Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Upside Down
All of this past week I was at Elevate, a Christian camp for teenagers held at Rochester College. This is the sixth time I have been a part of this camp and the fourth consecutive year I have been a part of the camp since I moved to Rochester.
This year was an incredible year. For months I have been praying for God to move in some very powerful ways in our youth group, and He answered many of those prayers this past week. I witnessed reconciliation, unification, and spiritual growth. It was incredible to see God at work.
Two of the students from our group were baptized this week. I had the honor of baptizing Addy Laster into Christ and Hannah Harrell was baptized by her dad in the river. I always enjoy seeing someone being baptized into Christ.
The theme for this year was “Upside Down” and there were a lot of people whose lives seemed to be turned upside for the better. I listened to students share their burdens, recommit their lives, and seek God. The times of worship were incredibly powerful.
I spoke about the following passage on Monday morning…
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
This week I was able to see students and adults, myself included, respond to God’s call for us to be salt and light to a world in need of the love of God. Whether it was in worship, through meditation on God’s word, in small groups, at our youth group devos, or during times of serving, the Holy Spirit was moving at Elevate this year. Praise God for the ways He shapes us and moves us to bring the Kingdom of God to life around us.
shine!
Jason
This year was an incredible year. For months I have been praying for God to move in some very powerful ways in our youth group, and He answered many of those prayers this past week. I witnessed reconciliation, unification, and spiritual growth. It was incredible to see God at work.
Two of the students from our group were baptized this week. I had the honor of baptizing Addy Laster into Christ and Hannah Harrell was baptized by her dad in the river. I always enjoy seeing someone being baptized into Christ.
The theme for this year was “Upside Down” and there were a lot of people whose lives seemed to be turned upside for the better. I listened to students share their burdens, recommit their lives, and seek God. The times of worship were incredibly powerful.
I spoke about the following passage on Monday morning…
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
This week I was able to see students and adults, myself included, respond to God’s call for us to be salt and light to a world in need of the love of God. Whether it was in worship, through meditation on God’s word, in small groups, at our youth group devos, or during times of serving, the Holy Spirit was moving at Elevate this year. Praise God for the ways He shapes us and moves us to bring the Kingdom of God to life around us.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sword of the Spirit
Last night I had a chance to speak in what I call "big church." Patrick was out of town and I offered to teach for Connections in the auditorium.
It worked out well because Patrick has been talking about Spiritual Warfare and I have been teaching a series on the armor of God Paul discusses in Ephesians 6. So last night I presented a lesson on the sixth piece of the armor, the sword of the Spirit.
This was a challenging lesson for me because it forced me to examine my own life, habits, and behaviors. The lesson was as much for me as it was anyone else. As is the case in many of my lessons, I am challenging myself as much as everyone else in the audience.
The word of God, the sword of the Spirit, is living and active. It is a weapon that we must be familiar with and use wisely.
It is our weapon against the forces of darkness. Just as Jesus used God's word to battle temptation in Matthew 4, you and I must embrace it as a weapon in our fight.
We must use the Word to correct, rebuke, and encourage one another as followers of Jesus. We must not be afraid to patiently use it to instruct each other.
When we live out God's word in our lives, it will also introduce people to God. When the Word comes to life in our lives, God becomes visible. It allows us to be salt and light.
We should never shy away from allowing the sword of the Spirit to dissect our own lives. James describes the word of God as a mirror that we should look into and make changes when needed. How often do we ignore what we see when we look into God's word and compare our own life?
It seems as though many Christians either fail to realize or acknowledge that we are in a war. This is a struggle against the powers of darkness in the heavenly realms as well as this world. Our battle is not against flesh and blood.
Why is it that so many appear to take this battle so lightheartedly? Things like Scripture memorization and bringing a Bible to worship or even Bible class have fallen out of vogue. Why is this?
Have we overreacted to a past where we flirted with worshipping the Bible instead of God?
Have we created a culture where we put verse on the screen, so you don't think you need your Bible?
Have we allowed so many other things to consume our time, that God's word has lost its place in our lives?
The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are so intimately entwined in our spiritual life. The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is such a vital part of that equation. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples shortly before His arrest and trial...
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:15-21)
If we want to experience God's love and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth, we must also expose ourselves to truth. Yes, we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism. Yes, the Spirit works in our lives. But we must also, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)
The word of Christ will only dwell in us richly when we invest time in drinking it in. If we are serious about discipleship and following Christ, then we must commit time to sharpening ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God.
shine!
Jason
It worked out well because Patrick has been talking about Spiritual Warfare and I have been teaching a series on the armor of God Paul discusses in Ephesians 6. So last night I presented a lesson on the sixth piece of the armor, the sword of the Spirit.
This was a challenging lesson for me because it forced me to examine my own life, habits, and behaviors. The lesson was as much for me as it was anyone else. As is the case in many of my lessons, I am challenging myself as much as everyone else in the audience.
The word of God, the sword of the Spirit, is living and active. It is a weapon that we must be familiar with and use wisely.
It is our weapon against the forces of darkness. Just as Jesus used God's word to battle temptation in Matthew 4, you and I must embrace it as a weapon in our fight.
We must use the Word to correct, rebuke, and encourage one another as followers of Jesus. We must not be afraid to patiently use it to instruct each other.
When we live out God's word in our lives, it will also introduce people to God. When the Word comes to life in our lives, God becomes visible. It allows us to be salt and light.
We should never shy away from allowing the sword of the Spirit to dissect our own lives. James describes the word of God as a mirror that we should look into and make changes when needed. How often do we ignore what we see when we look into God's word and compare our own life?
