

If your kid comes home with shoes that look a lot like the shoes they were wearing when you sent them to camp....this is why.  It's called "The Shoe Game" and it was made for MIddle School Camp.

Ephesians 6:15  -  Put on your shoes so that you are ready to spread the Good News that gives peace.

Camp Adventure Cookout

What's better than a meal at a campfire with friends?

Proverbs 17:1  -  A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels.

Great Night Last Night

DC brought it last night. God blessed us all. Thanks for praying.

Tonight we proclaim the work of Christ in Holy Communion.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
    For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
    In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

Worship Aids

 

 

I worship better when I have help.

When talented artists help me extol Christ, I offer more thorough and whole-hearted praise.

When gifted musicians help me confess my sin, I grieve my transgressions more deeply and admit my sin more readily.

When great vocalists sing with me, I find a new gear in my own songs of worship.

Talented artists, offering their gifts to enrich the Body of Christ – the Church – take worship to a new level of corporate praise. That’s true at GCC. That’s true in churches around the world, and that’s true at Camp Adventure.

Your kids are engaged in heart-felt worship and praise every day of camp.  Christ-loving, God-honoring leaders are pulling out all the stops to help your kids worship Jesus, and tonight our worship includes a time for decisions.  Please pray this evening for everyone taking their next step toward Christ.

God is worthy!

Psalm 95:1-2  -  Sing joyful songs to the Lord! Praise the mighty rock where we are safe. Come to worship him with thankful hearts and songs of praise.

Camp Leadership

Much is made of leadership. 
  The notion grips our imaginations.
    The opportunity sobers us.
      The responsibility strengthens us.

The privilege of leadership is commensurate to it's potential - and that potential is greatest in the context of "team." 

You're looking at leaders - teammates who've got each other's back.

John Keim and DC Curry are directing the team at Camp Adventure. They lead the efforts of our staff, counselors, tech crew and interns.  I'm really proud of them....and their willingness to leverage their leadership for our kids.

Proverbs 14:28  -  The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following.

Intimidating

 

Intimidating look, eh?  

No wonder Middle-School kids love Camp Adventure paintball!

Habakkuk 1:8b  -  They are a fierce people, more fierce than wolves at dusk.

Paintball With An Attitude

 

Paintball is new at camp this year.  It's an awesome game. The players are covered in armor, protective gear and face shields. The guns are all calibrated for "middle-school-speed" -which is plenty.

This afternoon when the first game began, one little girl (who appeared so sweet and gentle) looked across the range and realized the futility of trying to shoot members of the opposing team. They were more than 100 feet away and as her teammates were lobbing paint-balls across the span, she started looking for an easier target.

Realizing no opposing players were nearby, she stole a glance at the boy next to her.  You could see the wheels spinning in her head...."Hmmmmmmmm.  He would be easier to hit with a paint-ball than than those kids over there. I'll bet I could hit him on my first shot."

When she realized how much closer her teammates were than the opposing players, she recognized she was in a target-rich environment....and she started blasting away.

That's right. She shot her own teammate.

I love Middle Schoolers.

Psalm 41:9  -  My most trusted friend has turned against me, though he ate at my table.

 

June Camp Adventure Begins

For 35 years I’ve been a leader at Camp Adventure.  I gave my life to Christ there. Since then I’ve led hundreds of Middle School kids to Christ on those same camp grounds. It’s a holy place and I’m honored to serve your kids at camp this week.

The counselors – at our June camp and our July camp – are exceptional!  I snapped this photo as DC was finishing the Sunday evening training session.  The campers arrive Monday morning and we are ready for them!

Please pray.  This will be a life-shaping, course-correcting week for many, and it’ll be life-changing week for more!

2 Peter 1:1b  -  I write this to you whose experience with God is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and the intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Heading Home

Ryan captured this moment as Amber and Ruby were leaving the hospital.  I thought you'd enjoy the moment too.

Ruth 3:1  -  Naomi ... said to her, “My daughter, shouldn't I try to look for a home that would be good for you?"

Instinctive Response

I've watched Sheila pray for decades.

I've noticed her instinctive response (in exigent moments of moral imperative) and her natural reaction is unfailingly supernatural. She prays. The thing she does when nothing is pressing is the thing she does when she's in a pressure cooker.

She prays.

Sometimes you know she's praying. It's obvious.

Sometimes it's more implied. It's not apparent she's praying, yet it's palpable.

Sometimes it's like this picture suggests. Her manner reveals her heart, and what's inside shows outside. That's what happened last night, when just before midnight Sheila had her very first moment with Ruby Dawn.  I captured the split-second, as a thousand prayers collapsed into a single moment that couldn't contain them, and  Sheila first laid her eyes on her grand-daughter.  She folded her hands.

What was in her heart I cannot tell you. It is too obvious to say and quite evidential without comment from me.  The woman prays.  Her family is not beyond her reach even when they're beyond her touch.  Her prayers move the hand of God.

I've watched Sheila pray for decades.

Proverbs 31:10-11, 28  -  When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. ...  Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her.

