The Taal Volcano

I have spent this week this week in a city that is magnificently perched on the rim of a massive volcano called the Taal volcano. The crater forms a huge lake which has several volcanic islands. It looks like something out of Jurassic Park – prehistoric.

The island in the middle of the crater has a crater located on top of it which contains another smaller lake which shows signs of ongoing thermal activity – hot rocks, smoking vents, boiling water, etc.
On the final day of my visit in Tagaytay I had 3 ½ hours of free time before the evening session when I would be giving the closing message to the 200+ delegates at our training event. I told Pete Forras, our missionary, that I thought we should rent a boat and guide ($10) and visit the “lake within the lake”. We talked to a guide and he insisted that it would take 30 minutes to drive to the boat, 30 minutes to cross the lake, and not long to hike to the top. Perfect! We had the time and I am not one to walk by an opportunity like this.

So we picked up our guide (Jerry) in the Starbucks parking lot and he directed us to down the crater rim to the lakeshore where we paid for our trip and waited for our boat. The two Philippino boat drivers joined Jerry, Pete and myself, and we shoved off shore.

Within fifteen minutes we were gliding across the lake past “fish farms” and floating houses. The volcanic peak in the middle of the lake loomed large before us. As we neared it, we could see that it might end up being a long, steep hike to the top of that peak.

2/3 of the way across the lake the boat engine began to sputter, cough, and the it quickly “died”. As the boat driver lifted the engine cover I heard him say something that must have been a Tagalag swear word.

Being the deluxe tour that this was, our companions had neither cell phones, radios, or signal flares. What they did have was bright orange life vests! Our guide suddenly grabbed one and I thought “he is going to use that as a float and start swimming or shore.” I was wrong. Next thing I knew, Jerry was standing high on top of the boat frantically waving a life vest.

Pete didn’t look happy and I couldn’t help but laugh. I reminded him that these things happen to me all the time and that it really can be a lot of fun.

I hopped on top of the boat and began waving a vest as well.

Far on the horizon I spotted movement and a small speck of a boat began making its way towards us! “We still might make it”, I suddenly thought.

Our rescue boat circled twice before our guide made his first attempt at throwing them a rope. It fell well short. Everyone on both boats was giving him a lot of advise on rope throwing.

His second throw was successful and we were soon being towed to shore. Once there we asked an important question: “How far is it to the lake at the top of this island.” 4.5 kilometers was the answer we got. Uphill. Dirt trail. 90 degrees and humid!

At least we had water. Peter surprised me and began running up the well worn dusty horse trail. Most people opted for horses, but these sickly horses were slow, and we had no time to waste.

We made our way through a very poor village – creating a spectacle as we strided towards the top of the mountain peak. After catching Pete we made a couple of guesses on what was the right trail to take, and it quickly gained steepness.

I gave Pete some trail running advise – run until you feel like walking, walk until you feel like running. It seemed to work for him and we were soon passing horses.

After going through a valley and up a steep ridge we saw what appeared to be the top of the volcanic rim! Turns out our guide has miscalculated and the trail wasn’t as long as we had feared.

Choosing our ruts up this eroded mess of a trail we made our way to the top. Nearing the top were some awckward stairs which. They were surrounded by the few local people there selling drinks to tourists and caring for the horses. They gawked as I ran up the stairs feeling for a moment like Rocky or Rambo.

Once at the top a breathtaking view greeted me – the rim was high and thin – the water below appeared to be boiling and steam vents were scattered across the landscape.

A razor like ridge etended along the rim with a trail that I hiked to its end. (Watching your step was something you had to take seriously).

Pete soon emerged at the top and we exchanged high 5s – took pictures, bought 4 waters for 100 pesos, and began our downhill charge back to our boat.

We were making good time and I was confident we would make it back on time.

On the run down the mountain we sometimes sprinted like madmen, passing several horses – one of which tried to pass us back.. We think we set a record to the Taal Volcano run (has anyone else done this in the volcano’s history?), and Jerry our guide was there to greet us.

Turns out he didn’t fix our boat, so we ended up being towed all the way back across the lake. Even with these delays, we had time to grab fast food for dinner and arrive with plenty of time to prepare for the evening session.

I shared my adventure with my Philippino friends and they were excited to hear about how much I enjoyed their beautiful country since this was my first trip outside the city of Manila.

Manila Mission Daily Updates

On Sunday night I will be leaving for a nine day trip to Manila. There I will be participating in the annual In Service Institute leadership training event for the leaders of the Urban Church Planting Project. I will join Pastor Jim Hayford in conducting several sessions of this strategic event designed to equip the pastors and leaders of the 100 new churches and 40+ schools that are part of this project.

If I find internet access I will be updating this blog as often as possible, with photos, news and prayers requests. Stay tuned...The first update will probably be on Tuesday.

