Author: Mark

Hubby to the greatest gal, Pastor of an amazing community, brother to a bunch of people called my family, lover of God, follower of Jesus.

Zac Smith @Grace This Sunday

On By MarkIn Cancer, God's Glory, GRACE, Preaching, Zac2 Comments

I believe it was the Friday just before Mother’s Day when Zac went in for a colonoscopy.  That day he learned that he had a lemon-sized tumor. The next morning they did surgery and it wasn’t long before he learned the cancer was at a stage four status. There are only four stages.

I remember learning of the news by talking with my brother Jim, (Zac’s dad) and wept on the phone realizing this wasn’t going to be the news any of us wanted to hear.  Immediately I began to mourn for my nephew.  I couldn’t believe my 32 year old nephew had cancer.  I remember a few days later getting a phone call from Zac. Just seeing his name on my cell phone seemed to affect me.  It seemed surreal to be talking to a young man I know well and love much, yet feeling so helpless. There’s nothing to say, nothing to fix, simply being on the phone was going to be good enough. And it was.

Zac has served us all well by sharing his thoughts via his blog.  He’s allowed us to read the journey as he is experiencing it.  I would think it would be very easy to become very private and secluded, whether in sorrow, self pity or overwhelmed thoughts of the brevity of life.  I can’t imagine all that Zac is experiencing, but I’m grateful that he is sharing parts of the story with us. On the side of this blog, you can find a link to his blog. Go and read it.

This Sunday, Zac will be speaking at Grace. This is huge.  Zac is an excellent teacher, preacher, and thinker.  Whatever you can do to be at Grace this week, it’ll be worth the effort. I’m trusting God for an amazing time together learning of the marvelous and amazing grace of God as seen and experienced through this young man’s life.  We start at 10.  For my Grace peeps, let’s be praying now for God’s Spirit to minister in a special way this Sunday.

Happy Birthday America!

On By MarkIn Flagstaff, ThanksLeave a comment
Don't miss the bugles
Don't miss the bugles
photo (2)
I'm what you call 'patriotic'.

Hope all are having a safe and happy celebration! Last night we saw a different angle on Flagstaff by walking the crowded streets of the First Friday Art Walk. Today, we enjoyed the pancake breakfast put on by the American Legion, just prior to the annual parade.

What’s the 4th without grilling something? Today was a simple burger with my favorite topping – jalepenos, chased by my almost favorite store-bought cookies.

I think there’s apple pie later!

If you’re anywhere near Flagstaff, tomorrow will be a highlight at Grace. We have 7 missionaries all from Grace sharing what God is doing in their particular ministries. I’m so glad they’re here! Hope you can come, if not, we hope to have something online early next week.

Thank you Lord, for the United States. And thank you that we get to be a part of the larger world outside these borders. Blessings. PM

Book Review: The Noticer

On By MarkIn Book ReviewsLeave a comment

As part of a program through Thomas Nelson Publishers, I get to review books.  Here’s my first installment:

The Noticer, by Andy Andrews

Engaging, entertaining, and especially…encouraging. The definition for encouraging is “to inspire with courage”.  In his book, The Noticer, Andy Andrews tells his personal story in such a way as to inspire with courage.  The fun part of the book is determining where his personal story leaves off and a good dose of fiction kicks in.  The old man that found Andrews under the pier that day was named “Jones, not Mr. Jones”.  Jones pops in and out of town throughout the story each time bringing hope to hopeless situations.  The beauty of the book is not that he brings anything new, he simply brings perspective.

What an enjoyable ‘summer-time’ read.  As Jones offers practical insight and perspective to the young wanderer, the reader feels as though his own questions might be answered. Secretly we all would love to have Jones come and offer insight that we have missed.  In life, we need others to help us see what we can no longer see.  Like many characters in the storyline, we find ourselves in situations that we never planned and without any hints that change is even possible.  Perspective is wisdom with eyes.  It’s good to have another set of eyes looking on our story. Get the book, read the stories. Find some perspective.

Sundays @ Grace

On By MarkIn church, GRACE, Missions, ZacLeave a comment

I love Sundays @ Grace. Someone has said the church is not measured by the seats in the auditorium but by those sent out. This coming Sunday July 5th, we’ll be hearing from some of our very own missionaries sent out by Grace. Each of them serve with Network of International Christian Schools. (http://www.nics.org/)

Charity LaMertha and Molly Evans serve in Indonesia and Scot and Kristen Byrd serve in South Korea. These four will be telling their stories, which is in fact a story of God’s grace in the lives of those ‘zealous for good works’ (Titus 2:14).

The following Thursday, July 9th, we’ll have a special gathering at the Ministry Center with Jason and Tami Rogers, our missionaries to Nicaragua.  (http://rogersinnicaragua.com/)  In a more intimate setting, we’ll learn of God’s great work of grace through their ministry.

The next Sunday, July 12, I’m honored to have my nephew Zac Smith as my guest. (http://www.hello-righton.com/)  Last week, I shared a little of Zac’s story. Later this week I’ll add more here about his life with cancer.

Each of these guests are amazing examples of God’s grace in obeying His call and “devoting themselves to good works” (Titus 3:8)

Summer Memorizing

On By MarkIn Bible, churchLeave a comment

Several weeks ago I threw a challenge out to our church family to memorize a block of verses in Titus 2. To my amazement, several have taken up the challenge and are making it happen. One guy walked into church this past Sunday carrying his written out verse reminding me how hard it is to memorize “at our age”. This morning one of our young ones rattled of all 4 verses in record time.

I love how kids memorize. They get the words, and I’m pretty sure they get the meaning. But the best thing is, it’s in their minds. Remember Romans 12:1,2? The much needed transformation of life takes place as our minds are renewed. To memorize and meditate on God’s Sacred Writings is perhaps the best way to renew your mind. Here’s a verse you can memorize if you haven’t already.

