Tonight's Blog for May 31, 2013

Tonight is the last time I will ever get to blog for the month of May, in 2013, in Monroe, where I live. Several lines

of thought are running through my mind as I sit down to share a few thoughts before I watch the Tigers, and visit with Marge while we finish up a few details for the weekend. It has been several days since I have been able to sit down and do this, not an apology, just an explanation. (Remember, we don't "do" guilt!) Since my last blog, I have been to Tulsa, to visit friends in Illinois, and to an emergency room right here in Monroe., not necessarily in that order!

With the injury to my shoulder, our plans to visit Marge's family were nearly side-tracked, but GOD is good, and the trip was successful and rewarding. (How many husbands can say that about a visit to the "mother-in-law"?) What a great visit with Marge's Mom, Rose, and to see her sister and brother-in-law, Dave and Rose Ann. Thirty-eight years ago tomorrow, Dave did our wedding, and I said a swear word, "I DO." Daily, I thank GOD for Marge. I am so blessed by Marge's family, too. 

It may sound weird to say it, but tonight I had planned to share with you about Korah's rebellion, and his ancestors, from Numbers 16. Why weird, you may ask? Because they were the exact opposite of Marge's blessed family! Korah was a prideful Levite, jealous of his cousins, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. By his actions and attitude of  rebellion, he brought on his family disgrace and pain and death. That should have been the end of their story in the Bible, but it isn't. Remarkably, Korah had descendants who didn't rebel, who remained faithful, and who were valuable workers for God in the temple for 200+ years. Every time they heard their name, they must have felt the curse, the scorn, the bitterness that was their family heritage. They even wrote for us a part of the book of Psalms. One part of their Psalm, 42 and 43 is very familiar, "As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, my God." One less familiar but powerful part is repeated 3 times. I didn't understand why GOD allowed it in the Bible until I realized what they were depressed about! Here is the part that is repeated three times, 

"Why are you cast down, O my soul,

and why are you in turmoil within me?

Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

my salvation and my God." 

Here is the deal. If you feel depressed, or bitter, or misunderstood, welcome aboard! Every family has their "black sheep", dark moments, and depressing details. Whether it is your rebellion or sin or the sins of your ancestors, each of us has a burden on our backs. Marge and her family gave it to Jesus years ago. No, life isn't always easy. Yes, there are days when you could feel overwhelmed. When you have those days, read Psalms 42 and 43 and thank GOD you aren't one of the sons or daughters of Korah! Remember this, the problems of one generation do not have to visit the next! Our Savior, Jesus has paid for all that was and is and will be weighing you down! 

God bless you tonight! big marv 

Tonight's blog for May 20, 2013

As I hear more and more of the devastation of the tornado in Oklahoma, my emotions are raw, and my "remember-er" is active. I am thinking about Joplin, about the changes I saw last year as I visited the neighborhoods where Marge and I started ministry as students. We preached in the old OBC campus, and started serving GOD even before we were married. We went to nursing homes for services on Saturday evenings (cheap date and I got to preach!) Marge spent part of her childhood in small towns in Oklahoma and has some precious family members and friends in the area. Tonight, deadly tornados and destroyed lives seem to be winning once again. What can we learn about these "Acts of GOD?"

"GOD, please …"  I started to do what I had been promising not to do, and that is to be your boss, LORD. I know these things aren't being casually observed by YOU. We are the ones with the problem, LORD. We are the ones who allow insurance companies to call these catastrophes "Acts of GOD." They think that will let them off the hook, but I think the opposite is true. Are we the ones who are guilty? Are we the ones who are to blame? Maybe, LORD, you are allowing weather, and national debt, and family disintegration to flourish during these times of faithlessness. Maybe YOU are waiting for us to return to YOU with passion and with true hearts of worship? Anyway, that is how I feel! How can I explain this feeling?

Recently, in reading through the 2 Kings 17:24-26, I was confronted by a teaching that seemed to be too hard to accept. It seems that YOU, LORD allow, even to use lions to kill folks from Israel, who returned from captivity to be killed. They became some of the first group later called “Samaritans.” Why were they being killed? Because they were trying to merge true and false religious activities, learned in captivity. God, we believe that YOU are the ONE TRUE GOD. We worship you through YOUR Son, Jesus. We band together in fellowship with others who also have a similar precious faith. And yet, children die, tornadoes happen, earthquakes devastate, gunmen shoot, and hope seems to be dashed from our lives.  I am sickened by the thought that Oklahoma is facing the same time of testing. Lions or tornados, we know GOD is faithful. Our faith will be tested and our will to serve will be shaken, but we will not be destroyed.

A verse I want to have close to my lips in these times are found in Proverbs 28:1 (The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.)  No matter what happens to us today, our GOD is faithful and HE will be WHO HE is. We can fight HIM, or try to deny HIM, but those are the only alternatives to loving and serving the true GOD.   big marv 

Tonight's Blog for May 19, 2013

This is my prayer, to our gracious and generous LORD. Thanks for sharing it with me.

