What to do with failure

Stupid question right off the bat... have you ever failed at something? Have you ever said that you would be there for someone... then let them down, worse yet been in such a place as to leave them hanging when you told them you would be there for them?

Not what we would call best case scenario for living life like we want, huh? This past week I spent at a men's retreat here in Germany. The week long topic and focus of the retreat was AGAPE. I think most of us have heard enough Bible lessons and sermons to know right off the bat that the Greek has three different words for our English word Love. Different types of Greek words for different nuances of our word. So is the order of languages... Ha, you should see the difference between English and German.. :-)

In looking at the word, Agape, it seems the best way to describe this type of love is a love that does the right thing. Treats people the right way, even when it is difficult to do, even when they are not doing the right thing. It is not so much an emotional type of love like Phileo, but a love that is practiced because we have made a decision to do the right thing. I think that much of our Christian walk is actually this Agape love. We are told by Jesus to treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves, this is not dictated by how others treat us but how we wish to be treated. That my friends is not an emotional love but a decision to do the right thing. Not easy sometimes, but a direct instruction from our Savior. I also think that is how we show our love for God our Father. We love Him when we DO what he says. Jesus said if we love Him (and love God) we will do what he has asked us to do. That my friends is a decision. Yes, emotion does come into it, but if emotion is all that is there... it just won't last. We make a decision to follow Jesus and do what he teaches and we are showing our love for God.

I find it quite interesting, Jesus' discussion with Peter at the end of John's Gospel...
John 21:15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

Remember this is the first time Peter would have once again talked with Jesus since he left him to be crucified... deserted him... denied him... looked into his eyes when he heard the rooster crow... guilt, sorrow, frustration, humiliation, anger, pain, disappointment, embarrassment,.... can you imagine the gammit of emotions he was feeling? If your like me, you can. Because you too have let someone down, you too have failed someone, directly or indirectly... I can relate to Peter. Jesus asks him the question, do you love me? He asks him three times... perhaps because Peter had denied him three times, perhaps because Peter was feeling so many emotions about what he had done, he was not really hearing what Jesus was saying. Let me see if I can make any since of what I mean... look at the breakdown of the questions:

[15] Jesus: Do you love [agapao] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
[16] Jesus: Do you love [agapao] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.
[17] Jesus: Do you love [phileo] me? Peter: I love [phileo] you.

Jesus ask Peter the first two times "Will you make a decision to do the things that I have told you to do. Will you show love for me by being a leader and taking care of my followers?"
Peter answers him with "Yes, I have an emotional love for you. You are my friend and I have feelings for you"

Then Jesus asks in the third question if Peter has emotional love for him.

Okay, where am I going with this. Peter failed Jesus. Point blank simple. Perhaps we can really relate to that. Maybe a time comes into your mind when you remember a time when you have failed someone that you love (phileo) or maybe a time when you have failed God (agape)... I think we can all relate on some level, that is why God gives us this example in scripture.

Jesus was calling Peter (and is calling us) to a higher calling. Jesus says that if we really love him we will make the decision to do things his way. As we serve him... ie feeding his sheep... we have to make a decision to love (agape) God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love (agape) others like ourselves. To treat them, to love them (agape), the way we want to be treated and loved. Yes, we are an emotional people, God made us that way, Jesus was that way too. But, Jesus did what had to be done, he was crucified on the cross for us, that was not emotion my friends, that was a decision to do the right thing. That is the highest form of love. That is the same love God had for us while we were still sinners... He decided to send his one and only son to die for us, because it was what was best for us, not what was best for Him. His decision enables us to have a relationship with Him, but it was not the easy thing for Him to do, but it was the best thing for us... He so Loves us (apages us). Praise His name.

Jesus came to Peter... knowing how he was feeling, knowing the thoughts and emotions he was having. Jesus knows how we feel when we let him down too. He knows how we are feeling when we let other people down. Jesus didn't so much focus on Peter's failure as he did focus on where Peter would go from this point on... what would he do now? So, my question for you today is, what will you do from this point on today? Where are you at? Are you at a point in your life where you have just given up and gone back fishing... that is what Peter had done. What else could he do, it was what he knew how to do? Are you at a point in your life where you feel like you have failed God so bad that you have just given up and gone back to your life before God? Then these scriptures are for you. Have you been fighting discouragement because he just seem to be letting God down because you just can't seem to live the life for him you want? Those "little sins" just keep creeping in? Then these scriptures are for you.

