YOUNIVERSE part 2

This weekend, once again, our series is "YOUNIVERSE". I will share a few more astounding details about how we are "fearfully and wonderfully" made. It is an absolute miracle how detailed and uniquely God has made us. More importantly is the miracle of spiritual life that God gives us through Jesus Christ.

The problem with us as human beings is that we come into this world with a sin nature; and that sin nature doesn't simply make us "bad" it makes us dead. For the wages of sin is... death (Rom. 6:23). The way to make our spirit alive isn't by trying to do enough good things to get into heaven because the problem is, we can't make ourselves good enough, and it wouldn't matter even if we could, because our spirit would still be dead.

So then, Jesus didn't come to help us improve ourselves so that we can get into heaven, He came to give life to people who had no chance on their own. Life is a miracle; spiritual life is an even bigger miracle.

Ephesians 2:1-5, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient... But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

YOUNIVERSE part 2

This weekend, once again, our series is "YOUNIVERSE". I will share a few more astounding details about how we are "fearfully and wonderfully" made. It is an absolute miracle how detailed and uniquely God has made us. More importantly is the miracle of spiritual life that God gives us through Jesus Christ.

The problem with us as human beings is that we come into this world with a sin nature; and that sin nature doesn't simply make us "bad" it makes us dead. For the wages of sin is... death (Rom. 6:23). The way to make our spirit alive isn't by trying to do enough good things to get into heaven because the problem is, we can't make ourselves good enough, and it wouldn't matter even if we could, because our spirit would still be dead.

So then, Jesus didn't come to help us improve ourselves so that we can get into heaven, He came to give life to people who had no chance on their own. Life is a miracle; spiritual life is an even bigger miracle.

Ephesians 2:1-5, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient... But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."

God Of This City

Normally I leave the music reviews and musical insights to my wife or to "Mr. Musical Knowledge" ;-), Derek Chalfant, but this evening I wanted to post a song that I'm really enjoying listening to.

I’ve heard this song a few times in the last couple of weeks and every time I hear it there is just something that resonates in me. This afternoon I found out why. Tammy and I were driving in the car and the song starts to play and I asked her who sings it and she said, “Chris Tomlin”; but he didn’t write it. A group named Bluetree wrote it. They had gone to a city in Thailand that is filled with prostitutes and Bluetree played their Christian music in one of the brothel/bars. As they were playing in the bar, in this spiritually dark city, this song began emerging prophetically. Chris Tomlin eventually heard the song and asked if he could use it. All of the proceeds of the song will go to help the mission in Thailand to help rescue women and children from the sex trade.”

So now that I know the roots of the song it makes it even more meaningful to me. It is a song of declaration, praise, and hope…



To read a more in depth article on Bluetree - you can check it out HERE.


To hear Bluetree sing the song you can check it out HERE

God Of This City

Normally I leave the music reviews and musical insights to my wife or to "Mr. Musical Knowledge" ;-), Derek Chalfant, but this evening I wanted to post a song that I'm really enjoying listening to.

I’ve heard this song a few times in the last couple of weeks and every time I hear it there is just something that resonates in me. This afternoon I found out why. Tammy and I were driving in the car and the song starts to play and I asked her who sings it and she said, “Chris Tomlin”; but he didn’t write it. A group named Bluetree wrote it. They had gone to a city in Thailand that is filled with prostitutes and Bluetree played their Christian music in one of the brothel/bars. As they were playing in the bar, in this spiritually dark city, this song began emerging prophetically. Chris Tomlin eventually heard the song and asked if he could use it. All of the proceeds of the song will go to help the mission in Thailand to help rescue women and children from the sex trade.”

So now that I know the roots of the song it makes it even more meaningful to me. It is a song of declaration, praise, and hope…



To read a more in depth article on Bluetree - you can check it out HERE.


To hear Bluetree sing the song you can check it out HERE

Why I Don't Quote From KJV part 2

.....coming soon.....

Got a late start on the blog - and blogger is being super troublesome this evening!! - I'm working on it right now. 10:10 p.m. Should be up in a little bit.

....Update....

