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Looking for a mid-week ministry for your 4 year old through 4th grader?  At Hesston MB, we offer Hide N Seek which includes games, Bible Memory, and a lesson.  Tonight is our meal/registration/parent meeting.  If you are considering sending your child, please plan on attending tonight as it helps us prepare supplies and classroom for our first week together on September 7th.  If your child attends Hesston public schools, a flyer went home in backpacks last week.  It is below for your convenience. I hope to see you tonight with meal for the whole family beginning at 6:30 p.m. and parent meeting starting at 7 p.m.   

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. 15  It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16  The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. (Philippians 1:15-16)   27  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28  without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you... (Philippians 1:27-28)

This post was originally published at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting in August 2014. School Bells Are Ringing Dads, in what ways can you volunteer at your child’s school? I have thoroughly enjoyed opportunities at my kids’ schools.   Several reasons to consider volunteering: your kids love seeing you there, getting to know the teachers/staff better, knowing classmates and friends of your son/daughter, help needed with students because of budget cutbacks, and the joy you receive when serving. Ways that you can serve at your local schools: ·          Mentoring-For the past 5 years, I have emailed the teachers in the grade my child is in and asked if they need any help with reading or math.   They have not turned me down.   I give 30 minutes each week helping a classroom teacher.   Our teachers are doing a great job and a little extra help from caring adults goes a long way. ·       ...

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. Messiah   Messiah is also translated as Christ.  It means anointed one.   41  The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). (John 1:41) 16  Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) What it reminds me?  Jesus was sent to rescue His people.  He was set aside for a special purpose for us.  It was a name for Jesus to remind us why He came. 

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and 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. There is no freedom in keeping the rules or in breaking the rules. Freedom is found in being with the Father. @RelevantChris Our goal isn’t “be like David, Abraham, Jacob.” That we are like David, Abraham, & Jacob IS our problem & we need a Substitute for it badly. @JustinHWillms  "...the (Lord's) Supper is not law but gospel. It is not a funeral but a feast." @RScottClark via @BenjiMagness God's grace is less about what we can or can't do...it's way more about what Christ has done and is doing! # RealGrace  @JeremyG220 The Holy Spirit has not only...

Today's Favorite Book Friday is one that has shaped how I view children's ministry.  It is a great reminder that the hero of the Bible is Jesus.  Klumpenhower gives practical ways to do this in the church as well as the home.  Check it out!

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

I finally finished Sacred Bond by Michael Brown and Zach Keele. It is a great introduction on covenant theology.  It was insightful and answered a lot of questions I had about the topic.  I would highly recommend it.  Here are several quotes from the book: Covenant theology is the Bible's prescribed method of helping us interpret the Scriptures properly. Covenant theology helps us to deepen our understanding of God's salvation of and communion with his people through the person and work of Christ. It is God's way of giving us the big picture of his plan of redemption and showing us that his Word, from beginning to end, is consistent and not contradictory. we are saved by his merit and not our own. We are acceptable to the Father not because of our obedience, but because of his obedience. In Christ, God's justice and mercy kiss. In other words, in both the Old Testament and New Testament the way in which God saves sinners is always the same: by his g...

Here is an older song by Finding Favour.  Be reminded of God's faithfulness, power, and presence in good and difficult times.  Say Amen! This life is a journey we walk by faith And there will always be the mountains in our way But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed As we recall what God has done and how we've seen Him move If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful Anybody here who knows He's able Say Amen If there's anybody here who's seen His power Anybody here brought through the fire Say Amen Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow Just say Amen! Sometimes through the darkness, it's hard to see So just be brave and follow where He leads Cause greater is the one who's in us than he who's in the world So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord's If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful Anybody here who knows He's able Say Amen And if there's anybody here ...

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  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. (Philippians 1:7) 12  I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13  so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. (Philippians 1:12-13)

It's that time again!  It's Promotion Sunday.  I love this day as we kick off our new Go Deeper Hour classes.  For kids, they could be moving to a new room and a new teacher.  It is also the day we recognize our teachers/helpers as they "make disciples who make disciples."  We also take time to give gifts to our new First Graders (who receive a bag full of goodies) as they promote out of Children's Church and we give Bibles to our new Third Graders.  It is also a day of fellowship including a brunch for our adults after all the class/teacher introductions.  Pastor Brad also gives his "State of the Church" address during the worship service .  In the evening this year, we are gathering all of our Big Groups together for an evening of fun through games, cold treats, and a pool party.  Times and locations are listed below: 9:00 a.m.-Promotion Sunday-All ages please gather in the sanctuary 10:10 a.m.-Worship Service 6:30 p.m.-Big Group...

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. I am the life   6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) What it reminds me?  Jesus came to bring us life.  In John 10:10, it says He came to bring eternal or abundant life.  This is not just heaven, but life on earth today.  Jesus did not come to make bad people good, but instead dead people alive.  I am thankful for the life I have in Christ and how that changes how I live today.  For more on this topic, check out Matt Heard's...

It's that time of year again!  I have shared all of my new books through my weekly posts, New Book Friday.  Now, it's time to share my favorite books over the next several months.  They are in no particular order, but they have shaped my understanding of who God is and who I am which impacts my head, heart, and hands.  I would highly recommend you checking out these books.