Jesus came to Peter. Think about that. JESUS CAME AND FOUND PETER, the very one who just shortly before left him out to dry. Jesus challenged him to make a new commitment to follow him and being a worker in His kingdom. Jesus does not focus on our failures, he focuses on what we can do and what we should be doing and lovingly (agape and phileo) leads and challenges us in that direction.

My challenge for you and me today is to let go of those failures, don't forget them because they are a good reminder for us to stay committed to the decision that we made to do it Jesus' way, but also not to be crippled by our failures. Jesus was helping Peter look to the future. Jesus helps us to look and see the future, of serving Him by serving others. We can learn from our mistakes. They will makes us stronger. Look at the difference in Peter's life. He made the love decision (agape) to do it God's way and because of that we have so many examples of how we can and should live as we serve God. What kind of differences are you going to make because of the decision you make to live and serve God? What kind of legacy will you leave through living your life in love for God and for others?

I know that this one was very long... hope I did not loose you... hope it helps... hope you can think about these things and give me your thoughts on where I was going with this... we are in this together. Thanks for your time and thoughts.

Mark

Who is in control?

Sorry that it has been so long since I last blogged. Man today is August 27 and I have not blogged since June... Hard to believe, but as you might have guessed it has been pretty busy.

We have folks living with us in our apartment in Chemnitz, Roy and Tiffany Rhodes. The Rhodes are here as HIM (Helping In Missions) workers for two years. Karen and I will be moving to Leipzig next month and they will stay in the apartment here in Chemnitz. It is a stressful time for everyone. Sullivans are looking for a small apartment in Leipzig, the Rhodes are trying to get money transferred and figure out what all they are going to have to buy to live here once we move to Leipzig and take all of our furniture with us, and of course we are struggling with trying to get all the stuff organized for the move, getting the visa stuff all taken care of (which is looking like we will have to get another temporary one and then more paperwork.... then maybe a real one... for one more year) as well as trying to get all the things line out for beginning the work in Leipzig. Ha, okay, I know that all these things are working towards the work in Leipzig and continuing the work here in Chemnitz... I just needed a little time to vent.... Thanks.

Today the Rhodes, Sulllivans and us met together to spend some time praying together, studying Gods word and practice and learn some of the ways to better use the LST (Let's Start Talking) material... Using English to teach the Bible. Larry had a great lesson that came from I Corinthians. What made the greatest impact on me this day is one, remembering that it is all God's work, we are just helpers. Some people excel in somethings others in other things. Everyone is not a great preacher, everyone is not a great singer.... you get my point. But God uses each one of us the way HE SEES FIT. Ever have the problem of having a great plan on how you are going to serve God and then it doesnt work out right? Of course you have. Step back and take a look at "what went wrong with the great plan". Maybe nothing went wrong. Maybe what actually occured was a wonderful thing that you would have never even imagined would have happened. Welcome to God working in your life. I needed to be reminded today... as things are so hectic for all of us, with our plans, dreams, challenges and agendas, that God has a plan and he is going to work that plan despite my best intentions. Relax, I am talking to myself here, enjoy the day God has given you (me) and look for opportunities that are coming our way. Ways we can use the gifts that our Father has given to us as individuals to serve Him in His work.

Jesus said more than once, the two most important things in following God is to love God with everything part of our being, ALL OF IT and the next is almost as important (and often seemingly harder) love others as much as we love ourselves and treat them the way that we WANT to be treated. That is what is really important. When we do these two things, love God and love others, we will be serving God and taking advantage of the things He is doing in this world and in our world.

God is in control. He has a plan, doesnt need our advice, actually doesnt even need our help, but He knows we want and need to help Him as we seek to serve Him. Go out and have a blessed day giving God the praise for Him working in His world.

Psalms 4

Ps 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Ps 4:2 How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame ? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods ?


Ps 4:3 Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.

Ps 4:4 In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.


