Bible 306

 As I thought of the greatest American in our history, I thought of Abraham Lincoln. The turmoil and suffering he endured to keep the country together was intense. His vision of unity guided his intentional efforts, even with responding to his critics. But Jesus’ example was filled with even more intense tension. Our lives today have great blessing and privilege but it can easily be combined with trouble at a moment’s notice. Our only option is trust the perfector of our faith, Jesus, who has set an example for us. Fixing our eyes on Him, no matter the challenge, is far better than trusting our self sufficient independence. The prophet Joel was upset with his fellow countrymen, because they had lost their way. May we have the same passion as our culture changes. 

Heart 3

 Our culture seems to train us to never admit our neediness. We are taught to be independent and private, which may limit our confession of any weakness within the church setting. It may limit our desire to desire to disciple others. Our busy life is complicated by the ideal of having personal rights that coincide with our responsibilities. I am learning to admit my limitations and it’s okay to lower my guard with someone I trust. Following Jesus is letting go of wanting to control outcomes. It is acknowledging my self sufficient stubbornness and my son if comparing myself to others. 

“Our culture is riddled with control mechanisms that facilitate idolatry. Some use money as an umbrella of control. Money creates space, comfort, and distance between the challenges and annoyances of life. It creates an illusory blanket of security around our place and position in the world. Others use power to control. They work toward positions of influence and authority so that they create a safe distance between themselves and threats to the ego or emotions. Others use sexuality to control people, knowing that beauty or desire can be a mesmerizing, even coercive force that keeps others addicted to us. Some use words to control, verbally adjusting others’ self-perception and identity to keep them in line. Some use guilt and shame, some obligation. The list of tools we deploy to manage the people and outcomes of our lives is almost endless.” - Jon Tyson, The Burden Is Light

Heart 2

 I used to not want to stand out like a misfit. But I didn’t want to be in trouble with anyone, especially my family or the law. The tension of living in the world but knowing k should folllow Christ can be intense. Maybe it’s my age, but gen

More I’m finding that I love Jesus, the less tension I have. I’m learn g that I don’t have to respond to every comment. I can keep my mouth shut yet me a strong witness. I don’t have to prove anything or be the judge. Jesus will sort it all out later. The only One to impress is my Lord by my faithfulness and love. 

“Most of us will not be tempted to deny our faith, but many of us will be so distracted that we settle for a mediocre version of it.” - Jon Tyson, The Burden Is Light

Jer 29:11

 Jeremiah 29:11-13

[11] For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. [12] Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. [13] You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

We are so grateful that you have chosen to be baptized. This milestone in your life is confirmation of your commitment tk follow Christ throughout your life. We love you, Ty!

Bob Goff

God has His promise of a new creation, like new day, new Crowder, new day, new Bob,  new you. And so we get these do-overs and that isn't this hall pass for living a nutty life, a disconnected life, but that the power of grace, just like to just say that. And then I'm a really orthodox button down guy when it comes to my view of scripture, that it's this Galatians one, thinking if even an angel of heaven comes down and gives you a new gospel, like just run out of the room.”

From The Writing Room with Bob Goff and Kimberly Stuart: Finding Fresh Language for Familiar Ideas with Crowder, Jun 5, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-writing-room-with-bob-goff-and-kimberly-stuart/id1644781568?i=1000657895888

This material may be protected by copyright.

James Smith

“And then we move into talking with God. We begin with gratitude for all the things God has done for us. And then if we are feeling lament, we just pray it, we say it, we let it, we lay before God, as CS said, what is actually in us, not what ought to be.

We just let it be. And then we pray with boldness and authenticity and confidence for the things that we want for ourselves and for those we love. That is what it means to learn how to talk with God, because God wants to talk with you.”

From Things Above: Talk With God, Oct 22, 2024

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/things-above/id1421285432?i=1000674060945

This material may be protected by copyright.

Heart 1

 I’ve spent a lot of time not being honest with God or myself. Thinking that I’m more than I am or dismissing myself as worthy of His love has been a roller coaster for my identity. But our Father knows our every weakness and strength, wanting us to trust Him, live Him, with everything within us. He is pursuing us but waits for us. Our culture’s intense attack on our true identity in Him has intensified.  May we have our eyes and ears open to His leading in a world of distraction.

“We often talk about God being absent from our lives, but in this culture of distraction, I wonder if we are the ones absent from him.” / Jon Tyson, The Burden Is Light

Bible 305

 The writer of Hebrews deepens my faith, opens up issues that I gloss over, especially the importance of Jesus’ life and death. It is mind blowing that the Creator of the universe would humble Himself and become the created, lowering Himself to all that we experience. Because of His life and death, He experiences every form of temptation that we do, suffered extreme pain and torture. He allowed Himself to be executed, paying the penalty of our rebellion in sin. 

Reading Proverbs reminds me how we get so hooked into the trivial gossip of the day, rather than focus on the reality of who Jesus is in our here and now moments. Gossip and turmoil are symptoms of the chaos in Obadiah’s day and the turmoil in our culture. 

Hope 7

 It seems like cynicism and negativity are from the evil one, yet I find myself deifting with the cultural norm to think along those lines. Murry list changes from day to day and the election battles do not help. I’ve tried to refrain from listening to much to either side, yet I want to be informed. However the bottom line is that our Sovereign Triune God is totally in charge of history. You and I have no control of outcomes yet we have an opportunity to demonstrate our concerns and values through a vote.  Regardless of outcomes, we are commanded to live others and make disciples in all people groups. 