Update: Friday, May 19th
CAB Team Heads Home
Pray for them as they make the long journey (20 hrs., 3 flights) home. Early reports are that they had a very productive and effective outreach.
Here is a recent email I received from team leader D.J. Vick:

"I wanted to send you all a brief update on our mission in Manila!
Our team is unified, healthy, being broken, and having an absolute blast!
We have ministered to over 300 children through VBS & Basketball Camps!
We have played three big games in the evenings (won of course) and shared testimonies and or drama at half-time with hundreds of people!
On Sunday my group had a fourteen hour day being about 5:45 am! I preached four times that day. The Holy Spirit gave me so much strength we I spoke in the 6 pm service I felt like I had just woken up from a refreshing nap. Praise Him!
Here is a brief story from today...
Today was intense. Since our entire team was in one community we sent half the team out in small groups to talk with people in the community, mention the church, and pray with people. Cass came back saying one family had a baby whose head was all cut up in the back and looked incredibly awful, I mean bad. She, Kyle, and our friend Jason (from our first trip here) went to purchase medication her. We prayed this morning for God to give us opportunities like this and He did! I am overwhelmed with Him!"

We've been praying for D.J. and Jenny Vick's Daughter, Makayla, who broke her arm at home and is recovering from a serious fracture.

Fire in Marikina
The photos on this page include Pastor Jim visiting a fire ravaged community that destroyed the homes of 38 families last week. They live about 10-15 yards from a UCPP church in the community. Right now we are prayerfully strategizing how we can best minister in this situation. Pray for Pastora Tess Talili as she reaches out in her community.

Wednesday, May 24th - Update

We are now in the middle of the 3rd day of the In Service Institute here at Tagayta City. I have not had access to a computer until now. The one at the conference center crashed and the internet cafe was "offline" until now.
This city is built on the rim of a huge volcanic crater with a lake in the middle. (Like crater lake). It is a dramatic setting and is more pleasant than Manila.

The training seems to be going well. The 200+ leaders that have gathered here are fully occupying the 5 story hotel where the conference is taking place. Pete and I are in a basement room -- making for a long walk to the top floor where the meetings are held (there is no elevator). The food here is "authentic" (lots of fish and rice). The men stay on one floor, the women on another. Everyone is having a good time and are hungry to learn and to grow. Being away from the city for a week is a real special time for these men and women.

Please keep Pastor Jim, myself and the presenters in prayer as we face the challenge of teaching cross culturally with a bit of a language barrier. Pray also for the Holy Spirit to work to encourage and to empower these leaders. The conference ends on Friday night. I learned that Baby Hyla is walking now and is two years old.

Thank-you again for your prayers -

Friday, May 26th

The last two days have been going really well. These workers are amazing people -- most of them not only work in the slums of Manila, but they live there as well. They are eager to learn especially because of the challenges that their work presents. We have been challenging them to think outside the box and to plan strategically and prayerfully. Traditional church models do not work where they live. They have to be innovative, resourceful, intentional and community focused (of course they most of all need God's grace, wisdom and power). We located a place for next year's training events as we have outgrown the current facility. Pastor Jim left last night following one of the most fun parties I have ever been to. We had a cultural night and the eight divisions of leaders all presented a "talent" or cultural presentation -- they included music, drama, costume, dance -- and a whole lot of laughter and comedy. We had two whole pigs that were served, along with ice cream, traditional foods, fruits, and much more. These people know how to have fun.

Today is my last day here and I have three sessions to do -- one on house churches, one team building activity, and the closing session tonight. Thanks again for your prayers. I may get a chance this afternoon for a trip to the volcano located in the middle of the "crater lake" that this city is built around. We'll see.

Saturday, May 27th:

Today is a bit of a rest day. I think Pete and I will go and look for a hotel for the upcoming Manila Plunge. Besides that I will be trying to rest a little after the full week of ministry. Tomorrow we will be visiting UCPP churches after I run a 25K race that is taking place here in Manila at 5:30 a.m. It should be fun, hot, but also a long run --Pete is going to run the 10K or 5K, as is Cameron and a couple of their relatives. Hope it goes well. I will approach it casually, but 25,000 pesos is a pretty good prize...

Later in the moring we will visit the church that had the fire along with at least one other UCPP church.

Sunday a.m.: This morning I ran the race -- 25K = 15.5 miles. It was brutally hot and more than I was ready for. I drank a full bottle of water every 2K, and jogged all but the first 10K. There were two olympians from Philippines. I had fun and tried to make sure I finished. Ended up somwhere in the top 15. It was still fun even though it is an adjustment for me to approach a race casually. There were about 5000 runners, so it was quite an experience - by far the hottest race I have ever done. Now we're on our way to visit churches...

Last Day

Completed this "mission" by locating a hotel for the upcoming "Manila Plunge". We also visited the houses that are already being rebuilt after the fire. It was great seeing that entire community working together to provide housing for those who were displaced. The people had been flooded out of their temporary "tents" the night before during a heavy thunder storm. Eight families had crowded into the church for shelter. EFC has made a significant contribution to this relief effort. Arrived at Seatac this morning (Tuesday) at 2 a.m.

Returning His Call -- Complete Notes

Text: Jeremiah 1:1-10
Title: Returning His Call

Jeremiah 1:1 – 10
NIV
1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."