I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Ps 119:11 ESV

This little girl today is way ahead of the curve. Sure she said it real fast, and she might have a hard time defining some of the big words, but it’s in there. It’s in her mind, a mind that is being renewed. And if it’s in her mind, it’s in her heart.

It’s not too late to take up the challenge. Memorize Titus 2:11-14. Soon, I’ll pass on the next verse to work on.

Ordinary or Extraordinary

On By MarkIn Bible, Jesus!, Preaching, Teaching4 Comments

Perhaps there are many ways to distinguish between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Be it with someone’s performance, or someone’s character, or the “new car” versus the old one. Somethings are ordinary, and that’s good. Then there are the extraordinary. When it comes to life, do you want ordinary, or have you considered extraordinary?

I found a definition in Acts 5. (Best to read the chapter, save me writing out a whole sermon here!)

“We must obey God rather than men” 29

What made Peter’s confession so strong was that behind this statement was a life of amazing adventure. Extraordinary adventure that seemed to follow these Apostles. All they did was live it out.

Obviously we have a pretty cool healing ministry happening when people from all around Jerusalem are bringing their sick to just fall under the shadow of Peter. That’s not normal. And it’s really not something we’re suppossed to shoot for today when we think of being extraordinary. (Though I must admit it would be pretty cool to do.)

After the guys were imprisoned for this extraordinary ministry, “an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”

So, they did.

The next day the Apostles find themselves again in front of the council. Mr. BigShot councilman says, “I told you plainly not to teach in THIS NAME…” That’s when Peter gives us these words that mark the line between ordinary and extraordinary.

You see the ordinary response from most of us would be… “Well, gosh, if they don’t want me saying the name of Jesus outloud, maybe I should find a more subtle way to express my beliefs.” I say ordinary because that’s so what we would expect today. That’ how we respond. That’s probably exactly what I would have done. I mean these are powerful people telling me what to say and not say. But not the extraordinary Peter.

So, check out verse 42, “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

THAT’S IT!

That’s the extraordinary life. It’s not about shadows that heal, or standing before the powerful leaders and getting all up in their face about your beliefs. It’s not about miracles and amazing things that make you say, WOW. No, it’s about being about Jesus! Seriously, that’s it. That’s the extraordinary life.

For the apostles, to “obey God, rather than man” meant to preach and teach Jesus Christ. It was more than a Sunday morning declaration, it was a way of living.

Did it cost them something? Um…yeah. v40.

What’s the extraordinary life look like for you today? I’m just sayin

What do you think?

The Harder Things – Sometimes Aren’t

On By MarkIn LeadershipLeave a comment

Sunday I taught on Titus 1:5-9 on the qualifications of church leaders. I knew that “leadership” in general is a difficult topic in an environment where ‘independence’ is king. Not many of us like the idea of submission and obedience. We don’t like to turn over our rights to allow someone else to tell us what to do, or to give us direction without input. Ours is a very ‘democratic’ community where popular opinion and the voice of the people is what directs our way.

Clearly, nothing is wrong with democracy, or group-think, or team-work. But please don’t misunderstand God’s clear teaching on leadership. There’s leadership in the family, the government and yes, the church.

In preparation of leading our church through the study of Titus 1, I first of all looked at a few other scriptures to give us a sense of God’s standard of leadership for the church. Among the passages was Hebrews 13:7 and 17.

“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” And later in 17… “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Honestly, I rather thought this a hard teaching, due to the times we live in. But, I soon discovered that people are hungry for leadership. They’re hungry for direction. We all need encouragement on the things that are right, on things that God has already established and put into place. Things like leadership. Leadership in the home, at work, and yes, even within our church.

Leadership: it’s not really a hard thing. It’s the right thing. Leaders, go ahead and lead. No apologies, no hesitations. Step it up. People are counting on you.

Hello world!

On By MarkIn Leadership3 Comments

Okay, here’s a swing at blogging. I know I’m a little late on the scene, but it’s worth trying. I’m experimenting with a blog on google and this one on wordpress. I’m thinking I may have one that’s for leadership and pastoring, and another that’s more personal, a place to spout off. Not sure it’s good to try to keep both. My guess is, they’ll converge into one mess. Any bloggers out there with some free advice? Let’s give this a shot.

Leadership Clues from David

On By MarkIn LeadershipLeave a comment

In 1 Samuel 23:1-5, you get 4 great leadership tips in the first 4 verses. At this point in his life, David is “the King w/o a Throne”, or better, “the King on the Run”. When “they” told David about an injustice, we learn just how David took the right actions. You can see some basic principles in leading.

1. Ask God specifically. (v2) What’s up with the “God bless my ministry” or the “God, please, please, please give me direction” kind of vague prayers? David brought the exact need to God. Be specific in what you’re asking for on behalf of those you’re leading. This might be the most convicting part for me.

2. Listen for clarity. (v2) Really, how often do we ask, then cut and run on our own before ever hearing from God? We’d all like to think that God answers within just a few moments, sometimes He does…sometimes not. Wait and listen, for the sake of those you’re serving.

3. Don’t let your followers distract you. (v3) Yep, they have a serious faith issue, but they’re also being honest enough to say, ‘no, we don’t think so’. He didn’t bull his way through without giving them a voice, but neither did he stop short of leading them. The plans didn’t change because of timid followers.

4. Bring fears and doubts to God for confirmation of the call. (v4) This is real life. Stuff happens, doubts, fears, agendas, they all can muffle the voice we thought we heard. Isn’t it great that God allows us…no, He invites us back for the confirmation of the call?