Living Large

For the last three years we've said, "This is probably the last year for the Caravan. We better start looking around for a newer van." And yet as it soon turns 250,000 miles, the old grey mare just keeps on cruising. But with Ethan driving and the kids insisting on growing taller, it was time to get more serious about the search. The search ended yesterday with this used GMC Savana. Finally the kids won't have to touch each other and we'll actually have storage for luggage.

We prayed for probably a year with our kids for a van when we bought the Caravan 8 years ago. I believe God answered our prayers both then and for the ensuing years. Earlier this summer we were talking about that and said we needed to be praying about this again and God answered our prayers. Thank you God. I don't think God likes me any better than others, but I do think that as we pray, wait on Him, and be faithful as we wait, God will be faithful back. I'm not a farmer, but I think that Malachi 3 (below) applies to lots of areas of our lives.

Test Him. We wants you to.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

Scripture of the Day: Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty.

Quote of the Day: "I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." Hudson Taylor

Opening Day

Isaac and the Cornerstone Christian Academy Royals kicked off the season last night at Leland. They have only had a week of practice together and a couple kids just joined this week, so the first game was a slow start. Lots of promise though once they come together.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

Scripture of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "pray continually;"

Quote of the Day: There is a general kind of praying which fails for lack of precision. It is as if a regiment of soldiers should all fire off their guns anywhere. Possibly somebody would be killed, but the majority of the enemy would be missed. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon

More Checks

I've had several comments on the revival posts as of recent. I ran across another response from a well know charismatic leader who runs in those circles. Once again I'm not trying to get in on all the most recent "Christian gossip", but I think there are good checks in here for our own desire for the supernatural and revival.

ARTICLE

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Scripture of the Day: Galatians 6:1-3 1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Quote of the Day: "This much is sure in all churches, forgetting party labels; the smallest meeting numerically is the prayer- meeting. If weak in prayer we are weak everywhere." Leonard Ravenhill

Back to School

The kids are back in motion as home schooling gets going again this week. We work with a Classical Conversations group and they started back today, so we're getting a jump too before Labor Day. DeKalb, Sycamore, and NIU are also starting today so there's your prayer list for the week (year).

Yesterday's sermon was on hope. Our theme verse was Hebrews 10:23. " Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." True hope in Jesus is not a theory, concept, or a feel good dream. God and His Word are true and that hope does not waiver.

Where is your hope? Your 401k? Your house? Your career? Your toughness? The military? The government? Your rights?

The old hymn writer Edward Mote said it like this.

My hope is built on nothing less
 than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
 I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
 but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

 On Christ the solid rock I stand,
 all other ground is sinking sand;
 all other ground is sinking sand. 

Be Refreshed!


Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 25:21-22 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Scripture of the Day: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Quote of the Day: There are three good reasons to be a teacher - June, July, and August. Author Unknown

...the truth is mothers - and fathers - exert far more influence over their children's intellectual development than is commonly realised. In fact, more than three decades of research shows that families have greater influence over a child's academic performance than any other factor - including schools. - Family Research Council, The One-House Schoolroom (Sept 1995 issue of Family Policy)

An eternal question about children is, how should we educate them? Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science and math, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams and tests, more certification for teachers, and less money for art. All of these responses come from the place where we want to make the child into the best adult possible, not in the ancient Greek sense of virtuous and wise, but in the sense of one who is an efficient part of the machinery of society. But on all these counts, soul is neglected. - Thomas Moore

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. ~William Arthur Ward

Family Celebration

The Bethel family got together tonight to celebrate new life at our annual outdoor baptismal. Here are a couple of shots of the beautiful night.


Then after the baptism we had a great evening of food, fellowship, and we told the kids to go jump in the lake.I didn't realize it until later, but how is this for a odd tie in? Here is a picture of Pastor Erik Mangek from Victory Baptist in DeKalb who attended the baptismal tonight. My pastor growing up who baptized me was Pastor Robert Ross. When Pastor Ross left Quincy he came and pastored at Victory Baptist in DeKalb. (OK, so it's not that impressive. I thought it was kinda neat though)


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Quote of the Day: God's people should be baptized because God commanded it, not because some church requires it. John Rice

Uth at Work

A little recognition for the youth today.

We had a joint youth service with Glad Tidings in DeKalb last night and the 2 groups combined gave almost $700 to Speed the Light in the offering. No fundraiser, no servant sale, no car wash. Just a summer challenge from 2 months ago to give, sacrifice, and raise money for our missionaries this summer. Great job to all the kids who sacrificed, mowed grass, and gave of their own money to help our missionaries Speed the Light.

We've also had youth in 4 times this week already helping scrape the tar paper off the wood flooring as we restore the room off the sanctuary. They've come with family or by themselves to grunt out some work for the church. Great job!


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 21:20 In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.

Scripture of the Day: 1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Quote of the Day: We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Body Blow

The body of Christ takes another punch to the gut as another emerging prominent evangelist steps down with marital problems and a questionable relationship. I hadn't heard a lot about him from people in the area, but nationwide news stories and nightly telecasts on GodTV had brought Todd Bentley to the forefront this year. People were traveling from around the world to see the great outpouring of God's Spirit in Lakeland, Florida. Some had called it the greatest move of God since Azusa St.

I didn't know much about the meetings, so it's hard to judge them, but I know the media and non-believers now have one more reason in their minds to reject Jesus and His Church. There's and old saying that goes something like this, "The reason many people reject Jesus and the reason many people come to Christ are the same reason. Christians." We can let the love of Christ be a sweet aroma to those around us or we can be a stench that drives others away. People are watching to see if this "Jesus Thing" really works or is real.

