from my mind and perspective

2010-03-01T14:25:00.000-08:00

God Questions

For the next several weeks, we are going to be taking a look at some of the most asked questions of Jesus and the Bible in one of our Sunday Morning Classes. From controversial questions to "I was just wondering" questions we are going to try and tackle them all.

If you have a question that you would like answered (or at least attempted to answer), please leave a comment below. ANYONE is allowed to ask a question and you may remain anonymous in your question asking. If you are not in the area and are wondering how your question would be answered, email Aaron at aearlywine@gmail.com.

We will see how it goes! Let the questions fly.

2009-07-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

Peat and Repeat. . .

A big thank you to Shaun and his message on Sunday, great job! Shaun warned that good things in life can turn us negatively toward apathy, negatively toward legalism, or positively toward consistency and genuine faith. From communion time, to the Sunday morning message we have a choice on how we are going to do those things we always do, either with faith and genuineness, or with apathy or legalism.

This can all be of course translated into our everyday lives. We are all vulnerable to a stagnate faith and relationship with Jesus. To prove it, I can admit that on occasion in all my relationships, I have had dry times. Consciously I have to focus on my relationship with my wife and children, with my friends and with my parents. None of those relationships just “happen”, they take effort.

Spend some time this next week taking a long look at your relationship with Jesus. Today we may be well connected with our Savior but remember back to those dry days and what it took to bring you out of that lull. If you are in dry times right now, take some time to work on your relationship and rekindle that flame. Spend a little extra time this week in prayer and your readings; take a walk in nature thanking God for His creation.

2009-06-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Running the Race Together

Yesterday we dove into 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:13. We looked at the importance of running the race and finishing strong. We talked about a few of the pitfalls that many of the Israelites fell into, from grumbling to sexual immorality, there are many ways that the enemy would like to use to disqualify you from the race.

Paul also went into the importance of strict training at the end of 1 Corinthians 9. I would like to challenge you in a few of ways training that we should be following as run this race together. First of all on a spritual level we need to be training our minds. We do that by:

Reading scripture. Make time every single day to read your Bible.
Memorize scripture. In your daily reading find a verse to meditate on and memorize. In the race when you are about to hit a wall, those scriputures will help to give you the energy and encouragement you need to keep going.

It is also important that you are training your heart:

Take time to pray. Ask God to mold your heart as you live for Him.
Take encouragement from other Christians. One of the most important parts of our Christian faith, is the love and support of one another. The sad truth is, we need more than just sunday morning encouragement. Join a small group, build relationships with those who will encourage you to finish strong.

The purpose for all of this training, is to always be ready to share your faith. You became a resident of heaven when you made Jesus your Lord and savior. Live like it, Run like it, and bring others along with you in this race!

2009-06-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

Looking for Truth

2 John

Yesterday we dove deep into the idea of truth. I want to re-emphasize the idea of Jesus being truth. He is either "the" truth, or he is a liar. There is no in between and this is because of Jesus' own words. In the book of John chapter 11, Jesus says that he is the "way, the truth, and the life" and, "no one comes to the Father except through me." Jesus has to be either the way to God or not, there cannot be an in between.

Many Christians and non-Christians alike make the mistake of believing that Jesus and the Christian faith is just one way to heaven. Logic leads us, because of the words of Jesus, to conclude that either Jesus is the way, or not. If Jesus is not the only way, then there must be another way. The question than must be asked, What do we do about sin? Are you willing to chance that you will have another chance after death? If Jesus was not the way, then sin is still the issue. If everyone gets into heaven, what is the point of this world? These are just a few questions that need to be asked in regard to Jesus and truth. How would you answer these questions? How would you respond to someone who had these questions?

2009-05-29T13:57:00.000-07:00

Sermon Series Preview

Heroes

Coming July 5th

It seems the last couple of years the theme of Heroes has been prevelant. From TV shows to movies, the super hero has been making an amazing come back. The Gospel According to Superman was written in 1973 chronicaling the differences and similarities our man made heroes reflect the Gospel of Jesus. What a fascination we have with these heroes. Maybe we long to be the heroes ourselves. Maybe we like to think we can relate to difficulties heroes have as they struggle to save the day. Or maybe we just like a good story where the good guy wins.

Starting July 5th we are going to be looking at a few heroes found within our scriptures. We will be looking at Abraham, David, Appollos, Barnabas, and more as we look at the true Hero, Jesus Christ and the impact he has made throughout ALL of history. Join me and others at Sixth and Gibbs Church as we explore the Heroes of the Bible!

2009-05-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Understanding Freedom

Galatians 5:1-15

The more that I am gaining an undersanding of history and our government system, the more that I am appreciating the sacrafice that so many gave for the freedoms we have here in America. Yesterday we looked at those verses in Galatians 5, "For freedom you have been set free."

As we looked at yesterday freedom does not mean that you have a choice to do what ever you want. Freedom is an attitude, it is a peace. No one is free when they are controled by addictions, no one is free when they are controled by hate or anger. No one is free when they are controled by pornography or lust. Freedom is about gaining peace, it is about being content. Freedom gives us the ability to make the right choices and decions for our lives.

The questions we need to be asking ourselves is: What are we doing with our freedom here in America? Are you using your freedoms for the selfishness of yourself, or are you using your freedom to move the gospel forward?

Challenge: Thank God today for your freedom here. Take inventory of your life, are you a slave to sin, or to attitudes that are against God, or are you truly free to be the man or woman God has created you to be.

2009-05-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Day 2

Yesterday was day 2 today is day 3 but I may never have time to fully update the blog for day 3 but hey we will do our best.

I am impressed with the over all quality of the conference this year. Today seemed to have a strong missions emphasis and really got me to think outside of the box when it comes to missions and the purpose of missions within the local church and outside of the local church.

Rick Chromey had a very good class on incorporating video and powerpoint into presentations and such getting me to think about how to best do that as well. I have also been challenge yesterday and today to make sure that my first focus is my family and that they are being placed number one in my ministry and home.

I am about to attend a workshop on adoption, the stories of adoption I have heard thus far have really pierced my soul and it will be interesting to see how God will use that in my life. I am praying for you church and look forward to being with you again very soon.

aaron

2009-05-13T06:46:00.001-07:00

Day 1 Recap:

I sure don't have as much time as I had hoped to write these updates, between the conference and catching up with old friends my days seem incredibly short. Here are the classes I attended on Tuesday:

Leading in Uncertain Times. This class was great about leadership. I former business president, now a student at BBC talked about what it means to be in leadership. He spoke of foundations, how God is the foundation and we need to be cultivating that relationship and we are the foundation for others as leaders. People begin to reflect their leaders, so, how are you doing?

Then I went the class, Change Everything: Worship Services. Got a lot of great ideas from the worship leader at Tomoka Church in Florida. They had great video ideas and great service order ideas as well.

Then I went to see my sister for the evening and love on my neices. What a blast!

Then I went to the evening session. AWESOME worship last night, by the BBC group. I was very impressed by our main speaker Joe Putting, who challenged the pastors to not be Chaplins and just care the needs of the needy church people, but to focus on being like Jesus and reaching out to the down trodden.

I will add more detail when I have time and update everyone with the classes I have been attending.

2009-05-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

My church family and friends:

I am in Boise, ID for the annual spring preaching conference at Boise Bible College. Last night was a great tribute to Dr. Ken Beckman who has preached at BBC for 62years. His final words were very powerful, speaking of shooting the wolves before they infultrate the flock. I was impressed.

This morning we have challenged, to pray and act as our morning speaker compared the Lord's prayer to the great commission. We all have a part to play. Jesus is praying and fulfilling his end of the deal, how are we doinging with ours?

I will plan on updating throughout my time here. You can see the full schedule of events at http://www.boisebible.edu/Events/confernc.htm if you have a suggestion as to a class you would like me to attend and update you on, let me know by emailing me at aearlywine@gmail.com. all classes are recorded so I will be able to hear from all of them. Got to get back.

aaron

2009-04-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

Book Review:

The Unchurched Next Door

by Thom Rainer

I had an opportunity to pick up this book by Thom Rainer and it is a good one. Thom put together a team of researchers to find out from people if they would be open to attending church or hearing more about Jesus. The researchers polled 306 non-believers in 50 states to see their openness to Christians.

Rainer was able to categorize those who were not Christians into 5 distinct categories, from those who are so receptive to the Gospel that all they needed was someone to ask them to follow Christ; to those who are so against Christ and the church that only an act of the Holy Spirit would change their conviction. Understanding people's receptiveness to the Gospel changes the way that we speak to them, invite them to church and how we do both of those.

Rainer says that 80% of people polled would say "yes" to coming to church if they were invited by a friend or co-worker. Though not all would be open to becoming a Christian many would give church a try if only invited. Below is a chart Rainer put together in regard to how people would prefer to hear about church:

This book is definately a good read to get those evangelistic juices flowing and a book of hope as well to encourage us that people are receptive to the Gospel though it may not seem like it at times. If you are interested in the read let me know and I will get you a copy.

aaron

2009-04-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Church Today

Acts 29

Go ahead, read Acts 29. . . Okay, you got me, there is no Acts chapter 29. In fact, the book of Acts ends without resolve. If Acts were a movie you would stay seated through the credits, upset that there was no real conclusion. What ever did happen to Paul, his followers and the church? How does it end?!?!?

Since the time that Luke penned Acts 28, we have been living in Acts 29. Writing new chapters of the church, taking the church to new places, and doing new things. The church is fluid, constantly in change, led by men of God, understanding that God is always doing a new thing. Books have been written by men who have done incredible things through the church. Bob Russell's book, When God Builds His Church, is a great read; Rick Warren has done amazing things through his church and his book Purpose Driven Church has encouraged and driven many churches and it's leaders. Carl George wrote his book, Preparing Your Church for the Future; Erwin McManus writes about the church in An Unstoppable Force; Jim Cymbala talks about how he turned his church around in Fresh Fire Fresh Wind.

All of these books I have read and all of these books are inspiring. Each one had a different plan, each one a different theory, each one God used differently. As Bob Russel says,

The methods we have implemented at Southeast Christian Church may or may not work at your church. You can't fight Goliath wearing Saul's armor. You can't minister with someone else's style. You have to be yourself and adapt to the culture around you.

He also says,

I don't know what monumental challenges lie ahead in this new millennium. But I know we're still playing the same game. It's the same Bible we are teaching, the same truth we are proclaiming, the same Lord we are exalting.

When God speaks of the church we are never given a list of "how to's." There is no list of things we have to do in the way of music, preaching, communion or offering. As the Restoration movement, we as a church try to reflect the church in the book of Acts as best as we can; yet we cannot forget that the overall pupose of the church is to bring others to a knowledge of Jesus.

Erwin McManus in his book says: "God has a lot on his mind, and it is through the church that he makes it happen."

This week's challenge: Spend some time praying about the church this week, take some time to encourage others in the church and those outside of it. Next Sunday, purposefully encourage 3 people before you do anything.

2009-04-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

There is Power in the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 3:14-21

¹⁴For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This section of scripture is so powerful! Last night in our small group we had a great discussion about verse 16. We live in a world that pushes us to be strong on the outside no matter how we truly feel on the inside. "Fake it till you make it," is a common montra. The Lord though, desires to strengthen us from within our inner being to strengthen our faith, to dwell in our hearts so that we are able to live it in our actions. It is quite the opposite of what the world teaches us. The world says: No matter how you feel on the inside act strong and you will be strong. The Lord says: Plant your roots in me and I will give you the peace and strength to make it through each day.

When life seems overwhelming we must not forget our Savior and the power that he has given us through his Holy Spirit. Ask him for the strength to make it through each day, and do not be surprised when the Lord gives you peace in the storms, and joy in the most sorrowful times.

2009-04-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

There is Power in the Cross

I have a character flaws. I know some of you are shocked, others are finally glad I'm coming to grips with it. One way that I tend to struggle, is this need to be validated. For some reason, especially from those within my profession and those I work closely with, I want to be recognized. I want to know that I'm doing something right and that someone noticed.

The truth is, many of us are just like this and it's not a bad issue to have (on a sliding scale compared to things like murder). Yet, I still need to working on it. The Bible tells me I should not be looking for the praise or recognition of man, it's only God I should be doing anything for. I should not be concerned about what any one else says or thinks. Because I understand that their is power in the cross, I know that I don't have to be perfect but as Paul says, "I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12b) On the other hand because Jesus has done soooo much for me, it should be my goal to be ALL that I can be for him.

If you are suffering from an "oh hum" kind of faith my prayer for you is that you will find the power that is found only in the beauty of the cross. That even through your little sins God is looking to make you whole, He is not done with you yet. Whether your struggle is lying, a poor attitude, a low expectation of yourself and others; God is still working. You are not to be lack luster, the cross is full of power, and you can be as well.

Challenge: Pick an area in your life that you want to have power in. Pray over that area, ask God to heal, challenge, and set you free from even your littlest of sins.

2009-04-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

Benevolance or Evangelism

In this week's e-news article from standard, Mike Schrage writes an article on whether the church should be focused on the economy or on evangelism.

It is a question that needs asked and ultimately the answer will give us an idea on our perspective on life. Do we trust God with everything? Do we believe Him when He says that He will care for ALL of our NEEDS?

In Matthew 6 Jesus encourages us to not worry about anything, whether we are going to eat or drink, or what we are going to wear. That sort of thing is not to be our concern. God's directive: don't worry about anything.

In Matthew 28 Jesus then tells us we need to be taking his message out to others, to disciple, baptize and teach. God's directive: Go with the Message!

When you put these two directives together, it sure makes a lot of sense, don't worry about anything, go with the Message!

aaron

2009-03-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

There is Power in Who You Know

Philippians 3:4-11

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a Sophomore in high school, and the first Taco Bell was moving into the town that I lived in. Me and my cousin Eric were totally stoked, tacos in our town! I love Taco Bell, so much so, my aunt wrote the company on our behalf and were invited to the Grand Opening celebration. We recieved our letter in the mail and upon arrival were ushered through the ordering line, for free tacos! What a day in paradise. There is no way we could have experienced that with out our papers and without writing to the right person. It's all in who you know. . .

