Man Up, Husbands!

In Ephesians 5:25-33 husbands are commanded to love their wives as God loves them.  This command can only be accomplished as men place themselves under the control of the Holy Spirit.  Realizing this, I have come to conclude that most women never experience true love from their husbands. Why? Not from a lack of trying, but because most believing husbands are not filled with the Holy Spirit.  Until men turn their will over to God and give control to the Holy Spirit their marriage will lack true love.

-Mark

2010 Requests

This past Sunday evening, a number of church members offered up prayer request for Wakefield during the 2010 year. They are as follows:
1. Greater love one for the other
2. The leadership continue to seek and follow Jesus' leading
3. A passion for the unsaved
4. Closer individual relationship with Jesus
5. An increased focus on discipleship
6. That Jesus would be the focus of our ministry
What if God answered yes to all of the above prayer requests? I believe the impact upon the church and the community would be profound. Therefore join us in the above prayer requests.
-Mark

One, Two, and Three

Often preachers use Scripture to beat down members of the congregation. They hope that because of the weight of their words conviction will fall upon the listeners and change will be wrought. No doubt there is a time for such a message. However, I am convinced that the good news of God's message can have the same impact.
Last Sunday we looked at Ephesians 1:18-19. In this passage Paul is praying that believers would have their understanding opened to see three things God has already accomplished in their lives. Paul is not praying that they will gain these three items. Why? Because all believers already posses them. Rather, he longed that they know them and that they live up to them.

The first item in verse 18 is, "...that you may know what is the hope of His calling..." The fact that God chose us makes us special, unique, set apart from the many. Most people long to be special. They assert their personality to gain attention; they attend schools to set themselves apart; they even dress to draw people toward them. So the desire to be special is understood. For some reason believers are unaware, or dimly aware, that God chose them; and they are unaware of how special that makes them. In Sunday's message we learned that God did this for His own purpose (Romans 8:28); He did it to conform us into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29); and that He will never take away this choice (Romans 11:29), making the believer eternally special.

Next we see that God desires that we fully understand that we are His heirs, "..what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.." To be an heir of God is to be eternally secure because you are a child of the King - and not just any king, but God. In Ephesians 1:5 we learned that because of this choice we were adopted into God's family. This relationship is eternal and it contains the eternal benefit of security. The fact that we are a child of the King should cause us to live differently. Let me quickly add that I stand against the perverse teaching known as the prosperity gospel. The hymn writer once penned, "A tent or a cottage, why should I care? They're building a palace for me over there..." Being a child of the King does not mean we must buy the $40,000 BMW or the $5,000 suit. It means that we are forever secure in this eternal relationship.

The final point to understand is the knowledge that God has given us His power to overcome life and sin. 2 Peter 1:3-4 teaches this as well. If you look closely at the passage you will see that God has given us the power over life. Sometime life stinks. I'm not talking about sin, although that does affect life. Rather, I'm talking about everyday life, the hard decisions we must make. This power also addresses the godly life to which we are called. Living like a child of the King can seem difficult. However, God has empowered us to live up to that standard. Finally, in 2 Peter 1:4, we find that we have the power over sin. It says "partakers of the divine nature." This does not mean we will create our own planets and live like a god. Rather, Peter points out that like God we will have power over sin, "having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."

So believer be encouraged. God has made you eternally special. He has made you His child. And, He has given you His power to live a life unhindered. Hold your head up. And when you are confronted by what seems overwhelming, say, "I am a child of the King and God has given me the power to see even this through."

-Mark

Putting the Joy back into Formality

The Internet has been abuzz with the wedding video of Jill Peterson and Kevin Heinz. In just one week, their dancing wedding processional has gone viral, with over 9 million hits on the YouTube. What is it about this processional that has sparked such fascination? I think that it is the joy evidenced in the dance, the joy celebrating the moment when two young people are united in marriage.

Ceremonies, such as a wedding, develop over many generations with little change. That is not a bad thing, because there is a sense of security and continuity in doing what our parents and grandparents did. Unfortunately over time, the original joy of the ceremony is replaced with too much formalism. When that happens, things go stale. Weddings should be a celebration of love and joy. The Peterson/Heinz wedding brought this back into the traditional ceremony. It will be interesting to see if this sets a trend. I hope so.

