On Campus with Christ - Entries written by Jeremy

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ThuThursdayAprApril26th2012 Who Is God?
Posted Thursday, April 26 2012 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment



Too often we try to use God to change our circumstances,
while He is using our circumstances to change us.
-David Osborn

Isn’t that the truth?  How many times have we prayed that God would change our circumstances to make us more comfortable, prosperous, successful and less irritated, less distracted…etc.  Yet God is using those moments in life to shape us into who He wants us to be.  When you begin to understand that we serve a God who is infinitely greater than what we can think or imagine, you don’t ask Him for petty favors.

Our Psalm for today (146) spells out for us just WHO God is.  “He is the Maker of Heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them – He remains faithful forever.”  Read Psalm 146:6-10 and come to your own conclusion on WHO God is. 

I am convinced that once we have a correct perspective of WHO God is, then we won’t be asking Him to do us a favor and make us more ___ or to take away ____.  When we fully comprehend that God has a plan and purpose for our life, we can trust Him at His word, and not beg him to change the things around us. 
We can then utter these words to God (as David did in Psalm 31:3-5): “For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.  Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.”
WedWednesdayAprApril11th2012 Easter Illustrated Perfectly!
Posted Wednesday, April 11 2012 @ 6 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Four baptisms!  That’s how we started out our Easter morning service on Sunday!  Four neighborhood kids that my wife Lori has been bringing to church, mentoring, and investing time and love into, came forward on Sunday ready to commit their lives to Christ!  Their parents and grandparents came also, giving us an opportunity to share the power of the Gospel through the testimony of their own children. What a powerful statement and a blessing we were able to experience!

At One-Eighty Church, one of our core values is that each one of us is called to be Missional to our community around us.  We are not limited to the physical structure of building, but rather the area that we have been given influence.  Today, are you living the Gospel message to those around you?  Do your co-workers know you love Jesus?  Today, are you sharing the Gospel message with those around you?  Your family members who do not know Jesus are on a path to experience eternity away from God if they do not accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Today, are you breathing the Gospel message in your own life?  Do you have the ‘peace that passes all understanding’ because you are confident of whom you are in God?  You see, it starts with your heart, not your head, and exudes out from you in obvious movements as you approach and live your life. 

The Apostle Paul says this to the church in Thessalonica: “because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.”  How you and I live among our friends, co-workers, neighbors and family reveal to them the power [or lack thereof] of the Gospel with which we verbally claim to be part of our life in Jesus Christ.

How are you living today?  What does your testimony look like to those around you?  Be encouraged this week to live as Peter challenges us: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)
ThuThursdayMarMarch22nd2012 The Pounding Storm
Posted Thursday, March 22 2012 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Ten months after the storm, the destruction continues.  We are wrapping up our week of service down in Joplin, where the F5 tornado ripped through the town, destroying 7000 homes, 1000 business and schools and devasted lots of lives.  I came down three weeks after the storm and witnessed firsthand the blow that this powerful tornado laid on this city.  Yet, I see a deeper devastation nearly ten months after the storm than when I was here just a few weeks after the storm.  Sure the town is ‘cleaned-up’.  New business are rebuilding.  New houses are popping up in what looks like an empty field.  There are lots of new vehicles on the roads (over 15,000 vehicles were destroyed by the tornado!).  But the devastation continues to eat away at this town.

As I sit in Chick-fil-a, I see the eyes of a mom who is weary, exhausted and ready to give up.  As I talk with a young woman who gets sick every time a thunderstorm approaches, because the reoccurring fear continues to strike her down.  I see the devastation as we try to help a woman who is living in a ravaged trailer, with no running water or electricity.  I see it in the eyes of the three year old little girl, Addison, who lost her family’s house, and now daddy is not coming home.  I hear it in the stories that are shared about the rising divorce rate, the accounts of abuse that are on the rise, and depression from those who cannot escape the mental images of flying debris, dead bodies, bloody hospitals, and war-like scenes.

My heart breaks for these people who are trying to get ‘back to normal’.  The painful reality is: there is no normal.  Life after such a traumatic experience will be very different than what it was before the storm.  Many are exalting Restoration in this community, and rightly so!  But as hard as they may try, those who suffer post-traumatic stress syndrome cannot reset their minds to its original state.

Last Friday, our ministry brought 40 students and staff to Joplin to do what we can to make a difference.  We've been able to help about fourteen families in the community...a drop in the bucket compared to all those who have needs.  But through the hurt and despair, we have seen a shimmer of hope; a warm smile of appreciation; even a friendly hug from a grandmother who was so blessed to have someone care for her fractured home.  Can we fix the town of Joplin....no.  But what a blessing it has been to us, to be a blessing to them.  

My heart breaks for my hometown of Joplin.  But somehow that empathy has drawn me closer to the brokenness of humanity.  It has been a reminder that this world is not our home.  As Hebrews 11 reminds us, there is a better country awaiting us...a heavenly one.  But for now, we have to wait out this pounding storm.
ThuThursdayFebFebruary2nd2012 Attention!
Posted Thursday, February 02 2012 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Answer this multiple choice question:
“What is the quickest way to gain your attention?”
            a. Someone softly speaking.
            b. A hand on the shoulder.
            c. Someone waving.
            d. A punch in the arm.

I would argue that a punch in the arm will gain our attention the quickest.  Often times we are in our own little world, headphones in our ears, or cell phone consuming our attention that none of the first three choices affect us or gain our attention, like a punch in the arm!

C.S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains- it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

As I’m preaching through the book of Job, I’m realizing the validity and truth behind this quote in an ever-increasing way.  We all face hurts, sorrow and suffering in this world.  Where do we turn for answers?  Where do we turn for comfort?

As I read about these huge disasters that have rocked our world these past couple years, there are some amazing God-stories that rise from the ashes.  As I talk with people who went through serious heartaches and deep sorrow, God emerges as the hero.  As I experience trauma in my own life, I see the fingerprints of God as He is at work through the trials and suffering in my life.

Psalm 76:23 says “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Perhaps you just experienced a punch in the arm.  Maybe your arm is bruised from all the punches!  The question for you today is “Do you trust God?”  “Is God your strength and your portion?”

The longer I live, the more I see God using the megaphone of pain to get my attention.  In each and every ‘disaster’, God is at work.  Do you see Him? 

Just a thought for this morning.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
MonMondayJanJanuary30th2012 First / Last
Posted Monday, January 30 2012 @ 1 PM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment


There is a competitiveness between our two boys...they each desperately strive to be first in everything they do!  Whether it is the first one to the dinner table, the first one to finish his peas, or the first one in the tub; they will do whatever it takes to be first.  My wife and I have tried to teach into these moments, often after an argument breaks out or tears are rolling off our four year olds cheek.  So we began teaching this biblical principle of the first is last and the last is first.   The heart of the principle is humility.  But our boys use it to justify their ‘second place’ finish!

In Matthew 20, Jesus gives the parable of the workers in the vineyard.  The story involves a landowner who puts people to work at various times throughout the day.  Then at the end of the day, the master pays his workers all the same, regardless of the number of hours they put in.  The plot thickens as dissention breaks out among the workers who had been there all day.  It’s unfair in their opinion for those who worked only one hour to receive the same pay as those who worked the whole day. 

They have a point.

But the landowner reminds them that they received exactly what he promised at the start of the day.  And it’s solely up to him who he pays what amount.  He says “are you envious because I am generous?”  Ouch. 

I’ve spent my entire life following Jesus.  Certainly there have been times I’ve been more faithful in certain aspects of my walk than others…but I am blessed to have been given a good spiritual foundation early on in life, and God’s grace to keep me on the ‘straight and narrow’ for my thirty four years on this earth.  It’s easy for me to expect my ‘days wages’ for serving the Master of the vineyard.

But what about those ‘deathbed conversions’?  The Jeffery Dahlmer story…where the man killed hundreds of people in the Oklahoma City bombing, but on his final hours before he was executed, accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior.  People have a hard time thinking that a man who did such awful things in this world, could ‘squeak’ into heaven under God’s grace.

Yet if you understand God’s grace, that’s exactly what it’s about.  Even my four year old will tell you that “All have sinned” and “The wages of sin is death”.  We all deserve an eternity away from the presence of the Lord.  Yet Christ died, once for all, as Hebrews points out.  His grace is sufficient, Paul writes.  For the ones who joined the Kingdom forces at the beginning, to the ones who jumped in as the sun was setting.  

Jesus closes the parable by saying “So the last will be first and the first will be last.” – Matthew 20:16.  

Being a Kingdom minded person means you rejoice when someone (anyone) receives the Gospel, and welcome’s Christ into their lives.  Today, my heart is praying for more workers in the vineyard.  The sun is setting, and I know our Master is generous.  Will you join me in welcoming new workers?  Don’t use the principle to justify a second place [bad attitude] finish!  Receive all those who come into the Kingdom with a heart of gratitude, for we serve the same generous Master.
MonMondayJanJanuary23rd2012 Blessings,
Posted Monday, January 23 2012 @ 10 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

If you’ve ever received an e-mail from you, you would know that I close the e-mail by writing “Blessings” before my signature.  Many pay little attention to this…perhaps as much as one does to any closure to an e-mail.  Yet I do it not for closure sake, but purposefully as I desire to be a person that is a blessing in the life of others and speaks blessings over people around me.

According to our English Dictionary, the word blessing means “favored by God.”  If one says “Have a blessed Christmas”, it means “May you experience the favor of God this Christmas season.”

Once a month, I pray the “Seven Blessings Prayer” over my family [see below].  This prayer reminds me that “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” –James 1:17.  When praying for these blessings over my family, I am asking requesting the presence of God into each area that greatly influences my family, and each member in my family.  To me, there is nothing greater than requesting God’s presence be infiltrated in and through one’s family and each family member.

I had the great privilege to share with my church family in Appleton yesterday.  While speaking mainly on being a person of vision, I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to remind them of the Colossians 1:24-29 passage.  Paul relates that he has been commissioned by God to “present the word of God in its fullness”.  Just as he was commissioned, so are we, Christ-followers…commissioned to make known the mystery revealed – “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 

Blessings.

It’s a simple word…yet carries great meaning and implication.  Chapter one of Colossians ends this way: “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.  To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” 

An e-mail closing or closure to a letter may be simple…but if I can speak a word of blessing over each person I communicate with, to me that is fulfilling a portion of what I am commissioned by God to do. 

As you move on this day, may you be a blessing to those around you.

Blessings,
Jeremy


 

Seven Blessings for Families

 “Come, Holy Spirit, into our greatest needs and give us a revelation of Jesus.”

I pray a Spiritual blessing.  Come, Holy Spirit, give our family a revelation of God as Abba, Father.  Give us a love relationship with Jesus so strong that we cannot resist Him.  Give us sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and hunger and thirst for righteousness that conforms our conscience to the Word of God.   Create in us the fear of the Lord in relation to sin and genuine repentance.  Give us holy joy in abiding in You.

I pray an Emotional blessing.  Come, give our family a revelation of Jesus as healer of emotions.  Release healing to remove the ground for bondages (rejection, failure, resentment, jealousy, shame, etc.).  Let us choose forgiveness for ourselves and others.  Give us freedom from fear because God never fails us.  Grant us a strong sense of hope to believe God for His promises.