It seems as though many Christians either fail to realize or acknowledge that we are in a war. This is a struggle against the powers of darkness in the heavenly realms as well as this world. Our battle is not against flesh and blood.
Why is it that so many appear to take this battle so lightheartedly? Things like Scripture memorization and bringing a Bible to worship or even Bible class have fallen out of vogue. Why is this?
Have we overreacted to a past where we flirted with worshipping the Bible instead of God?
Have we created a culture where we put verse on the screen, so you don't think you need your Bible?
Have we allowed so many other things to consume our time, that God's word has lost its place in our lives?
The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are so intimately entwined in our spiritual life. The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is such a vital part of that equation. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples shortly before His arrest and trial...
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:15-21)
If we want to experience God's love and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth, we must also expose ourselves to truth. Yes, we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism. Yes, the Spirit works in our lives. But we must also, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16)
The word of Christ will only dwell in us richly when we invest time in drinking it in. If we are serious about discipleship and following Christ, then we must commit time to sharpening ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God.
shine!
Jason
Monday, June 15, 2009
Reaching out across the street
I am so excited about yesterday! Sunday morning our students and parents partnered to reach out to our community. Instead of sitting in a classroom talking about our faith (which is not a bad thing), we were able to get out of our comfort zone and live out our faith.
Across the street from our church building is an apartment complex with 526 units. For some time, God has placed a burden on my heart (and on the hearts of other members of our staff) to reach out to this community with the love of Jesus. There are literally a few thousand people within shouting distance of our building who may never have experienced the love of God. I am sure there are hundreds who are hurting in a variety of ways.
We did not go to set up Bible studies, preach to them about salvation, or take a survey. We simply went to extend a hand of friendship. On Sunday, July 5, we will be having our Jubilee Sunday. On this special Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:00am, followed by a BBQ and activities for all ages. It will be a great day!
Our purpose in going across the street is simply to invite the members of that community to get to know us better. My prayer is that through knowing us, they will come to know Jesus.
Above anything else, God is a God of relationship and community. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His image. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we are created and called to live in community. We are designed to know and be known. We find our value in living out our purpose.
Yesterday, just as God reached out to us through Jesus of Nazareth, we reached out. We reached out to those who may very well need a smile, a hug, or just a place to belong. We want to be His hands and feet to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless. There is no greater purpose than that.
shine!
Jason
Across the street from our church building is an apartment complex with 526 units. For some time, God has placed a burden on my heart (and on the hearts of other members of our staff) to reach out to this community with the love of Jesus. There are literally a few thousand people within shouting distance of our building who may never have experienced the love of God. I am sure there are hundreds who are hurting in a variety of ways.
We did not go to set up Bible studies, preach to them about salvation, or take a survey. We simply went to extend a hand of friendship. On Sunday, July 5, we will be having our Jubilee Sunday. On this special Sunday, there will be one combined service at 10:00am, followed by a BBQ and activities for all ages. It will be a great day!
Our purpose in going across the street is simply to invite the members of that community to get to know us better. My prayer is that through knowing us, they will come to know Jesus.
Above anything else, God is a God of relationship and community. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
God created us in His image. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in community with one another, we are created and called to live in community. We are designed to know and be known. We find our value in living out our purpose.
Yesterday, just as God reached out to us through Jesus of Nazareth, we reached out. We reached out to those who may very well need a smile, a hug, or just a place to belong. We want to be His hands and feet to bring light to the darkness, hope to the hopeless, and peace to the restless. There is no greater purpose than that.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Penguin persecution, even from an elder
Yesterday, I made the decision to wear my Pittsburgh Penguins jersey. I realize this was a brave/foolish decision on my part. However, I wanted to rejoice in the Penguins' victory in game 6 the night before. First of all, it was a well played game and they deserved the win. Second, and more importantly, the Red Wings will more than likely win Friday night and skate around the Joe with Lord Stanley's Cup. Therefore, yesterday was my chance to revel in the moment.
Well, it started and never ended. The looks. The words. The general sense of unhappiness when anyone saw me.
"Why would you wear that?"
"Seriously?"
"What is THAT?"
And to top it all off, last night at the conclusion of our elder/staff meeting we were about to pray. One of our elders looked at me and said, "Say a special prayer for Jason." Wow, even dissed by an elder.
I realize that everyone (well at least the people at church) were saying all of this to me in love. It was kind of fun for the day to be the person almost everyone looked at with disgust. The real fun could be around the corner if the Penguins do find a way to pull off the upset.
shine!
Jason
Well, it started and never ended. The looks. The words. The general sense of unhappiness when anyone saw me.
"Why would you wear that?"
"Seriously?"
"What is THAT?"
And to top it all off, last night at the conclusion of our elder/staff meeting we were about to pray. One of our elders looked at me and said, "Say a special prayer for Jason." Wow, even dissed by an elder.
I realize that everyone (well at least the people at church) were saying all of this to me in love. It was kind of fun for the day to be the person almost everyone looked at with disgust. The real fun could be around the corner if the Penguins do find a way to pull off the upset.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, June 07, 2009
An anchor in a sea of transition
Transition can be a difficult time. Transition can mean loss, gain, or both. This week I am experiencing both.
I found out earlier this week that a friend from high school took his own life. We were in marching band together and would talk during band and in various other venues. He was a talented, intelligent, and enjoyable person. I don’t know all of the things that caused his life to unfold this way, but I know that he will be missed. My heart first and foremost goes out to his family. It is a time of difficult transition for them and for anyone who knew him at a variety of levels.
