Three days more until the move. This week has been emotionally, physically, and spiritually challenging. After a flurry of answered prayers and faithful hearts and attitudes, we regressed a bit.
The beginning of the week brought the realization that we have a lot to do and little time to do it. Worry and stress had started to gain some ground. "Regular" life had faded away and we were now fully engaged in our First Planting.
Mattew 16:21-27
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
I feel that we got to experience this a bit during this process. It has been surprising and discouraging to get resistance to our plans to go to Tri Cities from some people we did not expect. I do not think we have the perfect insight of Jesus, but we do think that we are pursuing God's ultimate plan. It was an eye opener to us. It is hard to leave everything to do something completely at odds with what the world does; it has taken much prayer to get my heart right at every turn.
An encouraging brother sent this text to me today to spur us on...
Matthew 10:29-30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.
I have never experienced this to the extent of what we are doing now. With a wife and children counting on my leadership, I have had to grab hold of a solid faith to live this out. Who leaves everything and moves their family into the unknown with nothing to base it on except the writings of someone long ago.
-Abraham
-Noah
-Peter
I am in good company. I don't number myself with these men, but I will strive to uphold the faith that they lived out.
In some ways I feel like I am out of my mind, but Paul was also accused of this at one time (Acts 26). It is a bit surreal to see a parallel to the scriptures in what we are doing, yet such a resistance in the world and people around us. Without prayer and scripture I would have caved in several weeks ago. Without the Spirit I would have lost courage and strength long ago. God has persisted, so we will too.
Thank you to all the brothers and sisters who have also believed the dream...
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Pack it up, Pack it in...
In my youth as a christian, there was something called The One Suitcase Challenge. It always sounded so excitingly extreme.
First we were getting a truck, then a small trailer, now... We may be getting close to that one suitcase. Our most recent plan is to fill only what fits in our minivan and bring that (which includes two small children). The cost of bringing our stuff mostly outweighs the value of the items themselves. For the most part, I am happy not to have to carry it in and out of trucks and houses anyway.
Luke 10:1-4
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
Although I think a car full of stuff is still more than the scripture implies, I guess I'm about to see what this feels like. It is quite freeing to have less, yet still have what we need. I am positive that we will find some furniture and other stuff when we get there. We intend on staying in Tri Cities for a while, so we will need a few things. I am looking forward to see how the Lord provides the necessities.
Our place here in Wisconsin is up for rent. We are praying for a quick renter. There are still two months on our lease. I think we will find the perfect person and be out of here shortly.
So enough about the material things. Let's get on to the harvest! It is awesome to think about how plentiful it will be in the Tri Cities. I have wrestled once again with some faithful prayers on this subject. Specific prayers have really been hard for me to do. I want my faith to increase and amazing things to happen. So, pray for us.
First we were getting a truck, then a small trailer, now... We may be getting close to that one suitcase. Our most recent plan is to fill only what fits in our minivan and bring that (which includes two small children). The cost of bringing our stuff mostly outweighs the value of the items themselves. For the most part, I am happy not to have to carry it in and out of trucks and houses anyway.
Luke 10:1-4
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
Although I think a car full of stuff is still more than the scripture implies, I guess I'm about to see what this feels like. It is quite freeing to have less, yet still have what we need. I am positive that we will find some furniture and other stuff when we get there. We intend on staying in Tri Cities for a while, so we will need a few things. I am looking forward to see how the Lord provides the necessities.
Our place here in Wisconsin is up for rent. We are praying for a quick renter. There are still two months on our lease. I think we will find the perfect person and be out of here shortly.
So enough about the material things. Let's get on to the harvest! It is awesome to think about how plentiful it will be in the Tri Cities. I have wrestled once again with some faithful prayers on this subject. Specific prayers have really been hard for me to do. I want my faith to increase and amazing things to happen. So, pray for us.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Faith 2
I have returned. Washington is a beautiful place. I enjoyed seeing pretty much the whole thing in 3 days. Seattle, Yakima, Tri Cities, Spokane, and back to Seattle. The mountains were majestic. The wine valleys were breath taking. The Columbia river, awesome. The whole Spirit filled journey, priceless!
Now I must go back; a few weeks, to a time of soul searching and prayer. I spoke to my good friend and brother in Christ, Jacques. He challenged me to be practical and yet pray some specific faithful prayers.
I thought to myself, "Self, you need to stretch your faith."
