One of the objectives of a believer is to shine for Jesus. Several times Scripture admonishes us to live good lives and let the world see our good works. The result of those lives is to see Christ lifted up. The bad news today is that our culture is slipping lower and lower. The "good" news is that it is now easier to shine brighter. We've lowered the bar to such a degree that honesty, virtue, purity, integrity, and servanthood easily stand out.
So go and shine for Jesus today. Let the world smell the fragrance of Christ on you.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Quote of the Day: The world is a den of murderers, subject to the devil. If we desire to live on earth, we must be content to be guests in it, and to lie in an inn where the host is a rascal, whose house has over the door this sign or shield, "For murder and lies." Martin Luther
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Focus
Focus was the focus of our Sunday morning yesterday. It was Pumpkin Festival weekend, so this was more of a side note for our fall sermon series. But for us to truly walk as Jesus we need a different Focus.
In Acts 5 after they had been flogged it says, "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."
In Acts 7 as Stephen is being stoned to death it says, "Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."
In Acts 16 Paul and Silas are attacked, stripped, flogged and locked in stocks in prison and their response is, "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
The one thing that all three of those events have in common is that they don't have a normal response. Rejoicing? Forgiveness? Worship? If our focus is on ourselves none of those three responses happen. If our focus has shifted heavenward, all three now make sense. If we really desire to live God's abundant life we need a different focus. If today's church is going to grow and have influence like the early church, our focus must be lifted heavenward.
Where's your focus?
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 29:27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 11:13-16 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Quote of the Day: "If the devil were wise enough and would stand by in silence and let the Gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the Gospel it rusts and it finds no cause and no occasion to show its vigor and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the Gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning." Martin Luther
In Acts 5 after they had been flogged it says, "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."
In Acts 7 as Stephen is being stoned to death it says, "Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep."
In Acts 16 Paul and Silas are attacked, stripped, flogged and locked in stocks in prison and their response is, "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
The one thing that all three of those events have in common is that they don't have a normal response. Rejoicing? Forgiveness? Worship? If our focus is on ourselves none of those three responses happen. If our focus has shifted heavenward, all three now make sense. If we really desire to live God's abundant life we need a different focus. If today's church is going to grow and have influence like the early church, our focus must be lifted heavenward.
Where's your focus?
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 29:27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.
Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 11:13-16 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Quote of the Day: "If the devil were wise enough and would stand by in silence and let the Gospel be preached, he would suffer less harm. For when there is no battle for the Gospel it rusts and it finds no cause and no occasion to show its vigor and power. Therefore, nothing better can befall the Gospel than that the world should fight it with force and cunning." Martin Luther
Saturday, October 27, 2007
A Good Tired
The big town festival is this weekend, so lot's of people going in lots of different directions. Hopefully Bethel will be a light in the center of all of it and also raise money for missionary literature, missionary vehicles, a children's home, a Christian adoption agency, a home for troubled ladies, our boys ministry, and more. At our house we call that a "good tired".
This week in Sports:
Jeremiah finished up his football season on Thursday night. They played hard, but a couple quick scores by the opponents in the first couple of minutes were too much to overcome. Jeremiah was on a young team this year, but they sure played hard.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Scripture of the Day: Philippians 2:3-4 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Quote of the Day: The family fireside is the best of schools. Arnold Glasow
Jeremiah finished up his football season on Thursday night. They played hard, but a couple quick scores by the opponents in the first couple of minutes were too much to overcome. Jeremiah was on a young team this year, but they sure played hard.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Scripture of the Day: Philippians 2:3-4 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Quote of the Day: The family fireside is the best of schools. Arnold Glasow
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Broken
Part of the challenge for the youth tonight was brokenness from the story of the alabaster jar (Mark 14). The perfume inside was worth over a year's wages, and yet she broke the jar as she anointed Jesus with the perfume. Too often we crack open the lid of our lives a tiny bit and slowly parcel out what we feel comfortable with while we keep control of the rest. But true worship comes as we are broken before God and allow him to have it all.