"Dear LORD, This week, I was thinking about free coffee, and friends who are generous, and times of grace and kindness. I love you LORD. I am so glad to be a part of YOUR family. Last night I talked about my friend Tom, and folks who ask YOU about changing weather and making requests that seem to turn you into an errand boy or a weather good luck charm. YOU aren’t either of those, and yet, we prayed to YOU and have asked you to bless us at MCC, and YOU gave us a great day, and great weather, and a wonderful day! LORD, thank YOU for caring about YOUR children.

"After talking to Tom, I stepped up to the counter, and was told that, Panera Bread wanted to give me a free coffee. Every month I get a free coffee, because I buy coffee, and keep a little Panera Card in my wallet. After talking to Tom, and all I said about YOU, LORD, I and did a little math, and found out that my free coffee actually cost about fifty dollars. So, tonight, I thank YOU, LORD, for coffee. Some of my friends makes sure that I have a Panera Card, once in a while, to help with the coffee, so it isn’t as bad as it seems, but I am glad that I get to enjoy my free coffee, with YOU LORD. 

"What a delightful day we had at MCC today. That means dozens of hot dogs, scavenger hunts, and softball. Even more though, when You saw us eating in shifts to get folks through. LORD, we had wonderful, mature folks grilling hot dogs, and throwing softballs, coaching kids on sidewalk chalk art. LORD, we also enjoyed the worship experience with guests from our Co-op. We hope that YOU know, LORD, that the purpose of our day was to worship YOU together with our friends, and to celebrate a very good year as we prepared for a summer break. Will you bless us through the summer so we are safe, and blessed? One of the best parts of the day was seeing our folks and knowing that we are available. LORD, please bless your folks who love you and want to serve you.

"One of the best things we saw today was when people stepped up and served YOU by serving each other. I pray for those who love you and who serve you each day. I pray for our worship team and teachers. I praise YOU for the great energy that we had as we assembled today. I also want to pray for our boldness as Christians to live for you without compromise and without fear." 

Thank YOU, LORD for hearing our prayers.  big marv  

Tonight's Blog got May 18, 2013

I stepped out of my Saturday morning routine, by following my normal weekly routine this morning. Most days

begin with a time of prayer and coffee at Panera Bread. Good way to start most weekday mornings for me. As I said, that is my usual routine, but not generally on Saturday or Sunday mornings, since my focus those mornings is getting myself ready for our worship time. Today, I wanted to get ready for the worship time and for the picnic. As I walked in, I saw Tom, who has a concrete pouring business. He is even more regular in his attendance at Panera than I am. 

Because of his business, Tom pays attention to things like rain. Today, I asked him if the overcast sky was a sign of a rainy weekend. (ok, it was still dark, so i was assuming the overcast!) Anyway, he said he hoped not, and I said the same.  Anyway, I told him my standard line about weather. "Since I am a minister, folks think I have pull with GOD and that if I would pray for sun, it was a cinch." Right? NO! I reminded him of my standard answer,  "I am in sales, not management." He said that was a good answer, and laughed. 

As I sat down to drink coffee and to pray, I stopped for a minute to think about what had transpired. I pray for Tom and every person in Panera every day. I pray for our folks at MCC every day. I pray for the children and parents of the Co-op every day. I am not bragging, that is just a priority for my time in ministry in Monroe. What have I been praying for, and about, and what have I been expecting GOD to do? Do I see HIM as my errand boy? "Fix my car, give me money, help me, forgive me, give me this, do that, help me." 

Errand boy, GOD? NO, He is the creator of the universe. He doesn't need my demands or expectations to rule the universe. Don't get me wrong, my requests are ok to share, because GOD is love and He loves you and me. That is my sermon for tomorrow, and the essence of my response to Tom is found here. Because GOD loves me, I am loved and I am able to love like Him. 

As I was thinking about the picnic, and our needs as a worshipping body, I realized that my answer really isn't just about rain, but should be about every part of our lives. As believers in Christ, we know that He allows us to pray, and even promises to listen and to grant our requests. That is the simple teaching of 1 John 5:13-15, isn't it? Some of my brothers and sisters through the years must have missed the memo! Every small group, every worship experience, and every meeting sees the tension that develops when folks assume the role of management rather than sales. We want to dictate to others their behavior or our demands or our needs as our highest priorities. The happiest Christians I know are folks who don't demand of God others anything they wouldn't first do by themselves. I love brothers and sisters like that! 

God Bless you! Praying for you as I write these words, big marv 

Tonight's Blog for May 17, 2013

It might be that we will laugh someday, in Heaven, when we see that it is much more like a picnic or a camp out
than it resembles the activities of our Sunday Morning worship and education expressions. Don't get me wrong, Revelation 4 certainly shows heaven as a place of singing, of "casting crowns," and worship, with GOD in the center and all of true followers surrounding and participating. That is just what Sunday morning is to be, and it is our goal to bring that focus, and that energy down here for as long as we are allowed to stay. Sunday Morning worship and education is still our highest priority and expression of our commitment to Christ. 

