Tonight's blog for Tuesday, April 30, 2013

When reading one of the parables of Jesus, there is certainly a danger to be found by trying to define the details

too specifically. As Mark Moore, in our adult bible study videos taught us, we also have to be careful to discover only those details that could have been possible or available to the first readers or hearers. Our first examination of any text is to discover the A.I.M. , remember? The Author's Intended Meaning or, if it is a speech or a teaching, then we must discover what the Speaker really wanted to say to HIS listeners. The second examination of the text should be to compare the style of material or speaking with other material. The third examination of the text should be to allow context to highlight any specific teachings. How do we do that ? By comparing the parables that are linked together by the collector of the material, Dr. Luke, and by the speaker of the words. 

Luke 15, again tonight, draws me into the web of worshippers of Jesus, who see His wisdom, grace and gentleness. Please read the three parables again, and notice the flow of the action. Who moves? Who seeks? Who or what is lost? First of all, Who moves in each of these parables? The first parable is obvious, it is the lost lamb, right? Wait, there is movement by the "shepherd" who leaves the 99 in the open country. He goes, seeking the lost lamb. An amazing detail to me is that HE, the GOOD shepherd, breaks every rule of "good shepherding" and seeks the lost one. Doesn't HE know statistics? Doesn't HE understand playing the odds? Aren't you better off with 99 "birds" in the hand than one "in the bush" even if you are talking about sheep? Having read the "horrible" logic of John 3:16, GOD not only sent His Son, Jesus, He is proof today of the logic of seeking the Lost rather than hanging on to the "already owned". 

At first reading, Luke 15 ends with a much longer, and much more specific parable that seems to contradict the parable of the lost lamb. In this parable, the lost "lamb" is a prodigal son. He comes to his senses, and starts to practice his "I'm sorry" speech. The dad of this story doesn't pursue the son, doesn't cable him some money, or send a servant with cash. No, the hero of the parable of the two lost sons is waiting at home, where he can be near the "lost elder son" who will be completely tested by the return of his brother. I don't know if "Dad" was somewhere half way between the two lost sons, but I bet He could be found by both at any moment. When the younger, more obviously lost son started back, then and only then did Dad go running, and hugging, and forgiving. Amazing. 

Oh, by the way, as I finish my thoughts for the night, so I can watch the Detroit Tigers play baseball, I have called attention to some details of these three parables, but, remember there is only one Meaning, and here it is: "if you are lost, whether a pharisee or a tax collector or any other kind of Sinner, GOD loves you." Each parable adds some richness to that thought. Here is one more observation. Each parables ends with someone or something being found and with the very real "foundness" there is a party, a celebration. NO, you may not experience that party spirit every day, but we dare not forget how important it is heaven to see our walk with Christ as a celebration of life, of love, and of the joy in heaven when one of us slugs finally get found!  

GOD, bless us to so we can remember what it was like when we were lost, and so we can remember how much it cost you to find us! big marv 

Tonight's blog for Monday, April 29, 2013

If I were to put a title to this blog, tonight, it might be a variation on the old "Where's Waldo?" picture search for

children. We might call it "Where's Marv?" or you could substitute your name, "Where's _________?" Instead of a picture, I'd like to use a different medium for discussion purposes. "Where's ______?" in a parable by Jesus. We have been searching the parables of Jesus for hidden meaning, or for more modern interpretations since HE taught them. Most of the parables of Jesus were told to hide some of the meaning of His teaching from some while explaining the meaning to others at a later time. Some, like the 4 soils are explained by Jesus, so we know what HE meant. 

Which brings me to the application part, the searching part, the "looking for me" part, the Where's ______?" part. What I realize is that I have been reading the 50 or so parables by Jesus in the Bible, as though I were the star of each. Have you? In the parable of the sower, one has seed thrown on a hard path, one has seed choked by weeds, another has a "shallow root" that prevents growth. The hero of this parable is #4, the good soil, who produces 100 times as many seeds as the other three. Right? So, we have been been the "good soil" or at least have been compared to this part of the parable. So, if 100 have received Jesus because of your life and words, you may be the hero. Specially if each has become a seed producer as well, then you may be right. I can't help but wonder if Jesus wants us to see that all 4 parts have the same soil, the same seed, and the same sower. The difference is our interaction with the world, such as hard paths, or rocky soil or thorny problem. 

When you read that parable in Matthew 13, did you see the hero as the one who sows the seed, since we know the seed sown is the word of GOD. Most of us have seen the sower as the hero of the story, but I know folks who would have taken the time to prepare the soil better, a good "Troy-built" tiller would have turned hard paths into productive soil. Bending down and picking up the rocks would have given the seed a better chance at deep roots. Done with bare feet, hillbilly style will let you know immediately if there are any rocks to pick up. Again, turning into productive soil is a win-win situation for the seed, the sower, and the soil. Finally a hidden kneeler, bent down and using your "prayer knees" will help to get rid of weeds and thorns and thistles. Problem solved, right? So, who are you in this modern retelling of the 4 soils? NO one wants to be the rocks. NO one wants to be the Thorns. NO one wants to be the creator of "Hard-paths," the one who is the cause of hurt and hardness of heart in others.  