I had recently reconnected with him on Facebook and was looking forward to catching up on life. Loss brings about painful transition, especially when it is transition with such finality.
On the other hand, this week we are welcoming the new seventh graders into our ministry. This is an exciting time as they move into the youth group and begin a new chapter of their lives. I know that it is both an exciting and scary time for many parents, especially those who are sending their oldest child into new, uncharted territory.
I am looking forward to getting to know these new members of the ARISE family as they begin this part of their journey of following Jesus. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for them.
Whether it’s loss or gain, transition is all around is. It is inevitable. It is unavoidable. It is a part of life. In the midst of a world engulfed in change, there is only one thing – or rather one person – who never changes. The Hebrew author writes that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
When you find yourself in times of change or transition, look to the One who never changes. In times of good transition, we can tend to forget about God. In times of difficult transition, we tend to blame God. Instead of forgetting or blaming Him, let’s reach out and hold on to the One who is an anchor. Let me close with the words of the author of Hebrews:
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. (Hebrews 6:18-19)
shine!
Jason
I found out earlier this week that a friend from high school took his own life. We were in marching band together and would talk during band and in various other venues. He was a talented, intelligent, and enjoyable person. I don’t know all of the things that caused his life to unfold this way, but I know that he will be missed. My heart first and foremost goes out to his family. It is a time of difficult transition for them and for anyone who knew him at a variety of levels.
I had recently reconnected with him on Facebook and was looking forward to catching up on life. Loss brings about painful transition, especially when it is transition with such finality.
On the other hand, this week we are welcoming the new seventh graders into our ministry. This is an exciting time as they move into the youth group and begin a new chapter of their lives. I know that it is both an exciting and scary time for many parents, especially those who are sending their oldest child into new, uncharted territory.
I am looking forward to getting to know these new members of the ARISE family as they begin this part of their journey of following Jesus. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for them.
Whether it’s loss or gain, transition is all around is. It is inevitable. It is unavoidable. It is a part of life. In the midst of a world engulfed in change, there is only one thing – or rather one person – who never changes. The Hebrew author writes that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
When you find yourself in times of change or transition, look to the One who never changes. In times of good transition, we can tend to forget about God. In times of difficult transition, we tend to blame God. Instead of forgetting or blaming Him, let’s reach out and hold on to the One who is an anchor. Let me close with the words of the author of Hebrews:
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. (Hebrews 6:18-19)
shine!
Jason
Friday, June 05, 2009
Rooms on the move
Today, two dear friends came over and helped us paint two rooms in our house. Well, OK, I didn't do any painting, but that was by request. The last time I tried to help with a painting project at my house with friends, they basically said, "Jason, step away from the paint roller and no one gets hurt." If you have a basement wall or primer work, give me a call. If you want a good paint job, ask me to get you some water and move furniture.
Anyway, we are swapping Matthew's bedroom and our office/guest room. This has been a fun little project. Michelle will now have a room for doing homeschool, instead of having to work at the kitchen table. Let me stop for a minute and tell you how proud I am of my family. Michelle does a great job schooling Matthew. A lot of that is because she looks at life as a classroom. While she and Matthew do sit down to do school work, she also looks for opportunities for learning away from the "classroom." I also love that she integrates faith and Scripture into her teaching. Her hard work is paying off! I have been impressed with the servant heart and character of my son. I know that much of that is due to the hard work of Michelle. She is an incredible woman!
Back to the rooms. Matthew is pretty excited about his new bedroom. The top third of the walls are white and the bottom two-thirds are Steeler gold. Yes, Matthew's new room will be a Steeler room which will include black and gold paint, a Ben Roethlisberger Fat Head, a football with autographs from Super Bowl XL (including Ben's), and a few other Steeler's items grandpa has provided. It will be a fun and colorful room.
It is always refreshing to move things around, sort through stuff, and give rooms a fresh coat of paint. There is a feeling of renewal in the Steckel house this weekend.
shine!
Jason
Anyway, we are swapping Matthew's bedroom and our office/guest room. This has been a fun little project. Michelle will now have a room for doing homeschool, instead of having to work at the kitchen table. Let me stop for a minute and tell you how proud I am of my family. Michelle does a great job schooling Matthew. A lot of that is because she looks at life as a classroom. While she and Matthew do sit down to do school work, she also looks for opportunities for learning away from the "classroom." I also love that she integrates faith and Scripture into her teaching. Her hard work is paying off! I have been impressed with the servant heart and character of my son. I know that much of that is due to the hard work of Michelle. She is an incredible woman!
Back to the rooms. Matthew is pretty excited about his new bedroom. The top third of the walls are white and the bottom two-thirds are Steeler gold. Yes, Matthew's new room will be a Steeler room which will include black and gold paint, a Ben Roethlisberger Fat Head, a football with autographs from Super Bowl XL (including Ben's), and a few other Steeler's items grandpa has provided. It will be a fun and colorful room.
It is always refreshing to move things around, sort through stuff, and give rooms a fresh coat of paint. There is a feeling of renewal in the Steckel house this weekend.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Pursuing peace
Peace.
People protest for it. It has it’s own symbol. There are songs written about it.
But why is peace so elusive? Why has generation after generation been seeking peace, but war and violence ruled the day?
I believe that peace cannot be forced. It cannot be legislated. There is no treaty that guarantees peace.