I pray a Mental blessing.  Come, Spirit of truth, and remove blinders of deception from our minds, so that we may know the truth and have godly wisdom and discernment.

I pray a Personal blessing.  Come, give us a sense of our personal value in Christ.  Plant in us God-given vision for Your calling on our lives.  Give us favor with God and with man.

I pray the blessing of right relationship with authority.  Come, teach us submission to God-given authority and counsel.  Direct us toward right loyalties, godly soul ties, and healthy friendships that encourage us in our walk with You.

I pray a Physical blessing.  Come, cover us with Your protective hedge of safety, strength, and good health.  We plead Psalm 91.

I pray a Financial blessing.  Come, give us Your provision and right relationship to what You give.  Let us acknowledge You as our Source and Provider. 

I pray blessings.  I speak blessings.  I choose to be a blessing.

 
TueTuesdayJanJanuary17th2012 Do you know Jesus?
Posted Tuesday, January 17 2012 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment


This morning, I came across Matthew 12…a powerful statement of WHO Christ Jesus is.  The Old Testament prophesied on his power, the people of Jesus’ day experienced His power…even Jesus himself stated his greatness.  In this one chapter we find these statements:

The disciples found themselves hungry on the Sabbath.  It was unlawful to ‘do work’ on this most holy day.  The Pharisees went to great extent to make sure people followed the letter of the law…much to the dismay of Jesus.  In Matthew 12:6, Jesus is in the heat of a debate and states the obvious to them: “I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.”  I have to believe this shocked the religious leaders, as they tried to piece this together with their argument on what is and what isn’t lawful on the Sabbath.

A little later in the chapter Jesus begins healing many people in the crowd.  Miracles abound from this man…so much so, that Matthew, who is a scholar of the old testament, records a prophecy of Isaiah that spoke of who Jesus, the Messiah, would be: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.  In his teaching the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:1-4)

At the end of Matthew 12, Jesus casts a demon out of a man.  This causes fear, wonder and amazement from the people who knew this man.  They couldn’t resist speaking the begging question: “Could this be the Son of David?”  aka…the Messiah?

Matthew holds nothing back.  He knows Jesus for he truly is…the Son of God; the Messiah.

Do you know Jesus today?  Today, you  have opportunity to learn about Him.  You have an opportunity to experience Him in His fullness today.  Today, you can share Jesus with those around you.  As Hebrews 3:15 says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”

Today, may Christ speak to, in and through you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CANPGvvq1gE
MonMondayJanJanuary16th2012 I have a Dream
Posted Monday, January 16 2012 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

For the past week, I have been listening to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speech,  “I have a dream.”  This fifteen minute speech is brilliantly crafted, spoken with passion, powerful words, and the persuasive call that sparked a revolution in America.  I have a great respect and appreciation for men and women who are great visionaries; who use the power of words to inspire, bring hope and lead a revolution.

God used Rev. Martin Luther King to change a nation.

August 28th, 1963.  Less than fifty years ago these words rang from our nation’s capital.  It was a demonstration march for freedom.  A demonstration that changed the fabric of our nation and a culture that was removed from it’s founding truths. 

Rev. King used a humble approach in this infamous speech.  He speaks words of encouragement: “Let us not wallow in the valley of despair…”  Calling those affected by hurts and injustice to not hold onto bitterness or live in despair.  Turn to God in your time of need.  He tells those who were there for the demonstration to “go back” to your state and your position in society…not with despair, but with hope that things will change for the better.

He calls America back to its roots:  “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal…’”  Powerful.  Persuasive.

One line that stands out to me the most is during the “I have a dream” part where he says: “I have a dream, that one day my four little children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

Character is word in this society that has very little value.  We use it in the sense of a TV show, or cartoon character.  But what about the moral and ethical quality of an individual?  Qualities of honesty, courage, or integrity…these are words of character that should be frontrunners when we look at an individual.  Rev. King is correct that we should not judge someone because of their skin color, but are we judging people on character…or other shallow values?  Wealth.  Status in society.  Clothing they wear.  Car they drive.  House they live in.  Character ought to be a high value in our assessment of an individual.

Today, I am thankful for Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  God used him to spark a revolution, to change the fabric of society. 

To listen/watch the entire fifteen minutes of this speech, go to:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs

 
WedWednesdayJanJanuary11th2012 The Obvious Answer
Posted Wednesday, January 11 2012 @ 7 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Don’t you love getting an obvious answer?!  Sometimes people ask me a thought provoking or deep question, and I’ll jokingly respond with a trite answer…much to their dismay sometimes!

Yet sometimes we BEG God for the obvious, don’t we?  “God I want to know your will on ______, so hit me in the head with a two by four that has the answer written right on it.”  Isn’t that our prayer sometimes?  God, make it painfully obvious.  I’m there now in fact!

Genesis 24 gives me hope for that two by four prayer!  Abraham sends his servant back to his hometown to find a bride for his son, Isaac.  Abraham is very specific in what he wants in a young lady for Isaac.  He doesn’t want Isaac to marry anyone from among the cannanites where they are currently living.  So the servant sets off and arrives in Abrahams hometown.  Where do you look for a prospective bride for your master’s son?  How is this process suppose to go?  “God, what’s your will here?”

That’s exactly what the servant turns to: prayer.  He says a quick prayer to the Lord, and even throws in a few specifics for God to fulfill, so that the servant will know THIS is the one from the Lord.  Then verse 15 comes.  “Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.”

“Before he had finished praying…”  Did you catch that?  I love the two by four to the head answers!  How exciting is that?  A quick answer.  A prayer request fulfilled BEFORE it was even off the lips of the petitioner.  God does that…when He wants to!  Do you expect it?  You should.  Maybe not a quick answer, but expect an answer.


Several years ago, the Christian sub-culture produced a bunch of GAP apparel…do you remember this?  God Answers Prayer (GAP).  It was kinda lame, but got peoples attention.  It’s true.  God always answers prayer.  Maybe not in our timing.  Maybe not in our desired ways.  Maybe not even before our eyes, or on ‘our watch.’   Yet He does answer prayer.

I prayed for twenty years that my dad would come to know Lord on a personal, intimate and honest relational level…so that he would experience the joy of living for God, rather that himself.  My dad passed away last June having had experienced that joyful living with God for several years prior to his death! 

Weekly I spend time praying for each of my children’s future, specifically for their spouse and their families, that they may be continue a legacy of faith and trust in the One True and Holy God.  I may never have the opportunity to meet their spouse or children, but I trust that God hears my prayers…and more importantly, that He answers those prayers.

Don’t look for the quick ‘two by four to the head’ answers to prayer…because they are few and far between.  But today, ask yourself if you are trusting Him with your life, your circumstances, and those people around you that you love and cherish.  
As scripture reminds us:  “Pray continually.”  “Pray without ceasing.”  “The prayer of the righteous man is powerful and effective.”
MonMondayJanJanuary9th2012 Known
Posted Monday, January 09 2012 @ 10 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Why do we complicate life?  We think we know what’s best, but we fail miserably sometimes.  Have you ever experienced that?  In the heat of the moment, you make a ‘rash decision’, then later regretted it because of the outcome and the misery you now face.  Had you taken time to think that out, you would have been a little more patient, with the end results more favorable.  Just yesterday when we were coming home from running around a bit with the family, I reacted a little too quick in my ‘discipline’ with my son because of his negative attitude with his brother.   Then after a few minutes, I realized that what privilege I told him he would lose was a little overboard and was pretty harsh.  Yet now, I was in the dilemma of ‘forgetting’ my comment when we got home, thus it was just a threat, or carrying through on something that was a bit over the top for a harsh attitude.   With one quick authoritative comment, I complicated our afternoon, and put myself in a position to have my authority compromised.

In Genesis 16, we find a compelling story that complicated the entire human race because of one stupid, quick decision. 

God promised Abraham something he and Sarah couldn’t achieve on their own: children.  Not just children, but descendants as numerous as the stars!  It was a huge promise; one that Abraham and Sarah couldn’t believe.  When the promise went unfulfilled for years, Abraham and Sarah decided to take matters in their own hands.  Sarah gave Abraham her maidservant to procreate and ‘help God’ in fulfilling this promise.  Bad idea.

This was one of those bad ideas that not only affected Abraham, Sarah and Hagar (the maidservant), but still affects us TODAY (the reason there will NEVER be, in my opinion, peace in the middle east).  Hagar bore a son, name Ishmael…who not only was NOT part of God’s original plan, but later became a nation that went to war with the son of promise (Isaac) and is still today at war with God’s chosen people.

The story turns sour after Hagar becomes pregnant by Abraham, because Sarah (who gave Hagar to Sarah to impregnate) starts to ‘hate’ on Hagar.  She abuses her, mistreats her, and is plain ‘ole mean to Hagar – to the point that Hagar runs away.  She runs till she can’t anymore. 

And then God shows up.  This was not his original plan, but God loves on Hagar. He shows up, meets her physical needs, restores her emotional need, and gives her hope as He sends her back to her abusive master.  It’s quite the moment that God has with Hagar.  The moment was meaningful enough to Hagar that she names the place.  She calls it “Beer Laha Roi”.  

Beer Laha Roi. 

Go ahead and say it!  In fact say it again.  And again.  The meaning is rich!  You’ll find Hagars interpretation of the phrase in Genesis 16:13: “Even here have I looked after the One seeing me!"   The whole compound carries a myriad of meanings:
The Declaration That Makes Life Visible.
The Explanation That Shows The Image Of Life
The Well Of Life Vision
Of The Life That Sees Me.

Do you get the picture?  She is saying that she has seen the One who knows her intimately; the One who sees her deepest hurts and fears;  the One who brings life vision to her.

Today, you have the opportunity to know the One who knows you intimately.  Psalm 139:1 says “You have searched me Lord, and you know me.”  God knows each one of us deeply and intimately.  Psalm 139 details out just how intimately He knows you and me.  And He gives us the opportunity to know Him!  To me that’s incredible.  Jesus invites us to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us. 

Today, may you claim “Beer Laha Roi”.  I have seen the One who knows me intimately!
ThuThursdayJanJanuary5th2012 The "be" attitudes.
Posted Thursday, January 05 2012 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Have you ever spent much time meditating on the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:3-12?  This morning I did just that…they are rich in meaning!  Take thirty seconds here and read them:

“He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The word “blessed” means “divinely favored.”  We are favored by God for having these attitudes, intentions and for enduring persecution in the name of Jesus Christ. 

The list that Jesus gives us is not a ‘highly sought after’ list.  Who actually wants to be known as meek.  Who really wants to mourn…or be persecuted!  I can tell you that these are not necessarily things that I put on my character building ‘to do’ list.

Yet Jesus says that we will be divinely favored for these actions and attitudes.

Today, would you join me in praying for these?  To ask God to grow in us these areas and to have the understanding and courage to enact these areas into our lives?

Perhaps the place to start is memorization.  Memorize the beatitudes, so that in the moment of spiritual battle you encounter, you may remember these words of exhortation from the Lord.

May you experience God’s favor today, as you pursue His wisdom and understanding on these things.
WedWednesdayJanJanuary4th2012 What a wretched man am I
Posted Wednesday, January 04 2012 @ 3 PM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

So I took some time off writing this blog, partly from needing a break from writing, but mostly to spend more time focused on family activities.  But alas, 2012 is in full swing, so I am back to making a three blog per week commitment! 

