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Here are a few promises of God from the book of Ruth:   May the Lord repay you for what you have done.   May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge (2:12).  Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer (4:14).            

When I attended the MB Convention in Santa Clara at the end of July, Ed Stetzer was our speaker.  He had tons of great things to say.  To see those notes, go here. One of things he said has been causing me to do some searching in the Bible.  Here are my notes from his message on Friday night: His topic for this message was church multiplication. 4 Commissions of Jesus in the New Testament We are sent (John 20:19-21) All commissions are connected to a promise The one mission is from Jesus God's mission has a church. This verse applies to all of God's people. Don't let your church be a cul de sac on the highway of God's mission. To All Peoples (Matthew 28:18-20) With A Message (Luke 24:46-49) Fundamental to the nature of the gospel is the proclamation of the gospel Empowered by the Spirit (Acts 1:6-8) We need the power to carry out the mission So, here is my question: if all the commissions are connected to a promise, could it also be t...

Today, we are enjoying at day at the K watching the Royals with the Martin family.  Here are a few pictures:

Tonight, we begin our Wednesday Night Ministries with Registration Night & Parent Meetings.  For parents of 4 year olds through 4th grade, we offer Hide N Seek.  This meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. and includes a meal and the opportunity to sign up your kids and learn more about what Hide N Seek is.  We will be finished by 7:45 p.m. For parents of 5th/6th graders, we offer fuzion.  This Parent's Meeting will be in the room where fuzion meets at Hesston Middle School beginning at 8:00 p.m.  Please join us for these meetings as it helps get the year off to a great start!

As many of you know, I am involved with the Kansas Strong Dads Project. This project seeks to strengthen fatherhood through four different options.  They are: Strong Dads, Super Kid Events Quenching the Father Thirst Classes (6 Sessions) Father/Child Outings One on One mentoring with fathers Tonight, I will be leading my first Strong Dads, Super Kids Event at Cooper Early Education Center in Newton.  I am hoping for a great turnout and a good time with the dads and kids who show up.  The Newton Kansan will be running a story sometime this week.  Here is a link to a website and Facebook for more information.

How would answer that question? Preston Sprinkle answers that question in his book, Charis .  I have only read Chapter 1 and I can't wait to read more.  There are many books about grace and the gospel popping up all around. However, I have not come across one yet that focuses on the Old Testament. This quote hooked me to want to read more: "The Old Testament is all about grace. You can't understand grace apart from the Old Testament, and you can't understand the Old Testament without understanding grace. . .If you see only wrath and judgment, then you've missed the best part, the main plot, the primary message. .Grace is the spine that holds the whole thing together. . .Every character, every event, every single page from the Old Testament bleeds grace. . .The reason we typically miss it is because we've been trained to read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, morally." Are you ready for more?  I know I am.  I want to understand grace in a...

Today is one of my favorite Sundays at Hesston MB Church.  It is the day we introduce new teachers for our Sunday School classes, present small gifts to 1st Graders as they promote out of Children's Church, and present Bibles to our 3rd graders.  We also host a brunch for our youth and adults after all the teachers from children through adults have been introduced.  It is a great kickoff to our year together in "Making Disciples who Make Disciples." But even more than all of these great things, it is a reminder of my calling and the faithfulness of God.  It was on Promotion Sunday in 2008 that I interviewed for the ministry position I now serve in.  Bethany and I sat in the Promotion Sunday activities and were blessed by the stories of leaders sharing how they were called to teach children and youth. We joyfully participated in worship as God confirmed to us that this was where we were to be.  So, if you are looking for a church home, join us today....

Hopefully, you are planning on attending Art in the Park today at King Park in Hesston from 9 a.m. to noon.  I am excited to see how God will use this day in the lives of children, youth, and adults.  This idea was shared with me by Brittni Rhodes several years ago.  We talked about new ideas for families during the summer.  She shared her vision for what will occur on Saturday.  I quickly recognized this was a "God sized" idea and needed much more support that I as an individual could give.  Brittni understood this and we continued discussing and praying about it.  Today, it becomes a reality.  I think what is planned today is even bigger than what we originally discussed.  Today, you will find 5th-12th graders running an art booth in King Park.  These young people are sharing a passion they have and also connecting it to God's Word in some way.  Adults are in support roles and I cannot wait to see what will happen. You ...

