Archive for November, 2007

“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
-Albert Einstein

Note from Mark:  The same thing may not be the same exact thing, per se. Just because its a Granny Smith Apple and not a Red Delicious, does not mean it is still not an apple.  If a granny smith apple isn’t working in your orange basket, don’t go assuming a red delicious will.  Go try some bananas.

Are there areas in your life, ministry, department, family that you may be experiencing insanity? 

Mark Batterson writes in his book, In a Pit With a Lion On A Snowy Day, 

 Jesus commissioned the church in Matthew 16:18: “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” Gates are defensive devices. Storming those gates requires offensive measures. Think of the church as a battering ram. 

 Who is ready for a dangerous church?  It’s coming… 

I just finished reading Clayton King’s post of the the bowing of a seasoned veteran of ministry.  He has done a small series of posts on thoughts for young ministers and seasoned; very good reads. In this last post, the seasoned veteran shared something that sticks with me.  He said, “Once you let anybody other than Jesus tell you what to do, you begin to die.”

A lot of things have been going on in the foreground of my life recently. I have been faced with decisions on how to act when you know everyone is watching, next steps to take in my personal life, having my car hit three times in 6 weeks where I believe if it wasn’t for the favor of God the other parties insurance wouldn’t have come through; just a multitude of situations that test my belief limits.

This past summer I made a vow to continue to pursue God’s calling on my life, no matter the cost.  I’ve known since a very young age that I was called out, separated unto the kingdom of God.  I was talking to my dad the other day about this very matter.  It seems the more we try and press on, the more we are pressed upon. My father, like I, is called as well.  “Dad,” I said, “We can never quit. We can never give up.”

Beyond my father and I, my family has been called, but most have ran.  My uncle started down that path; however, for various reasons walked away from ministry many years ago. My grandpa told us before his passing that he too ran from the calling of ministry as did his father.   Out of curiousity, I researched my family line and found that we had been ministers of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, but some years back that line was broken.

Paul writes in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..”(NIV)

This is my public profession. I am determined to follow the plan God has on my life, whatever road he deems to takes me down.

Tim Stevens, fellow blogger, pastor, and soon to be published author, needs your help!  He is in the process of writing his book and needs help with a survey about his book.You can help choose a subtitle and give some great information.Be sure and go check out his blog and take the survey 

Q: How do you make University of Michigan cookies? A: Put them in a big Bowl and beat for 3 hours.  It’s going to be a nail-biting day.. 

Here’s an oldie but a goodieQ – What kind of car does Jim Tressel own?A – Lloyd Carr

Q - What do you call a football player in Michigan who has talent?
A - An Ohio product

Q: How many University of Michigan freshmen does it take to change a light bulb? A: None, it’s a senior course.

In preparation for the big game this weekend, I will be posting once a day to build team spirit.

Q: How do you get a Univ of Michigan grad off of your porch?

A: Pay for the pizza.

and help us through this loss