Faith and Sacrifice

We have had some interesting conversations in our house over the past few weeks.  Children's Church, Youth, Church, our Calling, Girls Ministry, Finances, kids, school, selling our house, where are we going to live, some of these seem big- some not so much.
 
So lets pick out "selling our house" and "where are we going to live" those seem like somewhat important details.

 

First the verses that have come up-

 

1 Samuel 15:22 (HCSB)

²² Then Samuel said:Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrificesas much as in obeying the Lord?

Look: to obey is better than sacrifice,to pay attention is better than the fat of rams

 

'Matthew 6:19-21(HCSB)

God and Possessions

¹⁹ “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

From the time we are born into this world we are told of the American dream- FREEDOM. Buying the things you want and need, a land of plenty. But Freedom in Christ and the American dream we are sold are not the same. The more things you have, the more time and finances it takes just to keep up with them.

For our family, we feel God is calling us to be free from so many possessions, possibly including our house. You see, our part, (the obedience) is sticking the for sale sign out in the yard. (having faith) God's part is sending the buyer. Our part is going through the contents of our house, deciding what we need, and preparing to move.

Where we going? Maybe moving in with you! Again, our part, we believe, is to be ready to go. God's part to provide our needs, He says He'll provide everything we need. He's done way more than that so far. Krista and I believe His provision will not cease.

So there is a little glimpse into our lives. and a shameless plug- Our house is for sale.

2600 Sq Ft- Multi level
3 Bedrooms (could be 4) 2 down / 2 up
Formal living room upstairs
2 other living areas - 1 down / 1 up
2 Bath
3.8 acres
Paved Road
Rural Water available
Stillwater Schools
New HVAC
New roof 2009
Detached two car garage
We are till working on several projects, you can take over where we leave off. (New windows and siding repairs underway)
$180,000 - (comp'd at $182,500 in 2012)
100% financing available through Rural Development- The Bank NA
Operating DHS Home daycare - Start your own business.
Some furnishings may go with house- negotiable.


Ministry on Purpose

 
 One of my favorite quotes from the basketball side lines is "Move with purpose". I like it a lot. It is a statement that can be implemented in every aspect of our lives, including ministry.

Moving with a purpose - Defined
So what does moving with a purpose mean for ministry? You have a specific goal and a plan to achieve it with practiced steps and team work.

What does it look like? 
In Youth it looks like the development of student leaders who can take over the church. It means introducing the gospel to new believers and fanning into flame the desire for others to come to know Jesus. To be on mission from God and to serve where ever the opportunity presents itself. To discover your spiritual gift and implement them in your life.

For "BIG Church" building each other up recognizing the need to support the local church, to live out the calling that God has placed on your life and to continue to promote the Gospel in all aspects of our lives. To make disciples through talking about and serving out our faith.  

Children's Church is an area we, as a church, are now working on. What should it look like? Introducing our youngest ministers to the Gospel, giving them the tools they need to live out their faith. A safe, fun, loving, structured environment, that promotes biblical principles such as scripture memory and worship as a part of their service.

As we move forward with restructuring Children's Church be praying about how you can be a part of the ministries of Mehan Church. There are always opportunities to serve!

Love in Christ- David, Krista,and the boys.

Communication

 

Communication - the Lost Art.

 

 

When I decided to start this blog it was to increase the amount of and ease of communication between me and all of our church family and any one else who stumbled across this page.

 

The longer it went on the longer the time span between posts. This last lapse in time, 7 months. I hadn't even though of the Blog in probably five or so. So what happened? Life's distractions, Satan's attempts to derail something good, laziness,.....there could be an endless list I'm sure.

 

But here we are today- New school year started in some communities and ready to start next week.

 

For us in student ministry at Mehan Church this means new faces. New 7th graders coming in and a new group of seniors taking the reins leading our youth.  For this to all work COMMUNICATION IS KEY!

In this fast paced messaging, texting, snap-chating society we've even come up with emoticons to help communicate if people can"t really see our face.

 

We must communicate to build each other up, to build the Church, and to spread the Gospel.

 

 

Praying I'll do better- We love you guys- David, Krista, Kash, and Kody.

 

Romans 10:14-15New International Version (NIV)

¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”^[a