Introduction

Several months ago I took a team of people to Europe to visit our missionaries. One of the things I enjoy about missions trips is getting to know people better. You find yourself getting to know people better than you know your neighbors or even some of your friends and family. Layovers and long flights are particularly good for this.
But one night we were having a group dinner in Friedreshafen Germany, looking out over Lake Constance towards Austria and the Swiss Alps as the sun was setting. As I sat there with a group of about six people enjoying a German meal I began to share my personal testimony, and specific details about it - something I often assume people have already heard. But there within that group I was surprised to find out that even Pastor Betsey Hayford, a person whom I know well and have known for 15 years, was surprised to hear my story. She and the Neinabur’s and the others who were there said, “Matt, the church needs to know this about you.” So ever since then I have been waiting for a chance to share my story with you. I have shared parts of this with you in the past, but I have now been here for ten years. It may be the last time in a long time that I share this with this group of people, because I don’t like being redundant in my preaching.

Stories of “Calling” are powerful and interesting. The stories of how God got you here – how the Divine Creator reached out to you and somehow got you right here, in this church, and how He is making you into a worshipper – causing you to grow as His sons and daughters – this is an amazing story for every person in this room. Look to your right. Look to your left. That person has an amazing story to tell. It would probably take them an hour or more to share with you how God brought them to this place right here and right now.

These are stories of “calling”. This is the term often used by Christians to describe how the creator of the universe calls people to Himself, and how He reveals that He has a plan and purpose for their lives.

Our lives form an ongoing story. One that is unfolding with the passing of time. Calling is not something that happened once in our past. In fact, if it has become a past event, it is time to listen up. What is God saying now? Is there an old chapter coming to a close and a new one beginning? Letting Him author your story results in a beautifully crafted one – even if it has moments of tragedy and struggle.

2 Corinthians 3: 1Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Responding to God’s calling is allowing Him to be the author of our lives. My topic today is calling and Jeremiah 1:1-10 will be the text we will be using as we look at how God called Jeremiah and likewise how He calls us. I also am going to share some of my own story with you. But as I do I want you to consider how God has been calling you, from the time you were young. How have you been responding to His call? Are there ways in which you are not listening, or are resisting, or complaining about it?

My earliest childhood memory was one where I wanted to be a Pastor. I was only 3 or 4 years old. I remember going to church with my parents and wanting to do what that guy up front was doing. I don’t know why. My parents were not involved in church consistently. I would pressure them to go, and they would go for a time or for a season.

I also always longed to have a friendship with God. I had a longing for connection with God. It blew my mind that this might not only be possible, but was in fact what God wanted as well.

I grew up in the rough coastal town of Coos Bay, Oregon. A place where the fog tastes like salt and where back then the smell of the mills was irrepressible. A place where growing up you either escape through athletics and academic aspirations or you found yourself becoming another member of generational cycles of poverty and hard living.

I opted for the former – identifying with the local sports hero of my youth – distance runner Steve Prefontaine. The pursuit of sports and success consumed me as a child. When I was nine years old I ran 4:54 for 1500m and was convinced then that I was destined to greatness as a runner. Yet for the next seven years of childhood as my relationship with God suffered, and my success increased, my heart became increasing disappointed with the emptiness that I felt. It all came to a head in 1985 at the Oregon State Cross Country Championship at Lane Community College in Eugene Oregon my Junior year of high school. This was a dream opportunity. I was the favorite. I hadn’t lost all year. And I felt the weight of the world on my sixteen year old shoulders. I had to win, or I would be a failure, as far as I was concerned. So when I rounded the corner of the track to finish that race and it was secure and the crowds were cheering I felt relief but also disappointment. This, for me, was the best feeling success could bring and I realized that if this was the pinnacle of success than I was sorely disappointed, not only with the moment but also for all prospects of my future.

A few months later I sorted out my lost faith and I returned to Christ and it was as if a light clicked on where I found out what was worth living for. I resolved to pursue Christ with the same intensity and wholehearted devotion that I had given to running and academics.

At that same moment of joy and fulfillment a new struggle began. God returned to me a deep desire to pastor and to serve him “full time”. It was a specific call to vocational ministry. That truly was a dream that overshadowed even my childhood dreams of Olympic glory. Then a new struggle emerged – one of my will. A tug a war between His plan for my life and the world’s plan for my life. My struggle was an issue of calling. It was a question now not of whether or not I would be a Christian, but a question of whether or not I would be a disciple. And I believe we are all called to be disciples.

Today we will look at the calling of Jeremiah…and discover that the calling that he experienced has a lot to do with how God also has spoken and is speaking to you and to me.
Please open your Bibles to Jeremiah 1 (NIV)

1 The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2 The word of the LORD came to him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, 3 and through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

Jeremiah was a young priest when God called him. He was a descendant of a famous priest – Abiathar (one of David’s priests who had opposed Solomon). Jeremiah was young when God called him and he had a ministry of 47 years. He has been called the weeping prophet. He suffered throughout his ministry. He was publicly humiliated, tortured and was often on the run. He was called to be faithful in a time when it seemed as though no one else was being faithful. Tradition tells us that his life ended when he was stoned to death and died as a martyr. He was silenced at that moment but his writings would live on. To do what he did required a strong calling. Otherwise I’m sure he would have stopped and done something else. A clear and strong calling carries us through trials, opposition and the things that cause us to doubt or question our faith.