I believe that true peace only comes when we are transformed by the world to God’s way of looking at things. Consider what Paul writes…
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)
Real peace comes from an army of Christ-followers seeking to live the kind of lives that live at peace with others. When we show true love, compassion, and kindness to those we encounter, we can change the world. In the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
shine!
Jason
People protest for it. It has it’s own symbol. There are songs written about it.
But why is peace so elusive? Why has generation after generation been seeking peace, but war and violence ruled the day?
I believe that peace cannot be forced. It cannot be legislated. There is no treaty that guarantees peace.
I believe that true peace only comes when we are transformed by the world to God’s way of looking at things. Consider what Paul writes…
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)
Real peace comes from an army of Christ-followers seeking to live the kind of lives that live at peace with others. When we show true love, compassion, and kindness to those we encounter, we can change the world. In the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
What's the point?
We pursue so many things to find purpose in life. In the words of Solomon, “Everything is meaningless, completely meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) We chase after so many things that are unimportant in the grand scheme of life. We go after success and satisfaction, money and materials, and popularity and power. We invest so much of our time in gathering things that are only temporary.
No wonder so many people wrestle with the question that has consumed mankind for generations. It may appear in a variety of forms, but the basic question is, “What’s the point of this life?”
Solomon wrestled with this question and wrote his thoughts down to be shared for thousands of years with billions of people. At the end of his thoughts, he states the following…
That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
We are created to be God’s children. In the words of the prophet Micah, “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
In a world full of people seeking purpose and wholeness, the answer is simple, although not necessarily easy. God created us in His image and without Him we are incomplete. In order to find true purpose, we must seek to live as people with God-shaped lives.
Fearing God is not cowering in a corner. It is a healthy respect for the One who made us. Obeying God’s commands is not intended to be a burden. Rather, it frees us to live outside the constraints and poison of sin.
So often, people pursue substitutes for the only thing that brings wholeness. Instead of using their abilities and talents to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, they use them to do what is pleasing, love themselves, and walk proudly among men. We will find our true identity when we pursue the purposes God intends.
shine!
Jason
No wonder so many people wrestle with the question that has consumed mankind for generations. It may appear in a variety of forms, but the basic question is, “What’s the point of this life?”
Solomon wrestled with this question and wrote his thoughts down to be shared for thousands of years with billions of people. At the end of his thoughts, he states the following…
That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
We are created to be God’s children. In the words of the prophet Micah, “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
In a world full of people seeking purpose and wholeness, the answer is simple, although not necessarily easy. God created us in His image and without Him we are incomplete. In order to find true purpose, we must seek to live as people with God-shaped lives.
Fearing God is not cowering in a corner. It is a healthy respect for the One who made us. Obeying God’s commands is not intended to be a burden. Rather, it frees us to live outside the constraints and poison of sin.
So often, people pursue substitutes for the only thing that brings wholeness. Instead of using their abilities and talents to do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, they use them to do what is pleasing, love themselves, and walk proudly among men. We will find our true identity when we pursue the purposes God intends.
shine!
Jason
Monday, May 25, 2009
Burger, Dogs, and Sabbath
Yesterday we held our fourth annual Backyard BBQ. (We have hosted 3 of the 4 BBQs. The second year it rained and we were relegated to the youth room.) This has become one of my favorite family events of the year. We invite all of the families in our LifeStage to our house for an afternoon of food and hanging out.
Around 1:30pm, approximately 130 people invaded our backyard with lawn chairs and side dishes in tow. By then the burgers and hot dogs were already on the grills and the aroma was filling the air. (Thanks, Brenden for being the grillmaster.)
It seemed like in a matter of minutes everyone had staked out their spot under the famous shade tree and they were ready for an afternoon of good eating and visiting. The next three hours were filled with laughter, games of volleyball, conversations, and fun. It was a great afternoon!
I wondered why over 100 people would hang out in our backyard for over three hours on a Sunday afternoon, and then it dawned on me...
Most of us are too busy and very seldom do we have three hours to just sit and talk to other people. We run from activity to activity, event to event, with little time to just sit and visit. This event is more than a BBQ. It is almost a mini-Sabbath in the midst of scores of crazy lives. For a few hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon, people can take a break from their hectic lives and build relationships.
Yesterday in the high school class we were talking about our purpose in life. In the midst of a discussion about the 10 Commandments, one of my students asked about Sabbath. We talked about creating space in our lives for God and other people. Sabbath is something we struggle with as extremely busy people. We have a hard time slowing down long enough to rest or reflect.
However, yesterday afternoon, over 100 people had a chance to slow down, sit down, and remember what it means to be human.
shine!
Jason
Around 1:30pm, approximately 130 people invaded our backyard with lawn chairs and side dishes in tow. By then the burgers and hot dogs were already on the grills and the aroma was filling the air. (Thanks, Brenden for being the grillmaster.)
It seemed like in a matter of minutes everyone had staked out their spot under the famous shade tree and they were ready for an afternoon of good eating and visiting. The next three hours were filled with laughter, games of volleyball, conversations, and fun. It was a great afternoon!
I wondered why over 100 people would hang out in our backyard for over three hours on a Sunday afternoon, and then it dawned on me...
Most of us are too busy and very seldom do we have three hours to just sit and talk to other people. We run from activity to activity, event to event, with little time to just sit and visit. This event is more than a BBQ. It is almost a mini-Sabbath in the midst of scores of crazy lives. For a few hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon, people can take a break from their hectic lives and build relationships.
Yesterday in the high school class we were talking about our purpose in life. In the midst of a discussion about the 10 Commandments, one of my students asked about Sabbath. We talked about creating space in our lives for God and other people. Sabbath is something we struggle with as extremely busy people. We have a hard time slowing down long enough to rest or reflect.