Yesterday we began our series on Living Powerfully. Everyone has an answer for that dillema, there are books, movies, support groups, you name it; all wanting to teach you a thing or two about how to live a powerful, effective life. Power comes not from your pedigree, or from the things you have earned; true power comes from who you know, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:6, says that while we were still "powerless," Christ died for you and me. Take a few minutes and meditate on that thought. Without Jesus you were POWERLESS, and it is only through Jesus that we have any power at all. You see, it is all about WHO you know.

Todays Challenge: This week what are the things in your life that you are keeping power over? That is the big question: What are you controling that you should be giving over to the Lord? Maybe you just realized that you should be handing it over, maybe you know what God would have you to do and you don't want to do it. Maybe you just don't trust anyone (including God) with that decision. Write it down. Spend 5-10min a day praying about that power struggle you are having.

2009-03-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Trying to Be More Purposeful

John 9

I heard a couple comments from the guys who were out at the men's retreat after Shaun preached, about what an extension his sermon was with the message Aaron Couch brought to us at the retreat itself. One of the challenges thrown my direction through the message Shaun brought and through the retreat as well, has to do with purpose. The things in my life, the things within God's church need to be done with purpose. Aaron hit it hard on Saturday evening essentially saying that human nature calls us to create or build something in order to maintain that something (job, retirement, classic cars, etc). God though, never wants us to be in a maintenance mode when it comes to our relationship with him and others. 2 Peter 1:5-9 reminds us that if we are not growing, especially in our love for other people, then we are dying and we are ineffective and we are unproductive and we have even forgotten the magnitude from which we have received forgiveness.

That thought is a reminder to me but man I need reminded often. We are not done, our job is not finished. We have MUCH work to do. A purposeful life makes time for those who need to hear about Jesus. A purposeful life uses resources and talents to help capture the heart of those who need Jesus. A purposeful life is not comfortable, or predictable but it is faithful. A purposeful life cares not about the well being of "me," but looks to how we can serve others. A purposeful life is not defined by a "to do" list, it is an attitude, it is not a day of the week or a defined event, a is a life style decision.

I hope I and we can be more purposeful together, for our Lord.

2009-03-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

God's Merciful Mission

Jonah 3

A question of fasting has been brought up by this text. What is fasting and should we fast? This is a very interesting question. First of all fasting is the abstinance of food to show our weakness and our dependancy on God. Fasting does not always have to be from food. In scripture their was a fasting from sexual relations (I Corinthians 7:5), from bathing and in the case of Jonah (and Esther) , from even drinking. Fasting is found 61 times in scripture and is a Spiritual discipline to show submission to God.

Here in Jonah, the people fasted in repentance, to show their submission to God. So, what are other reasons to fast?

For Engaging in Prayer for others, or yourself: Daniel 9:3, 16 Daniel prayed for the people of Jerusalem, calling to God on their behalf. We fast and are reminded that God is in control.

To Prepare for a Decision or God's Guidance: In Acts 13:2,3 Paul and Barnabas were set apart for ministry by prayer and fasting. When we have big decisions in life to make, fasting can be a way of showing God that you need his guidence and direction. At the feeling of hunger, we pray for God's guidence.

To Prepare ourselves for Spritual Warfare: Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness to be to be tempted. Matthew 4:1,2. When we are facing battles that seem more spiritual, we must be sure we are calling on God for the support we need.

Those seem to be the most popular reasons in scripture, though I know of many other examples of fasting. Regardless of your reasoning for a fast, the purpose of a fast, like we saw in Jonah 3, is to remind ourselves that we are not God, but we desperately need him.

aaron

2009-02-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

A Rebel

Jonah 1

I love Jonah. He is a really cool guy, kind of head strong with his own ideas on what he thinks this world needs. Jonah is pretty sure that this world does NOT need the likes of a dirty ole' city like Ninevah. He is not keen on the idea of going to such a scum filled place, so he runs.

Doing the right thing is hard. It can be difficult and burdensome, no one else is doing the right thing, so why should I? The right things take effort and planning, the right thing seldomly involves a short cut or for that matter, a lot of well deserved praise. The right thing is hard.

Yet, not doing the right thing often times brings more burdens in the long run. Take math for example, when doing a large math problem with many steps; when you make a mistake early on, the further from the right answer you will get and the more difficult it will be to fix it. Often, shorcuts lead to more trouble than it's worth.

In Jonah 1, Jonah runs. He chooses to do quite the opposite of God's call, because Jonah runs he causes himself and others pain, heartache and lots of undeserved troubles. Being a good steward with our time and finances is tough, but it's better than bankrupcy and/or high blood pressure. Loving people is hard, but it's better than losing a good friend or an opportunity to share God's Word. Following the rules our Government has in place can be burdensome but it's better than sharing a 6x6 prison cell with a guy named "Bubba."

Joshua gives us one of the greatest lines in scripture when he says in Joshua 24:15, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

2009-01-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

An Assurance in Something

1 John 5:13-21

As the old saying goes, you can be certain of 2 things: death and taxes. As we have concluded John, he reminds us that there is something else we can be certain of, our standing in God's kingdom.

I am sure you have the same problem I do, maybe it is a little self conciousness, or maybe it is just human nature but with some people I have a hard time knowing exactly where I stand, am I friend or foe. A few a months ago I ran into an old friend from my earlier days in ministry. I was happy to see him but I didn't get the same feeling from him. Was he mad about something in our past? Did I call him by the right name? Later on he called to apologize as he too noticed he was short in our conversation but he was concerned about others going on at the same time.

John is very clear here in 1 John 5: "We know that we are children of God. . . We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." Our standing is not based upon a feeling, it is based upon the truth of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done.

Have you committed your life to Jesus? Do you believe He is the truth and follow Him as such? If your answer is yes, than you can be assured of your place in His kingdom.

2009-01-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Here We Go Team

John 4:7-21

Why love? John gives us a clear indication of why, because God first loved us, and God is love. Love is one of those characteristics that makes God so great! He loved us, he made the first move and he loved us EXACYLY the way we needed to be loved (maybe not the way we thought we should be loved). As a child of God and as we get to know our Creator and Father, we will begin to reflect the love, and begin to love others the way that we should. Yesterday we talked about making the first move to reconcile with others, we talked about having the wisdom to love people where they are at, with a love that meets their needs (sometimes not the way they think they should be loved).

I don't know about you, but all of this takes a tremendous amount of wisdom that I do not posess. So, if it's all right with you, I may need your advice? I may need help. We need one another to encourage us, go guide us in wisdom, to help us out! We are a team and if we are going to do this right, if we are going to love people the way they should be loved, we are going to need each other. Take just a few minutes, pray for someone in the church. Mentally think about the people who sit around you and lift them up in prayer. Don't be afraid to let them know next time that you see them that you prayed for them.

One last thing, our New Year Resolution: (Don't forget it)

Wiser Decisions
Stronger Faith
Trusting God More

Have a great week!

2008-12-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

Loving People When It's Not So Easy

1 John

We have talked about loving people before, people who are hard to love, people who walk all over your gifts, people who are ungrateful, people who are difficult to love. Something we talked about yesterday took that a step further, into a relm I am not sure we have discussed before. Not only is it difficult to love the unlovely but it is also difficult to figure out the best way to love people you truly care about and sometimes loving people the right way is hard to do.

Sometimes love says, "no!" Sometimes love puts people on the street. Sometimes love must quit enabling others, sometimes love makes others responsible for their own decisions. I have heard it before, "If you really loved me, you let me have ________________." (you fill in the blank) No, sometimes love makes others earn it. Sometimes love doesn't let people off easy.

Jesus loved the religious leaders of his day by calling them a "brood of vipers." In the hope they see their shortcomings. Paul oppossed Peter to his face, to show Peter he was doing the wrong thing (Galatians 2:11). Love stands for what is right, whether it is popular or not. Love is not a doormat.

The most difficult part of all of this, is figuring out the best and most wise way to love people. As I pray for all of you this week, my prayer will be for wisdom to truly love others in the most productive way!

2008-12-15T12:08:00.000-08:00

Be a Servant this Christmas Season. . .

Here we go, into the meat of Christmas. I got to thinking about this time of year, what better time to open yourself up to love Cottage Grove. Bake cookies for your neighbors, or make them little Christmas trinkets (if your good at something like that); invite them to an open house Christmas fun time (put on a pot of coffee and a plate of cookies), anything to let those around you know you care. There are so many ways you can care for those around you.

I just happened to run across this quote the other day and I loved it, "There will always be more people willing to do ‘great’ things for God than there are people willing to do the little things. The race to be a leader is crowded, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants." - Rick Warren

Wow, what a a great quote and how true. My prayer for everyone of us is that we may be servants of ALL. Try it out this Christmas season, give service, don't expect to get service. Merry Merry Christmas.

2008-12-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

Dealing With Grief and Loss
John 11

Life can be very painful. Every one of us has dealt with grief and loss on one level or another. Though we may not have lost a family member or a close friend, there are many things in life that can gives us grief and depression. There are many people who are losing their life savings, losing jobs, and income. If you know someone who is facing devastation like this be in prayer for them, spend some time comforting them, just being there with them.

We talked yesterday about 3 actions we can take to help us get through grief. These are actions, you must act in order to succeed.

Be honest with God and yourself.
Be proactive about depression. Seek HELP!
Trust that God is in control and He cares about what is going on.

Do you have someone you can turn to and trust with your pain? Are you trust worthy enough for someone to trust you with pain? Always be ready to care.

2008-11-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Don't Waste Your Life

It was really nice to see my good friends the Peterson's on Sunday. They were the first cross culture ministers I had ever come in contact with some 15 years ago. What an experience as a young man to see ministry like that and to be a part of something bigger than myself. Rodney challenged us yesterday by stepping heavily on our toes in regard to our personal lives. "Don't waste your life!"

Every single one of us is on a journey in our relationship with Jesus. Some of us are like new born children, just learning what it means to follow, others of us need to be reminded of the commitment we made so many years ago to be doers of God's Word. Wherever we are, God asks us to grow more like him ever single day.

Don't waste your life in regard to your family. . . When our relationship with Jesus is right, our relationship with our family had better be too. If you are struggling with your marriage or children, take a deep look at how much time your spending with your Savior.
Don't wast your life with addictions. . . Many times we get caught up thinking about the obvious addictions of drugs, alcohol, or gambling. Truthfully, we can become addicts to anything, all forms of idolatry. TV, RV, ATV, movies, food, sports. . . What is first in your life.
Don't waste your life with the status quo . . . There is good, there is better and there is best. Many times we think good is good enough. Why do better or best? Because you are not doing it for your self, you are doing it for your Lord.
Don't waste your time with the superficial . . . The weather, sports scores, news, those are great ice breakers, don't forget that you and are called to be the salt of the earth, to spice things up. We are not to be bland or boring. We are called to jazz this world up.

Take some time today, or tomorrow and take inventory of these four challenges. Journal about them, talk out loud with your children, or your spouse. How are you doing in these areas of life? No, we can't be perfect, but we sure can all try a little harder.

aaron

2008-11-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Your Weekly Challenge
Elders

We had a wonderful Sunday last week as we discussed Elder qualifications. Let me remind you, the God is looking for an elder with.

Good Character.
Great Reputation.
Experience as a leader and a follower.
Ability to lead and strengthen God's people.

As we apply those to our leaders, let us not forget that these are also characteristics that we should be striving for as well in our walk with God. Take some time this week to read 1 Timothy 3 and Titus and take a deep look at your life, how are you living up to the person God wants you to be?

2008-11-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

This is an update from the previous post. You can read the original message by clicking here!

Goat Central Update
6-Nov-2008
9:40 A.M.
Turkana, Kenya

The response to Ekadori's "Goat Wipeout" has been amazing! 74 goats have now been pledged or given! Thank you all! We were hoping for 40 and hoping his community would step up and give the final 28. One of our goat donors was praying that Ekadori would be like Job; where God allowed his wealth to be wiped out and then blessed him with more than he had before. That prayer has been answered. We trust God's plan for Ekadori is such as this.

The exchange rate here in Kenya has recently hit a several year high at 80 shillings to the dollar. If you have pledged a goat and have not sent in your check to CMF, please do so quickly so we can take advantage of this rate. Perhaps we can squeeze another two or three goats out the currently high exchange rate. I love it when God arranges things like that!

Today is a Kenyan holiday because Barak Obama won the AMERICAN Presidential election. Go figure. Surprisingly, not every Kenyan was for Obama. Everywhere I go, I am asked who I want to be president. Rather than answer, I just ask them who they are for. The answers surprised me.

We are still rained out of our home at Kosikeria. The landscape is GREEN and full of small yellow and white FLOWERS! We expect the rivers to be down enough tomorrow to return home. The rain has brought cooler temperatures, muggy weather and lots of spiders, scorpions and snakes. We've had lots of fun each night killing the various "critters" which are unfortunate enough to let us see them.

We will go to the "goat market" and purchase Ekadori's goats, probably along with him and the chief and church leaders. We¹ll get lots of pictures and post them online for you all to see. Again, thank you for reaching out to Ekadori and his family. He is going to be so blessed! God has a plan for this man! It will be exciting to see what it is and how it unfolds.

In Jesus,

Scott, Kristi Wyatt, Aidan and Gabe

2008-11-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

How Do (Should) We Reach Out

Here is an interesting update from one of the missions we support, I read this a few moments ago. What a great story about reaching out and caring for a brother and sister in need, from the mission field, enjoy.

Dear Friends,

Meet Ekadori. Ekadori is a Turkana friend of mine. I first met him last month, when he brought his wife to us. She was "very, very" pregnant and since her delivery was imminent, he wanted Dr. Kristi to do an exam and make sure everything looked good. The exam revealed the baby¹s head in the correct position for birth and a strong fetal heart beat. She gave birth a short week later to a healthy baby girl.

