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As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” (Romans 10:16)   28  As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. (Romans 11:28)

Tonight fuzion, our 5th/6th grade ministry at Hesston MB had a service project to collect food for the Hesston Resource Center. Here are a few pictures:

I am continuing to read through The Pastor's Justification by Jared C. Wilson.  It has been a very helpful book and there is much in the book that applies to more than just pastors.  Here are some quotes from chapters on being confident and watchful: But we forget now that Jesus is for losers and for losers only. This is good news for you... So the law cannot empower obedience to itself. It stands over us, accusing. Only the gospel empowers its own implications. God uses sinners so that he will get the glory and so that he will get the glory in vivid, repeating imagery of turning ashes to beauty.  There is someone (Satan) who wants you and your church dead.  Very few things discourage a pastor more than anonymous criticism...The pastor should give no harbor to "about" talk that avoids "to" talk. We divide when we place our preferences above community with people who differ from us. We divide when we are more interested in what we want than what we c

“ Now you are the body of Christ and in dividually members of it.   (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Today is my daughter, Mackenzie's 14th birthday. She is beautiful inside and out. We are thankful for how God has cared for her from the beginning even when she was born 5 weeks early.  Happy 14th Mackenzie! I enjoyed celebrating with you last night & will celebrate a little more tonight.

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. This is a new feature on the blog on the names of God.  Why?  Because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Yahweh Shammah Yahweh is the Hebrew Name for God. It is "I AM". It is used over 6000 times in the Old Testament.  It was such a holy name that the Jews would not even say it.  Shammah means is there. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.” (Ezekiel 48:35) What it reminds me?  No matter whether you are facing good times or bad times, joy or suffering, we have a God who is there.  He walks with us always.  He is not distant, but He is near.  What a comfort to remember God is there beside us each and every day.

Happy Easter! Today we celebrate that Christ has risen from the dead.  There are many songs I love to sing around Easter.  Here is one that has combined a hymn with a contemporary addition.  Hallelujah, Jesus is alive! Christ the Lord is ris'n today, alleluia Sons of men and angels say, alleluia Raise your joys and triumphs high, alleluia Sing ye heavens and earth reply, alleluia Lives again our glorious King, alleluia Where O death is now thy sting, alleluia Dying once He all doth save, alleluia Where thy victory Oh grave, alleluia He is not dead, He is alive We have this hope, in Jesus Christ Love's redeeming work is done, alleluia Fought the fight the battle won, alleluia Death in vain forbids Him rise, alleluia Christ has opened paradise, alleluia Soar we now where Christ has led, alleluia Following our exalted Head, alleluia Made like Him, like Him we rise, alleluia Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, alleluia

This is a new feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts.  This usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth. When people are in pain or suffering, don't use cliches or moral platitudes or throw a book at their pain/suffering @Byronyawn  The church is not a house of law where we rent out one of the rooms to grace. @birdchadlouis The nicest person you’ve ever met and the most hateful person you’ve ever met have one big thing in common—they need God’s grace. @BrandonSmith85 The remedy for our deadness to God's grace is more grace. @RayOrtlund Christianity is not about what I can do to make myself worthy of His acceptance, but what God has done to make me worthy of His acceptance. @ZachMaldo

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)   16  on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (Romans 2:16)

“ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

If you have been a regular follower of the blog, you know I have been struggling to finish a book on parenting.  I have tried to put into words why I have a love/hate relationship with the book.  I think my best explanation would be that I believe the author mixes the law and gospel.  It was very difficult for me because Farley gets the gospel right, but then the law is explained and it seems the line between law and gospel is blurred.  Other books on parenting have been full of law and no gospel.  Others explain the gospel in away I would disagree.  This book's explanation of the gospel I agree with, but struggle with the mixing of law/gospel in application. Here are a few quotes from the final chapters of the book: She rejoiced that Jesus had died in her place, that he had borne the Father's wrath in her stead...It moved the truth of God's love from her head to her heart. She saw and felt the Father's affection in a new way. Behind almost every child's weaknes

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. This is a new feature on the blog on the names of God.  Why?  Because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Yahweh Tsidqenuw Yahweh is the Hebrew Name for God. It is "I AM". It is used over 6000 times in the Old Testament.  It was such a holy name that the Jews would not even say it.  Tsidqenuw means righteousness. 5  “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord , when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6  In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.

Thanks to Diane Jost for these pictures. Here are a few pictures from Palm Sunday. For more pictures, visit our Hesston MB Facebook page.

Today, I am sharing one of the songs our kids love to sing in Children's Church.  We sang it during Palm Sunday worship last year.  Enjoy!

Tomorrow at Hesston MB, we have special activities for kids from 2 years old through 4th grade during our worship service.  Our service begins at 10:10 a.m.  Special activities occur after singing.  Here is what is planned for this week: Children kindergarten and younger will process into the worship service with palm branches.  If you want your child to participate, please drop them off in kid's classrooms by 10 a.m. on Sunday.  Special Activities-Every Palm Sunday, we have special activities for kids including games, video, music, coloring, and a live donkey.  On these days, fuzion students (5th/6th graders) serve as buddies for the younger children.  Below are a few pictures from previous years.  I hope you will join us tomorrow!