You can watch the wedding processional at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

-Mark

Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157

Get Your Marriage in Gear

Pastor Steve Cornell, of Millersville Bible Church, has put together a marriage resource packet and made it available on the church website. The packet contains seven links, or resources, that can be of great help. Maybe you are considering divorce? There is a link in this packet that addresses the myths of divorce, especially its effect on children. Maybe your marriage just needs a boost? Then take the enrichment exercise.

Here is the link. I would encourage you to go to the website and take advantage of these resources. Marriage Packet

Also, please visit our church at http://www.wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157

Touching the Untouchables

I remember that near the end of my first wife's life, Margaret desired human touch, but because of the cancer that was throughout her body, touch was something that brought pain and discomfort. However, the need for human contact outweighed the pain that was caused by it. She needed to be hugged. I recalled that memory, now 17 years old, because of what I observed in church this past Sunday. I watched as some of the broken people made their way into our church. Although they did not know anyone, and I'm sure attending was in many respects uncomfortable for them, their desire for human contact outweighed their fear of pain.

A few weeks back we examined fellowship, A Shared Life in Jesus. Last week we looked at the broken people who have recently made contact with our church. Now this past Sunday, as I stood in front of the congregation I noticed one of these broken in attendance. I also began to see that there are others just as broken. Why were they at Wakefield? Was it to worship? Possibly. Was it to learn of God? Possibly. However, I must think that their desire for human contact played an important part.

In Matthew 8:1-4 we find a leper asking Jesus to heal him. "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Leprosy is a terrible disease, even more so in the time of Christ. People were isolated from society and considered unclean. This is important to remember as we watch Jesus heal the man. Notice the action Jesus took as He healed. "He stretched out His hand and touched him saying, 'I am willing. Be clean!'" Jesus could have healed him with only a word. But Jesus made a point of touching the untouchable.

Lynn Hall and Kari West wrote in their article, The Power of Touch, "Touch acknowledges both a shared humanness and our individual worth. It amplifies our sense of safety and security. Touch heals not only physically, but also psychologically, by affirming our need for belonging and acceptance." So, Jesus not only healed the leper, but He also affirmed the man's need for belonging and acceptance. He also provided something the leper had deeply longed for - human touch.

Look around your community. Whether that community is a neighborhood or a church, there are people who ache for human contact. Human contact for some may cause discomfort, even pain, but I am certain that their desire to be touched will overcome this. Reach out and touch the untouchables.

-Mark

Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org

The Broken On Our Doorstep

Since Saturday, just five days back, we have watched God bring two broken people to us for help and healing. One we found during door-to-door visitation and the other God prompted to find us. Listening to their stories can be overwhelming. There is no easy answer for all that has befallen them. Health, family, and loneliness, are just at the top of a long list. And as they talk of their hurts you hear how God is far away, how He seems not to answer their prayers, how He appears to have abandoned them at their time of greatest need. Truly these people are broken, lost, and alone.

Just minutes after one departed the office, I looked into Scripture to see what advice God gave for Shepherding such. I found myself in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, the passage concerning Paul's thorn. As I looked at verse nine, I wondered, "How does someone get to the point in their suffering where they can say 'I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.'?" I'm not sure I have the answer.

Looking elsewhere I found a table in the Life Application that listed six questions to ask when you find yourself in a time of suffering:
1. Am I being punished by God for sin?
2. Is Satan attacking me as I try to survive as a Christian?
3. Am I being prepared for a special service, learning to be compassionate to those who suffer?
4. Am I specifically selected for testing, like Job?
5. Is my suffering a result of natural consequences, for which I am not directly responsible?
6. Is my suffering due to some unknown reason?

I thought, "Well Paul must have come to a place in his life where he had an answer to those questions." To have such confidence that one can glory in his suffering and to recognize the result of such confidence is remarkable.

How long did it take? Did Paul respond in this fashion immediately or did some time pass? We see three pleadings. Maybe not long at all. What does one do while he waits upon God for such and understanding? 2 Thessalonians 1:1-6 gives some insight. During times of suffering we must exercise patience and faith.

Probably if we are faithful in our ministry to these two broken people, God will drive some more in our direction. God is always working in our area. Here is an opportunity to be a part of that work. Let us love these people and share our Savior with them. And let us teach them that as they wait upon God, and for the confidence He brings, they need to demonstrate faith and patience.

Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org

A Shared Life with Jesus

Back in the 1980's there was a fusion jazz group known as Koinonia. I had no idea why the picked this name and what it could even mean until a few years later someone pointed out that the word meant "fellowship." This past Sunday evening, Wakefield experienced fellowship, koinonia, not the music but the fellowship that occurs between believers in Christ. We took the night off from studying the Truth Project and focused on each other and our relationship with Jesus.

This fellowship was experienced in different ways at each home. The youth had a spaghetti dinner. One home ordered pizza. At our group we had a potluck. Of course, fellowship is more than food choice. It also involves sharing your life, one with the other. This does not need a meal. Fellowship can be had around other experiences, even that of Bible study. What is central to fellowship is not the activity, in our case eating, but the presence of Jesus.

A nice article on fellowship was written by Bob Gillam (The Importance of Fellowship in the New Testament Church). He makes several observations about fellowship, three of which, really stand out. 1) "...'fellowship' was never used to describe man’s relationship to God before the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell the church." 2) "...'fellowship' is that it is a unique relationship with Christ. We have a relationship of being “in Christ.” 3) "...fellowship is not just doing anything together. It is only doing God’s will together."

I watched our people interact throughout the evening. All of those in attendance are saved people, except for one, the spouse of one of our members. This person, the spouse, seemed at ease and enjoyed himself as we ate and talked. However, I couldn't help but notice that when we came together for a time of worship He disappeared. Thinking about Gillam's observations, it is no wonder. Since the spouse lacks the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and has no relationship with Christ, fellowship, in the true sense, is impossible.

Next week we return to the study. I know that all enjoyed themselves this week as we shared our lives one with another. However, when we return to the "books" I hope that we will see and know that fellowship is found in our relationship with Jesus and in our time of doing His will. Also, I hope that it gives us a desire to share Him all the more so that others can experience the life that they are missing.

-Mark



Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157

Crazy Hats Point to Christ

Most Wednesday mornings I go over to Taneytown Baptist Church and pray with some local pastors. One pastor is Larry Douthwaite. Larry shepherds Living Faith Evangelical church in Littlestown, PA. This week Larry has moved from a local celebrity to a national one, all because of his crazy hats.

I won't tell the story of how or why. Rather, you can read about it at the link given here. However, it does demonstrate how a little creativity can point someone to Jesus Christ. Look around your community and ask how you can get involved and share of your time and personality. As far as I know, Larry's hats were only goofy, never evangelical. However, they have had an impact, and in a strange way have pointed people toward his Savior. Maybe you, too, can creatively serve in your community and thus point to Christ.


-Mark

A Valentine From God

Two great stories were told during the Sunday morning service. In one, Gordon and Ron told how they were used by God at the World Ag Expo, in Tulare, California. They were privileged to share the good news of Jesus Christ with over 3,000 people, leading to approximately 800 decisions. God has been using these men, and some others in our church, through the ministry of Christian Farmers Outreach. This outstanding ministry shares the love of God, using walking sticks and beads.

Later, Dan told how God directed his steps to share Christ with a neighbor. Dan, on two occasions this week, attempted to share Christ with his neighbor. However, God blocked his way. Then on Valentines day, Dan and his wife, Doris, visited their neighbor's wife in the hospital. There, they found their neighbor, his wife, and her sister. Eventually, the conversation turned spiritual. Dan, in time, asked each of them if they would like to put their trust in Jesus Christ. All three made individual decisions for Christ. What a Valentines Day!

God continues to use Wakefield to spread this story of love and salvation. There is no greater Valentine message that this - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) If, as you read this, realize that God loves you, that He gave His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins, then take the next few moments and put your trust in Jesus Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can find forgiveness for our sins, and it is only through Jesus Christ that we can experience the full love of God.

-Mark

Please visit our church at http://wakefieldbible.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=40157

Growing Smaller to Grow Deeper

Starting this Sunday evening, Wakefield will embark in a new direction - small groups. Our first pass at small groups will be The Truth Project. The Truth Project is a biblical worldview study that has excited the leaders of Wakefield.

Months back, the elders, Ron, Quint, Dan, and I attended the Truth Project training. I was excited before the training about the possibility of this study and the possibility of small groups. The training was excellent and motivating. At the end of the day, Ron, Quint, and Dan were equally excited. We knew that this program would be a benefit to Wakefield.

There will be many adjustments to taking on a small group format. What to do with the kids?, should we take up and offering?, what about choir practice?... are some of the questions we have not fully resolved. However, I and the elders are convinced that the benefits of discipleship and fellowship will greatly outweigh the problems that will arise.