The night the baby was born it started to rain. Rain which hadn't come to this area of Turkana for 14 months. A drought ending rain. It flooded the plains and the fields. The rivers flowed hard! We are not sure exactly how it happened. Perhaps Ekadori was pre-occupied with his wife's delivery. Perhaps he was shocked at such a hard rain after no rain for such a long time. Ekadori's herd of goats were swept away in the flash flood! He had 74 goats and he lost 68 of them that night. A good night for having a new baby. A horrible night for loosing his wealth. Paradox strikes again.

We didn't hear of his loss until a week later when he came to our house asking for food. Where was his food we wondered to him. Then he told us the news of how he lost his entire herd of goats, he still had 6 goats remaining, the newborns. How many others in the community lost their goats? No one. Why Ekadori? God knows. Why are we here at this time? Perhaps for such a time as this. Ekadori is a baptized believer, but hasn't been going to church. I suggested to him that perhaps God was wanting to get his attention and is wanting him to go deeper in his faith. Perhaps, God has allowed his wealth to disappear so he would rely on God and not himself.

We also wondered if this is not an opportunity for the local church and the community to show Christ in a practical way, replace Ekadori's goats. Each family to give him one goat,..a free gift. We want what's best for Ekadori. We want his relationship with Christ to deepen. Christ is his Shepherd. Ekadori and his family are part of His flock. How much does one goat cost? He told me that one goat would cost him about 1000 shillings, about 13 dollars. I think I will buy him a couple of goats. I can afford to. We want to bless him. He's a good man, a Christian brother. He has a family to feed.

Please pray for Ekadori as he learns more about Christ and how Christ can meet his needs. Pray for the salvation of his children. Pray Ekadori will be a strong spiritual example for his children and family.

In Christ,

Scott and Kristi

If you would like to buy a goat for Ekadori, please write a check to Christian Missionary Fellowship and put Seidel¹s-Goat Fund in the memo line. You can also use the paypal button on our website at www.seidelfamily.org
<http://www.seidelfamily.org>

2008-11-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Tuesday. What a day! I pray that everyone will or has already taken the time to vote. In our unique system everyone has a say and I hope that you are ready and prepared to vote.

Take time today and say a prayer for our country and the decisions being made this week.

2008-10-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Your Weekly Challenge:

Coming up here in November we are going to take a break from our regular messages through the book of 1 John. Around this time each year we have our annual elections where our Elders and Deacons are put into service for the next year. Over the next few weeks we are going to be looking at the importance of Elders, Deacons and what membership means to us at 6th and Gibbs church. I hope you are challenged and enlightened by the roles each leader has and how this is God's plan for the structure of our church.

You may be noticing the pictures being taken and our new picture board on the wall. We are hoping to display all of our families in the church on this board to give everyone an idea of who is who. If you or your family has not been pictured yet, you can have those done, before, after, or between services. We are also hoping to add another element to our gathering, name tags. As we try to figure out how that will work best please keep that in the back of your mind. Not everyone likes a name tag but I believe it will help our visitors and regular attenders all the same.

Your Challenge:
This week, read Acts 20:13-38; Timothy 3; and 1 Peter 5:1-4 to prepare for our discussion of Elders on Sunday.

2008-10-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Church

It's Sunday and I am at home this morning, not feeling well at all. Loopy from medicine and I just don't feel like eating (which is highly unusual) but I miss church. My prayers are with my church, my thoughts are there too. I miss you all!

2008-10-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Message Challenge
How is your faith?

Cory Lemke gave us some great words yesterday to help drive us toward fully trusting in a trust worthy God. He encouraged us to consider our level of commitment to God; he challenged us to step out of our comfort zones for God; and he reminded us that it is only by trusting and obeying God that we even have any hope for the future.

It seems that the economy and the looming elections have provided for us lots of things to be worried about. But the truth is, politics cannot change this world; money and the economy will not bring true life change to this world; A new president cannot hardly bring the changes promised. True life change can only happen through Jesus and trusting in His word.

How trusting of God are you? What is your hope in? A strong message I see God laying on my heart this past month is this: Whomever gets elected, whatever strings are pulled to save us from this financial mess will not bring peace. This world doesn't need more oil, more govt., more money, you name it. What this world needs is Jesus! That this world needs is you and I to step up, and be the believers God wants us to be.

2008-10-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Missions

Yesterday we had a great blessing, Cory and Janice Lemke shared with us their lives and their passions as we heard about mission life and the life in the Ukraine. I am always amazed at how others throughout the world do church. All this week we heard about missionaries from Latin America, India, Africa, and Arizona and each and every mission had a new way of reaching out, a different way of sharing God's word.

With that thought in mind I got to thinking about how truly diverse God is. He doesn't do the same thing twice and their is never a list of "how to's" when it comes to structuring church or reaching out. Sure, we have principles from which we do things, like Acts 2:42 gives an example of how the believers had communion, prayed and listened to the apostle's teachings. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians we are to be all things to all people, to win some to Jesus. How that happens is fully up to you and me.

In the Ukraine there are no paid preachers. Messages are given by those who have been reading a ready in God's word. In Africa music is their heart beat and stories and verses are sang as worshippers jump around. No seats, no pews and people sit outside to worship. Is that kind of ministry better? Are we more holy? Are they?

I read about communion in the New Testament and it sounds like the early church didn't have a wafer, and a little cup. It sounds like their communion was a lot like a meal. So, are we doing it wrong? Of couse not. The purpose of communion is to remember what Jesus has done for us. The emblems matter not. The gathering of the church is to encourage believers to live out their faith. It's not about who speaks, who sings and how long it lasts. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we being a church that is glorifying God?

2008-10-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

You can visit my family blog to hear about Alex and my exciting hunt: www.earlywinefamily.blogspot.com.

2008-09-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Strangers in a Foreign Land
1John 2:15-17

Today I visited a good friend of mine. Billy Craig has been dying of terminal cancer for more than a year now. The Ministerial group that I associate with went to his home in Creswell and spent some time praying and crying over our brother. Billy, really doesn't look like Billy anymore. His facial features are the same but he has lost that zip, his eyes, his body looks tired.

It is in these moments that I am so glad that this life is only temporary. I am so glad I am not stuck here in this body forever. I have a hope, I have a promise knowing my God is watching over me.

In 1 John 2, John points out that we are not to love this world. It is not our only stopping place. Sure, we are here because we have to be, but our place is in eternity with our father in heaven. We are citizens of heaven, as Paul writes in the book of Philippians.

The Philippian people would have understood that concept a lot better than us. Philippi was on the edge of the Roman Empire, it had been controlled by Romans for less than 100 years. Those in Philippi had belonged to the Persian Empire and kept it's culture and practices, while there land was controled by Rome. They were citizens (as far as they were concerned) of Persia, yet they were held in control by Rome and pledge Ceasar as their ruler.

We live here on earth, but we pledge our loyalty, we live for our Father in Heaven, strangers in a foreign land.

2008-09-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Children:

It seems that the Nebraska legislature got themselves into kind of a pickle that has devastating effects on the DHS of Omaha. In July, Nebraska implimented a new law that would allow overwhelmed parents to drop their children off at the hospital, no charges pressed, no questions asked. The intent of the law was to provide parents with small children help in their time of need.

Unfortunately the law is heading to places it was never intended to go. In the past 24 hours, 11 children have been dropped off at local hospitals. Before that, children 11, 15, and 13 were dropped off and yesterday, a man brought in 9 of his children, ages 1 to 17. The intent of the law was to protect the young, now it has become an out for defiant and beligerant children who's parents cannot control them.

Law makers will be taking a deep look at this law and already some in the DHS are saying that these parents may still face neglect and abuse charges because those are not covered under the umbrella of this safe haven law.

It would seem to me that one of the most difficult things in life to do, is to take responsibility. We must not forget that our number 1 ministry is to our families. How are your children, grandchildren doing? How is their walk with the Lord?

A recent study shows that teens and younger children that sit around a table to eat dinner with their parents are less likely to do drugs. Is it in the table? Or is it in the relationship with the parents that makes a difference.

aaron

2008-09-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

A Little Encouragement For Monday
Walking in the Light
1 John 2:5-12

There are many times as a Christian that I have felt defeated and hopeless. Many times when trying to do the right thing people don't understand and standing up for what is right can be a very lonely thing. In John 16 Jesus is speaking with his disciples about what is to come, about his death and how alone he will be when his disciples scatter. He even tries to get them to comprehend his return; his connection with God. Jesus ultimately tells them in John 16:33, "I tell you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. Take heart, I have overcome the world."

Those things that drag us down. The people who fail to understand our Lord, the mockery we endure for the high standards we set, it's all over come. It is all taken care of, by our Lord Jesus who brings us peace in the midst of our pain. It's not our fight, it's his and guess what? He's already won!

2008-09-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Hustle
1 John 1:5-2:4

It really is hard to be honest with yourself and others about who you really are. Truthfully we can make all kinds of excuses about why we are not "perfect." I think it is very important to note that God does not expect us to be perfect people. He does expect us to be honest about where and why we fall short, expecting us not to make excuses, but to try harder!

Much of this effort comes when we truly see what and who God expects us to be. We are no longer comfortable with our shortcomings when we recognize who Jesus is and what he has done for you and for me. Much of the strategy for over coming an addiction starts with a person recognizing that they are an addict. It is impossible to overcome when you don't believe you have anything to overcome.

Paul even mentions that God's Law was created just for that purpose, to make us aware that we have sin. (Romans 3:20) It is that recognition that drives us to work on our imperfections, that is what moves us to live beyond ourselves because we are living for a God that expects more from us. He has raised the bar.

I spent many years of my life playing a sport called soccer. I loved that sport and as a youth I was a natural at it. It just came easy for me. When I got into highschool, that all changed, I had to work for it. Unfortunately, I didn't try, so needless to say, I was cut from the Varsity team. Shocked, I was positioned on the JV teamed, so I approached my coach who politely informed me, "It's not about going through the motions, you have to show me a desire to succeed, I need to see some hustle from you."

God is not receive the glory when we go through the motions of living a Christian life. He wants to see some effort, some hustle. As a father, are you hustling; as a parent, are you being the best you can be; as an employee do you go above and beyond; as a husband/wife, do step it up to be who God has called you? How is your Christian hustle.

2008-09-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

Seven Years Later

There are some events that occour and you can remember exactly where you were standing when you heard about it. You can remember the very place you were, the very pictures from the TV, the way your heart sank when the reality set in.

When I first saw the pictures I thought, "There is no way that is really happening. . ." The picture of those towers has come to represent for me the fact that we live in a dying world. We can choose to focus our attention on the negative or we can pay close attention to how God moves through the pain.

I hear a lot of people ask the question, "Why do bad things happen?" I often times wonder: "how does God work good things into the messiness of our lives and this world?" The truth is, based upon what I see around us everyday, we do not deserve the love and grace God is so ready to give us. We are messy people, we fight, we sin, we can't get along.

Not that I don't understand that question. Surely I do. I get frustrated when I see cancer tear through the body of a healthy functional person. An untimely death makes me question why some live and some die. Yet, if I was truly to step back and look clearly at the situation on this earth, I can't help but recognize that God is in control. It rains on the righteous and the unrighteous alike. This earth, it is temporal, just like our bodies. I am convinced that if it weren't for God our messes would be bigger, our lives further out of control, and all would be hopeless.

Thank you Jesus for hope.

ae

2008-09-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

Having Fellowship
1 John 1:1-4

One of the things that I wish I had gone more indepth into on Sunday are the different things that we have partnership with, or fellowship with in God. As we have looked at fellowship a little this summer, we concluded that true fellowship or koininia has to do more with relationship and partnership with one another and with God. It is a strong foundation in Christ and the having the same goals and purposes in mind that brings us to fellowship with the Lord and also with one another.

Our fellowship with God is based upon an understanding of what and how we are supposed to act and be Christians. What is our fellowship? How do we maintain it? I think John is going to help us a little more as we dig into this letter in the next few weeks, but I want us to get to thinking about some of this fellowship now. We fellowship with God by, loving and being with one another; by sharing with those in need, and by partnering in sharing God's Word with others who do not know Him.

How is your fellowship? One of the things to remember is, before we can truly have fellowship and bring fellowship to this world, we must focus on our fellowship with God. Do you take time to commune with God on a daily basis? Are you in His Word?

2008-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Loving the Grove
Stepping out by Sharing God's Word
Luke 10:1-22

I have been here in Cottage Grove coming onto 6 years. Six wonderful, challenging, growthful (is that a word) years. Those years I would not give up for the world. In that span of time, Cottage Grove has become my home and I feel a part of this city. Joining together with a few of the other ministers here in the Grove, we have been praying this city on a weekly basis. We pray that the those who do not know Jesus would come to a knowledge of him. We have also been praying that those within His church would step out in faith and share Jesus with those who need to hear about Him.

That thought, coupled with other ideas has brought me to where we are today with the Love Cottage Grove idea. We are all in this together and together we can truly get something done. Jesus sent out the 72 disciples in Luke 10:1-22, with a purpose, to prepare people for the coming of Jesus. When Jesus ascended into heaven in Matthew 28, again He leaves those standing there as witnesses with a job, spread the news of Jesus and prepare people for His return.

This week: Find someone to love, without regard to what you can get out of it. Then, see what follows.

2008-08-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Your Challenge Today

Actually, your challenge today is more of a "thank you," than a challenge. You see, we raised more than $1,600 for the Bible College students during the offering time on Sunday. That is a little more than $500 to help each student pay for books, tuition, etc. That is a job well done, way to step up to the plate!

I was also greatly impressed with the outdoor service this weekend and the many ways that we have stepped it up this summer. I truly expected a HOT unbearable service, but what a pleasant day it ended up being and even a little mist (rain) toward the end.

This Sunday not only marked the last of our outdoor services for the summer it was also a conclusion to the BBQ's and kids boot Camp Experience. The children were awesome once again and we were truly blessed this summer with great food, great fun and some awesome entertainment for the little ones.

Sometimes when things are going well, we have a tendancy to get comfortable with things. Though this summer was wonderful, I fully expect a much stronger Fall. As hunting season approaches (code for Fall) what are ways we can step up to the plate and reach out to those who don't know Jesus? How do we provide safe and comfortable places to hear that message? Are you ready to introduce others to your Savior?