This is a new feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts.  This usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth.  Real hope, freedom & protection comes as I put my faith in Christ & never in my efforts for Christ. @jonmoffitt Christ's death at Calvary brings victory to all...The message of the Gospel is that victory has been won. @mockingbirdnyc  The gospel is the good news that I need every day, leading me away from myself to Christ "who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). @MichaelHorton_  We do not have to lie or trick God to get a blessing. Jesus paid for our sins on the cross and gives us eternal life. #thegospelprojectkids  When Christians get distracted with "goo

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you (Romans 1:9)   15  So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (Romans 1:15)

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24  The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

This past week, I wrote a guest post for our local paper, The Hesston Record.  It originally appeared in the March 9, 2016 edition.  This column will feature different pastors from area churches in the weeks ahead.  For those who do not receive The Hesston Record, I wanted to share my thoughts with you.  Have a great week! #HesstonStrong We are #HesstonStrong. This has become the rally cry for those affected by the recent shooting in Hesston at Excel Industries. We, as pastors, of the Hesston churches will be writing weekly reflections as to what this motto means to us.  Check back each week to see a response from pastors from other churches. Strong. What comes to mind? I know as a teenager I wanted to be strong which involved time and work in a weight room to build abs, biceps, quads, and shoulders.  As I grew up, strength became something that was portrayed in the workplace, home, and community showing others that despite circumstances, you would stand unshakeable.

Today's song is a new one that we learned in our church a few weeks ago. It was a song picked for our Daughters of the King Event on February 27th. I love the words of the verses.  It also connected well with the tragedy that occurred in our community just days prior to this event.  Your love is devoted like a ring of solid gold Like a vow that is tested like a covenant of old Your love is enduring through the winter rain And beyond the horizon with mercy for today Faithful You have been and faithful You will be You pledge Yourself to me and it's why I sing (chorus) Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips Your praise will ever be on my lips, ever be on my lips You Father the orphan Your kindness makes us whole And You shoulder our weakness And Your strength becomes our own Now You're making me like You Clothing me in white Bringing beauty from ashes For You will have Your bride Free of all her guilt and rid of all her shame And known by her true name a

This weekend, Bethany and I are attending Weekend to Remember in Kansas City sponsored by Family Life. This is our second time to attend.  We are joined by the other pastors from Hesston MB and their spouses.  I look forward to time together with my wife and learning together.

We often forget.  We see throughout history the Israelites and the church forgetting. We need to be reminded often of who God is in Scripture, church history and in our lives and churches. This is a new feature on the blog on the names of God.  Why?  Because these names are not just what God does, it is who He is.  I hope this will encourage you as you are reminded of how good, great, and awesome our God is. Yahweh Shalom Yahweh is the Hebrew Name for God. It is "I AM". It is used over 6000 times in the Old Testament.  It was such a holy name that the Jews would not even say it.  Shalom means peace. 24  Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord Is Peace. (Judges 6:24) What it reminds me?  When I am anxious and fearful, God offers peace. When life is spinning out of control, God is still on the throne and is all-powerful.  In our busyness and chaos, God can give us peace as we get our eyes up on Him and off our circumstances.

This is a new feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts.  This usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth.   "Christianity consists primarily not in what we do for God but in what God does for us..."  @brennanmanning The Christian faith spreads best not through force but through fascination. @shaneclaiborne  What will we have to say before the bar of God’s judgment? Only one thing. Christ died in my place. -Alistair Begg via @Gospel_project  The irony of legalism is that it doesn't actually make people want to work harder, it makes them want to give up. @BuckParsons  My job is to preach Christ every week not wean you off of Christ to something else, something better or deeper. @PaulDunk

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 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)  Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, (Romans 1:1)

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

As many of you know, the community I live in was rocked last week when a workplace shooting took place in our small community of Hesston.  We appreciate your prayers as we come together to mourn and support those affected by the tragedy.  Today's song is one that brings hope in the midst of suffering. I've been running through rain That I thought would never end Trying to make it on faith In a struggle against the wind I've seen the dark and the broken places But I know in my soul No matter how bad it gets I'll be alright There's hope in front of me There's a light, I still see it There's a hand still holding me Even when I don't believe it I might be down but I'm not dead There's better days still up ahead Even after all I've seen There's hope in front of me There's a place at the end of the storm You finally find Where the hurt and the tears and the pain All fall behind You open up your eyes and up ahead There's a b

This is a new feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts.  This usually results in a lot of tweeting on that day.  However, if you are at work and not checking Twitter during that time, you might miss some of the great truth being shared by others.  So, I am sharing some of best tweets from the previous week which include great wisdom and truth.                           When we speak of our identity in Christ, we are not glorifying ourselves. Rather, we're sharing how AMAZING Christ's finished work is! @chris_clove  Jesus not only had to die for our sins, but He had to live for our righteousness. @RCSproul                          “We only fully grasp the gospel when we understand, as Paul did, that we are the worst sinner we know.” @DailyKeller  If the gospel is regularly being preached in your church, you will eventually become a magnet for the messiest kind of sinners. @jaredcwilson  The benefits of God's grace has ne

I have been thinking and reflecting on the events that occurred in Hesston a week ago.  So, today I have a rant about some of my thoughts  here Check it out!

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have chosen the word, gospel, to think about and meditate on in 2016.  Gospel in the Greek literally means, "good news."  My best definition of gospel is the "life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ." I hope to have a deeper understanding of the word and definition at the end of 2016. Check out previous posts on this topic. 7  And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. (Acts 15:7)   10  And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:10)

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:11)