FBC Student Ministry

Thank you, church family!

2009-09-13T22:32:00.002-05:00

Well folks, I'm gonna take the opportunity to testify of the Greatness of our Mighty God! Thank you for your prayers this afternoon and tonight. As we fought spiritual battles, standing on the Word of God, you prayed and interceded for us. We know the attacks brought against any of us are 'toothless' in their ability to carry through on the threats. Satan is a defeated foe and although he goes around like a roaring lion, he is only LIKE a lion. Jesus is the true Lion, and has defeated Satan, sin, death and hell.
As you offered scripture to remind us of our place in God's heart, His protection over us and the peace He offers, those Words settled into our hearts and began to become true in our lives. We are enjoying peace tonight! Assurance has been given! God has revealed Himself to our boys like only He can. They are now stronger for the battle they had to join. Nine and eleven year olds fighting spiritual battles. They are learning that God goes before us into battle. He drives out our enemies. He strikes fear in their hearts so that their knees shake beneath them. They are seeing proof of how intimately He is interested in their welfare. The truth of God has set them free. The Word of God leapt to life out of the pages of scritpure! He is AMAZING!
So thanks, you are truly a blessing to our family. And keep us covered by your prayers.

God Answers Questions

2009-09-02T14:00:00.002-05:00

I did something today that will have a profound effect on who I believe I am. My 'perception of self' as it were. I asked God a question and waited intently for Him to answer.
I've asked God specific questions many times in the past. I've waited on His answer many times in the past. But I've never asked THIS question in such a manner. My question to Him was, "What is there in me that is pleasing to You?".
Again the question in itself is not that unique. I've said it in other forms throughout my life. Oh God, what good is there in me? Dear Lord, how do you find anything in me worth loving? But those are really very different questions. Those are said out of exasperation. Out of a sense of failure. Today's question was for the express purpose of hearing an answer.
For us to know who we really are before God we have to become transparent. We have to be willing to see ourselves as He sees us. Many will follow the model of David and ask God to "search my heart..." when seeking to be transparent before Him, but do we ever ask the flip side of that? Search me and show me what pleases you.
So I asked. I verbally questioned God regarding my virtue. The good He has placed in me. I wasnt asking for an exhaustive list, just one thing. An affirmation. And He answered, "You are brave". The floodgates of joy opened from within me! Tears flowed. I laughed out loud. And an odd sensation came over me. It was the acceptance that God is right in His estimation of me. It almost sounds arrogant, but I am brave. I have stood in front of the enemy and defiantly proclaimed that he cant have the life of my child, because God has already promised it to her. I have confronted the parents of my students and told them of the good in their kids. I have dared to raise my children to be sent wherever God chooses to send them. Those things take bravery.
Lest you think I am thumping my chest over what I have become, let me remind all of us it is God who placed that (and any other) quality in me. He is the source of every smidgen of good in me.
If you have never taken the time to ask God to tell you what He has placed in you, try it. Knowing what He sees as good in you will change how you see yourself. And cause you to behave as He sees you.

The Best Laid Plans...

2009-07-06T23:11:00.001-05:00

Reading a familiar story often means skipping over the familiar parts or rushing to the favorite parts. But when the story is the birth of Christ and the reader is me, searching for that sometimes elusive intimacy with God, what should be familiar looks brand new.
The first chapter of Matthew is the lineage of Christ, followed with a Cliff notes version of Joseph and Mary's story. Not something that one would necessarily pour over for long periods of time. But friends I'm dry. I'm looking for refreshment in the deep pools of the Word. And because God is faithful and loving toward His children, He pours out through even the most familiar of stories.
There is a phrase in the story of Joseph and Mary that has captured me. In verse 20, it says "but after he had considered this". He had considered (and decided it to be the best possible move) to divorce Mary quietly, saving her from public embarassment. Fortunately God had different plans. He sent His angel to speak directly to Joseph and give very specific instructions for he and Mary.
How many times I have considered plans and decided them to be the best possible action for the time. Plans that made sense. Plans that were logical and prudent. But that were exactly opposite of His will.
Joseph had the advantage of an angel of the Lord. I have the advantage of the Holy Spirit. And the advantage of even the most familiar of stories.

Get up and go.

2009-02-23T14:08:00.004-06:00

Those words have troubled me for the better part of a week now. But I feel as though God has given them to me as affirmation of His will. Matthew 26:46 is where they come from. Jesus had led the disciples into the garden to pray, knowing that Judas was about to come betray Him. The disciples, instead of praying, went to sleep out of exhaustion. He encouraged them to stay awake, but they couldnt. So when He was finished praying, He goes to them and says 'get up; let's go'.
My concern has been that I slept through something important. Something that I cant go back and revisit. They couldnt go back and pray for Jesus, it was too late. But when I read Oswald Chambers application of this scripture, my perspective changes from concern to encouragement.
My Utmost for His Highest contains this simple paragraph:
'There will be experiences like this in each of our lives. We will have times of despair caused by real events in our lives, and we will be unable to lift ourselves out of them. The disciples, in this instance, had done a downright unthinkable thing— they had gone to sleep instead of watching with Jesus. But our Lord came to them taking the spiritual initiative against their despair and said, in effect, "Get up, and do the next thing." If we are inspired by God, what is the next thing? It is to trust Him absolutely and to pray on the basis of His redemption.'
Jesus was leading to the next thing. He spoke against discouragement and despair, offering instead refocus and direction. He has shown me where the next thing is (its here, btw), so I will trust Him absolutely to direct my actions and walk with Him into what the next thing is.