Pray for our adjustments, but more importantly, pray for transformation, the transformation that is possible when God's people come together to study His word.
-Mark
Please visit our church at http://www.blogger.com/www.wakefieldbible.org

Calling All Scrooges

This year I have been somewhat of a scrooge. I sat on the sofa and watched as Debbie decorated the tree. I did all my shopping online in about 45 minutes. So maybe it is true, possibly I am a Scrooge. What then can I do to recapture the magic of Christmas.

Last Friday, I did something that helped. I, along with Debbie and her brother Dan, went to New York City. We had a great time. We window shopped, went to FAO Schwartz, walked around Central Park, ate in Little Italy, and attended the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. I can say now, because of Santa and the Rockettes, I have regained some of the Christmas magic.

What was it that Santa and the Rockettes did to re-ignite the magic? During their show, two dramatic numbers taught me three lessons:

1) Develop the right attitude toward gifting. Often I find that I am a competitve gifter. If someone gives me something, I feel inclined to gift them back with a gift of greater value. What I should do is find the right gift. Santa said in the spectacular, "The right gift will find you." This is liberating, because I do not need to worry about monetary value. In our relationship with God, we find that we cannot out give Him. Once we realize this, the fact that we are free from trying to impress God, then we can truly begin to understand His grace.

2) Quit filling Christmas with junk. Do we really need another coffee mug, candy we should not eat, or knick-knacks that take up space and attract dust? Focus on value, quality, not items meant for the dump or the re-gift drawer. Again in the show, Santa stressed the right gift. The boys located the perfect rag doll, with the help of the Rockettes, for their sister. In our relationship with God, He asks us to give of ourselves (Romans 12:1,2) Maybe this should be our practice in our Christmas giving.

3) Finally, get the focus of the holiday back on Jesus Christ. Recently, I attempted to buy a Christmas card with Jesus on the front. Out of 200 cards, I could only find one that had a spiritual theme. Just because our culture is shifting away from the Christ of Christmas, we do not have to do the same. The final, and most dramatic scene at Radio City Music Hall was the recreation of the Nativity. Through Scripture reading, song, sets, and acting, the good news of Jesus Christ was clearly presented. It changed the entire event and was a blessing to all.

So I think I will work on making Christmas simple, the giving of self, and with a focus on Jesus.
-Mark


Please visit our church at www.wakefieldbible.org

2,800 Opportunities

This week I was pleasantly surprised to learn that our website, www.wakefieldbible.org has received 2,800 visits during the past year. I am smart enough to know that 2,800 is a small number for some websites, however for Wakefield and what we are attempting to accomplish, I find the number thrilling. For me, they are 2,800 opportunities to share Christ, His grace, and Wakefield Valley Bible Church.
Now that I am aware of the 2,800 I am looking with a critical eye at our website to make sure it is accomplishing its purpose, to share Christ and the church with all who visit. So check back in the weeks to come and give me some feedback.
-Mark

An Honest Evaluation

Life is often upsetting. Things do not go as planned. However, if I am honest, if I evaluate my life honestly, then I must admit that I have lived a blessed life. I believe if you would honestly count your blessings you would find that your life is truly blessed, regardless of your circumstances.
Believers often make the mistake of evaluating their circumstances in the same way as unbelievers. We point to our bank account, our home, or automobiles, and say "God has blessed me." We also may lift up family, especially those that are walking with the Lord, as evidence that God has blessed. However, I would say that the Scripture looks at life differently. It does not deny the blessings given above, but puts it all in proper perspective.
Take a moment and read through chapter one of Ephesians. Focus on verses 3-14. What are those spiritual blessings spoken of in verse 3? Well, you were chosen, predestined, and adopted. God has lavished on you His grace, His forgiveness, and His wisdom. On and on it goes until the verses conclude with this thought, "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory." Wow, how we are truly blessed!
In many respects my life is not how I planned it. Much of it has fallen short of my goals and expectations. But the blessings of God found in Ephesians far exceeds anything I could have planned. I think I will sit down with Ephesians and count my blessings all over again and name them one by one.
-Mark