Wheewwww. Summer is almost over. . . but don't breath to deeply, Fall is coming!

2008-08-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Weekly Challenge
Sowing and Reaping

This week we took a unique look at the passage in Galatians 6 about sowing and reaping. Often times we speak about the negative things that we sow and reap. Yet we forget that if we want positive things in life to happen we have to sow positively. I shared this week the many positive things going on in our church. From new visitors to baptisms, to the hope of the future, we have many great opportunities to sow and reap within our church body.

This week thank God for the people within your life that God has used to touch and challenge you. If you can, write someone who has touched you a little note of encouragement and thanksgiving for the way that God has used them in your life. Also, consider praying for God to send you someone that you can sow into.

2008-08-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

Weekly Challenge
The Cost of the Message

How far would you go for the message of Jesus? That is a difficult question to ask yet one worth considering, and considering a lot. When it boils down to it, most of us are deeply spoiled and we have a difficult time stepping out of our comfort zone for anything. Consider this: Most of us sit in the same place every Sunday morning; if we don't like the music we have difficulty worshipping; we get stuck in consistent routine, we like our days to run smoothly and we hope each day runs like yesterday did. We struggle to leave our comfort zone, seldom do speak to strangers or stop to help someone in need.

I hope you do not think that I am getting on anybody in particular. Truthfully, I am stung by my very own words, realizing how selfish I am. It is painful to think that I cannot please everyone and yet God reminds me that it is His approval I am looking for, so, step out of my comfort zone is something I must do. Something I hope God is encouraging you to do, to take a big step out of your comfort zone.

I think we all understand the danger of stepping out of our comfort places. Now, consider the rewards; you could be giving hope to a family in crisis, you may be the tool God uses to end the cycle of sin in someone's life. You may be the one to seed plant in someone's soul that will sprout down the road or you could be the one bring that seed to sprout. You may be the only kind word someone hears today, the only encouragement some receives. Your one act of kindness could mean the world to someone.

Foy Vance, a singer/song writer from London has a song on his most recent album called, "An Indiscriminate Act of Kindness." In the song a story is told of a man who provides a down-and-out woman with a warm place to stay and hope for tomorrow. As she questions his kindness, the man responds, "No one that knows love could leave you out there on such a night." You and I know Love, we know the very creator of Love because of that we have no choice but to step out and show others that kind of Love that we have already received. By the way, did I mention that it's worth it?

2008-07-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Website

Go to www.churchofchrist6thandgibbs.com and tell me what you think.

E-mail me when you have had a look see: aearlywine@gmail.com

2008-07-22T08:41:00.000-07:00

Monday's Challenge (on Tuesday)
Fellowship (koinonia)
Acts 2:42

Koinonia, is the greek word for fellowship. That word is used over 20 times in the New Testament to describe our relationship with the Lord and our relationship with others. On Sunday we talked a lot about how this relationship is built, true koinonia (fellowship) is not grown over night. Koinonia is developed through purposeful interaction with others. Whether it is your relationship with the Lord, or with others what you do must be purposeful. There are 4 rungs to this ladder of koinonia.

History Giving. Where have people been.
Hopes and Dreams. Where are they going. What are there hopes for life.
A Challenge. How can I help you fulfill those dreams?
Accountability. I will be there for you when you fall, and cheer you on to success.

Something that struck me when thinking about this a little more today is how things like koinonia work within our relationship with God. Jesus tells us in Matthew that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love others. I have found there are some people who are difficult to love, until I stop and consider God's love for those very same people. Fellowship is a difficult, painful endeavor, especially if you are not in fellowship with the Lord.

If you struggle with fellowship, make God your primary fellowship. As you focus on your relationship with Him, I believe God will help and encourage in your love and koinonia for others.

2008-07-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Parking Lot Service
and Evening BBQ with Children's Boot Camp
August 3rd and 17th

Join us Sunday Morning at 11am for a combined outdoor worship service. Sunday School classes will still meet at 10am.

Everyone! is invited to return Sunday night for a BBQ and Children's Boot Camp. Join us in fellowship and encourage our children as they learn what it means to be followers of Jesus. A great time for all!

Burgers, Dogs and Condiments provided, bring a Side Dish or Dessert to share.

2008-07-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

Pure Power

This is an awesome picture of the incredible view we had from our guest house this week that my in-laws graciously rented for our families. I was able to absorb this view each night as the sunset and for a vacation this was truly a get-a-way. As great a picture as this is I'm not sure if it truly captures how incredible the view was.

I love the ocean, I have not spent the time on the ocean that I was sure I would when we moved here, none the less, I am truly taken back by the sheer power, beauty and magnificence of the ocean. Watching the waves come in, understanding the rise of the tide, how truly awesome the ocean is! I could listen to the waves for hours on end when given the chance. How strong is the ocean? I'm not sure it can be described, I'm not sure I can fathom it fully.

In a sense, that is God. Who can truly describe Him? Who can understand His depth? His greatness? Job 38 is an incredible chapter of the Bible, God explaining to Job the vastness of this world, the precision that God put into His creation, its magnitude and glory created by an even bigger God.

Consider the creation all around you this, week. Watch the beauty of the trees, the splendor of the flowers, the power of the wind, all created by a God who loves you dearly. And as you focus on Him, give Him praise for being bigger than you and I.

2008-07-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

A Challenge For us ALL

Wes Patton did an awesome job yesterday! He has such an incredible ministry in Hope House and many lives have been touched by this ministry.

Wes truly challenged us yesterday to look within ourselves as we make daily decisions about the lives and the choices we choose to live. It is God and His Word that gives us the incredible example on how we should live. His thoughts even made me consider some of the little things in life, short cuts I take for my benefit, not for God's.

Try this challenge! Write down all of the decisions you make in one day. What influences your decisions?

2008-06-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge

Prayer

James 5:13-20

Today I rolled out of bed and realized that it was already Thursday! Most of my week toast, lost forever in the "I wish I had more" time zone. Sure, good things have happened this week, but for the most part, my week is finished with so many good things I could have done. I hope I am not the only one at that place in life but based upon the stories and in view of the lives around me, I know I am not the only one.

There are many ideas to solve this dillema. We could just not expect so much from ourselves, set the standard lower. We could also simply shorten our nights, get less sleep and more done. There is also this idea of cloning, just give me another me think of all we could accomplish with two of me and two of you! God has a more simple way and a much less logical way. He tells us to pray.

Did you catch that? Prayer accomplishes more than a clone would. I know, it doesn't make any sense less work doesn't mean more gets accomplished. That is the beauty of God's plan, we give that work we cannot accomplish over to Him. We raise the standard higher, because we have someone who can accomplish anything and He is on our side! We don't give up, we give it to the Lord.

Prayer, use it.

2008-06-09T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
James 5:7-12
Learning Patience

Yesterday we established that this idea of patience is more than just a waiting game, it is more like enduring when the world is falling apart around you. Many times we see injustice in this world, we see people getting away with all kinds of things, a not being held accountable. James reminds us here that God is watching, it is not up to us to be the judge, we are to endure through it. We are to endure by doing the right thing, we are to endure by loving those who are our enemies, we are to endure by keeping our word, we are to endure when we are tested, when there is an easier way out, we are still to endure.

This idea of "long suffering" also lends us to this idea of taking a stand. Our patience is not a waiting game, "long suffering" is an action word. It is taking a stand for who you are and what you believe and not wavering in that regard. In this section, in verse 8, the translate I read (NIV) gives some helpful translation, to, "be patient and stand firm." James does not want us to be passive, he wants us to be full of action. His concern is that our actions will judgemental, not loving. He wants our actions to be caring, not harsh. Stand for what is right, and leave the judgment to the One who has it all under control.

This week, let us stand together for what is right, pure and true. Let us love and pray for those who are immoral, those who walk on others, those who are selfish, you name it. The truth be known I don't know anyone (outside of Jesus) who can claim perfection and if not for His grace I would be in a world of hurt. Let us stand for what is right, and trust that God is in full control of everything.

2008-06-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Outside of Ourselves
Loving our Community

Heidi and I are back from our 10 year anniversary trip. It was a very nice trip, filled with a lot of fun and much needed relaxation. We spent some time at the coast, in the city of Portland and even some time at the Hotel. It was a lot of fun to be away from the kids (they were with Grandma's and Grandpa's) but it sure was nice to get back home to see them again. We were afforded the opportunity to go to Portland for church on Sunday, we attended Imago Dei Fellowship, a church that meets at Franklin High School on the east side of Portland. It was nice to listen and to worship with others at this church.

There were many things that stuck out to me at the church service it self, many ideas I would love to try some day but there was something that really stuck out more to me than anything and that was the people that were involved in the community. It was not that the church had so much going on as it was that the people were invested in their community.

What does that mean for me, what does that mean for our church? Well, first of all I think it takes an attitude adjustment on the hearts of individuals. For instance, I need to be thinking not about what I can get but what I can give. Like it or not, we are ego centric people to the core, my first thought is, in general, selfish. I need to stop that, I need to consider others.

What are some things we can do? Help a neighbor, read at a school, volunteer any where in the community (we have some hospital volunteers among us), take kids fishing, walk the streets and say "hi" to people, I'm sure you can think of other ideas. We just have to do it.

2008-05-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
Living for the Day
James 4:13-17
Making Room for God's Will

I have been considering something very important this week in regard to this study about God's will. Sometimes God's will and my will do not match up. I have my way and God has his. A lot like growing up with your parents, there is my way and there is their way. Sure, I did things their way but I didn't always like it. Yet in all honesty I felt the absolute best when I would do things my way that fit with their will.

Part of maturing as a follower of Christ, is lining up your will with God's will. Could you imagine the difference we could make if our will matched up with God's will. That is an unstoppable force. That should also change and challenge our prayer life. No longer do we just pray that God's will be done, we should also be praying that we learn to love God's will and His way.

May God's will and my will line up together!

2008-05-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge

James 4:1-12

God's Submission Hold

We are not in control. No matter how hard we try, we cannot and do not have full control of anything in our lives. I say this, with the flu at a conference I am currently at. If I were in full control, I wouldn't have the flu.

We can do the best we can to be great parents, yet when our children grow, we have no control on what they choose. You can be the best employer or employee, yet you have not control on where your job or business will go. You can be a great friend, parent, aunt or uncle but you cannot control the way people treat you.

That is the beauty of this passage in James. As we focus our lives on living them God, we have to realize that we are not in full control and that is okay, because we are following the God who IS in full control. James points out the destruction our lives will have if we live for ourselves, we will be very unhappy people.

This week: Focus on being the best person you can be, and give God control of the rest. He knows what he is doing, trust Him.

2008-04-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

The Strongest Muscle

James 3:1-12

I love Baseball, well, actually I love sports in general, it just happens to be baseball season. This last Thursday I was in Seattle for a conference on Leadership, called the Lead Now Conference. (Great conference, I did love it, but back to the baseball analogy.) Anyway, I had an opportunity to go to a Mariner's game, thanks to Craig's List and most peoples indifference to the Baltimore Orioles. We sat only 12 rows from the field, behind home plate or so. The game was close, tied up in the 6th inning, so the fans were getting restless. On a pitch that was way to close to call the fans all around us were unhappy with the umpire's judgment. I sat there listening to their jeers and I wondered, as I looked at this well built umpire, would these people have the guts to say those things to his face. . .

As James writes about the danger of our words, this thought comes to mind about how devastating our words can be and how quick we criticize those around us. Most of the time, like my umpire friend, those people are doing the best that they can and know how. This week (I hope it's not just this week) take some time to focus on the positive things in life and those around. Be an encouragement, be uplifting, may your and my words empower others to live the best that they can and may we never be a source of discouragement!

By the way, the call looked good to me, Go Oriole's.

2008-04-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
Acts 1:8
You Will. . . .

What an awesome honor it was to have Terry Stine from Boise Bible College come as our guest on Sunday. Terry gave us an awesome reminder about what it means to be a follower of Christ. We have a job to do! Jesus, before his ascension in Acts 1 told his disciples, "You will be my witnesses," not to say sometime in the future but to imperatively tell them that it is a job to be done NOW! Honestly this is not a struggle that we have difficulty understanding. We all know that we are to be witnesses for Jesus, I'm wondering if the difficulty we have following Jesus is understanding what it truly means to be a witness.

Terry on Sunday pointed out that this word "witness" is translated and defined more as a martyr than someone who speaks on the behalf of someone else. Yes, speaking on the behalf of Jesus is a wonderful and important thing to do, yet our job is not just complete with that. We need to do more than just speak, we must be willing to give it all, even our lives, for Jesus.

So, what are you willing to give up for Jesus. Giving up our Sundays are one thing but I believe that God is calling for us to give more than just one day a week, he wants every part of our lives; at work, on vacation, hunting, playing, everywhere. Are you willing and ready to be a witness in every sense of the word?

2008-04-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
A Foundation of Faith
James 2:14-26

When I was a good church going teen I remember one lesson in particular at youth group. It was called a "faith" or "trust" fall. One person would stand on the edge of a table while 2 rows of people, arms extended, would catch you as you fell. The fall required that you fully trusted those arms below to catch you. Our youth pastor took the time to explain how faith in God is much like a faith fall, we have to trust that God is there for us all the time.

We do faith falls, we show pictures of faith and tell stories about men of great because faith itself is very hard to define. It is a trust in the unseen, yet faith is not blind; it is hopeful expectation that carries with it absolute certainty. It is explained better through a story and is defined more clearly by actions. We all have it some kind of faith, we all put our trust in something and James tells us clearly here that our faith in Jesus requires us to live like it.

The question you and I must face is; when someone is given opportunity to describe your faith, what will their answer be? Are you truly showing a faith in Jesus by your actions, or have you put your faith in other things? Is your faith in your job, money, drugs, or other things?

This week take an honest assessment, or if you are brave enough, ask someone to assess you truthfully and ask this simple question: Based upon the way I live, I put my faith in _________.