The heart of Babylon will always be arrogant self-sufficiency that has no need for God, no care for the people of God, and no commitment to the ways of God.” - Scot McKnight, Revelation for the Rest of Us

Hope 6

 I used to have a high priority to not cause anyone trouble. I didn’t want to be known for any problem at all. Growing up I certainly feared the wrath of my parents more than any other authority figure. But growing in Christ, I’m realizing that following Him will lead to opposition, criticism, and being shunned at times. The persecution in our culture may intensify but so far, it is nothing like other parts of the world. Following Jesus way of living and thinking may not be understood, even by church attendees. But in Him we have security. He will never leave us or forsake us. We have nothing to prove to anyone but our love and devotion to our Lord. 

“Deep in our hearts, we feel sick about the hostility, dishonor, and disdain in our world. A kind of collective fatigue manifests itself in our disgust for our culture. We are exhausted by the devaluing of others but feel powerless to stop. I feel this at times after I am done looking at social media. There is so much condescension and so much anger. I feel both grieved and overwhelmed. I want to lash out, but I don’t exactly know how. We don’t know how to change the channel of contempt. Unity feels like a pipe dream, and healing, out of reach. Our hearts are grieved by the failure of the church as well. The way we devalue people for their theology or lack of it, different practices and traditions, and struggles with sin. Our vision of God has been lowered, his power is scarce, and his love is a rumor that’s been chased away. I believe there is a cure for the cancer of contempt: honor.” - Jon Tyson, Beautiful Resistance

Bible 304

 I used to think that it was important to be known as a Christian. One’s reputation would be tarnished if you didn’t attend church and do good deeds. But Scripture is clear that following Christ is no additional thing to out in your resume or what people think if you. Jesus is the central focus and morose for life. Without Him, we are in despair. Our efforts are a waste of time. Jesus is the re son TJ live each day. He is our hope, giving us the ability to have faith and live on purpose. But even more, Jesus is the Creator of all things, the King of kings, who is moving history to its conclusion. I want to be ready for tomorrow by living in hope today. 

Fastng

 Have you experimented with fasting from something besides food? If so, what did you fast from, and what did you notice?

I used to be very hesitant to initiate any type of fasting.  I didn’t want to deny myself anything, sacrificing a luxury or necessity, in order to pray  I was skeptical of anyone who talked about their practice of fasting because it was an act of self promotion and self righteousness. But I’m encouraged by Richard Foster’s comments, that even partial fasting can be a door to greater prayer and worship.  I’m attempting to limit my intake of any carbonated beverage.  Each time I see that type of product, I’m trying to remind myself to pray a short prayer for a family member or someone I know who is in need.  My idea to to train myself to be in prayer more minutes in the day, being concerned about others than myself.  

“It must be underscored that the absolute fast is the exception and should never be engaged in unless one has a very clear command from God, and then for no more than three days.”

“In most cases, fasting is a private matter between the individual and God. There are, however, occasional times of corporate or public fasts. The only annual public fast required in the Mosaic law was on the day of atonement (Lev. 23:27). It was to be the day in the Jewish calendar when the people were to be in sorrow and affliction as atonement for their sins.”

Matthew 6:1

[1] “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 6:2-4

[2] “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. [3] But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 6:16-18

“Paul meant that he was engaged in “fastings often” (2 Cor. 11:27, KJV)”

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  --Philippians 3:8-10

Hope 5

 How can we pray more fervently with a passion?  I’ve been guilty for not praying until the crisis happens. I’ve been far too ill prepared to pray in public when I’ve been asked. I’m convicted that my light headed and hard hearted response to prayer is because I do not grasp the gravity of God listening. He is waiting for us to search for Him. He loves us far more than we imagine. Reading a few prayers of the praying saints of yesterday convince me that I need to pray from my heart. My heart needs to be enlarged. My view needs to expand to see Hos kingdom moving. 

“If you compare the written prayers from the psalms, the Lord's Prayer, or those we find in the prayer books of the church, one thing will immediately strike any reader: The prayers from those sources are theologically rich and aesthetically appropriate. I cannot always say this of the spontaneous prayers of many Christians—and I am not impugning their motives or questioning their hearts.” - Scot McKnight, Praying with the Church

Bible 303

Encouragement and encouraging words can change our direction, perhaps our entire path in life. Following Christ is all about being encouraged and developing a mission to encourage others. Receiving uplifting and wise words are worth hold, especially when despair and division are all around us. Paul was wise to encourage each person and group in his life. He did not have a Pollyanna attitude, ignoring problems that needed change. Jeremiah complained and lamented about his culture’s social and political climate, yet he had hope for others. May we demonstrate these character qualities. 

Heaven - Randy Alcorn

 After her four-year battle with cancer, I said goodbye—for now—to my wife and soulmate Nanci. My grief, though deep, is informed by God’s sovereignty and love. I know that Nanci is no longer suffering and is happier than she has ever been.

But the story isn’t over; the best is yet to come. Nanci went ahead to the present Heaven, which is “better by far” than this present world (Philippians 1:23). One day, after the resurrection, God will relocate us to the future Heaven, centered on the New Earth, where “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). So while Nanci lives in a wonderful place without pain, she and all God’s people there are looking forward to the resurrection, and the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Nanci and I talked often about what living as embodied people will be like on a resurrected Earth—a world with trees, rivers, animals, eating and drinking, reunions, old and new friendships, and above all, a place where we will worship God without sin to hinder us! Because we will still be God’s image bearers, reigning over a risen Earth, I believe we will enjoy art, literature, sports, drama, technology, and all other products of God-given creativity and glorified imaginations.

I am eternally grateful for those conversations, which began decades before Nanci was diagnosed with cancer. In her last days here on Earth, I saw her outwardly wasting away, yet because she fixed her eyes on Jesus and her unseen home, I saw her inwardly being renewed (see 2 Corinthians 4:16). Now that she has relocated to Heaven, an eternal perspective has helped me grieve in healthy ways. Nanci’s death was not the end of our relationship; reunion awaits.