Ruby Dawn Cox

 

Last night Ruby Dawn was born.

Her mother is fine. Her daddy is proud. She is healthy, strong, bright-eyed and alert.

Amber's labor lasted from 3:00 AM until 10:30 PM.  Ruby weighed-in at 8 pounds 12 ounces, and stretched the tape 19 inches.  Just before Midnight Sheila and I met her and I must say, she made a mighty good first impression!

1 Peter 1:4a  -  We have been born into a new life which has an inheritance that can't be destroyed or corrupted and can't fade away.

Amber's Labor Has Begun!

It looks like we have a baby on the way.  Amber called and she's heading to the hospital.  Her labor started earlier this morning and she spent a few hours timing contractions before waking Ryan.  I'm sure it's nice to be married to a physician in moments like these.  Agreeing that it was time, Ryan loaded up his bride and drove her to the hospital.  When they drive home they'll be a family of three.

If God prompts you to pray for Amber, her baby and her husband, please do! 

Amber asked me to be her "guest blogger" so I'll be posting - from my phone - on her blog.  You can follow along here.

John 16:20b-21 (Jesus)  -  But your weeping shall suddenly be turned to wonderful joy [when you see me again]. It will be the same joy as that of a woman in labor when her child is born—her anguish gives place to rapturous joy and the pain is forgotten.

Watch This...

You are about to experience one of the creative and powerful medias of Granger Community Church.  It was delivered in parts during our June 1st Wednesday Communion Service.

Luke 22:19-20  -  And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."  In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

Your Environment Matters

Some things seem obvious to me.  Where you go affects you; there are consequences to putting yourself in one place or another.

We were standing on the beach last summer. A few of the guys ran into the waves and dove under the water. They all got wet.

Last winter while we were saying “Goodbye” to guests, Sheila went outside. The temperature was hovering around zero. Sheila got cold.

We visited Sheila’s parents in Arizona.  The humidity was low, but the thermometer indicated it was over 100 degrees outside. I stepped into the burning sunshine and began to sizzle.

Some things you just know.  If you step into the light you can see. Step out into darkness and you can’t. If you walk in the rain you get wet. Get out of the rain and you'll dry.

Put yourself in the middle of a worshipping church, and there will be consequences. Neglect worship and you’ll face consequences too.

Want faith?  Go to worship; faith comes by hearing God’s Word.
Want purpose?  Go to worship; purpose comes to those seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Want helpful encouragement?  As the church gathers, be present.
Want knowledge, truth and wisdom?  Where the church studies, be there.

Some things seem obvious to me.

The condition of your soul is your responsibility. I hope you’ll find yourself stronger at Summer’s end than in these days of its beginnings…but that’s up to you.

Psalm 119:27-32 
       Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 
       I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
       I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Leading The Band / Granger Campus

The guy leading the band at the Granger Campus is Trace Rorie.  I love serving God next to Trace. He's the real deal...and the worship he leads resonates with the Holy Spirit's power.

Acts 1:8  -  But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

OnePrayer 2009 / Week One

Unbelievable!

We just had CHURCH!

The whole service was even better than I could have imagined.  Dave Taylor's guitar was stunning. Randy Wotring and Angie Henry delivered soaring vocals.  Trace Rorie led awesome worship.

And...

Craig Groeschel's message was truly inspired.

Don't miss this.  I'm telling you, it's awesome! And it just might change your life...as it already has so many others'.

1 John 4:8-9  -  The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him.

Face-Melting Rock Experience

Yeah, that's how my friend Butch described the arts programming for this weekend, when GCC launches OnePrayer.  Butch said, "I will tell you this weekend may be the most face-melting rock experience ever at Granger Community Church."

I pondered his over-the-top recommendation and brought my camera to the rehearsal to see if anything could live up to that promotion.  Well, by the time Dave Taylor finished his "Eruption" guitar solo (planned for the opening moments of the service) I was convinced.  I left the auditorium, looked in a mirror, and confirmed it; my face had melted.

Bring a friend this weekend.  We're listening to Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.TV, and his message "GOD IS...LOVE" is fantastic. With more than 1700 churches participating, and nearly one million people connected in OnePrayer, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Revelation 14:7  -  He preached in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory! His hour of judgment has come! Worship the Maker of Heaven and earth, salt sea and fresh water!"

No Labor Yet / No Birth Yet

Apparently Amber and Ryan are going to deliver a strong-willed-child. I surmise this must be the case because the baby is already insisting on being born whenever it wants to be born.  This proclivity for controlling the situation could indicate the upcoming birth of a determined and resolute grandchild.

Hmmmmmm.  What could possibly explain this baby's predisposition? 

Can you believe my little girl could grow up, get married and have a strong-willed-child?  Who would have guessed?  Amber looks like such a compliant baby in this picture...

Proverbs 1:7-10  -  Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother's knee. Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers. If bad companions tempt you, don't go along with them.