Prayer one: God I don't have the faith, increase my faith. (Mark 9:24)
Prayer two: (Monday) God, provide the money to fund this move and mission trip to Tri Cities...this week! I almost had to smack my self and laugh out loud after even thinking such a thing. Yet I really wanted to have faith, and I believe that only by believing something unseen and perhaps even impossible, I would be getting it right (Heb 11:1)
Friday: What happened? I didn't get any money! Wait... I had received a thank you card on Thursday at work for helping at a conference. It said "Thank You" and contained a gift card to Starbucks for $5. I found this pretty funny. After some praying I came to the conclusion that God had just said the equivalent of:
Judges 6:14
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
God, in my assessment, said that I have all I need. So that was the end of that.
Prayer three: (prayed at the same time) God, let the job I will have be on the table by June 15th. Now remember, this is almost a month ago. On Friday June 8th I got a call. "Can you come to an interview on Wednesday June 13th at 2pm?"
Friday June 15th: Job offer, and acceptance.
God has increased my faith!
Along with all this awesomeness, I got to fellowship with other faithful brothers and sisters battling to plant the Tri Cities church. They transported me across the state (thank you Alvarados), provided hospitality (Peacocks and Co.), and encouraged and prayed with me. Not only that, I was blessed to witness a young single man get baptized in the river while I was visiting the Spokane Church.
I went down to the river to pray...studying about that good ol' way...
And in the good old vernacular of Yoda: "Fired up, am I.. mmmm yes!"
Now I must go back; a few weeks, to a time of soul searching and prayer. I spoke to my good friend and brother in Christ, Jacques. He challenged me to be practical and yet pray some specific faithful prayers.
I thought to myself, "Self, you need to stretch your faith."
Prayer one: God I don't have the faith, increase my faith. (Mark 9:24)
Prayer two: (Monday) God, provide the money to fund this move and mission trip to Tri Cities...this week! I almost had to smack my self and laugh out loud after even thinking such a thing. Yet I really wanted to have faith, and I believe that only by believing something unseen and perhaps even impossible, I would be getting it right (Heb 11:1)
Friday: What happened? I didn't get any money! Wait... I had received a thank you card on Thursday at work for helping at a conference. It said "Thank You" and contained a gift card to Starbucks for $5. I found this pretty funny. After some praying I came to the conclusion that God had just said the equivalent of:
Judges 6:14
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
God, in my assessment, said that I have all I need. So that was the end of that.
Prayer three: (prayed at the same time) God, let the job I will have be on the table by June 15th. Now remember, this is almost a month ago. On Friday June 8th I got a call. "Can you come to an interview on Wednesday June 13th at 2pm?"
Friday June 15th: Job offer, and acceptance.
God has increased my faith!
Along with all this awesomeness, I got to fellowship with other faithful brothers and sisters battling to plant the Tri Cities church. They transported me across the state (thank you Alvarados), provided hospitality (Peacocks and Co.), and encouraged and prayed with me. Not only that, I was blessed to witness a young single man get baptized in the river while I was visiting the Spokane Church.
I went down to the river to pray...studying about that good ol' way...
And in the good old vernacular of Yoda: "Fired up, am I.. mmmm yes!"
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Faith
We went on a family vacation last week with Grammy. Every year we pick a water park to visit together and spend a few days there. The kids kept me chasing them around; keeping an eye on them is difficult when random water jets blast you in the face. The fact that there were about a hundred other kids racing around didn't make things easier.
I've found that although vacation is a nice family memory, it is tough on the Spirit sometimes. Francine and I came back with a spiritual headache. Our usual times with God were disrupted and we needed to get some faith time in.
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Even a couple days of vacation were enough to get us doubting and questioning our decision to continue on in our pursuit of planting a chuch.
Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Yet with the Bible refilling us with faith, the power that comes from God's word took the wheel.
Two days after returning from our trip I received a call from a job in Kennewick. They wanted me to come to an interview on the following Wednesday; it is Sunday as I write this. I found a ticket and will leave on Tuesday night. I have no idea how it will all turn out. I will go to the interview and hit up a couple other job leads to make the most of the trip.
It will be very exciting to see the other brothers and sisters we will be joining in the Tri Cities. We have talked on the phone and Skype, but this will be the first face to face. I eagerly desire to share the time with one another.
Romans 10:11-12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
It has already been encouraging talking with each other and it has built my faith. I believe it has also encouraged them. Once again the Bible is right (imagine that).
During this time we have had sickness hit the house and a death in the family. With moving preparations in full swing, and me leaving for a few days, there is a heightened level of potential emotional storm clouds looming. We have a real opportunity to take a better path. Faith.
Acts 27:25
So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
I've found that although vacation is a nice family memory, it is tough on the Spirit sometimes. Francine and I came back with a spiritual headache. Our usual times with God were disrupted and we needed to get some faith time in.
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Even a couple days of vacation were enough to get us doubting and questioning our decision to continue on in our pursuit of planting a chuch.
Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Yet with the Bible refilling us with faith, the power that comes from God's word took the wheel.
Two days after returning from our trip I received a call from a job in Kennewick. They wanted me to come to an interview on the following Wednesday; it is Sunday as I write this. I found a ticket and will leave on Tuesday night. I have no idea how it will all turn out. I will go to the interview and hit up a couple other job leads to make the most of the trip.
It will be very exciting to see the other brothers and sisters we will be joining in the Tri Cities. We have talked on the phone and Skype, but this will be the first face to face. I eagerly desire to share the time with one another.
Romans 10:11-12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
It has already been encouraging talking with each other and it has built my faith. I believe it has also encouraged them. Once again the Bible is right (imagine that).
During this time we have had sickness hit the house and a death in the family. With moving preparations in full swing, and me leaving for a few days, there is a heightened level of potential emotional storm clouds looming. We have a real opportunity to take a better path. Faith.
Acts 27:25
So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Stepping Out
We just gave notice to our Landlord that we are moving. We don't have a place to move to yet, but first things first. It may be that we move out and head west before we know many answers to important questions.
With this in mind I think there is a perceived order of making plans in life:
1) Get the best job you can ($, passion, ambition)
2) Live in the best place you can (Fun, weather, family, friends)
3) Acquire, settle, and retire
(Granted; the weather in Tri Cities IS what we are looking for. It should be better for Francine's health.)
Other than that, I think we are going about it backwards...or are we?
As for #1 (above), I am still trying to find a job. Not the dream job, a job. I have a nice job now. In fact, it is the best job I have ever had. I could probably move up soon in my company...
#2 Never even been there before! We have no family there (other than our brothers/Sisters in Christ moving there at the same time), no friends. Weather/health seems probable but is not a guarantee.
#3 In my experience most people try to live the "American Dream". I have delved into this thinking myself at times. Happiness lies with what you have, what you acquire, and achievement. If that is the case I should stay here in Wisconsin. Things are going well for us.
Matthew 6:32-34
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I spoke with a good friend recently about this. He presented the idea that I could do this by staying put. He said you do not need to blaze a spiritual trail to be spiritual. By doing God's will right here and right now I would still be seeking Him. I agree.
This move should not just be our personal desire. I believe it should be our heart's desire; or perhaps our soul's desire.
Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.And...
Isaiah 26:7-9
The path of the righteous is level;
you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;
your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
Reading these scriptures and thinking about them has really inspired and taught me about the idea of desire. It is not about my selfish desires. It is about the desires of the Spirit in me. These may sometimes overlap, but probably not much. Yet, I am becoming more assured that the desires of the Spirit are way better anyway.
The bottom line has come down to this; Our desire is to go to Tri Cities. We trust that God is going to do great things. We look forward to the relationships, the potential for better health, and truly feel God is calling us there.
We only have one plan right now. Go. The rest will be on God and in prayer.
With this in mind I think there is a perceived order of making plans in life:
1) Get the best job you can ($, passion, ambition)
2) Live in the best place you can (Fun, weather, family, friends)
3) Acquire, settle, and retire
(Granted; the weather in Tri Cities IS what we are looking for. It should be better for Francine's health.)
Other than that, I think we are going about it backwards...or are we?
As for #1 (above), I am still trying to find a job. Not the dream job, a job. I have a nice job now. In fact, it is the best job I have ever had. I could probably move up soon in my company...
#2 Never even been there before! We have no family there (other than our brothers/Sisters in Christ moving there at the same time), no friends. Weather/health seems probable but is not a guarantee.
#3 In my experience most people try to live the "American Dream". I have delved into this thinking myself at times. Happiness lies with what you have, what you acquire, and achievement. If that is the case I should stay here in Wisconsin. Things are going well for us.
Matthew 6:32-34
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I spoke with a good friend recently about this. He presented the idea that I could do this by staying put. He said you do not need to blaze a spiritual trail to be spiritual. By doing God's will right here and right now I would still be seeking Him. I agree.
This move should not just be our personal desire. I believe it should be our heart's desire; or perhaps our soul's desire.
Psalm 37:3-6
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.And...
Isaiah 26:7-9
The path of the righteous is level;
you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.
Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you;
your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
Reading these scriptures and thinking about them has really inspired and taught me about the idea of desire. It is not about my selfish desires. It is about the desires of the Spirit in me. These may sometimes overlap, but probably not much. Yet, I am becoming more assured that the desires of the Spirit are way better anyway.
The bottom line has come down to this; Our desire is to go to Tri Cities. We trust that God is going to do great things. We look forward to the relationships, the potential for better health, and truly feel God is calling us there.
We only have one plan right now. Go. The rest will be on God and in prayer.
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