2008-04-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

A New Earth. . .A New Idea?

Oprah has recently started her own web based seminar class that took a look at religion and of course, her views on the subject. She has recently denied her Christian up bringing based upon some pretty sketchy thoughts on the matter. She considers truth to be relative to your time, situation and culture; as well as pointing out that Jesus was misunderstood and came to show us how to live, nothing more.

The truth is, Mr. Tolle does not bring any new ideas to the table, he is nothing more than another new age writer and his book, from the accounts I have read, is slow and share no new concepts. Yet, he is gaining quite the following thanks to Oprah. Recently, her class attracted many wayward confused Christians that she successfully turned in a very poor direction.

Many people try to push a counterfeit and discount Jesus' life here on earth. Tolle is not bringing any new ideas. From the time of Jesus resurrection people from all over the globe have tried to explain it away. Ultimately the issue is very simple, the issue is about sin about what you believe about it. Let's face it, the new age movement has no definition of sin, we simply have the ability to categorize people based upon what I believe is good and bad. Did you catch that, I am the one who decides. Tolle is speaking in his book about you become god. Does that make any sense? That really gives a messed up idea of reality where "I" become the center of the universe, defining my own good and bad.

Other religions make a practice of working our way out of sin, giving more chances, or doing more good things than bad things. As if God is weighing your good and bad and as long as the good weighs more, you are in. How do we reconcile that, how do we define it, you can't.

Since we are in James it's appropriate that James 2:10 gives us a clear picture of how sin really works, something that makes since and is easily defined. One sin = All sin. If I'm guilty of one sin, I'm guilty of breaking the whole law. Why doesn't someone come up with a religion about that? A religion that makes a whole lot more sense is a religion where everyone goes to Hell. That's logical and it's truth. Jesus says, I am the Way the Truth and the Life, why? He says that because unlike anything else in the world, He can take away sin.

Tolle is a positive thinker but he is offering no cure, just a sugar pill pushed by a media icon.

**For another great article on the subject, click here!

2008-04-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
Mercy Makeover
James 2:1-13

It is natural human tendency to segregate. Sure, even in our americanized culture of "diversity training" and the equality movements all around, it's is pretty obvious social sects exist whether we admit it or not. Name brands are thrown in our faces, whether it's a car, clothes, or even groceries we segregate socially with the best of them. Yet, from God's perspective people are people, regardless of the ethnic or social tags we (as humans) put on them God doesn't see life in the same way that we do.

God does however have his own classification system, and it is a little different from ours. Here in James, we see that we are all in the same boat, we are all law-breakers. God classifies us then, not as sinners and non-sinners, but as the faithful and the un-faithful. He sees us as saved and unsaved, as those who have accepted him, or as those whom have rejected him. Ultimately James is challenging his readers not to show favoritism based upon social classes but to show Jesus to everyone! Many times we ignore the ones that are more ready for Jesus based upon our own human criteria.

Let us make a pact; let us take a stand to mindful of those we tend to ignore, to show compassion to those we haven't. To pray that God will allow us to see people in the same way that he does. We are all the needy, we are all the sick and we are ALL in need of a Savior!

2008-04-01T13:17:00.000-07:00

Youth Update
Discipleship Process

Recently our Student Ministry has taken a new approach to Discipleship. Shaun our Youth Pastor has started meeting with some of our more committed youth on Tuesday mornings. They are studying hard and working on holding one another accountable to reading God's Word.

If you are interest in joining them in their daily reading times, you can see their progress at www.tmdevos.blogspot.com.

2008-03-31T12:02:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
"More Than Words"
James 1:19-27

This week as we dig deeper into the book of James, we are faced with a challenge, not to be merely hearers of God's Word, but to be doers of God's Word. One of the questions within our study guides has to do with using God's Word to make everyday decisions in our lives. As our Small Group discussed this thought, we came to realize, most decisions we make, we don't open up our Bible's to find the answer, but because we are connected to God's Word, we use the principles that he lines out for us in scripture to help us make a wise decision. If we are not in His Word, it makes it difficult to remember or think of what we ought to do.

God's Word is more than just words, and it is far more than just some good ideas. It is living and it is active (Hebrews 4:12). This aspect of scripture may make it kind of difficult for us sometimes. We want to know the answer, we prefer things to be black and white. It would be a whole lot easier if God would just say, "Yes, take the job!" or "No don't talk to that guy," or "Yes, buy that family a gallon of milk!" Wouldn't that be nice. "Wake up at 6am, workout, pray, hug your kids, go to work oh and stop by the coffee shop, someone there wants to hear about Jesus." That would make life a breeze.

God though has given us His Word, His example and His Law to be a help to us as we make every day decisions. God has gifted us with not only His Word, but wisdom. He has put other Christian believers in our lives and like any good parent, he tells us the decision is ours. We are more than just hearers of God's Word, we are doers! The question begs to be asked, has the Word of God penetrated your life enough to help you make wise decisions? Are you living for God, or just for a whim?

This week as you read God's Word, try this: Read with a pen or a highlighter. As you come across issues in God's Word, underline or highlight those ideas in God's Word that will be a guide for you in decision making. From loving your brother, to praying for you enemies how do those effect the decisions you make every single day.

2008-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
Easter, Jesus and the Tabernacle
Hebrews 8-10

The pictures that we get from Jesus in the Old Testament are rather revealing about who Jesus was. I often hear from people and have experienced myself that writing e-mails and letters is a difficult way to communicate because much of communication is non-verbal. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians at one point in time even says, "I write this to shame you." Hoping they wouldn't take the letter the wrong way.

With that in mind I often wonder the tone of some of the things recorded about Jesus. I was listening to a dramatic rendition of Easter on my Ipod yesterday and the narrators had Jesus portrayed as a quiet rather melancholy voice. I just don't know if Jesus would have sounded like that? One of my favorite films to critique is a Jesus film I watched a number of years ago. Everyone of Jesus disciples spoke in modern english, while Jesus spoke in King James.

This communication barrier is hard to overcome and I wonder if that is why God uses more than just words to point to Jesus. He uses stories, analogies, meals, sacrifices and tabernacles to tell the story of Jesus. As you read through the Bible, New Testament and Old, take some time to concentrate on the many ways that God communicates about Jesus. Then ask yourself: How are you communicating Jesus to those around you. It better be more than just words, and it better be more than just actions. . . . .

2008-03-16T21:22:00.001-07:00

Sermon Challenge

Palm Sunday
'The Suffering Servant"
Isaiah 53

The point of Jesus' suffering was for me. Have you ever really thought about that? Jesus suffered for you and me. I have a hard time grasping this concept because there are very few people that I would suffer for like Jesus suffered. I certainly cannot find myself suffering for a stranger, let alone an ungrateful stranger. Yet, that is what Jesus did. . .

Jesus suffered not just for those who accept him, he also suffered for those who would never choose to follow him. Why? That is the only way! He had to suffer that way and he knew it. In Mark 8 and 10 Jesus predicts his death, he explains the suffering that he would have to endure for ALL of mankind. In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul gives an incredible account of how Jesus' death effects us, starting in verse 10. "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."

No matter the suffering that Jesus went through, God has left us with a purpose! We are to be life in a dead world. "LIFE is at work in you." Those who Jesus died for, many of them will never hear that message if not for YOU. That is purpose, that is LIFE. YOU are LIFE!

2008-03-10T23:06:00.001-07:00

Passion Week Prayer Schedule

Please note the changes to the Prayer Schedule for Passion Week.

Sunday, March 16th - First Baptist Church
Monday, March 17th - South Lane Christian Center
Tuesday, March 18th - Praise Center
Wednesday, March 19th - Living Faith Assembly

We are encouraging everyone to come out for the Town Hall Meeting in regard to Cottage Grove Vision 2037 on Thursday, March 20th at 6pm. Please come and let your voice be known. The meeting will be held at Cottage Grove High School.

2008-03-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sermon Challenge
Tried and Tested
James 1:1-18

I just returned from the Emmanuel School of Religion's Northwest Scholarship Banquet. (Try to say that five times fast.) Captain Chip Fowler, a chaplain in the United States Military was the honored speaker for the event. He spoke very little about his own experiences in the military but highlighted some very important military personnel found in scripture. He not only pointed out those who made a difference in the name of Jesus, but those who even failed to stand in the midst of truth.

Many times our trials can lead us to a very decisive point, a choice on whether we are going to choose to follow Jesus, or just sweep the truth under the carpet. James in chapter 1 verse 6-8 I believe is talking about those who were NOT ready for the trials God sends. Those trials toss us back and forth in a sea of doubt because our faith, our knowledge of our God and our trust in His word is lacking.

This last weekend has been a glaring reminder of stories about those who have given up on God in the midst of trial and even temptation. When everything hits the fan, are you ready to weather the storm? I pray that you are prepared for the trials in your life.

I also want to encourage those who have stepped away from God in the midst of trial and are returning to put their trust in him again. He is worth trusting, he is an anchor in the storm! HOLD ON TIGHTLY!

2008-03-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Message Challenge
"Extreme Life Makeover"
Messages from the book of James

Week 1: The Foundation

I know I told everyone we are starting the book of James but this week we didn't even get into verse 1. One of the things that I think is very important is that we are all on the same page. We are all starting from the same spot with the same standard in mind. We talked about what it means to be a "new creation," as Christians we are called to put off the old and put on the new! Our memory verse: 2 Corinthians 4:16, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are renewed day by day."

Everyday we have a choice. When we wake up, every morning, we make a choice to be renewed, or not. Are you allowing God to renew you, or are you ignoring Him for your own selfish desires. Our choice is to raise the standard for our lives, to be holy. That is the renewal, that is the fresh start we get every single day. Our desire for Holiness is not about earning our way into heaven, we desire to be Holy because that is what God has already made us.

Challenge: Look at yourself this week as a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come! Ask yourself this question: are you ready to raise the standard for your life?

PS If you haven't gotten involved in a Small Group yet, consider it today!

2008-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
Ephesians 4&5
Why Church?

I run into people a lot that claim faith but don't like going to church. Essentially saying, "You God are cool but your kids drive me crazy. Can I be a follower without hanging out with your children and going to church?" I bet we have all felt like that at one time or another. We are faced with the truth that people are selfish, mean, bratty and sometimes completely bull headed. Hold on, that even describes me!

So, what are we left to do? Well, once in while God has a tendancy to hit you and I upside the head with a 2x4. You see, if God was still willing to die on the cross and forgive us when we were self centered, egotiscal, and mean; then shouldn't we be showing love and patience to one another when we struggle with the same issues. We should be willing to say, "I will cut you slack, because Jesus did for me?" Then don't you think this world would be a better place? Don't you think it would be fun then to go to church?

A church with grace. I kind of like the idea. "Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and himself up for us." Galatians 5:2. Take some time this week to check your attitude, to ask God for an extra measure of grace and mercy as you live for HIM. In fact, take a moment right this minute to pray for your church and those who are a part of it.

aaron

2008-02-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Beatitudes

The last 3 weeks we have looked at the beatitudes of Jesus from a totally different perspective during our Wednesday night study. Jeff Walling (DVD) has led us in giving us a unique perspective on these various attitudes that Jesus calls us to have. Attitudes about how we deal with one another in relationships. Let me break it down for you the best that I can:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: "I need you." - The poor in spirit need others. We have to realize that as believers we need one another.
Blessed are those who mourn: "I'm Sorry." - Being a follower of Christ is not always easy, we have to realize when it is that we fall short and admit it.
Blessed are the meek: "I respect you." - Meekness is power under control. It is being respectful even when you are obviously supposed to be respected.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness: "I will do what is right, regardless." - We are called be examples as followers of Jesus, as parents, as grandparents, etc. We must do the right thing no matter what the circumstance is.
Blessed are the merciful: "I have forgiven you already." - Mercy is a very hard thing to give, but we are called to do it. Mercy means forgiving others even when they are so obviously wrong. Are you a forgiving person?
Blessed are those who are pure in heart: "I will be honest with you always." - It is very important that people do not have to guess what you are thinking. Honesty is a lost art in our society. Be honest with others.
Blessed are the peacemakers: "Let me be the first to stop the fighting." - Wow what a difficult thing. Are you willing to be the first to stop the fight. Many times we get caught up in the fighting because our pride gets in the way of peace. Be the first to stop the fight.
Blessed are those who persecute you: "I will cut you slack, because Jesus did for me." Hmmmm I think this one speaks for itself.

God is very very concerned about how we treat one another. John 13:34 speaks of this very truth. How we care for one another matters.

Let's all try to apply these truths about relationship not only within the church, but within our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.

As my family was looking at the amazing lunar eclipse this evening, my wife reminded me of an awesome truth this phenomenon: We should all be like the moon, reflecting the sun (son) as we live for Jesus. How is your reflection.

aaron

2008-02-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

This week we took a deep look at the difference between the attitude of the Pharisee and that of the Tax Collector. The difference really comes down to the heart of the matter. The Pharisee thought he was something, he tithes, fasts and is not a sinner. Yet, he failed to recognize that apart from God, none of us are anything. Where as the Tax Collector came to the realization that God desires from all of us. "Forgive me God, I'm a sinner!"

God desires for us to be people of repentance. To realize how far from perfect we are and how much we really NEED God. James 2:10 tells us that we are all in the same boat, one sin made us guilty of breaking the whole law. Romans 3:23 says that we have ALL sinned, and 1 John 1:10 even tells us that if we say we are with out sin, we are liars.

Repentance is the turning away from sin, to follow God (Acts 3:19). It is more than just being sorry, it's a choice to follow God and live by His example. "Be Holy as I am Holy," God told his people. (1 Peter 1:16) It does not mean we will be perfect without sin, but it does mean we are going to make every attempt to be the kind of people God wants us to be.

My challenge for you this week is to take some time, write in a journal, who is God asking you to be? As a father, mother, grandparent, child, church member, city dweller, neighbor or friend, what kind of person is God desiring for you to be?