One Month in INDIA

Rob and Michelle Wegner left today for a month of hard work in INDIA. Their three young daughters are traveling with them. I've already been praying for their success. If you want a glimpse into the world they're entering, watching Gene Ort's 90-second-video will open your eyes, and your imagination.

John 17:17-18 (Jesus' Prayer) - "Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that You gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world."

33 Years Ago Today....

                                                                                                     -  Photo by Heather Ahrens

Thirty-three years ago Sheila and I walked together into a new covenant with a new view of the world. Small things can trigger a big change. The big change in our lives didn't mean something big triggered it. There's not a direct correlation.

Our big change was the result of ten-thousand little steps.

We started dating when I was sixteen. We shared hundreds of life-shaping events: church services, mission trips, youth group retreats and prayer. We attended the same Middle School and High School, going to the same games, classes and school plays. We saw each other when times were good and we helped each other endure trials, loss and difficulty.

Ten-thousand words, conversations, questions and memorable moments unpacked the details of underlying dreams, hopes and aspirations.  Constant shifting and adjusting allowed new ideas to explode into view.  Small quirks became great strength as we decided - together - to maintain the ideals and values we believe in.  The direction and purpose we shared offered tremendous hope for our journey.

We keep taking steps together - now able to stare at the footsteps that brought us here and confident the purposes of God will require radical new thinking and faith-filled commitment.  As we take our next steps together I'm grateful for the collision of spirit and history this picture represents. Our future may seem initiated by some obvious external events, but more often I suspect some seemingly minor happenstance will bring explosive changes.

Facing the next season of our life together will require radical commitment - and new thinking - as the journey is filled with change. We are determined to prepare for it.  Much of what lies ahead is unpredictable; there is an inherent instability that affects how we must prepare today for life tomorrow.  The unpredictable clashing of forces, added to the constant shifting and adjusting of our culture and world, means we can't freeze a moment-in-time to fix it forever.  No person can crystallize the complexity of our world.

So we will hold the scriptures, each other and the Hand of Christ as we take our next steps together. Only God knows what lies ahead. We will trust His lead, walk His way and follow in His steps. 

No man could ask for a greater wife, partner, friend and traveling companion. I am honored to walk the rest of my life with the wife of my youth and I resolve to do just that.

Job 23:11-12  -  My foot has always walked in his steps; his way I have kept and have not turned aside. From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.

4 WORDS MEDIA MARVEL

Last night we shared one of the most astounding 1st Wednesday services ever offered. As each of the four words (Take, Bless, Break, Give) was considered, the stunning video pulled us deeper into The Story of God.  The night was all about His-Story and His-Glory.

I want you to know who did what as friends collaborated to produce last night's media masterpieces. I hope you'll thank them for their remarkable contributions.

Jason Miller - concept inspiration
Kristin Baker - script
Ben Sanders - editor of "Take, Bless" and "Give"
Cody Baker - edited "Break" and helped with lighting, directing, and shooting
Dustin Maust - directed, created all the music, helped gather footage
Jeff Petersen - gathered footage with the actors, and shot the painting footage
Marty Friend - painted the Jesus Painting on newsprint wall
Tory Nelson - helped gather footage
Shelley Arrendondo - Actor
Paul Bertha - Actor
Jennifer Ransbottom - Actor
Dave Morgan - Actor
Greg Teghtmeyer - Actor
Marlene Logan- Actor

Has there recently been a better example of the power of TEAM?

2 Corinthians 1:24b  -  We work together for your joy, for you stand firm in the faith.

1st Wednesday Worship Tonight / 4 Words

 

4 Words:  Take.  Bless.  Break.  Give.

It is what The Story is all about.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26  -  For this is what the Lord himself said, and I pass it on to you just as I received it. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is given* for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.”  For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.

Who Tells You THE STORY?

Throughout the weekend service I kept thinking, "I wonder what it will take for every Mom and Dad - and every Grandpa and Grandma - to know The Story well enough to teach it to their children and grandchildren?"

I wonder....

And I pray every Mom and Dad - and every Grandma and Grandpa - will be present when we again tell The Story during our 1st Wednesday Worship Service.

We need to learn it, and live it, so we can teach it to the children.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19  -  You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Jim Miller / NO FEAR

Jim Miller prays for Sheila and me every weekend.  He prays for us every day. He knows God will come through and he has no fear that God can't help, or won't help.  Even when he suffers, even when he must wait for his prayers to be answered, Jim keeps praying.

He has faith, not fear.  He trusts God, and is willing to wait. Because he has confidence in God, he lives differently. His faith empowers him. It informs his decisions. Jim's faith gives him patience and courage.

My nephew, Isaac Hunter was recently reflecting on this matter of patient faith. 

He wrote,

"Most people don’t make bad decisions because they are intellectually deficient; they make bad decisions because they are impatient; they are impatient because they are afraid. They’re afraid God won’t really come through, either because He can’t or doesn’t care to… neither of which are true. Patience is a virtue rarely killed by vice—it is eroded by fear."

God, bless Jim and give us faith like his - faith that is patient, unafraid and impossible to intimidate.

James 5:16b  -  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.