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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 ...

Pastor Brad gave me the book pictured for Christmas.  We are going through this book as a church on the third Sunday of the month helping people go deeper in their relationship with Jesus.  I look forward to the discussions.

This summer, Pastor Brad has been leading those who are interested through the book, DiscipleShift by Jim Putman.  Every Wednesday night, the congregation enjoys ice cream and discussion together.  I will be attending for the first time tonight.  I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts as they reflect on this book.  Here are a few quotes from the Chapters 5-7: The biblical model for church community is an authentic and healthy transparency that repeatedly points people back to the gospel. A disciple maker makes disciples. Every Christian has that job. It is impossible to overstate the importance of getting into the Word of God for discipleship.

I am continuing through the book, The Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn.  Today's post ties in well with Pastor Brad's sermon on January 27th on forgiveness.  Here are some thoughts regarding forgiveness: "Forgiveness is how we get unstuck.  Anger, left unattended, becomes bitterness. Grudges, carefully nursed over the years, produce a hard heart. Our pain blinds us to the needs of those around us and isolates us from others." "First, making someone else hurt doesn't take away your pain." "One of the things that makes following Jesus so difficult is that we are never given permission to disobey, regardless of the circumstances." "Our God is so good and so powerful he can produce good out of even the worst things people do to us." "You can hold on to your anger, or you can hold on to Jesus, but you can't hold on to both. Forgiveness is how we let go of anger and hurt to get a firm hold on the "yes" of God offered...

On Sunday, our congregation heard a message on prayer from Pastor Brad.  At the end of the service, we had the great opportunity to pray in small groups as a church family.  It is a joy to see the Body of Christ praying together in a room together.  As pastors, we put together a list of ten "prayer points."  For those from Hesston MB who were gone this Sunday or those interested, I have included the list below. Prayer Points 1)   Facility Needs– Immediate and Long Term 2)   Glorify God by Knowing, Living, and Sharing Life in CHRIST 3)   Stewardship– Allowing God to direct us as we use His Treasure, Time, and Talent 4)   Summer Activities– VBS, Camps, Bible Studies 5)   Guidance for Pastors and Church Leaders as they plan and prepare for the Fall 6)   A Passion for the Lost– People giving their life to Christ and following Him 7)   Sensitive to the Opportunities given to us by the Holy Spirit 8)   ...

Bethany and I were caught off guard last week when Mitchell began thinking about what he should give up for Lent.  We had not talked about it much at home, but I guess he heard Pastor Brad mention it during a sermon the previous week.  I guess he is listening more than I think he is.  Mitchell is a creative, intelligent, and passionate individual.  As with all of us, our strengths can also show as weaknesses at times.  For example, Mitchell's passion when directed appropriately is great, but can also come out in anger or being easily frustrated.  My administrative gifts can also get in the way of meaningful conversations with others when trying to complete a task.  I share all of this to remind myself that my son is growing up.  Even though, we can clash at times, I still love him dearly and the unique personality God has given him. What can at times seem to be a self-focused, authority challenging, & quirky young man can also think deeply...

OK-can I just say that God is awesome and answers prayer?  Last week, I wrote a post about not having any good ideas for families to do during Lent.  But then on Thursday, I was reminded of a couple of ideas as well as a new idea from Pastor Brad that he posted on Hesston MB facebook page. So, here are three simple ideas to use with your kids: Resurrection Eggs -Family Life has a great resource for kids called Resurrection Eggs that tell the story of Easter.  You could use these during Lent by hiding them and then telling the story for each egg.  It comes with a booklet for ideas of what to say.  You can paraphrase or read it word for word.  They are available at local Christian bookstores and you can learn more here Jesus Storybook Bible- I am planning to read through the life of Jesus with my kids from this Bible during Lent.  It is a great Bible that has Jesus as the focus of every story of the Bible.  Check it out here . Easter Tree- Tha...

Yesterday, I wrote a post about looking for ideas for families to do during Lent.  I am going to be trying a few things, but do not have definite plans yet.  However, as I thought about what I might do for Lent, I thought about a few ideas to share with you.  This is a great time to begin a new "habit" to help you grow in your relationship with God.  Here are a few suggestions for you during the next 40 days: You Version (on android or Apple devices) has several reading plans for Lent.  I am currently doing one suggested by Pastor Brad.  It is called 40 Days of Lent. Fasting--Have you considered giving up food, TV, facebook, etc. during the next 40 days?  Maybe you should start small and pick one day and fast from your choice. Spiritual Disciplines-There are many great books on the Spiritual Disciplines.  You could choose silence, solitude, meditation, etc. to try during Lent.  I would encourage you to pick up Good and Beautiful God by...