What I meant about the picnic thing is this, when we have the chance to see both together, as we are this Sunday morning, we get to compare the amount of preparation, energy and purpose of each activity. Both worship time and picnic activities are seen as outreach events. By that I mean that they are open to others, with our goal to reach out to folks, and to reach up to GOD as we worship Him with our bodies, our hands, our feet, our voices, our smiles, and all of our presence. The building is the focus, and sometimes is the limit of our normal weekly worship and education times. 

While most of our Sunday Morning activities find their focus inside the building or at least in the parking lot area, the picnic will expand to fill our full ten acres. I see a scavenger hunt for children, and a different scavenger hunt for prayer walk participants. I see chalk art filling all 50 squares of our sidewalk and under the "car port". We will have volleyball games, softball games, kickball games, to keep the focus on fun. When you add to that food (there will be food in heaven, right?) and side dishes, chips, cookies, and assorted treats, then you will know that we will all find ways to enjoy ourselves and to entertain our guests. 

Because we haven't had the chance to talk much, we haven't told folks to bring jackets, lawn chairs, or that we didn't plan a rain out time, so we will learn as we go. So, you have now been told to bring your jackets, and lawn chairs if you wish. You can also bring your game equipment like gloves or kickballs or volleyballs or yard games you enjoy. That is what a picnic is, and maybe, if we are lucky, that is more what heaven is like. GOD Bless you tonight, big marv

Tonight's Blog Thursday, May 16, 

 

We have two more sermons from our series through 1 John called “Walking Light.” I love the way that this material

has shaped and guided our discussion of the kind of Christian life that can available for all. In June, we get to start a series called “StoryTeller” from Mark’s Gospel. In this, the shortest of the 4 Gospels, Mark is sharing with us the skills that were developed, the stories that were told, and the people who were changed by being with Jesus. Our challenge is to become a story for Jesus. Not to tell a story, but to be a story. 

When you read Mark's Gospel, you will learn a lot about this young man who we read about in the book of Acts. Mark’s name is mentioned by Paul and by Peter in their letters. He could have been remembered as the kid who gave up, and ran back home. He could have been remembered as the relative who came between Paul and Barnabas, causing a very sharp disagreement. He could have been forever the kid who was “out-shined” by his mom and his other famous relative. You will see that he became a great story. In his gospel, the StoryTeller, who was changed, becomes a part of the story! 

 

Our challenge isn’t just to preach these stories. We want to see our small groups expand a to become a dance of

the scripture and the sermon in all of our small groups. You see, we are a Scripture driven church. Some churches are personality driven. Others are program driven, or music driven, or Sunday school, or future driven or past driven. We are becoming a scripture driven church. The best way to do this is to become a StoryTelling church. We want to publish our questions and many parts of our sermons ahead of our sermon time so you can prepare by asking yourself a few questions to prepare. Here are a few optional questions, so you can see what we mean. 

 

 (1) What is our A.I.M. What is the # 1 meaning of this passage? What are some alternate meanings you should reject? Is it really possible to know what the author meant? 

 

(2) Observable facts about the Passage "I want you to know something that you wouldn't have known if you didn't read this passage"

 

(3) What are some actions that are inspired by this passage? Specifically, our goal is to take some action away from this scripture.  What change must take place because I have seen myself in the mirror of this scripture? The take-away should make me ask this question, "If it doesn't make you want to change something, then I missed the best part of this passage."

  

(4) What are a few genuine applications that this scripture will naturally reveal? Are there ideas to expand? How can I make this passage more personal?  "If it isn't personal, it could be about you but not for you"

 

Anyway, those are a few thoughts for tonight, GOD Bless you, big marv 

Tonight's Blog for Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Tonight I am thinking about fear. Fear doesn't make cowards out of people who aren't already fearful. We are who

we are, and our lives show if we are brave or not by the ways we react to external circumstances. I started a support group in Alton, and had 13 people show up for the first "session." The rules were very simple. You had to be honest. You had to be hurting in some area, either spiritual or physical or emotional, but it had to be very real to you. The third criteria for being a part of our group was that you had to keep you yapper shut. What was said in the room had to stay there. There is safety in silence. Trust can grow when we prove to people of integrity. 

We also made a promise to each other. Sure we would need to meet, and to pray for each other, and to memorize one verse of the bible each week. The scriptures were carefully chosen to deal with fear. I wrote the verses down, and read them as I drove, or as I was waiting for people or as I was watching the Cubs (yes, while in St. Louis area, I still rooted for the Cubbies and yes, they made me need a support group!). Here are a few other fears that I thought about then. 

(1) Fear of the future, the great unknown. (2)Fear of failure, Why try, if you know you will fail? (3) Fear of finances, It isn't just about money, is it? (4)Fear of friends, peer pressure is surely still very powerful? (5) Fear of fun, yes it is possible to see even fun as a dangerous or silly waste of time and energy. Since it was the year before the "Y2K" fiasco, many of us were at a little alarmed if not consumed with fear. Would things crash, would it be the end of the world? I sat up that night and played cards, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. 