Seeing Grace - Acts 11:23

Wakefield is going through an exciting time. We are seeing new families visit. We are seeing visitors stay and join the family. But more importantly we are seeing lives transformed by the Lord Jesus Christ!
What has led up to this time? How did it happen? There are a few things that could have caused this change. 1) It is possible that the body is now comfortable with me as their pastor. Like any church going through a change in leadership, we lost a few. However, maybe those that stayed are now becoming comfortable with me. 2) We are now doing some things right. One good improvement was the introduction of our Bodybuilding class. Bodybuilding 101 & 201 have accomplished their goals. These classes have discipled a small group of people. They have also knit these people together in a small group. We have used it to both teach and create fellowship within the body. 3) People are starting to put shoe leather to their faith. Over the past number of months we have seen several trust in Christ. This is due of course to the work of the Holy Spirit. However, if I am permitted, I would like to add to that the fact that God has been using the believers of Wakefield to accomplish His will. This year a Grow Team led Melvin to Christ. He invited Kevin, who last Tuesday evening prayed to receive Christ as savior. Al took Dan to visit two family members. They put their trust in Christ after Al and Dan shared with them. Samantha has been attending Wakefield on and off for the past year. Finally, Bruce and her boyfriend shared Christ with Sam. (Steve and Samantha are in the above picture) Now we have a new sister in Christ. I could go on, talking about Cindy and Jamie, Al and Dave, and Barbara, Eta, and Jean, but I think you get the picture. People are excited about the Lord and this excitement has led them to share with others.
Two things I want to share that I believe are on the horizon. 1) I believe that The Truth Project, which begins in January, will have an even greater impact on our people. It will be a tough transition for some, the adoption of small groups. But I feel that this curriculum and the small group concept will drive us into an even deeper understanding of our God and even deeper relationships with each other. 2) I believe that strife is on the way. We will be tested as a body in the near future. Recently, I was talking to a pastor friend of mine. He said, "Every time we get to a point in the church where I think things are going to take off, something happens. Because of that we never seem to grow." I do not have an answer for my friend. I do not know his dynamics. But I can take his words as a warning. Something will soon happen that will test us. "Let us be strong, Lord Jesus, and lean on you."
-Mark

A Good, Better, Best Weekend

What a great weekend! - This past Saturday we had an outstanding turnout for our first Men's Steak Night. It was a great time! 40 men attended and we were ministered to by Dr. Ralph Rice of Good, Better, Best Ministries.

The most impressive part of the evening was the teamwork. Men from within the church and without participated in the setup, the cooking, and the cleanup. I won't mention any names, because I am apt to forget one and then cause offense, but I am in the process of writing each man personally to thank them. Also, we will visit some of our guests in the weeks to come to say thanks and follow up.

Dr. Rice also spoke to the church on Sunday, for both the morning and evening service. Both events were well received, but I think Sunday evening was the best. He, and his wife Maryana, took us through a message on elevator words, words that can be used to lift up or lower others. It was a special evening.

I would like to say that things will now slow down, however with the holidays approaching that is not the case. Please pray for the church as it approaches the Thanksgiving - New Year's stretch. Also pray for the elders as we further plan our first attempt a small groups. We will start sometime in January and participate in the Truth Project.

-Mark

Obama or Not Obama? - That is not the Question

Over the past number of elections, evangelical believers have increasingly become engaged in the political arena. This increase has propelled the evangelical church to a place where the media tracks its voting habits and its positions on various ballet issues. Candidates of every stripe then court this vote, emphasizing positions, and even quietly changing positions to win the evangelical endorsement. I, too, am political. I enjoy watching conventions and debates, and I strive to understand a candidate's position on a number of issues. However, in the pulpit and in my Bible teaching I maintain an apolitical stance. It matters not to me whether a person is a Democrat, a Republican, or some other stripe. What matters to me is whether a person has placed their trust in Jesus Christ.
Just prior to Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus warns His disciples that if they live the life of the Kingdom a result will be persecution. Then, before they can catch their breath and head to the hills to hide, Jesus implores them to be salt and light. Believers are to stay engaged with society. We are to make movies, write books, teach in schools (yes, even public schools), lead scout troops, coach ball teams, and of course vote and hold political office. All of this is important. Society is affected not when believers hide, but when they become engaged. That said, whether we write a bestseller or become a senator will have limited impact on our culture. What does make the difference? What activity or office will make a change for the better, a change that will last generations? None of the above. The only lasting difference that can be made is made with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When the local church loses its way, focusing its efforts on things other than the life-changing gospel, then society is affected for the negative. Ministries lose workers, various peoples of different persuasions are offended, and those that we should have shared Christ with go without a witness. By all means, go and vote. Pull the lever for your candidate. But after you do, put an even greater energy and focus on sharing Jesus with your neighbor. Only the good news of Jesus Christ can make an eternal difference in our society.
-Mark
For a good article on this matter read John MacArthur's post on Politics, Activism, and the Gospel.