Today, I spent some serious time Romans 3-4.  If you need to be reminded how much you DESPERATELY NEED God, read those two chapters.  Romans 3:10-20 are pretty clear that we humans are inherently full of evil!  As Romans 3:23 says, “…for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…”  However the “…” is there because we are not without hope.  Romans 3:24 says “…and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” 

That word “justified” gets me every time.  Do you know what it means?  Rough translation: “just as if I’d never sinned”.  Justified.  The ‘work’ that Christ did on the cross, made it possible for a filthy evil person like me, to “enter into the throne room of heaven with confidence”, as the writer of Hebrews puts it.  Because it’s just as if I’d never sinned against God.  Amazing.

I purposely pursued this section of scripture today, because I’ve been struggling with my ‘evilness’.  A better way to put it perhaps is my flesh-ness.  My  humanness.  I struggle at times with things like: “Why did I just have that thought?”  “What was that dream about!?” “Why did I treat that person like that?”…etc.  You know what I’m talking about.

I desire perfection.

I desire to act, think, behave, speak like that of a Christ follower.  That’s all I want.  So what’s up?

Paul has the same reaction, in what I like to call the ‘do-do’ section.  Romans 7:19-20, 24 says “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it…What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body of death?”

Paul builds this epiphany of personal struggle and ends it by saying “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  Chapter 8 starts out with “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”

Whew.

It’s good to be reminded of that.

Better than that, it’s good to bring closer to 2011, with all the mistakes, hurts, shortcomings, and downfalls you may have initiated…and to rest in Romans 8:1.  I do.

And as I begin 2012, I am striving to remain submitted before God on a daily basis, so it is His power working through me, and not my flesh that is at work.  May you experience the same freedom of complete surrender to Him as you enter this new year.
MonMondayDecDecember12th2011 Look away!
Posted Monday, December 12 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

“Don’t stare at the sun!”  Ah…mom’s words were so true.  If you stare at the sun, you’re blinded by the intensity of light!  According to Wikipedia: “[Looking directly at the sun] delivers about 4 milliwatts of sunlight to the retina, slightly heating it and potentially causing damage in eyes that cannot respond properly to the brightness.”  We’ve all tried it sometime or another…even if not on purpose.

The ‘blindness’ that occurs after you look at the sun, although temporary, doesn’t permit you to see anything else.  The intensity of it consumes your sight, and you’re left blinded, waiting for your sight to be restored.

After Black Friday, I wrote a blog on the greed of America.  Why consumerism is so much on my mind and heart lately, I’m not entirely sure.  But let me propose yet again, that our stuff can consume us.  This morning, in my reading time I came across Revelation 3:17, which says: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

These two sentences come in the middle of a rebuke to the church at Laodicea.  The rebuke starts out by calling them lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.  Mediocrity ruled their spiritual life, and they were content with their stuff.  God sees this and calls them out on it.  They didn’t see their spiritual condition because they were blinded by the intensity of their riches around them.  Does this sound familiar to you?  Perhaps you recognize it too.  It’s becoming painfully obvious to me this ‘holiday’ season.  The rich seem to spend frivolously (I’m guilty too), and the poor seem to be in greater need.

Yet God doesn’t leave the church of Laodicea without hope.  He ends the rebuke by saying this to them: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”  That sounds to me like an invitation for a personal relationship with Christ!  

But we have to get over our blindness to even find the door.  That’s the key to sup’ing with Christ.  We have to take our eyes off the stuff, let our eyesight readjust so we can find the door, then go open it!  Seems easy…but it’s not.

In our FPU class last night, Dave reminded us of the difficulty to move beyond the ‘ownership’ mentality of our money, to the stewardship principle.  If we’re honest with ourselves, there is NOTHING on this earth that we can take with us when we die.  We don’t own anything.  And when we recognize that principle, there is a freedom. 

Freedom from the stuff. 

Freedom from the blindness of stuff. 

Freedom to just be content with Christ.

Today may you have the discipline to get your eyes off of the blinding consumerism that pervades us, let your eyes adjust…and go open the door.  Christ is knocking, ready for to ‘sup with you.

 
MonMondayDecDecember5th2011 Too weighty for a Monday?
Posted Monday, December 05 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

What happens when someone experiences God for the first time?  Throughout the OT, there is a tremor felt deep within the soul when people first encounter the Living God.  And not only His presence, but even His people who bring Truth affect those around them to stand (or fall) in wonder and amazement of who God is. 

I began reading the book of Daniel today.  The book begins by describing the character and integrity of this man, Daniel.  He is a shining example of a man who held out for the honor and glory of God, despite what circumstances around him tried to provoke him otherwise.  Daniel was righteous and brought such great honor to the Lord, he is forever remembered for his courage that was displayed because of his deep conviction of God’s nature and an in-depth understanding of God’s power over all things.

One night the king had a disturbing dream and found that no one could interpret it.  He was turned on to Daniel, who came before the king with humility and was honest with the king in his God-guided interpretation of the dream.  This blew the king away.  So much so, he said “The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” – Daniel 2:47

God’s power was recognized because of one godly man’s courage to speak truth.

I John 4:12 says “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”  Today those around you can see God.  They may not have a face to face encounter with the Almighty Himself, but YOU can be the hands and feet of Jesus.  It’s a position of power when you understand and act upon the promises that God has spoken to us through His Word.

When it comes to our words, the book of James says our tongue has the power to bring life or death.  It’s weighty stuff for a Monday morning!  But what a privilege it is to know the King and to live a life surrendered to Him.

Today, may God’s power be recognized by those around you BECAUSE you are intentional to speak words of life, and to seek ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
WedWednesdayNovNovember30th2011 E brings humility to light!
Posted Wednesday, November 30 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

In Ezekiel there is a very peculiar passage (actually, there are several of them!).  The one I was reading this morning is titled “The Valley of Dry Bones” and is found in chapter 37 of Ezekiel.  I’m a literalist when it comes to scripture…I believe that what the bible says actually happened!  Yes big fish, flooding of the whole earth, parting of the seas, one sandwich feeding 5000 people…etc.  God’s Word ought to be taken for what it says, not dependant on mans feeble interpretation of it.

So I’m reading this horror movie script, found in Ezekiel 37, of bones coming together and growing tendons and muscle and flesh; then they stand up alive as a massive army!  Really?  Did that really happen?  Or is simply metaphorical for what God is speaking to the people of Israel through his servant and prophet Ezekiel?  Either way, the Lord spoke two important messages to me this morning that I want to share with you out of this passage.

The first is one of humility and recognition of who God is.  God comes to Ezekiel and shows him, at great length, the massive valley full of bones.  Then he poses this question to Ezekiel: “Do you think these bones can live?”  Perhaps E is thinking, “Is this a trick question?”  These bones are not only bones, they are dry, laying in a wasteland!  Seriously?  But E answers God this way: “Sovereign Lord, You alone know.” 

If there is one statement by which to live your life, it should be that!  “Sovereign Lord, You alone know.”  Don’t get this statement confused with the slang you often hear today: “God knows…”  Oh, yes, He does know.  But that sarcastic statement doesn’t reflect a heart of worship.  I believe E is worshiping God and showing great honor to Him by that statement.  God is Sovereign.  He alone knows.

I find security in this fact.  I was demonstrating the importance of faith yesterday to my son Jonathan.  I used the ‘trust fall’ as an example.  He readily got that example, because he knows without a doubt I will catch him.  I’ve done it a thousand times before, and I will catch Him again.  That’s how my Heavenly Father is too.  He has caught me time and time again.  I read Ps. 139 and am given a sense of security knowing that God created my inmost being, and knows where I sit and where I lie…he knows my thoughts, my heart, and who I am from the inside out.  I can trust Him.  I’m okay not knowing the answers to life’s questions BECAUSE I trust God knows what’s up, and  He’s got my back.

So, I said two things didn’t I?  Right around verse 14, God says this: “I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.”  E is suppose to prophesy to the God’s people that God will bring them back…God will revive them and put His spirit of life back into these ‘dead’ people who are in bondage of slavery. God says he will settle them back into their land…the land that was He had promised for them.

The dead will live.  The captives are set free.  God’s faithfulness is revealed. 

This statement of the Lords, followed up by E’s statement of trust, completes the picture.  I am reminded this morning that God’s vision for us is one of completeness.  Though often it seems that life is fragmented, God has vision of wholeness for us.  He sees the big picture and knows what we were created for.  When given the opportunity, God speaks into our lives, declaring wholeness and speaking Truth into our lives to guide us.

The prerequisite for wholeness may be humility.  As Psalm 51:17 says: “A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” 

Or simple put, in the words of E :”Sovereign Lord, You alone know.”
MonMondayNovNovember28th2011 "Stuff gettin' time!"
Posted Monday, November 28 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Black Friday = ‘Stuff’ gettin’ day!

It’s biggest shopping day of the year.  This morning, I heard some stats from this infamous day, 2011.  225 million people were out ‘getting some deals’!  The average person spent $400.  Good for the economy…but is it for the individual?

My wife and I have felt a deep sense of conviction this year on what we give people.  We want to give people experiences…not just ‘stuff’.  It’s amazing how dissatisfied we get with ‘stuff’.  Having kids reminds me how short our attention span is with ‘stuff’.  Stuff breaks; stuff get’s old; stuff falls apart; stuff doesn’t satisfy because there is always a need for more.  More stuff.  Better stuff.  Nicer stuff.  We want what we don’t have; always grasping for what’s next.

For me, the conviction has grown stronger since we have been pursuing adoption.  My eyes have been opened to the desperate needs across the world.  That one billion people are desperate for water right now.  That child sex trafficking has grown to an absurd business affecting 500 million children across the globe.  Children are slaves because of their position in life, vulnerable to the evil that is destroying their little spirits.  “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

In my sermon yesterday, I talked about having a vision for your life.  Without vision, people perish according to Proverbs.  A big step in having a successful vision is feeling the need.  You don’t need to just recognize the need, but you need to feel it…or else you have a passionless pursuit of nothing.  I posed the question of ‘what makes you angry?’  What are the injustices of the world that get you passionate?  Those things I mentioned above get me angry.  Upset to the point that I desperately want to do something about them. 

Is it wrong to give my children and close family gifts this Christmas?  Absolutely not.  We plan on being generous this year in sharing with our family.  But am I going to give ‘stuff’ for the sake of giving ‘stuff’?  No.  I have this dream of instead of spending money on cheap toys, or more ‘stuff’ for my kids; we save that money and take a trip as a family to visit one of our Compassion-sponsored children!  What an impact we could have on our family by making choices like these. 


It’s the introspective questions and thoughts like these that lead me to believe Americans could make a significant difference globally when we get our eyes off of ourselves, and put James 1:27 into practice.
ThuThursdayNovNovember17th2011 A successful ministry
Posted Thursday, November 17 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment



"Are you part of His House?” she asked as I was coming down the front steps of the KHouse after a fun night of fellowship and dinner with students in our Madison ministry.  It turns out Melissa was looking for the girl who invited her to one of our Bible studies three years ago.  It was through our hot dog outreach ministry at a Madison football game that Melissa first came in contact with His House.  She had no idea who Jesus was, nor was she seeking anything spiritual…she just wanted a hot dog!