 Anyway, here are a few of the verses. Tonight you might spend a few moments reading them, and think about your areas of fear. Every day, in each area of life, it is still important to deal with your fears! 

Psalms 56:3-4, "When I am afraid, I will trust in YOU, IN GOD, whose word I praise… IN GOD I TRUST, I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"

1 John 4:4, "You, dear children are from GOD, and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the LORD with all of your heart and lean not on your understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

Tonight, I want to add a new one from 1 Peter 1:17, "Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." This verse from the Apostle seems to contradict the others. I included it because we live in dangerous times and many deal with fear on a daily basis. Reverential fear is a part of normal protection and often helps us to be aware of dangers. When we are aware, we can prepare. 

GOD prepare your people, tonight, for anything we may face tomorrow. Protect our children, Father. Your love keeps us safe. GOD, Bless us tonight, big marv 

Tonight's Blog for May 14, 2013

The key to our sermon for Sunday is that walking in the light has always meant that you walk in love. You really

can know God and His kind of love. The problem is that God's kind of love is often incorrectly interpreted or ignored or at least misunderstood. The quote from 1 John for Sunday's sermon is "God is Love." Some have incorrectly labeled this kind of love as merely emotional or feeling based. So, if you don't feel love, then you aren't in love anymore, right? Emotion based love is the kind seen by some as the highest kind of love, but I don't believe it really is. If God is love, then He is the one to help us. Will you pray tonight that God will open the path for you to know His love, so you can feel and live his love? There are 4 tests to see if you are growing in this love. The next picture with a sweet clown faced lady might help you to smile as you see if you have passed the tests.

How can you more correctly interpret and move toward real understanding of His love? There are some ways you can check in your own life. (1) When you bask in the love of our heavenly Father, you begin to grow more lovely.

I know you might not want to say that out loud, or that you might even begin to fear that you will be seen as prideful. The loveliness seen in the face, the eyes, and in the tenderness of the loving Christian is a direct reflection of the love that has been shown and modeled by Jesus. (2) As you grow in love, you will realize your worth. It isn't just the cross that proves this, every word of Jesus to his disciples was to help them to see their value. When you share this love with others, it grows and they see God in you. (3) Have you ever experienced boldness and freedom before God? This is the reason I love to pray with children and with adults who have abandoned the need to be too "adult" in their trust. 

(4) Finally, and my prayer for you tonight is that you will see that the love of God will help you to be less self-critical. Again, there really is a way to know, are you able to forgive yourself? Tonight, will you take a deep breath, go boldly to your father, and ask Him to forgive you? Will you promise to forgive yourself? He came from heaven, to make it possible for us to go there. We won't go to heaven if we don't love ourselves. We won't want to go to heaven if we don't believe that God is love. 

God bless you tonight, my dear brothers and sisters. big marv 

Tonight's Blog for Mother's Day, May 12, 2013

Lately, churches have been receiving a lot of bad publicity, and so have homes, and so have families. It

is too bad, too, because most of the good that takes place for the children of our country has seen its beginning in church, in homes and in families. What an honor to remember the tender and good and best part of home. Mother's day has become a cliche, or perhaps a guilt motivated one day bombardment to make up for a year of ignoring or even neglecting a very important part of our family. Sometimes we give churches a bad name in these areas, but this area of honoring and respecting mothers is at least more significant because of our christian values. I have heard that this day, is a close second or third behind other holidays like Christmas or Easter in actual attendance. Thank you, moms. 

The "personal priorities pact" which follows is our attempt to build on the great start that many of our young people received from godly mothers. We have been preparing our young men and women to take the next step to maturity. Will you pray for all the young people? One of the best activities for mom's is to pray, always, with emotion and with confidence for your children and for all of our children. Several of the men in our church have heard my friend Tony pray for you,  moms, and for the children of MCC, and beyond. He has always prayed for his son and daughter and their spouses. Recently Tony began to pray for  his grandson. (Aren't they both beautiful?) What an honor! 

Anyway, here is a resource that will presented to our youth. It will be shared as a "pact" which is short for a compact or an agreement. We are sharing it today because of Mother's day, and our desire to see folks grow in Christ. Jesus could have been satisfied as a 12 year old to know more than the religious leaders. Most of us thought that we knew everything when we were twelve, I know I did… ha. Anyway, This pact is a conscious decision to be a growing and mature Christian. 

Personal Priorities Pact

This is our version of the "12 step program" that has been so successful in helping those who are dealing with addictions. The source of our addictions may be different, but the steps to conquering them are still worth pursuing. We are so addicted to mediocrity and passive resistance to GOD and ungodly lifestyle choices. How can we change this? If we examine our priorities, we will find time to change, and areas to improve. This is one way we can help each other to become more like Christ. Will you make a covenant, a compact, a pact, to find a partner or two to ask you these questions? Will you be honest with your partner, yourself and your GOD? Will you make a pact to examine each of these personal priorities? Will you choose to change anything necessary to grow? This may be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Please ask GOD for grace, strength and honesty. 