The Light of Perspective

2009-02-15T22:53:00.002-06:00

I've been watching Ella in church these past few weeks. I see her react to what goes on around her. Asking questions. Singing. Showing her muscles. Listening to CI sing and saying 'that was cool'. Seeing how 'normal' she is takes me back to the days I wondered if we would take her home at all, let alone take her to church. So I'd like to remind us all of how great God has been in her particular case.
When she was born so prematurely (24 weeks 5 days, 1lb 12oz) there were some dark days. Her doctors talked about living hour by hour. If we made it through one, we'd talk about the next. Her brain bled the day after she was born. Outside a level 4. She had heart surgery in Dallas at 2+ lbs. Back to Shreveport and schedule eye surgery. Her lungs were so fragile and every breath was breathed for her by various machines, switching to the one she would respond to best. We are fully aware that we almost lost her too many times to count.
But in those dark days, there were promises made. We searched scripture and prayed for strength. I remember hearing myself on the phone, the day after she was born, telling a friend that if we had her for the next 24 hours or if were allowed to raise her, we'd glorify God either way. Psalm 139 and John 17 were sources of strength. One night in particular, I was in the NICU with her, studying and praying when her O2 levels began to drop. The nurse came in to stimulate her, but she didnt respond. She called the respiratory therapist and they began to 'bag' her. I watched her go from pink in color, to blue, purple and black. All the while there was the oddest peace over me, as tho God was letting me know that His hands were working through the hands of those working on her. He was proving to be faithful in keeping His promises.
When we started talking about coming home, the dr's began to let us know the kind of problems we should expect. They talked about her being blind, because of the amounts of oxygen she had been on. The talked about her being deaf because of the brain bleed. She had failed every hearing test up to that point. They talked about her physical disabilities relating to cerebral palsy. And they talked about mental retardation. It was a lot to take in, but, even though it was a shock to our system, we still walked in a quiet confidence because we knew God was ultimately in control. And He had made promises.
Ella has since had intestinal and brain surgeries, both to deal with complications. She has had numerous hearing and eye tests. She has had speech, physical and occupational therapies. Once again, God has led us to allow people to be His hands.
Her hearing is fine, she wears glasses for astigmatism and sees fine, she walks, runs and climbs, and is a very smart, witty little girl. She adores her big brothers (when they are out of sight she asks 'where are the brothers?'). Our church family sees her as their little girl.
So even though the days surrounding her birth and the first coupla months of her life were filled with dark days, looking back there was light by which to walk. It just took getting some perspective to see it.

Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove...

2009-02-11T09:45:00.000-06:00

From John Wesley in regard to relationships that allow God to be glorified, even if the other party would like to harm us:
Let us neither absolutely refuse all favours, nor resent all neglects, from those whose friendship is at best very doubtful, and their intimacy by no means safe.
We, like Christ in the house of the Pharisees, can still be gentle and point all to the truth. Are you in a hostile environment? Let the gentleness of Luke 7 encourage you.

Of guilt and grace

2009-02-05T09:29:00.002-06:00

Listening to Jack Graham this morning after dropping Ella off with my mom. He was preaching through the model prayer (the Lord's prayer), then as an encouragement at the end of his message, he spoke of the discipline of prayer. Basically his take is we cant be guilted into a prayer life. We have to catch a glimpse of how God's grace is poured on us when we line our lives up with Him.
Whether its the removal of sin, prayer, obedience, faithfulness, or self-control, when we align any and all parts of our lives up with him, His grace is poured on us. He gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. Guilt is that limited motivator that eventually drives us away from the source. Grace (particularly, God's grace) is the LIMITLESS motivator that draws us ever closer to the God that loves us. Man that's refreshing!

Home Again

2009-01-29T14:36:00.003-06:00

So we made it back to Rusk about 8:30 Tuesday night. Monday and Tuesday were unpleasant as I was struggling with a stomach bug that made traveling very uncomfortable. Spent all day Wednesday in bed, and now I'm up and at em. I wasnt able to go to church last night, and really missed my kids, so I went to the high school lunches today to see them.
I'm uploading a few more videos to my youtube account (search fbcsm71 on youtube.com) and all my pictures to my picasa account. You can view them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/fbcsm71
I'm thankful for the chance to go and minister to people who are hungry for the message of Jesus Christ. They seem to be so much like the Philippian church in that they have so little but are able to give so much. What a joy it was to have a small window to peek into their lives.

Pics

2009-01-26T00:16:00.006-06:00

Gonna use this post to try and upload some pics. The connection we have has been painfully slow in uploading until now, so i'll try and catch up a bit. I'm also putting some more videos on youtube. You can find mine by searching for fbcsm71 there.

Blessings for Saffarino and Maria

2009-01-25T23:41:00.002-06:00

Today most of us stayed around the compound before church (2:00 start) and worked on repairing things here. Steve, Will and Eric set them up with a shower head with a self contained heating element. They've never had a hot shower here before. Let me tell you, they were excited! Eric and Tim fixed a 2500 watt generator. Trampus, Banjo and I worked on the computers getting virus protection up to date and parental controls set. Others worked on odds and ends like we did.
Church today was an experience. We were treated to music, preaching, an engagement announcement, business meeting, financial report, revival weekend committee election, announcements and activities and one little girl slapping her brother as hard as she could for messing with her hair. They are still a very works based congregation, but Terri is working to help the pastors understand the grace of God. Pray for her.
Tonight we had a celebration feast and singing with our host family to follow. It was a very sweet time as we sang several songs in Spanish and English simultaneously. Knowing that our God can make sense of the noise of separate languages singing the same song makes me look forward to the day when we will all sing the perfect song to Him.
We have laughed a lot on this trip. Someone on the outside looking in might get the idea we argue with each other, but we have the joy of true friendship. We have made fun of Eric being insecure, of Trampus being a redneck and of Steve's ten thumbs. I praise God for these men. I count it a privilege to serve with them.
The two videos I'm including are of us working and of Jerrod playing and singing for two girls who were at our worksite each day. The taller of the girls is Lucia, one of the residents of the new house. Eric and Jerrod sponsored her education for this year. I'll talk to you more about sponsorships when I get home. Its a great opportunity!