I've had second thoughts, I was going to quote Genesis 42:27 from the KJV but I just couldn't bring myself to post it on my blog. I chickened out. In the back of my mind were these imaginary fuddy duddies sending me emails or calling me up. And then I began having imaginary conversations with them face to face and we got into a heated debate, and then I lost my cool and called them some really bad KJV words, and then I punched them in the throat. Then I came to my senses and realized, "Wait a minute, I don't have to even go down that road. I just won't quote anything from the King James Version and I'll just let them look it up on their own. Then they can't blame me for reading word the word "..." on my blog ;-)

Do you ever have imaginary conversations? Does anyone get hurt during your imaginary conversations?

Why I Don't Quote From KJV part 2

.....coming soon.....

Got a late start on the blog - and blogger is being super troublesome this evening!! - I'm working on it right now. 10:10 p.m. Should be up in a little bit.

....Update....

I've had second thoughts, I was going to quote Genesis 42:27 from the KJV but I just couldn't bring myself to post it on my blog. I chickened out. In the back of my mind were these imaginary fuddy duddies sending me emails or calling me up. And then I began having imaginary conversations with them face to face and we got into a heated debate, and then I lost my cool and called them some really bad KJV words, and then I punched them in the throat. Then I came to my senses and realized, "Wait a minute, I don't have to even go down that road. I just won't quote anything from the King James Version and I'll just let them look it up on their own. Then they can't blame me for reading word the word "..." on my blog ;-)

Do you ever have imaginary conversations? Does anyone get hurt during your imaginary conversations?

Why I Don't Quote From the KJV

"So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face..." 1 Samuel 25:22,23

No really, check the link, I didn't miss quote a single word.

Why I Don't Quote From the KJV

"So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face..." 1 Samuel 25:22,23

No really, check the link, I didn't miss quote a single word.

Newspaper Article

The StarPress did a little article on our church construction. You should be able to check the article out HERE.

Newspaper Article

The StarPress did a little article on our church construction. You should be able to check the article out HERE.

Shelby's 5th B-Day part 2

Today Shelby turned 5. We just celebrated with the three of us and we let Shelby decide what she wanted to do. The main thing she wanted to do was go to Chucke-E-Cheese, but she didn't want to eat there (thank God). We asked her where she would like to eat and she said, "Panera, unless they don't have the soup I like, then I'd like to eat at Chili's." Is that normal for a 5 year old? I really don't care if it's normal or not - it benefits me when I don't have to eat at Chuck-E-Cheese or McDonald's. Since Panera didn't have Miss Sophisticated's soup we went to Chili's.

So hear is the run down of her birthday in pictures (I'm sure you can catch more birthday happenings over on The Preacher's Wife's blog... eventually.)

New roller skates... that's a hospital visit just waiting to happen...

Chili's...

Shelby's response to waiting more than 2 minutes for her food to arrive, pretend like you are asleep...

We had Chuck-E-Cheese's to ourselves...

Shelby's 5th B-Day part 2

Today Shelby turned 5. We just celebrated with the three of us and we let Shelby decide what she wanted to do. The main thing she wanted to do was go to Chucke-E-Cheese, but she didn't want to eat there (thank God). We asked her where she would like to eat and she said, "Panera, unless they don't have the soup I like, then I'd like to eat at Chili's." Is that normal for a 5 year old? I really don't care if it's normal or not - it benefits me when I don't have to eat at Chuck-E-Cheese or McDonald's. Since Panera didn't have Miss Sophisticated's soup we went to Chili's.

So hear is the run down of her birthday in pictures (I'm sure you can catch more birthday happenings over on The Preacher's Wife's blog... eventually.)

New roller skates... that's a hospital visit just waiting to happen...

Chili's...

Shelby's response to waiting more than 2 minutes for her food to arrive, pretend like you are asleep...

We had Chuck-E-Cheese's to ourselves...

Shelby's 5th B-Day

Daddy: "What are you looking forward to this year (now that you are 5)?
Shelby: "Being six."

Shelby's 5th B-Day

Daddy: "What are you looking forward to this year (now that you are 5)?
Shelby: "Being six."

Random Thoughts

• Who ever thought I'd mention Tim Mcgraw's name in a sermon?
• I should have stretched a lot better before I played basketball this evening.
• I think I'm going to be limping into work tomorrow... wish I had crutches.
• Tomorrow is Shelby's 5th birthday... where did the stinkin' time go?
• I'm going to pray that spring comes early this year. God said we could move mountains - I think I'd like to move spring.
• This is my 511th post.
• I think I could edit the Academy Awards down to about 1 hour and 37 minutes.
• Tammy was reaaaallly sick yesterday. I don't want what she had.
• Word on the street is that the sermon series beginning this Easter is going to be great. You'll want to invite all of your friends, family, neighbors, pen pals, your social network, classmates, coworkers, pets, and strangers on the street... okay maybe not your pets.