Melissa recounted to me that the next week she had come to our bible study, which led way for her to get involved in a church.  She accepted Christ as her Savior, and now was on fire for Jesus, and reaching out to her peers on the UW Madison campus!

It was just a hot dog.

But it was more than that!  A seed was planted that afternoon, in the midst of the hoopla of a Badgers football game.  1 Corinthians 3:7-8 says this: “Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”

Throughout the day yesterday, I was thinking about this verse, and the implications it has on me as a minister of the Gospel.  Often times, I want to see ‘success’ in the ministries I am involved in.  I have an idea of what success in ministry should be defined as.  Lots of people.  Numbers of programs.  Numbers of changed lives (that I can see!).  But MOST of the time, I don’t get to my version of success.

It was just a hot dog.

I’ve often thought of this outreach as being a waste of money and time.  We give free food to drunk students, who will have no clue who we are, nor the “meaningful” conversation I’m having with them while they stuff a hot dog in their mouth on their way to a football game!   Yet Melissa’s testimony brings it into clear focus.  If four years of giving out hot dogs resulted in ONE person coming to know Christ as her Savior and making an eternal difference in her life and the lives of those around her…it’s all worth it.

As Paul writes, the one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose: to glorify God through obedience and trust.  God is the one who makes things grow…and thus ought to define success in ministry.  How do you define success?  This morning, let me encourage you to trust God with the results.  Be mindful that we are called to plant the seeds and to be faithful in watering those seeds.  Trust God to make happen what needs to happen in the lives around you.
WedWednesdayNovNovember16th2011 Evangelisim? Really?
Posted Wednesday, November 16 2011 @ 11 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

It hit me like Clay Mathews pounded Ponder on Monday night football!  I was on my backside before I knew what was coming. 

I was minding my own business, reading through the prophets in the Old Testament…not exactly a place you get a call to evangelism!  At first glance, the personal testimony of Ezekiel wouldn’t strike you as anything relevant for today.  The man lived in a different time, a much different place, and had a directive from God to punish himself for the sins of Israel (including lying on his side for 390 days and cooking his food over animal poop.)

Ezekiel was a prophet of God.  He had a call on his life to communicate God’s word to God’s people.  The nation of Israel had done evil in the eyes of the Lord and He wanted Ezekiel to demonstrate to them what the effects of their sin was doing to Him. 

But then I hit Ezekiel 3:18, and it says this “When I [the Lord] say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.”

After you get up off your backside now (!), think about this in context to a follower of God, who has been given the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), and has received the Holy Spirit (John 14:26), and is equipped with the Bible to do “every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

It’s sobering, isn’t it?  A month ago, I finished reading Frances Chan’s latest book called Erasing Hell.  The premise of the book is how we, followers of Christ, have made every possible attempt to extricate anything about Hell out of our talk, our study, our promotion of the Gospel…etc.  We have hundreds of people that we know and love who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, yet we remain on the ‘spiritual peripheral’, not telling them that the Truth they need to hear.  We choose to ignore it and simply hope it will either go away, or our family and friends will simply figure it out on their own.

But then we come across this verse above, and it begs this profound, and horrible (if you think about the consequences) question: “Would God hold me accountable for my friends and family’s lack of relationship with Him?” 

As a follower of Christ, I have been equipped with something that is so precious and valuable; something that cannot compare with anything else in the world; and something that will save me from the crap if find myself in on a daily basis.  That’s an intimate, growing and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  In this relationship, I have hope.
In this relationship, I have peace.
In this relationship, I have security, that goes far beyond this world.
In this relationship, I have everything.
Why would I not share it with those I love, admire, and rub shoulders with on a daily basis?

And if I don’t share, will God have words of Life for me on the day of judgment? Or words of death? 

Something to ponder(!) on today, and pray about as you go through your day.
WedWednesdayNovNovember9th2011 Embrace the Anchor
Posted Wednesday, November 09 2011 @ 7 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:19)

As the last half of Hebrews 6 points out, if you're identity is found in Christ, you have an anchor that is deep and strong...one that can pull you through any circumstance, tragedy, or hardship in life.
This week has been overwhelming to me on many accounts.  I've found myself being short with people I love and people I respect...and I'm not sure what's totally going on.  I do know that God is on the move, and our staff have a very important retreat day coming on Friday.  Satan is fighting hard against us...and I'm feeling it this week.

Yet the verse above brings me great delight and reminds me of where my hope is anchored.  The simple truth is that God loved me enough to send His Son to die on the cross and take away my filth, so that I may have an intimate relationship that goes beyond this physical world and into eternity.  There is nothing...nothing...more amazing than this.  And it gives me confidence in approaching the Throne of Grace, knowing my heavenly Father loves me, hears me, and responds to my needs...and even the desires of my heart.

Today, do you have an anchor that is deep, secure and firm?  If not, God is ready to welcome you back.
If you are on a journey with Him...embrace the anchor for your soul.  Rejoice, that though you may suffer for a little while, you have something that far outweighs the sufferings and hardships of this world - a loving relationship that will last for all eternity.
MonMondayNovNovember7th2011 Guiltfree Rest!
Posted Monday, November 07 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Rest. 

This four-letter word has been vacant in my vocabulary since I can remember!  Since I was twelve years old, I have carried enough responsibility to warrant this inner drive to succeed and do things with excellence, that I have abandoned what it means to rest. I am grateful to have a work ethic of excellence and a drive to succeed...for those are two attributes that have helped to bring me where I am today.

Yet something is missing.  Rest. 

I've known this is something that is good; something of value.  But in my quiet time this morning, I came across Hebrews 4:9-11.  Here is what it says: "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."
Did you catch that last line...it included the word "disobedience."  You mean I'm disobeying God when I choose not to rest?  I thought I was doing God a great service by pushing myself in DOING so much for Him: sacrificing significant sleep; squeezing as many hours into my workday with ministry things; working on my laptop during the Packers game; and filling my calendar with as many one-on-one meetings as possible to disciple and mentor those around me.  But God says I'm disobeying Him?

This week, one of my good pastor friends is on a weeklong sabbatical.  I'm jealous...a little.  It's been four years since I took a week away, just me and the Lord.  Wow.  Early on, I had committed to take a week away every two years...but now it's been four years.  It is so difficult to ‘find the time’ when you have a young family, and so much going on in the demands of life and ministry.

Rest.  We need it.  God commands it.  We're disobeying Him if we don’t take it.

I’ve found that I absolutely need to schedule my time of rest.  If I don’t schedule it, my day fills, my week fills up, and my month flies by without any sort of Sabbath rest.

Schedule some rest time for this week.  Take a day this month to enter into rest with the Lord.  You’re soul may be nourished in ways you haven’t experienced in years.  Jesus says “If you love me, you’ll keep my commands.” 

Love Christ today by obeying Him, and taking time to rest…without guilt, but complete abandonment to Him.
FriFridayNovNovember4th2011 Worn out
Posted Friday, November 04 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
In my devo this morning, I came across this passage out of Hebrews 1:10-13 :
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
   and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you remain;
   they will all wear out like a garment.
You will roll them up like a robe;
   like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
   and your years will never end.”

For whatever reason, these past couple weeks I've been popping through the knees in several pair of my jeans.  As frustrating as that is, I know that I've had them for along time; so it's to be expected that it's time to replace them! 
Nothing lasts forever...we all know this.  Yet as I reflect on the verses above, why do we try to build our little kingdoms here on earth, knowing that this place will not last forever?  We spend thousands of hours getting a college degree, which will then enable us to get a job (any job really!).  Then we'll spend thousands upon thousands of more hours trying to achieve the highest level within our field of expertise...only to loose it all. 

In the end, our mini-kingdoms will wear out like old blue jeans. 

Yet scripture says over and over that God never changes.  Although He has been around for eternity(!), He does not wear out, nor will He be changed.  God is forever...he does not lose strength, nor power, nor wisdom, nor compassion.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8).

I love architecture.  Old buildings fascinate me.  How they made things hundreds of years ago, with true craftsmanship, is so different than buildings of today.  In America, we have no clue what historical buildings are.  As a nation, we are just over a few hundred years old.  My wife and I went to Spain for part of our honeymoon, and the buildings there are old!  We were walking the streets of Madrid and observing some buildings that had been built in the 12th century!  What amazing architecture.  Yet even these places will wear out eventually.

What do you put your trust in?  Recently the US Congress reaffirmed our nation's motto of "In God We Trust."  I know this isn't 'producing jobs' Mr. Obama, but if we truly mean this motto, then we will have peace.  If this motto is something more than what we put on a coin, then we have a solid foundation.  If we live out what we're pledging, then we are anchored to the ONE thing that is secure.  And not just security for today...but for all of eternity.

Today, set your blue jeans aside.  Put your hope and trust in The One who created the Heavens and the earth, and who will remain the same for all of eternity.
ThuThursdayNovNovember3rd2011 Four
Posted Thursday, November 03 2011 @ 12 PM byJeremy Tagged No tags 3 comments Add comment

Four. 

Four has the potential for greatness.  After all, the Packers had a number Four that was pretty impressive in his time!  There are four seasons in a year; four cardinal directions on a compass and four Gospels in the New Testament.  The cross has four points.

But I’m still trying to wrap my mind around having four kids.  Yes, my wife is pregnant for a fourth time, and is due June 1st!  As cool as it is to think there will be another ‘mini-me’ running crazy in our house (!), I’m not sure that four is all that good, is it?

I mean if you yell out “Four” on the golf course, that means that DANGER is on the way!  Four kids mean the parents are now doubly outnumbered.  And the term “Four letter word” is used for a generic swear word.  So four can’t be all good, eh?!

Joking aside, I’m tremendously blessed to think that God chose our family for this child…He knows what’s best!  Obviously, we were preparing for God to expand our family through adoption; so we were ‘expectant’.  But God had something different for us.   It took a few weeks for Lori and me to adjust our mindset and our emotions; to let go of the adoption and embrace this new life that is growing.  Especially considering that we have no idea how this happened (I mean, we know how these things happen, but we’re confused on when this happened).   This confirms in our mind, that God is in this and He really wants us to have this child, so we will submit to His will.

 Four has the potential for greatness…because God is in it.

“For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.”

-Psalm 139:13-16
ThuThursdayOctOctober27th2011 The Way of Jesus on display...
Posted Thursday, October 27 2011 @ 6 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
Last night I finished reading Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell.  Yes, the book is over a decade old, and came out long before Bell turned Christian Universalist on us!  Although reading this book now, in light of his exclaimed theology on heaven and hell, I pick up hints of it throughout this book written a decade ago.
But towards the end of the book, he challenges the church to step up and be the church.  In it he writes: "It's when the church gives itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return, that the way of Jesus is most vividly put on display."

I am blessed to be part of a community who does this on a daily basis!  One-Eighty Church is made up of families and individuals who passionately seek the Lord, serving Him with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.  This body serves the Lord, not for recognition, but because they love Him and desire to serve out of the goodness in their hearts.  We had a 'Volunteer Recognition' Sunday last year, and about 90% of the church was recognized for serving as a volunteer for one area or another!
Not only this, but One-Eighty Church was begun as a missional church: a church with a mission to reach the campus community in Oshkosh.  We have GO events, where we get out and serve the community in various ways.  Leading Bingo nights at a local assisted living facility, handing our balloons at community parades, giving away hot chocolate at community Christmas celebrations, and participating in various on-campus activities.
To me, this is the expression of the above quote.  The church giving itself away in radical acts of service and compassion, expecting nothing in return. 

