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Here are a few pictures from our time in Yates Center over Thanksgiving:

This Sunday, December 1st is the beginning of Advent.  During this Christmas season, many families are looking for resources to help focus on Jesus.  Below, I have listed some of my favorite resources to use with families at Christmastime.  These are available at your local Christian bookstore.   A new resource we are using this Christmas is called The Donkey in the Living Room by Sarah Cunningham.  I met Sarah this past year at the D6 Conference in Louisville.  Unfortunately, it is only available as an ebook this year, but hopefully will be in print for Christmas 2014.      Adornaments by Family Life The ADVENTure of Christmas by Lisa Whelchel    What God Wants for Christmas by Family Life     http://truthinthetinsel.com/ http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-family-devotional/

"The law offends us because it tells us what to do--and most of the time, we hate anyone telling us what to do. But ironically, grace offends us even more, because it tells us that there is nothing we can do, that everything has already been done. And if there is something we hate more than being told what to do, it's being told that we can't do anything, that we can't earn anything--that we are helpless, weak, and needy. However much we hate the law, we are more afraid of grace."

Remember that Jesus is stronger. I am thankful for this promise!  Happy Thanksgiving.

Wishing you a great Thanksgiving today from the Martin's! We are celebrating in Yates Center with my family today and then with Bethany's family on Saturday night.  I am looking forward to lots of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and the desserts.  How about you?

Pictured here is a thankful tree made by Richelle Arrasmith and her family.  They were decorations during our Operation Christmas Child Night at Hesston MB last Wednesday.  The purpose behind the tree is to write on the leaves things you are thankful for.  As you celebrate Thanksgiving today, tomorrow or this weekend, make a thankful tree and remember to thank God for the many blessings in your life.  34 "Oh give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" (1 Chronicles 16:34)

24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

Jesus has won the victory.  Be reminded of what Jesus did on the cross.

In One Way Love, Tchividjian quotes Paul Zahl for a definition of grace.  As you read the definition, be reminded of the grace given for you by Jesus. "Grace is love that seeks you out when you have nothing to give in return. Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you. Grace is being loved when you are unlovable. . . The cliche definition of grace is "unconditional love." It is a true cliche, for it is a good description of the thing. . . Let's go a little further, though. Grace is a love that has nothing to do with you, the beloved. It has everything and only to do with the lover. Grace is irrational in the sense that it has nothing to do with weights and measures. It has nothing to do with my intrinsic qualities or so-called "gifts" (whatever they may be). It reflects a decision on the part of the giver, the one who loves, in relation to the receiver, the one who is loved, that negates any qualifications the receiver may personally ho...

14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14)

Here are some pictures of my family at OCC Night. Check out Hesston MB Facebook page for tons more pictures. Thanks Deb Buhrman!

Here is another song that reminds me of the power of God and His relationship with us. "The One who reigns forever is a friend of mine."  Be reminded that we have no one or nothing to fear.

We had a great evening at Hesston MB for our first all church OCC Night. The highlight for me were the different generations present. It was fun to have many ages represented. We had a great meal cooked by Richelle & Melinda. My goal for shoeboxes was 100 & we ended up with 165. We hoped for 200 people & exceeded that number as well. To God Be The Glory! Below are a few pictures after we were set up.

I finished reading One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian a week ago.  I have looked forward to this book and it did not disappoint.  I will be attending the Liberate Conference in February to hear from various speakers on this topic of God's One Way Love for us. Because of the many great thoughts throughout this book, I have decided to post some longer passages for reflection over the next several weeks.  Now, to the review. If you read this blog, you know that Tchividjian is quoted often.  I have been stretched and blessed by his writing and videos.  One Way Love focuses on God's one way love towards us.  Tchividjian speaks about law and grace.  He concludes, and I agree, that the church understands that grace gets us saved, but then we believe it is up to us (our willpower, strength) to keep us saved.  Throughout the book, Tchividjian explains the purpose of law and grace.  He has a great explanation of what each one accomplishes....

The song for today ties in with Scriptures about grace as well as the power of God.  Think about this marvelous grace today.

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

I was given this resource recently and began reading through the cards today.  I want to share them with you.  Check back throughout the week for these encouraging reminders about prayer. They were written by LaVern Loewens who is the grandfather of Richelle Arrasmith, Renae Sams, and Rachel Burkholder.  He is Rosemary Prieb's father.  He has given me permission to share with you.  I hope your prayers will be transformed!