Once the alabaster jar was broken, there was no keeping anything back. She was now fully committed. No half and half. No turning back. It's all His.
We also need to be fully broken. Fully Committed. No half and half. No turning back. All His.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverb 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Kings 18:21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.
Quote of the Day: Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us. John Stott
Once the alabaster jar was broken, there was no keeping anything back. She was now fully committed. No half and half. No turning back. It's all His.
We also need to be fully broken. Fully Committed. No half and half. No turning back. All His.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverb 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Scripture of the Day: 1 Kings 18:21 Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.
Quote of the Day: Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us. John Stott
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Power 2
A little more fuel for your fire today.
In the Thirteenth century, Pope Urban IV was showing Thomas Aquinas around the Vatican in Rome. The pope showed the Thomas the vaults where there was a display of all the massive wealth of the church of that day. And looking at him the Pope said, “Thomas, no longer does the church have to say, ‘Silver and gold have I none‘”….to which Thomas Aquinas replied, “that’s right …but also …no longer can the church say ….‘in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’”
(original source unknown)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 23:18 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
Scripture of the Day: Acts 3:6-8 6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Quote of the Day: True contentment is a real, even an active, virtue---not only affirmative but creative. It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it. G.K. Chesterton
In the Thirteenth century, Pope Urban IV was showing Thomas Aquinas around the Vatican in Rome. The pope showed the Thomas the vaults where there was a display of all the massive wealth of the church of that day. And looking at him the Pope said, “Thomas, no longer does the church have to say, ‘Silver and gold have I none‘”….to which Thomas Aquinas replied, “that’s right …but also …no longer can the church say ….‘in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’”
(original source unknown)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 23:18 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.
Scripture of the Day: Acts 3:6-8 6 Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.
Quote of the Day: True contentment is a real, even an active, virtue---not only affirmative but creative. It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it. G.K. Chesterton
Monday, October 22, 2007
Power
We finished week 4 of our fall series, God's Eternal Blueprint, yesterday. The theme for this week is POWER. One of the engines for the early church was the power of the Holy Spirit. Time and time again throughout the book of Acts you see the combination of the Word combined with the supernatural. The world saw God's power and heard His truth. That combination led to incredible daily growth in the church. The religious leaders could argue the theological, but they didn't know what to do when the lame walked.
Oh God, return to America in Your power.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverb 22:15 "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Scripture of the Day: Acts 14:3 "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders."
Quote of the Day: "A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow." Charles Spurgeon
Oh God, return to America in Your power.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverb 22:15 "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."
Scripture of the Day: Acts 14:3 "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders."
Quote of the Day: "A church in the land without the Spirit is rather a curse than a blessing. If you have not the Spirit of God, Christian worker, remember that you stand in somebody else's way; you are a fruitless tree standing where a fruitful tree might grow." Charles Spurgeon
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Calm
This weekend is the calm before the storm. The next 2 weeks are a couple of the busiest of the church year. A weekend of Pumpkin Festival, the Hallelujah Party, and state youth convention over the course of 9 days.
Today is Sweetest Day. (A fake holiday:) But everyday is sweetest day for me. God has truly blessed me with an amazing wife. Beautiful, talented, hard worker, gentle spirit, loves God and hates to shop. What a combination! I love you!
-Jeremiah is down to his last football game next Thursday. They played one of their best games this week but still came up short.
-Isaac & Ethan are into their pre-season basketball practices at Cornerstone.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 20:12 "Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both."
Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD."
Quote of the Day: "The desire of love is to give. The desire of lust is to get.” Unknown
Today is Sweetest Day. (A fake holiday:) But everyday is sweetest day for me. God has truly blessed me with an amazing wife. Beautiful, talented, hard worker, gentle spirit, loves God and hates to shop. What a combination! I love you!
This week in sports.