God’s Word tells us, “In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). Yet today most Christians haven’t had their imaginations captured by that promise. God never abandoned His original plans and purposes. Not only does He not give up on us, He doesn’t give up on the creation He called “very good” (Genesis 1:31). He will redeem this earth as surely as He redeems His children. Where Adam and Eve failed, Jesus succeeded. Righteous humans will indeed rule a righteous Earth forever!

When Heaven was released in 2004, people said, “How can this be true, since I’ve never heard it before?” I understood—I’d never been taught these ideas in Bible college, seminary, or church. Here’s the irony: in an age when people often twist biblical truth to make it appealing, what Scripture actually says about Heaven is far more attractive than the ghostly, vague view of the afterlife that plagues countless believers.

Big books full of Scripture and theology and quotations from people long dead don’t normally sell well. Yet to my surprise (and the publisher’s), well over a million copies of Heaven have sold (over two million, including related books and a booklet). Innumerable readers, including pastors, have told me it radically changed their view of eternity. Rarely does a day go by when I don’t receive encouraging messages about the book. These are just a few:

“Within a week of losing our 16-year-old son, I ordered Heaven. It has saved my life.”

“I started reading your book, and it’s put everything in perspective. I didn’t even realize that I had wrong beliefs about Heaven. It has renewed my faith.”

“My dad was on hospice for nineteen months. He read Heaven three times before he went there. This book, along with the Bible, was his preparation for Heaven!”

“I gave your book to a friend who was in poor health. Before she died, she told me she had accepted Jesus. I’m so grateful I’ll see her again.”

“I gave Heaven to my son-in-law who was dying. He read through the first seven chapters and gave his life to Jesus. He died a few weeks later.”

“After losing my fourteen-year-old to suicide, I questioned many things, including my faith. Your book Heaven and the Bible are the two things that bring me great comfort each day.”

My prayer is that readers of the book will experience what my precious wife and I did—the heartfelt happiness of knowing Jesus and anticipating eternal life on the glorious redeemed world He is preparing for us!

FCA Director

 Questions for Reflection.

Thank you for your time and effort to discuss so many opportunities within FCA.  I hope you can find the person you are looking for to fill this position as well as others.  I’m honored that you would even consider me worthy of fulfilling these responsibilities.  Thank you for the document to brainstorm names of people who you might contact.

I want to be faithful to God’s calling in my life, hoping that I will love Him completely, discipling others to do the same.  I’m compelled to not seek position or status, but to follow through on what He nudges me to do and be. These questions are helping me filter out good opportunities from His call:

1. How might God be using my life to impact others, and who might He be bringing into my life to shape me in return?

2. What parts of my story or struggles could I offer to God, trusting that He can use even my experiences to serve others?

3. In what areas of my life can I lean more on God’s help to choose love and step into His larger story for me?

Pleas stay in touch if I can be of further help. 

Thank you for your time and effort to discuss so many opportunities within FCA.  I hope you can find the person you are looking for to fill this position as well as others.  

Today Nate Lewis and I met for coffee as a quasi interview  He wanted to know if I was j retested in the FCA position of area director covering Kearney to Ogallala to Kansas to South Dakota. Ghe director position would be in charge of hiring reps to cover several schools, be k charge of fund raising, connecting with large donors, and organize the legacy banquet  this full time position reports to the multi director (Nate) and the director’s board of directors weekly meetings with the state director and other directors is expected  

Full time?

Travel? Lodging

What schools?

Fund raising?

Salary or

Hourly?

Benefits?

Supervision?

Training?

Advisory board?

No budgeting or fund raising  experience 

Want to be free to continue discipleship as I have   - TBF  PA  Activste Global  

Hesitant to sacrifice grands, health issues 

Counter culture Jesus

 Scot McNight

What does the counternarrative of Jesus look like? Here is an extensive quote that could be printed out and displayed in a church foyer for all to read:

In teaching to turn the other cheek Jesus shamed Violence No. 1.

In teaching enemy love, Jesus disrupted Violence No. 2.

In teaching the things that make for peace, Jesus stymied Violence No. 3.

In proclaiming freedom for prisoners, Jesus interrupted structural violence.

In practicing inclusive table fellowship, Jesus flustered cultural violence.

In including women among his disciples, Jesus disoriented symbolic violence.

In proclaiming good news to the poor, Jesus undermined economic caste systems.

In eating with tax collectors, Jesus practiced enemy love.

In speaking woes to the rich, Jesus condemned hoarding wealth.

In blessing peacemakers, Jesus contested the efficacy of violent resistance.

In healing the diseased, Jesus showed the limitations of state and military power.

In forgiving sins, Jesus redefined power.

In publicly dying on a Roman cross, Jesus exposed the spiral of violence.

In rising from the dead, Jesus publicly disarmed and made a public spectacle of the pax Romana.”

The counternarrative who is Jesus cannot be simplified into an individualistic gospel, it must center the Gospels, it requires thinking about the world through the lens of Jesus and his kingdom, and it envisions the ethic of Jesus being embodied in his followers who live out that ethic in the public sector. It was the ethic of Bonhoeffer, whose primary political opponent was Christian nationalism under the leadership of Adolf Hitler.

Bible 302

 Doing good for others is a great way to live life. It’s far better to be known for our good than for being g bad or evil. It’s better to be know. Gkd doing good than stand in the sidelines criticizing that no kne is doing anything. There are so many needs that one can choose between two good opportunities at the same time. Paul’s life is a huge contrast from what he thought was the best way to protect his people to being a leader of the opposite side. He could easily have made a list of a thousand changes - “I used to.,… but now…,”. I want to keeping thinking along those lines - “I used to…but now…” as a way tk tho k of change and growth. 