2008-02-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Prayer for Faith

This past week a couple incredible friends of mine gave pre-mature birth to their second child, Faith. Faith needed immediate recesitation and within the first few minutes of her life 11 doctors tended to her every need. The doctors are not hopeful that Faith will have full recover. The prognosis is not strong, though her kidneys and lungs appear to functioning properly it seems her brain was lacking oxygen for an extended period of time. Her is what Brock (Faith's dad) wrote today regarding God and his daughter Faith. . .

"I am a father that is hoping and praying for a miracle. And I have Faith that God will come through. I understand that God has a plan, and that sometimes his will is not my own. I understand that know matter what happens, God is in control and that I need to trust him. Throughout this entire ordeal I have felt God's hand on my shoulder keeping me strong. Even when I am a ball of mush that cannot contain my tears, I know that God is still with me. And I know he is with Faith as well. Remember, Faith is believinging in God even when it is hardest."

Please be praying for baby Faith, her parents, Brock and Cami and Faith's big sister Brenna.

If you would like to read the blog Brock wrote about Faith, click here.

2008-02-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
Luke 16:19-31
The Rich Man and Lazarus

I'm not normally this late with my sermon challenge posting, but I really do have good excuses, which also includes helping my father-in-law pour cement at his new house. If you are a father-in-law, or have one, you know why I had to do what I did. . .

This week's sermon was scary for me. I don't talk a lot about hell. It's just not my favorite subject. I prefer many other things which is probably why this week was so good for me as I was able to really put this world into perspective. I can live confidently in knowing that when I die, my savior is waiting for me. With that hope and confidence in mind I press on working hard in this life to make an eternal difference. Not everyone around me has that hope, that makes my job all the more important. I MUST be sharing Jesus to a world dieing without him.

This week: Take some time to pray for those who do not know the Saviour. Do not live in fear, live in the confidence that comes from knowing Jesus. I spoke on Sunday about a couple friends of mine that I have lost, these guys lived their life with hope. I found this (actually someone found it for me) on the internet. Jeanne Clem is dieing of terminal cancer and she was asked by her church to share the joys and the struggles of know Jesus during this hard time. Check out this video here.

We do not need to be concerned about death. Paul says to this great enemy of man kind, "O Death where is your victory, where is your sting?" Be strong in that hope but please do not forget to share it with those who have none.

2008-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
Matthew 20:1-16
Workers in the Vineyard

Jesus tells an interesting story here in the 20th Chapter of Matthew. A Vineyard owner hires some help for his Vineyard. He hires a few guys bright and early in the morning, promising them a full days wage. Later on in the morning he hires a few more, promising them a fair wage, later on he hires a few more, and even hires a few guys just before quitting time. At the end of the day, he begins to pay those who had arrived latest (who had only worked for one hour). He pays them a full denarius (one days wage), the others expect to be paid more, naturally. Yet, the land owner pays each and everyone of the workers the same exact wage.

Yesterday we looked a few different aspects to this story. It is a story about grace, each and every one of us does not deserve grace, yet God gives it to us, not based upon how we live or who we are, but based upon who we follow. There are some warnings that God gives:

Be careful of comparison: Those who had put in a full day expected more, they compared themselves to the others who had not worked a full day. There will always be someone more holy than you are, and there will always be someone far less holy than you too. Don't worry about it. You need to be concerned about you. Are you giving all that you have to God?
Be careful of complaining: The first thing the guys who had worked a full day did when they received their pay was to complain. The felt they deserved better. They probably had a pretty good beef, it doesn't seem fair to me from a worldly standard. Yet, God makes it quite clear that we are not to be focused on the things of this world. God's ways are far better than ours, we need to trust his judgment in the things happening around us.

God is sure mysterious. Isaiah 55:8 says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." We certainly saw evidence of that on Sunday with the snow. What incredible beauty the snow brings, and consider the power of the weather, knocking down trees and power lines. I don't remember hearing about that kind of storm in the weather on Saturday night.

Our lives with God in control, are built to handle the storms of life. We serve God with an eternity in mind. Let's keep from complaining, from comparing, let's focus on what matters. How is your relationship with God? It matters not if you are 10 or 100, we work, we serve, we follow our God until the end.

This week, strive to be a follower of God!

aaron

2008-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
Luke 16:1-9
Using our Treasure

Today, is Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year (according to people who know that sort of thing). It is the day that people's lives come crashing down. Monday's are generally no fun at all anyway, combine that with an unmet New Year resolution, the reality of over spending during the holiday, and the average January full of cold, cloudy blah. Today is a reality check day for most of America.

Yesterday we talked about being wise with our treasure, being smart about how we share our faith and how we use the hope God has given us. Today is a pretty good day to use that schrewdness. How many people do you know that have over spent during this holiday season? How can you be an encouragement to a friend or neighbor on these dreary days? Who can you talk to about your faith?

As sermon challenges go, this is not an easy one. It takes fore thought, planning and the usual follow through. Let's start with this. . . write down the name, maybe two names of people in your life that need to know Jesus. A friend a neighbor, maybe a co-worker. Then, pray! Pray that God will give you the right words to say, the right circumstances to say them under. Last of all, I pray that you will share this person you are praying for with another believer who will help you pray for him/her. Share it with your small group, or close friend.

We need to work together on this one! Let's ALL accept the challenge.

ae

2008-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-14

Are you ready? That is the questions we posed yesterday. Well, are you? Jesus is very clear that his return is pending and that when he does come back, he will return without warning, like a "thief in the night." Many people speculate the return of Jesus and the type of things that will go on before his return. Recently, a man in northern Idaho chopped his hand off and put it in the microwave, truly believing that he had the mark of the beast.*

We can either live in fear of the Lord's coming, or we can stand confidently knowing that as followers of Jesus we have a glorious reunion to be preparing for. In the parable of the 10 virgins, there were 5 who were prepared and 5 who were not. The bridegrooms return was delayed and 5 were not prepared for the long haul. Are you prepared to stick it out? The prepared virgins had enough to last, they were fueled up, and though the bridegroom's return was delayed, when he arrived they were ready!

This week take some time apply this passage and ask yourself that hard question. Are you ready? Maybe we should ask this question in another way: Are you excited about the return of Jesus? If you can answer yes, than most likely you are ready. If you are not ready, it's time to get ready. Make a plan, a decision to know your creator and be ready for his return.

*read more about it: here
**The best thing to remember about the return of Jesus, is that Jesus wins!

2008-01-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Applying Scripture

Application: The step between knowing and doing what scripture tells us.

Often times we talk about "living out our faith", or being "doers of the Word," but do we really understand what we are talking about, or even how to do that? I believe there are some very important steps that we as readers of God's Word need to know and to understand so that we to can apply God's Word to the way that we live. Each time you open your Bible, or dig into your devotions there are a few things to consider:

What is the Challenge? In trying to understand what God is challenging you with, you may want to consider why and to who was this section of scripture originally intended. What then are you being challenged with today through this passage. It may be challenging the way you treat others, the way you parent, the way you manage, your attitude, etc. So, what is that?
What is your plan to change? How are you going to apply this scripture? If you are being challenged to be a better father, how are you going to do it? Maybe God is encouraging you to have a better attitude, how do you pull it off? Make a plan, put legs to the idea. This is action required stuff, what is the action going to be.
Seek accountability. Who is going to encourage you to follow through with your plan? Many times we make a plan and never tell a soul about it. Then it is easy to simply not follow through. If you really want to follow through with the plan, tell someone who will bug you until it gets done!
Do it. Don't talk about it, do it!

I hope these thoughts help you as you dig into God's Word this year. The Bible is soooo full of awesome ideas, lets work on putting some action; some application, to our reading this year. In all things God will receive the glory.

2008-01-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
The Parable of the Treasure
Matthew 13:44-46

The last couple of weeks we have focused on the parable of the Treasure. Jesus gives us an awesome picture of the importance of the Gospel and our relationship with God. He equates the Gospel and this relationship that we have with Jesus to a treasure, a treasure you would give anything to have.

The best part of this treasure, is no matter how much you give away, you will never lose any of it. God does not want us to be stingy with this treasure, he wants, he needs us to give it away. Our treasure is not to be buried or hidden, it is to be shown and shared. Make sure you are sharing your treasure.

My challenge to you this week is to take your treasure and share it. This can be as simple as telling someone about how excited about you are about your small group, or church family that you are. Sometimes it's that simple, we don't have to know all the answers, we just need to be excited about our Savior.

Have a great week!

aaron

2007-12-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

Sermon Challenge
The Christmas Story
Matthew 1, 2; Luke 2

I love the Christmas season. There is something to be said for this time of the year. I love Christmas trees, I love Christmas lights, I love peanut butter fudge. I love Christmas music, giving gifts and yes, the cold rain brings it all together nicely.

Sometimes in the midst of all of this we forget the real purpose, the real meaning behind Christmas. I want to give you an action required Challenge this week. I want to challenge everyone to spend some time this week in the Christmas story. Read it aloud to your spouse, to your children or grand children. Soak in the story, remind yourself, all of these things about Christmas are fun, but the real meaning about Christmas revolves around a little baby.

2007-12-13T22:51:00.001-08:00

(future students?)
Our Visit to Boise

We just got back from a trip to Boise to spend time with family. On our trip, we went to Boise Bible College to see some friends and to check out the new buildings. It was awesome! The new class rooms are state of the art and it was great to see Seth and Ash, they seem to be doing very very good.

Our trip was great, you can see and read more about our trip at www.earlywinefamily.blogspot.com

See you Sunday.

Aaron

2007-12-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

This Week's Challenge

The Prodigal Son
Luke 15

Luke 15 gives us an incredible indication of how much God loves those who have not accepted him. He gives us an awesome picture of how far he goes to get his message heard. Ultimately, we are the tools that God uses to bring people to Him. All of us at one point in time or another were prodigal sons and daughters of God. We had to make a conscious decision to follow and accept our Savior Jesus. He waited on us, the same as he waits on others.

It really struck me while I was preaching this Sunday about how closely the last two weeks connect. I even thought about how much better these sermons would have fit flip flopped. Last week we discussed the sermon about the banquet and this week we talked about the prodigal son, who's father throws him a banquet upon his return. In each case, we see that coming to Jesus and seeing other's come to him is reason for CELEBRATION. God is all about a party.

This week, let us not forget the absolute joy that God brings when one returns to Him. With this in mind, we should be sharing this incredible news to those around us, in a natural joyous way. Ask God to help you live a life naturally expressing your love for God and others. Let it not be a forced expression, but a natural expression based upon what God is doing for you.

On another Note:
Please be praying for my family as we travel to Idaho to visit friends and family. It is always nerve racking to travel the roads this time of year.

Book From Yesterday's exert:
What's so Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey

2007-11-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

This Week's Challenge:

The Parable of the Banquet
Matthew 22

This week we looked at the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 22. The great King throws a banquet for son, a wedding banquet none the less. He invites all of his friends and some ignore the invitation and others kill the servants who deliver the request. So, the King sends out his servants again, to invite everyone that they see both good and bad. The banquet is full, packed with people dressed in their wedding garments. The king walks into the banquet and notices one dressed, not in the wedding garments, but in other clothes. "How did you get in?" the King asks. He doesn't know how to respond and the king sends him away.

The Application:
Yesterday, we applied this parable in a few ways:
1. Sometimes people will respond to the invitation of Jesus and the Gospel the same way they responded to the King's request. Some will ignore the invitation and will find better things in life to do. Some may actually respond negative to the Gospel and may even harm or kill those who bring the message of Christ.

2. When the King receives negative responses, he gives another opportunity for his invites to respond. Finally, he opens the invitation to everyone. God, first of all will always give more chances. He is patient and full of mercy, not wanting anyone to perish. Secondly, his invitation is not just for a select few. His invitation is extended to everyone, both good and bad. It's not about who you are, it's about who you know.

3. The King at the banquet, notices that their is someone at the banquet who does not have the proper clothing. These wedding garments are not earned, they are given, based upon your relationship with the King.

The Challenge:
This week, take some time to consider your role as a servant and a messenger of the Gospel. Are you ready for the banquet? Pray for those you know and love, who need to hear this message.

2007-11-19T12:39:00.000-08:00

This Week's Challenge:

What's Best for the Gospel

John Whitaker from Boise Bible College was our guest on Sunday. He had some very cool insights on Acts 16 from the life of Paul. The decisions that Paul made, he made with the Gospel in mind. The way he conducted himself and the decisions he had to make.

This week, in the midst of your decisions, consider very carefully the impact that those decisions will have. How are they going to affect the mission of Christ? What are those decisions going to say about your witness? How we carry ourselves makes a BIG difference. Carry yourself well.

aaron

2007-11-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

A lot of memories have come flooding back to me lately. I was just recently made aware that a pastor in this beautiful city of Cottage Grove, that I call home has come down with brain cancer. It is a pretty serious sort, all brain cancer is and it's kind of scary. In fact, not too long ago a friend of our church was also diagnosed with the same form of cancer. It seems that both families struggle with this. It is not easy and it doesn't make sense.

The thought that has been returning, is the experience that I had with my best friend Cory that died of stage 4 brain cancer a couple years. The frustration, the anger. Yet, the things that stick out most in my mind are the things that happened, that could not have happened had Cory not had this cancer.

I remember one evening when we were gathered around in our small group. The room was full, and we prayed for long time and everyone in our small group prayed. We were calling out to God, praying for healing and even more than that, we were praying that God would give Cory the strength to fight this thing. At the end of our prayer time, Cory's dad, asked if he could pray. I remember seeing the tears in Cory's eyes as his dad prayed, how powerful.

At the funeral service, Cory's doctor got up. He mentioned how he had been to many of his patients services. He had seen many people die of this cancer, but this was the first time that he got up and spoke at any of his patients services. He said some words that ring in my head even today. "Cory was different than my other patients. He had hope, and love for people that I had not seen before. To give you an example of that, on Father's day this year, after a hard surgery that left Cory weak and in bed, Cory called to wish me Happy Father's Day. Even in the midst of this harsh battle, he was thinking of others."

I know this cancer thing is really lame but I live with hope and encourage you to do the same, that God knows what is going on and he will work to bring good out of every tragedy!

aaron

2007-11-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

A Popular Day:
November 15th

November 15th, tomorrow, is a very popular day, at least in my world.