Completion

2009-01-24T22:29:00.002-06:00

We finished both houses today! The receiving family came into the new structure and we prayed over them and it. As we were leaving we went down the hill, across the bridge and up the next hill. Looking back toward the house, they were all lined up and waving at us. We were so far away we could barely see them, but they were still watching us leave. The impact of our time here has been profound. It is very humbling to be plugged in to where God is at work.
During the work day, there was some down time, so we took out our football and taught the boys who were helping/hanging out how to throw and catch the ol american football. It was a blast. The connection with individuals here has been very touching. The common bond of Christ's love is powerful.
I would like to revisit the story in yesterday's post. Santiago and Paulina are now believers. They have received salvation. There was a conversation earlier in the trip about the seed corn each family keeps to plant next year's crop. We were reminded of that conversation when we began to talk about their deceased son, Joseph, and his desire to see his parents come to know the Lord. His seed was planted and bore fruit. I absolutely LOVE that God has planted us in Rusk to take root and spring forth with fruit. I am absolutely amazed/ thrilled/ humbled that He allowed us to be part of that couple coming to Christ.
One of the 'other' things we are assisting with is a soccer ministry where a coach invests time in kids to teach them soccer and share with them the gospel. We packed in about 60 uniforms and half a dozen soccer balls. They were sorted and made ready for the coach to pick up. The Lord's activity comes in all shapes and sizes. It is such a blessing to be in the midst of His work for a time here.

Our Amazing God

2009-01-23T22:45:00.001-06:00

Salvation reached to the remote village of Vasquez tonight! Last year when we were here there was a boy we met named Joseph who worked closely with Terri. Two weeks ago today he died in a bicycle accident. He was a believer who fervently witnessed to and prayed for his parents. His mom and dad asked us to come visit when they heard we were in the village. They knew Joseph loved to work with the mission groups that came in. At the end of a careful explanation of why their son is now with the Lord, they asked to pray to receive salvation. What an amazing God we serve!
Work today was tiring. I chatted with Melo earlier this evening and told her I didn't get sleep last night because a slat fell out from under my bed about the time I was falling asleep. That made today pretty tiresome. However we did progress far enough that we will be putting on lathe and clay tiles tomorrow. That means we also get to present and dedicate both houses tomorrow! Very exciting!
I have finally gotten a couple of pics to load and will try more tomorrow.
Thanks for prayers and encouraging comments!

Comments

2009-01-22T23:10:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the comments as you read the posts. They help a lot!!

Day 3

2009-01-22T22:01:00.002-06:00

I'll begin this entry sitting in Juan's parents house. We are having bible study with 5 of the local villagers. Grace is our topic of study taken from Hebrews and Romans. As the simplicity of the message (that is sometimes complicated btw) is light shining on their lives. I can see it. God is giving understanding even through translation into spanish and sometimes then into k'iche'.
I'll finish this laying on my bed, worn out from work and walking. The house is coming along well, with walls up and window spaces allowed for. Rafters will go on tomorrow.
We went to a neighboring village after work to the bible study I mentioned earlier. After the study we ate with them. I have to say the food has been a very pleasant surprise. We have had a lot more noodles than anything else. Breakfast was pancakes this morning. We even had fried shrimp last night.
So anyway, after supper we walked back to Terries. The elevation changes here are brutal! But tonight was a bit easier and I suspect will continue to be as we go through the week.
Juan is the missionary that was sent to Nicaragua when we were here last year.
Here is a picture of his family with Trampus.
He is back in Guatemala serving his village in civil service. He is serving as the superintendent of schools, but will head back to the mission field when this term is up. Juan shared his heart about the work in Nicaragua. The seeds we are watering here will produce fruit for generations to come.

Day 2 was full of drama

2009-01-21T22:08:00.003-06:00

The Ladies Drama Ministry that is. We worked all morning laying block and mixing mortar. Our half of the team consists of Trampus, Steve, Eric, Jerrod and me. After a delicious lunch of black beans, rice and grilled meat that was most likely goat, we rode up the mountain to a local pastor's house for the ladies drama. Last year when we were here, there were about 40 women involved in the ministry. This year about 60 women were participating. The bible story we 'dramatized' today was Ruth 3 and the story of the kinsman redeemer. The story was read in Spanish and translated into K'iche' for the women. This was done twice, then acted out. The first goup of actor were yours truly as Noami, Trampus as Ruth and Steve B as Boaz. The ladies and we laughed a lot during the acting of this story, but the point was definitely made. The story was then acted out by some more of our group and finally acted out by the ladies themselves. Each time it was read from the Word. What an incredible impact this is making on a people group that does not yet have a translation of the bible in their native language. We were thrilled and honored to have a part in imprinting the Word on their heart.

We had to walk the jungle path back to the compound. This is the path that is vertical on both sides. To the right it goes straight up and to the left it goes straight down; a long ways! Ten thousand feet of elevation and mountain climbing are pretty rough on this fat boy's lungs. The rest of me does fairly well, but the lungs were a-burning on the way back tonight.
Once we got back to the compound we had a debriefing time and a chance to share some things that impacted each of us from the day. I'm on this trip with some of the best friends I have in the ministry. I respect them greatly. They are men of God. To hear them pour out their hearts blessed me tremendously. There is an openness and honesty among us that is rare. We prayed for each other and encouraged each other. There are lots of things I am enjoying about this trip, but seeing God's activity in them is one of the most enjoyable!

Things I saw...

2009-01-20T23:09:00.002-06:00

...on the way from Guatemala City to Vasquez:
A car with a Stephen F. Austin State University sticker on the back.
An entire family riding on a motorcycle.
A Dodge Caravan (not grand caravan) hearse. Silver.
Eleven grown (and some over-grown) men in a 1986 Toyota minivan. That was us.

