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Today's Favorite Book(s) Friday is a trilogy of books by James Bryan Smith.  I have enjoyed all three books especially the focus on the false narratives many Christians have and looking to the Jesus narrative.  Smith is a professor at Friends University in Wichita, KS and founder of the Apprentice Institute.

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. Helper   Jesus tells his disciples that He will ask the Father to send a "paraclete" which can be translated as a helper, counselor, comforter, or advocate.  Here is one of the definitions from Blue Letter Bible:   one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate   16  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, (John 14:16) What it reminds me?  This name for the Holy Spirit reminds us that He is our he...

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. That's what faith is--a looking away from yourself to Someone else...Faith, then, is trusting in the love & mercy of God. @ElyseFitz There is nowhere you can go to get away from being known & loved & defended & sought by the Spirit of God. @mockingbirdnyc #goodnews  "It is finished" is the indicative lens through which every imperative of scripture must be viewed! @JeremyG220 Without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants & credits to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness & holiness of Christ @MyOnlyComfort Hall...

Today, I am posting over at 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting on the seasons we go through as parents.  Check out my thoughts here

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

Here are notes from my sermon today at Hesston MB.  It is based on Philippians 1:12-18. The Important Thing Philippians 1:12-18 Praise : What God has done at Philippi -As we begin this morning, let’s be reminded of the opening verses from Philippians 1 that were read during singing this morning. ·          1:3-Paul is thankful for people of Philippi. He remembers that God saved Lydia & the jailer, and how God worked miracles of casting out demons and prison doors being opened.   ·          1:6-Thankful to God who “began a good work will carry it on to completion ·          1:5,7-He is thankful for their support of his ministry ·          1:9-11-prays for their love to abound more and more & ends in verse 11, it is all to the glory and praise of God. What God has done through Hesston MB ...

Currently, I am reading several books.  They are: Life With A Captial L by Matt Heard Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick Core Christianity by Michael Horton On Being A Theologian of the Cross by Gerhard O. Forde Here are some quotes from chapters I have read over the last week: In other words, the righteousness of God revealed in his law condemns us, but the righteousness from God is a gift that we have in Christ through faith. And faith comes to us through the preaching of the gospel. (Horton) When we rifle through the Old Testament narratives for moral examples, as if they were Aesop's fables, we miss the point...And in every narrative, God is the real hero of the story...In each instance, the purpose of the narrative is not to provide life lessons that we may apply directly to ourselves, but to see how God is fulfilling his purposes that lead history to Jesus Christ. (Horton) The sinful heart is never transformed by conformity to the imperatives...

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. because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.      (1 Thessalonians 1:5)   2  We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3  For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4  On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted w...

Here is a song I heard recently on the radio.  It ties in with my post yesterday about Jesus as a friend of sinners.  Be reminded who Jesus is from this great song.

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. Friend of Sinners   Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners.  It was intended as an insult.    The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ (Luke 7:34) What it reminds me?  Jesus came to seek and save the lost.  This includes you and me.  Jesus being a friend of sinners is not just good news for the unsaved but also for the saved.  I'm thankful Jesus who was fully God and fully man has chosen to be in relationship w...

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. Israel looked at the snake on the pole to live. Anyone who looks to Jesus on the cross and trusts in Him will live. #thegospelprojectkids Where does joy come from? You cannot manufacture joy. #RealJoy comes in Christ, in the gospel & from the Holy Spirit. @revburk The goodness of God is not based on how good we have been. It is based on how good he is. @thecalebstanley Child of God, you may feel God is mad, but "there is no condemnation," and "nothing can separate you from His love." He isn't mad! @ZachMaldo Only when we rest in God's perfect love for ...

“ 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)

The public is invited to gather to pray on Sunday, September 18th, for our local schools at the beginning of this school year.   Please join us as we pray at each school or see the schedule below if you can only attend the school where your child attends.   We will meet at the flagpole.   Thanks in advance for your participation!   6:30 - Hesston Elementary                    6:50 - Hesston High School                       7:10- Hesston Middle School                                    If you have questions, please contact J.L. Martin at 327-2847.

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.   3  We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4  because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5  the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6  that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. (Colossians 1:3-6)   22...