Pick Your Pearls

 Michael Sprague

Pick Your Pearls

There is a story about a little girl with a little string of cheap pearls she wears around her neck. They are plastic and yellowed, but she is so proud of them. One night her dad comes into her bedroom and says, “Will you give me your pearls?” 

“No Daddy,” she says, “You’d look silly in pearls.” 

The next night he asks the same question, “Will you give me your pearls?” 

“No, Daddy. They are mine and they are special.” 

This goes on for three or four nights. The daughter finally gets upset and gives the pearls over to her dad and says, “If you really want them, you can have them.” 

Her dad pulls out a case and opens it. Inside the case, sitting on black velvet is a real set of glistening pearls that are beyond anything the daughter’s eyes have ever seen.

Is there anything crowding out the best in your life? Are there any fake plastic pearls you are wearing? Anything you need to hand over to the Father so you can enjoy the pearl of great price? Consider: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). It is the opportunity of a lifetime. It is priceless.

Many people, when considering commitment to Jesus, think of the decision in negative terms, not positive. The calculation is what will I lose – fun, control, status, and freedom. The parables of Jesus remind us that this decision is positive. You have to have Him, you cannot go another way … for Jesus is living … life in the Kingdom is not just noble, but the smartest decision you could ever make. It is not just good. It is the best … it is blessed even when very challenging.

At my age, I am finding Jesus more compelling than ever … surprising … interesting … shocking … confusing … attractive … awesome … mysterious … stunning … fascinating. I am not ashamed to tell you He changed my life. He is the One I most admire, respect, and follow. He is not a legend or a fable. He is the greatest person you could ever know. 

Tough, sturdy fishermen found Jesus so compelling they dropped their nets and gave up their occupations. Simon the Zealot gave up his resistance movement and became part of something more powerful. Matthew the shark in the marketplace left his cash register wide open and followed the opportunity of a lifetime. Jesus’ hands were calloused. He had some serious forearms, His fingernails were not manicured, His appearance was not anything to brag about, but people flocked to Him. Wealthy, poor, religious and irreligious, fisherman, and prostitutes ended up saying, “I’ve got to have Jesus. Whatever it takes. I’ve got to follow Him.”

Hope 3

 I used to think that I’ll get around to studying the Bible  someday. I don’t have time to even think of a strategy to be prepared for a crisis, whether it be physical, emotional, family, economic, or career. I thought I’d wait on a plan and see how everything worked out. But Scripture is Al about getting us ready for the next steps in our lives, whatever they might be.  I’ve been short sighted too much of my life. I’m finding that a long term view with the big picture of His kingdom in the here and now is so important, with such a short time left to get myself together. 

“Discipleship must be stronger than cultural formation. Loyalty must be stronger than compromise. This must be stronger than that. The times called for a beautiful resistance.” - Jon Tyson, Beautiful Resistance

Hope 3

 How many times during the week do you think about Christ’s return?  I used to think about the second coming as an escape plan from the world’s sin and turmoil. But the more I’m reading, I’m thinking that His return is more a strategy of hope to live each day. The second coming is not a bar code to be scanned but a deeper way to think and live, filtering iug distractions, keeping our eyes and ears to what He is ding right now. 

“The book of Revelation is written to shape a church surrounded by the swamping and creeping ways of Babylon.” - Scot McKnight, Revelation for the Rest of Us

Bible 301

 The contrast between foolish and wise living is a strong forceful statement in Proverbs. It’s easy for me to judge who might be living a life of wisdom or the opposite but God is the Judge. We are headed for a day of accounting and I want to be pleasing to Him. However our culture is changing the definition to what is wise and what used to be considered foolish, requiring our need to rely on God’s word, not mere common sense. Like Habakuk, there are plenty of questions about living out our faith. Evil has no limits except what the boundaries God sets up around us. We will never know why bad things happen to good people. We are each capable of committing evil acts, but God’s pursuit of us TJ change is relentless. He promises to NEVER leave us or forsake us, one of the wisest statements to build our lives upon. 

ACT Scores

 LINCOLN – High school students in Nebraska rank near the top on ACT scores compared to peer states.

According to a release form the Nebraska Department of Education, the ACT entrance exam measures college readiness in English, reading, mathematics and science.

All Nebraska public school juniors are required to take the ACT as part of the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS). Each year the ACT provides a report for all graduating seniors. Overall Nebraska had 95% of public and private school graduates participate in the ACT.

Nebraska’s average 2024 ACT composite score is 19.1, down just one tenth of a point from 19.2 in 2023. The national average is also down one tenth of a point from 19.5 to 19.4 and only 36 percent of students take the ACT nationwide. The highest possible ACT score is 36.

Nebraska continues to stand out compared to the 13 states with more than 90 percent of graduates taking the ACT. Only Montana at 19.5 and Wisconsin at 19.4 scored better. This is significant as states that test a high percentage of graduates tend to have lower averages as the scores include more students who are not on a college course-taking track.

Nebraska students scored an average of 18.1 in English compared to 18.6 nationally. In reading, Nebraska students scored an average of 19.5 compared to 20.1 nationally. In math, Nebraska students scored an average of 18.8 compared to 19.0 nationally. And in science Nebraska students scored an average of 19.4 compared to 19.6 nationally.