If you don't belong to a community of believers who vividly display the way of Jesus, then check out One-Eighty Church!  There is something spiritually fulfilling in belonging to a body of believers who are on this journey, not to exalt themselves or promote their name and organization, but rather who greatly desire to promote the Name and Person of Jesus Christ.
WedWednesdayOctOctober26th2011 Hell in a handbasket.
Posted Wednesday, October 26 2011 @ 2 PM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
"This country is going to hell in hand basket...and it's going there quick" said my banker friend as I sat in his office this morning.  Normally an upbeat guy, who is the epitome of an optimistic thinker, my friend Paul is always ready to give a smile, warm handshake, and speak word of encouragement when we meet.  Not today.  He was upset about a number of things having to do with the government, economy, and taxes.  As a fellow believer in the faith, I was able to listen to him and try to encourage him as best as I could.  Mostly we agreed on the woes that faces this nation, and the uncertainty of the future.

After leaving that conversation, I spent some time in the Word and came across this verse found in 1 Timothy 6:1 "All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered." 

Many Christians today are not happy with the leadership of this country right now.  Many people in general are not happy with the way the country is going.   I don't know if you've noticed, but the world today seems the most dissatisfied as it ever has!  Uprisings, revolts, picketing, riots, recalls, etc. plague our thoughts, actions and time.  No one seems satisfied with their their leadership.  Yet the Apostle Paul tells those in the church to respect their masters...not just for their master's sake, but for God's sake. 

When Christ came, He turned the world upside down in thought and action.  If someone asks you to walk one mile, then walk with them two.  If someone slaps you on the one cheek, turn the other to them as well.  Humility brings great honor.  Love your enemies.  Pray for those that curse you.  WHY?  So that God's name will receive glory and honor, AND all will know the teaching of Christ is pure and true.
Recently I've been reading a magazine from the Voice of the Martyrs.  Powerful stories of men who have more courage than I.  Men who serve horrible and insane masters, because they are true to the cause of Christ.  Men who have lost their wives and children and some who lost their own lives...all for the honor and glory to go to the Name of the One True God. 

And we complain about our leaders.  Threaten to recall them.  Can I share with you a very convicting passage if you struggle with this idea?
Romans 13:1-2 "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
Powerful stuff.  God put Barack Obama into office.  God put Scott Walker into office.  Do you believe this?  The Bible testifies to it!  Is God in control of all things?  Absolutely!  Then why do we complain?  Why do we engage in disparaging talk about how awful our leaders are.  When we do this, we are dishonoring the name of God.  We are running the teaching of Christianity into the ground.

1 Timothy continues by saying this in verses 6-7 :"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."  Contentment is such a hard virtue to come by!  The only way we will be content is when we give up on trying to create the 'ideal world' on this earth.  As Paul says, we brought nothing here and we will die to take nothing with us.  Why get so worked up over something so temporary?  When God says to set your minds, not on earthly things, but on heavenly things!

Today, strive for contentment! 
Don't engage in disparaging talk about our leadership!
Don't dishonor the name of God
Don't badmouth the teachings in which you subscribe.
Be quick to listen, and slow to speak, slow to become angry.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart...for He will  make your paths straight."
MonMondayOctOctober24th2011 Nourished
Posted Monday, October 24 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
I love reading through the books of 1 and 2 Timothy!  They are the Apostle Paul's instruction books for young preachers, particularly his 'son in the faith' Timothy.  Considering myself a young preacher (yes, i did say young!), I gain valuable encouragement and insight from these books.  When times of doubt and question come in my mind, I turn to these books.
 
This morning I picked up in 1 Timothy 4.  In the first part of the chapter, Paul instructs Timothy to be on the watch for false teachers and to warn his followers of their danger and lies they spread.  Paul says to combat those teachings with the truth of God's word and His purpose for all things.  Paul then says if Timothy does these things he will be "nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed."  This sent me chasing the answer in my life of "Am I being nourished on the Truths of the faith and good teaching that's been given to me?"

It is a verse later where Paul tells Timothy "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Tim. 4:8)  Paul tells Timothy "Train yourself to be godly."  Righteousness can only come from the Lord, but godliness is a virtue that you and I need to strive to reach, training our minds and bodies to act in accordance to God's standard set before us in Scripture. 

My heart breaks for the frail woman sitting outside the coffee shop window.  She's in her mid-forties, but her physical appearance is poor.  She is on her fourth straight cigarette, her hand, near violent shaking now, as she raises her coffee cup to take a drink.  Consuming caffeine and nicotine for breakfast, her malnutrition body longs for something more.  What kind of journey has she been on?  Why does she deprive herself of nutritious goodness, and replace it with what will destroy the body? 
Why do we do the same?  Maybe you don't smoke, but do you curse? Lie? Cheat? Steal? Lust?  As James 2:10 quickly points out, whoever breaks one command from the Lord, brings judgement on himself from the whole law.

What are you filling yourself with this morning?  It matters.  The world offers a multitude of options...but they leave you empty, longing for more; even feeling guilty for not making the best choice from the beginning.  The woman outside is obviously hurting, carrying a pain that she is trying to numb, or dull by worldly efforts.  It's not working for her.  The pain in her eyes grows with each intense drag on the cigarette.

What you fill yourself with matters.  A little further in the chapter, Paul reassures Timothy: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12).  Let me suggest this is impossible...unless you are nourished by good teaching and Godly wisdom that comes from the Word of the Lord.  On your own efforts, you will fail.  But when you are nourished with Scripture and good teaching, you can then be equipped for a life of godliness.  But it only comes, when you are connected to the vine.

What are you filling yourself with this morning?  May I suggest you spend time in God's Word, prayer, and seeking Godly counsel?  In those things you may be nourished, allowing you to be equipped to do every good work, in which God has given to you today.

It matters.  Be wise in your choices today!
ThuThursdayOctOctober20th2011 Releasing the 'gusts' of stress!
Posted Thursday, October 20 2011 @ 5 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
I awoke this morning at 3am with a heaviness of heart.  As I watched the minutes on my clock turn, my mind races from one thing to another.  It seems that with each new minute that adds to the previous, I am reminded of one more stress or burden that is going on in my life right now. 

I'm watching outside as the wind is really picking up this morning.  The tree outside my window is being pushed around by the wind; at times it seems like the tree may topple!  I'm not sure how the leaves remain on the tree with such violent gusts of wind that hit it time and time again.  This morning, I'm feeling like that tree.

Have you ever had those moments in life? Feeling hit by one bad 'crisis' after another?  The saying about life is true that 'When it rains, it pours.'  I'm sure we've all been there...perhaps you're there right now.

As I lie in bed, I'm reminded of something Jesus said about the storms of life...He told us not to worry.  Rolling out of bed, I grabbed my Bible and went to Matthew 6:25-34.  Read it.  Jesus uses some pretty simple (and seemingly useless) objects to remind us that God provides for those He has created.  From the birds of the air to the grass in the field, God is all about taking care of all living things.  Jesus reminds us: "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"  The obvious answer is no.

Then Jesus hits us with this line: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."  He reminds us that no matter what storm we may be facing, or what trial we may be enduring, or what grief we may be grieving...etc., we are called to go back to the Source of Life for our needs to be met.  As my list of burdens are piling up this morning, God is simultaneously calling me to turn those over to Him; to trust Him with each and every one of them.  Just like the tree that is blowing outside my window this morning, the only way it can stand is because the roots go down deep in the ground.  No  matter how fierce the gusts of wind that continue to strike it, the tree remains firm  because it is clinging to something that is bigger than the wind.

God, give me the trust and faith of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field.  They have been created to bring glory to You, and yet they do not worry about their own lives or wills.  Help me to remove these burdens off my back and put them on the back of Him who is stronger and able to carry my heavy load: Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Savior.

After watching for a few minutes out my window, I am still amazed that all those leaves still cling to the tree, despite each strong gust.  With the season of fall that we are in, with the leaves dying and falling off, why do these remain?  The simple answer is that they are still connected to the source of life: the branches.  These leaves have a life line in the branches which connect them to the tree itself, which in turn is connected to the earth for nutrients...etc.  As long as they remain firmly connected, they hold fast to the tree despite the pushing and blowing.

Today, may you be encouraged to go back to the Source of Life: "Seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness..."  God will provide for your needs, just like He will mine.  All we need to do is trust Him.  Remain confident in your relationship with Him.

"He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."
TueTuesdayOctOctober18th2011 Deep Compassion
Posted Tuesday, October 18 2011 @ 7 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
“For a brief moment I abandoned you,
   but with deep compassion I will bring you back.
In a surge of anger
   I hid my face from you for a moment,
but with everlasting kindness
   I will have compassion on you,”
   says the LORD your Redeemer."
-Isaiah 54:7-8

Do you understand 'deep compassion?' 
I simply love the description of God's love for us.

We recently received a magazine from Compassion International that was dedicated to educating, seeking prayer, and providing solutions to stop human trafficking and sex slavery across the world.  Billions of young, helpless, innocent children are being sexually abused on a continual basis, to provide money for their families or to their greedy master.  As I read through a handful of these articles, DEEP compassion welled up in my heart.  Tears flow easily for these poor children, who just like my three children, are deeply loved and cared for by Someone.

The difference between compassion we have, and compassion that the LORD has is that last verse of verse 8: "says the LORD your Redeemer."  As I read the magazine about these children, my heart is moved with anger towards those who abuse the children, and deep compassion towards those who are being abused is felt deep within...but there is very little I can do to help.  Sure, I can increase my financial contribution to Compassion International.  Or perhaps I can take a trip over to one of the countries to see first hand for myself the horror of what's taking place...perhaps adopt ONE child, removing them from violence that their little bodies are subjected to on a continual basis.  But really, I can do very little.  My deep compassion only goes so far.

The Lord your Redeemer not only has the power to do BIG things in the lives of all the children, but He has the desire to set them free from the bondage of slavery; to bring justice to the monsters they face each day; and to provide healing from the destruction of lust that has ruled their small and fragile lives.

The Lord your Redeemer not only wants to free those children from sex slavery, but He wants to set us free as well.  God sees the muck and mire that we have lost ourselves in; the sin that so easily entangles us and keeps us from His presence.  The psalmist writes "For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts for a lifetime." 

Today, know that God has deep compassion for you.  With His everlasting kindness, He wants to draw you into His presence today.  Don't just hang back and wait; turn and face the Lord your Redeemer today.  With His help, you can be free from the bondage of sin and death.
MonMondayOctOctober17th2011 Beautiful Feet
Posted Monday, October 17 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
This morning I came across a familiar passage of scripture, yet it spoke  new meaning for me.  This is a passage that is often used to motivate believers towards evangelism, but in context to when the prophet is penning these words, means a whole lot more! 
Isaiah 52:7-10 says "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God."
At One-Eighty Church, we are studying through the book of 2 Kings; a historical book that details out the fall of Israel and the destruction of Jerusalem. In the passage above Isaiah is writing to a people who are devastated.  They have literally seen their world crumble around them; they have had their foundational trust in God, shaken; everything they ever knew to be solid, has collapsed around them.

Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever experienced loss at such a great cost, that everything you knew was shaken to the core?  At the age of 82, my grandmother has gone through such turmoil in the past five years.  She lost her husband to a stroke; lost her son (my dad) this summer to heart failure; was diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone many intense treatments for it; AND, as I write this blog, is currently going through surgery to have pins put into her leg after falling yesterday, resulting in a spiral break on her femur. 
Yet my grandmother has Beautiful Feet.
 
You see, when Isaiah wrote this passage, he is not simple telling people to go around and tell others about Christ, and do some evangelizing around us.  He is specifically saying that people with Beautiful Feet speak Truth into the darkenss.  People with Beautiful Feet speak comfort into the brokenness.  People with Beautiful Feet live Joyfully, despite the bitterness of life around them.  They do this because the recognize God's greatness and victory over sin and darkness.  They see the Lord laying "bare his holy arm (I'm picturing Clay Matthew's size pipes!) in the sight of all nations".

Beautiful Feet are recognizable aren't they? 

Today, you can have Beautiful Feet.  With a recognition of God's greatness in your life, you can bring Truth, comfort, and joy into every situation you encounter today.  Carol Joy Rush is a shining example...God bless her today for the Beautiful Feet she possesses.

Today, may you live in the Beautiful Feet that God gave you.  "Your God reigns!"
WedWednesdayOctOctober12th2011 Do you know Him?
Posted Wednesday, October 12 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground,
than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.
“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.  Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." - Isaiah 40:21-26

Last night at His House Oshkosh, we were hit with a powerful message on what it means to know God.  Just like the Israelite people, whom God displayed His 'shock and awe' performance to rescue them, continually turned their back on Him for the dream of earthly comfort.  The question was poised to us if we know God...or perhaps we think we know Him, but do you REALLY know Him?  

This morning, I was reading Isaiah 40.  The verses above point it out...our God is an Awesome God! 
Today, be encouraged that no matter what trial, or suffering, or pain you are experiencing, there is one God and King who is in control of all things...He is faithful, and desires you to be in intimate relationship with Him.  What a privilege.
If you you have three minutes, check out this video.  It's a great reminder of who God is, and the sermon in the background is by S. M. Lockridge, a black pastor from Detriot.

Let me close this blog with the last few verses of Isaiah 40:
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
FriFridayOctOctober7th2011 Identity
Posted Friday, October 07 2011 @ 12 PM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

[from Wikipedia] “Identity is whatever makes an entity definable and recognizable, in terms of possessing a set of qualities or characteristics that distinguish it from other entities. In layman's terms, identity is whatever makes something the same or different.”

Who am I?  This is a question I often ask myself.  I’m a dad, a husband, a son, an uncle…among other familial relationships.  I’m a minister, a pastor, a fundraiser…among other work relationships.  I’m a woodworker, a musician…among other hobbies.  Who am I?

On my desk at work, I this quote: “In order to become myself, I must cease what I always thought I wanted to be.  In order to find myself, I must go out of myself, and in order to live, I have to die.” – Thomas Merton

Read it again…slowly.  So often we place our identity in something we do or who we are in relation to others.  Yet, if you are a follower of Christ, your identity rests in Someone outside of yourself.  There is this verse in Galatians 2:20 that clearly sets the standard of where our identity belongs: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

This weekend is our Fall Retreat.  The theme is “Known: finding our identity in Christ.”  This topic is foundational for how we live our daily lives and what goals we are setting for ourselves.  If I place my identity in something that I do, when I lose that ability (or human relationship), than I am lost…unsure of who I am.  But if I find my identity in Christ and who I am in light of Him, then I know without a doubt that I will always know Whose I am, and Who I am. 

Today, ask yourself the question: “Who am I?”  Internalize it.  Find yourself in the eyes of Him who made you!
WedWednesdayOctOctober5th2011 Oh be careful little mouth what you speak...
Posted Wednesday, October 05 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
In my quiet time this morning, I came across a section in Matthew 12 where Jesus heals a demon possessed man.  The religious leaders aren't convinced that Jesus is who he says he is, and they call him Satan - thinking that he leads the demons and can move them around at will.  Jesus rightly reminds them that "A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand..."  Then he goes into an in-depth teaching on good vs. evil, and the product of a life lived in each. 
At the end of the teaching he says these convicting words: "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

Words are powerful!  Back in high school I was a track runner.  My longest distance race would was the two-mile race - eight laps around the track.  Lap six was ALWAYS my hardest lap...I would hit a wall where my body would yell at me to stop the insanity!  I had to be mentally prepared to encounter this slap in the face, and push through it.  I would tell myself that the race was almost over, look to the finish line, and push my body to take one step in front of the other.  Often times the coach would run up on the inside of the track next to me and would yell a few words to me.  Let me tell you that in those vulnerable moments, what words the coach chose to say would literally determine the pace at which i was running.

"Jeremy, pick it up.  You can do this...push through the pain!" would send me the encouragement I needed to run even faster!  Before those words were spoken, I thought I was going the fastest I possibly could!  But when coach came up alongside me, saying those encouraging words, my pace would nearly double in speed!

"Jeremy, your too slow.  If you don't pick up the pace, you'll loose this race" would deflate me more.  My body was telling me it can't go on.  My  mind was wrestling with just quitting and walking off the track or to keep going.  Now coach thought I was on a pace to lose the race...that's it, I'm done.

Words are powerful.  They have the power to bring life or death scripture says.  What words will you choose today to speak to those around you?  Words of life that bring healing, encouragement, a boost...or words of death that belittle, destroy, anger others. 

God give us gracious speech.  May we honor You in what we say and do.
MonMondayOctOctober3rd2011 God's Word, more than just me.
Posted Monday, October 03 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
"We are by nature, receivers.  Even if we have a desire to learn God's Word, we still listen from a default self-centered mind-set that is always asking, 'What can I get out of this?'.  But this is unbiblical Christianity.  What if we changed the question whenever we gather to learn God's Word?  What if we begin to think, 'How can I listen to His Word so that I am equipped to teach this Word to others? Exciting things happen when the people of God believe the Word of God is worth spending their lives to teach others." - David Platt from the book Radical
I spent to consecutive summers in Jamaica on mission's trip with my high school youth group.  We spent most of our time in Kingston, where poverty is overwhelmingly the norm.  It was there I met one of the most impressionable, Godly men I have had the privilege knowing in  my entire life!  Peter (say "Pee-ta") was a man in his 60s; lived in a plywood box for shelter; had breakfast from the mango tree next to his box, while not knowing where his dinner (if he had one) would come from that night.  Peter had no family, except his church family.  Yet see the joy this man possessed was convicting indeed!  When he went to the 'house of the Lord', he worshiped with the intensity and energy of a Packers fan sitting in the 'Lambau Leap end-zone'!  He was so in love with, and so dependent on the person of Jesus Christ to meet his needs in every possible way.
I'll never forget the night we said goodbye to Peter, because he shared some words of wisdom that have been ingrained in my mind for years.  With tears in his eyes he told us, "You Americans have it so difficult.  You own so much, yet so much owns you.  It's hard for you to have dependance on Jehovah Jirah, our great provider, and as a result, you miss out on the best relationship possible."
Reading a chapter out of Radical this morning, and coming across the quote above, I am reminded how consumer oriented we are.  Not only is our choice in churches based on meeting our needs, but even as we approach the Holy Word of God are we thinking 'what can I get out of this'.  I constantly grow tired of people church shopping to find the church that meets their needs/their kids needs/their sleeping habits/their financial habits...etc.  Church is not about meeting your need, but about worship the Lord and SERVING others.  I am blessed to lead a church that has so many people who GET this concept of being the body of Christ.  So many in our church serve the church by their actions, words, and prayers. 
Yet David challenged me personally that the same passion I have about the church, is the passion God holds for His Word!  Why do I seek things out in His Word that comfort me, bless me, give me what I need...There is more to the 'Living, double edged sword', that pierces my soul, convicts, instructs, and leads me back to Him.  It's not about me, it's about Him.
I am blessed to have a public outlet to teach from the Word, but I am convinced that EVERYONE has a platform with which to teach God's Word.  Whether you speak Truth into someone's life today, or simply live Truth ("I'd rather see a sermon that hear a sermon"), you have opportunities in each and every situation to teach God's Word to those around you.  David points out that the American society has turned this idea of 'teaching' to resemble a classroom setting.  But that's not how Jesus taught his disciples.  It was in and through the every day situations he taught his disciples. You read time and time again as they pass this tree, or encounter this situation, Jesus speaks life-giving words to His disciples and instructs them how to live and lead. 
As Peter taught me, consumerism in our faith is detrimental to our faith.  It blinds us from complete dependance on Jesus, and the whole of what God teaches us.  Today may go to God's Word, not seeking our own agenda, or what God can do for us, but to find out what we can do to teach/share His Word with those around us.
WedWednesdaySepSeptember28th2011 Facebook = God?
Posted Wednesday, September 28 2011 @ 7 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
For many years now I've seen students and others who will 'leave Facebook' for a short time because either it wastes too much of their time, or because it becomes and 'idol' in their lives.  So many young people spend hours on Facebook getting their profiles set-up, uploading pictures and videos, and perusing their friend's pages all the while commenting on statues and other randomness.  It really can be a waste of time!

I suppose I am more convinced now than ever that Facebook is competing with God.  I recently came across an article from a CNN tech blog about the new changes to Facebook that will leave us all in shock.  I was most shocked not to read about the changes, but by this statement: "And you'll realize, as I did, that Facebook knows you better than you know yourself."

Sounds like an attribute that I reserve only for my Creator who indeed does know me better than I know myself.  In it Pete, the author of the blog, goes on to write: "It's a marvel of computer programming: An algorithm that comes eerily close to emulating human memory; perhaps the first algorithm to spark such a deep emotional response."
While part of me is excited to see what this complete Facebook transformation will look like, the other part of me is not comfortable at all with Facebook creating a timeline of my life, highlighting the highs and lows of life.  I understand that social networking has revolutionized our relationships...allowing us to stay connected with hundreds of people - albeit from a distance.  There are over 800 million (yes that's what it's up to) people that participate in this social networking site.  800 million people.  Can i tell you that's bigger than most countries!

Do I write this blog to try and scare you away from Facebook? Or to say that Facebook is from the devil and you should steer clear?  No!  I actually  have a great appreciation for the site, and how I am able to use it for ministry purposes on a host of different levels.  I will continue effectively using my time and energy to learn the site so I can take advantage of what it offers in the outreach of ministry.