All kidding aside. It is wonderful to be back with this precious family that houses and feeds us. Their love for our God is evident in their love for us. We do not communicate well with them, as they speak a combination of K´iche´ and Spanish. But our hearts are knit together because we are one in Christ.
Terri Littrell is the missionary we work with here. Pray for her. She battles unbelief, works mentality for salvation, government and old Mayan practices.

Tomorrow we work on the two houses and with the ladies drama ministry. Trampus gets to be Ruth, Steve gets to be Boaz and I get to be Naomi.

The Flight Out

2009-01-20T08:31:00.001-06:00

We are thru security checks and waiting for boarding. Revisiting memories of last years trip has been hilarious and at the same time has generated excitement to be there and join in Gods activity there. Thank you for sending me well. The names of the ladies we will be helping are Lucia Puac who has a 13 year old son and Delfina Lucia who has an 8 a 5 and a 2 year old. Pray for our work with these two families.

Ramblings

2008-12-22T00:43:00.005-06:00

The next few have been written over a month or so, as motivated to do so:

The God of mercy offers comfort. Part of the mercy He gives me is in the form of comfort. Comfort is needed in times when I dont know. When He hasnt revealed. Comfort is the peace that knows He is still in control. The circumstances may still hurt, but peace is there. That's comfort.

What's the deal with discipline? Why dont I have any of the 'self' variety? I can know what is needed or right or good and still talk myself out of choosing that way. Discipline always makes me think of the drill sergeant mentality. I dont think it really is though. I think discipline is more of a quiet resolve to do the right thing. I need that quiet resolve.

So everything I experience is for the comfort and/or salvation of others. My life is only valid when I have poured myself out to Him and into others. The exhaustion of being spent and used up as fuel for someone else is oddly gratifying. And when I'm not being spent or poured out everything begins to feel oddly empty. I'll take exhausted over empty any day.

Waiting is one of the hardest things I'm ever asked to do. But only on a spiritual level. Waiting in line at Six Flags with my friends is no problem. Waiting for the next Pink Panther movie to come out, again, no problem. Waiting on God seems to be the big struggle. Maybe if I'd spend the waiting time growing in Him instead of complaining or wishing time to pass the waiting would be more pleasant. I need to grow that way.

Blogging

2008-12-22T00:24:00.001-06:00

Getting my thoughts out and onto a somewhat permanent media is sometimes a drudgery. Sometimes it seems to be more trouble than its worth. But I know its good for me to express what God is doing in my life, for multiple reasons.
It causes me to be honest with where I am in my relationship with Him. Reading what I'm going through is more real than keeping it in the back of my mind.
It allows me to share joys and concerns with people who care.
It helps to clear my head of bits of truth that may or may not be related. Sometimes things just bounce around in there and spark off each other.
It reminds me that God is still at work in and around me, whether I've joined Him recently or not.
So I suppose I've tipped my hand about what I intend to write about tonight. Or maybe its just obvious to me because I know what it is. Either way, here we go:
The human side of us is constantly warring against the redeemed, new, spiritual side of us. The physical, human side wants immediate results or has selfish motives. The redeemed sides is patient, waiting on God and has selfLESS motives.
I find myself locked in this struggle all too often. The human side of me rules me more than it should. Today, I struggle with knowing His will. Instead of patiently being quiet at His feet, I want to make decisions on my own, taking matters into my own hand. I know full well the devastating consequences that could bring. And I will end up waiting for Him to reveal His will, leading me into action based on His perspective. But MAN I'm impatient.
So if you read this, pray for my waiting. Pray for me like you'd pray for that friend that is always struggling with being stupid. You all have a friend who just doesnt get it. Pretend that's me and pray.

Read the Word

2008-11-17T11:37:00.001-06:00

John Piper has a great article (or sermon) on his website, desiringgod.org that uses Romans 12 as a tutorial for how to read the Word. Or better said, he explains how to read Romans 12 and that could be used to show us how to read the Word. Anyway, its entitled Let Love Be Genuine and the 'how to read' part is about a third the way down the article. You should check it out.
I've been teaching my kids here at FBC that reading the Word is an event that requires more than a desire to finish the chapter and that needs to be viewed as more than another check on our list. Reading the Word needs to be intentional. It needs to be an event that requires prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to give meaning and insight. Allowing the words to settle in our hearts and become a part of who we are. I've given the following analogy a couple of times, and I'll share it with you.
Unfortunately, many of us read the Bible like this: its like seeing an oh 10 model camaro coming past us on the highway. We see if for a split second, then go tell our friends "I saw an oh 10 camaro!!". If we are to get out of the Bible what God intends for us, we should treat it like this: Go to the dealership and look at the camaro. Sit in the drivers seat and crank up the sound system. Ask for the keys and take it for a test drive. Pull out on the highway and FLOOR IT!! See what that baby will do. Bring it back to the lot and plop down the cash to buy it. Take it home and wash it. Wax it. Detail every inch of it. Then when you want to tell your friends about that oh 10 camaro, you'll know what you're talking about.
Read the Word. And enjoy!

Worship

2008-09-21T23:13:00.001-05:00

... Is our response to God. Unless He reveals himself to us thru the Word, how can we respond? The revelation of God is where worship begins.
...Is our response to God's work. He works in the world thru His word. Always has. Creation? Spoken. He told the prophets to speak His words. Jesus calmed the seas and cast out demons. You guessed it: by His word. The Holy Spirit gives testimony of the words of Jesus and gives us understanding as we read His word.
Worship is knowledge of and affection toward God thru His works. So the Word is prominent in worship.
The Word gives life. We were redeemed of imperishable seed, thru the living and enduring word of God. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Not just the first time, but faith is re-awakened by the word. The most incredible and miraculous of works, the redemption of my soul, is accomplished by the power of the Word.

