I hope that as you read that paragraph you were thinking, “How ridiculous!” From the time Jesus was a child, it was His custom to go to the synagogues and study and discuss the Scriptures. And shortly before His death, He was in the temple daily teaching the people. Yet, how often do you hear someone justify their own actions, or the actions of someone else, with the attitude expressed above?

 Just recently, as I was talking to someone and he described his friend with these words, “He knew the Scriptures well and lived a good Christian life. He just didn’t “go to church” anywhere and wasn’t a member of any congregation. He felt like he couldn’t worship in a congregation because there were more hypocrites there than real Christians. So, he just had his own religion, focused on his relationship with the Lord and did a lot of good for others.”

 What a shame. Here was individual who thought he knew and was doing what was right, but in reality, he was not. He reminds me of the man described by Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ “ (NKJV)

 So, what’s wrong with this attitude? Why can’t you just learn the Scriptures, have a personal relationship with God and Jesus, and do good unto others?

 Okay, here you probably are expecting me to give a list of reasons to detail what is wrong with this attitude.  However, before I post my list, I want to give you an opportunity to express your thoughts. So, feel free to add your comments by clicking on the “Leave A Comment” phrase above.

 ~ John

However, to imitate God, we must first know God. So, as we follow our Bible reading schedule for 2012, let me suggest that we focus on what the Bible says about God – Who is He? What is He like? What is His view of the world, man, and sin? How does He behave? What does He expect from us and what does He want from us? Let’s explore every aspect of God and come to know Him thoroughly so we can imitate Him as we live our lives.

If an actor chooses to imitate or impersonate someone else, how does he achieve that ability? He begins by studying the person. He watches His actions and movements. He repeatedly listens to his words and the way he says them. Ultimately, he begins to sound and move like that individual. And sometimes, he even gets to the point that he knows exactly how that individual thinks. He knows how the individual would react to certain questions, and how he would behave in certain situations. He begins to think and act like that individual.

If we want to imitate God, we must study Him intently and get to know Him completely. When we do that, we will be able to think like Him. We will learn to love what He loves and hate what He hates. We will make His priorities our priorities. We will make His wishes our wishes. We will make His actions our actions. We will make His traits our traits.

And, what will be the result of all of that? Our lives will become His.  We will be so close to Him and imitate Him so well that His image will be reflected through us to the world that so desperately needs to see Him.

 ~ John

 Have you ever noticed that almost every time there is an election it is accompanied by mudslinging, or accusations of such? And have you noticed that when reporters ask the public what they thing of such behavior, they generally indicate that it is ridiculous and counter-productive? Yet, the next time there is an election, mudslinging is again an active ingredient of the process.

 The “art” of mudslinging (the practice of making unscrupulous, malicious attacks against an opponent) is not new, or a recently developed technique. You may recall, for example, the accusations of the enemies of Jesus. They accused Him of being crazy, a glutton and winebibber, and a devil. Or, you may recall the verbal assaults on Paul and his defense of his ministry. We should not, therefore, be surprised that mudslinging takes place in the world, whether it is among politicians, or against the righteous.

 However, what is surprising is the mudslinging that sometimes goes on among brethren, whether nationally, statewide, locally or even within a local congregation. As pictured above, mudslinging usually goes on between opponents. So what place does it have among brethren who are part of the same family? Are they not on the same side? Are they not part of the same body? Are they not following the same Lord and Master? Are they not of the same faith? Are they not striving for the same reward? Of course they are. So, how can they behave as opponents or seek to harm one another?

 Let us not misrepresent our brothers and sisters in Christ, or harm their reputation in any way. People outside of the church are not impressed favorably by such behavior, and the Lord is not glorified when our lights are dimmed by dirt.

 ~ John

Don’t let your dreams make you bitter. We hope and wish for what could be, but sometimes our dreams are so far above where we are that we complain about what we have and become unthankful for that with which the Lord has blessed us.

Don’t let your dreams create hopelessness. One may see what could or ought to be, but also notice how far away that dream is and give up.

Don’t let your dreams make you feel insufficient. Dreams are great. Everyone should dream. But, your dreams can be so big that you feel small and useless and pass on doing what you can do.

Don’t let you dreams absorb all your time and energy. Always dreaming of what could be but never working to make what can be is a waste of time. “Plan the work and work the plan” is not “Plan, plan, plan, plan,” because then the plan never gets done.