Here is a new song by Casting Crowns.  Be reminded that God's arms are open wide no matter what you have done.  He has never left you.  Come Home!

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. Lord   Lord means master or is a title of respect and reverence.   28  Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)   23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) What it reminds me?  God is God and I am not.  He is my master and He knows best.  Jesus came as one who served others and we have the privilege of being servants for and with Christ.  When we understand Christ as Lord, we realize He is in control even when...

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. The striving to enter that rest in Hebrews 4 is not work but instead trusting & remembering Christ. @Ryan_Haskins  Too many preachers are always "but law"-ing the gospel while the apostles were always "but gospel!"-ing the law. @jaredcwilson Christian obedience has to be motivated by love for God in response to his great grace, or it is destined to fail. @ElyseFitz The way we live our life is a response to God's love, NOT the reason for God's love. @calebwilds Corporate worship is designed to remind you that the Messiah is with you, for you, and in you...

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)

Here's a great song playing on the radio about who God is by Zach Williams.  God is a pain taker, a way maker, Savior, and a chain breaker.

My Favorite Book Friday today is The Jesus Storybook Bible . At first glance, you might think this is only for kids.  However, in my opinion, this Bible is for all ages.  I love the focus on who God is and how "every story whispers His name." We use this curriculum during our Wednesday night ministries.  For families looking for a good children's Bible, this is the best one available.  Not only are the stories great, but the illustrations are great too.  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. 22  But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. (Philippians 2:22) 3  Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, (Philippians 4:3) 15  Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; (Philippians 4:15)  

Tonight is our "official" start of our kid's choir and Hide N Seek. Kid's choir begins at 6:30 p.m. and Hide N Seek is from 7-8 p.m. Both of these meet at Hesston MB Church (610 W. Randall). The community is welcome. Kid's choir is for those interested in singing.  They will sing during worship services and will be involved in 2 programs throughout the year. Hide N Seek is for all children 4 years old through 4th grade.  During Hide N Seek, they will rotate between recreation and Bible Memory and classroom time which includes prayer, snack, Bible Memory and a lesson.  Each week a devotion is emailed to families to allow them to discuss what is being learned each week in their homes.  If you have questions, please contact me at 620-327-2847.

Currently, I am reading several books.  They are: Life With A Captial L by Matt Heard Because He Loves Me by Elyse Fitzpatrick Core Christianity by Michael Horton On Being A Theologian of the Cross by Gerhard O. Forde Below are some quotes from my reading this past week: "Whether in the work of creation, providence, or redemption, the Father is the source, the Son is the mediator, and the Spirit is the one at work within the world--and within us--to bring the work to completion." Regarding the Trinity, "However, Christians confess the God is one in essence and three in persons. It is certainly a mystery...So the essence is one. The persons are God in exactly the same way and to exactly the same degree. They are equally omniscient, omnipotent, eternal, loving, just, and holy."  "All three persons are dedicated to our salvation, working in distinct ways toward the completion of a single work of redemption.   "Scripture is not primarily about h...

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. Savior   Savior means one who saves.  It can also be translated deliverer.  11  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11) 14  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14) What it reminds me?  Ever since sin entered the world in Genesis, people have been looking for a savior or deliverer.  For many, they saw this person as one who would deliver or save them from the oppressive or corrupt lead...

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. The object of your faith is always more important than the amount of your faith. Reset your faith, hope and confidence in Christ today! @pastorjimtvc The grace that saved us is the same grace that sustains us. If it was good for eternal life, it's good for daily life! @JeremyG220 Being gospel-centered means that the gospel not only saves you but permeates all areas of your life. #gospelcentered @clayadkisson Reformed piety is not interested in checking off boxes. Reformed piety is dying to self & living to Christ. @RScottClark The Bible is not primarily abo...

“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)

Today's Favorite Book Friday is One Way Love by Tullian Tchividjian.  It is one of the first books that helped me to see how amazing grace is and how it is not based on what I do or don't do.  For those of you who attend Hesston MB Church, I have free copies of the book available to you.  If you comment below and tell your friends on social media (Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram) about my blog, then I will get you a copy.

Today's post about song playing on the radio is actually not on the radio but is one of my favorites.  I love the focus on remembering who God is and what He has done.  Enjoy We Will Remember by Tommy Walker.