Ps 4:5 Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

Ps 4:6 Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
Ps 4:7 You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
Ps 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.


I have a friend who challenged me to read in the Psalms everyday. It is such an encouragement to me to spend time thinking over what is said in these writings.

It is apparent from the start of this Psalm that David is experiencing some difficult times in his life. He is crying out to the Lord in his time of distress. Evidently he is having problems with other people... sounds pretty much like how our lives go today, huh? For me, yes.

I love vs. 3. David, even though he seems to be stressed at what is going on in his life, still makes the comment that he knows God is in tune with him. He knows that God is listening to his prayers. Even more important, he knows that God is listening, not just to the words of his mouth but also is seeing what is going on in David's life. David finds comfort in knowing that God is there with him and for him.

How do I KNOW this to be absolutely true? Look at the wording of vs. 8. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Think about what he just said. Lie down and sleep.... what do you do when you have troubles that seem far to great for you to handle them? Me, sometimes I worry. I know, Jesus told us not to worry.... but... that is what I do. What David did was give his troubles to the Lord, then he went to bed. He left them at the throne of the Lord and went to sleep, knowing that God is in control and that he would bring the safety that David needed... God would supply the protection that David needed.

God will supply what we need too... so why worry, give it to HIM. When we are experiencing those times of incredible trial and sufferings, when we are going through tough times the best thing we can do is give it to God. Literally, give it to him. Pray to Him, pouring out your heart about your troubles, then letting go of the fears and unknowns and get some sleep. We have to trust that God, the same God that loves us so much that He sent his only son to come into the world to be a sacrifice for us so that we could be in a right relationship with Him, will take care of the problems in our live in the WAY THAT HE SEES FIT. He will provide for us, just as much as he did for David. He just requires us to trust in Him, like David did.

How about some rest. God is in control and He really does care for His children. So, how about you and I both start giving the things rolling around in our head, that seem to keep us up at nights, to our loving, caring, heavenly Father and let Him deal with them and we get the much needed rest that we require to deal with our everyday lives. David did. It is a great example for us to learn from. God bless you this day and may you bless someone else's life this day.

Mark

Endure or enjoy

Karen made a comment to me the other day and it really caused me to rethink some things in my life. She said that sometimes as we live our lives we must endure through the tough times. As I thought about enduring... I thought, it is true, sometimes just enduring and making it through a hard time is sometimes all we can do. Then things get better. I know that is okay for the really hard things... like someone close to you dying or surviving when your mate up and leaves you... but what about the things in life that are not so drastic. What about those things in life that are just not as much fun as other things. Like having to learn a new language, or moving to a new city, or going to some activity that really stretches you and makes you get out of your comfort zone?

What it really made me think of was the many times that I have gone ahead and done the RIGHT THING because that is what I am suppose to do as a Christian... but really on the inside only really was committed to enduring the event or function, just get it done and over with and then move on to the next thing... Well, I have to tell you that I am working on a new philosophy. It is called enjoying these things. Okay, I am not saying that it is easy, what I am saying is it is a mindset. For example, German. It is not easy to go to class and feel stupid so much of the time... Okay, humor me a little, I know that is an exaggeration, but sometimes when we are learning something new, it takes time, a lot more time than we want it to take and it gets old and .... you get the point. That is the point you tell yourself, all I need to do is keep doing it... it will be over one day and then you will be able to speak German fluently... or do what ever it is that you are doing and wish it was over... But how about instead of me having the attitude that I cannot wait to get this over with... I try and ENJOY what I am doing while I am learning. Novel idea huh? But not always an easy one to do.

If you think about it, it really is simple. We make up our minds about the situations that we are in or that lay ahead of us. We make a choice to be happy about it or to be upset or angry about it. When we know something is coming up and we are not looking forward to it, perhaps a good way for us to deal with that is to DECIDE that we are going to enjoy what ever lays ahead. I know, I know. I can hear you now! I realize this cannot work for everything, but maybe it can work for more things that you think it can. Look for the positive in every situation! I would venture to say that if you look, you will find something positive that can come out of almost any situation. Think about how you being more positive will also be an incredible witness to who Jesus Christ is! I hope you can enjoy the different things life gives to you. It will make you more pleasant and will really encourage other people that you come in contact with. God bless you!!