Tonight, I don't want to be the star in any of the parables… I started this blog tonight with the intention of retelling the three parables in Luke 15. We know why Jesus told these interrelated and connected parables. He was being attacked for loving sinners and tax collectors. In the parable of the sheep, I want to be the lost sheep who is found. In the one about ten coins, again, the one who is found is the star. In the story of the two lost sons, I want to be the prodigal, not the elder brother. No one should aspire to be the elder brother. No one should wish that they were the "mutterers" at the beginning of the chapter. "Where's the hero" in these three parables? To me, the one who searches for the lost and dirty lamb is Jesus, the clear hero of that parable. Could the woman who finds the lost coin … could she be his church, making sure we keep track of our own folks? If so, then she is the hero of that part. In the "Prodigal Son" part, the hero is clearly the dad. He waits, He watches, then, when and only when the son turns to repent and return to the family, He runs to meet and accept the son. If I weren't a Christian, I would become one after reading this one! GOD Bless you tonight, my dear brothers and sisters! big marv 

Tonight's blog for Sunday, April 28, 2013

For our tomorrow's class with the Co-op young gentlemen's class, I will introduce some questions. These aren't just discussion starters, like the old "serendipity" questions we have seen used in the past. Each question builds on the previous questions and helps to develop our lives more in the line of Jesus. I am sharing them with you tonight because I want to start with you. Here is the material I will share with the group tomorrow... what do you think? 

(Jesus grew in WISDOM)   (1) How can we know if we are growing in wisdom?  Assignment #1, Will you read Luke 2:39-52? Will you memorize Luke 2:52? Will you read the following 9 questions and prayerfully seek to grow in wisdom? Thanks! 

1) Have you been spending time with God on a regular basis?

2) Have you compromised your integrity in any way? 

3) Has your thought life been pure?

4) Did you accomplish your reading, memorizing or studying goals this week? Did you set any? 

5) What was your biggest disappointment? How did you decide to handle it?

6) What do you see as your number one need for next week?

7) Did you control your tongue? Did your tongue control you?

8) Did you pray and read God's Word this week? What did you gain from this time? 

9) What ways have you stepped out in faith since we last met?

If you wish to go deeper with me, I would be honored to share a few Scriptures that will help you to grow in wisdom. Ready to grow? THANKS!

What do you learn about wisdom in James 1:1-8 and James 3:13-18?

Since Proverbs has 31 chapters, and May has 31 days, you could try to read one chapter per day, and UNDERLINE the word wisdom each time you read it. How many times did you find the word? (Do you find 50 verses?

Anyway, I am honored to be a part of the group of young men, and to see them becoming more like Jesus at this stage in their lives. Will you also take this as a personal challenge?  

GOD Bless you tonight, my dear friends, we are so Honored to serve a GOD who gives wisdom to all who ask, to all who seek, so, let's be a "wisdom seeking" saints… Good night, you are being prayed for! big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 27, 2013 

Two obvious questions from our text for tomorrow are stuck in my head. As I write this blog, I am glad to "empty
out" those questions and know that they won't be answered by simple "yes or no" responses, but will be taking the rest of our time on the earth to learn and to live. What are the questions? Question # 1 is  "Why does John mention Brothers and Sisters who are Christians as those who can't get along?" Question #2 "Is loving even a possibility? Isn't conflict a part of every Church?" Great questions. The answer might surprise you. 

Today was a memorial day for a dear sister, who was one of the least "conflicted" Christians I know. She never had a harsh or a "toxic" word for anyone … to use a word from our recent small group material called "detox"! Maybe others remembered her differently, but in the short time that we were serving GOD together, there wasn't a sweeter, more supportive Christian in all the rest of my time serving Christ. 

Surely as we grow in Christ, we will all learn to get along, to be more and more able to learn to defer to the likes and dislikes of each other in Christ? Right? NO! The more my children grew in years, the more difficult the trips in the car got. The last spanking one of my children received may have been a "turf and elbow" issue on a trip. Remember those? "He is leaning on me" … "She is humming" … etc. Really what they were saying was this, "He crossed over into my 'turf' and "She is touching me with her elbow." Those became gigantic issues after 20 plus hours in a car that was too small, with a dad who prided himself on singing to every song on the radio, and on a mom who just wanted to be a peacemaker! 

In 1 John 2:3-17, we find a warning for Christians who think we should all be at an equal level of maturity and should somehow be able to have identical expressions of worship styles and needs. It can't happen! Frankly, we should see that it is o.k. to celebrate our differences. When we do, we learn to celebrate our conflict moments as well. Only in Christ can we find ways to see the best in each other. Only in Christ can we see the model for this sort of behavior, as a positive part of HIS work in our lives! Yes, I said celebrate conflict and difficulties because they prove that we are growing and becoming more like the Apostles, if not Jesus. 

Luke 22: 17-24 reveals that the LORD instituted the meal we call the "Last Supper" and discussed His Death. He told us to continue the meal, "in remembrance of Him", and then left the upper room, right? NO… there was a dispute over who was the greatest. After the meal. Amazing! These issues that Jesus brought up were "turf and elbow" issues too. I guess that I am seeing that there will never be times without some of those issues, moments of apparent conflict and disagreement. When I was a child, dad would say, "you kids, stop fighting back there." The biggest threat was, "Don't make me come back there." To which I would respond today, "Dad, I wish you were here to 'come on back.' " Maybe that is why we miss Jesus so much, and pray for HIM to come back? "Turf and Elbow" issues pale in comparison when we remember that they will end with another phrase that many of us want to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" 

Anyway, more on that later! God bless us and come back soon! We are suffering from the "Maranatha Homesick Blues." Come quickly, LORD.  big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 26, 

As we were saying last night, our goal for small groups was to be more purpose oriented, moving toward a

specific focus. We want to see everyone in healthy and  balanced groups, like we have learned from Jesus and His work with Peter and John and James and the other Apostles. I said "our goal was… " We really did want to have things start on time and finish better, with parts for fellowship, parts for prayer and parts for study. 