-Elizabeth finished up her soccer season with a 8-3 win this morning. She scored 4 goals in the first half, sat the third quarter, and was on defense the fourth.-Jeremiah is down to his last football game next Thursday. They played one of their best games this week but still came up short.
-Isaac & Ethan are into their pre-season basketball practices at Cornerstone.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 20:12 "Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both."
Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 18:22 "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD."
Quote of the Day: "The desire of love is to give. The desire of lust is to get.” Unknown
Thursday, October 18, 2007
God in the Cave
We went through Psalms 57 & 142 in Bible study last night. Both were written by David when he was hiding in the caves from King Saul (1 Samuel 22-24). In a day of the instant we can struggle with Psalms of trust and praise from a cave. We want deliverance now. We want victory & justice now. David is honest of his weariness and feelings of isolation, but he also knows that God is faithful.
I wonder if God was crafting a king? We already know he was a great warrior. Even the people sang of his great exploits. But it takes more than being popular and a good warrior to rule God's kingdom. Character is often crafted in the caves of life. We all, like David, want to be known as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14). We want to be great worshipers. We want to be the king. But are we willing to worship in the caves of life? Will we still honor him when death is a step away (1 Sam 20:3)? Can we still exalt Him as faithful when we're all alone?
James 1:2-4 says, "2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 18:12 "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."
Scripture of the Day: Job 1:20-22 "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."
Quote of the Day: "Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live, taking the form of a readiness to die." G.K. Chesterton
I wonder if God was crafting a king? We already know he was a great warrior. Even the people sang of his great exploits. But it takes more than being popular and a good warrior to rule God's kingdom. Character is often crafted in the caves of life. We all, like David, want to be known as a man after God's own heart (1 Sam 13:14). We want to be great worshipers. We want to be the king. But are we willing to worship in the caves of life? Will we still honor him when death is a step away (1 Sam 20:3)? Can we still exalt Him as faithful when we're all alone?
James 1:2-4 says, "2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 18:12 "Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor."
Scripture of the Day: Job 1:20-22 "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing."
Quote of the Day: "Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live, taking the form of a readiness to die." G.K. Chesterton
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A Blessed Pastor
More of a personal note to our congregation today.
I was thinking tonight just how blessed I am to have you for a church. You have loved us, accepted us with open arms, blessed us, and I'm sure at more times than I wish to admit, tolerated me. You are gracious and generous with my kids. You honor and respect my wife. I am privileged to serve you.
Losing Mary & Jeannine these past few weeks once again reminded me what a great family we have. I know it can be dangerous to focus only inward and become closed off, but at least we're not hoping new people come because we can't stand the ones here now:) My best friends attend my church.
Tomorrow I'm taking a pastor out for lunch who was not voted back into his church this spring (another denomination). His entire time there it seemed like a constant struggle. I want to encourage and bless him, although to be honest it's hard for me to fully understand and sympathize. I don't say that because I'm so good, I say that because you're so good.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 133:1 "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"
Quote of the Day: "Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?" C.S. Lewis
I was thinking tonight just how blessed I am to have you for a church. You have loved us, accepted us with open arms, blessed us, and I'm sure at more times than I wish to admit, tolerated me. You are gracious and generous with my kids. You honor and respect my wife. I am privileged to serve you.
Losing Mary & Jeannine these past few weeks once again reminded me what a great family we have. I know it can be dangerous to focus only inward and become closed off, but at least we're not hoping new people come because we can't stand the ones here now:) My best friends attend my church.
Tomorrow I'm taking a pastor out for lunch who was not voted back into his church this spring (another denomination). His entire time there it seemed like a constant struggle. I want to encourage and bless him, although to be honest it's hard for me to fully understand and sympathize. I don't say that because I'm so good, I say that because you're so good.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 133:1 "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!"