What does it mean to be called? When God calls us, what does He say? Do I have to quit my job? Looking at how God calls Jeremiah will help us better understand how He calls us.

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

4 Things God Did for Jeremiah
4 Things God has done for you and me
These 4 things are part of God’s general calling – they apply to all people. They are solid biblical truths (Psalm 139, NT, OT – the confirmations are numerous)

To know your calling means knowing that He…
1. Formed you: yatsar: fashion, squeeze into shape, fashion as a potter (Jeremiah 18:1-4. Gen. 2:8: Created by God and fashioned by Him personally. Strong’s #: 3335. Personality, etc. Perfect potter. Constant shaping process.
I find encouragement in the fact that He formed me. He fashioned us, as a potter works with a shapeless, piece of mud, he with His hands and fingers shaped our DNA. He is the perfect potter and made you the way you are. You are a living miracle.
Perhaps you don’t like it. Perhaps you think He didn’t do a good job. But it isn’t your outer beauty or handsomeness that determines this. It also has to do with your personality. Your heart and soul. Your mind. Your ability to show compassion. Pastor Jim talked about this last week – but please, don’t insult what God made by constantly complaining about yourself. We often get stuck wishing we were something that we are not.

2. Knew you: yada: to know or observe, Gen. 4:1. Adam knew Eve. Intimate knowledge. Strong’s #:3045. In fact in the Bible it is used to describe sexual union between people. He knew you inside and out even before your were born. He crafted not only you DNA, but your soul. If a clone of you was made, there would be a difference. Your very person. He knows you and has known you better than any other person. He knows you better than yourself. He understands where you come from, how you think, etc.
Even before you were formed I knew you intimately. Pre-conscious and pre-life God knew you and had something special in mind when He thought of you. Even then He had intimate knowledge of you.
About the only way I can imagine this happening is to think of what it would be like to be God. Imagine what it would be like if you had unlimited resources and unlimited time and unlimited strength to determine what your own children were going to be like. You might think, I will make them smart. I will make them good looking. I will make them kind. Then you would have to get more creative – need to vary skin color more, hair type, smiles, eyes, size, build, sense of humor, etc. God is the one who determined all of these things. He knows us, better than we will ever know ourselves. He knows what you look like at your best. That is how it is with God. We would focus on external and on the circumstances of their life, but God focused on your heart.

3. Set you apart: qadash: To dedicate, appoint, consecrate. God takes the lives of people on this broken planet, and he sets them apart. He wants to move them all over into this new category of those who are redeemed. But some resist. He says, move out of the pile of dead people, and into the pile of the living. Yet some crawl back…“out of the womb I sanctified you”
To set apart is to make holy, sanctify. Strong’s #6942. Was Jeremiah special? No. God has a plan for you as well. You are a priest. You are set apart. Separate you from the dead and to set you over here into the group of those that are spiritually alive. It’s as if He is panning for Gold – sifting through silt and mud and sets apart the gold in a separate pile. Not set apart to fail or to be condemned, but you are consecrated for transformation. Not for futile living, but to shine as a son or daughter of God. Holy = set apart. Now some spend their life saying no. Others spend their life crawling back into the pile of dead people, but God has a pile of special things.

4. Appointed you: Nathan: To charge, to give or to put over. Given by another as a spokesperson.
There is a specific appointment. There is a specific task for you to do. Your voice is important. For all of us it isn’t so much the words that you speak, but the way your life is meant to speak. A leader is needed. A person that cares is needed. A person who knows God is needed and you are probably the only one that can be that light. You have been appointed.

These things are aspects of universal/general calling, but this one, speaks to the specific call that no one knows but God and you.

Jeremiah 29:11

He has something for you – right now, in your future.
There are dreams that God had for you when He designed you. Some dreams may have been lost, but His fingerprints are still all over you.

It is important that we recognize our calling.
This is what calling looks like. His voice continues to ring out about these four things.