FOOD for thought...

I was reading I Corinthians 8 this morning to be more prepared for class tonight... in German... and I had some thoughts I thought I would share with you... Look at vs. 9-13

1Co 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
1Co 8:10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols?
1Co 8:11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.
1Co 8:12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.
1Co 8:13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

This is an interesting section of scripture. We don't have the problem so often today that we are in a situation where we have to decide if the meat we eat was offered first to idols before sold to us, and if that violates our consciences because of what happened to it previously.

For us today it is more a matter of how we deal with matters... we sometimes call disputable matters. Those things that we cannot agree on... sometimes those things we cannot even agree to disagree on... so what do we do. I believe what Paul is telling us indirectly through his letter to these Christians is that LOVE is more important that being right. Love is more important that having things the way you want. Love is more important that convincing people that we are right and they are wrong...

Paul tells us we have freedom to do things. But he emphasises the need not to "destroy" other people in the process. It sounds a lot to me like what Jesus told us in Matt 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Instead of tearing each other down, we seek to build each other up. Remember that what we do to others, what we say and how we treat them, we are actually doing to Jesus.

You have to love vs. 13! Paul stresses that for him, it is not worth ever eating meat... for us, ever doing anything to someone else... that would destroy their relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ. So, what does that mean for you and me... not an easy answer. Sometimes I know I am right... sometimes I know that I have the right to do and act as I know I can... the hard question is how is it effecting my brothers and sisters? Am I willing to have my way to the point of actually causing someone else to loose their faith, to give up their relationship with our Father, just because I have the right to do what I want? Sometimes it is more than a little frustrating when someone "just cannot get the whole picture"... then it comes down to LOVE! Jesus loved us more than he loved his own body... so much so he gave it up on the cross for me... I believe that is what he has called us to do too. Give up ourselves for others in order for them to come to know him better. Both the lost and saved.

The last question I ask myself when I look at these verses is... when is it that I am not getting the whole picture? I really want you guys to be patient with me when I am the 'weaker' one, because I do not realize that I am... I am still learning. I really want to get it all right... a great goal, but just like maturing from a boy to a man takes time, so does maturing from a babe in Christ to becoming mature in Christ takes time. I want that... I need to give that to others and remember that as a part of the body of Christ we are here to ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP, not just ourselves. Not sure how this all works out in your mind... it is not an easy thing to deal with, at least for me. Let me know what your feelings are and thanks for letting me have a few moments of your life today. May God bless you and give you His peace this day.

Mark

We were... but now we are... and it is all because of what God did for us.

Karen and I are blessed so much in that most days we start our days together eating breakfast then after breakfast we read God's word together. We read first in English and then in German. Two reasons for this. First, it helps with our pronuciation of German words and is a good practice in our continuing to improve our language skills. Second, it is a great way to compare how the different languages choose to translate the scripture out of the original Greek. Languages don't translate word for word. Generally we have a definate English word for every definate German word... but to be honest, sometimes they just don't have the same flavor as the word in the original language. So there could be a little nuance difference in German or in English. I am just saying that it has been a blessing for us to develop some knowledge of a different language and be able to read God's word in both languages. Recently we were reading in Titus 3 and I thought I would share a few thoughts with you about what we read (in English, of course)

Tit 3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
Tit 3:2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Tit 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Tit 3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
Tit 3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
Tit 3:6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Tit 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Paul is telling Titus to remind those who are the children of God on how they should be acting and treating other people in their surrounding area that they lived. He is telling us the same thing. He reminds them that they were once people of this world, not children of the most High God. He is telling us the same thing. But I love vs. 5! It is because of God's mercy that we are saved. We can't do anything to save ourselves. We can depend on God for our salvation, in and through Jesus Christ. But what that does for me is to make me want to be righteous, knowing full well that I cannot, but I want to be and I believe God continues to work in me to help make me into who He wants me to be! We, as His children are 'heirs, having an assurance of Eternal life!'

That my friend, is good news in any language! Now go out there and share that good message with someone God puts in your path this day!!