HOWEVER, I think after reading this article, I am acutely aware of why some students would take a break from the social networking scene.  It truly can become an idol that detracts from my time with my God.  It can easily pull me out of fellowship with other believers, because I am drawn to 'long-distance' relationships instead of true face to face, honest and accountable relationships.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." -Psalm 139:23-24




The article in reference:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/26/tech/social-media/facebook-users-will-revolt-cashmore/index.html
TueTuesdaySepSeptember27th2011 The God of Restoration
Posted Tuesday, September 27 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
One thing that really irritates me is when things don't work.  There is a purpose for everything; when it ceases functioning properly, it needs to be fixed.  The clutch went out on my car this past week.  In fact, it's sitting in the mechanic shop this morning as I write this.  It was unbelievably frustrating trying to drive it to the shop this morning with a low-functioning clutch! 
This morning God directed me to Psalm 80.  In it there is a phrase that Asaph penned twice throughout the song: "Restore us, O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." (Psalm 80:3, 19) 
God created us with purpose - to be in a deep, meaningful relationship with Him.  Have you ever tried to picture what life was like for Adam and Eve before they rebelled?  What was it like to walk with God in the most beautiful outdoor nature center EVER!  But mankind broke...the clutch went out, and we need to be restored.  We can't function properly without restoration...

Psalm 80 describes in this beautiful poetic language, how God brought the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and placed them in the promise land.  Using the analogy of a vine that God planted, the author explains "Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish."  There is a desperate plea for God to restore his people back into a right relationship with their Creator.

How about you?  Are you on a journey that leads to restoration with your Creator?  This side of Heaven we only see partial restoration...but when Christ returns, we will experience a full restoration; something we've never known.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 

Today, may you long for that right relationship with your Heavenly Father.  May you seek Him and find Him with His arms open wide ready to receive you...and may you find restoration with the One True God.

"Restore us, O God; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." (Psalm 80:3, 19)
MonMondaySepSeptember26th2011 ahhh September!
Posted Monday, September 26 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
September is certainly the busiest time of the year for us in Campus Ministry.  I love it!

New students, new opportunities.  Creating events, hosting parties, hanging out, praying together, playing together...it really doesn't get much better!  In September we always have a big push towards our Fall Retreat, which is an amazing time of spiritual growth for so many every year!

Each September I usually have a flood of memories that I enjoy from previous years in our ministry.  In 2003 we had our first 'large group' meeting with the students pictured to the right.  What an exciting time as my wife and I were able to invest fully in this handful of quality students!  As a result most of them are still fully connected to our  ministry.  One joined our staff for a time, one currently serves as a board member, half of them are financial supporters and most are active through our alumni base in various ways.

In Campus Ministry, alumni are crucial for the growth of the ministry.  At His House, we have been blessed with such a great group of alumni who support our ministry in many ways: financial giving, intentional prayer, and serving our staff and current students by participating in various ways.  What a blessing to have a great and growing group of alumni!  

My heart for our alumni resonates with the Apostle Paul when he shared this blessing with the church at Philipi: "I thank my God for you every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-6)
FriFridaySepSeptember23rd2011 praying for our "Nuwabrs"
Posted Friday, September 23 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

My six year old son, Joshua sets the bar high!  We live in the college neighborhood where every year many of the houses around us change tenants as one group of students move out and another group moves in.  Our family goes out of its way to welcome them, building a bridge before the busyness of school gets underway.  For whatever reason, both our sons have taken to our neighbors right next door.  They go over and talk to them, inviting them to play football, soccer, or to come over to our house to watch "Wipeout"! 
Often we will talk about sharing Jesus with our neighbors, so they will have eternal life.  Joshua, deciding he wanted to pray for our next door neighbors daily, drew this card above to remind him and us to pray for them!  At breakfast he pulls this card out so we can pray for them.
What a blessing to this father's heart!  At six years old, Joshua is setting an example for our family, our ministry and the Church!  "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12

Today, who are you intentionally praying for?  Who can you share Christ's love with today?
In all you do, do it for glory and honor of Christ Jesus, following the example of a six year old!
ThuThursdaySepSeptember22nd2011 Desperate
Posted Thursday, September 22 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
This morning, my heart is breaking for a good friend of mine. 
On Sunday he is anticipating one of the happiest days of his life, marrying the one whom God has brought into his life that will complete him; that will be his helpmate; whom he will share the rest of his journey with as they honor the Lord with their family.  What a special and joyous time it should be leading up to Sunday.
Yet yesterday his mother passed away, leaving a huge hole in his heart, and making the well bittersweet from which he is drinking these recent days.  After struggling with MS and recently being diagnosed with cancer, mom was gone just like that.  Even though there is some knowledge it will come...one is never prepared for such an abrupt blow when a parent dies.
Having just lost my dad this summer, I understand this struggle.  The helpless feeling of not being able to control life, death, or any part of the journey we are on. 

I am currently reading a book called Radical.  The premise of the book is a call for us to radically live out our faith in Christ, just as he calls us to do - as He Himself exemplified radical living.
The chapter I read last night detailed out the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho.  Can you picture bringing the people of God into his promise land, and the first battle is against the most fortified cities in the entire region? You couple this with the insane instructions for how to do battle (walk around it for six days, then blow some trumpets and the massive walls will collapse?!), and Joshua has to be on edge just a little bit!  Yet the author reminds us:
"This is how God works. He puts his people in positions where they are desperate for his power, and then he shows his provision in ways that display his greatness." - David Platt in Radical.

Sometimes God has to empty us of our own strength before we can full rely on His.  How will he receive the glory when we think we accomplish things on this journey without him?  As hard as it is, sometimes we have to pray that God would empty us, so we will be filled with Him. "Strip me of my pride; my hard heart; my harsh tongue; as David cries out: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

This morning, I'm praying for my friend who is desperate this morning.  May God fill him beyond measure with His peace that passes understanding, and give him strength to walk throughout the upcoming days with confidence and conviction.  Then, and only then, will God get the glory for His work being displayed.

May you be desperate today.  Desperate to find the end of yourself, and the beginning to where God's working in your life is displayed in a glorious way, so He may receive the honor, praise and glory.  May we get out of the way, so God is known to all those around us today.
TueTuesdaySepSeptember20th2011 God in the Occasional
Posted Tuesday, September 20 2011 @ 10 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

This morning as I was working out, I was listening to a sermon on MP3.  The pastor said something so profound, that I stopped the treadmill and replayed the sentence three times; as if I didn't hear him right, or I just couldn't grasp the depth to which is spoke to my soul.
"You cannot expect God to come into the occasional if you refuse Him in the continual." 
If you read the Bible, you will find story after story of miracles that God performed through people from generation to generation.  Incredible stories that get you excited about who the God of the Bible truly is.  I pick up literature from time to time or hear stories on the radio of missionaries on other soils that share their experiences of the miracles God is performing through their ministries worldwide. 
There is this longing in our culture today for the sensational!  "Wow me God" is often our attitude.  Yet we have to understand...
"You cannot expect God to come into the occasional if you refuse Him in the continual."
How can we expect God to show up and perform these amazing things in our lives, if we do not honor Him in our daily journey.  Psalm 119:9-11 says this: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.  I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands.  I have hidden Your Word in my hear that I might not sin against You."
When your life is consumed the The Relationship that matters most; when Christ is your all in all; when every decision you make is weighed on what His Word says...it's then that you see God show up in your life in Big ways.

"You cannot expect God to come into the occasional if you refuse Him in the continual."
Today are you grieving the Holy Spirit?  Is there habitual sin that needs confessing and repenting of?  May your relationship with Jesus Christ be of utmost importance that you not seek the sensational, but daily find yourself in His Word, consumed by His love, and passionate to obey Him in every step of this journey.
SatSaturdaySepSeptember17th2011 Daddy, snuggle me!
Posted Saturday, September 17 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
"Daddy, would you snuggle me?" I heard at an early hour this morning, as the small thumps of my son's feet came around the bed this morning.  A love swells in my  heart as I know these are precious moments in life; moments that are fleeting as the rising and setting of the sun!

The love I have for my children I cannot put into words.  Ever since I was a little boy, the only thing I wanted to do was to be a 'good dad'.  Some boys wanted to be firefighters, police officers, superheros...but I wanted to be a 'good dad.'  Now that the Lord has blessed me with three beautiful blessings, I am overjoyed and find those precious moments in life as a moments to cherish. 

The love I have for my children I cannot put into words. I would do anything for them.  Meet every need they have.  Be where they want me, when they want me there!  Sacrifice sleep, time, money...etc. just to show them my absolute and deep love for them.

The love I have for my children I cannot put into words.  But God did.  His love for us is ALL OVER the Bible in various forms, by various authors.  He speaks His love, demonstrates His love, and literally consumes us by His love!  1 John 3:1 - "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

This morning God wants to wrap His arms around us!  When we come to Him, He is ready with His arms open wide, ready to receive us...ready to snuggle us!
My prayer this morning is that you know this love and experience this love.  Go into the throne room His Grace today...he is waiting there for you.
WedWednesdaySepSeptember14th2011 Get out of the way!
Posted Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
Being a leader in any circumstance causes people around you to look to you for your area of expertise.  Some look to you for things beyond your expertise.  Once trust is built, it's all too natural to put pressure on a leader by putting him/her on a pedestal.
It's a difficult thing to be a leader.

Only a few do it successfully. 

John the Baptist was one of those.  While he had hundreds, even thousands who followed him, he still recognizes Who is more important than him and his teaching.  John lived a radical life.  He spent his time in a place that was uncomfortable.  He wore things that were not common.  He ate things that were out of the ordinary.  He talked about radical ideas, that drew crowds on a daily basis. He invited his hearers to repentance before the Lord, and they responded with frequency.  But probably the most radical thing he did was get out of the way. 
In John 3 you will find this powerful statement that needs to govern our daily lives and decisions we make: "He (Christ) must increase.  I must decrease."

Get out of the way. 
Have you ever found yourself being 'that guy' who has to make frequent trips out of the movie theatre when a movie is going on? There is hardly a more frustrating thing than interrupting the fixed gaze on the screen by someone who is up and down during an engaging film!  I admit, I have been that guy who has to step out on a frequent occasion...it's not fun.  I don't want to be in the way, but i really have to pee!  I will do what I can to get out of the way; including one time crawling on my hands and knees to get to the aisle, so I don't get dirty stares.  :-)

This ought to be our response today when it comes to people seeing and responding to Christ.  Get down on all fours and let people see and experience that which is the most valuable to them:  Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

God chooses and raises up leaders with this attribute known as humility.  The best known people are those who got down on all fours to let Christ shine: Mother Teresa is a great example.  She loved God enough to lead by serving those around her.  People took notice and raised her to a pedestal...still she had the guts to climb down and exalt Christ with her life, not herself.

Get out of the way.

Today, let Christ's love and grace shine through you.  Get down on all fours if you need, and serve those around you.  It will be the best move you make today.
MonMondaySepSeptember12th2011 The loneliness of ministry
Posted Monday, September 12 2011 @ 10 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

When you enter into ministry, there is enthusiasm, hope, and joy that you are going to serve the King in such a crucial role.  Its like you're living in this hot and very dry desert and everyone around is parched from desperate thirst.  You happen upon not just a small spring, but a deep pool with beautiful waterfall crashing down into it, and you plunge head first into cool blue waters...not thinking about anything but the gratifying sense of fulfillment as you commit your entire life and being to those waters that you've longed and yearned about for years.  You find yourself leading the way into something that is beautiful and you enjoy for a while.

