Clayton and I went to Wolf Creek to snowboard. We spent 41 hours in the car and got two days on the mountain. We got caught in two snow storms and spent more than 6 hours of our trip going 25-35mph. It was crazy but I loved every second of it. This was a trip that we will both remember for the rest of our lives. Clayton loves to snowboard and I wanted to take a special trip to teach him what the bible says about girls. Now, we didn't have the birds and the bee's talk (he is only 6)but I did teach him what the bible says about respecting, honoring, being kind and praying for girls. It was an amazing trip and I praise God for the gift of being Clayton's dad.
I love my Church, I have an amazing family and the best friends a man could have. If that was not enough-----God seems to keep pouring His grace on me. The past few months have been very challenging but somehow I seem to keep finding peace and joy that I can’t explain. I have been sick for the past few days and I have had more time to myself this week than I have had in the past year. I was able to look back at the past year of my life and see so much of me has changed. I think it has all been good change but only time will tell. What hit me this week was a harsh reality… I need to create more time for me. This feels selfish to say but it is the truth. One of my best friends wrote me a letter just before I moved here a year ago. I read it this week at the perfect time.
This is part of what he wrote.
“Paul told Timothy, “Pay close attention to yourself" (I Timothy 4:16a). Growth is not automatic; it does not necessarily come with experience, nor simply as a result of gathering information. What we want to see is transformation. The word “transformed” in Romans 12:1-2 is metamorphoo in the Greek. We learned the word in grade school. Metamorphosis. A caterpillar “morphs” into a butterfly. That’s what God intends for you. You will change, you will morph, you will grow! Staying the same isn’t an option. You are walking into the biggest challenge you might ever face. I know you will do a great job. I want to pass this wisdom onto you. I want you to avoid the pain I have experienced over the years. You are a gifted man of God. People listen to you and love you because you are real and God’s hand is on you. Stay bold, burn brightly, but don't burn out. Know these four things well and recite them often.
I am not invincible. I can get sick and grow weary and sin. Therefore, I must be careful.
I am not immortal. I am going to die. Therefore, I must be responsible.
I am not indispensable. The Kingdom keeps going without me. Therefore, I must be humble.
I am not an island. I need friends around me. Therefore, I must be accountable."
I miss Papa Bear's wisdom already.
Yesterday my dad called and my sister’s time on earth is coming to an end. I am at a loss for words and my emotional swings have not been healthy. My sister loves to talk, laugh and has the worst eating habits of any human alive. Over the past few months I have replayed our childhood several times over in my mind. We had a great life growing up. She has been an awesome big sister. I watch Kylie and Clayton and see the two of us growing up in them all over again. We played and fought like champions. My mom once told me that my sister was her favorite---(I don’t think she was kidding). My mom went to be with the Lord almost two years ago and while I have learned to bury the emotions of her not being here, it still hurts and I miss her so much. I am positive that my mom could not handle this. My sister has lived in the valley for a long time. Although she has lived in the valley she could always laugh. While my sister was in the valley I have been on the mountain top. This has been one of the best years of my life. I have a joy that is deep in my bones. But from my mountain top view I am experiencing a heart break. I hurt and I can literally feel another part of me is dying.
I read John 11 tonight over and over, the story about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. I am not asking for a miracle; I will take one but truthfully I just needed a reminder that Jesus has power over all things including death. As I read through John 11, what I walked away with was that death is unavoidable even for the most faithful follower of Jesus. Think about it-- After Jesus raised Lazarus at this time in John 11, it’s pretty safe to say that likely a few years later Lazarus died again. So, this miracle - this gift - from Jesus to Lazarus didn't shield Lazarus from further death. We live in a fallen world. Jesus actually tells us that pain and death are coming.
We see in Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me"
Notice that the verse doesn't say “if” I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but “even though.” We have to go through the valley. We don’t go around it. We don’t go over it. We don’t go beside it. We go through it.
