daddy4ms

One of the books I picked up at Exponential this year was Transformed by Caesar Kalinowski.  He was one of my favorite workshop speakers.  Here are several quotes from his book: all of those disciplines are meant to be a means of creating space and time for God to act, for the Spirit to speak to us in intimate ways. The discipline itself is not what changes us--it is God's grace that does. The Bible teaches that if we are in Christ, we have become part of a family of missionary servants, sent as disciples who make disciples. For years I believed the bumper sticker theology that told me I was a "saved sinner" instead of the truth that I am now a saint (member of God's family) who still sins. It is not that we have to live this way. We get to. Sharing life together, centered on the gospel, is the closest thing this side of heaven to walking with Jesus in the flesh. Most of the things we've learned to do as missionaries just involve normal, everyday activit...

I am continuing to share verses related to my word for 2014: power.  This is not our power or strength, but the power of God.  Today's verse shares how Jesus gave His disciples power. 9  When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2  and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2)

I received an advanced copy of Growing Up by Robby Gallaty.  The byline of the book is "How To Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples."  It releases on November 11. Gallaty's book is based on teaching he received as a new believer as well as ten years of leading discipleship groups in his own life.  H e mentions there are many books on why discipleship is essential for the church.  His book offers a practical plan of how to be a disciple who makes disciples.  He uses what are called D-Groups.  He writes the purpose of D-Groups is " to help you grow in your relationship with Christ, give a defense for your faith, and guide others in their relationship with Christ." Gallaty offers a plan selected from the life of Jesus.  He has chosen six disciplines that not only grow disciples but also helps them become disciplers of others.  The intention is to create disciples who are self-feeders and not dependent on the church for discipleship.  But ...

Based on our reading of DiscipleShift, Pastor Brad wanted a new banner for church sanctuary. Thanks to Brittni Rhodes for the design!

Well, today marks the first day back to work after Holy Week. It has consisted of several busy weeks preparing for Family Night on the Passover, Palm Sunday, & Easter. Each of these celebrations went well and I was excited to be a part of each one. But today I am dragging just a bit. I hope to catch up on things before I get busy again with summer planning. Because the reality is that in a month and a half, it is VBS & camp time. In less than a month, our family activities begin for the summer. But I don't want to get focused on those things yet. So, God gave me an opportunity last night to bring things into focus. Last night, I had the privilege to hear several testimonies from individuals who are being baptized or becoming members at Hesston MB this Sunday. It was a great time hearing how God had brought each one to Himself and how each are gifted in unique ways to be active participants in the Body of Christ. Even though I was tired, this was a great reminder wh...