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and 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. let's go to church tomorrow, not for more instructions on "how to be a better us"...but to fix our eyes on Him @RelevantChris  The Christian life should feel like living an adventure, not like striving for a good report card. @JustinBuzzard We need to stop dividing ourselves and start uniting ourselves in Jesus. (Terry Hunt) #USMB2016 "The Great Exchange is simply that our sins go to Christ and Christ's righteousness comes to us by faith!" @MichaelHorton_ True Christian liberty is the freedom to live and love as a response rather than a requirement! 2 Corin...

The month of August means birthdays for my parents.  My dad's birthday is August 2nd and my mom's birthday is today.  Happy Birthday!  Below is a picture of my parents with Mackenzie at her 8th Grade Promotion.  Hope you have a good birthday month! And another one from a trip my mom took the oldest granddaughters on.

Today, I am posting over at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting.  My topic for this month is 3 Back To School truths we can share with our kids.  Check it out here

I had a great 5 days at the National Convention for Mennonite Brethren Churches in Denver at the end of the July.  Below you find some of my favorite tweets from those days.  A superficial engagement with my longings will lead to a superficial engagement with the gospel. @mattbheard Calvin referred to us as idol factories. We are prone to wander. Thankful that the Living Water never leaves or forsakes us. @JL_Martin What if the answer to Knowing God is not a human pursuit, but rather a transformational relationship?  @jjpenguin When the church gets together it is a preview of the restoration that is to come. @mattbheard Don't be tempted to make the rear view mirror as big as your windshield. @presglanzer Let's not think too: highly of present position, lowly of present purpose, much about past track record, & little of future reward @danstrutz "you know what we need for our journey ahead? Cake." Sometimes we got to stop and celebrate to Press On! @ga...

     Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm   in Christ. He anointed   us,   22  set his seal   of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

Here is a new acoustic version of Chris Tomlin's new song, Jesus.  I love the focus on who Jesus is and what He has done.

It's that time of year again!  I have shared all of my new books through my weekly posts, New Book Friday.  Now, it's time to share my favorite books over the next several months.  They are in no particular order, but they have shaped my understanding of who God is and who I am which impacts my head, heart, and hands.  I would highly recommend you checking out these books.

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. To that end  keep alert with all perseverance, making  supplication for all the saints,   19  and  also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth  boldly to proclaim  the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:18-19) 3  I thank my God  in all my remembrance of you,   4  always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,   5  because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:3-5)

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. I am the resurrection   25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, (John 11:25) What it reminds me?  Jesus reminds us that He can resurrect those who have died.  Jesus defeated death on the cross.  Therefore, we do not have to fear death because in Christ even though we die, we will be resurrected to new life. This also applies to how Jesus did not come to make bad people good, but people dead in sin, alive in Christ.

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and 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. To apply Old Testament curses to the Christian is to deny him New Testament blessings of Christ. @ZackJamesCole   We never go to God on the basis of our own good works and we should never stay away on the basis of our bad works. @thejesslou If we think we are still under God's curse because of our sin, we will inevitably be driven to serve God out of servile fear rather than grateful & joyful obedience. #sacredbond   The Church should be giving the gospel, not five steps to a successful life. @MisterChadWest The message of the church is not Behave but ...

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9  not by works, so that no one can boast.”  (Ephesians 2:8:9)

Here is a great song playing on the radio by Meredith Andrews about who God is.  I enjoy this song as it reminds me of one of my favorite Scriptures, Isaiah 40:28-31. The bridge is also powerful as it speaks the names of God.  Enjoy!

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. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7  Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. (Ephesians 3:6-7) 14  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:14-15)

It's that time of year again!  I have shared all of my new books through my weekly posts, New Book Friday.  Now, it's time to share my favorite books over the next several months.  They are in no particular order, but they have shaped my understanding of who God is and who I am which impacts my head, heart, and hands.  I would highly recommend you checking out these books. 

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. Abba   Abba means father or daddy . 15  For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15) What it reminds me?  God is our Father.  He is good and loves to give good gifts.  We are not slaves, but instead adopted into His family.  He wants to be in relationship with us.  We can trust Him. Abba knows what is best.

The following devotion was originally published in the Hesston Record, July 13, 2016. A few weeks ago, I returned from Jr. Kids Camp at Tabor College. This was a great week of fun and learning for 4 th through 6 th graders.   Our theme this year was “Christ in me.” I loved our theme song by Jeremy Camp.   One of the lyrics says, “ So I will fix my eyes 'Cause you're my source of life. I need the world to see that it's Christ in me.” Often, we want people to notice us and we want to be the center of attention.   We are so self-focused. To prove this point, check out social media like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or Instagram or even our obsession with the “selfie.” However, Camp’s song takes the focus off of us and instead points to Christ.   Many people will say, “You might be the only Jesus someone sees.” I would like to shift that focus off of my behavior and actions and point to the One who is God and who will never let them down.   I will dis...

I had a great 5 days in Colorado for the Pastor's Conference and USMB National Convention.  For my highlights, go here

This is a now a regular feature on the blog.  Usually on Mondays, I get caught up on my favorite podcasts and 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 previous weeks which include great wisdom and truth. Christianity that is based on "self" looks at the world in fear. Christianity that is focused on Christ, looks at the world with Hope. @cameans   We are made right by the work of Jesus Christ, not by our behavior. (Romans 5:1) @ZachMaldo The Gospel is what God has done in Christ through His life, death and resurrection to reconcile sinners to Himself--not something you do.@Nick_Batzig The gospel is not, "You do." The gospel is, "Jesus did."   @edstetzer   because of Jesus, you are loved & accepted by God, right now, as you are, & not as you shou...

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)