Part of understanding your calling is making a clear distinction between your vocation and avocation.
A dictionary definition of the terms is as follows:Vocation: A divine call to the religious life. One's job or occupation. Avocation: A subordinate occupation one pursues, a hobby, secondary job or interest. Both of these terms contain the Latin root vocare which means "to call".The common use of these terms identifies vocation as being essentially our job, and avocation as our hobby.A Christian distinction of these terms identifies "vocation" as your true calling in life (primary), and "avocation" usually refers to what you do to make a living (secondary). Sometimes a person has the luxury of these two things being very closely related. Other times one pursues their true vocation outside of their job. For example, a salesman might feel truly called to serve the poor. They might have a job (avocation) in sales, but they pursue their true vocation by volunteering with a mission and as a community advocate for the poor (outside their job). We often don't get paid for our vocation, but we must seek ways of fulfilling it. Yes, the highest calling of every Christian is their pursuit of God, but this often has very specific and personal uniqueness as well as life-shaping implications.Author and educator Parker Palmer put it this way:"My vocation (to use the poet's term) is the spiritual life, the quest for God, which relies on the eye of the heart. My avocation is education, the quest for knowledge, which relies on the eye of the mind. I have seen life through both these eyes as long as I can remember - but the two images have not always coincided....I have been forced to find ways for my eyes to work together, to find a common focus for my spirit seeking heart and my knowledge seeking mind that embraces reality in all its amazing dimensions." To Know as We Are Known, Parker Palmer

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Doubt, distractions and discouragement often come and challenge that calling. They challenge God’s voice.

6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
Excuses: The power of choice. The complaint. Yes, he was young. He felt as though he was not ready. He felt he lacked in both skills and experience.

Ever argue with Him?
What you’ll notice is that God addresses both the excuse as well as the root issue that Jeremiah didn’t even bring up.
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

Complaint is followed by confirmation

My story – how I argued with God. Fears and doubts (persecution). I was mostly felt an obligation to other people that seemed contrary to this calling. I had the opportunity to go to a “good college”. I had been accepted into West Point. I had been accepted into Dartmouth. Didn’t I owe it to everyone??? This was my big break to get out of Coos Bay and live a life of success! It would be so easy if God would just tell me to go to one of those schools, but instead He said, “Matt, lay those things at my feet. Go to LIFE Bible College. Trust me with this.” So with fear and trembling I laid those at His feet and withdrew my applications to those schools, and had to face the expected disappointment on my family and friends.

Be honest! Complain, but listen to the confirmation.
God argues back…addressing fears and promising His help and presence.

Isn’t this great news – that He will go with you? Not only does God promise His presence He also promises His protection. It wasn’t as if God said “I might help you out”. No, He promised rescue. But He also asked for obedience. What is He telling you to do? Disobedience is the only thing that can hinder you and me from fulfilling God’s call. This is one aspect of calling. Understanding that Christianity includes submission to His will. An alignment of our will to His will for our lives in specific terms. What has He been telling you to do? If it is baptism, get baptized! Failure to obey can get in the way of the next thing that He has for us. If it telling the truth, do it! Grace goes along way, but disobedience truly is the one thing that can really get in our way.
There is only one condition – obedience.

2. It is important that we resolve to fulfill God’s calling by receiving God’s assurance when we doubt or face trials.


9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."

God put words in his mouth (put – 5414 – to give or to appoint words to you).
God appointed him over nations: To set over, to send on a visit with friendly or hostile intent (see 6485).

The potter reaches out and touches his mouth.
God says, “I will take care of your fear”. I will meet the need of that excuse that you have.

God provides what is needed .. For Jeremiah, but also for me and for you.
God says to Jeremiah, “My touch will be upon you when you speak. And it is my will that you be involved in uprooting and tearing down.”
There is a sovereign provision of gifts, abilities, within our personality, that God makes.

God is in the business of giving you the ability to do all of these things.

3. It is important that we receive God’s gifts and provision to fulfill this call.
A called person is involved in these activities.
What in your life needs to be uprooted?
What in your life needs to be torn down or destroyed? (Harsh language, but necessary in order to build something new.)
What power struggles are going on where God’s plan needs to overthrow your plans?
What needs to be built and to be planted in your life and in the lives of others?
In the agrarian economy they knew what this meant – to grow something healthy and fruitful. Jeremiah was called to do these things and likewise we are called to do these things as well. This is about the influence of the kingdom of God.
(More about receiving His provision)
When I showed up at LIFE Bible College I had nothing. $300, one duffle bag, no bedding, and a bunch of burning bridges in my past. But He had called, and He has provided, and He has enabled me to be a part of things I could never hope to accomplish on my own. I had given up on running; but since that day I have had the joy of doing all the running I could want. At that time I gave up the thought of having a comfortable life and now I have more stuff than I want. At that time I felt alone, now I have more people than I want. My relationship with my parents is great. And now I stand in front of a group of people and just like this I can remember being 4 years old feeling drawn to do this very thing. I am fulfilling my call.

Fulfill your call. Yes, fulfilling your call will always involve sacrifice. This is what the cross is. But in the end it is worth it.
Next time you hold your son or daughter if you listen, you might realize you are fulfilling His call. Next time you do your job, or care for an employee, or serve another meal at a food bank, or coach another game, or handout another bulletin, you might sense that fulfillment. This week I sensed fulfillment in a great way 3x – riding the Burke Gilman with my 15 year old daughter, taking my 13 year old son mountain climbing, and spending time with my wife, Heidi.

Understanding His calling isn’t about visions of grandeur. No, it is simpler than that. It is to recognize your uniqueness. He makes us whole enough to do what He has called us to do.
So what is your story? When did you hear His voice? Are you on track?