However, yesterday afternoon, over 100 people had a chance to slow down, sit down, and remember what it means to be human.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Amy is here!
Yesterday afternoon, my intern for the summer arrived here. Amy McLaughlin, a student at Lipscomb University, will be working with me this summer in our ministry.
After she arrived, she jumped in the car with our family, we drove around the area a bit, gave her a quick tour of the church building, grabbed a bite to eat, and went shopping for groceries. I thought I would let her rest on her first day here. ;-)
Well, after that all that craziness, we picked up a few students and headed over to Friday Night Live at the home of one of our ministry's families. I was impressed as I watched Amy interact with all of the students. She obviously has a passion for people and a heart for ministry. After last night, I am even more convinced that she will do a great job this summer.
Tomorrow we are hosting the third annual Backyard BBQ at our house for ARISE families. We are expecting over 100 people here for food, fun, and fellowship. (I know, it's a cheesy alliteration.) Anyway, the weather forecast looks great and I am looking forward to an afternoon with over 100 of my good friends from the Rochester Church.
shine!
Jason
After she arrived, she jumped in the car with our family, we drove around the area a bit, gave her a quick tour of the church building, grabbed a bite to eat, and went shopping for groceries. I thought I would let her rest on her first day here. ;-)
Well, after that all that craziness, we picked up a few students and headed over to Friday Night Live at the home of one of our ministry's families. I was impressed as I watched Amy interact with all of the students. She obviously has a passion for people and a heart for ministry. After last night, I am even more convinced that she will do a great job this summer.
Tomorrow we are hosting the third annual Backyard BBQ at our house for ARISE families. We are expecting over 100 people here for food, fun, and fellowship. (I know, it's a cheesy alliteration.) Anyway, the weather forecast looks great and I am looking forward to an afternoon with over 100 of my good friends from the Rochester Church.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Forgiveness sets us free
Why do we often have a hard time accepting forgiveness? Is it because we have a hard time forgiving others? Is it because we can’t imagine that we could be forgiven?
I believe that forgiveness is at the core of faith in Jesus. Unless we can really accept the fact that we are forgiven, we can get trapped in slavery to our sin. Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Rome…
Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:15-23)
Forgiveness sets us free! Free from condemnation. Free from sin. Free from death. This is the secret of following Jesus, that when we make ourselves a slave to God, we are set free from the things that hold us down. It is through this forgiveness – this gift of God – that we can live the joy-filled life that He created us to enjoy.
shine!
Jason
I believe that forgiveness is at the core of faith in Jesus. Unless we can really accept the fact that we are forgiven, we can get trapped in slavery to our sin. Consider what Paul wrote to the church in Rome…
Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living.
Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:15-23)
Forgiveness sets us free! Free from condemnation. Free from sin. Free from death. This is the secret of following Jesus, that when we make ourselves a slave to God, we are set free from the things that hold us down. It is through this forgiveness – this gift of God – that we can live the joy-filled life that He created us to enjoy.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Reflections on (gasp!) 39
Well, I woke up this morning to the fact that I am only one year from 40. Yes, today I turn 39. Well, technically, I am not 39 years old until 5:22pm EST today.
So what does 39 mean? Not much really. I came to the conclusion long ago that I am going to live my life, not my age. There are times I feel like I am in my 40's and times I act like I am in my 20's.
I have to say that one of the things that makes me feel old and young - sometimes simultaneously - is working with teenagers. There are times when I am wrestling with one of the guys, playing basketball, or staying up until two or three in the morning talking that I remember I am not 21 anymore. There are also times when I feel invigorated by being in the presence of students who are energetic and passionate. It is a blessing to do what I do. Sometimes I am amazed that I get paid to do something I love so much. God has been way more faithful to me than I deserve.
The longer I live, the more I realize how insignificant and significant I truly am. While this statement seems like a paradox, don't a lot of things in the Kingdom of God? Jesus is wholly man and God. God is three and one. The first shall be last. Well, you get the idea.
So how can I be both insignificant and significant? I have discovered that in the grand scope of creation, I am but a vapor. I am a speck of dust. I came from dirt and to dirt I will return. I am one of billions of people in the world. I may gain the false illusion that having a lot of friends on Facebook means I am well known, but for every one friend I have on Facebook, there are over 4 million people who don't have a clue who Jason Steckel is. In 100 years, there's a good chance almost no one will know I ever lived. Feeling tiny yet? I do.
On the other hand, I am treasured by the Creator of the universe. The God that spoke "let there be light" and there was, formed me in my mother's womb. The One who placed the stars in the sky, the One who molded the mountains and dug out the seas, the One who designed this intricate, organic machine we call a body, He knows my name. He cherishes me. He knows me inside and out. When I awaken in the morning, He is there. When I lay down at night, I am in His presence. There is nowhere I can go where He is not. I am His son, His prized possession.
This is the mystery of life that I am still amazed by and the puzzle that I can never seem to find every piece for. It is what keeps me humble, but yet lifts me up. It is the wind that knocks me down and carries me forward.
While I am just one person among billions, God is inviting me to be a part of His dream for this world. While I may be just one drop in an ocean of people, I am a part of God's family. I am a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and an outpost of light. As imperfect and fallen as I am, God has entrusted me to be a husband, a father, a son, and a minister. He has created me with a unique set of abilities, talents, and passions.