Tonight's group in Luna Pier didn't work out that way. Our leader is June. She does a good job of keeping us on focus, at least she tries. She was a few minutes late because of a train in the way, but that is ok since she beat me there. I am usually there plenty early with my friend, Tony. It was necessary for me to drive over alone. When I forgot the cookies, (honest I left them at home… ha) I stopped for Twizzlers and as I stood in line to pay, I became aware of the neatly dressed gentleman, I later found out that he was named John. He was being told to move out of the way. Not just to get out of the line since he appeared confused, but his newer car, with dealer plates, was incorrectly parked and blocking the entrance. As I was paying, the conversation was about the older gentleman. He hadn't been rude or anything, but didn't seem able to get directions to highway 94, and to a place no one had heard of before. 

I went out to find him sitting in the front seat, with out starting the car, so I opened his door and asked if he was ok. He said he was, but showed me a piece of paper with a name and address, but it wasn't clear enough to read. I introduced myself, said I am a Christian, and that I was very concerned about his confusion. He had a beautiful smile and clear eyes, but said that he needed to get on the interstate and had to find highway 94. We didn't argue, but I told John that as a Christian, I was worried that he would die if he tried to drive in his confused state. At that point our common faith made him feel safer. When I told him that I am a minister, he said that he is too, and has preached occasionally. I thought that this might be the way to help him, so I invited John to come to our small group for snacks (remember, our focus? Fellowship usually equals food, ha) When he refused, I prayed for him, gave him my phone number and told him, under no terms was he to try to drive to Detroit alone that night. Then I left for Bible Study, already a few minutes late, but with a new prayer focus and a different plan for our time. 

On the way, two blocks away, I passed a police officer and stopped him and told him about John and his story. I gave him as much information as I could, and then went on to our Luna Pier group. As we started "testing" the Twizzlers to see if they were ok, I shared the story, and we began our study with prayer. In no way do I want to make light of John's situation, but after we prayed for him, we had an excellent study and prayer time. Each person in the group is important, and plays a special role in making our time together valuable. We are blessed. 

When we finished, I hurried home to call John, who answered his phone in a restaurant in Luna Pier. His friends had come to help him, and he was very appreciative of our caring and praying group. I don't know what would have happened to John if I hadn't forgotten the cookies, (honest, I forgot them!) or if I had been a few minutes late or early. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't tapped on his window and introduced myself. John felt safe to talk to me, and to give me his phone number and to allow me to warn him to change his plans! He is being prayed for tonight by our small group. I am telling you tonight about John so you can pray for this man, our Christian brother, who needed a bit of care and love tonight. 

Anyway, in the past, I have said that I don't believe in coincidences, but I do believe in loving and helping those who are hurt, or confused, or lonely or afraid. Our group started late, without the cookies that were planned to share, and we spent twenty minutes of our time on a topic, caring for John, and in praying for John. All in all, isn't that what we are supposed to be doing? GOD bless you tonight, my dear friends… big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 25, 2013

Tonight, will you think about this quote,  "A student learns what his teacher knows, but a disciple becomes what

his Master is. We are doing what our Master commands when we become disciples. We are following His example when we help others to become disciples." Not every one wants to be a disciple. Not all of us are willing to accept the challenge to live and breath and love like Jesus. That is what a disciple becomes. Every function of the church is to give way to this singular command by Jesus, "Go and make disciples… " How are we doing? Are we making any progress? Have we chosen to love, to learn, to do and to decide in ways that will honor Christ? 

I am thinking about our small groups. We have already quoted someone else that there are actually 4 options for groups, to be a (1) love group, with the emphasis on fellowship and caring, (2) a learn group, with the emphasis on studying and sharing of information, (3) or we could be "do" groups, where you meet with tools or food to share or something to do to help someone else,  or finally, (4) many want to be "deciders" and opt to make each group a combination of (1) or (2) or (3) with a strong emphasis on deciding for others or for ourselves how to love or what others need to learn or who to help. In the past, most of the activities in most of our churches were focusing on every one and every group being group (4), the deciders. Folks in those groups were, by definition, committees and not ministry teams or healthy small groups. 

Over the last two years here in Monroe, and for several years before we came, I had been trying to figure out how we can attempt to structure the church activities into healthy small groups. One concept I have read about was to insist on involvement in these kinds of groups prior to moving into a more committed relationship, such as membership or even to attend any group that is a (4) decide group. Part of my problem, frankly, as a leader is that I have found it difficult, if not impossible, to insist for others in areas that Jesus didn't expressly command. I have always felt that if HE says to do something, then as a worshiper and a follower of HIS, my obedience is a given, and my best act of worship is to do what ever HE asks, or commands, or shows me how to do. 

These groups, we could call them "D" groups for "discipling" groups should start with a combination of purposes, rather than strictly demanding to have one purpose. One goal could be to make ever "D"group into a "do" group first! Rather that starting as a student who receives facts, or studies books, we should do something in this area first. If our goal is to be a group that loves, we surely could do an act of love first. 

I got excited about this when I thought of our GOD, seeing to change the world. How would HE do that? What kind of groups would HE How one small group can change the world, one family at a time? My answer would be, "much better than to set as our goal to convert the whole world, or all people at one time. I am not sure that real change could happen that way. 

Let's take the best verse that I can think about, John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." If you wanted to change the world, how would you do it? Like GOD did? 

One Savior, JESUS 

One GOD, and Father of all people for all time in all places

One group at a time, the Church who is also HIS bride

One plan, invade the world, with Jesus as the ONE who willingly came to start the process of changing the world by His life, his will and his goodness. 

He started with one small group of 12, spent 3 years with them. Then He left them to do what HE could't do, reach out to everyone. Right? No. That one small group grew to become 120 and and then 3000 and then they changed the world, it is true. But that group of disciples, we call the Apostles, wasn't the first group!  