Do you understand how much Jesus loves you?  No, really?  Have you grasped His great love for you?  This song by Elevation Worship does a great job reminding us about that love and what He did for us.  I hope you grasp His love at a deeper level today.

Today, I read Chapter 1 from Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer.  To say it was good would be an understatement.  It tied in well with part of the message I preached a few weeks ago about Jesus being angry and weeping at the effect sin has had our world, relationships, and even death itself. I have a feeling this blog will be filled with quotes and thoughts from this book for weeks to come.  I only read one chapter and might have wore out a highlighter in the process. Here are a few quotes that spoke to me: "Because if you're looking at this world--and at yourself--and you're convinced neither one of them is the way they're supposed to be, then you're being given an important piece of bad news...In order for good news to be good--like the gospel is good--it must invade bad spaces." (Speaking of creation in Genesis 1-2) "Nothing is their world was dead or dying around them. Nothing was ominous or unsafe. Nothing was leaking...

Here is a song that we sang in college and that I was reminded of when I attended Jr. Camp at Tabor College this summer.  Be reminded of the victory that Jesus has over Satan.

I am continuing to share the promises of God from different books of the Bible.  Today we have promises from the book of Judges. Sin is not only destructive, but its cycles are monotonous; by contrast, God’s righteousness and saving acts are always life-giving and creative (3-16). When spiritual, moral, and sexual impurity abound, the only hope for a people is repentance and return to the ways of the Lord (3-16). False gods cannot deliver in save us when we are in trouble; it is only the Lord who can rescue us from the hands of our enemies on every side (8:34; 10:14). God’s name and ways are beyond understanding (13:18).

After my kids left for school, I was reading my current devotion The Power of 21 Days  by Jared Stump.  He had two sentences that left me saying AMEN.  I had to share them with you. A theology about people going to Heaven when they die isn't very controversial, because it allows the kingdoms of this world to remain in control here on earth. But a Kingdom that comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world conflicts with the kingdoms of this world that seek to find life by imparting death into others. What are your thoughts?  Do you agree or disagree? It sounds very familiar to the message of the gospel that a Savior takes what is dead and makes it alive.  John 10:10 continues to be on my favorite verses, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Speak life today in your home, workplace, community and our world!

Tonight, Hesston MB is having a back to school progressive dinner and pool party.  Check back this evening for pictures from the fun.  If you are from the Hesston area and are available, please join us tonight! Schedule is as follows: 5:30 p.m.-Salads at Arrasmith, Thompson and Paul's homes 6:15 p.m.-Pizza at pastor's homes 7-8:30 p.m.-Pool Party

If you are a regular reader of the blog, you know I have been sharing the promises of God compiled by Kenneth Boa.  Today, I am sharing the promises from the book of Joshua.  Be encouraged! “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.   Then you will be prosperous and successful” (1:8). “Be strong and courageous.   Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (1:9). The Lord our God is God in heaven above and on the earth below (2:11). “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there.   The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers.   Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them.   Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the h...

As I shared via a picture yesterday, I am reading three books right now.  They are Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley, Charis by Preston Sprinkle, and Recovering Redemption by Matt Chandler. Here are quotes from each: Deep & Wide In other words, churches shouldn't do anything that makes it unnecessarily difficult for people who are turning to God. So we have never approached spiritual formation as a cognitive exercise. We have a much more holistic approach. Charis The Old Testament is a kaleidoscope of grace. And this book will admire its beauty. Genesis, Exodus, even Judges and Kings--they're all greedy to be read by tired Christians seeking rest. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Hosea--all singularly fixated upon God's stubborn grace. The Old Testament is one thick, adventurous narrative of God's reckless love toward unlovable people. Grace. Charis. But biblical grace--or charis , as you'll see--doesnt' like to settle down.   Recovering Redemption It's...

After about a month, I am back at my favorite reading location. Here is what I am reading right now. Check back later for quotes and thoughts!

As I was returning from a great weekend with family in Kansas City this weekend, I heard the song below.  I don't listen to radio or music in the car very often.  So, it was new to me.  Be reminded of the one who is greater today!