Quote of the Day: "Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?" C.S. Lewis
Monday, October 15, 2007
A/G Testimonies
At our August national Assemblies of God General Council, two of our main leadership team retired, so there were several new leaders elected to serve us. In the national headquarters chapels last week, four of our main leaders shared their testimonies. I thought you might enjoy hearing the heart of those who serve us at the highest level. Click HERE to access the recording of their testimonies.
Isaac (above) finished up his soccer season with Cornerstone Christian Academy with third place in their year end tournament. He also scored a goal in the third place game. He really hustled and had a great year with the team.
Elizabeth scored once in a tough defeat in soccer on Saturday. She played hard, but they met a tough team. One more game to go.
Jeremiah's Tigers KYFL football team lost another one Thursday. I missed it for a visitation, but he played both ways again. He's getting a good workout and hopefully learning a lot.
Ethan finished his first week of basketball practice tired and sore. I of course had no sympathy and told him stories of pre-season training in the good old days. Kids these days are soft. Back in my day...
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 15:13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
Scripture of the Day: 1 Peter 2:12 "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Quote of the Day: "God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life, that I may burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus." Jim Elliot
Sports week in review. (No wagering please)
Isaac (above) finished up his soccer season with Cornerstone Christian Academy with third place in their year end tournament. He also scored a goal in the third place game. He really hustled and had a great year with the team.
Elizabeth scored once in a tough defeat in soccer on Saturday. She played hard, but they met a tough team. One more game to go.
Jeremiah's Tigers KYFL football team lost another one Thursday. I missed it for a visitation, but he played both ways again. He's getting a good workout and hopefully learning a lot.
Ethan finished his first week of basketball practice tired and sore. I of course had no sympathy and told him stories of pre-season training in the good old days. Kids these days are soft. Back in my day...
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 15:13 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit."
Scripture of the Day: 1 Peter 2:12 "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Quote of the Day: "God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life, that I may burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus." Jim Elliot
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Influence
Today was week four of our fall series on God's Eternal Blueprint for His church. Today was INFLUENCE. The early church was a group of common ordinary men and women, yet they turned the world upside down. From the bottom to the top of their society, everyone took notice. I love the quote from Acts 4:13 "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Influence.
A great day with my Bethel family too. They had a reception for us for Pastor Appreciation Day after the service. They also gave us a gift of having all our new doors and trim stained for us as we finish up our remodeling. That may sound like an odd gift, but we think it's an awesome gift!
Then we finished the day with our Suppers for Eight group. Meeting in a home, breaking bread, enjoying the fellowship of the saints, and ministering one to another. Almost sounds like a blueprint for God's church:)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 14:26 "He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge."
Scripture of the Day: Acts 5:13-14 "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number."
Quote of the Day: "The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve." John Stott
A great day with my Bethel family too. They had a reception for us for Pastor Appreciation Day after the service. They also gave us a gift of having all our new doors and trim stained for us as we finish up our remodeling. That may sound like an odd gift, but we think it's an awesome gift!
Then we finished the day with our Suppers for Eight group. Meeting in a home, breaking bread, enjoying the fellowship of the saints, and ministering one to another. Almost sounds like a blueprint for God's church:)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 14:26 "He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge."
Scripture of the Day: Acts 5:13-14 "No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number."
Quote of the Day: "The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve." John Stott
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Flying High
Jeremiah went flying with the local EAA Young Eagles program this morning. They take youth ages 8-17 up several times a year for free from the local airport. They give a tour of the airplane and show them how everything works and then take them for a 15 minute flight around the area. Jeremiah is working on his aviation badge in Royal Rangers so this was perfect timing. He really enjoyed the flight.
It's Saturday, so I hope your anticipation for Sunday is growing. What does God have in store for you? What do you have in store for God? We're up to week three of our fall series on God's Blueprint for His Church. Come Expecting!
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 13:21 "Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous."
Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 40:30-31 "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Quote of the Day: "A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling 'darkness' on the wall of his cell..." C.S. Lewis
Friday, October 12, 2007
Jeannine Aeikens
We buried another one of our Bethel Saints today. Jeannine Aeikens went home early on Monday and we gathered today to celebrate her life and hope in Christ. (She's second from the right in the picture above.)
The picture is from our Sr Saint lunch cruise last fall. That was a great day and Jeannine was her normal mischievous self. All the ladies I've talked to this week about Jeannine have talked about that cruise. It was a midweek/midday lunch fall cruise so it wasn't very crowded. They had a banjo player who they talked into playing "When the Saints Go Marching In". The next thing you know some of them hop into a Jericho March around the dining room. They were the hit of the cruise. And when the two hour cruise was over her carload of ladies took off up the river for more adventure while the rest of us headed home.
Sonya & I were privileged to share a few of her last hours in the ICU with her and her family on Sunday. She was alert and knew her time was short, but she was at peace and ready to go. She trusted Jesus in life and now was trusting Him in death. It's hard to do a funeral for someone you love like Jeannine, but it's harder when you know there's a good chance they hadn't prepared for eternity. Jeannine was ready to go. At the funeral I read the verses from this song that has been going through my head all week.
All I once held dear built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this
(Chorus:)
Knowing you, Jesus knowing you
There is no greater thing
You're my all you're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you ,lord
Now my heart's desire is to know you more
To be found in you, and known as yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All surpassing gift of righteousness
(Chorus)
Oh to know the power of your risen life
And to know you in your suffering
To become like you in your death my Lord
So with You to live
And never die
(Chorus)Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 12:4 "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones."
Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Quote of the Day: "He whose head is in heaven need not fear to put his feet into the grave." Matthew Henry
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Walking the Walk
I was up with the youth tonight and I challenged them in living out their faith in a daily way.
1. Decide: It all starts with a decision that you really want to live it out.
2. Discipline: It's easy to make decisions, but it's the daily discipline that now lives it out.
3. Dwell: Choosing where to dwell your thoughts will help or hinder your spiritual life.
The Uth/Childrens Church/Fellowship Hall is looking great. We're doing a renovation this fall. A long blue back drop for the back wall really cleans it up nice. The video/sound is almost fully installed. A/C is almost done. Still new windows and other misc. to come. We have some great servant workers!
Ethan had his sports physical today and he hit the 6 foot mark. ( I can still take him though)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs."
Scripture of the Day: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Quote of the Day: "Go the extra mile. It's never crowded." Unknown
1. Decide: It all starts with a decision that you really want to live it out.
2. Discipline: It's easy to make decisions, but it's the daily discipline that now lives it out.
3. Dwell: Choosing where to dwell your thoughts will help or hinder your spiritual life.
The Uth/Childrens Church/Fellowship Hall is looking great. We're doing a renovation this fall. A long blue back drop for the back wall really cleans it up nice. The video/sound is almost fully installed. A/C is almost done. Still new windows and other misc. to come. We have some great servant workers!
Ethan had his sports physical today and he hit the 6 foot mark. ( I can still take him though)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs."
Scripture of the Day: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Quote of the Day: "Go the extra mile. It's never crowded." Unknown
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Basketball Fever
I took Ethan to buy a pair of basketball shoes tonight. He's playing with Cornerstone Christian Academy this fall and practice starts this week. Looking through all the shoes and thinking of all the sweat and pain he'll be experiencing over the next few weeks began to get my basketball juices flowing again. He found a nice pair on sale (Size 14!) and I asked the lady if they had another 14 for me. She said she thought they did, but I held off. Fresh white and blue leather Nike high tops just waiting for the smooth squeaky wooden basketball floor. The sound of the ball bouncing on the floor with the hollow echo of the empty gym. The whistle. The drills. Waking up with leg cramps in the middle of the night. Good Times...