Bible 300

 Several former students have asked for my definition of leadership. Most were taking a class at UNL or UNK requiring interviews of adults on their ideas about being a leader. My definition has been (although tweaked a bit) that a leader is a trainer of future leaders. If a professed leader only fortifies his / her distress of staying in leadership, they are no real leader, because few are following or learning from their example. Paul’s leadership style was to train others to carry on without him. Pursuing goals that out live or lout last is a leadership style that lasts far longer than a lifetime. The words of Paul and Jeremiah are timeless even though written in the context of specific circumstances. Each was not interested in promoting themselves. They wanted to honor God and we’re driven by passion of faith hope and love. 

PA video

 What convinced you to partner with PA

I’m excited to promote the work of Possibilities Africa. Listening to Martin Simiyu’s humble story of growing up in Kenya, being compelled to attend Moody Bible to obtain a college degree, then Biola for a masters degree, shows his own personal story of God leading in his life. Martin’s story is really God working a story that is bigger than Martin. God’s story has  multiplied many times over to disciple individuals and families to follow Christ.  Helping individuals, families and entire communities to become self sufficient is far greater than expecting a government handout. In Martin’s words, it’s a hand up, lifting others to catch a vision of what they can become in. Christ. The power of the Bible to change hearts is a power that cannot be replicated by any program or philosophy. Creating micro business opportunities is a part of train c leaders to become local pastors who initiate churches that transform communities. PA is a true movement of God work g among people to change their culture. It transforms the whole person by becoming self sufficient, yet dependent on God’s work in people’s hearts. Educating children and youth is key to PA’s long term vision. The movement has grown to at least seven other nations on the continent of Africa with leaders from June nations seeking PA to be a part of their country.   PA is unique because it seeks to help the whole person  the entire lifestyle of N individual and family  I’m convinced that there are many worthwhile organizations, but Martin,‘a life is being multiplied over and over  changing entire communities  

How have you seen this ministry grow

What makes PA unique

What makes PA worthy of support. 

Bible 299

 The more I read the Bible, the more I’m struck by how it speaks to the whole of life. God, our Creator, understands how we struggle in a sin entrenched world. He is pursuing us far more than we can imagine, yet he allows each person to make up their own mind. Paul uses every ounce of his energy to encourage others to follow Christ. His last words seemed to be a plea to continue his message far after he was gone. Jeremiah had an awe and respect for God that his culture had lost. May we have the passion of Paul and Jeremiah. 

Hope 2

 Have you experienced an absence of peace and calmness when you think of the uncertainty of the future?  I can ruminate on cynicism and negativity for long stretches of time, wasting energy that could be invested into gratitude and worship. I believe that our Creator God has a plan and He is bringing all things into a conclusion. My daily mental / emotional mess needs to align with that belief. 

“If we are to trust God, we must learn to see that He is continuously at work in every aspect and every moment of our lives.” - Jerry Bridges, Trusting God

Hope 1

 How can you and I navigate the uncertainty of what could happen?  My ‘what if….’list is long and changes from day to day. The election campaign does not help being anxious about tomorrow. But even though tougher times could be ahead, and crises will come and go, we have the reality of His presence. He has promised to NEVER leave us or forsake us. 

“God’s unfailing love for us is an objective fact affirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It is true whether we believe it or not. Our doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor does our faith create it. It originates in the very nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son.” - Jerry Bridges, Trusting God

Jknah 11

 So many students in my career have had a victim mindset. Others have an entitlement view of life while some have a curious work ethic, wanting to do and be their best. I have experienced all three in my own life, kicking the can down the road, wondering why things have to be this way. I’ve also thought I deserve more and better. But Gkd is convicting me of my sin, helping me see that my life is not about me. Rick Warren states in the beginning of ’The Purpose Driven Life’:  “Life is not about you or me.”  

“Sometimes the end God has in mind is to exercise our faith, so He brings us into straitened circumstances so that we might look up to Him and see His deliverance.” - Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace

Bible 298

 I wonder what would changes would happen in our culture if the Bible were read instead of listening to political candidates slam each other. How wouldn’t be different if I would have been more diligent in understanding the Scriptures when I was younger?  Absorbing what God has said is life changing. The process of character change may take time but it can begin in an a moment of believing. The proof of our faith, hope and love is shown in our character. Wisdom is an inside work that changes us, shown on the outside. 

Jonah 10

 Id like to think I am in control of so many things in my life. But God is reminding me that I need to trust Him regardless of what happens. Jonah was angry with God. He may have been angry for a long time that something wasn’t done to punish Babylon and the city of Nineveh. He was even more angry when the city repented!  But Jonah was reminded that he was not in charge, whether it was what God wanted in Nineveh, or in the creation of a worm or fish. Our days are short compared to eternity and each day is another opportunity to trust Him with all the details. 

“The problem with self-righteousness is that it seems almost impossible to recognize in ourselves. We will own up to almost any other sin, but not the sin of self-righteousness. When we have this attitude, though, we deprive ourselves of the joy of living in the grace of God. Because, you see, grace is only for sinners.” - Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Grace

Jonah 9

How many double standards are present in our culture?  How many have we grown up with but never give much thought how they have impacted us?  For me, I like to hang out with people just like me. I am reluctant to reach out to those with different standards and backgrounds. I have more questions than answers but I’m quite certain that following Christ often involves denying our feelings of wanting to fit in and win a popularity competition.  Jonah may have had a lot of reasons for his reluctant response. Jonah may not have been respected by his constituents for obeying God immediately.  Jonah’s distaste for Babylon and Nineveh could have been out right hatred  obeying God was out of his comfort zone, with similar issues in our culture.