So worship is about the Word of God. That makes preaching an incredibly weighty ordeal. No wonder the purifying preparation of my heart and character is so evident right now.

Oh to be God's man standing before God's people delivering God's message. I covet your prayers!
Sent from my BlackBerry Curve

Committed to Christ

2008-09-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

Not only for salvation.
For His view of God: as Holy and sovereign. Makes me want to surrender my (free) will to obey His. Seeing God as holy is a fearsome undertaking. It shows me the wretch I really am.
For His view of the world: heartbroken for the sin in it, spending ALL of myself to see it (them) redeemed. Making disciples of them, which requires that we walk alongside them and get to know them and love them.
For His view of sin and the devil: sin in me devastates my relationship with Him. Some sins need to be beat into submission. Some need to be starved to death. Some, God Himself has to remove from me; much like a Dr removes cancerous cells.
Will I choose to commit to Him in such a radical way that I have Christ's view in these matters? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
I will accept the responsibility of being transformed by the renewing of my mind.
Sent from my BlackBerry Curve

Friends

2008-08-26T21:18:00.001-05:00

Isnt it great to have really good friends!? People who encourage just when you need it. Or who correct and hold you accountable. Or, my favorite, tell you that they love you. When God places those people in your life, it is a blessing like none other.
Sometimes those friends come from unusual beginnings. For example, some of the most encouraging and best friends I have are former students. Kids I have seen grow up from 6-7 year old snot-nosed heathens to the Godly young men and women they are now. Youth ministers have a peculiar circumstance to deal with in this area. About the time we get to see a kid mature, we have to send them off to the world. But all hope (or communication)is not lost.
One of those good friends/former students sent me an email with some C. S. Lewis quotes in it and I thought I would share both my happiness in the friendship and the wonderful encouragement of the quotes themselves. So here goes:"'[Law said], 'If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God, it will make in the end no difference what you have chosen instead.' Those are hard words to take. Will it really make no difference whether it was women or patriotism, cocaine or art, whisky or a seat in the Cabinet, money or science? Well, surely no difference that matters. We shall have missed the end for which we were formed and rejected the only thing that satisfies."
The end for which we were formed. Wow, what an idea. That we were formed for the perfect relationship with God Almighty only salvation can bring. Everything else is dis-satisfaction.
The relationships He allows in our lives can and should mirror that perfect one with Him. That is a topic and idea I am exploring with great joy!
I seem to have rambled quite a bit on this one, i'll try to keep it together better on the next.

Moved

2008-08-24T09:59:00.001-05:00

You know that feeling you get when you got just the right amount of sleep? You wake up and have that rested sense of perfect sleep. Especially nice when it hasnt happened in a while. That's a pleasant awakening.

After pondering so much yesterday and today about music moving me, that part of me was awakened on the way home from Houston tonight. I stopped by Pineywoods on the way home to pick up some of Melo and my shoes. On the way out the driveway, I turned off the radio, rolled down the windows and opened the sunroof. For a long while there (until the rain made me close everything) the wind, God and me had a pow wow.

I told Him what was on my heart and really just tuned into His for about an hour or so. It was very refreshing. Then I cranked a CD back up and was MOVED by the songs I wailed before my King. The part of me that is moved by spending time tuned in to God (worship) awakened. What a pleasant awakening.

The 'Move' of Worship

2008-08-22T20:50:00.002-05:00

I know that music moves us. Its the way God set us up. That's not entirely a blanket statement, but by and large music moves us. My question for this musing is this: To where does music move us? It moves us from here (where we are) to where?

The right music moves me closer to my wife, or different music stirs a patriotic response in me. The music on that ASPCA (the sad one with the abused/neglected animals) commercial moves me to change the channel. But music that proclaims the Holiness or Righteousness or Sacrifice or Grandeur of our Lord moves me to offer Him all of me. It stirs in me a desire to surrender.

So music moves us toward the intended target? That doesn't sound exactly right. To where does music move us? It can move us to an ideal or event. Get the right jingle stuck in my head and I'll start craving coca-cola. But I don't think God's intended purpose for that programming is fulfilled by mass marketing that "teaches the world to sing, in perfect harmony". I think God's intended purpose in programming us to have music move us is so that we are moved to worship Him. So if the song you just listened to causes you to be amazed at the God of the universe, it fulfilled His intended purpose. If not, well that's 3+ minutes of your life you'll never get back.

At Wit's End

2008-08-11T13:07:00.001-05:00

...you will find yourself at your wits' end and at the beginning of God's wisdom. When you get to your wits' end and feel inclined to succumb to panic, don't; stand true to God and He will bring His truth out in a way that will make your life a sacrament. Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Oswald Chambers said it so much better than I could ever say it myself. I do believe that only when we get to our wit's end can we begin to trust God's wisdom. The Word says that He will never put anything on you that is more than you can bear. Only He is talking about temptation in this much quoted scripture, not about circumstances of life. You see, He wants to put more on you and me than we can bear because He knows it will cause us to rely on Him, instead of our own strength. Dont resist the trials of life. See them as the gift from God they are. You may find yourself in Elisha's shoes, striking the Jordan river with Elijah's cloak asking, “Where it the Lord, the God of Elijah?” and finding that the river has parted.

SNAC

2008-08-09T10:55:00.000-05:00

SNAC this weekend will be at Bro. Lee's house. Jr Hi needs to bring drinks, 9-10 chips and 11-12 desserts.

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Important?