Here are a few more promises of God from Deuteronomy by Kenneth Boa: “If . . . you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul” (4:29). “For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath” (4:31). The Lord is God; besides him there is no other (4:35, 39). The Lord is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands (7:9). “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him” (18:17-18) “The Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (20:4). “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (29:29).

Opening: I hate being late.   Raise your hands if you can relate.   Most recent example: airport in Atlanta-arrived at gate 5 minutes before departure while plane was still sitting at the gate. Why do we hate being late? It affects our schedule or plan, It is inconvenient to us or others, and it means we are not in control. Today’s Scripture from John 11:17-37 reveals an example of when everyone is accusing Jesus of being late. Background- Jesus loved Mary, Martha, & Lazarus(11:5) He stayed two more days-why?-God’s glory (11:4) (Vs. 17-27) Jesus is the Resurrection and Life Vs. 17-19-Setting of story-Bethany, Jesus is four days late, many have gathered to comfort Martha and Mary Vs. 20-When Martha heard. . . she went out to meet Jesus & Mary stayed at home Martha’s personality Distracted by the preparations and busy-Luke 10:38-42 Martha served-John 12:2 The point is not to compare two sisters. Don’t be a Martha, be like Mary but...

Yesterday, I posted from Thrive focusing on how to dig deep.  Today, the quotes are from the second part of the book that focuses on reaching out. what matters is how our lives and tongues confess Jesus to the people in the places where he has planted us. The Enemy constantly points to our failures. So how should we answer him? The same way Jesus did. With Scripture. I once heard Pastor Tony Evans say that the area of the church about which you find yourself most critical is probably the area where you're supposed to serve. You're seeing a hole that only you can see--because that's your gift. He (Satan) can't have your soul if you belong to God, but he can steal your joy, kill your hopes, and destroy your dreams. Love earns the right to speak truth. And truth proves that we really love. You can be a friend of someone and not agree with the way she lives. We build a bridge to Jesus by loving people and meeting them where they are, praying for them, and sha...

I picked up a copy of Thrive by Mark Hall when I was in Atlanta for the International Christian Retail Show. I finished the book before I left on vacation.  Here are some thoughts from the book: You were meant to do more than just survive. You were meant to thrive. You were created for one purpose: to know God and to make him known. We have to dig our roots deep. And when we do, we naturally will reach out. A balanced believer is supposed to do both. What God starts, he finishes. Digging into the truth helps us root out the weeds of the world. We hear God's Word speak truth into specific situation all the time. But by the time it bounces around our brains a few times and goes through the filters that Satan and his evil world system have slipped into our heads, we talk ourselves out of God's promises, provision, and protection. We convince ourselves that it's still all on our shoulders. I have to guard my time with God every day because it's the first thin...

Visit 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting today for my post to dads or father figures on how to get involved in your child's local school.  It is easier than you think! 

I know I have posted this song before, but I will be sharing about the book with the same title by Mark Hall tomorrow.  Remember, you were made to thrive!

Here are more selected promises of God from Deuteronomy compiled by Kenneth Boa: “The Lord your God has increased your numbers so that today you are as many as the stars in the sky.  May the Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!” (1:10-11). “The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt , before your very eyes, and in the desert.  There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place” (1:30-31). “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands.  He has watched over your journey through this vast desert.  These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything” (2:7). “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you” (3:22). “O Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness an...

Here is my final post from Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke.  His final chapters focus on our future and why we need the be participants in the church. We are to created, cultivate, and redeem while we're here. . .The fact that we can create is a sign we are created in his image. Since everyone is made in the image of God, everyone has worth and everyone has dignity. Faith is no longer wrapped up in a building; it's wrapped up in every soul who loves Jesus. When the people of God move, the church moves. It's not brick and mortar; it's skin and bone. We are called to redeem this earth--everything, not just the spiritual part. Jesus is Lord of all of it, even the mundane Mondays through Saturdays. He's not just in charge of Sundays. I saw the church wasn't a museum for good people; it was a hospital for the broken. Jesus wasn't trying to create a place to show off his shiny employees; he wanted a place where his children could be healed. Fo...

Are you amazed with God?  Enjoy this new song by Selah.