“The sin of worldliness is a preoccupation with the things of this temporal life. It's accepting and going along with the views and practices of society around us without discerning if they are biblical. I believe that the key to our tendencies toward worldliness lies primarily in the two words "going along". We simply go along with the values and practices of society.” - Jerry Bridges, Respectable Sins

Bible 296

We each have a leadership role as we fulfill our responsibilities and take care of those entrusted to us. I’m wondering what I’d say in a letter to those entrusted to my care. Paul poured out his concerns to Timothy.  If I were writing a letter to you, Blake, using Paul’s outline, I might say the same. 

1). Fan the flame of faith in your heart. Don’t stop what God has begun in your heart. 

2)  Guard your heart from all of the ‘stuff’ in our culture that will pull you away from following Christ. 

3)  Be intentional about sharing your faith, hope and love with others, especially to those under your care. 

4). Have a plan to raise the next generation to follow Christ. Wiley will be your legacy of being a faithful man who lives with integrity and character. 

5) Be known for your sincerity and compassion. 

Jonah 8

 Jonah’s record of unforgiveness is convicting. The people of Nineveh were feared because of their brutality in war. The atrocities they had committed must have overtaken Jonah’s heart. I wonder if Jonah refused to surrender his attitude to God in fear of what his own people would think. Why would their own prophet be compassionate to their enemy?  This story has shown me that I have a long way to go to be compassionate and forgiving, willing to follow through on reaching out to those who I’m not comfortable. His grace and mercy are far greater than mine. 

“The pursuit of holiness requires sustained and vigorous effort. It allows for no indolence, no lethargy, no halfhearted commitment, and no laissez faire attitude toward even the smallest sins. In short, it demands the highest priority in the life of a Christian, because to be holy is to be like Christ — God’s goal for every Christian.” - Jerry Bridges, The Discipline of Gr

Bible 285

 It is so easy to grasp on to things that will not last. There is  nothing wrong with doing our best in our career or managing resources but we can hold on to ‘things’ too tightly that we place our hope and stability in them. But we must be prepared for the crises that could happen without warning or our ignorance. I’m reminded of the business book, “How The Mighty Fall” that researched major companies that did not last, due to an arrogance of I can do no wrong. The following reference quoted by Nicky struck me:  “Spending time with God is the way in which God breathes his wisdom into you (Psalm 119:73, MSG). He comforts you so that you can live, ‘really live… live whole and holy, soul and body’ (vv.77,80a, MSG), and always walk with your ‘head held high’ (v.80b, MSG). The wisdom of Paul and Jeremiah are needed today as much as when they write their words. 

Bible 284

I used to question God on why He allowed all the bad to happen in our world. I thought He was too distant to care but one day would come back to take care of all the injustice. But I’m reminded from Scripture that all the bad is due to our rebellion against our Triune God and all creation awaits the return of Christ. God is holy and pure. Nothing evil comes from Him. Our role is to be faithful right where we are, taking care of those under our responsibility. Jeremiah m’s intense relationship with God helped him endure discouragement and suffering. His hope was not found in circumstances. 

Jonah 7

 If you are like me, I can get more focused on the chaotic ups and downs of our culture than the consistent character of our Triune God. I can easily scroll through social media sites that are polarizing far more than study a passage. I can be more irritated with political ads than comforted by His presence. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. 

“Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.” - Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

Jonah 6

 I’ve been a lot like Jonah, criticizing those who I think are beyond repentance  but little do I know what God is doing beyond our vision.  I’m all for people coming to Christ, but am I truly praying that this will happen?  I’m so guilty of not praying for our leaders and for our culture to repent in submission to Hod’s call on our lives.  As the election approaches, may God be lifted up and honored.  May He over ride my lack of faithfulness in praying.  

“Many people will profess faithfulness, but few will demonstrate it. The virtue of faithfulness is often costly, and few people are willing to pay the price. But for the godly person, faithfulness is an absolutely essential quality of his character, regardless of what it might cost.” - Jerry Bridges, The Practice of Godliness

Mimetic Theory

 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 - 𝑴𝒚 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

@lancejorton

I don’t like talking about politics much. I would like to attempt to explain my one position based on what Rene Girard called Mimetic Theory. Most of what I write on social media about politics is from this perspective. 

Political entities (e.g. Republicans, Democrats, Pharisees, Sadducees) collectively participate in lying and manipulation about others in order to stoke our fears and drive us towards believing only they can save us. 

As humans, we are vulnerable to such manipulation because we (as a culture) are collectively searching for a savior amidst a system that is desperately flawed. This system relies on the hero / scapegoat myth:

“All will be better when the hero vanquishes the evil scapegoat from our midst.”

This leads to figurative and physical violence. We witness figurative violence on social media regularly from both of our political groups. January 6 and the attempted assassination of Trump are each quintessential examples of the scapegoat myth carried out to its natural end: physical violence. 

As a Christian, I believe Jesus died sacrificially as the scapegoat to expose this cycle of violence so we could be “saved” from it. “Love your neighbor / enemies” ends this cycle. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” ends the cycle. 

I’m not saying one candidate cannot be better than another. But I think we put too much hope in them and too little hope in the truth. By correcting narratives meant to manipulate others (i.e. by being honest with ourselves and other), we can help expose the cycle of violence by shining a light on it, even and especially when the truth favors those we do not like. We can “save” others, both those who are throwing stones and those being stoned (e.g. the woman caught in adultery). 

This is the Good News or Gospel to Paul. You don’t have to murder (even in our hearts) and we can save those who would be murdered. We can leave behind the cycle of violence by trusting Jesus. We can live by grace (forgiveness replaces violence) with the peace of Christ in our hearts (love replaces hate). 

This is why Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. This is why to not believe in him means we are condemned already (John 3:16-21). The cultural cycle leads to violence. We must be “born again” to see the cultural cycle clearly and be set free from the cycle. And I want us all to be set free. 