2008-08-08T18:06:00.002-05:00

Is what we do important? I dont mean to ask if what we do is significant or interesting or cool. Is what I (or you or your gf or bf or, idk, your bff rose) do important? If it is then we should, by all means, pour all our hearts into it. We should let it consume our conscious moments and drive our dreams. We should shuffle our schedules to have more time to do that thing which we have realized is truly important. We should spend the money we work so hard to earn on that very important thing. We should convince our friends and families that it is the most worthy and valuable thing we could possibly do. We should invite them to join us, but if they refuse, it shouldnt deter us from continuing. When we face ridicule and persecution for doing that most important thing, we should set our face as a flint; determined to carry on.
If what we do is not important, we shouldnt.

Ok, so this begs the question: what do we do? I cant answer that for anyone but me, and I dont like the answer very much. Reason being that what I do is largely unimportant. Gandhi said: what we are doing may seem insignificant, but it is most important that we do it. I like to pretend that what I do is significant and that people are very concerned that I do it. When, in fact, much of what I do is not. I would like people to see me as important and my work monumental. But that's the fallen side of me. The Christ in me (who, btw, is working very hard to be seen) doesnt care the people see me or my work as important or monumental. He cares that they see Himself in me. They can only do that as I spend time with them and love them and care for them. Who "they" and "them" is should be a different musing altogether. Let's suffice it to say that for now, I want for God to change me. That doesnt sound like its going to be very comfortable, but I'm ok with that.

2008-06-26T21:20:00.001-05:00

Most people who know her consider one of the genuinely greatest humans they know. We, however, see her in a whole different light.

World Car Show, Addison, Texas

2008-06-25T01:42:00.003-05:00

Why is it that when you know you can sleep in the next day, you tend to stay up to all hours of the night, thus ruining the benefit of extra sleep? I'd be Tammy Greene has a good answer to that question! Well, I find myself there tonight. We are meeting up at 12:30 tomorrow for breakfast at IHOP so we could stay up late tonight.
The card games are now over, the boys are snoring softly and I've exhausted all the useless websites on the internet, so here I sit; not ready for sleep.
We have tackled a pretty interesting topic this week so far in the form of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 'big three' of Jewish faith. Jews and Muslims alike point back to Abraham as the father of their existence (to a degree anyway). Looking at the heritage that was passed from one to the next, and even further considering Joseph, we see that God was able to use some faulty character in order to accomplish His purposes. Deceit seemed to be a character fault passed down from one generation to the next. (If you arent familiar with the story, you'll need to read it to get that one.) But one constant in each of those is the favor of God rested on each, so His faithfulness was able to see things through.
Things are so very the same today. It is not the great character and nobility of any of us that accomplishes greatness on God's behalf, it is His own faithful character. I have been amazed at the conversations these kids have had this week. People like Ramona, the Niccoli gentlemen, Kelsey, the massage lady all have their own stories and you need to ask about them the next time you see one of the students that went on this trip. They'll tell you that God is busy setting up appointments for us to share His fame.

Passion

2008-04-20T21:57:00.002-05:00

For various reasons I havent told anyone about this yet, and even though I should prolly post it in my All in the Family blog, its more serious than what I usually put there so here goes.

Each Thursday morning at Rusk Intermediate School (4th and 5th grade) is CSI which is a clever acronym for Christian students something or other. I was invited to attend this past week to answer any questions that might come up during the discussion. I wasnt aware that my oldest son, Bryce, was leading that discussion.

About 45-50 of students came into the science lab for the meeting. Bryce read several verses from Romans that turned out to be the Roman road. He explained what each meant and that God's purpose was to provide salvation for us. It was good

The impact part of the time I spent at RIS was realizing the passion with which Bryce speaks about the things of God. I have heard him speak to his peers many times about this or that report he was giving for this or that project. I have heard him speak to his peers twice when he was talking to them about God's plan for their lives. The difference is amazing. He is well spoken and organized with any topic, but what the Spirit of God does in him when he is sharing from Scripture is different from any other time. He has an incredible burden for his friends to walk with God. He sees God's Word as ultimately important. I'm sure they exist, but I've never known a 10 year old with that kind of spiritual depth.

Melo and I see him growing up so fast that its almost alarming. She says she wants him to be her little boy always but my take on it is this: God has incredible plans for him and watching that unfold will be amazing. He is growing up too fast, but as he grows, so does his passion for the things of God.

The Empty Tomb

2008-03-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

The Empty Tomb
The darkness of Jesus' death was like no other. We cant imagine what it is like to have seen Him, eaten with Him, and lived by His side. How horrible that darkness must have been for those who loved Him dearly.
As they came to the tomb that morning, the knowledge that He was no longer there only caused the darkness to suffocate them even more. They couldnt yet understand the resurrection. All they could see was that His body was missing. Now their mourning would even be cheated.
'His sheep hear his voice and recognize His voice and He knows them by name'. When Jesus said "Mary" she immediately came out of the darkness. And oh, what a great light she saw. Jesus wasnt missing, He was resurrected from the dead!
The empty tomb isnt a symbol of what is lost, but of what is gained: Everlasting life for those who put their trust in Him.

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2008-03-06T11:38:00.002-06:00

So Collin has set us up with a myspace page. www.myspace.com/fbcyouthministry
I blogged a little bit there this morning but prolly wont very often. If you have something you'd like to put there, just email it to me or Collin and we will add it.

I'm really looking forward to our time at Spring Break Retreat! We have gotten to the point on retreats that we just try to spend time unwinding. I know this semester has been hectic and draining, so we will have plenty of down time. There will be some indepth bible studies during the mornings and worship in the evenings, but afternoon will be free time to explore and play then nights will be some outdoor group activities. You know what that's code for.

Lake Tomahawk is a really scenic spot. It is more developed than last year's spring break spot, so it has more recreational stuff to offer. If you wanna check it out online, go to www.laketomahawk.org then open the about us link then campus map. There's not much else there, but its something.

So tell your parents you wanna go and we'll have a great time together!