So, tonight I start my walk down the mountain side into the valley. I will walk through the valley over the next few weeks. As I walk down the mountain side and through the valley I will soon start the climb back to the top. My entire journey I am committed to celebrating my King. I will mourn but my eyes are fixed on Jesus. He is my reward! I will continue to praise Him ---He is the only One who could rightly say, "I am the resurrection and the life." Pray for my family
Old Testament Prophecies fulfilled by Jesus
Fulfilled Prophecy - Hebrew Scripture - New Testament fulfillment
His pre-existence - Micah 5:2 - John 1:1, 14
Born of the seed of a woman - Genesis 3:15 - Matthew 1:18
Of the seed of Abraham - Genesis 12:3 - Matthew 1:1-16
All nations blessed by Abraham's seed - Genesis 12:3 - Matthew 8:5, 10
God would provide Himself a Lamb as an offering - Genesis 22:8 - John 1:29
From the tribe of Judah - Genesis 49:10 - Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David - Isaiah 9:6-7 - Matthew 1:1
Called "The mighty God, The everlasting Father" - Isaiah 9:6 - Matthew 1:23
Born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2 - Matthew 2:1
Born of a virgin - Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, "God with us" - Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God - Psalm 2:7 - Matthew 3:17
His messenger before Him in spirit of Elijah - Malachi 4:5-6 - Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way - Malachi 3:1 - Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" - Isaiah 40:3 - Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the children of Israel - Deuteronomy 18:15 - Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt - Hosea 11:1 - Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children - Jeremiah 31:15 - Matthew2:18
Would be a Nazarene - Judges 13:5 - Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon & Nephthalm, Galilee of the Gentiles - Isaiah 9:1-2 - Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts - Psalm 72:10 - Matthew 2:1, 11
Rejected by His own - Isaiah 53:3 - Matthew 21:42
Rejected by the builders but became the headstone - Psalm 118:22-23 - I Peter 2:7
A stone of stumbling to Israel - Isaiah 8:14-15 - I Peter 2:8
Entered Jerusalem as a king riding on a donkey - Zechariah 9:9 - Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend - Psalms 41:9 - John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver - Zechariah 11:12 - Matthew 26:15
30 pieces of silver given for the potter's field - Zechariah 11:12 - Matthew 27:9-10
30 pieces of silver thrown in the temple - Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by His disciples - Zechariah 13:7 - Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses - Psalm 35:11 - Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations - Isaiah 53:7 - Matthew 27:14
Heal blind/deaf/lame/dumb - Isaiah 35:5-6 - Matthew 11:5
Preached to the poor/brokenhearted/captives Isaiah 61:1 Matthew 11:5
Came to bring a sword, not peace - Micah 7:6 - Matthew 10:34-35
He bore our sickness - Isaiah 53:4 - Matthew 8:16-17
Spat upon, smitten and scourged - Isaiah 50:6 - Matthew 27:26, 30
Smitten on the cheek - Micah 5:1 - Matthew 27:30
Hated without a cause - Psalm 35:19 - Matthew 27:23
The sacrificial lamb - Isaiah 53:5 - John 1:29
Given for a covenant - Isaiah 42:6 - Romans 11:27
Would not strive or cry - Isaiah 42:2-3 - Mark 7:36
People would hear not and see not - Isaiah 6:9-10 - Matthew 13:14-15
People trust in traditions of men - Isaiah 29:13 - Matthew 15:9
People give God lip service - Isaiah 29:13 - Matthew 15:8
God delights in Him - Isaiah 42:1 - Matthew 3:17, 17:5
Wounded for our sins - Isaiah 53:5 - John 6:51
He bore the sins of many - Isaiah 53:10-12 - Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for Himself - Daniel 9:26 - Matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him - Isaiah 55:5 - Matthew 8:10
Crucified with criminals - Isaiah 53:12 - Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced - Zechariah 12:10 - John 20:25, 27
Thirsty during execution - Psalm 22:16 - John 19:28
Given vinegar and gall for thirst - Psalm 69:21 - Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment - Psalm 22:18 - Matthew 27:35
People mocked, "He trusted in God, let Him deliver him!" - Psalm 22:7-8 - Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him - Psalm 22:17 - Matthew 27:36
Cried, "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?" - Psalm 22:1 - Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land - Amos 8:9 - Matthew 27:45
No bones broken - Psalm 34:20 - John 19:33-36
Side pierced - Zechariah 12:10 - John 19:34
Buried with the rich - Isaiah 53:9 - Matthew 27:57, 60
Resurrected from the dead - Psalm 16:10-11 - Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek - Psalm 110:4 - Hebrews 5:5-6
Ascended to right hand of God - Psalm 68:18 - Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool - Psalm 110:1 - Matt 22:44
His coming glory - Malachi 3:2-3 - Luke 3:17
Christmas is about Jesus "stepping down." Jesus stepped down to create a revolution. God wasn’t happy with the world. Too many proud people needed to be scattered. Too many lowly people needed to be lifted. Too many hungry people needed to be filled. So, God sent His Son.