I'm not trying to gossip or jump on the beat 'em up bandwagon, but here are a couple of resources to strengthen our faith and wisdom. The first is a column from a Charisma writer.

ARTICLE

The second is a video link I put in a few weeks ago from our General Superintendent about revival in general.

REVIVAL VIDEO LINK

Be Refreshed! (and be refreshing to others)

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 20:27 The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being.

Scripture of the Day: 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Quote of the Day: "I went on with my eager pursuit after more holiness and conformity to Christ. The heaven I desired was a heaven of holiness." Jonathan Edwards

Refreshment

We spent Sunday in Psalm 42 looking for encouragement and a refreshing from God. The psalmist is calling out to God in a time of need and discouragement. Here are a few things we found for when we feel like that too.

-Seek the Presence of God: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

-Recall the Works of the Lord: "These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng."

-Expect God to Come: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

-Give Your Emotions to God: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?"

-Bring Your Questions to God: "I say to God my Rock, 'Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?'"

-Ask God for Help and Light: Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. (Psalm 43)

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 19:17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

Scripture of the Day: John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Quote of the Day: Prayer - secret, fervent, believing prayer - lies at the root of all personal godliness. William Carey

Super Novas 2-0

Elizabeth's AYSO U10 Super Novas improved to 2-0 this morning with another big win. Elizabeth had a hat trick with three goals in the lopsided win. Elizabeth is just 8, so she is on the younger side of this division (8-9 years old) but she is holding her own. The field gets bigger and goalies are added in this division, though last week she scored twice and this week three times. I'm sure not all the year will be that high but we're off to a good start.

Tomorrow is Sunday. Is your anticipation building? Is your faith peaked at what God can do when His people get together and worship? Or are you getting ready for the routine of 8 songs, an offering, a sermon, and beating the Baptists to Culvers? Come hungry. (And I'm not talking about Culvers either...)

Be Refreshed!


Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 3:20-21 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Quote of the Day: I can teach a kid who doesn't have ability, as long as he doesn't know it. Bear Bryant

And the Sun Begins to Set...

Summer is slowly winding down and the schedules tighten up next week so we thought we'd better get our last hurrah in yesterday. Sonya was suffering from beach withdrawal so we headed to the Warren Dunes in MI on Lake Michigan. It was a great mix of beach, huge sand dunes, lapping waves, grilling out, hiking, napping, swimming, and even DQ on the way home. Here's a few shots to share the day...



Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 13:5 The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.

Scripture of the Day: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Quote of the Day: Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability. ~Sam Keen

Legacy

We were in Quincy last week and had hoped to mow for mom and dad all day, but a storm kept us out of the yard until early evening. I grabbed the camera and took a little tour of my spiritual roots.

Here is the church I grew up at. My parents have attend First Southern Baptist Church for probably 50 years.
I attended here from the womb through high school. Mommy Muriel, Mr. Bill, Tiny, Bugs, (us punk junior boys had a lot of nicknames) Coach Ray Good, Pastor Robert Ross, Polly, Mary, and all the other faithful saints who walked Jesus out in front of me.

Big mega-churches get a lot of the spotlight, but for every one of those there are a 100 First Southerns faithfully lifting up Jesus. I was and am blessed.

Here is the first church I ever preached at. It was an independent Pentecostal church named Praise the Lord Chapel just outside of Quincy. I had just finished my sophomore year at Central Bible College and was going to Japan for the summer on a 2 month missions trip. One of my best friends growing up attended there and they invited me to preach and gave me an offering for the trip.

I still remember sitting in the parking lot going over my sermon notes early that morning. My prayer was, "God touch the lives of these people today. And PLEASE help me not to embarrass myself! PLEASE let me preach at least 15 minutes!"


Be Refreshed!

Proverbs of the Day: Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 11:39-40 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

Quote of the Day:

"Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day." Billy Graham

...and then the wind knocked out

Barely 24 hours after the conclusion of an awesome week of VBS I got the call. "Can we stop by and see you in your office tonight? It can't wait till tomorrow." (People usually don't want to stop by to tell you they love your ministry and just couldn't wait another day to tell you:) Unfortunately it would be one of those hard meetings. A great young couple in our church are moving to southwest Colorado for work. He was on the worship team, they were Uth leaders, she had taught VBS just that week, he'd sacrificed many hours this summer on our church remodeling, and on the list goes. But most importantly they loved God, were great friends, and part of the family was moving away.

An old school ministry method was to keep your distance. Don't get too close. I've never believed that, ministry is relational. Unfortunately it makes departures difficult. We're not losing a parishioner, a family unit, or a constituent, we'll be missing family.

What would your church say if you moved?


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Quote of the Day: "We Christians too often substitute prayer for playing the game. Prayer is good; but when used as a substitute for obedience, it is nothing but a blatant hypocrisy, a despicable Pharisaism...To your knees, man! and to your Bible! Decide at once! Don't hedge! Time flies! Cease your insults to God, quit consulting flesh and blood. Stop your lame, lying, and cowardly excuses. Enlist!" CT Studd

Up for Air

A family get together out of town last weekend and a full week of VBS this week have left me just trying to keep up. Finally I got a breath today, but really it's a quick turn around for tomorrow.

It's been a full great week, but let me start with family first. Last Sunday, July 27th, was the 55th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. My dad was in the Navy in the Korean War and here's his picture from the Korean War Memorial in Springfield, IL from our family get together last weekend.

Thanks dad for serving our country.

We stopped by Quincy on the way to the get together. We'd hoped to mow all day but the rain kept us in most of the down. We did get out in the mud to slide and mow a bit that evening. I'll be posting some more pictures next week.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 2:11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Quote of the Day: I could stay at VBS all day. Gigi