The Personal Priority Pact in 4 words: Worship, Walk, Work, Win

Goal # 1 Worship only GOD. 

(1) Do you love GOD? How can you show Him? Choose to do that! (Love the LORD your GOD… ) (Luke 4:8) 

(2) What can you do for GOD today? Choose to do that! 

(3) Is there anything or anyone that you love more than Him? Choose to change that!

Goal # 2 Walk with others as equals and friends. 

(4) Do you love people? Who can you show? Choose to do that! (Love your neighbor as you love yourself) (Matthew 22:39)

(5) What can you do for someone to show your love? Choose to do that! 

(6) Is there anyone you love as much as you love yourself? Choose to show them!

Goal # 3 Work on your mind and limit what you allow in.

(7) Do you love wisdom?  (The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom) (Proverbs 9:10)

(8) What do you read the most? Bible, or other godly material, or ungodly material  or the words of friends? Choose what to discard. 

(9) Are you willing to grow in the quality of what you are reading? Choose the best.

Goal # 4 Win the battle with your flesh. 

(10) Do you love your body? (It is the only one you get!) Choose to protect it. (1 Timothy 4:8)

(11) Are there ways you could be healthier? Choose to adopt them.

(12) Are you willing to change the ways that you treat your body? Choose to be the boss.

 Good night and GOD Bless you! big marv 

Tonight's Blog for May 10.,2013

On her Facebook today, my daughter, Jodi commented on a sweet picture of Marge, with our two daughters. I

remember how uncomfortable Marge had felt posing for glamor shots with a friend as a photographer. I love this picture. They are beautiful and lovely and loved. I can't imagine my life without them. Mother's day is a tough holiday for many because of death, or separation, or harsh words or fear. I choose to celebrate the joy that is the sweetest part of mother's day. Everyone should remember the good parts, and focus on the positives of family instead of remembering those "momentary pains or failures" that also make family so important to helping us to be whole people. I want to share a moment from my family as an example. 

Marge is a great one for creating good memories out of nothing, and with little or no help from me, I might add. One such example was a halloween costume for Jodi that was a week long project, with lots of love and creativity. The resulting costume was an amazing giraffe. The picture was placed on Facebook to say "Thank you" for Marge's love and excellence as a mom. Jodi added a comment to her cousin, Stacie, that I want to share. 

Jodi wrote: "Stacie - Mom and I picked out the giraffe costume idea from a craft book and spent many fun hours making it together. I was so excited about it until the night of the party. Turns out a giraffe costume is not as cool as you would think, because I had to have help from my mom to take it off to get in the car and every time I walked through a doorway, which was awkward. Eventually, I got a little tired of being the only person in the room inside of an enormous cardboard box, so I ditched the costume in the corner. That left me costume-less in my yellow pants and white t-shirt, surrounded by a group of girls who all had such appropriately feminine "cute" costumes, like princesses. Also, and perhaps most importantly, a giraffe costume is an especially poor choice if you are A) just starting to be aware of your interest in boys, and B) very self-conscious about the fact that you are taller than every boy you know. Somehow this didn't cross my mind until it was too late to turn back."

God surely has blessed me and my family. My mom is a great lady, and my wife and daughters are as well. GOD you had a great plan when you brought people together as family. We celebrate the joys, the pains, and the happiness that is family. I love you LORD, and I love your church, and I love my family. Thank you , LORD! GOD Bless you tonight, big marv 

Tonight's blog for Friday, May 10. 2013

Identity can be stolen, or copied, or replaced. Everywhere you look, today, you see folks who say that they are

Prince Fielder or Miguel Cabrera or Labron James. Just wearing an athlete's uniform doesn't make you a major league player. Just wearing their jersey doesn't mean you are a superstar. Just saying you are a Christian doesn't make you a Christian either.  As we work our way through the book of 1 John, we have talked about the weight of sin, of aloneness, of separation from others and of darkness. You can be freed from another weight when you embrace your proper identity. You are a child of God, He loves you, you are adopted. That is His promise. 

Our key verse for Sunday is from 1 John 3:1-3. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

To help me get ready for this weekend, I hope that I'll be like Jesus, by becoming more like Jesus. That hope is what helps us to become even more like Him. We have talked about fear, and missing the point of the second coming. When Jesus comes … and HE will… we will see Him as He is, and become like Him. How? I don't know. I know that all will change when we see Jesus, and when we see ourselves as He sees us. 

I know that a part of this has to do with our Pedigree. Remember Molly? She is a poodle, with a pedigree. You

have a pedigree, you were created in the image of the King of the universe. You are not only called the children of God, but you already are brothers and sisters of the king. You don't need a "tiara" to be a prince or princess, you were born with the pedigree, the potential is in your blood. You share the blood that flowed in and through Jesus. Isn't that the promise of the new covenant, "in my blood" that we call the LORD's supper? That same blood is ours when we accept Jesus as our savior. 