Jeremiah 10:23: “A man’s life is not his own; It’s not for man to direct his steps.”
RECOGNIZE RESOLVE RECEIVE. Stop putting your call on hold, if you know you’re doing this. Go for it!
Calling is fulfilled when we recognize it, resolve to obey and receive His provision.
Pursue a clear calling (LISTEN and SEEK)
Recognize your calling. Resolve to obey.
Receive His assurance and provision.

Jeremiah 29:11
Prayer
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People That Provoke Praise (Sermon)

People Who Provoke Praise
Matt Messner
1 Peter 4:7-11

1 Peter 4:7-11 (New International Version) 7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Paul begins in verse 7 with this short statement: The end of all things is near. This makes me think of a man wearing a sandwich board.

Vs. 7 The completion of all things is at hand. The tone of this passage is one of urgency. When Peter wrote this letter he and a majority of the believers who made up the early church all shared an urgent sense that Jesus could return at any minute. This letter of full of references to His coming. The end though is really the beginning. All of history is building towards the return of Jesus Christ. The statement is just as true today as it was then. In fact, it is even more true today. Every day is one day closer to the return of Christ. Furthermore, every day is one day closer to meeting him even if he does not return in our lifetime. Life is short. It is speeding by. The end is near. We are not getting in younger.

This is the tone of the passage – one of urgent anticipation.

I’ll never forget when my wife and I found out that she was pregnant with our first child – our daughter, Alicia. We had only been married for a few months. So when we took the pregnancy test and the little dot came out blue, it changed everything for us. We immediately began counting down the days. The next nine months were clearly marked on our calendar. They were further divided into trimesters and every day was one day closer to D-day (the due date). So in that limited amount of time, there was a lot to do. We had to choose a name. We had to decorate the room. We had to have a baby shower. We went to birthing classes. We had to figure out how we were going to adapt as a couple, to each other. We had to discuss our parental roles. We selected a doctor and a hospital. We put a car seat in our car. We were counting down the days with excited, nervous, anticipation. Every day was a day closer to her coming. Once we were within ten days of the due date ever moment we wondered what was up. We went on walks. I kept my cell phone handy.
That, is just a simple comparison to the anticipation that we can have as we look forward to the return of Christ. Don’t be afraid, but realize that the end is near.

Because the end is near, there are 4 key behaviors that characterize readiness for His return. Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
1.Be clear minded, sober and prayerful.
This is a contrast to a murky mind where reality is distorted. Having a clear mind allows us to make sense of life. Then you’ll be praying for the right things. Living on this planet can distort reality. There is so much constant noise in this world, it is hard to think clearly. Constant music. Constant TV. Constant interruptions. On top of that, thanks to cell phones, we are all “on call”. These things impact our prayer life. We become distracted. Recently on a long drive I tried to discipline myself to not turn on the radio.
Certain activities in life demand a clear mind and sobriety – they require concentration. You cannot be distracted and you must be focused if you’re going to perform surgery. Hit a golf ball. Operate a piece of heavy machinery. Write a computer program. Paint a picture. Arrest a criminal. If you’re totally distracted, you will fail. If your mind is cloudy, you’re not going to be able to do these things correctly.
The same is true in prayer. How many times have you began to pray, only to have you mind assaulted by every distraction in the world. “Dear Jesus help me today. I have so much to do that I really need your wisdom and blessing in these things. Oh yeah, that reminds me that I forgot to put out the trash can this morning. The garbage man is coming anytime. Lord…watch over and bless my two children as they go to Junior High today. Keep them safe (ut oh…how were they getting home from school today? And I forgot to give them lunch money. I better take care of this now). Lord, you know finances have been tight lately. Give me wisdom and multiply (that reminds me – I left the check book at work. I have to bring that home today)…Oh yeah, about that commitment to pray for missions – Lord just do it.”
Effective prayer – talking to God – takes focus and a clear mind. It is the same as having an undistracted conversation with someone. The bible teaches us that prayer is powerful and effective.
Because the end is near, Be self controlled, clear minded and prayerful.
Make adjustments in your life to make this a reality.

Because the end is near…
2.Love each other deeply
Above all things…finding and keeping an intense/strenuous love among yourselves, because love hides/covers over a multitude of sins.
Focus on love and it will keep you and others from sin. Find an intense love for one another.
Don’t take one another for granted. When people know that the end of this life is near, they get serious about loving each other. It is an amazing, painful and deep time in life. When there is time to prepare for the death of a person, families gather around that individual and try to make things right. Many of you have had this opportunity. Others of you have wished for it. They try to show love. They do this with all their heart. So when Peter writes , “Time is short.” – therefore love one another intensely – he is speaking to people who have an uncertain future. You never know what might happen tomorrow. Today might be the only day you have to love someone. So love them deeply. Love covers sin = when you love people, you don’t sin. Love keeps you from gossip. Love keeps me from criticism. Love keeps me from anger. Love keeps me faithful. Love keeps me from selfishness. Love covers over a multitude of sins. When you love people, you inspire them not to sin.