November 15th, Carl Hurd turns 75 years young.

November 15th, AJ turns 4 years old.

November 15th, Howard (my neighbor) turns somewhere between the 4 and 75.

November 15th, is also America Recycles Day. (at least there is one day to recycle huh?)

November 15th also marks my time here at the church in Cottage Grove. It was on this day, 5 years ago that I started as the youth minister. What an awesome experience this last 5 years have been. Lord willing I, Carl, AJ, Howard, and all of those recyclers will have many more November 15th's to celebrate.

aaron

2007-10-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Least of These

I had never really considered this idea of reaching the "least of these." As a pastor, my concept of ministry was reaching out to all people. Yet Jesus was very specific with who and what and who he was a part of. He did not minister and preach to the religious people of his day. He brought Jesus to them.

That really got me to thinking about the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus came to set up. This Kingdom was the church, God's kingdom. As the people of his Kingdom, are we good stewards of what we do. Our King spent a lot of time with the people who did not know him and the people that needed him. Shouldn't our church reflect that? Our building even on Sunday morning should be welcoming to the "Least of Theses." Our ministries should be targeting the sick, homeless, poor, broken, drug afflicted, you name it.

I have to say, my heart is confused by how this looks and what it entales. Yet, at the same time, my heart is repentant for not seeing this better. How could I have missed this? Starting in a couple of weeks I am going to spend some time preaching through a few of the Parables of Jesus. I want to hammer the idea of community through the heart and narrative of God. To spark a church that is more than a community group, but a church that cares for its community. A church that finds its significance in the their relationship with God and understands that relationship so well that it becomes a part of their life.

2007-10-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Simply Jesus

I had a great opportunity to go to a great conference at the Oregon Christian Convention. The guest speaker for the one day conference was LeRoy Lawson. He is a native of Oregon and has gone to wonderful for the ministry. He gave us some very important encouragement on making our lives and ministry simply about Jesus.

One of the points that Lawson really drove home for me, is this idea of making sure that my life is simply about Jesus. As a pastor I sometimes get caught up in the ministry around me. I get stuck trying to come up with the answers, looking for the right program or formula to have effective ministry. The kind of business that takes away from Jesus.

All of those things are important. Yet, the most important thing is my relationship with Jesus. I have to put that as my primary goal, in life, in relationship, and in ministry. Everything we do as a church MUST be focused around Jesus, finding the effective ways to reach people with the message.

It is not about our church building, it's not about our Sunday School Program, or Small Groups. It's not about our fellowship times, our potlucks or our building project. It is about Jesus. All of these ideas are ways to bring the knowldege of the creator to people but they are not the only ways. They are not the end. Jesus is the end. Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the program. If we are not pointing people to Jesus through any of these, we need to stop it.

Let our lives be about Jesus, let the way we treat others be about Jesus. Let's not complicate things, lets simplify them. The one question we need to ask, "How is ____________ about Jesus?"

aaron

2007-10-15T21:08:00.001-07:00

Our faith series has come to a conclusion and I have recieved a lot of wonderful feed back from our faith adventures. In particular, I really got to thinking about applying this to our lives. A life lived by faith is something completely different, something unique. A life lived by faith is lived with excitement and joy. A life lived by faith is specifically defined as a life of hope.

If this is truly the case (I think it is), than my life should have more hope and joy. I should be more than excited to be a part of living, and when things aren't going the way I expect them to be going, than I should remember that it's not me that is in charge. Hmmmmm

I was listening to Bob Welch, who was at a local church of a men's ministry evening. Bob was talking about how important that it is that our lives are a better representation of our faith. He spoke at the beginning of a man who had called him angry about a piece that he had written for the Register Gaurd. The man was yelling frustrated and when Bob mentioned the church he attended, this man replied with, "Oh, you are one of us Christians." From then on the man was nice.

Shouldn't it not be that way. Shouldn't we be nice regardless of the person, doesn't my faith call me to be different. Anyway, Bob talked about a time when he was in the library and heard a little girl singing. Frustrated that she was cause a quiet library to be not so quiet, he moved closer, considering asking the girl and her mother to be quiet. As he approached, he heard the words to the song, "Jesus loves me this I know. . . " Wow, he thought, she is one of us.

Than it hit him, shouldn't he have showed love and grace to her regardless of the song?

It is very important that our faith is not only something very personal, but something very public. People should notice the joy love and peace that we have in Jesus. They should notice the love that we have for EVERYONE. Does your faith give you the confidence to live your life like that?

Lets do this, together.

aaron

2007-10-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

All we need is that one thing. . .

I have been really reminded of something extremely important. This week at the schools of mission, the missionaries have reminded me of the importance of knowing and following Jesus. Terrorism, boarder patrol, drug and alcohol abuse have a simple answer. Jesus. Last night, a missionary by the name of Jaffet spoke of this important relationship. He said, "We have 12 step programs and therapy sessions and all sorts of things like that, but we are missing the 13th step, Jesus."

Every other religion finds it's significance, it's heaven based upon living the right kind of life. If you are to take away that religion, there is no true heart felt desire to live right. That is the importance of this faith. We have a unique religion in Christianity, that salvation we recieve is not conditioned on how well we obey the rules. God does care that we are Holy but he desires for us to be holy based upon our love for Him, not because the law tells us to.

aaron

2007-09-24T14:04:00.001-07:00

A Faith that Pleases God

"Without faith is it impossible to please God." That right there is an exact quote from the Bible. What does it mean though? Frankly, it means exactly what it says it means. Without faith, we cannot please God. Here is something we may not have spent a lot of time on this Sunday: Our faith defines who we are in the eyes of God. God pays no attention to our lip service, he cares about the way we live out our beliefs.

So, ultimately please God is simple. Live for Him.

This pretty much encompasses every part our lives. Pleasing God requires that I have faith and I show that I have faith by my actions. I please God through the way I carry myself.

There were these T-shirts everyone wore while I was growing up, they were called "Trash Talking T's." One of the T's said, "You talk the talk, I walk the talk." As Christians, how good are we at walking our talk. One of the many excuses I hear about people who do not attend church, is that Christians are hypocritcal. I have difficulty with this excuse because I believe that a majority of Christians, try as they may, fall short. I am by no means perfect and have fallen short in terms of my word too. Yet I'm not certain those are the kind of people that they are talking about. I have seen a lot of people claim the name Christian and their lives are polar opposite of the name they claim. Those are the hypocrite I do not want to become.

The best way that I have found to see how you are doing at this, is what I call the characterization test. When you are described by those whom know you best, do they characterize you as a Christian, or not.

Aaron

2007-09-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on Faith

Yesterday, we had the chance to begin the thought process of faith. We dove into the premise of what faith is and the awesome gift that faith brings. I have a couple reminders and challenges for you this morning and this week to consider. If you would like to participate in this discussion, click on the thoughts link at the end of the article, or send me an email by clicking here. Enjoy.

This faith we are talking about has a very distinct start. Faith is not just something that you stumble upon, like a great coffee house. Faith is often purposeful and we may not recognize its beginning, but it has one. “so, faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17) Faith comes from the Word of God. Without the Good News (the Gospel), there is no faith. It just can’t happen. You have to have something to put your faith in.

The day that you heard, read or were told about Jesus was the day that faith began to grow within you. Sometimes it may take years for that seed of faith to sprout, for some it may never sprout at all. I remember very distinctly the day that my faith officially sprouted. Call it a scare tactic, persuasion, whatever you will, but it worked. I was sitting around a Bible Study at a youth retreat on the Oregon Coast, when the speaker paused and said this: “About ½ of you will not be Christians by the time you go to college.” I sat there in amazement at that statistic. I realized I better take this seriously, or get out. I allowed that seed to sprout on that day and I allowed God to be the conqueror of my life.

Do you remember the day you put your faith in Jesus? As a former youth minister, I have seen the faith dance played out in many lives. Some, I expected faith to grow, flourish and take hold. Others, I doubted their faith would last. Often times I have been surprised and completely disappointed. Yet, I have to say I have learned a lot by watching people go through this journey.

"Jess" had come from a broken home, she had an alcoholic mother and a father who lived in another state all together. She came to know Jesus at a Christian sponsored concert through the church. I was shocked to see her walk on stage to accept Jesus as Lord. As we sat and talked about this important decision I could see a real desire for change, yet with her background and friends I wasn't sure this was going to really stick. She was baptized into Jesus and has since done some very incredible things for the Lord. She took hold of her faith and lived by it.

"Tod" was quite different. He had grown up in church and had been surrounded by Christian people his whole life. He came to youth events, shared his faith, and invited just about everyone from school to attend. He began to drift a little from the church as he experimented with drugs, skipping classes and distancing himself from the church. Now, his parents still remain conected to the church they attend, but he is far from it.

It is often difficult to understand how this faith takes root but I believe it can be seen. For Tod, his faith never took root, not because he didn't have the knowledge but because he never really allowed it to penatrate his heart. Maybe he was living out the faith of his parents, maybe he never really had a faith of his own but it didn't take root.

Jill on the other hand, allowed the faith in her life to change her life. She changed friends, activities and places she hung out. She allowed Jesus to run her new life, and allowed God to change her.

What are some ways we can encourage a stronger faith with in our children and grandchildren?

What was the difference between the experience Jill and Tod had?

Is your faith grounded, rooted and ready to withstand anything?

***************************************************************
Just as a fun side story, my kids did something incredible this morning. They caught a mouse. I have been setting traps, finding them unsnapped, missing the bait for the last 3-4 days. I play basketball at the high school on Monday mornings. When I arrived at home, there was my furry friend, captured by 5 strong willed children. Have a mouse problem, I've got something better than a cat.

Enjoy

Aaron

2007-09-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

2007-09-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

We are stepping out in faith here in a few weeks. We are going to be trying something we haven't tried since at least I have been here. We are shooting for an outdoor service, combining both of our services together. It should be awesome. Come check it out.

2007-08-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

I picked this up from another blog. A youth pastor who heads back to school as a Sophomore. This is very interesting and I look forward to the experiences he has to share with everyone about this. Parents, please read. Grandparents, take heed. Our youth are important, VERY important.

After sitting on my experience for over a year and reflecting on this “Back to School” season, here are a few suggestions I would like to offer to parents if they want to have a better relationship with their kids.
1.Offer Amnesty to your kids
2. Play Favorites.
3. Suck up to teachers
4. Take your kids out of school.
5. Schedule a two week check up
6. Yell less, hug more
7. Don’t listen to your kids
8. Get comfortable with the word “Porn.”
9. Don’t believe everything you read..
10. Practice not being surprised

1.Offer Amnesty to your kids…Wouldn’t you love for your boss to walk into your office and tell you that every mistake you have made in the past can be forgiven , without consequence, if you’ll just come clean at that instant. . “You get a fresh start and a chance to start over” he says. Your kids would love that chance with you and they need that. Take your kid out to eat at a restaurant of their choosing. Share with them that you want them to have the chance to share anything they have ever done wrong with no consequence ... That’s right, you can’t ground them, spank them or punish them for what happened in the past. Offer them a clean start. (while there may be no consequences or punishment for past mistakes, your future decision making may be influenced by their previous bad choices.) Partner this with suggestion number ten: Practice not being surprised.

2. Play Favorites. Your kids are different. No two kids are alike. They are in different grades, they are at different maturity levels and they even view the world differently. So don’t treat them the same. The odds are pretty good that one of your kids right now needs more attention that your other one. So give it to them. It doesn’t mean that you love the other ones less, it means that you care enough to reach out to the one in need, when they need it. As a matter of fact, if you share with the family what is going on, all of you can work together to play favorites!
3. Suck up to teachers—You suck up to your boss, why not suck up to your kid’s boss? Think about it…teachers generally spend more time in a day with your kids than you do. You want them being nice to your kids. You want them investing in, caring for, nurturing, supporting and encouraging your child. Model that for them. Treat teachers like you want them treating your kid. Now that I read this one, it seems kind of obvious. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto your kids.”

4. Take your kids out of school. These are your kids, so spend time with them. Perfect attendance awards may be important, but a high school graduate who knows their parents care more about them as a person than they do about a perfect attendance award is priceless. I’m not suggesting taking your kids out of school every week or on test days, I’m suggesting a calculated, “planned surprise”, coordinated with teachers and administrators where you get to spend lunch, an afternoon or even an entire day with your kid.

5. Schedule a two week check up… Why wait until the first grade card comes home to check on your kids. Two weeks after school starts, take them out for a burger and inquire how things are going. Focus on their academic life as the last part of your conversation! The odds are pretty good that the social aspect of their day is consuming most of their time. Help with the relational/social part of their life…and the academic part will follow. Let your child know that this time is about you caring for them and not about you trying to ensure college scholarship money for excellent academic performance.

6. Yell less, hug more. Do I really need to explain this one? Kids never outgrow hugs. Safe meaningful touch is always appropriate from a parent. Your kids will never come home from school and say “Hug me, I had a bad day.” Look for moments to grab your kids, no matter their age, and wrap them in a genuine warm embrace. They won’t say that’s what they need, and will probably even act like they don’t want it at first, but they are lying. If it’s been a while since your last parent/kid hug, it may be awkward at first…but over time, it will get easier and you will see your relationship change from this simple, yet meaningful gesture.

7. Don’t listen to your kids. Kids say things that hurt. Sometimes they say things that make no sense. Sometimes they even say things that aren’t even true. So don’t listen to them. Okay, you need to listen to them a little bit, but don’t let their words be the only data you use to determine what they are trying to communicate. Filter their words with the information you have about their personality, about their maturity, about their relationships, about their day at school and even about their diet and sleep patterns. If you don’t know about those things, maybe you need to find out more about your kid before you try and listen to just their words. They are trying to tell you something, even if they don’t know how to say it with words. All behavior has meaning.