The first group was even smaller! It consisted of Jesus and Joseph and Mary. It began with a family . You know, the more I think about the church, the more I realize that we should see that first small group as the model for all that we do. Healthy, loving churches function best when we love, and learn, and do, and decide, like healthy, loving families. That goal isn't something you can insist on, but you can always keep this as our goal. Every activity of the local church would certainly profit if we did. Every family would function much more effectively as well! God bless you to night! Remember that Jesus loves you just like a husband should love his wife, and has already shown us hubbies how to do that… 

more later, big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 24, 2013

Tonight is a good time to remind you about the events of the weekend that starts in just a few hours. Since

Wednesday is the middle of the week, each moment after midnight is moving us forward to our weekend. Most people in most jobs see weekend from the perspective of T.G.I.F. (Thank GOD It's Friday). Us church folks share that since each Sunday is a chance to get together with people we love. Most of the days leading up to weekend are filled with activities, prayers, and anticipation so we can receive the best reward for our time. This weekend is special for us at MCC because we are filling our schedules, offering our prayers and anticipating a real blessing from our time together for worship and study and fellowship.

This weekend will be sweeter because we will officially say "Thank You, GOD" for the life of our dear sister, Diane Brown. What an impact she had on our fellowship, with her presence radiating love and acceptance. I am glad she was willing to love through her pain. She shared the light of Jesus with every person who  came in to worship. It is so fitting for us to remember her at this time because we really do live in dark times. You might have a hard time finding someone who you could say was always filled to overflowing with love and you, but Diane was. You might find it hard to find someone who was so willing to show her light to others, but she did this as well. 

We recently started our study through 1 John. The simple love of John's letter is never more apparent than when he reminds us in 1 John 2:9 that, "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the

darkness. " Most of us don't even want to admit it, but that darkness of hate can creep into the most loving
people, even in the lives of those of us who are intentionally living our lives for Christ!  If we allow the darkness to grow, unchecked, it can slowly start to cause the hate to win. Stop for a moment with me, please check your heart! Is there any darkness of hate there? Get rid if it! Pray this prayer with me, "Never so with your saints, LORD!"

What test can we use to see if we are walking in the Light? If you stand up right now, and take a few steps, there is an easy test. What is the test? Close your eyes. Take a few steps. Oh, I didn't mean physical steps. We start with our choices. Our choices then can permeate our thoughts. Finally, our thoughts can lead to actions! John meant for us to walk in the light, with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That is how John 2: 10 defines this life, "Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble." When we have made good choices, and have opened our thoughts to the light of Christ, then we can walk together. That walk is strong, and bold and loving. 

Remember how this study of 1 John started? We all are weighed down by heavy backpacks, of sin, of fear, of aloneness. Tonight I am praying for you that you won't have to add a "brick" to your backpack of the darkness of hate. Will you let the light of Jesus come in tonight and give HIM a chance to shine through your life? I am and I will… GOD Bless your Saints! big marv 

 

Tonight's blog for April 23, 2013

Yesterday was a very interesting day for me. I loved sharing a blog from Marge's dear niece, Amy. She blessed me, and others said the same. Thanks, Amy. Another reason yesterday was interesting, since it was April 22, is that made it was another birthday for my sis Myla. She is 15! Isn't that amazing? Finally, yesterday was the first day for a class we are sharing with our Home School Co-op. The title for the class is fluid, (something about growing as Christians men) but it is me with a couple of my dear friends, Tony and Chuck. We were invited to share the lunch hour with some of the finest young men I have met in a long time! While we were meeting, there was a "ladies" group, of young women in the church office with my friend Kara. It was very well done and a valuable tool. 

There is a very logical thread that runs through each of these areas. First, the table Amy is selling to move to Missouri, was the "home base" for her homeschool, with her own children. Amy learned purity and love for our LORD from her family, and is now passing on those qualities to her beautiful family. (Remember, you can see more about Amy at http://amystorms.com ) 

Next, the class I am teaching at the Co-op is about becoming men and women who honor Christ with growth and purity. Kara gave me a 4 page survey about modesty, to share with my group of men. I made copies and shared it our Tuesday morning group of  men, slightly older than the Monday group, but certainly up for the challenge. We had a few laughs as we tried to answer some of the questions, since our group on Tuesday ranges from an very youthful 85 year old, to the baby of our group, in his 50's! We had to answer questions like "what is a Tankini" (2 piece suit covering the stomach), "is it immodest", and "what constitutes a "stumbling block". There are others, but I am proud of Kara and our Co-op for caring about these nuances of modesty, and clothing, and how to remain pure before our LORD. 

Finally, as I said, the last thread running through my interesting day, April 22, was my sis. She will always be 15 to me, because that makes me 18! That year I got to drive her around, flirt with her friends, generally making a pest of myself. Because I had a car, and wasn't afraid of looking silly, Myla was willing to "put up with me" and I am glad she did. And speaking of modesty, I was thinking about the times we laughed until we cried, whether from singing too loud to silly songs, like "Going to Surf City" or dancing around acting foolish. I loved it, but wasn't always too sure if it was modest or appropriate. Myla has convinced me that it is ok, and that I am forgiven! For me, a real key is that Myla and I have both grown in our love our LORD. I have her to thank for always seeing me in the best of ways, even when I didn't deserve it. 

By the way, one question was for me, specially! This question was on the Modesty survey, honest! "Overalls are modest as long as a modest shirt is worn underneath!" AMEN to that! GOD Bless you tonight, my dear friends… big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 22, 2013

Marge has a niece, named Amy. She is a wife. She is a mom. She is an adult. Those are, frankly hard for me to assimilate, since I've known her as a child. She is a great writer. That part is why I am sharing her thoughts with you.. Amy and her family have faithfully and graciously served our LORD, and are in the process of moving. Many can relate to the joy that she has as a parent. And many know that moving can be a great but scary time for moms and for dads and for kids. You will see and feel these emotions from what follows! 