Because the end is near,
3.Offer hospitality to one another
When is the last time you were able to show someone hospitality? Was it difficult? Sometimes it is. Sometimes people wear out their welcome. Show hospitality (an expression of love) to one another without complaining, murmuring, grumbling. When you show love, don’t complain about it. Back then there were not many lodging options (e.g.: Europe).
I’ll never forget the time during college that I went to a friend’s house for breakfast in Kansas.
My friend in Boston whom I would visit when I was in school would let me stay on his couch. Saved me over $125/night. Hospitality doesn’t always look the same.
Instead of having your house be a fortress that you hide in – unlock the doors. Open they gate. Invite people over.
Yes, there has always been the risk that some would wear out their welcome…Is your house open for business? For drop ins? For guests? For Bible study? For worship? Why not?
Heidi and I have almost always had other people staying with us. We host international students. We host relatives. And sometimes I grumble. Especially over particular relatives. It’s inconvenient. It costs you money. It messes up your house. It cuts into your free time. It invades your space. But it is what can cause people to get one step closer to praising God. Can you show hospitality? Can your home be a place where people praise God because of the kindness that they are shown.
When someone does this for you, your walk away praising God for their kindness.
Hospitality is a powerful arena for transformation – so offer it without grumbling.

Because the end is near
4.Use your gifts to serve others
You have been given gifts. You’re unique. Now make the most of what God has given you. Make the most of who He created you to be. If you’ll do this, He’ll use you in amazing ways. Just do it with His help. Your life is multi-colored with His grace. Serve each other as you can. Share this life and the gifts that He has given you.
What are your gifts? What are you doing with them to serve others?
There are two general categories of spiritual gifts listed here: Speaking gifts and serving gifts. Some of you are amazing encouragers. Some of you are amazing workers. Some of you are more gifted with your hands than with your voice. One is not more important than the other. Do not take any gifts and consume them entirely on yourself or use them to only benefit yourself. But serve others. The word here is to serve with the strength that God provides – he gives you both the gift and the strength needed to serve others. He is the one who is overseeing a beautiful thing that can happen through your life as you yield to him both your talents and your time. (He is the producer of the production that counts). He has given you everything you need to do this. When someone does this for you, you walk away praising God for that person and thanking God for His love.
It’s not difficult to use your gifts to help someone out -- and it can make a huge difference to someone else. To give you an example on Monday I went fly fishing at a small lake near Omak, Washington. It is one of these lakes that are difficult to find on a map. The fishing was great, but it was also HOT – so in the middle of the afternoon I went for a drive, turned on the air conditioning. I came to a little lake called Forde Lake – there was small road that went around this lake and as I made my way up that dirt road – just exploring, I was surprised to come up to a place where the road was flooded. And near the flooded road was a car stuck deep in the mud, with a couple standing there, scratching their heads. This road went nowhere, so the fact that I was even there was somewhat miraculous. I got out of my truck and asked them the obvious question, do you need some help? At that moment, their problem became my problem. And I had places to go! (such as fishing). My truck was a 4 wheel drive. The wife of this couple walked off when I pulled up. They were camping about a quarter mile away. She was disgusted – probably had been hoping her husband would have a little more time to contemplate his stupidity.
I didn’t ask him where he was going. We just found some rope and tried to pull him out. The rope broke on the first try – his tires were spinning but touching nothing. The next time we prayed and we doubled up the rope, and to my amazement and to his joy, out came the car.
This guy was thanking God. Some of you have gifts that are that simple. That easy. Sharing them is a bit inconvenient, but when you do it will cause someone to praise God. What a great deal – for you and for them. That is why God gave you those gifts in the first place! People often became stuck . It might not seem to be a big deal to you, but to them it is. And you have the ability, and the responsibility/opportunity to help them out.
Prayer, love, hospitality, and sharing your gifts – all of these things happen well in small groups. In your bulletin you’ll see them listed. Some of you are afraid of getting involved in a SG. Your too busy. You’re maxed out. How about having coffee with someone? How about a BBQ? How about dinner after church?

This passage of Scripture deals with a very important issue: How can one’s life inspire praise to God? People form their opinions about God by watching your life. The things you do and say can cause people to have a better/more accurate and therefore attractive view of God, or they can have the opposite effect.
Peter is saying here that there is a way to live “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
Common to all of these actions is one thing – They require you interfacing with other human beings. They require us living in close proximity to others. People will only experience your hospitality, receive your love, be impacted by your gifts and life when they are a part of it.

We are called to be people who provoke praise
Provoke:
To stir to action or feeling.
To give rise to; evoke: provoke laughter.
To bring about deliberately; induce.
Not praise for ourselves, but praise to God.
When Peter was writing this epistle he was sending it to a group of Christians who were subject to ongoing persecution and suffering. They knew that the end was near. Christians in that day were often subject to slander, defamation, boycotts, mob violence and social pressures. Society was generally inhospitable to them. Here are things you can do that will inspire praise regardless of your personality, gifts or the setting that you live in.
To be people who provoke praise, renew a sense of urgent anticipation of the end.