Don’t let your dreams cause you to belittle others. Are your dreams better than someone else’s, at least in your opinion? What do you do? Put them down to make you and your idea look better.

Don’t let your dreams keep you from doing what is needed. A person can be so consumed by his dreams that he loses sight of needs and opportunities right in front of his eyes.  For example, one may have dreams to be a missionary oversees one day, but he fails to see the lost neighbor next door, or the spiritually struggling saint down the pew.

Don’t let your dreams take the place of God’s plan.  Do you remember Paul’s plan to go to Asia with the gospel when his path was changed by the Spirit and he wound up powerfully proclaiming the Gospel in Macedonia (Acts 16)?

Dream dreams, big dreams, but don’t let them ruin you. Keep them in focus. Keep them fresh. Keep them reachable. Keep them relevant. And above all, keep them within God’s direction.

~John

 The same is true with spiritual freedom. Many people long for it and enjoy it, but never give thought to the price paid for it. Christians are blessed with freedom from guilt, sin and the second death. They are privileged to be able to enjoy all spiritual blessings in Christ – But at what cost?

 Our spiritual freedoms are available because a loving Father, God, readily sent His Son, Jesus, into battle. He sacrificed by watching His only begotten leave the purity of heaven and descend into a world of darkness, hatred, corruption, immorality, pain, sorrow, betrayal, and death. And, as His Son took on the sins of the world, He had to refrain from interfering while His Son agonized in pain and died before a taunting crowd. He paid an unbelievable price so that His enemies could enjoy forgiveness and freedom.

 There also was a mother, Mary, who dearly paid the price for man’s spiritual freedom. Before Jesus was even born, Mary was told that her child was going to be special. He would be the Savior of the world. As a lad, she knew that He was different as He sat in the temple and amazed the men with His understanding and answers. She knew He had exceptional powers and encouraged the servants at the wedding feast to do whatever He told them. He was her son and she loved Him. This loving mother watched her son become the target of the scribes and Pharisees. And ultimately, she watched as He was nailed to an old rugged cross, suspended in anguish and pain and died disgracefully before the masses. She paid a terrible price in the obtaining of our spiritual freedom.

 And then, there is Jesus, who sacrificed His very own life that we can be free. But there is so much more to His sacrifice than that final moment of death. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords took on the lowly form of a servant. The Divine One became human. The Son of God was despised and rejected by men, the very men He came to save. The Royal One was ridiculed. The Mighty One was humiliated. The Prince of Peace was hated. The Chosen of God was spurned by men. The Innocent One was beaten. The Lamb of God was slain. The Bright and Shining Star was sealed in a dark tomb. Jesus paid a tremendous price for our spiritual freedom. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5, NKJV).

 May we never forget the amazing price that has been paid for our spiritual freedom.

 John

Class began as usual at 8:30am, and before I knew it, it was 4:00pm.  As I prepared to make my last statement, I briefly reflected upon the moment in my mind and then it was over.  We all stood together as one of the young men closed our class with a prayer.  My teaching time with the students of the Bible Institute of Central America had come to an end.  After the prayer was concluded, I received a hug from each of the thirty-two students one after another.  My heart grew warmer with each embrace.  Several made encouraging comments, while others spoke a couple of the only English words they knew… thank you.

I feel truly blessed to have had this experience with these extraordinary students of God’s Word.  I am not sure if I could have listened to myself for eight hours a day, but these students were attentive from the opening prayer to the closing.  To hear how each of the students planned to use the information to the benefit of God’s Kingdom in their communities was more encouraging than I can describe.  I pray that I will someday have the zeal that these Christians have in their hearts.

Reflecting back on this week, I can confidently say my life has been enriched once more by God’s amazing love.  Tomorrow we will spend the day “scoping-out” a community where we plan to plant a congregation in March.  We have a few other children to visit and pass clothes and food out to as well.  Thank you God for allowing me this opportunity to serve You!

- Jake

Today’s classes were focussed around this passage from Deuteronomy. From it, we studied three different applications. 1) Parents must build relationships with their children. 2) Families would do well to establish traditions which reflect God’s will in their homes. 3) Parents must teach their children God’s Word.