For those of you keeping score at home, Isaac scored a goal tonight in soccer in a 5-0 victory. Elizabeth scored 5 times in soccer last Saturday in a 8-3 victory. I hate to brag, but... she was only on the offensive end of the field for 1 1/2 quarters. And Jeremiah's football team lost another tough one last week. The other team scored twice early and then they held each other scoreless for the rest of the game. Jeremiah played all game on the offensive line and over 1/2 on the defensive line, so he went to bed pretty quick that night.
(Actually I'm going to try his shoes on later and maybe go back and get myself a pair too.)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 9:13 "The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge."
Scripture of the Day: Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Quote of the Day: "Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team." Scottie Pippen
For those of you keeping score at home, Isaac scored a goal tonight in soccer in a 5-0 victory. Elizabeth scored 5 times in soccer last Saturday in a 8-3 victory. I hate to brag, but... she was only on the offensive end of the field for 1 1/2 quarters. And Jeremiah's football team lost another tough one last week. The other team scored twice early and then they held each other scoreless for the rest of the game. Jeremiah played all game on the offensive line and over 1/2 on the defensive line, so he went to bed pretty quick that night.
(Actually I'm going to try his shoes on later and maybe go back and get myself a pair too.)
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 9:13 "The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge."
Scripture of the Day: Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
Quote of the Day: "Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team." Scottie Pippen
Monday, October 8, 2007
Another Loss
I've not been in seclusion after the Cubs collapse, but just a busy few days. Unfortunately part of that was the passing of another one of our senior saints, Jeannine Aeikens. She had attended Bethel for 40+ years and was a wonderful lady and blessing to our family. To my kids she was known as the potato lady. Every fall she would drop off a 50 lb bag of potatoes that they bought out west near their camp. When the kids were little before they knew her name they called her the potato lady. Potatoes in the fall and rhubarb cake in the spring. The seasons will never be quite the same again.
There was and old school of ministerial thinking that you don't get too close to the people in your church. You have to keep a professional distance. I think that's foolish, but it sure makes times like this harder. Just like Mary two weeks ago, I've lost another friend.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the LORD is to hate evil: I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Quote of the Day: "There is nothing more certain than death; nothing more uncertain than the time of dying. I will therefore be prepared for that at all times which may come at any time, must come at one time or another." Arthur Warwick
There was and old school of ministerial thinking that you don't get too close to the people in your church. You have to keep a professional distance. I think that's foolish, but it sure makes times like this harder. Just like Mary two weeks ago, I've lost another friend.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 8:13 "To fear the LORD is to hate evil: I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Scripture of the Day: Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."
Quote of the Day: "There is nothing more certain than death; nothing more uncertain than the time of dying. I will therefore be prepared for that at all times which may come at any time, must come at one time or another." Arthur Warwick
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Go Cubs Go
It's Wednesday night about 10:30 pm and I'm unwinding from Wednesday night Bible study with the Cubs on the radio, some homemade salsa, and a little church work on the computer. Everyone else is already asleep so I'll use the time to do some grunt church work. Scheduling, a mailer, etc. One of the nice parts of my job is flexible hours. Of course I spent an hour in the emergency room last night with one of our church's teens after an automobile accident. Flexibility bends two ways.
We're going through the Psalms on Wednesday nights with the adults this school year. We got into our first one tonight. We started with Psalm 1 since it really sets the stage for the rest of the Psalms.
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 3:3 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."Scripture of the Day: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Quote of the Day: "Why do you need a voice when you have a verse?" Jim Elliot
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Junk My Car
In a world that is always trying to upgrade and keep ahead of the Joneses, I recently ran across an interesting group called THE JUNKY CAR CLUB. http://www.virb.com/junkycarclub
They list their history as: "The Junky Car Club was established in the spring of 2006 when the president of our club Mike, decided to sell his fully loaded Infiniti G35 sports car to drive a junky 1993 Toyota Camry. In an act of rebellion against consumerism and the desire to give more to worthy causes, Mike began to enlist his friends and associates to join him in this experiment of driving with less and giving more. The Junky Car Club currently has members from the US, Australia, Singapore, England, and New Zealand."