That is why we do these 4 things – so that people will be become praisers of God.
Now is the time.
You’re only going to be a teen once. College once. Mom with kids…the end of one season is coming and a new season in your life is beginning. It all serves as a reminder that the end of all things is near.
We now treat all people equally – unbelievers or believers alike. Doing these things will cause unbelievers to seek God and believers to thank God.
Prayer leads to praise. Love leads to praise. Hospitality leads to praise. Serving others and using your gifts, inspires praise.
You and I are called to be people who provoke praise. I’ve seen some beautiful sunsets. I’ve been inspired by music and sounds that I have heard. I’ve heard sermons that touched my heart and caused me to praise God. But people reaching out to me with tangible actions and tangible expressions of God’s love – these cause people to praise God and respond to Him, like nothing else. 4 behaviors. : Prayer, love, hospitality, service.
Applying this is crucial. I’ve had to consider how I can influence people towards Christ in small ways and I invite you to do the same. Write down or make a mental note of one to 3 ways you could apply these things this week. Time is short, so, Will you pray differently? Love more? Do you need to open your home to someone or to a group? Do you need to serve? Perhaps you just need to get closer to people so that you can have this kind of influence.
We are called to be people who provoke praise!

You and your job

Most of us spend a lot of our time "working". I believe Christian workers can make the best employees. I believe they should bring to the job a strong work ethic, moral integrity and much more. I realize this isn't always the case. What has been your experience with "Christian" workers?

There are four qualities (values) that I believe are important, no matter what type of job I am doing. Here they are:

1. Cultivate a sense of worship through work

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

2. Exemplify servanthood

Consider the impact of Robert Greenleaf’s theories on “servant leadership”. The Biblical basis for this catalytic quality is clearly established.

Philippians 2

Mark 9:35 “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."

3. Let your life speak
Integrity and moral character are to be your strongest qualities
Matthew 5:14-15 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

4. Care for employees, clients and co-workers
Consider Tim Sander’s writings – Love is the Killer App. (This and other "business" and "leadership" books are primarily developments of Christian behaviors)
John 15
1 Corinthians 13
Matthew 22:37-29
“Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

Which of these 4 things do you want to work on the most today?

Why do you participate in a small group?

Maybe you actually don't...but studies show that a growing number of people "in the church" and "outside the church" enjoy participating in small groups. Perhaps it is a Bible Study, a book club, a running group, a support group...the options are numerous. The common element is that you know each other. There is consistency. There is a reason you attend -- it reflects a value that you have. So what is it? Why do you attend a small group? What do you enjoy about your particular group experience?

About time I saw a mountain goat!

In a couple weeks I go to Manila. I'm going to be teaching 5 sessions for a training for the leaders of the Urban Church Planting Project-- 3 on "house churches", one on mission teams, and one that will be a "team building" session. Furthermore, I am preaching the same weekend I leave - May 20/21. It's difficult to prepare for teaching at the office -- there is a constant demand for administrative activity and personal interaction. So I scheduled a day away just for study. I called my old youth pastor from high school -- Grant Esborg -- a great guy who happens to have a condo in Leavenworth, Washington. He lets me stay there from time to time.

Everything worked out -- so I set aside a Friday for study and drove over Highway 2 on a Thursday night to spend Friday studying. OnThursday night and Friday morning I knocked out my sermon - I'm looking forward to it. It is based on 1 Peter 4:7-11. After that I went for my customary run. The only difference here is that there are awesome trails out my backyard along the Icicle River. First I tried for Mt. Cashmere, but there was too much snow. After a 50 minute run I returned to my truck and went down to the Snow Lake trailhead.

The sun was beating down as I made my way up ten continuous switch backs. As I ran with my head down I was stunned to look up and find myself nearly face to face with a Mountain Goat! For some reason, in spite of all the hikes and climbs I have done, I had never had this pleasure before.

I quickly stumbled for my camera and found my tame majestic friend to be very compliant with photography. I took all these photos, and even a video as I forced him off the trail when I passed by. I made my way further up the trail until it became impassable. I headed back to my truck -- 3 hours of running or hiking. It was a nice break before I "hit the books" once again. Thanks Grant for sharing your condo! My sermon is ready to go, as are my outlines for Manila. On top of that, I feel like God surprised me with a face to face encounter with a Mountain Goat!

The Da Vinci Code Threat

The popularity of The Da Vinci Code has created a lot of discussion among Chrisitians and non-Christians alike. With the movie being released on May 19th, these discussions will continue.

Some see the book/movie as a threat to Christianity. Although it is a fiction, some feel it may cause some to fall away from faith.

Others see this as an opportunity -- An opportunity to talk to people about what is TRUE. An opportunity to better educate Christians about what they believe and why. (This is how we will be approaching the release of the movie -- we are planning a training event, a couple of proactive/responsive sermons, and an outreach event on opening weekend).

Still others feel this is a non-event; incapable of having much real impact on the culture or the church.

What do you think? Why?

I just came across a great article for further reading...Click here and check it out!