Today, I enjoyed some great food at Faith & Life Bookstore for Pastor Appreciation Month.  Way to go, Bethany!  It was fun to talk with some Newton pastors that we bumped into while eating.  And of course, a coupon is always a great addition. After eating, Brad and I stayed at the bookstore to discuss a book we are reading as a staff.  It is The Legacy Path by Brian Haynes.  I have written a review of the book and highly recommend it to pastors and parents.  We are only in Chapter 2 and we cannot ever finish a chapter as it is so full of great thoughts and ideas.  Today, our discussion was on abiding.  We had a great conversation about what this means and what it looks like and how to share it with others. Haynes asks this question, "How do you currently abide in Christ?"  How would you respond?  I look forward to our discussion of that question when our Discipleship Ministries Committee meets next Tuesday. Yesterday, I was at t...

Today, Pastor Brad began his month long series on what it means to be Holy Spirit Empowered.  Along with this, I am teaching a 7 week study based on Francis Chan's book, Forgotten God.  As I was preparing this week, I am excited to see how God is going to use this study.  It is full of Scripture and challenges our thinking in many ways.  But I wanted to share a story of how I experienced Holy Spirit Empowerment this past week.  The story actually begins about 2 weeks ago.  I was at Lincoln Perk (I know you are surprised) and doing my weekly reading on Thursdays.  I was drinking coffee and reading Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony.  Then a guy approached me and asked about the book.  Eventually our conversation turned to parenting & I shared that I was a pastor and I would share some resources if he was interested.  He was so I took down his email and he left.  Immediately after he pulled out, I was convicted by the Holy ...

Tonight, we begin our year of small groups together. I look forward to another year with my small group. Welcome to the Beckers ! Pastor Brad and I have decided to try doing sermon based small groups this year. Each time our small group gathers we will plan to discuss the sermon from the previous two Sundays and discuss ways to go deeper and put ideas into action. Pastor Brad is currently preaching through the CHRIST acrostic which explains who we are as Hesston MB Church. We will start tonight with what it means to be Centered on Scripture. So, how about you? Are you a part of a small group? If not, why? Small groups provide a great opportunity to connect with others as well as connect with God. If you are a part of a small group: How do you determine what you discuss? Have you tried sermon based small groups? How did it work? Is a curriculum chosen by each group or by leadership? Check back tomorrow for more information about the blogger's circle at the D6 conference.

On April 30, 2010, Pastor Steve Toews left Hesston MB which began a transition of looking for a new lead pastor. As I look back, I am amazed at what God has done. The first Sunday after Steve left I preached on the importance of prayer during a transition like this. I put together a purple bulletin insert with things to pray through over the months to come. God has answered some amazing prayers. Like what? First, churches can become divided during a transition and our church has remain unified. Second, usually churches decline in numbers during a transition. However, we have seen many new people attend and join our church. Third, many times ministries go on hold during a transition. Amazingly, new ministries such as our movie ministry & CHICKS were started during the transition. Our leadership or staff do not take credit for any of these things, but attribute them all to the prayers of the people. To God Be the Glory! Today, Brad Burkholder will be installed as ...

In about 15 minutes, I am headed to the D6 Conference in Dallas with Brad (our associate pastor of youth ministry) and Justin (college friend from Medicine Lodge). I am excited about this conference. I attended last year and learned a lot. I am hoping for the same this year! I will try and post quotes and thoughts from labs and speakers throughout the next few days. The conference goes from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon. Check back daily to see if I have posted something new. Have a great week!

Well, I am sorry I have not posted anything for awhile. But life has been busy. I was thinking the other day about doing some posts on postures of worship. But I am still undecided. For now, I will let you know that the next two weeks will be busy for me. Pastor Brad & I are headed out of town for two different events. The first is next weekend (Sept. 10-11) in Edmond, OK. We will be attending a theological forum on the atoning sacrifice of Christ sponsored by the MB Southern District and the MB seminary. We have read several Bible passages and articles and I look forward to the dialogue. I hope to post something after Saturday about our conversation. The second trip will be to the D6 Conference (Sept. 15-17) in Dallas, TX. This will be my second year to attend. This conference was a great experience for me last year and I learned a lot. Not to mention all of the contacts and exhibitors who were there too. If you have never heard of the D6 conference, check out their w...