So, really, your identity can't be stolen, copied, or replaced, if you find your identity in Jesus. GOD Bless you tonight, my dear brothers and sisters. Let's live in hope and joy as we wait for Jesus to come back and complete the task. You will be like Him, for you will see Him as He really is.. 

Hope! big marv

Tonight's blog for May 9, 2013

I have mentioned my poodle, Molly, who thinks I am her mom. When Marge and I went to Effingham to adopt her

up, she was prettier than her sister, and seemed to have more personality. Spoken like a parent, right? Anyway, we bonded on the ride home, when she began her habit of riding on the headrest of the car. Later she slept in a box by the bed… that experiment lasted all of one night! She trusts me and knows that my 'unconditional" love is has its "conditional" limit in her occasional moments of wolfing her food and then barfing. This usually happens after I sneak her a bite or two of my food first. When I am eating and that happens, I sit, like a little boy and look up as Marge "cleans up" her problem. 

We took Molly to a wonderful vet to have her "annual" and to get medicine for the barfing situation. It is working, but the instructions are pretty specific, 1.5 milli-somethings, every 8 hours. One of those doses comes while

Marge isn't around, so I did give it a try. It was easy. Some days, I allow Molly to ride with me. She has decided that every day is a good day for a ride, and begins to watch the door, to see me put on shoes, and to hear the keys as I get ready to leave. Today, Molly was confused because she saw medicine in my hands instead, a strange sight indeed! We did alright, got the medicine down, and had a low level of trauma. As I was leaving, Molly still looked up, hoping against hope that she would be included in the adventure of a ride.  

Today, I also got to watch a bit of a t.v. preacher trying to sell fear, and a meal for every day that would sustain a person when things fall apart in preparation for the apocalypse. This preacher has written a book, and you can buy it too. I couldn't help but think about Molly and her medicine. Since she knows I love her, if it is medicine or keys, either one will be accepted. Some days we receive "medicine" from the loving hands of our Savior. It might be financial, physical, social, or spiritual. The key for me is that the gift of medicine, or discipline or even long periods of silence and waiting would be accepted from a loving master, right? Why do so many preach fear and dread as a part of "evangelism" for these days. Do you remember that evangelism, means "good news?" What part of hiding in fear with food but no hope reminds you of our Master returning? When He comes again, we should be ready, happy, and prepared. Don't allow anyone to steal your peace. Our society may have a few problems, a few needs that the medicine of our LORD might solve. If that is what it takes to get us ready for His return. Here is what I know, we are ready, LORD. Paul said it well, LORD, come quickly, Maranatha. 

God Bless you, big marv

Tonight's Blog for Tuesday Night, May 7, 2013

Tonight I am including a graphic that looks a little different, because it is on the back of an envelope. I wrote it down, so I wouldn't forget the quote. I don't know where I first heard it, or wrote it down, or saw the quote. This quote speaks to an opportunity for MCC and for me and hopefully for you. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that the faith we follow began with an open Door. Remember, John helped us to start searching for "3-Deep" statements, but He also used multiple, such as the number seven, as in the "7 I AM's in John" or the "7 Miracles" that his gospel is built around as well. Just searching for these and other's will help in our study and in our memorizing of the bible. 

John includes the statement by Jesus that He is "the Door" to the safe place for his sheep. The word that is quoted here is used 40 or so times, and includes some great teaching about the LORD and His flock. Here is what we read in John 10:9. "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." There is no "pasture" in the fold, or the safe place for the sheep. They are safe, but will starve if they stay inside. Jesus didn't save us to get us into the safe place of the church. The activities and education and worship and fellowship aren't the goals. Each of these is given to us to help us to grow and to become more aware of the needs of the other sheep. Please note that He didn't save us to hide us away but to be available to find other lost lambs. Isn't that what He said about Himself and His purpose in Luke 19:10.

Anyway, back to the graphic, the envelope with a quote tucked away in my Bible. The quote goes like this: "The greatest problem of the Church is NOT the people on the outside trying to persecute us, to shut our doors, but it is the people on the inside with a "closed door mentality," trying with all their might to hold the door shut… from the inside." The quote has me thinking about my motives and fears and methods and philosophy of ministry. It also reminded me that the church, as a building isn't mine or ours or a fortress or anything else. The church is people, hurt, dirty, afraid and desperately needing love. We model Jesus best when we create ways to bring those folks to Jesus, the Door. Remember what our verse says? "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." Please open your life, open yourself to His love and let Him come in! God Bless you tonight. big marv 

Tonight's Blog for Monday night, May 6, 2013

"3-Deep" as a reason for writing my prayers? I have been trying to write some of my prayers for a few years, so

I could come back later. Why? One reason is to see how I can improve my communication with GOD. Another is to see if they are being answered… (Remember, yes, or no, or later are all answers!) A third reason is to see if they have influenced me for the better. For instance, how much am I whining? Have I been saying, "Thank you" enough? What am I asking for? Who am I praying for? What am I asking for God to do for them? 