A bowl of chili and the Tornado

Over the last few months we have seen God move at Wakefield in some wonderful and even unusual ways.

On March 8th, we were setting up for our first annual Chili Cookoff when a storm struck the area. Although not officially a tornado the damage was impressive; trees were ripped up by the roots and buildings knocked down. Over at Carl & Debbie farm the damage was beyond the norm.

About an hour into the cookoff word came of the devastation at the farm. Many of our men left the cookoff to help. The women pulled together all of the leftover chili, cornbread, and desserts. This food was taken a central location where those helping could be fed. In the end, the men of Wakefield could not be of much help because the farming community had already responded. However, the food items were greatly appreciated. Since then the family have been faithfully attending Wakefield. We are very excited to have Carl and Debbie. We are also excited to know that because of chili and a storm this couple is sitting under the ministry of God's Word and worshipping Him at Wakefield.

Just prior to this event a GROW team visited and led Melvin Meadows to Christ. The team visited Melvin one evening and after chit-chat shared the good news of Jesus Christ with him. Melvin, familiar with the Gospel, chose to receive Christ as his savior. It was a special time. Melvin served as one of our chili judges just a couple of weeks later. He too has been faithfully attending Wakefield ever since.

Last Sunday, Dave, a visitor since Easter, received Christ as savior. For over a week we could see that God was moving upon Dave. He often remarked of such. But this past Sunday he made certain of his salvation and received Christ!

Please join us in prayer for the Carl & Debbie, Melvin, and Dave as they continue to grow in Christ. Also pray for us that we adequately disciple these four.

-Mark

Blending of Conferences

Life has been hectic these past two weeks. In a ten-day period I attended three different men's conferences. The first was with Stauros Ministries, the second was the Men's Prayer Advance with Christ Life Ministries. The third was the Fellowship of Bible Churches Men's Retreat.

I must admit that by the time of the third conference I was in no mood to attend. However, all three, even the FBC conference, were a blessing. The Stauros retreat predominantly involved men who have struggled with either alchohol or drug addictions. The Prayer Advance was just that, a time of intensive prayer. The FBC retreat functioned more as a Prophecy Conference with speakers from Friends of Israel.

In the end I feel that I benefited from attending the combination of all three. The time hearing testimonies and getting to know the men of Stauros was great. Prayer and fellowship with the combination of Wakefield men made the Advance something special. And the exceptional Bible teaching of Dr. Renald Showers and Steve Herzig was a blessing (FBC conference).

Well now I'm home, trying to get my diet back into step with home food.

-Mark

Weed Wackin for Jesus

Back in July, Debbie and I moved into our new home. It was an amazing experience! God used many people to move our entire home in only 90 minutes. During the process of moving, Alan, one of our church members, noted that our new sidewalks were overrun with grass. He mentioned that he had an edging tool and would be happy to take on the project. I agreed and that afternoon Alan began to edge the walks around our home.

I tell you this story because now, over eight weeks later, the neighbors still comment on how nice the sidewalks look. They also point out how terrible they were under the care of the previous owners. All of this has led me to conclude the following:

We can inherit the testimony of others. - This, of course, cuts both ways (no pun intended). In my case with the sidewalks, the testimony of the previous owner was one to avoid. Often believers and the church inherit the testimony of those harming the name of Christ. Great wickedness is done in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts of racism, murder, and even perversion are done in the name of Christ. The world, wise to the wickedness, then associates all of this behavior to the church. What to do when associated with an incorrect testimony? We must overcome it.

We can overcome the testimony of others. - The previous owner's yard care, or lack thereof, was something that I had to overcome. With Alan's help I was able to move forward in this area. I have continued to keep the yard in great shape. It is interesting to note that Paul, after his Damascus Road experience, had to overcome his other self (Acts 9:26). It then takes time and a consistent walk to overcome. Also, it helps to have the confirmation of others, Barnabas in the Acts 9 story, to hasten the process.

Well, it's not that deep but it is a lesson that will hopefully stick with me. Thanks Alan.

-Mark