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For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post 1 verse that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 16  that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18  may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19  and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)

For 2017, the phrase I am focusing on is "in Christ."  Each week, I will post 1 verse that includes the phrase "in Christ". I look forward to growing in understanding of what it means to be "in Christ." 6  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. 8  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9  and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11  This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in C...

As I prepare to head to the ocean for Liberate 2015, I thought it would be fun to share pictures from the ocean with verses from Scripture that relate to them. I don't know how many posts this will be, but here is the first one. so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19 ESV)

Are you facing a difficult decision?  Are you stressed?  Worried? Afraid?  Are the bills overwhelming you?  Has a diagnosis discouraged you? God wants you to turn from that thing.  In God is Able by Priscilla Shirer, she shares the truth powerfully in Chapter 2.  Here are a few quotes to encourage you to turn today: If we expect to see God's ability in the here and now, it will require a turning. And this turning, according to Paul, is a turning to God. Christianity was never meant to be so intrinsic. It is extrinsic. It is all about looking outward toward Jesus, not inward at ourselves. Our enemy is the one who wants us focused on ourselves--on our humanity, frailty, and need. God, however, wants us focused on Him--on His deity, His ability, and His boundless power. Eyes on Jesus is the Bible's proven antidote to growing weary, to losing heart, to giving up, to going down (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Below are notes from my sermon today at Hesston MB Church.  Today begins the first week of Advent Conspiracy.   There is an insert in the bulletin with more information as well as an Advent Devotional based on AC with QR codes in the foyer.   Next week, Pastor Brad will share more about the offering for Axiom Church and the ornaments to discuss as a family. Opening Illustration: Advent Conspiracy Video (2:15) Today’s message is titled Worship Fully from Ephesians 3:14-21.   What is worship? American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “the reverent love and allegiance accorded a deity, idol, or sacred object. Greek word proskyneo “action of reverence or respect”-first NT expression Wise Men visiting baby Jesus (Matthew 2:2). We typically define worship by what we do (sing, pray, preach, teach, give, serve) or how we worship (hymns, praise songs, loud, quiet, raising hands or not) But what is at the heart of worship?   How can we worship f...

At Hesston MB, we have a prayer time on the first Sunday of the month.  We spend about an hour praying for our families, church, community, and world.  Tonight, we did something different.  We broke into five groups and prayed through each classroom and space in the church.  It was a blessing! For those who teach a class for Sunday School, Children's Church, Mom 2 Mom, Hide N Seek, Community Group or the nursery, you have been prayed for.  For those who attend these classes, you have been lifted up in prayer.  We prayed for God's blessing and for disciples who make disciples.   Remember, pray big & bold prayers!  For encouragement read, Ephesians 3:20.

Today in our Sunday School class, we looked at Ephesians 3:14-21.  I love these verses!  What a powerful statement of the importance of prayer and experiencing God's love.  Mark Driscoll has great thoughts in his book, Who Do You Think You Are? I encourage you to read Ephesians 3 and then think and meditate about the verses and then these quotes: Paul didn't doubt that God loves you, but he did doubt that you'd truly know it, really believe it, and deeply receive it in a passionate, experiential, and personal way. The truth is that there is one answer to all our problems--a full understanding of God's love for us. The true test of your theology is not just what you say, but also how you pray.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I have been blessed by Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  I enjoy the perspective she offers as she shares God's Word as if God is speaking to us.  I have bought multiple copies and given them away.  I finally decided to buy it for my phone. She has come out with other devotionals, but the one I am reading each morning now is Jesus Today: Experiencing Hope through His Presence. It was written during a difficult time in her life when she was dealing with health issues. I am only six days in, but would recommend it based on what I have read so far.  Here is a quote from today's reading: “So dare to ask great things of Me, remembering who I am. I am able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or think. Pondering My limitless ability to help you will strengthen your faith and encourage you to pray boldly.”

This past week, we received a generous gift from a church family.  If you have read my blog over the last four years, you know we have been trying to sell our house in Iola.  We finally closed on October 31, 2012.  We were so excited!  However, due to the down market, we ended up having to pay to sale our house.  I know it doesn't make sense and it really confuses our kids.  But it was our reality.  Only a handful of people knew that we had to take money to closing.  We went to the bank on the 31st and basically depleted our checking and savings accounts to close on the house.  There was just enough money to keep both accounts open.  We were thankful that we did not need to borrow money from anyone.  Then unexpectedly, we received a gift that left us speechless! It reminded me of a verse that has been important to me over these last four years.  Ephesians 3:20-21 says, 20  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably mo...