They also state, "The Junky Car Club is a car club whose members are learning to live with less so we can give more. We're a bunch of happy drivers that are politely rebelling against consumerism by driving junky cars. We encourage our members to use their dough to support social justice causes instead of making fat car payments. Junky Car Club members sponsor kids who live in poverty through Compassion International and help other great organizations."
While I'm not a card carrying member, I'm a brother in spirit. Just take a look at my 1998 Caravan with 226,000 miles, or my 1996 Villager with 116,000. Hopefully neither are too "junky". We try to keep them up and clean. We have great credit and I could easily go get a loan for a new car today, but we've intentionally made a different value call.
You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their checkbook and their calender. Where do you spend your money and time? They cut through all the good intentions and philosophical ramblings. They speak loudly,"Here is what I value."
So you're homework today is to take an inventory of the temporal and the eternal. Make some asset reallocations. Diversify your portfolio with an emphasis on long term yield. Very longgggg term yield.
Their motto is, "Living with less, so we can give more." hmmmm..... Sounds like a pretty radical Christian idea.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 2:11 "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."
Scripture of the Day: James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
Quote of the Day: "Such a blessed people should be a thankful people." Cotton Mather
They list their history as: "The Junky Car Club was established in the spring of 2006 when the president of our club Mike, decided to sell his fully loaded Infiniti G35 sports car to drive a junky 1993 Toyota Camry. In an act of rebellion against consumerism and the desire to give more to worthy causes, Mike began to enlist his friends and associates to join him in this experiment of driving with less and giving more. The Junky Car Club currently has members from the US, Australia, Singapore, England, and New Zealand."
They also state, "The Junky Car Club is a car club whose members are learning to live with less so we can give more. We're a bunch of happy drivers that are politely rebelling against consumerism by driving junky cars. We encourage our members to use their dough to support social justice causes instead of making fat car payments. Junky Car Club members sponsor kids who live in poverty through Compassion International and help other great organizations."
While I'm not a card carrying member, I'm a brother in spirit. Just take a look at my 1998 Caravan with 226,000 miles, or my 1996 Villager with 116,000. Hopefully neither are too "junky". We try to keep them up and clean. We have great credit and I could easily go get a loan for a new car today, but we've intentionally made a different value call.
You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their checkbook and their calender. Where do you spend your money and time? They cut through all the good intentions and philosophical ramblings. They speak loudly,"Here is what I value."
So you're homework today is to take an inventory of the temporal and the eternal. Make some asset reallocations. Diversify your portfolio with an emphasis on long term yield. Very longgggg term yield.
Their motto is, "Living with less, so we can give more." hmmmm..... Sounds like a pretty radical Christian idea.
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 2:11 "Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you."
Scripture of the Day: James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
Quote of the Day: "Such a blessed people should be a thankful people." Cotton Mather
Monday, October 1, 2007
Community 2
We're looking at God's Eternal Blueprint for His Church this fall. Our theme yesterday was Community. One of the main strengths of the early church was community. They met together, ate together, prayed together, helped meet each others needs, and more.
What a week for that sermon too. We had a funeral Friday for a great saint of the church, the Mpact Girls had a sleepover with 26 girls, the landscaping servant team was trimming away, and we had an outdoor water baptismal on Sunday night with a great Food & Fellowship time to follow. I hadn't planned all of that to coincide, but it was a weekend of living sermon illustrations.
The local church family is not an optional add on, it's God's plan. I've never seen someone grow spiritually when disconnected from a local body. It's usually a slow deterioration until spiritual death sets in. You can use all the cliches of "I can worship God anywhere", but it's just a cop out. The local church is never perfect, but neither are we so we fit right in.
Soccer Update: Elizabeth scored twice again on Saturday!
Be Refreshed!
Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 1:10 "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them."
Scripture of the Day: Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
Quote of the Day: "If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power." Billy Sunday
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