More about Mimetic Theory: mimetictheory.com/mimetic-theory/

Jonah 5

 Did Jonah think he was doing his best prior to God telling him to go to Nineveh?  Was he more committed to living up to the expectations by the people rather than truly listening to God?  We may never know Jonah’s internal motivations, but I’ve been wondering about my own intentions. Do I truly listen for His voice in my heart?  Am I more interested in fitting in to our Christian subculture than watching for the Kingdom happening right in front of me?  Jonah was given a second chance to surrender to God’s pursuit on his life. The tension and anxiety in Jonah was intense, even in the second opportunity to surrender. May you and I respond to His call without delay. 

“When we commit ourselves to the pursuit of holiness, we need to ensure that our commitment is actually to God, not simply to a holy lifestyle or a set of moral values ... offer yourselves to God, and in doing that commit yourselves to the pursuit of holiness in order to please Him.” - Jerry Bridges, Holiness Day by Day

Bible 292

 Our culture is in desperate need of effective leaders who demonstrate integrity and character. I’m not sure why more character driven leaders don’t want to be in the public’s arena, but it begins in the home and in the church. We learn to be people of character through our training and being with leaders who are intentional with their time and intentional input. The apostle Paul could see the need for character and his words are just important today as ever. Like Nicky emphasized, Jeremiah and Paul were consistent in their message and demonstrated integrity, yet suffered for their message. The same can Halle. To us but we live for the audience of One. 

Group of 4 10/21

 I hope each of you is having a great week!  Our next time together is October 21, 7:45 am at Roger's. 

Unless someone has a better idea, what if we discuss Dallas Willard’s VIM model in respect to our personal identity.  1) how do you see your identity (vision of yourself) changing in the past few months?  2) As you reflect on your spiritual formation the past few weeks, how is the view of yourself changing?  3) What factors are motivating you to be transformed?  4) How do you WANT to be transformed emotionally, in your mindset, in your behavior? 5) Are you becoming someone you  didn’t expect?  6) What are the methods / practices / disciplines that are helping transform your identity?  

1 John 3:1-3

[1] See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

Answers

1.  I’m a child - who cannot control outcomes. God is moving in unseen ways that do not understand. My role is to trust my Father. 

2.  I’m in the world but not of the world. I’m of the kingdom, asking that the kingdom come into me as in heaven. 

3. My character and integrity are far more important to God’s view of me than any other measurement. 

4.  Keep life simple. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, compare myself to anyone, or be impressed by anyone other than Jesus. 

The first step to revival is humbling ourselves before God. Revival cannot come without it.

Jesus stressed this when He said: “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).

“For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Drew Maddux One of the single most controllable pieces of life and with the highest return.

Gratitude.

It’s physiologically impossible to be grateful and anxious at the exact same time.

Gratitude is like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it grows.

Loneliness / Solitude

 “But loneliness or clatter are not our only alternatives. We can cultivate an inner solitude and silence that sets us free from loneliness and fear. Loneliness is inner emptiness. Solitude is inner fulfillment.”

Excerpt From

Celebration of Discipline, Special Anniversary Edition

Richard J. Foster

I remember when I was growing up feeling alone, yet my Father was with me. When Fonnie drowned in a stick tank, the trauma was terrible yet I knew He was with me. My identity is found in being a child of my Father, over riding my earthly family. My identity has been distracted by family responsibilities, career, and the need to provide an income. But retirement is bringing back TJ the root of being Hks beloved child. Despite the cynicism of today, the argumentative angry atmosphere, I wanf go be intentional about my Father’s business. Living Him completely, loving others, and discipling those He intersects into my path. 

Jonah 4

 Knowingly avoiding God’s direct message to surrender to Him leads to an empty void that can only be filled by a repentant heart. I’ve not followed through on what I said I’d do, and each time leads me to a loneliness. I want to be prompt in my response to His nudge, not waiting till a more convenient time. I have often prayed that I would know God’s will for my life, but missed opportunities to pray , to listen, or be generous. ‘Someday’ is not a day of the week. I want to be awake to what He is doing. 

“The Christian living in disobedience also lives devoid of joy and hope. But when he begins to understand that Christ has delivered him from the reign of sin, when he begins to see that he is united to Him who has all power and authority and that it is possible to walk in obedience, he begins to have hope, and as he hopes in Christ, he begins to have joy. In the strength of this joy, he begins to overcome the sins that have so easily entangle him. He then finds that the joy of a holy walk is infinitely more satisfying than the fleeting pleasures of sin. But to experience this joy, we must make some choices. We must choose to forsake sin, not only because it is defeating to us but because it grieves the heart of God.” - Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

Bible 291

 I want to do better at praying. I used to think I’d have to sacrifice a great deal in the day’s agenda to pray more. I was confused about how to integrate prayer in my schedule. But I seemed to get in the habit of praying very short prayers while at school. In the rush of a day, with two minute or less conversations with students, it seemed appropriate to pray before I talked to a student or adult and mungo task by praying g during the conversation. 

I recently listened to a podcast that encourages us to use short prayers as a way to worship God, thanking Him for His provision, protection, and for loving us. Worshipping Him outdoors or while driving creates a rhythm and a mindset of conversation. Paul and Jeremiah were consistent in their message and behavior. They did not waiver, despite the culture or persecution. May we converse with God anywhere, anytime. 

Jonah 3

 Was Jonah’s view of God too small?  Was Jonah’s view of himself too large?  I am so guilty of minimizing who God is in the here and now moments of my life. God is able to do the miraculous and spectacular, but I’m probably not ready for that display of His power. He has already demonstrated who He is throughout history and in my own specific circumstances. How could the Creator of the universe be intensely interested in the details of our lives?  Scripture teaches that He definitely is but wants us to trust Him no matter what. 