8. Get comfortable with the word “Porn.” If they can’t talk to you about it, they will talk to someone else about it. You don’t want your or your kid ending up on Dateline because you were afraid to say it. So go into the bathroom, look into the mirror and practice the phrase, “So, do you know kids who look at porn on the internet?” Get them talking about other kids and their habits…then go for it. Ask the question: “So, have you ever looked at porn?” It will be awkward. Do it anyway. You are making an investment in their future relationships, their eventual marriage, and even the relationship you have with them right now. Keep the conversation short, but ask regularly. Seriously, get comfortable using the word porn.

9. Don’t believe everything you read. –A lot today is written about kids. Every day statistics are released, studies are done and we are bombarded with even more information about how bad things are for kids, and sometimes even how bad kids are. I wonder if kids are even starting believe this stuff? We are the grown ups. We are supposed to be the ones they trust. We are supposed to paint the picture of hope for their future. In my opinion we are committing an act of betrayal by bombarding them with all of this information that “de-inspires” them. Thank Al Gore and Jeremy Iverson (High School Confidential, Atria books) for your “near sighted” view and of a potential future and current reality for our kids.

10. Practice not being surprised. One reason kids don’t communicate with their parent is because of the initial pain involved for the student. Kids know they are sharing things that will leave parents hurt, confused or even upset. Often they don’t share because of the initial “freak out”, “hit the ceiling moment” that happens when the information is shared. Practice a calm rational response that only includes phrases like, “tell me more” and “you have my attention, would you like something to drink while we talk about this.” You may be surprised how much your kids will share if their introduction to the conversation isn’t greeted with “I told you so…”, What did you do now…” or “I can’t believe you did that.”

2007-08-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

Building up or Knocking Down

I don't consider myself much of a carpenter or a repair man for that matter. I'm not very good with a saw and I am much worse with any forms of electrical tools. Give me a sledge hammer though and I can make it work.

This last couple of days I have been removing a harth from my house. It is made of cement stones and brick. I have loved just about every minute of it, in fact my 3 year old looked at me when we were almost done and said, "Lets do this to the whole house!"

Sometimes as Christians we fail miserably at building one another up. Let's face it, that is one of the traits of being a human being. If we are down in dumps, it feels much better to bring other along, or if we are feeling great, we better kick others down before they kick us. Once you get started, it's hard to stop, if you're not careful, you've destroyed the whole house without even knowing it.

Paul is very clear about how we are to treat one another. "Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humilty, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another and forgive. . ." Colossians 3:12-13a. Yikes, that is a lot of goody goody stuff floating around.

Stop for a minute and think about this though. Isn't it nice to be around people who are like this. I know a few and I much perfer their presence over say, almost anyone. Now, here is a much deeper question. Do those verses describe you? I know, touchy, but think about it. Are you that kind of person or are you destructive in nature?

I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble, infact my hope is that all of us will treat one another in the way that Paul describes how we should. I sense that if we were truly this kind of people all of the time that everyone would want to know what this faith thing was about.

For know though, we can try. We can put our best foot forward and when we fail, and accidently on purpose destroy something, we will strive to build one another up. Not for our glory, because it's not about me anymore.

aaron

2007-08-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

On a Faith Search?

Faith is not dead*. Jason Elam, the field goal kicker for the Denver Broncos is taking a comparative religions course in his spare time. When he attended Hawaii for college he wasn't exactly sure if what he believed was true. He chose to set his preconcieved ideas out of the way and started from scratch, so to speak, to figure out what was true.

The study has only made is faith stronger. You can read the brief article here. He is getting ready to lead a group of athletes to Israel and he knows what he believes and is not afraid to share the reason for the hope that he has.

Elam brings up a strong point. Many times we as Christians have a fear of defending our faith. We are afraid of looking stupid, we are afraid of looking foolish, we fear being challenged. Yet, God is not afraid of such advances. He is not afraid of being called in the carpet, He is the truth.

If you are having a difficult time with your faith, do not be afraid to test it. Here are some important things to consider when testing your faith**:

Be sure you are truly using an open mind. This can be hard, truthfully an open mind is very hard to come by. Don't go into your faith test with the purpose of proving something wrong. Take a look at all of the different angles. Consult others on both sides of the fence.

Don't bog yourself down. Sometimes we try to look at EVERYTHING related to our study. Follow the most important keys to the religions in question. Truthfully, no matter which religion you are studying, answers on specific things vary person to person. Understand the foundational beliefs. Ask the right questions. Who is God? Who is saved? How do you get there?

Set a time to make your conclusion. We can all argue ourselves to death. Literally, argue until we die. Set a time, be specific, on such and such a date make a decision. Give yourself enough to study, to focus and to answer your questions.

The God I serve is not concerned about being tested. He challenges you to seek. To find. We are not to be waffling in our faith for our whole lives. He wants us to understand, believe and live for him.

*Many people believe that it is a waste of time to have faith. It takes a lot of faith to believe that doesn't it? Faith is defined as taking what you believe and putting into action. If you believe there is no God, you must act like it. I pray more and more believers in Christ will put there faith in action and truly live what they believe. Wouldn't the world be a truly different place?

**I am sure there are more things to consider, but it is very important to set parameters on how you are going to make your decision. Don't argue to argue, argue to learn.

2007-08-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Struggling Because of Others

Colossians 1:23-2:5

We have been dealing with some pretty heavey stuff on Sunday mornings in regard to how we fit into and live our lives for Christ in the world around us today. Specifically, this week brought a lot of pain when we focused on living and dealing with the struggles we have today. One of the things we did not have time to discuss in our services is how do we deal with struggles that involve other people. For example you may be going through a struggle with someone, or your struggle directly effects the life of another.

Struggles are not fun, especially when they involve another. Let's first look at how God wants us to deal with those who harm us. In the book of Matthew Jesus asks Peter how many times he thinks we should forgive others. He responds that we should forgive 7 times, Jesus counters, saying, no, 7 times 7. Are you kidding me? Truthfully I pray none of us put ourselves in position to have to forgive someone that many times. We should be smart about who we choose to be around. Yet, in the same breath, when someone brings a struggle in your life, or they are a struggle in your life, God desires for you to forgive.

Often, to avoid in sort of confrontation, we choose to ignore. Hope it goes away. I believe that God wants something more from us. He wants us to take those challenges head on. Remember in Col. 1:29 Paul says that we struggle with all of GOD's energy, he will give us the strength to forgive, to face the struggle.

You cannot hide or avoid a struggle, you cannot make it disappear. Face up to your struggles, trust God for his strength and never ever give up.

2007-08-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

CIY Sickness

Art and the kids are at CIY this week and unfortunately they are sick!! About 3 or 4 of the youth we sent to CIY are sick with the flu. They have been taking turns using the bathroom and all of our sponsors are exhuasted. Let's all be sure we ar praying for them.

New Youth Minister

Last night the Elders and I met to discuss bring on a new youth minister. We all agreed to offer the job to Shaun Hart, a graduate of NCC. Shaun and his family live in Eugene, for the time being, Shaun will commute down to the church from Eugene on Sunday's and Wednesdays. He starts on Aug 12. What an exciting time for the church.

ae

2007-07-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Day 4 - Alive and Well

Bob Russell was the guest this morning and he did a fantastic job of encouraging us. He pointed out the amazing amount of people who are drawn to the independant churches on a weekly basis. It was awesome to think that 20 years ago the Restoration Movement was basically dead and no one had any answers. Church planting wasn't a blip on the radar screen and for all intents and purposes there wasn't a whole lot of hope. Yet, look how far we have come.

This whole week was overall very encouraging to me and I think I got some serious business taken care of with God and I'm so glad that I came. This wasn't exactly what I was hoping for but I suppose it was what I needed. God has really developed the vision he has been giving me for quite a while. I don't know if I fully comprehend it yet, but this vision is beginning to get legs and is becoming feesable.

I had an awesome couple of walks today. I ventured out into KC, had a cajun chicken sandwich and boy was it cajun. The temperature today was amazing, a couple of times I was sure that I was going to melt. I kind of enjoy the heat here though, it is a dry heat. Oregon can prove to be a little humid when the temperature climbs.

I look forward to seeing my family again tomorrow. I really have missed them and it will be soooo nice to see them. My flight gets into Portland around 9pm. I get to stop in New Mexico on my way home, another state to stop in on this trip. Heading home.

aaron

2007-07-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Day 3 - Church Planting

I have always had the utmost respect for church planters. You can't argue with statistics, church planting is the best evangelistic tool that the church has. So, how do we in Cottage Grove, OR tap into that. First of all I think we need to develop an attitude of church planting. It may not be exactly feesable to plant a new church in Cottage Grove (though I could argue that it needs one) but we could be supporting, or saving up to support a church plant in the local area. Another way we can help is by raising up a church planter. We can hire on staff an associate minister who will be sent out to plant a church in the future. We can be the place he prepares and is inspired. Those are some very legitament ways we can be a church planting church. Those may not be ideas we can put into practice next month, or next year, but I do believe we sshould have an attitude of outreach in the area of church planting.

The mentorship breakfasts for me, have been truly disappointing. I do enjoy the free breakfast and sharing the vision and awesome things happening at Sixth and Gibbs, but there was very little time, or ability to truly be mentored. I sat around a table with a mentor and six other pastor's. Unfortunately, no one got to be very specific and ideas that guys were throwing my direction just don't work for the situation the church is in. It is not their fault, we just really don't have the time for me to sit and explain the West Coast mentality and what our city is truly like. Let's face it, things are different everywhere, what works in one place may or may not work in another.

Individually it has been a struggle, I miss my family and though there are some people here that I know and love, there is no one here from my peer group. I have been kind of loner the last couple of days which by the way, has provided for some quiet times with God and lots of reading to catch up on too.

I worked out a free lunch, breakfast and bought a quick dinner at the conference. I have failed to experience the culture here in KC, I promise to do better the next couple of days. Peace

ae

2007-07-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Day 2 - Hearing From God

I must admit, I was totally set up by God for this one. A couple of awesome things have been going on. Last weekend in my sermon I spoke of a gal in our church who said she knew without a doubt what God wanted her to do. On my flight from Oakland to KC I listened to book I have on my Ipod called "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. In the 3rd chapter I believe, Rob digs deep into the idea that God is still at work in his miraculous ways, and we today are an extention of this church discussed in Acts. Last night during the main session, the speaker spoke along those exact terms, calling us today the Acts 29 church. (The book of Acts concludes in Chapter 28, meaning God's story continues.)

This is a very deep thought for me. If I truly believe God's word to be living, breathing, then God's story is not done yet. His word lives and moves within my life and within the life of the church. Truthfully then, God is speaking and moving and I have done an excellent job of making myself too busy and playing off the word of God. I believe God has to work hard to get my attention and many times I have taken credit for his direction and his leading.

Almost eerie was our elective class teacher. Speaking yet again on the power of the Holy Spirit in sermon directing. He challenged us today to listen to God, be subjective and that when we truly are tuned into God, our response should be in humility. Often when I think of God speaking to me, I picture the obnoxious televangelist, using the "word" from God to push his agenda, ask for more support, and apply a thick layer of guilt.

I have not heard the direct audible voice of God, but God still speaks to me through my thoughts. I know this simply because his words are not ideas of mine own, but wake up calls or words of encouragement to direct me. I have often passed those off, or taken credit for them myself but today I was challenged, to listen, to take time to be quiet and to apply these things to my life directly.

I have had a couple more interesting thoughts, of which have been mine not specifically from God. I have noticed how sterile this enviroment is. Yeah, I think sterile is a good word for it. It's a little wierd, but I have spent my free time mostly talking to street vendors and people along the road. The rain poured down this afternoon, I mean poured!!! I made it just before it got nasty into one of the vendor's tents. I guy who just wanted to paint my picture for $5. As we were trying to save some of his art work from being destroyed by the elements we had a great conversation. After the storm let up, I hit the ATM and brought him back $10 for a tent fee. He really wanted to draw my picture, but truthfully, I don't want a picture of me.

This whole conference is so sterile, I needed that rough conversation, that rough challenge to truly minister to someone. I love that, I need that. There has been an interesting debate going on in our family, my wife thinks, and she is probably right, that certain personality types are energized by being around there same personality. Extraverts are energized by being around people and introverts by being by themselves. It has been interesting how energized I have felt by being around people who need Jesus. I need that.

No BBQ yet, with the rain I have yet to chance it. Friday I either need to hit a Royals game, or spend some time in a sports bar with tons of memorabilia that I spotted on the way into KC. But the street vendor brauts have been great.

2007-07-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - The Conference Begins

Well, I am here in KC, sitting at our hotel at the Radisson, and things here have been awesome. The conference itself actually begins in about 6 hours or so, but we took some time to take a look at many of the boothes and tables. The thing that really blows me away, are the amount of ministries ideas, plans and well, just plain ministries. Lots of quality, needy well meaning ministries. Lots and lots of ministry ideas and tools, many colleges and tons of resources. The difficult thing I am having is trying to determine what it is that will benefit the church and ministries back in the Grove.

I have also ran into many many familiar faces and people. Boise Bible College has a presence this year at the conference and they are doing a big dinner gathering on Wed. forllowing the conference. I ran into an old friend of mine in ministry and I have just really gotten a kick out of the things going on.

I plan on taking a dip in the swimming pool before the conference time tonight and of course, I'm in Missouri and will be looking for some real life good BBQ. I will keep you posted on my trek for the eats. I am really looking forward to seeing Jim Putman too, he is the main speaker on Wed. I believe.

One more thing. I plan on taking some time to visit the youth portion of the conference, things will be awesome!

Aaron

2007-07-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Kansas City
Here I Come

I am off, to KC, to the North American Christian Convention. I do believe that I will be having an awesome and an excellent time. Goodness, as of right now, I have had enough time to actually blog, now that is crazy. I have lay over in Oakland, then I will be in KC around midnight Central time.

I am really looking forward to a couple of things. First of all there is a mentorship breakfast, where a seasoned minister will meet with us "unseasoned" ministers. I am also really looking forward to viewing all of the booths and getting some exciting ministry ideas. The list of main speakers is awesome to see and I am sure I will be learning lots of tons of stuff. I will do my best to keep all of you posted on my experience.

aaron