Nur Fotos Heute

Some different thoughts

Karen and I are in the states because our oldest daughter will have a baby in the next few days. We were worshiping with our family at Levy in North Little Rock this past Sunday. One of my good friends Clark stood up and shared some thoughts with us before we ate together to remember our Savior at the Lord’s Supper. He shared with us an interesting thought. Normally when someone has some words to share about Jesus before we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine together, these words will center on Jesus’ death burial and resurrection. This time Clark challenged each of us to take our Bibles out and open, randomly, to some text in the New Testament. It was his idea that in most places that we would open our Bibles to there would be a scripture that would reveal something that would bring alive the celebration that we were getting ready to participate in together. He said that if the first section didn’t directly take us back to what we were celebrating together, that very nearby reading would.
I was game. I opened my Bible and my eyes fell on I Timothy 1 and I read vs. 12-17…
1Ti 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
1Ti 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
1Ti 1:14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
1Ti 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.
1Ti 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
For me this section of scripture became very precious as I thought about how thankful I am for Jesus and all that he has done for me. As we ate this ‘meal’ together, as Jesus had said, doing this in remembrance of Him… I thought this scripture that I had randomly turned to just came alive for me while having this time with my brothers and sisters. Paul is writing to his son in Faith, Timothy. He is sharing with him how thankful he is to God through Jesus for all the blessings he has received through Christ. Look at his words used to describe how he was feeling… mercy, grace, faith, love… in Christ Jesus. Paul lived everyday remembering that his earlier life as a religious man meant that he sought out people of the Way and hurt them and put them in prison. Paul’s focus was not just on his shortcomings and failures of his earlier life… although he did not forget his past, his focus was on what Jesus had done for him in spite of his past. Paul said that Jesus had shown him mercy… giving him forgiveness for what he had done. Yea, we need that. Through Jesus Paul received grace… the forgiveness of his sins, past, present and future. Yea, we need that. He emphasized that these blessings are ‘poured out abundantly’ on him… and on us. Yea, we need that. Faith and love come through Jesus Christ along with this grace. What a wonderful message! As I reflect back on what these emblems that we ate and drank together represent… Christ giving his life, body and blood as a sacrifice for all men so that we could come to the father, I was truly humbled and thankful. I am once again reminded of how reading God’s word over and over never gets old. We just come to a deeper understanding of who our Father is and how much He loves us.

The world...

Just a thought today...
Was reading in John chapter 1 and trying to get a grip on Jesus and all John shares with us in the first chapter. I was reading in several different translations and it really hit me this morning when I read the ERV version of John 1:11, here it is:

11He came to the world
that was his own. And his own people did
not accept him.

What struck me this morning was that the world that Jesus came into was a world that he created, it was HIS OWN WORLD. Not sure how this is gonna sound... bear with me... I know that Jesus came into the world, as a baby and grew and eventually ended up on a cross to die for my sins, and praise the Lord was raised from the dead and now sits in the heavenly realms until His return. I am not minimizing that. What hit me this morning was quite simply that Jesus came into His world. He was there before it was ever made, he was involved in the making of it, he spent time watching it grow and seeing first hand all the things happen that we read about in the Bible. Now, let me see if I can give you an insight into how it hit me...

Think for a moment of your own home. It may be a house in the states or like me an apartment in Germany. It is your home. You have your furniture, your electronic devices that you have to make your life more enjoyable, you have your articles that you use to cook your food, you have your bed and bedding that you cuddle under each night.... I think your get my point, it is home, it is your castle, your domain, your place that you feel most comfortable. You feel that way because it is yours. YOURS.

Jesus made this world, it was and IS His! Yes, I know this is a physical world and He and the Father are spiritual in nature, but he chose to come into a physical world, that was his own, that he had made, and yet, when he came, those he had made rejected him. He came to what I can only relate to as Home, and he was made to feel unwelcome here. Yet, it was HIS place! What is incredible to me is that when he came and his own creation (as a whole) did not accept him, but actually rejected him, He did not just turn around and go back to the Father and say forget this bunch of losers... He stayed and worked with those who would listen, who would try to learn, be it ever so slowly, and love them and those who had rejected him to the point of dying on a cross.