Amy Storms - The Table 

 

The Table

Posted: 21 Apr 2013 07:24 PM PDT ( at http://amystorms.com )

“Heavy solid wood dining table, painted black,” I posted on a local for-sale website. We’re selling several items before our move.

“Seats six with two leaves. In good condition, but top has several marks and scratches, and needs to be repainted.”

I read over my description as I contemplated an asking price. I knew those “marks and scratches” lowered the dollar amount, but I felt I should defend them.

“The red paint drips are from Anne’s birthday party two years ago,” I wanted to add. “We painted mugs, and made a huge mess, and had a great time.”

“That bumpy patch where the paint isn’t shiny happened when the girls spilled nail polish remover. I wish I would’ve cared more about their feelings than about the spill.”

“The scratches around the edges are thanks to Belle the basset hound. Her claws scratch it every time she jumps up to steal our food.”

“I made that big mark at the end when Andy was in Uganda. My laptop wasn’t working, so I lugged my heavy old desktop computer in from the garage so I could still chat with him online. I pushed the monitor onto the tabletop, and scratched it in the process–and every time I see it, I remember Africa.

But even all that still won’t explain this table. The hours and hours of homeschool lessons I taught there. The countless rounds of Clue and Monopoly, and of course, meals! We don’t eat fancy, but we do eat together, and dinners there have shaped my kids and solidified our family and filled my heart with treasured memories.

The “heavy solid wood dining table, painted black” is also my place for meeting with God. I go there in the mornings to talk with Him in His word and sip hot tea out of my favorite cup–the green and yellow one with a chip on one side. Apparently I like things with marks and scratches. I often sit there to write, too, because the table gives ample space for spreading out books and binders and yellow legal pads.

Last summer, when my friends gathered around the table for Bible study, one of them complimented, “I love your rustic table!” Until that moment, I didn’t realize just how rustic it had become. It isn’t smooth and shiny anymore, and it won’t bring nearly the money that it once did.

Finally, I settled on a fair dollar amount and posted my ad. Today, a beautiful young couple came over to check it out. They’re engaged–getting married in two weeks, and buying furniture for their new home. I loved them both immediately, and knew they were just right for my table. The bride and her fiance whispered shyly for a moment, and I heard her say, “My mom can help me fix it.” It was all I could do to not cry in front of them–tears of joy for what has been, and tears of joy for what will be.

They loaded the table in the back of their truck and drove away. Maybe tonight they’re sanding off the bumpy patch where the girls spilled nail polish remover. Maybe tomorrow they’ll repaint it, and it will be smooth and shiny once more. And they’ll sit around it, and play Clue and Monopoly, and eat not-fancy dinners, and slowly the table will shape their family, too.

Over time, they’ll make their own marks and scratches in the heavy solid wood dining table, but that’s okay. The marks and scratches make it even more valuable." 

God bless you, my dear friends, scratches, chips and all, you are loved and cared for by our LORD!  big marv

 (shared with permission) You can see more about Amy at her blog: http://amystorms.com ) 

Tonight's Blog for April 21, 2013

Worship today at MCC was a rich and blessed experience for me. Gary Hawes from His House Christian

Fellowship ( https://hhcf.org ) spoke about college students. Because of his experience and faithful service, Gary was able to show us the differences in students today and when he started. He was very careful to remind us that the students might change, and times might be tough, but we still serve the same LORD. Thank you, Gary for your encouraging words! Our you can reach Gary by email at garyh@hhcf.org if you wish to share an encouraging word, or ask a question. 

I was glad to have Gary share with us one of the toughest passages from Acts. Two church members died in the worship time because they tried to lie to the Holy Spirit. They lied about the money they brought to give to the apostles, but it really wasn't about the amount of the money or the percentage. As one of our ladies said, it was about the intent. They had committed more sins than just the lie. The number of sins and the seriousness of each is another topic. Earlier, in the Gospels, Jesus seems to say that the sins involving the Holy Spirit are especially bad, even unforgivable, as in Mark 3:20-29. This sin is called the "blaspheme against the Holy Spirit." What do you think? 

As I see it, this continues our discussion of last night. Most of these issues are about our faith, weak or strong faith, the objects of faith we hold dear, and whether or not we worship anything or anyone but JESUS. We were talking about folks who say they are believers in Jesus, but who are wavering in their faith. Some might substitute Judaism, others might go after new ways to approach GOD, while minimizing or even abandoning Jesus. Many of us love the traditions, the ways that things have been done in the past, or even the memories that might not even be accurate. Because they are our memories, we forget that we might not be remembering facts but our mere perceptions of those events. It really is a short step, not even a leap, to worshiping the past in those situations. 

Tonight I want to remind you that our goal in worship has always been and will continue to be about HIM…. Jesus, HE is the only way and we will seek Him. GOD Bless you tonight, my dear ones… big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 20, 2013

F. F. E. I know it is silly, but I want to teach you three words, that correspond to these letters… Flat Forehead

Experience… If you have been around me very much, you know that I have, on occasion, suffered from "hoof and mouth" disease, and have, on occasion inserted my foot in my mouth by saying things or by assuming things that need correcting! One remedy for "hoof and mouth" disease is to perform an F. F. E., if necessary, even on myself! So, picture me, open palm going to my forehead, then smacking myself to get my attention. That is what those letters mean to me. 

Tonight, I am able to continue a discussion that was in my blog from two nights ago, for April 18. The discussion was about faith, and is it "possible" to be pleasing to GOD if I love people but don't know HIM. I was evasive because I needed help. I need someone to give me a F. F. E. ! So I gave myself one, and am so glad I get to share this with you tonight. Thankfully, the lady who asked the initial question and many others are good enough friends to help me occasionally! 