Sometimes I will start at the back of my prayer journal, and write observations or quotes or Scriptures that I have re-discovered. I have been sticking envelopes or "post-it notes" for the same purpose. During my writing of some of those scriptures, I noticed a habit of trying to combine scriptures "3-Deep" meaning that any scripture that I wrote, would be better understood If I found a "cross-reference" for it, and then a second one. It is tempting to want to do a full study of any word at that time, but 3-deep is a great way to prepare for future or deeper studies in the future. 

This method came in part from reading through John's Gospel. Did you know that John had a tendency to record his memories of the time he was with Jesus this way? John mentions Andrew, Nicodemus, Thomas, and others this way. If you take a few days to read this wonderful Gospel, you will see what I mean. 

Today's "gentlemen's class" at MCC for our homeschool Co-op men reminded me that I was reminded of another way that this has been a part of my time. We talked today about relationships, promises kept and maintaining integrity. All tough areas, but made manageable by my desire to live my love for Christ in my walk with Marge and others who have known me. When we were married, the bulletin cover had a scripture quote, "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." From Ecclesiastes 4:12, written by Solomon. It is not exactly a happy book. Not about marriage, much either. But we saw in it a promise of "3 deep strength" for our marriage. You see, one husband, far from perfect bringing to one wife the best that he can. A formula for failure? Not if the third strand in our marriage is our Father, who holds us together, and who completes us as we lean on Him. 

That is what I wanted to let my friends know today, LORD, You make us stronger. If we fail it isn't because YOU don't care, LORD. We love you and will trust you and grow together with you. 3-Deep makes sense in Marriage, in Discipling, in accountability and in life. I am glad John the apostle got me started thinking this way.. GOD, bless us tonight! big marv 

Tonight's blog for Cinco de Mayo, Sunday May 5, 2013

Dark times are necessary so we can rejoice when the brighter, happier times follow. This is true in relationships, in

politics, and even in church. Today we discussed the teaching of John the Apostle in 1 John 2 about the antiChrist. No, that isn't really accurate, John didn't reveal new information about the antiChrist, since he was very specific that there were and are and will be many "antichrist's" in all areas of life. Dark times will mean that we, the who know the light of the world, Jesus, will be able to be reflectors of His light. Every day, whether in a large ways or small, we will be able to find ways. How? A smile, or a kind word, or even a word of gentle warning can be a light for someone in need. 

With that in mind, I have a chance to share the light of Jesus tomorrow with the class of fine young men from H.I.S Co-op, who allow me to be a part of their morning and pray for them, and ask a few questions. We can prepare a new generation to be the light by asking specific questions about the areas of growth like Jesus in Luke 2:52. Last week we asked questions about wisdom. The questions were about topics like integrity, reading God's word, pure thoughts, and character. One specific question really helps me to prepare for this week. I will ask the students, "Did you pray and read God's Word this week? What did you gain from this time?" What would you say if I asked you that question. Remember, this is not about guilt, but to allow us to grow. How are you growing in wisdom? Are you growing in the light, as Jesus is the light? 

 Tomorrow's questions are about the second area of growth by Jesus, in the physical realm, in stature. Here are the 9 questions that will help us to see if we are growing like He did:

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

2) Did you put yourself in an awkward situation with a woman?

3) Did you accomplish your physical goals this week? Did you set any? 

4) What significant thing did you do for your family?

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

6) Did you control your tongue? Did your tongue control you?

7) What ways has God blessed you this week? And what disappointments consumed your thoughts this week?

8) Did you worship in church this week?

9) What have you done for someone else this week?

While each of these might not seem about the body, or the physical area of our lives, I am convinced that you are seeing how Jesus spent His time, from the age of 12 until he was 30 or so and began His public ministry. We don't know much about that time, but we do know that the result was impressive, eternally important, and possible for every one of us today. Remember, our goal isn't to get more talk and understanding about the antichrist. He lost. We love and worship the king, Jesus. He is the Christ, the Messiah, and he is the light. No guilt, no fear, no regrets . . . He loves you tonight! and so do we...  GOD Bless you. big marv

Tonight's Blog for Friday, May 3, 2013

"Each one reach one." No one comes into a "walk" with Christ apart from another person who is available,

prepared, and observant. Jesus wants to change the world, but has limited himself to people like us. No tricks, no fancy schemes, no magic. There never was a "Plan B." My best understanding of the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8 confirms that idea. An angel, or a miracle, or something spectacular won't work. No, GOD has you and me and that is it if HE is to fulfill the Crazy Logic of John 3:16! "For GOD so loved YOU..." 

Sitting here tonight, I am still sure that this walk with Christ is more of a loving walk with someone you have cared for and partnered with for a lifetime. Jesus isn't enlisting us in an army, and the Bible isn't a training manual for basic training for the military. He loves you and isn't afraid to show it, or to tell it! When You die, HE won't be telling your sins or showing your weaknesses, HE will be bragging on you. YOU are loved. 