Jesus "stepped down" to die on a cross and forgive our sins. He came to heal the hurting and to help the poor. Jesus was a revolutionary for justice. He has called His followers to do the same.
We must "step up" to serve the needy among us. We have influence and affluence. Will we step down to lift somebody up? The scriptures are clear on our responsibility.
Give generously to [the poor] and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:10-11
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
Proverbs 28:27
Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
Isaiah 58:10-11
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
I John 3:16-19
I want to stand before God one day and say I spent it all for you! I took the responsibility seriously. I stepped up because you stepped down. I am so blessed to be part of a church that is challenging people to step up.
Our current series is called rethink thankfulness. Here is this weeks journal info that didn't make the cut.
Thankfulness is an internal emotion created by an external force. Jesus taught us to live with a different approach. What if our thankfulness was an external response to an internal force? What would our lives look like?
One of the most challenging things about being a pastor is that I have all too often been up close and personal to witness the unevenness and lopsidedness of God’s miraculous activities.
This person misplaces his keys and prays to find them. Viola! There they are on the kitchen counter where he’s already looked twice!
That person can’t get pregnant and no amount of prayer opens her womb.
This person’s child has a fever. Her small group prays. The child recovers. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
That person is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and dies a slow, miserable, painful, gut-wrenching death. His church wonders if their prayer vigil did any good at all.
This family sells their house two days after listing it…for $10,000 more than they asked. Then, they turn around and find their dream home listed for $20,000 less than they were willing to pay. He gets a promotion, and now they can afford to put the kids in private school.
That family loses their house because he was let go at work six months ago. Now they have to move in with her parents, halfway across the country. He’s starting to wonder if he’ll ever find a job.
One time there was a guy named John. He was a prophet. He was also Jesus’ cousin. And he’d seen some incredible things, heard some far-fetched stories, learned things, discerned things, revealed things. He was a good theologian and a trustworthy servant of God. And his service to God earned him a spot in Herod’s dungeon. It’s no wonder that his faith in his cousin began to waver, is it? Jesus knew what was happening, knew all about John’s situation. He wouldn’t leave John in there, would he? Jesus would show up and save the day, right? But Jesus never shows up. He’s preaching in some Podunk place or other, telling hillbillies about the Kingdom of God. John sends some of his friends to talk to Jesus, to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus’ response is interesting, but it’s cold comfort. He says, “If you want some proof, how about these miracles I’m doing? People are being healed and helped. Amazing things happen everywhere I go.” And then he adds, somewhat enigmatically, “Blessed is the man who doesn’t fall away because of me.”
Taken by itself, the statement doesn’t make sense. Why would anyone fall away on account of someone doing miraculous things?
Well…if you’re the one sitting in prison, you’re the one Jesus said was the greatest prophet of all times, you’re the one who helped pave the way for Jesus’ whole enterprise, and not one miracle is coming your way…. “Blessed is the man who doesn’t fall away because of me,” he says. “You know…me…the one who does all this great stuff for seemingly everyone else but who sometimes leaves you to rot in prison.”
Sometimes, thankfulness is hard.
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I am finishing a series called Unmasking Godly Character this Sunday. I have spent four weeks talking about Godly Character and have not touched some of my deepest thoughts. Here are some thoughts from my journal over the past two weeks. It is weird to hold back information but I couldn't teach what was spinning in my head through this series. I wanted to deal with the Character of God in regards to salvation. But, God’s character is multifaceted. So, in a nut shell----here is my silence.
The Bible and Christianity begins with God. In fact, some writers have suggested that the real meat of the Bible is just the first four words; everything after that is merely commentary.