My mistake, not the first and not the last, I am sure, was in assuming that the verse we were discussing, Hebrews 11:6, " And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." The faith that is being discussed is not about knowing Jesus, or saving faith or belief in Jesus or even whether someone is going to heaven or not. There is an answer for the question that started two nights ago. It has to do with our A.I.M. 

From our small group Bible studies, we are familiar with three other letters, A. I. M. which stands for Author's Intended Meaning. We also know that there is only One Intended Meaning. The book of Hebrews was written to folks who were already believers, but who suffered doubt in some aspects of their faith. They were intent on turning back to the old system of faith. They were in danger of forsaking Jesus and His faith for inferior substitutes. Regardless of the substitute, going back to judaism or into some new age religious experience, or worshiping angels, or just giving up…. each is just a substitute! The author of the book of Hebrews was very clear about the purpose of the book, as we discover in the first few verses of the book! 

"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." Hebrews 1:1-4

Believers who don't believe? Is it even possible? Yes, much of the New Testament is written to challenge us to grow, and to add to our faith! We should never forget, even demons believe, but has no hope. (James 2: 19 says as much!)  Hebrews was written to keep us Christians from despair, from giving up. Hebrews 11:6 finishes with two parts that must walk hand in hand: "must believe (1) that he exists and (2) that he rewards those who earnestly seek him!" Demons believe that GOD exists but exist in fear and dread. Joy- filled and hope-filled Christians believe the GOD exists, AND that HE rewards us if we are seeking HIM! Dear ones, that is what my friend taught me from this passage! Thanks and GOD, Bless us all, tonight.. big marv 

Tonight's Blog for April 19,2013

The topics we are allowed to deal with in my blog are tough. I have struggled with the power and the love of GOD

as HE decides who will and who won't have confidence of a favorable place to spend eternity. The people I respect the most are folks who also struggle with those issues. It isn't as simple as we have made it in the past. We sometimes have tried to nail down all of our hope in acts of obedience to outward rites or the words of people who confidently "bless us" with a last minute promise that we are prepared for eternity. 

Not that I have anything new to offer on the topic, but I have had to re-visit my preconceived ideas because of the precious folks I have allowed to be influence my thoughts. One such person is Jodi. She married a very good man who loves her and who knows that she is a princess. Because she is loved by her dad, her husband and especially because she is loved by her LORD, Jodi is able to express her growing understanding of love. She does it in ways that show how she is has changed and grown. She is my teacher and I am her student. To understand love, you have to see people with different eyes. Jodi wrote about her time in Japan. She helps me to see people like Jesus does! 

"Love" by Jodi

"I remember when I came to Japan for the first time, a few of my less culturally-sensitive friends (you know who you are!) said to me, "How can you tell Japanese people apart?  Don't they all look the same?" Although I'm horrified to admit it, I have to be honest and say that I can recall contemplating this difficulty a few times in the beginning when I tried to keep track of so many new acquaintances who had similar hair, wore similar clothes, and had names like Yuki, Yuko, Yuka, Yoko, Yumi and Yuma.

Then I remember a time when I first began to see people more deeply and distinguish their facial characteristics.  I would surprise myself with the notions that would pop into my head while I was walking down the street and looking at the faces around me. I would actually say to myself, "That man looks exactly like Nicholas Cage," or "Wow!  He reminds me of my Uncle Marty."

It happened to me today as I was waiting for the train.  A little boy stood next to me, his toes on the yellow safety line, fidgeting with excitement and chattering to his dad.  Like so many little boys in Japan, he was a train lover.  As the limited express train approached and passed us by, he was in rapture, smiling with his whole body and looking back at his dad to share the joy with him.  

And then I loved him.  I loved the little boy at that moment with my whole heart.  I looked at his dad, who was watching him so carefully to make sure he stayed behind the safety line, and I could feel how much love he had for his son and I loved him, too.  I wanted to hug them.  (Luckily, I managed to control that impulse.)  I wanted to say the thing they most needed to hear at that moment just to make them happy.  I felt like I would've donated one of my kidneys for them if they needed it.  I felt like I could even jump in front of the limited express train if, for some reason, it would save them."

That was JoJo writing. Tonight as I write, I am so glad for the privilege I have had of being a husband and a dad. Since I am, I have saved all those little notes and letters and instant messages and other treasures. Thanks for letting me share them tonight. 

Don't you just love to see the world through the eyes of a person who is thoroughly and completely loved? She is able to see the world through the eyes of Jesus, to know that HE would have given a kidney for her or for me or her sweet hubby, if we asked. What boldness we can have! GOD Bless your saints tonight! big marv 

Tonight's Blog for April 18, 2013

One of my dear friends has a way of asking me good, tough questions. She emailed me a simple question that

started me thinking about some much deeper issues. This is her question: 

"I have a theological question for you. I have a kid's Christian song stuck in my head. It goes: Without faith it's impossible, it's what? It's impossible, it's what? It's impossible to please God...(I forget the next part) and He rewards those who seek him.

So where in the Bible does it talk about it being impossible to please God without faith? " 

Dear readers, you might know that this quote comes from Hebrews 11:1 and 6… the beginning of the "faith chapter". "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see  …  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Upon hearing the full verse, my friend asked me a tougher question, "Does this also mean that if someone does something to help humanity but does not know God, that God is not pleased--that he doesn't care?" My answer back was a little more evasive than I wanted it to be, as I wrote back, "Hi, love counts & to love people is to love like GOD, moving us toward HIM. If you google the poem "Abou Ben Adhem" you will find a poem that has something to say about the answer. 

So, anyway here is the poem. It certainly had a serious impact on me at a formative time in my life. I "had" to memorize in the 6th grade. Parts of this poem have stuck with me and help to formulate my ideas about people. 