“In the arena of adversity, the Scriptures teach us three essential truths about God—truths we must believe if we are to trust Him in adversity. They are: 

• God is completely sovereign.

• God is infinite in wisdom. 

• God is perfect in love. 

Someone has expressed these three truths as they relate to us in this way: “God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about.” - Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts

Bible 290

 The more we read and study the Scriptures, the more we (or at least for me) I am compelled to reflect on why I do the things I do. God’s love for each person is intense, drawing us to Himself. I feel compelled to self examine my motives and avoid the cultural trend to be an average church goer. I do not know what that means or will mean, but I don’t want to keep on comparing myself to others. Paul’s words hit me - 

 “Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ 

Paul had no hidden agenda in his approach with people. I want to be that type of guy whose character is being changed. I do not want to have any regrets by developing a pure heart and a good conscience, changing fruitless conversations into worthwhile and meaningful discussions. 

Personal Heroes

 Martin Simiyu, founder of Possibilities Africa is a hero to look up to. Growing up in Kenya, among ten children, he knew what liberty was like. His mother values education and he learned mathematics by drawing math formulas and problems with a stick in the dirt. With no pencils and paper, the classroom was an outdoor seminar for creativity and innovation. Understanding who Christ was and is, Martin was compelled to complete a college education at Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute. Arriving at the admissions office without the proper paper work or financial aid application, he told the staff that God wanted him to enroll at MBI. After a completing a bachelors degree at Moody and a masters degree at Biola, Martin returned to Kenya with a vision of spreading the gospel, helping individuals, families and communities be completely transformed. His innovation includes small business loans to create entrepreneur opportunities, train pastors to plant churches and provide adequate health care and education to children. Martin’s common sense approach to whole life transformation is based on surrender to Jesus Christ. 

I want to share more heroes on my list. Please check out https://activateglobal.net/ , an organization that is working hard to fulfill the Great Commission by providing business training to begin small entrepreneurial opportunities among the least reached / unreached people groups in the world. These kingdom businesses accelerate disciple makers in each location. I hesitate to identify the names of these leaders because they often travel to high risk areas. You can join the prayer team and receive monthly updates. Activate Global shares updates on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. The Activate Team demonstrates the heart of what Richard Foster and Dallas Willard teach, inspiring me to seek the kingdom, and humbly reflect upon my desire to be an apprentice of Jesus. 

Jonah 2

 How is God calling you and me to be different than the norm?  If we seek to be the average Christian, what will be the outcome?  Is being average ‘good enough’?  I used to compare myself (and still do because of my sin and pride) to others. What a judgmental mindset!  If I’m following Christ, I ought to be focusing on Him, not looking at others. Jonah had a category for Babylon and the Ninevites, and they were not on his love list. I wonder if Jonah was afraid of what his constituents thought if he obeyed God. Did he want to be the average prophet, living up to earthly expectations rather than God?

“But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.” - Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

Triangle

 Bottom - justification - attachment - identity

Side - struggles - Roman’s 7, flesh - world systems  

Side - his presence - community - the Spirit

Apex - Becoming like Christ

Spirit of Prayer 2

 One thing that hit me is that I need to have a child like mindset when praying. Calling out Lord our Father can be taken far too lightly. But being adopted into God’s family as His child is life changing. Approaching Him as a loving Dad who listens and as who who consistently has our best interests in His heart is mind blowing. How could the Creator of the universe be that interested in my weak and frail response. His loyalty to His children far out weighs our frazzled and distracted attention. We are his beloved children. 

Spirit of Prayer 1

 I’m guilty of praying more about my worries and needs than the needs of others. I’m sure God is listening, but do I really have the heart of God in my praying?  Today’s comments remind me of Jonah. We aren’t sure of all that was going on with his reluctance to follow through on what God wanted him to do. The people of  Nineveh were to be feared and most hated for their brutality. How could God be concerned about ‘those people’?  I wonder what message our Triune God is sending us regarding the people we most fear or despise. What would God say about my reluctance to pray fervently for those most like me?  I want to develop a mindset and heart ghat reflects Hod’s heart for others, no matter their background or opinion. 

Bible 289

 Today’s devotional reminds me of several challenges in the school work setting. It seemed like the wise thing to do was to confront college educated adults of a potential lawsuit if their path of decision making continued. I was not in charge but I felt an obligation to stand up and take a stand. Is couple of times I was afraid of being reprimanded or written up for disciplinary action. Proverbs 25 reminds us to be humble and I hope I came across ghat way, not in an arrogant ‘I know better’ attitude. It is hard to initiate confrontation in humility. It is easy to passive yet arrogant. Paul and Jeremiah seem to emphasize developing a disciplined, caring, do the right thing lifestyle. Living with no regrets, yet no reservations is often difficult. 

Bible 288

 Do you sometimes feel alone in growing your faith and hope?  For the longest time while growing up and as a young parent, I felt alone in my struggle to balance a healthy mindset regarding my faith, a Biblical world view, and concern for others. That same premonition became full blown during Covid. Perhaps it was my retirement that led to a reset in my world view. How could so many church going people become angry with each other, prioritizing politics and opinions above what they had supposedly been taught in a church setting?  I think I’m getting a grasp on my own world view, but the rage continues for many. Fear, anxiety, and push back opinions are the norm for many who once considered themselves friends. I do not want to be a negative Ned, kicking the can about any issue. One take away from today is to be vigilant, not gullible to opinions. The encouragement by Paul and Jeremiah to stand firm in the truth, encouraging others, developing a community of safe followers of Christ with an eternal perspective. Pippa’s verse captures this mindset. “Psalm 119:35 says, ‘Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.’”