As I turn 39, I realize that life is not about how many days I have lived. It's about how I am living my days. My prayer is that in my insignificance, I can bring glory and honor to the One in whose eyes I am significant.
shine!
Jason
So what does 39 mean? Not much really. I came to the conclusion long ago that I am going to live my life, not my age. There are times I feel like I am in my 40's and times I act like I am in my 20's.
I have to say that one of the things that makes me feel old and young - sometimes simultaneously - is working with teenagers. There are times when I am wrestling with one of the guys, playing basketball, or staying up until two or three in the morning talking that I remember I am not 21 anymore. There are also times when I feel invigorated by being in the presence of students who are energetic and passionate. It is a blessing to do what I do. Sometimes I am amazed that I get paid to do something I love so much. God has been way more faithful to me than I deserve.
The longer I live, the more I realize how insignificant and significant I truly am. While this statement seems like a paradox, don't a lot of things in the Kingdom of God? Jesus is wholly man and God. God is three and one. The first shall be last. Well, you get the idea.
So how can I be both insignificant and significant? I have discovered that in the grand scope of creation, I am but a vapor. I am a speck of dust. I came from dirt and to dirt I will return. I am one of billions of people in the world. I may gain the false illusion that having a lot of friends on Facebook means I am well known, but for every one friend I have on Facebook, there are over 4 million people who don't have a clue who Jason Steckel is. In 100 years, there's a good chance almost no one will know I ever lived. Feeling tiny yet? I do.
On the other hand, I am treasured by the Creator of the universe. The God that spoke "let there be light" and there was, formed me in my mother's womb. The One who placed the stars in the sky, the One who molded the mountains and dug out the seas, the One who designed this intricate, organic machine we call a body, He knows my name. He cherishes me. He knows me inside and out. When I awaken in the morning, He is there. When I lay down at night, I am in His presence. There is nowhere I can go where He is not. I am His son, His prized possession.
This is the mystery of life that I am still amazed by and the puzzle that I can never seem to find every piece for. It is what keeps me humble, but yet lifts me up. It is the wind that knocks me down and carries me forward.
While I am just one person among billions, God is inviting me to be a part of His dream for this world. While I may be just one drop in an ocean of people, I am a part of God's family. I am a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit and an outpost of light. As imperfect and fallen as I am, God has entrusted me to be a husband, a father, a son, and a minister. He has created me with a unique set of abilities, talents, and passions.
As I turn 39, I realize that life is not about how many days I have lived. It's about how I am living my days. My prayer is that in my insignificance, I can bring glory and honor to the One in whose eyes I am significant.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, May 09, 2009
(Un)conditional love
For many, the concept of unconditional love is hard to imagine. In a world where many adults place such a high value on grades, athletic feats, and other performance-based measurements, it can be hard for some teens to feel loved without conditions.
For many adults, we allow what we have done to define us, whether it’s good or bad. We let a job title, a talent, or a sin or addiction determine who we are.
God looks at us from a different point of view. God loves us as His creation. We are His children. He loves us unconditionally, even when we might not deserve it. The apostle Paul wrote, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:6-11)
God was willing to love us, even when we were unlovable. Jesus lived that out during his time on the earth. He met a Samaritan woman who had gone from relationship to relationship and showed her truth. He encountered a woman caught in adultery, showed her mercy, and told her to “go and sin no more.” He hung on a cross as people mocked Him and said, “Father, forgive them.”
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. (1 John 4:16-17)
Look to the One who is Love and learn what it means to receive and give unconditional love.
shine!
Jason
For many adults, we allow what we have done to define us, whether it’s good or bad. We let a job title, a talent, or a sin or addiction determine who we are.
God looks at us from a different point of view. God loves us as His creation. We are His children. He loves us unconditionally, even when we might not deserve it. The apostle Paul wrote, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:6-11)
God was willing to love us, even when we were unlovable. Jesus lived that out during his time on the earth. He met a Samaritan woman who had gone from relationship to relationship and showed her truth. He encountered a woman caught in adultery, showed her mercy, and told her to “go and sin no more.” He hung on a cross as people mocked Him and said, “Father, forgive them.”
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. (1 John 4:16-17)
Look to the One who is Love and learn what it means to receive and give unconditional love.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
30 Hour Famine
The weekend of May 1-2, twenty-six of our students and several adults participated in the 30 Hour Famine. This is an event created by World Vision to raise awareness and funds to battle world hunger.
Starting after lunch on Friday, May 1, these students dedicated themselves to go without food until 6:00pm on Saturday. Around 6:30pm on Friday, we gathered at the home of Dave and Karen Benedict. Friday evening we spent time hanging out, studying God’s word, worshiping, praying, and played a game of hide-n-seek with a unique angle. Students were also divided into “tribes” that represented nations in South America where hunger is a major issue.
Our Bible study that evening focused on Jesus’ preparation for ministry through fasting. We looked at Matthew 4, and discussed how fasting was central to Jesus’ ability to resist Satan’s three temptations as well as prepared Him for the start of His ministry. We also looked at Acts 13 and 14, where we see fasting as a crucial component for selecting leaders or preparing for ministry.
We played a game called “Hide” where most of the students hid in the house while five “guerilla soldier” searched for them. This game brought to life for our students the reality that many in some countries deal with every day where gangs hunt down their rivals.
We woke up the next morning and began a day that was focused on serving others. After our morning juice break, we loaded up and headed out to Michigan Christian Youth Camp, where we spent a few hours helping prepare the camp for the summer. Several of the students commented about the challenge to work while not having eaten for almost twenty-four hours. It gave them a new appreciation for those who often go without food for that period of time.