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

And saw, within the moonlight in his room,

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

An angel writing in a book of gold:—

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the Presence in the room he said

"What writest thou?"—The vision raised its head,

And with a look made of all sweet accord,

Answered "The names of those who love the Lord."

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"

Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,

But cheerly still, and said "I pray thee, then,

Write me as one that loves his fellow men."

The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night

It came again with a great wakening light,

And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,

And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

So, in the interest of being absolutely "un-evasive" if that is a word, ha… We can't love GOD without loving people, because Jesus seems to make a lot about our loving others (in HIS name) by giving water, clothes, grace or forgiveness. Conversely, we can't love people without showing some love for GOD. Is that enough? Should we seek to find other ways to love GOD and to love people? My thoughts for anyone reading these words, "make sure that you love GOD and that HE loves you. Every other question will be changed by our love for HIM. GOD Bless you, dear saints. big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 16, 2013

Most of us are willing to do more than we are for Jesus. We often don't do more because we haven't been asked.

Other times, we have mixed signals because we really don't feel that we have been equipped to succeed at this life that we have chosen to live. One man said it like this to me once, "People won't give unless you ask. People won't do more if you don't let them. People won't help if you don't give them a chance' " He was right, but fell a little short. It isn't a formula, but a relationship.  People want to feel needed, loved and accepted. This truth came to me the other day as I was listening to some music. The lyrics were so powerful that I had to share them with you. 

The song was "More Like falling in Love" by Jason Gray. He sings it like this... 

"I need more than a truth to believe … 

I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes … 

To sweep me off my feet, it's gotta be

More like falling in love than something to believe in

More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, oh

It's like I'm falling in love" 

I love the words to this song and find joy when he sings. Jason has been a youth minister, hails from Minnesota,

and has had to deal with difficulties that might have stopped him from serving Jesus. He has suffered from a speech disorder. His first major label record was called "All the Lovely Losers."  I didn't know these facts until I had heard his song about falling in love with Jesus. I will listen to him more now. 

We agree with him more than we might realize. Perhaps, all of us are lovely, at least to someone. Perhaps, all of us have been losers, at least in the eyes of someone. Perhaps, all of us have tried to keep the rules or to expect others to keep our rules. Bottom line, tonight, we really want to be in love, don't we? We want to know that we are loved, don't we? It never has been about rules or regulations or rituals. Once you realize that Jesus loves you so much that He would die for you, then you can start living for him. After all, isn't that the essence of the Gospel? He did die for you, out of love for you and for me… Amazing

GOD Bless your saints tonight! big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 15, 2013

At first, I had in my mind to mention that this is tax day. Then there was a double bomb event in Boston that

seemed to want to bully itself into my consciousness. There are a few aspects of the bombing that are trying to force their way into my thoughts. One is that there evidently were two bombs that didn't go off. There are folks who died, but that total could have been far greater. Tell that to the ones who did die, and to the dozens who were injured, and to the millions who go to bed tonight with a sigh of sadness over the violence of people.

On a personal basis, I am realizing that my reaction is one aspect of this event that I can do something about. I am angry at the violence of the world that we live in. I am angry at those on all sides of the political spectrum who have decided that their opinions are the only ones that matter. I am angry that tonight I want to write about this, rather than to focus for a few moments on some praises.

So… I am not going to let my anger win. Isn't that a part of this that we can control? I praise GOD for His ability to protect and to bless us in spite of the violence of others. It might be instructive for us to remember that GOD isn't the cause of violence, HE is love. The first human blood shed in the Bible was from Abel, killed by a sneak attack from his own brother, cain, chiefly because of religious reasons. Later in Genesis, GOD was sorry about the violence of the humans He had created, loved and allowed to live. The flood was God saying, "I am fed up with the violence and the evil that is permeating the minds and hands of people." Guess what? You don't have to be a prophet to know that HE isn't any happier about this violence, and evil mindedness today than HE was then.

Today, the Homeschool kids, our Co-op at MCC, heard about the burden of a backpack for a student that is too heavy, too fully loaded for any eventuality. Not just with books, iPads, and other resources. Now our backpacks

are loaded down with other burdens. We have created a whole generation of kids who are filled with fear, with anger, with isolation and doubt. My goal tonight was to "lighten up" a bit, to remind you that for every person who would wound an innocent child, there are hundreds, thousands or more who would rather be wounded than to wound anyone else… right? Especially a child! What a time to be alive. Tonight, will you pray for those who are forgetting that GOD is love and GOD is light, and one or two or dozens of bombs will never, never take from us the joy of our salvation. Do you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed by anger? Is the weight unbearable? Imagine for a moment that you are Jesus, and that you left the world after accomplishing your task. Death on the cross, burial, resurrection… all historical and theological facts for us as believers. All the violence that could be thrown at HIM was! And yet, we are reminded, that " … God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

Dear ones, don't let current events or current evils steal your peace of mind tonight! Jesus loves you, and HE is the only one who can make any sense of any of this. GOD Bless us tonight… big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 14, 2013

Last night's blog ended with a discussion of light. From 1 John, we learn that "GOD is light". Today, we also

discussed the grammar of the sentence, that in the past folks have changed the word order to say that, "light is GOD." Some have turned the sentence, "GOD is love" around to say that "love is GOD." Please know that this really isn't just a silly way to play with words, but a foundational principle of the universe. You see, we believe that "GOD IS." That is our faith, that is our way of seeing the universe. 

"GOD IS" and since HE is the great I AM of Exodus, we can add any number of words to the sentence and come up with some of HIS attributes. GOD IS … good. GOD IS … lovely. GOD IS … the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. GOD IS … beautiful. GOD IS … fearful and holy. GOD IS … a consuming fire. While all these are true, our understanding of each word or phrase depends on how we see our GOD, our GOD who IS. We can know GOD better because HE has spoken to us today, one last time, through HIS Son, Jesus. Jesus, who also IS, and who was and who is to come! We even hear hints of this verb in a description of Jesus in Hebrews, "Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow! 