As you listen to this song, be reminded of what Christ alone has done for you!

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15)

Today's song is a kid's song that is a good reminder for all of us.  Over the years, we have struggled financially and wondered how we would pay all of our bills.  But one thing is certain: God provided.  Sometimes we did not like to wait or we rushed ahead, but the truth from the song is true for all of us.  Do you need God to provide today?  Listen to the song and then ask God for His provision.

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 3: 21-24)

One of my favorite Chris Tomlin songs is "Our God."  This is a great reminder of who God is and I love the bridge that reminds us, "God is for us, not against us."  Be reminded about our great God today.

16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  (John 1:16-17)

I am going to continue sharing songs that remind me of God's great love and power.  Check back for those twice a week.  But I am also want to start sharing verses about grace because many were encouraged by the identity in Christ verses that I shared for several weeks. I don't intend to define grace as I begin sharing various Scriptures including the word grace. My hope is that as you read God's Word that you will better understand the amazing grace of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Check back on Friday for the first Scripture.

I am about halfway through Hidden in Christ by James Bryan Smith.  I thought I would share a few qutoes from the last few chapters I have read. Making the adjustment from the ways of the world to the ways of the kingdom is hard. But guilt is a poor motivator. Being an apprentice of Jesus is not about rules and laws, it is about identity and place.  The Christian life is not an if-then obligation ("If I do this, then God will do that.") It is a because-therefore opportunity ("Because I am one in whom Christ dwells, therefore I will . . .") The better way to encourage change is to remind people who they are now in contrast to who they once were. God gave us mouths and tongues to comfort and encourage one another.

Have you ever returned from a conference and tried to remember a book you saw at the book table?  I decided to share with you a list of books that were featured at D6 2013 in Louisville.  I hope this helps you find the book you are looking for. SPEAKER TITLE Tommy Sanders I'm Counting On You Manual Only   Jim Burns Creating an Intimate Marriage   Jim Burns Closer: 52 Devotions   Jim Burns How God Makes Babies   Michael & Hayley DiMarco Obsessed: Breaking Free From the Things That Consume You Michael & Hayley DiMarco The Brave: Conquering the Fears That Hold You Back Ron Deal The Remarriage Checkup Ron Deal The Smart Stepdad James Dobson   Building Confidence in Your Child   Jim Burns The Purity Code   Michael & Hayley DiMarco The God Girl Journey   Michael & Hayley DiMarco True Purity   Ro...

How big is your God? Do you believe He is able to do all things? Be encouraged by this song this morning based on Ephesians 3.

“ Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)

Here is the next song who reminds me of what Jesus came to do.  Bethany and I heard this song for the first time in Colorado Springs for Southern District Convention.  Be reminded that God is with us!

I hope everyone had a great Saturday.  Just a reminder to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed tonight. Here are a few pictures from my Saturday:

This is the last post I am doing based on D6 Louisville.  Below you find a description of my plan. I was in Louisville for the D6 Conference on Oct. 16-18.  During that time, I posted several posts from various speakers.  I decided to group those posts based on topic for your convenience.  Below you will find the first of several themed posts from the D6 Conference.   The links in this post are on the topic of sharing Christ with children and youth. Tommy Sander's Notes Greg Stier's Notes

Yes, it is the first day of no shave November which I am participating in this year.  But that is not what I am talking about. Today is the 5th anniversary of my first day at Hesston MB.  I began my ministry in Hesston on November 1, 2008.  I have been blessed by the body of Christ at Hesston MB and we love the community of Hesston.  It has been a joy to see how God is moving among this church family.  I look forward to many more years to come.  Thank you God for calling me to Hesston and for equipping me for ministry here! Tonight I think we will celebrate as a family.   Now, where should we go eat?

This is the fourth post I am doing based on D6 Louisville.  Below you find a description of my plan. I was in Louisville for the D6 Conference on Oct. 16-18.  During that time, I posted several posts from various speakers.  I decided to group those posts based on topic for your convenience.  Below you will find the first of several themed posts from the D6 Conference.   The links in this post are on the topic of legacy. James Dobson's Notes Rob Rienow's Notes