Random Thoughts

• Who ever thought I'd mention Tim Mcgraw's name in a sermon?
• I should have stretched a lot better before I played basketball this evening.
• I think I'm going to be limping into work tomorrow... wish I had crutches.
• Tomorrow is Shelby's 5th birthday... where did the stinkin' time go?
• I'm going to pray that spring comes early this year. God said we could move mountains - I think I'd like to move spring.
• This is my 511th post.
• I think I could edit the Academy Awards down to about 1 hour and 37 minutes.
• Tammy was reaaaallly sick yesterday. I don't want what she had.
• Word on the street is that the sermon series beginning this Easter is going to be great. You'll want to invite all of your friends, family, neighbors, pen pals, your social network, classmates, coworkers, pets, and strangers on the street... okay maybe not your pets.

Early Adopter

I'm an "early adopter" - I tend to embrace new technology quickly. Right now I'm trying out a new technology. You'll notice on the side of my blog under where it says "Drop Me A Line" a link to call me. When you click the link you put your name and phone number in - click "call" - your phone rings and when you pick it up you can leave me a message on my unlisted private number. When you leave me a message I'm sent an email and then I can listen to your message online. I'm not sure that I need anything like this or if anyone will use it - but it's just fun to have.

Early Adopter

I'm an "early adopter" - I tend to embrace new technology quickly. Right now I'm trying out a new technology. You'll notice on the side of my blog under where it says "Drop Me A Line" a link to call me. When you click the link you put your name and phone number in - click "call" - your phone rings and when you pick it up you can leave me a message on my unlisted private number. When you leave me a message I'm sent an email and then I can listen to your message online. I'm not sure that I need anything like this or if anyone will use it - but it's just fun to have.

Indulgence

Many of us have something that we just love to indulge in; nothing sinful necessarily, we just really enjoy it. For my wife it is "So Delicious" ice cream. It is a dairy free ice cream that for some reason, known only to God, is impossible to find around here. Following a hot tip from our good friends the Pinkerton's, we made our way to a store called "Trader Joe's" in Indianapolis (70 + miles away)

When we got there Tammy realized that she hit the jackpot; she had been accustomed to seeing at best one or two cartons of ice cream on rare occasions just by chance at different grocery stores. Tammy's eyes lit up as there before her were not one or two, but twelve cartons of So Delicious; we know there were twelve because she took the time to count each one. After purchasing one of the stores insulated bags we took half of their inventory off of their hands; which should last Tammy the whole week ;-)

Indulgence

Many of us have something that we just love to indulge in; nothing sinful necessarily, we just really enjoy it. For my wife it is "So Delicious" ice cream. It is a dairy free ice cream that for some reason, known only to God, is impossible to find around here. Following a hot tip from our good friends the Pinkerton's, we made our way to a store called "Trader Joe's" in Indianapolis (70 + miles away)

When we got there Tammy realized that she hit the jackpot; she had been accustomed to seeing at best one or two cartons of ice cream on rare occasions just by chance at different grocery stores. Tammy's eyes lit up as there before her were not one or two, but twelve cartons of So Delicious; we know there were twelve because she took the time to count each one. After purchasing one of the stores insulated bags we took half of their inventory off of their hands; which should last Tammy the whole week ;-)

Divine Appointment

Today I had a gentleman that I had never met before walk into my office and tell me that he wanted a closer relationship with God and asked me how to begin that process. We had a great talk; I answered some of his biblical questions, shared next steps for him to take, and by the time he left the office he had prayed and given his life completely to Jesus Christ. As he left I had handed him my contact information, a brand new Bible, and told him I'd see him in church on Sunday.

It must have been about a month ago that I prayed a very simple little prayer, it's a prayer that I've prayed several times before and every time God is faithful and has answered that prayer. The prayer was something like this: "God would you send someone my way who wants to know you more? Allow our paths to cross, and if at all possible, God, could you have them walk through my office door?" I throw that last part in there for a couple of reasons; #1 I'm lazy and having people come to me is much easier, #2 If someone will walk into the church on a weekday and come into the pastor's office you know they are serious about a relationship with God ;-). I've met some incredible people simply by praying that prayer and keeping my eyes open.