After returning to our “home base” (the Benedicts), we went out into Clarkston for a canned food drive for God’s Helping Hands. In the course of a little under an hour, our students gathered 345 food items and $39 for GHH. We were all amazed at how much God provided in that short time period. The people in the community were so generous.
After returning to the Benedicts we held a few more competitions between our “tribes” that taught our students more about the plight of those in countries challenged by extreme poverty and starvation. I enjoyed watching students, some of whom barely knew each other at the start of the weekend, working together in teams.
Shortly before 6:00pm, we all gathered in the living room for a time of sharing. Students shared how God had been speaking to them throughout the weekend. It was incredibly encouraging for me to hear how so many of them had been touched in a variety of ways. I can’t begin to express how impressed I was with their insight and how proud I am of the ways they allowed God to work in their lives over the weekend.
We broke our fast together by sharing communion, praying together, and heading out to the kitchen for our first meal in 30 hours. Many students expressed how much they now appreciated the food they usually take for granted and how good it was to eat. Thank you to Bob and Susie Wilson, Dave and Carolyn Palmer, and Barb Huey for preparing our food. They were a huge part of this weekend – just ask the students!
Through 30 Hour Famine, our students raised over $1000 to battle world hunger (and some of them are still collecting funds), collected 345 food items and $39 for God’s Helping Hands, collectively served over 50 hours at MCYC, and were shaped by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives through fasting, prayer, and service. It was a great weekend where God came to life in a powerful way for many of our students. Thank you to those who donated, those who prayed for us, those who served, and the parents who are the primary ministers for their children. You are all a part of a community that is working together to develop our teenagers into followers of Christ.
shine!
Jason
Starting after lunch on Friday, May 1, these students dedicated themselves to go without food until 6:00pm on Saturday. Around 6:30pm on Friday, we gathered at the home of Dave and Karen Benedict. Friday evening we spent time hanging out, studying God’s word, worshiping, praying, and played a game of hide-n-seek with a unique angle. Students were also divided into “tribes” that represented nations in South America where hunger is a major issue.
Our Bible study that evening focused on Jesus’ preparation for ministry through fasting. We looked at Matthew 4, and discussed how fasting was central to Jesus’ ability to resist Satan’s three temptations as well as prepared Him for the start of His ministry. We also looked at Acts 13 and 14, where we see fasting as a crucial component for selecting leaders or preparing for ministry.
We played a game called “Hide” where most of the students hid in the house while five “guerilla soldier” searched for them. This game brought to life for our students the reality that many in some countries deal with every day where gangs hunt down their rivals.
We woke up the next morning and began a day that was focused on serving others. After our morning juice break, we loaded up and headed out to Michigan Christian Youth Camp, where we spent a few hours helping prepare the camp for the summer. Several of the students commented about the challenge to work while not having eaten for almost twenty-four hours. It gave them a new appreciation for those who often go without food for that period of time.
After returning to our “home base” (the Benedicts), we went out into Clarkston for a canned food drive for God’s Helping Hands. In the course of a little under an hour, our students gathered 345 food items and $39 for GHH. We were all amazed at how much God provided in that short time period. The people in the community were so generous.
After returning to the Benedicts we held a few more competitions between our “tribes” that taught our students more about the plight of those in countries challenged by extreme poverty and starvation. I enjoyed watching students, some of whom barely knew each other at the start of the weekend, working together in teams.
Shortly before 6:00pm, we all gathered in the living room for a time of sharing. Students shared how God had been speaking to them throughout the weekend. It was incredibly encouraging for me to hear how so many of them had been touched in a variety of ways. I can’t begin to express how impressed I was with their insight and how proud I am of the ways they allowed God to work in their lives over the weekend.
We broke our fast together by sharing communion, praying together, and heading out to the kitchen for our first meal in 30 hours. Many students expressed how much they now appreciated the food they usually take for granted and how good it was to eat. Thank you to Bob and Susie Wilson, Dave and Carolyn Palmer, and Barb Huey for preparing our food. They were a huge part of this weekend – just ask the students!
Through 30 Hour Famine, our students raised over $1000 to battle world hunger (and some of them are still collecting funds), collected 345 food items and $39 for God’s Helping Hands, collectively served over 50 hours at MCYC, and were shaped by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives through fasting, prayer, and service. It was a great weekend where God came to life in a powerful way for many of our students. Thank you to those who donated, those who prayed for us, those who served, and the parents who are the primary ministers for their children. You are all a part of a community that is working together to develop our teenagers into followers of Christ.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Michael Frost on Missional Church
I really appreciate what Frost has to say in this video. It is both insightful and challenging. My prayer is that we can be more intentional about engaging our community and seeking ways to be Jesus in the soil we've been planted in.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Renewal
I love springtime. Sun. Warmer temperatures. Lower heating bills. There are so many great things about this time of year.
One of my favorite things about spring is the reminder that God is a God of second chances and renewal. All winter long I have looked out the windows of my home only to see brown grass, trees without leaves, and skies that are often gray.
But the last several weeks I have seen glimmers of hope. The grass is starting to green. There are buds on the trees. The sunshine shines more often and blue skies are becoming more commonplace.
The apostle Paul wrote the following…
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)
Let springtime remind you of the unseen renewal God offers daily.
shine!
Jason
One of my favorite things about spring is the reminder that God is a God of second chances and renewal. All winter long I have looked out the windows of my home only to see brown grass, trees without leaves, and skies that are often gray.