Therapy

2008-02-10T21:26:00.000-06:00

Today was most interesting. I woke up about 7:30 absolutely worn out from the dream I had last night. It was one of those dreams where you are chasing around after something you can't find and when you wake up, it feels as though a beating was administered in your sleep. But things began to look up as Melo went and got donuts for us.
At church I realized that I was wearing navy blue pants, not the black ones I distinctly remember getting out of my closet. I had the black socks, shoes and belt, but navy pants. Many of you were present for the debacle I made of the announcement concerning "Valentine's Day" next weekend, and as things continued on a downward spiral, I noticed at lunch that my pants had been unzipped all morning. Thank goodness for choir robes!
That's a pretty rough start according to most standards. However, the great thing about being part of this particular church is that as I was sharing about my mission trip, it occurred to me that I was surrounded by people who love the Lord and love me and were interested in what my life had been like that week in Guatemala. Sharing with you the things God revealed to me was nothing short of therapy that washed all the sheepish embarrassment down the drain. Thank you for being my church and letting me be your Minister to Students!

In Christ,

Jason

The Facilities

2008-01-25T17:35:00.000-06:00

This is our "corn". It is about three and half feet high with a concrete toilet in the middle. That translates into: even sitting down my head is above the walls. Add this to the foot traffic about 20 yards away and you have a rather embarrassing experience. Just thought I'd share. You're welcome.

More Progress

2008-01-25T17:19:00.000-06:00

We got rafters up today and then the rains came. We are in the dry season but rain clouds blew in to the mountains from the ocean. Cold and wet.

Here's the Proof

2008-01-24T16:48:00.000-06:00

....that we are NOT just vacationing in Vegas. This one is Trampus, Eric and Banjo laying the top row of blocks. We got the ceiling joists cut and on so the roof goes on tomorrow.

Melo requested this one

2008-01-24T16:43:00.000-06:00

Pedro and the guys

2008-01-23T21:14:00.000-06:00

Laying block for one of the houses we are building in Guatemala. Did I mention we are at 9000 feet? This fat boy is sucking wind!

First Morning in Guatemala

2008-01-23T07:12:00.000-06:00

The country is beautiful.

Kelsey Walking

2008-01-12T16:00:00.001-06:00

Here we are 48 hours after surgery and she's up walking around the nurses station.

Fear

2008-01-01T00:37:00.000-06:00

As we have rung in the new year at Pineywoods, I am absolutely amazed at the power of God. Tonight we were challenged to understand that fear is a tool of the enemy used to oppose God's will in our lives. There was a lot of meat on that bone, but what I intend to share relates to my two sons.
Between the end of our worship service and midnight, each of them, at separate and spontaneous times, shared with me how God is working in their lives regarding fear. The spiritual depth and maturity is beyond their years. Since before they were born Melo and I have been praying for that kind of Godliness in their lives. To see Him actively and currently answering those prayers is a blessing beyond the ability of words. Praise be to the Most High God!

Winter Camp

2008-01-01T00:25:00.000-06:00

Here are a coupla shots of the kids around the bonfire just before the New Years Eve fireworks show.

Fireworks

2008-01-01T00:06:00.001-06:00

New Year's Eve fireworks show during Winter Camp at Pineywoods.

2008-01-01T00:04:00.001-06:00

...of the same.

Winter Camp

2007-12-30T00:29:00.000-06:00

We will leave FBC at 1 on Monday to head for Winter Camp. Be sure to pack warm clothes as it will be cold Tuesday and Wednesday.

Breakfast

2007-11-20T20:17:00.000-06:00

At times throughout the year, my dear friend Trampus and I meet on Monday's for breakfast. I usually make the short drive to Jacksonville, pick him up and head over to la Fonda del Sol for breakfast burritos. Trampus is in the long process of building a house (praying for you Charlan) so we are not meeting at this time.
That said, today I did have breakfast with some dear friends. We met at Big Al's and I had the best non-mexican breakfast burrito ever. The best part of my morning wasn't the food though. It was the company of two incredibly Godly young women. I had invited any of the kids who were exempt to meet there and Elizabeth and Laura took me up on it.
Sometimes ministry means you are around a lot of students, but get to know few of them. Im glad God has me in a place where I can get to know kids like these two. They have a heart to know Him and make Him known. And spending time with them today made me want to do the same.

Breakfast

2007-11-20T19:39:00.000-06:00

Model A

2007-11-11T16:29:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics from this weeks progress. We have begun talk about how sin related to the need for salvation. The bible part of this project is in depth and will help lay a strong foundation for these students.

Success!

2007-11-04T16:03:00.000-06:00

The cab and frame are separated!

Model A

2007-11-04T15:36:00.000-06:00

Melissa takes up metalworking.

Model A

2007-11-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

The steering column is off and the last of the body bolts are coming out. The cab should be in the air shortly.

Model A Tear-down

2007-10-28T19:48:00.000-05:00

More progress is made on the model a project this Sunday. The cab should be off the frame by the time we finish this afternoon.

After

2007-10-27T18:02:00.000-05:00

It looks like a different place. What a blessing to see all the adults and youth give a day to be a blessing to others!

It was a bigger project

2007-10-27T14:58:00.001-05:00

...than we at first thought. Two of the men replace the lapboard.

Work Begins

2007-10-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

Fall work project of painting a local house. We had a great turnout of both students and adults!

Progress!

2007-10-27T11:14:00.000-05:00

Model A Project Begins

2007-10-21T16:38:00.000-05:00

Bible study and mechanics. What could be better?

Confirmed!

2007-10-20T18:53:00.001-05:00

The Rusk High School band did in fact make their 1's at UIL marching competition today. CONGRATULATIONS EAGLE BAND!

11 in a row?

2007-10-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

The Rusk High School Band marched today seeking to start their way towards an 11th consecutive sweepstakes. They looked good.