Would you do me, and my new friend, a favor? Would you pray that he continues to keep taking the next right step? I know God will hear our prayers.

Divine Appointment

Today I had a gentleman that I had never met before walk into my office and tell me that he wanted a closer relationship with God and asked me how to begin that process. We had a great talk; I answered some of his biblical questions, shared next steps for him to take, and by the time he left the office he had prayed and given his life completely to Jesus Christ. As he left I had handed him my contact information, a brand new Bible, and told him I'd see him in church on Sunday.

It must have been about a month ago that I prayed a very simple little prayer, it's a prayer that I've prayed several times before and every time God is faithful and has answered that prayer. The prayer was something like this: "God would you send someone my way who wants to know you more? Allow our paths to cross, and if at all possible, God, could you have them walk through my office door?" I throw that last part in there for a couple of reasons; #1 I'm lazy and having people come to me is much easier, #2 If someone will walk into the church on a weekday and come into the pastor's office you know they are serious about a relationship with God ;-). I've met some incredible people simply by praying that prayer and keeping my eyes open.


Would you do me, and my new friend, a favor? Would you pray that he continues to keep taking the next right step? I know God will hear our prayers.

YOUNIVERSE

I'm super excited about our new message series at FFC, "YOUNIVERSE". If you were at church during our "Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe", and enjoyed that series then you will really love this one as well. You and I have been fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God.

The intricacies that are involved in creating a human life is mind blowing when we consider them. For instance, did you know that there are 75 trillion cells in the human body? Did you know that you are losing and then re-creating 50,000 cells every 5 seconds? In your retina you have over 120 million rods and cones that are sending information back to your brain about light and color at an unbelievable speed. We have 75,000 miles of arteries, capillaries, and blood vessels, that’s enough to stretch around the earth 3 times! Each one of your 75 trillion cells carries all of our DNA in a strand that is called a nucleotide which contains about 3 billion characters of information.

God has spoken a huge cosmos into existence and we can see His majesty, power, and magnificence in it. When we look at the detail and complexity inside of your smallest parts we see God’s attention to detail that speaks of our worth and His love. You are a a priceless, unique, creation of God.

Psalm 139:14, "I praise YOU because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

YOUNIVERSE

I'm super excited about our new message series at FFC, "YOUNIVERSE". If you were at church during our "Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe", and enjoyed that series then you will really love this one as well. You and I have been fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God.

The intricacies that are involved in creating a human life is mind blowing when we consider them. For instance, did you know that there are 75 trillion cells in the human body? Did you know that you are losing and then re-creating 50,000 cells every 5 seconds? In your retina you have over 120 million rods and cones that are sending information back to your brain about light and color at an unbelievable speed. We have 75,000 miles of arteries, capillaries, and blood vessels, that’s enough to stretch around the earth 3 times! Each one of your 75 trillion cells carries all of our DNA in a strand that is called a nucleotide which contains about 3 billion characters of information.

God has spoken a huge cosmos into existence and we can see His majesty, power, and magnificence in it. When we look at the detail and complexity inside of your smallest parts we see God’s attention to detail that speaks of our worth and His love. You are a a priceless, unique, creation of God.

Psalm 139:14, "I praise YOU because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Muncie Mission

This afternoon the other pastors and I visited with Ray Raines and Don Ford at Muncie Mission Ministries. They took us on a tour of their current facilities and then we had the privelege of being one of the first groups to take a tour through the new building that they are working on. They need this new building very badly and I am so excited for them to move into it this summer...

These folks are doing a fantastic job of ministering to the needs of the poor, needy, and homeless in our area. I'm so glad that we partner with organizations like the Muncie Mission. They are able to very practically and effectively touch the needs that Jesus cares about most.

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." Luke 4:18

Muncie Mission

This afternoon the other pastors and I visited with Ray Raines and Don Ford at Muncie Mission Ministries. They took us on a tour of their current facilities and then we had the privelege of being one of the first groups to take a tour through the new building that they are working on. They need this new building very badly and I am so excited for them to move into it this summer...

