God's Calling-Jeremiah 1:1-10

Jeremiah is one of my favorite historical figures because we know he struggled with many of the same issues that I have dealt with in my own life. He like Moses before questioned God's decision to chose him. In Jeremiah's case he basically says to God that I am to young. God's response is to basically say that no you are not too young and you will do My will and go where I tell you to go. He goes on to tell Jeremiah that He is to have no fear when he goes out to speak to the nations.

Those word should still ring true to us today. God has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and courage. God has called each of us to go out and speak the truth to the nations. God has touched our lips and He will provide all that we need as we follow after Him with the passion and strength He gives us.

God Sized Dreams

For the last few months I have been sharing my thoughts and ideas with you. Now I would like to hear back from you.

What dreams do you have? What are some of the things you want to happen more than anything else? What are somethings that only God could make happen?

We are truly loved!!

I just wanted to let the world know how warm and fuzzy it made Angie and I feel to see this


This was only the beginning of their expressions of love...


Once again. Thank you to all of you who helped out with this. It still brings a big smile to my face.

Reorganizing My Plate

I love the fact that God has called me to be in full-time vocational ministry. I love my job. I love my students. I was thrilled to see that they had "decorated" my house with toilet paper and forks while I was gone to Texas for a week. For the first time in my life I actually look forward to going to work. I love doing it so much that I have had a hard time keeping from being two busy. I have come to realize that I have bitten off a lot more than what God has wanted me to bite off.

This realization first came to the forefront of my mind during a conversation with Mark Lydecker of the North American Mission Board. He basically said that he focuses on about 5 keys things/areas and the rest of it will just have to wait or get done by someone else. From this conversation and others I have concluded that I have a lot more than 5 things on my plate and that I am in serious need to getting rid of those things that are keeping me from being able to focus on what matters most.

Over the next 2 weeks I will be prayerfully considering two major items. First, what are the five basic areas of my life that I need to concentrate on. Second, what 5 areas of student ministry do I need to focus on. Once, I have a clear understanding of these two items I will begin the pruning process. It is my hope that others will begin to step up and continue with those ministries that I will no longer be able to place energy into. As this process begins to unfold more and more I will post updates and keep you informed.

I would also like to challenge you take a long hard look at your own life and ministry. Are there areas that you need to prune? If so why haven't you done it?

Jesus' Sacrifice(s)

Do you know that Jesus continues to give sacrifices to God? I know this may seem like a bit of a stretch but hear me out on this thought.

Hebrews 8:1-3 describes Jesus as a minister and the High Priest of the true tabernacle of God. These passages go on to say that as the High Priest He must have an offering to give. Many people would say that He gave the ultimate offering (His life) and therefore He no others are necessary. I understand this point but I think there is more going on here in these verses.

The picture the writer of Hebrews gives us of Christ is that of a public servant who is currently serving in the true tabernacle. According to the Law as a High Priest He must be giving up sacrifices to God. The passage does not say exactly what sacrifices He must be giving. So may say that if we are following the pattern of sacrifice found in the Old Testament then there are a variety of different things He would be required to do. The text though seems to make it clear that there is a definite distinction between the earthly tabernacle and the Heavenly. This would then mean that the sacrificial system would be different. I personally believe that Jesus' public servanthood (Greek meaning of the word used for minister in verse 2) is His sacrifice. Think about it. He is God! He does not have to serve anyone or anything yet He choses to humble Himself, even in the realm of Heaven, to serve others. Wow! What an amazing thought!

Basics of the Faith

Have you ever considered what are supposed to be the most basic elements of the Christian Faith? I know for me I have always wondered where is the line between the basic course and the advanced course in Christianity. Today, I came across a list in Hebrews 6 that gives us some insight into what are some of the basic tenets of Christian Faith.

According to the author of Hebrews here are the starting points for developing a basic understanding of the Christian Faith:

1. Repentance from works that only lead to death (sin)
2. Faith in God
3. Ceremonial washings, baptism could be included in this
4. Laying on of Hands
5. Resurrection of the Dead
6. Eternal Judgment
   

For me I was surprised to see some of the items on this list included in the basic Christianity Course. To think that my understanding of laying on of hands and baptism should be a part my foundation level understanding of Christianity changes how I look at both my own faith and how I teach others. As a result over the next few weeks I will be taking a look at each one of these areas. It is my hope to to not only more fully develop my own understanding of these issues but to also help other Christians create a more solid foundation for their faith. As I work through some of these issues I would appreciate any thoughts or comments you have. Remember iron sharpens iron.

Changing WIU, Spoon and Macomb

A few weeks back I was asked by the Director of Next Gen Ministries at IBSA to look over some information regarding a possible new strategy of reaching campus. It is essentially, a church planting movement on the campus. Part of me was skeptical at first because I have seen too many college students become involved in a "college" church and then have problems finding a church after graduation.

Today I was reading some more about this idea and some of those who are leading the movement nationally. While I am still in the early stages of learning, I am nonetheless very intrigued. I have read a number of testimonies that have spoken to my heart. They talk about life changing gatherings of students all across the world. The things they testify are the things my dreams are made of. I do not know if this is the specific path God desires for the college ministry here in Macomb but part of me sure hopes it is.

If you have a few minutes take some time and check out this sites and let me know what you think.

http://campuschurch.net/
http://jaesonma.blogspot.com/