But ministry is not about the simple enjoyment of these waters; for you find that the water is deep, and it's cold.  Colder than you expected, or can even get comfortable in.  And while you're drinking deeply from the abundance of something that many lack, you long for others to join.  Some see you enjoying yourself, and they too find themselves diving deep into the waters.  You rejoice with them.  But then the water gets too cold for them. So they get out and go back to the desert.  Some think that if this fountain exists, maybe there is a bigger one, or a better one in the distance.  Even though they  have spent their lives trying to find this beautiful and satisifying water, they grow discontent with the location of the pool; or the trees that grow around the pool; or the fact that others are non-committal about this, and they know they can come back anytime to drink from the edge.
You see where I'm going with this analogy, don't you. 

In my fifteen years of ministry experience, I have found that serving God faithfully can be one of the loneliest places you ever experience.  Christ felt this too.  In one of the most difficult verses in the scriptures we read this: "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed [Jesus]." - John 6:66.
The 666 thing is a topic for another blog!  But seriously...people abandoned Jesus because the water was too cold; or the trees were too close; or because other people in the pool 'shouldn't be there'.  If it happens to Christ, why shouldn't it happen to me?!  The apostle Paul testifies to this as well...he was abandoned on many occasions.  Even had a fall out with one who was doing ministry with him, and they went their separate ways (though they did reconcile in the end).

I write this not to look for sympathy, nor do I want to discourage others from joining the ministry.  Just the opposite in fact!  The water that I've found in serving Jesus IS the most fulfilling pool I have ever experienced.  Jesus asks those that stuck around after vs 66 if they would leave him too. Peter comes back with a most excellent response: "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Beautiful Peter...just beautiful. 

What makes it so lonely is that if you find yourself immersed in the pool, you find that you are most fulfilled when your all in. And you long for others to join you, and experience this beautiful fellowship!  And when some do, you rejoice.  But it's when they get discontent and get out, it crushes you...because you know they will not find anything else a fulfilling, deep, meaningful...etc.  It's heartache...sometimes over and over and over.

Today, do you drink deeply of the joy and fellowship with the Lord?  If not, why not.  Get in and experience what God designed you for...an intimate relationship with Him.
Are you treading water, feeling lonely and abandoned in ministry?  Let the joy of the Lord be your strength.  Immerse yourself into His word and seek Him for you needs, and you will find purpose and peace with where you are.
FriFridaySepSeptember9th2011 God's reach
Posted Friday, September 09 2011 @ 10 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
"And you reach for me
With a love that quiets all my fears
And you reach for me
Like a father wipes away the tears
So many people in this world
But i hear you calling out my name.
You reach for me.
Now i'm never gonna be the same."

-Peter Furler "Reach"



Recently my sister sent me the new Peter Furler album, Reach.  Great songs throughout this masterpiece!  But the title cut song that is aired on radio waves across the nation is powerful.  This morning as I spent time praying for God's presence to guide and direct me today, this song comes on.  When you know, intimately know, the loving hand of our Heavenly Father, yet also recognize and attempt to comprehend His incomparable power...it's nearly incredulous to put those to together. 

Yet somehow that is our God.

He is a God who is Holy, Righteous, and without Fault. 
Yet He desires a love relationship with us. It's hard to understand.  Hard to fathom. 

One of our students has a father who has spent years in prison, and has many more ahead of him.  But recently, to the absolute joy of his daughter, accepted Christ into his heart and life.  He took to heart the verse that boldly states: "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  That kind of love is hard to resist!
But its not easy for him to accept the loving hand of God.  I think he would rather see the just-judging hand of God...that he may be punished for his sins, but still slide into heaven; in eternity with his newfound Savoir.

But that's not what God wants.  Jesus states in John 10:10, "The thief has come to kill and destroy you, but I have come that you may have life, and to have life to the fullest."  Galatians 5 talks of us having freedom in Christ.  We no longer have to be in bondage to sin, death, or guilt from the former way of life.

"You reach for me, and I'm never going to be the same."

Today, may you experience His love, His grace, and the abundant life that He longs for us to experience.
WedWednesdaySepSeptember7th2011 Yet God says trust Me.
Posted Wednesday, September 07 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 2 comments Add comment
Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.
"So do not fear, for I am with you;
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
All who rage against you
   will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
   will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies,
   you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
   will be as nothing at all.
For I am the LORD your God
   who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;"
- Isaiah 40:28-31; 41:10-13

Trust.  Unconditional, absolute, Trust.  This morning, as I sat through a difficult conversation, God is began whispering these words out of Isaiah 40-41.  It's been the theme of my entire life I think!  It all comes down to trust.  When God sent me to start a campus ministry is a state where i had never visited; a place I had no relationships or connection; and to a campus that not many Christians were interested in serving on.  Yet God says trust Me.

My wife and I are in the process of international adoption...I have a hard time thinking of another experience that requires greater trust!  We can't control 'whom' we will adopt, or the country's decisions regarding our adoption, or the paperwork chase we found ourselves on...and we really don't have the money to adopt.  Yet God says trust Me.

Students flooded the campus last weekend, and today are entering their classes; some for the first time of their lives, others returning for their final semester.  God has burdened myself and our staff to share the Gospel with each one of them.  We constantly seek opportunities to share the Gospel, build relationships, and create environments for us to live out the Great Commission.  The reality of us reaching the 13,000 students at Oshkosh and the 43,000 students at Madison is an impossible feat!  Yet God says trust Me.

I sit in Starbucks this morning wrestling with several big decisions, and feel burdened right now by the heavy, heavy load that I carry.  My view of life is single dimensional often times, only seeing the earthly consequences for decisions that are made.  I long for those moments that Isaiah describes in beautiful poetic language, of the Lord saying "I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear.'" The right hand is the place of prominence that makes the decisions.  I question my ability to make decisions.  Yet God says trust Me.

This morning, Trust God.  For everything.  For every need.  For every decision. In every relationship.  In every circumstance you may find yourself in.  Trust God.

There is no better way to end this blog than by closing with Proverbs 3:5-6.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart.   Lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
TueTuesdaySepSeptember6th2011 We found Him!
Posted Tuesday, September 06 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment

Yesterday, my two oldest boys I joined some neighborhood kids in a game of "Nerf Gun Wars". After splitting up into teams, we chose who had which prison (in case you got hit, you were sent to prison), then it was off to search for the other team as they hid in bushes, the garage, or some even up in a tree! 
The interesting thing to me was to watch my two son's responses and engagement in this fun battle.  My six year old, loves strategy!  While he is not the most athletic kid in the neighborhood, he has the mind of a genius; figuring out the best hiding spots, how to get his targets, and planning the game in his head for what his teams next move should be. My four year old has a different idea of how the game is played.  His thought is to run into the open field with gun's blazing!  If he hits anything, that's good; but for him the goal is to get out there and go for it.  After a bit though, he gets bored with always getting hit first and being sent to prison.  Then he's onto new adventures while the hunt for his teammates goes on around him.

I have to imaging this is how it was in Jesus' day.  There were probably some people who had nearly given up on a Messiah coming, and went on seeking new adventures.  Yet there were some who were intently looking for the Messiah; the one whom the prophecies pointed to that would rescue them.  They were the ones who strategically were reading, searching scriptures, and actively looking, praying for the day when He would arrive.  Andrew was one of these people.  One day, while listening to John the Baptist, Jesus passes by.  John says "Look, the Lamb of God!"  This sparked Andrew's interest, so he pursued Jesus.  After one day with Jesus, he was convinced.  John 1:41 says "The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "'We have found the Messiah' (that is the Christ).  And he brought him to Jesus."

There are people in both camps today as well.  Those who actively seek for the Lord's return; and those who have gotten bored and are seeking new adventures.  Today, may you be the one who is seeking the Lord's presence in your lives.  As John 1 reads: "Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.  In Him was life, and that life was the light of men."
ThuThursdaySepSeptember1st2011 Gender Issues
Posted Thursday, September 01 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 1 comments Add comment
Yesterday one of my staff and I were walking through the new academic building on the UW Oshkosh campus.  This is the first academic building to be built since the mid seventies...long overdue!  The construction is still wrapping up and they were in the process of unloading four big trucks full of beautiful furniture for this new building.  As we walked through, we noticed a sign on one of the bathrooms reading "Gender Neutral Bathroom".  At first I was taken back by this; have we come so far in gender identity issues that we now need special bathrooms for those unsure of their gender?  Lost in this thought for a moment, I am brought back to the reality of where I am.  If this practice of non-specific gender identification would start somewhere, it would start on the university campus.  UW Oshkosh alone has six different organizations that are for queer people, trans people, and 'gender non-conforming' people.

On a daily basis our staff and students are bombarded by what's becoming the cultural 'norm'.  A culture that is moving farther and farther away from what God designed, and desires to be holy, honoring and pleasing to Him.  Scriptures call Christ-followers to live as "aliens and strangers" in this world...because it is not our home.  How we are reminded of this constantly!  Praise God this is not our home...  Yet God has us here for this short time for a purpose.  If you identify yourself as a Christ-follower, you have been given two simple yet life-consuming(!) tasks with your time on earth: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and Love your neighbor as yourself.  If you take the latter one as seriously as you do the former, you will strive with all that you are to fulfill the Great Commission.
"Greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friend."
TueTuesdayAugAugust30th2011 Daily Prayer
Posted Tuesday, August 30 2011 @ 8 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
This morning, I am reminded of what truly matters in my relationship with God.  It's not what I do for Him, but how (if) I honor Him with my actions, attitudes and thought life.  No man knows the heart of another, only God knows and judges the deepest places within us.  Psalms 19:14 says "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." 
This is a prayer that ought to be uttered before the Lord everyday of my life.  If God can take control of my thoughts, there will be a God-honoring outcome to each situation, each conversation, each interaction, and every choice I make throughout the day!

O God, give me the humility to surrender my words and my thoughts to you Today. 
MonMondayAugAugust29th2011 Fear...
Posted Monday, August 29 2011 @ 9 AM byJeremy Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment
Have you ever come face to face with your fear?  Sometimes on a daily basis, I am attacked by Joshua faces a lionfear.  Probably my biggest fear is that of failure...or perceived failure.  What is all this is a waste?  What if what I am doing is either wrong, or completely misguided.  What if 'my' ministry is jeopardized by stupidity on my part and those who are close to me, will view me as a failure.  My Lion in life is the fear of failure.
This morning's proverb says this: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (29:25)
How apt this is in our current situation.  WCCM is embarking on a big adventure this Fall semester!  We are solidly moving forward on two campuses, and begining a third campus at Lawrence.  I'm excited and blessed to see what God IS doing right here and now, and what He WILL do in the near future.  Trusting Him is always reassuring.  Things don't rest on my shoulders...as much as I try to take it all on.  It fully rests on the Lord.

What 'Lion' are you facing today?  Trust that God's got it all under control.  He reigns over all, and just as Hebrews says, He holds all things together by His powerful word. 

Let God be God today.  You enjoy His presence and serve Him diligently.

Jeremy
On Campus with Christby This blog is intended to convey the thoughts and musings of someone who is passionate about seeing university students living in the Freedom that Christ offers! As the Lord speaks to me through scripture, literature, or simply prayer walks on campus, this blog will be an outlet to communicate what Christ is doing on the university campuses across Wisconsin.

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Oshkosh, WI 54903
hishousehq@gmail.com
920.371.6727

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Wisconsin Christian Campus Ministries exists to promote bible-based ministries that develop non-believers into believers, and believers into disciples that will live for Jesus Christ wholeheartedly.
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