I do not like to come home to a house that has been invaded by someone who should not have been in my house... a thief... I have had that happen, it is not a good feeling. Not a great comparison perhaps, but one I know personally. Jesus came into this world, his world, and those whom he had created did not acknowledge that this world was his, not theirs. Yet, he attempted and still attempts to teach them and us what real love is all about. IT IS GOD, GOD IS LOVE. And he showed His greatest love for us by coming into a world that was his and living and dying as if it were not His, for us, so that we could spend eternity with Him. What a gift.

Religious Police

That is how the commentary described the Religious leaders in John 8:1-11. You are not doubt familiar with the story... the woman caught in adultery. I hope this makes since today... I seem to have a lot of thoughts going around in my head this morning, I will try to organize them into something that will be an encouragement to you today...

It started yesterday evening. Some coworkers and I were having a discussion about someone possibly moving into our area. The problem for us was that this person was struggling with some different issues in his faith. I had to ask myself, who isn't asking themselves questions as we continue to read, learn and hopefully grow in Grace and Knowledge? Sometimes though when someone asks questions about things that we feel have already been answered in our lives and mind, it makes us a little nervous, especially if this person could confuse some of the more recent converts that are still growing and learning and very impressionable. Natural concerns. I understand that and I have them myself. So the question is how do we handle this situation? I am sure that you have your own ideas about that and you can leave me a comment if you would like, but I am going forward....

This morning as I was folding laundry (yea, that's me trying to be helpful), I was listening to A Capella. In one of the lines of their song they made reference to the religious leaders and how they were handling the woman caught in adultery. With my mind still thinking over the discussion from the night before I took time out to read and re read this account again. What became quite apparent to me is that in some ways these religious leaders are not the 'bad guys' we make them out to be... at least they better not be, because sometimes I find myself doing some of the same things that they are doing... Matt. 23:23 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin.“But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” There are so many levels to this story of the woman... Today I want to ask myself if I do the same thing that these guys did. Do I know "the word" so well that I am going to squeeze everyone into my box of what it means? Do I have all the answers? Have I arrived to the place where I have all the answers because I know what the Word teaches on every given subject? Please know that I believe God's word is true, without a doubt. I just don't believe I have arrived to the point that I can totally analyze it correctly in every situation. I hope I am still learning, that implies that I don't know everything... problem with that is that leaves me open to not have all the answers. But I know I don't have all the answers, I know that no one does, but there is a since that I need to have all the answers, especially if someone has a question... Okay, I told you this was going to be a mess! My mind is racing, I don't want to say the wrong thing, but I am doing a bit of rambling.

It is natural for me to want to protect those who are new born babes in Christ. It is normal for me to want to keep people away that seem like they want to cause problems and divisions. But I want to continue to learn. I want to recognize that God is in control and He is aware of ALL situations going on in not just my life and the people close to me, but your life and the people in your life too! I want to be in a place where if someone is struggling with their faith and what they believe that I can be the person that is so approachable that they feel so comfortable talking to that we can pray together and look at God's word and we can both learn and grow... One of my favorite teachers at Harding (and one of the toughfest on me too) was Dr. Edward P. Myers. He said something in class one day that really impressed me and helped me in my journey to grow and learn more about God's word. He said, "In regard to this set of passages, I am going to tell you my take on it... today. I want to continue to think on it and try to be open to understanding it better. But, this is where I am with it today." It was and is refresing to me that a professor in a university can tell students he is still learning. Yes, he did make us have to duplicate what he told us about that set of scriptures an the test later that week, and if we didn't recall it like he taught it we got the question wrong... :-) Ha, of course, he was teaching a class, but I think you understand why that is important to me to have heard him say those words.

Know what you believe. Continue to study. Be open to growth. Do not be threatened by someone that believes differently than you do... listen, you might learn something. Also, by listening to others, you have a better chance for them to listen to you, it is called discussion. Conversation, it is a beautiful thing, difficult sometimes, but great. I don't want to be a member of the Religious Police. I want to be a simple messenger of Christ. Paul penned these words and I think they are applicable today:

1Co 2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.
1Co 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1Co 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
1Co 2:4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
1Co 2:5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

Thanks for your moments today... Hope I didn't loose you in my rambling...
God bless you this day. Go out and be a blessing to someone else today!
Mark

Who can serve God?