These folks are doing a fantastic job of ministering to the needs of the poor, needy, and homeless in our area. I'm so glad that we partner with organizations like the Muncie Mission. They are able to very practically and effectively touch the needs that Jesus cares about most.

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." Luke 4:18

Back Home

We're back home in Indiana. It is so weird going from driving with the top down yesterday in 80+ degree weather to 20 degrees and windy today. As soon as the plane landed in Indy I saw snow flakes falling to the ground and the harsh reality set in. The fact that the weekend is just around the corner has just set in too; I've got a lot to do before I'm ready to preach this weekend. Tomorrow I hit the ground running with 3 meetings. Vacation is officially over!

Back Home

We're back home in Indiana. It is so weird going from driving with the top down yesterday in 80+ degree weather to 20 degrees and windy today. As soon as the plane landed in Indy I saw snow flakes falling to the ground and the harsh reality set in. The fact that the weekend is just around the corner has just set in too; I've got a lot to do before I'm ready to preach this weekend. Tomorrow I hit the ground running with 3 meetings. Vacation is officially over!

Leaving Florida

Well, tomorrow we have to kiss Florida goodbye. You can't see it but I'm crying all over my computer keyboard. What's worse is we won't be able to celebrate President's Day in our traditional fashion.

Leaving Florida

Well, tomorrow we have to kiss Florida goodbye. You can't see it but I'm crying all over my computer keyboard. What's worse is we won't be able to celebrate President's Day in our traditional fashion.

Mark Beeson Is Blogging

Mark Beeson is blogging now... just thought you might like to know.

Mark Beeson Is Blogging

Mark Beeson is blogging now... just thought you might like to know.

How To Destroy A Castle In 29 Seconds Or Less

How To Destroy A Castle In 29 Seconds Or Less

YOUNIVERSE Image

Abby Wagner has done it again; Abby always does a great job with the images for our message series at church. This image is for our series Feb. 23/24 and Mar. 1/2; you can read a little more about the series HERE...

YOUNIVERSE Image

Abby Wagner has done it again; Abby always does a great job with the images for our message series at church. This image is for our series Feb. 23/24 and Mar. 1/2; you can read a little more about the series HERE...

Top 10 Things You Don't See In Parker City, IN

And the number 1 thing you don't see in Parker City, Indiana...

Top 10 Things You Don't See In Parker City, IN

And the number 1 thing you don't see in Parker City, Indiana...

2 Bazillion

This afternoon our family took a little jaunt over to Sanibel Island, Florida; Sanibel is known for the numerous shells that wash up onto the beach. Shelby had a great time picking up lots and lots and lots of shells. Despite her picking up 75-100 shells it didn’t even make a dent in the number of shells on the beach.


It was almost overwhelming looking at all of the shells, you couldn’t take a step without stepping on one; there had to be at least 2 bazillion shells on the shore. As I looked at the sea of shells (pun intended) on the ground, I couldn’t help but think about how big our God is. God created every single shell and every little organism that lived in it; He is also capable of understanding where each shell would eventually wind up. I’m sure He is delighted to see that at least 100 of His little creations will make their way back with one of His most prized creations, Shelby.

2 Bazillion

This afternoon our family took a little jaunt over to Sanibel Island, Florida; Sanibel is known for the numerous shells that wash up onto the beach. Shelby had a great time picking up lots and lots and lots of shells. Despite her picking up 75-100 shells it didn’t even make a dent in the number of shells on the beach.


It was almost overwhelming looking at all of the shells, you couldn’t take a step without stepping on one; there had to be at least 2 bazillion shells on the shore. As I looked at the sea of shells (pun intended) on the ground, I couldn’t help but think about how big our God is. God created every single shell and every little organism that lived in it; He is also capable of understanding where each shell would eventually wind up. I’m sure He is delighted to see that at least 100 of His little creations will make their way back with one of His most prized creations, Shelby.

Sanibel Island

Today we took a little trip over to Sanibel Island. I traded in the 6 cylinder Mustang for a 6 speed and we rode around the island.

We made a stop at (where else?) the local outdoor mall.

Then it was off to the beach...

Sanibel Island

Today we took a little trip over to Sanibel Island. I traded in the 6 cylinder Mustang for a 6 speed and we rode around the island.

We made a stop at (where else?) the local outdoor mall.

Then it was off to the beach...