Win A $5,000 Scholarship

2007-10-18T09:57:00.001-05:00

Here's a great video for students to see.

Senior Night

2007-10-16T19:17:00.001-05:00

Rachel Mahaffey is presented by her parents, Wayne and D'Linda. Congrats Rachel!

Senior Night Volleyball

2007-10-16T19:15:00.000-05:00

Meagan Richey is presented by her dad, Pat. Congrats Meagan!

Fall Retreat

2007-10-16T14:41:00.001-05:00

Our time at Pineywoods for Fall Retreat was incredible. God revealed Himself to us and showed His desire for our lives. He wants us to be people He can brag on. Not that we be puffed up with pride, but that we have confidence in His ability to work through us. He wants us to have the kind of faith in Him that allows us to praise Him in every circumstance.
Big thanks to Nick and Bobby D. for they way they poured themselves out before God. To see young men love the Lord and reach out to students is a tremendous blessing.
The next thing we have planned is Mid-Winter Advance over New Year's Eve.

2007-10-16T14:36:00.000-05:00

So, Reese, what is that mad volleyball move you're making there? Never seen that one before.

There are a ton of pics from Fall Retreat you can have. Just email me and I'll send you whatever I have

2007-10-16T14:29:00.001-05:00

Brandon watches a great game. Unfold those arms man! This is hard core.

Fall Retreat

2007-09-30T15:22:00.001-05:00

Just a friendly reminder that Fall Retreat money ($60) is due Sunday the 7th.

Work Project

2007-09-30T15:20:00.001-05:00

OK. No one would believe this one without pictures. We went to the Walker's place to clean the brush out of their pond. When asking for volunteers to go on this project I purposely left out most of the details.
We shucked our shoes and waded into the pond. Mud up to your knees under water to your waist is a great way to start the day. We made our way around the edge pulling tree tops up to the bank.
Mr. Walker fell off a rather steep part of the bank and did a back tuck into the pond which threw Mrs. Walker into a fit of laughter. We were stunned, but it was hilarious. He wasnt hurt so we all went back to work.
This was the most unusual project we have done to date, but it was a blast.
Want to know more? Ask Collin, Ricky Bobby, Melissa or Sydney.

SYATP

2007-09-30T14:57:00.001-05:00

Setho at MudBash

2007-09-15T18:18:00.000-05:00

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MudBash

2007-09-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

Well, we all got in the mud this year so there was no one to take pics to have proof of us even being here (except the mud in various ears). Setho came after his baseball games and played so here's one of him.
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Destiny

2007-09-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

For the past 6 weeks our youth group has been studying the idea that we each have a destiny. More than that, the idea that God is desiring to reveal His very specific plans to each of us.
We looked at the life and destiny of King David, John the Baptist, Stephen and, as a group, the early church. Each became aware of and lived out their destiny differently.
My favorite was Stephen. He was a regular church member who was appointed as deacon, then given the job of distributing that days version of meals on wheels. As he walked closer and closer to God he was given the opportunity to speak to the Jewish leadership. That turned out to be his last day on earth, but his first day in heaven.
As each of these grew closer to God they could see more clearly God's very specific plans. Their destiny was realized as they each began to work along side Him.
As we long to know what the future holds, we can come along side the Master and see, in Him, our destiny.
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Church

2007-09-02T21:35:00.000-05:00

I know, there's no picture with this post and as much as that irks me I'm doing it anyway.
Its Sunday night and we are settling in to bed after a full day at FBC. Tomorrow is Labor Day and all the kids in our group (except 2) will be in school tomorrow.
It occurs to me that I have heard two very different, but equally challenging messages today. One was a reminder of how much God really loves is and pursues is to enter a relationship with us. The other was a 'teaching sermon' on the lives of two of King David's sons. That message had a simple and profound effect on me: that I be satisfied with no more and no less than what God allows me to be. I believe He has grand plans for everyone who puts their faith in Him. I believe the plans He has for me are bigger and better than I would plan for myself. I want it all. Everything He has for me. I don't want to settle for a small faith that barely gets me home. I want to be the spiritual leader and saint He sees when He looks at me through His eternal eyes. The other side of the same coin says I don't want to run ahead of Him, wanting for things He never intended for me. In His will. Smack dab in the center. That's where I want to spend my days on earth.
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Thanks to Lainie

2007-08-19T23:18:00.000-05:00

Need I say more?
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Melissa brushing her hair?!?

2007-08-19T22:52:00.000-05:00

Everybody knows that's fake.
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Becca and Amanda

2007-08-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

Theirspacing.
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Computer time

2007-08-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

Ella shows the girls a few things about computer programming.
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KP

2007-08-19T22:44:00.000-05:00

Sucking down the sonic route 44.
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Melissa

2007-08-19T22:42:00.000-05:00

There's a full throttle about to be spilled in the background.
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Passtime

2007-08-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

Exchanging ringtones. Heard something about hittin a skripper in da head.
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2007-08-19T22:37:00.000-05:00

Ella and Sam have a conversation. Sam talks A LOT.
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Amanda and Elizabeth

2007-08-19T22:35:00.000-05:00

There's a world of brainpower on that couch.
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Lainie

2007-08-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

More girls night
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Katie and Sydney

2007-08-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

At girls night. Its a veritable estrogen overload around here
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RIP Summer 07

2007-08-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

As summer draws to a close we are looking forward to God moving through us this fall. We are planning to be at Mudbash on the 15th of September.

SYATP is September 26th so plans are being made for that as well.

We will have 5th Quarter for each of our 4 home games this year, with all the food and great music expected there.

Finally, our Fall Retreat will be October 12-14 at Pineywoods in their new Edgemond Lodge facility.

Join us for our weekly meeting every Wednesday afternoon at 372 E 4th Street, FBC Rusk!

Jason Hoffman
Minister to Students
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