It might help you to see yourself in a different way. Many of you commented on Marge's niece, Amy and her word crafting. Today, I want to have you see what a great ability she has as an observer. 

Here is what Amy observed: 

"On the sidewalk where I take my morning jogs occasional walks, someone carved in the once-wet cement, “I ♥ Linda H.”

Every time I pass those words, I wonder about the person who left them. Was he a member of the city construction crew, pouring and smoothing concrete along the road, when he was overcome with love for his sweet

wife? Or perhaps a young couple was out for an evening stroll, and they happened upon a section of wet cement,

and the suitor picked up a stick to show Linda how much he cared. Maybe the words were etched by a boy walking home from school, daydreaming about the cutest girl in the whole sixth grade. He kept his crush a secret, though.–At school, he teased her mercilessly and pulled her pigtail braids, but here, after class, he confessed his true feelings.

(Apparently, this all happened in the 1860′s near Little House on the Prairie, where girls wore pigtail braids.)

I think the schoolboy is the most likely culprit, because of the letter H. Last initials are a grade schooler’s calling card.–I was known as “Amy D.” until ninth grade. The cement-scrawler was careful to clarify which Linda he loved. Linda H! Not Linda T., who was too tall for him, and definitely not Linda W., the class tattletale.

“I love Linda,” he wrote, and then added with devotion, “H.”

I wonder if Linda H. ever knew she was loved. I hope so. I hope she loved him back, and I hope they got married, and have three kids and a dog, and take walks down “their sidewalk” to remember the early days.

Of course, if they are married, I suppose she isn’t Linda H. anymore. She probably took his last initial. But even so, love stories like theirs make the world more wonderful, and my morning jogs occasional walks more tolerable."  

Tonight, will you believe that you are "Linda H." to Jesus. He wrote a love letter for you, and HE loves you. Just knowing that makes it better. Love is still the greatest force in the world. This weekend, when you worship, will you allow yourself to bask in the love and acceptance of Jesus. I guarantee that HE loves you. I guarantee that HE knows you and still loves you. If each of us could just show the love of Jesus to someone who is also loved by HIM, we really would fulfill that idea, "Each One Reach One." 

God bless you tonight, dear ones, you are loved! big marv

Tonight's Blog for May 2, 2013

In the past few years blogging has become increasingly important for me, as I seek to maximize this time, this

season, this station in my life. Blogging is not for the faint of heart, since you have a chance to express thoughts that are important, at the moment that you write them down. So important, in fact that I haven't always been as interested in little things like punctuation and spelling.  While the first few blog entries were written as a part of a time of change and reflection, they have become a place to grow. March and April saw an effort to write daily, and to continue to do ministry activities and my regular reading. We have also seen an escalation of involvement in making sure our small groups are a priority. Over the next few weeks, my goal is to to seek ways to be more and more excellent. 

One area of growth is to be able to communicate better, more openly and honestly. I haven't been as comfortable in the past in discussing finances, either at home or in the church. That is my confession. It is also my goal to do better in the future. MCC is blessed with folks who have amazing maturity in the area of finances. I am also sure that this is one of the areas that Jesus saw as important. (Did you know that He spoke more about money that He did heaven, hell, baptism combined, as well as any other single topic!) With that in mind, I am presenting this rough draft of a finance letter for you to think about and to help me to improve. 

rough draft of Finance letter a may 2, 2013

Dear Ones. God has blessed us with a tremendous privilege. He trusts us. The word "trust" is sometimes misused or misunderstood, especially when linked with things like free-will offerings and collections and doing the work of our Father.  Our goal in the area of finances is summed up in this phrase, "Love is given, but trust is earned." While we have seen these turned around, there isn't any better way to start a relationship than to make this one of our guiding principles. 

God has allowed us to be involved in this process. We are managers and not owners. He is the owner and creator. We are allowed to control our assets, whether they be time or energy or money or properties. Success in this world comes from paying attention to how we use those resources. Success that is passed on to the next comes from paying attention to what GOD sees as important. The word "treasure" isn't just a word for a hidden place for a pirate's ill-gotten gain. Proverbs 10: 2 reminds of this fact. "Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death." Jesus took the same idea, and expands for us the concept of the heart. In Luke 12:32-34, He reminds of this amazing fact, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." 

Where is your treasure? Was Jesus giving us a blueprint for heavenly accumulation of money and resources? Was He talking to individual people or to the church collectively? My best guess is that both would do well to learn from Him. If we neglect to develop trust we will see folks who take advantage of each other or who squander the gifts of God. Fear and doubt are increasingly empowered if we don't develop trust. If we trust any of the assets that we have accumulate, they become idols for us, and are fed by our greed, according to Paul in Colossians 3:5. Have you started to realize that anything you love more than GOD or fear more than Him or to dread will become an idol? The definition of an idol is "anyone or anything loved or trusted in the place of GOD." By definition, your object of worship becomes a stumbling block, and destroys any hope of happiness here or for eternity. 

GOD Bless you tonight, my dear friends... we are so blessed, aren't we? big marv