The goal of the Bible is not to get you to live a different life; (or to teach you how to have better relationships) the goal of the Bible is to reveal the character and nature of God — by understanding or at least seeing God’s character and nature, we are inspired and drawn into a different kind of life. When I study, I practice a theocentric hermeneutic. That’s a fancy way of saying that, when I read the Bible, my first thought isn’t how should I apply this verse to my life but rather what does this verse teach me about God. After I have this answer I am in a position to apply the verse to my life by asking one simple question: How can I be more like him? In this series, I could not preach what I practice when dealing with my deepest thoughts.
Here was my problem. You can’t swing a stick in the Bible without hitting a verse that talks about how holy God is. It’s everywhere. In fact, some verses don’t just say, “God is holy,” they say, “God is holy, holy, holy.”
Now, when you begin trying to apply that verse to your life, you’re headed for some serious frustration — because we’re not holy. We are not able to understand what "Holy" even is----and outside of the very presence of God it is not within reach for us. From my little understanding---God’s holiness means he can’t have anything to do with impurity. It’s not that God is religiously fussy or uptight — like he gets uncomfortable and has to leave the room when something sinful happens. It’s that God and sin are mutually exclusive — like light and dark. Where one exists, the other is absent.
God can’t have anything to do with impurity on account of his holiness. But we’re shot through with impurities — impure actions, thoughts, motives, you name it. So, you can see how this might be a problem, right?
Now, here’s where I think we often get off track in explaining what Christianity is and what Christians believe.
We understand that God is holy, but he’s not only holy. He’s other things, too. The characteristics of God we choose to focus on after his holiness lead us to present this need for salvation in a particular way.
For example, if we move from God’s holiness to God’s wrath (because God is holy, he gets angry at impurities), well, we’re likely to say that salvation is being spared from God’s wrath which will be poured upon people in hell.
If, however, we move from God’s holiness to God’s love (because God is holy, he longs to love us but cannot because we’ve separated ourselves from him), well, we’re likely to say that salvation is being saved from that separation, bringing us into a relationship where God can lavish his love upon us.
If we move from God’s holiness to God’s power, we’re likely to say that salvation is being saved from our own helplessness and empowered to live with a whole new operating system.
You can see how this has implications. God’s character is multifaceted. The characteristics we choose to focus on most will determine the way we present the need for salvation and its implications.
Question: Why do so many focus on his wrath but not his mercy? On the other hand, why do some folks tend to soft-sell his wrath? Which characteristic do you think should follow holiness?
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
As a christian "or in my case a church leader" this is important information to have. The spot you are in today is leading you somewhere. It might feel like a disaster but perhaps God is refining you. Once you see the bigger picture you will understand how hanging on the edge of disaster has defined who you are. It could remind you of the end goal or it might show you who you really are. As the church we have an end goal. It is to make disciples of all nations. It is crazy to me how churches forget the end goal. When churches hit hard times--stand on the edge of disaster--- the first thing they do is stop giving with a global heart. They cut off the funds that are reaching outside their walls. They think they can avoid disaster by saving money. Not only is this faithless but it is also mission"less". The end goal is not to pay your bills----it is to expand the kingdom of God. If you have reached the point of cutting off a missional focus....you have lost focus and missed the target and I would bet the blessings of God are far from you. You can't spend your way out of debt and you can't stop being missional and be a church. If you want to be a country club drop your non- profit status and open a golf course. You always have a choice to make.....keep the end goal in mind; If you don't, you will loose.
---- Napoleon once said, "it is a maxim in the military art that the army which remains in its entrenchment is beaten." The non-missionary Church sins against its own best interest and is inviting defeat. A stay-at-home Christianity is not real Christianity at all. The guaranty of Christ's abiding presence is consecration to the world's evangelization. The "Lo, I am with you always," is conditioned upon, "Go ye, and disciple all nations." The Church which disobeys this command insults Christ and cannot survive. - J. Ross Stevenson, 1902
I had two choices for a missionless church picture. One was hard to see because the brown clumps had settled into the dark green grass. The other is posted!
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
OK, March was amazing. In the middle of our move we went to Colorado and had a blast. It was bad timing---it was a long trip--- but it, like the entire month was amazing. We have some great video of the kids on the mountain but this is the only clip I can get to upload. I will post some pics of the new church, new friends, new house and catch up on the past month as we roll into the next week or so. Life is good and my God is great!