It might help you to see how this is shown in three words, faith, hope, and love. Faith is fact based, in that we have faith because of past performances, or our knowledge. Faith is head based and depends on our willingness to accept, mentally, that our world is orderly. Faith is assurance because of our observations. 

The second word is hope. Hope is future based. We have hope in what we can't see, but trust and believe in the good of the ONE who made us. I love being around people who hope. Never, never, never say anyone or anything is hopeless, or won't work, or is useless! GOD is able to prove you wrong!

The third word is love. Love is heart based. It stems our emotions. True love, agape' love inspires us to try great feats of activity or energy, even in the face of impossibility. "GOD is light, GOD is love, GOD is…" Do you see

how this all fits together? When we have a balance in our lives between these three wonderful words, we are well on the way to living a life in Jesus that He chose to live for us.  That is why we haven't chose to play church, or to worship politics, or to trust systems. GOD is light, and in Him is no darkness. Jesus is the light of the world. He said, about us, "You are the light of the world. …. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

GOD is light, Jesus is the light of the world, we are to shine HIS light so that GOD gets the glory. I am so blessed to be around light- givers and love- sharers and hope- providers. How is your light shining? GOD bless your saints tonight! big marv 

Tonight's blog for April 13, 2013

Hi boys and girls! I am glad to have a few moments tonight to pray for you. I want to remind you that GOD loves you and wants to free you up from the things that add a "burden to your backpack," that weigh you down! Whether it is sin, or fear, or expectations by others, or any of a hundred other problems you might have, our LORD, Jesus, is the one who can help you, tonight and each day. 

It might help if you learn a new word with me. The word is "immiscible", and it is a chemistry word, that us used about liquids. Most liquids are "miscible" or mixable. This means that if you pour two liquids together, such as coffee and water, they mix and you can't tell them apart, after they are thoroughly shaken! "Immiscible" liquids, no matter how much you shake or mix them, will separate after the agitation stops. So, oil will remain oil, and water

will remain water, after all. 

If you apply this word to our spiritual lives, the things of GOD can not mix with the things that are evil. Once you understand this, and accept this, you become free from the burden that comes from trying to mix in with the world. "We are in the world, but not of the world", that is how Jesus explained this phenomena to His disciples. 

I am praying tonight to the ONE who can make sense of this. You see, most of us still struggle with our sin nature, and have failed in areas of purity or holiness, to use a biblical word. One great reminder from Hebrews 10:14 is that by one sacrifice, GOD has already made us perfect, and is in the process of making us holy. Are you perfect yet? Yes, you are perfect and complete, by HIS blood and through HIS grace! Holiness is a process. GOD is the one who is separating out the unholy parts, and that process corresponds to a spiritual separation much like oil and water separating after the stirring up ends. 

Does that make sense? Is it easy? No to both of those questions, but GOD loves you and has given the solution. We add the "burden to our backpacks" by trying to keep score, or compare ourselves with others. We add additional burdens when we compare us with us, at other times or places in our lives. I want to finish with an admonition: "lighten up!" As we have been saying, this word, light, has a double meaning for us Christians. First, it means to take the burden away, to walk lighter. A second meaning is light, as opposed to darkness. I want to add a third meaning to light, "lighten up" means to stop taking yourself so seriously! Develop joy and humor about your circumstances! GOD is lIght, and HE can lighten your load, if you will "lighten up" and allow it! GOD Bless you tonight, my dear ones. big marv 

Tonight's blog, for April 12, 2013

LORD, tonight i want to praise YOU for your folks. LORD, i know you love us, and we love YOU as well. One of

the best parts of this blogging experience, for me at least, is to know that i can talk to the creator of the universe, as a loving father and not as a reigning king or, even worse, as a despotic dictator. Father, i love that Jesus called you "ABBA" which i think means "dada" and not some four syllable word with out meaning. Father, you know that we are your children, babies even. This speaks volumes to me about the relationship we can have with YOU, LORD. 

LORD, we have been so blessed by the people who have crossed our path. Whether it is the small group that meets at Luna Pier, or the small group in Tom's house, or at Panera Bread, or in the office at MCC. The geography never did count with YOU, but the heart of your people and the willingness to obey does definitely count! Today has been a day of prayer, of reading, of helping with small groups, and as i finish this evening, I pray for your folks to see that YOU, LORD, ABBA already know what we need, and have already sent angels to help us or to protect us or to bless us. Whether it is a friend with a grand baby coming into the world soon, or a small group wrestling with which passage we should study, or a one of our young men sharing a poem on Facebook., LORD, YOU are LORD of the small details, and LORD of insignificant folks like us. 

LORD, we have been praying for Benjamin for quite a while. He is away from home but has retained his humor in difficult circumstances. Here is his poem. BLESS him tonight LORD!

A poem by Benjamin - harassed by wild chickens in his modest abode… 

"Oh chickens,

How do I hate thee, let me count the ways,

I hate thy blank stare, your dull empty gaze,

Small souless demon, your eyes all a'glaze,

A ruse just to keep, suspicion at bay,

I hate thee in morn' , you cry before sun,

Reminding me that, all dreaming is done,

Yet once not enough, you scream out for fun,

O you fowl so foul, from hell thou hast come,

I hate how my home, you try to besiege,

Walls of my safety, you so often breech,

For no reason but, to torment and tease,

Leaving behind you, havoc and feces,

For words to tell of my hate I'm at loss,

Your true value lies in barbeque sauce."

LORD, from my perspective, i wish all our problems were "wild chickens" and all your answers were "Barbecue Sauce"! WE love you for caring for your children so well, LORD!  

big marv