But the last several weeks I have seen glimmers of hope. The grass is starting to green. There are buds on the trees. The sunshine shines more often and blue skies are becoming more commonplace.
The apostle Paul wrote the following…
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:7-18)
Let springtime remind you of the unseen renewal God offers daily.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, April 23, 2009
More than conquerors
This Sunday our students will be studying Romans 8:18-39. Here are a few reflections on this passage...
This is one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture. We are a part of God’s work to redeem this world. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, the love of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit, God calls us to join his purpose. We allow so many things to distract us from our purpose and design. Nothing can separate us from God except ourselves. While God is always there and he always loves us, we can choose to construct barriers to put distance between us and God.
We must wrestle with the fact that God is not out to punish us or make us do what he wants. Rather, he views us as his children and wants what is best for us. He gave up his Son to prove his love and he gave us his Spirit to improve our relationship with him. Our God doesn’t sit on the mountaintop sending down laws. He lived them out though Jesus and empowers us with the Holy Spirit to do the same. That is why we are more than conquerors.
shine!
Jason
This is one of the most powerful passages in all of Scripture. We are a part of God’s work to redeem this world. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, the love of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit, God calls us to join his purpose. We allow so many things to distract us from our purpose and design. Nothing can separate us from God except ourselves. While God is always there and he always loves us, we can choose to construct barriers to put distance between us and God.
We must wrestle with the fact that God is not out to punish us or make us do what he wants. Rather, he views us as his children and wants what is best for us. He gave up his Son to prove his love and he gave us his Spirit to improve our relationship with him. Our God doesn’t sit on the mountaintop sending down laws. He lived them out though Jesus and empowers us with the Holy Spirit to do the same. That is why we are more than conquerors.
shine!
Jason
Monday, April 20, 2009
The good, the bad, and the ugly
This past Wednesday, I was able to share my story in Connections. I have to tell you that I was more nervous than I have been in years. Very seldom do I get nervous about public speaking, but this past Wednesday I was very anxious as the evening approached.
I have to be honest, I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction I would receive. I knew that there were parts of my past that are very dark and other parts that are pretty humorous. I shared most everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thank you to those of you who came up to me afterwards with words of affirmation. I also want to thank those who sent me an email or a comment on Facebook.
I was reminded of something powerful this week. There is something about sharing your story.
To me, that is one of the most powerful aspects of the Bible. Many people look at the Bible as a list of rules and regulations to please a God who doesn’t really care about what we want. That is so counter to what the Bible really is.
In the Bible, we are introduced to the stories of hundreds of people whose lives, like mine, were full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. And while I shared my life with a few hundred people, billions of people have heard the stories of people like David and Peter. David, the “man after God’s own heart,” also violated half of the Ten Commandments in a matter of months. Peter denied Jesus three times shortly after declaring his allegiance to the Christ.
These two men, and dozens of others in the story of God’s people, accomplished much for the Kingdom of God in spite of their shortcomings.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we begin to look at the Bible as a collection of stories of imperfect people striving to grow closer to a perfect and loving God, maybe we can begin to see how God wants to turn our shortcomings into victories rather than telling us how bad we are.
shine!
Jason
I have to be honest, I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction I would receive. I knew that there were parts of my past that are very dark and other parts that are pretty humorous. I shared most everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Thank you to those of you who came up to me afterwards with words of affirmation. I also want to thank those who sent me an email or a comment on Facebook.
I was reminded of something powerful this week. There is something about sharing your story.
To me, that is one of the most powerful aspects of the Bible. Many people look at the Bible as a list of rules and regulations to please a God who doesn’t really care about what we want. That is so counter to what the Bible really is.
In the Bible, we are introduced to the stories of hundreds of people whose lives, like mine, were full of the good, the bad, and the ugly. And while I shared my life with a few hundred people, billions of people have heard the stories of people like David and Peter. David, the “man after God’s own heart,” also violated half of the Ten Commandments in a matter of months. Peter denied Jesus three times shortly after declaring his allegiance to the Christ.
These two men, and dozens of others in the story of God’s people, accomplished much for the Kingdom of God in spite of their shortcomings.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
When we begin to look at the Bible as a collection of stories of imperfect people striving to grow closer to a perfect and loving God, maybe we can begin to see how God wants to turn our shortcomings into victories rather than telling us how bad we are.
shine!
Jason
Friday, April 17, 2009
Spirit-led living
This Sunday our students will be studying Romans 8:5-17. I just wanted to share a few brief thoughts on this powerful passage...
This passage gets to the heart of what it means to be a Christian. It’s not about rules or regulations. It’s not the law itself that God is concerned with. God is ultimately concerned about the relationship between him and his children. In Spirit-led living, we see God’s real desire. God wants us to be so intimately connected with him that we can’t help but live according to his passions and desires.
He wants to share his treasures with us. And those treasures exist in this world and the New Heaven and New Earth. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will experience true life and real peace. It is not until we allow the Spirit to be our guide that we can really live into God’s dream for us in this world and into eternity.
shine!
Jason
This passage gets to the heart of what it means to be a Christian. It’s not about rules or regulations. It’s not the law itself that God is concerned with. God is ultimately concerned about the relationship between him and his children. In Spirit-led living, we see God’s real desire. God wants us to be so intimately connected with him that we can’t help but live according to his passions and desires.
He wants to share his treasures with us. And those treasures exist in this world and the New Heaven and New Earth. When we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us, we will experience true life and real peace. It is not until we allow the Spirit to be our guide that we can really live into God’s dream for us in this world and into eternity.
shine!
Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)