I was reading this morning in Luke chapter 1 and was greatly impressed by Mary, the mother of Jesus. Some specualate that when the angel first aproached her she could/would have been only about 12 years old. Luke tells us "God is very pleased with you (Mary)." Words I would like to hear... read with me:

Lk 1:26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,
Lk 1:27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Lk 1:28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Lk 1:29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
Lk 1:30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
Lk 1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
Lk 1:32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,
Lk 1:33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Lk 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Lk 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
Lk 1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.
Lk 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
Lk 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

What struck me was something I read in the NIV Application Comentary about this passage. Let me share it with you and give it some thought this day...

Mary reflects the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use. She brings no outstanding credentials to the task and lives on the edge of the nation. She brings nothing on her résumé other than her availability and willingness to serve. But those characteristics are the most basic ones anyone can offer God. So he puts her to use in his plan, taking her through a process for which she has had no training or preparation. He simply promises to be with her in the journey, and she responds by being willing to go on the ride.

I think for me, this is an encouraging story that Luke lays out for us. It reminds me once again that my service to my Father is not about me. Not about how much I know or how great an article I write or lesson I prepare or present. It is about being available and willing to have God my Father use me in HIS PLAN. That often looks quite different than my plan... I know that it looked different than what Mary thought lay ahead of her in her marriage to Joseph. But she was ready and willing to do it God's way... even at such a young age. Today I ask you, are you available and willing to be used by God? Are you willing to do it God's way? A good friend once told me (thanks Don), that when we "let go and let God" we better have our roller skates on, because it is quite a ride. I hope you will be encouraged by these words from Luke today like I was. God bless and be used by Him today!
Mark

Leipzig

Today Karen and I took a day trip to Leipzig. Leipzig is the city that is being targeted for a church plant by us and the Sullivans in 2010. We spent the day walking around the city, in the rain, trying to get a feel for the city. Leipzig is a little more updated than Chemnitz, where we currently are. Both are cities in Sachsen, Germany. What we really found out today, other than a little bit more about this city that we plan to be moving to in a few short months, is that sometimes we have to be patient. We start dreaming, developing our ideas and goals and then start marching forward. Understand that through all of this we do a lot of praying about the ideas and the actions. But, I also know that even when I am praying about it I am still plodding along trying to do what I can to move forward. Sometimes I am reminded though, just to slow down, keep praying about it, but take the time to listen to God speaking to us. I sometimes get so into making the plan come together that I dont listen to the direction of the One I am trying to serve. Ever have that problem? I read a great verse that says it much better than I ever could: Ps 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him See what I mean? God provides what we need, in spite of my help. :-)

He actaully has managed to run the world quite well without my help... for a very long time. Please understand, I believe with all my heart that my Father uses me in His service. That is the point, it is His work, not mine. I really enjoyed the day today, especially after I just relaxed and tried to enjoy some great one on one time with my wife today and not get stressed out about where we need to live and what size apartment we need and where it is going to be and.... Anyway, when you get stressed about all the things that lay ahead of you, how about giving them to God, also thanking Him for all He is already doing, and take a little time to be still and wait on Him. He WILL NOT leave you out to dry!

Have a blessed day, I sure did!
Mark

Faces along our way in the Usa

Furlough

Furlough is a strange word... Webster describes this word by saying it means, "absent, rest and relaxation, to lay off of work..." Well, for us it has meant quite a different thing. We have been busy traveling to about 8 different cities since we arrive in the Usa. We have logged a lot of miles these last few weeks, but man what a blessing to be able to be with so many different church families scattered throughout the Usa. I just have to say.... THANK YOU FAMILIES! We have been so blessed to be able to be in so many peoples homes and to be able to share information about the work in Germany. God is GREAT! It is so much fun to be share some of these stories of different peoples lives and their coming to faith in our wonderful Father and our Savior! My problem is I have a hard time stopping talking about it... I tend to ramble, would have never guessed that would ya. Thank you everyone who has listened, helped us, and partnered with us in this work. May God continue to bless you and your ministry where ever you are. I will give a fuller update when we get home to Chemnitz... we still have days left here and want to make the most of them... still more people to talk with.