Today seemed to be very beneficial. The students minds were in tune with what was being taught. Over the past two day I have split them into geographical groups. I wanted them to be able to brainstorm with those whose communities were most alike. I have been thrilled with the outcome. During the lecture times I have provided them with many examples to “jump-start” their thinking. However, in their groups they have developed suggestions that I have never thought of. For that matter, I have never heard others think of some of their ideas. I know I sound like a broken record, but it amazes me each passing hour in class when I see the devotion of these men. They understand the importance of passing God’s Word from generation to generation. Even better, they are already developing plans for the congregations they work with. I attended a youth devotional at the Jinotepe Central Church of Christ tonight. A group of the students from B.I.C.A. put to use some of the things we have talked about this week. The outcome was awesome to witness. There are not many times as a minister when you get to see the things you have taught put to practice firsthand, but tonight I was blessed with the opportunity to see just that!

Tomorrow is my last day of teaching as there are a few other matters I have to tend to before leaving. I have to admit I can already tell it is going to be hard to say goodbye. While the 8hrs. of teaching is rather exhausting, it is extremely encouraging. This is such an amazing thing to be a part of, and an amazing culture to be surrounded by. Each time I come to Nicaragua I fall in love with the people and the culture more and more. I am truly blessed to call these people brothers and sisters!

Erick picked me up about ten till 8:00, and we drove across town to the school. Upon our arrival I was personally greeted by each of the 32 students currently enrolled. It was a wonderful start to what became a day I will never forget. Our morning focused around two main topics. 1) Why do we minister in the first place? 2) Why is ministering to youth so important? I had originally prepared a third lesson, however, due to the interaction of the students we were only able to get through these two. I have personally never taught a group of individuals so passionate and involved in a class. These young preachers have zeal unlike anything I have ever experienced before. Honestly, the idea of teaching eight hours a day seemed like it would make for a long day. However, it seemed as though the morning was over in the blink of an eye. It was as if I couldn’t “feed” them fast enough!

As I sit here tonight reflection back on the day, I am realizing how much time I spent today thanking God for this opportunity. I feel so blessed to be here with these students. I realize that I am technically their teacher for the week, but I feel as though their example is teaching me. My soul is feeding off their energy, and the truth of the matter is I don’t even have the words to describe the feelings I am left with tonight. Perhaps it is all summed up in one simple statement, “God is good!”

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

After having breakfast with the crew we headed out, along
- Jakewith Kayla, to pick up several children around town who used to live at Children of the King. We then headed to Tip Top Chicken to get a meal to take to several of the children who are now living at another home, NPH. While waiting, I was able to enjoy an American delicacy, a caramel frap (come on, I can’t give up everything)! Next, we were off to the children’s home to enjoy some fried chicken with the kids. While there we also passed out the clothes several members of 7th & Beech had gathered and Joy Curtis had packed (I may also mention she gathered much as well, thanks Joy). It was wonderful to see them trying on their gifts, much like the feeling of watching my own children on Christmas morning. Their hugs are so much appreciated, and their smiles will warm any heart. It is always hard to leave them when it is time to go.

We then headed to Managua to take Kayla home. We were disappointed to learn that she would not be able to stay the week with us as she had last time. However, I am very proud of her reason for being unable to do so. She has recently enrolled in some online courses teaching her how to use Microsoft Office, and she plans to get a job soon using the skills she is now learning. Once again, it was very hard to drop her off at the home she is now living in with her aunt. It is in a very poor and dangerous neighborhood outside of Managua. The home is pieced together by several scrap pieces of tin, and during the raining season I would imagine the inside stays rather moist. She left us all with a caring embrace and broken hearts. It is through the eyes of such innocence I feel I see Christ the most in this world.

The rest of the day was leisure time as we stopped at the market to pick up a few “necessities” (Dr. Pepper to be exact). We made the long drive back to Jinotepe, and enjoyed a “feast” of papooses. I wonderful tasting creation I might add! I ended the day talking ministry in the living room of Erick Garcia who is the director of the preaching school I am to begin teaching at tomorrow. I look forward to what the rest of the week holds! I would like to end each of these post with a “verse of the day”. It will be a verse that I personally have reflected on throughout the day. Today’s verse is from Psalm 46…
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging… 10 “Be still, and know that I am God” (vv. 1-3, 10 NIV).

The time has come to “catch” a plane down south once again!  It has been 6 months since my last trip to Nicaragua, and tomorrow 2 others and myself will be heading that way.  In March I was invited to teach a one week class over youth work in the Church at the Bible Institute of Central America (B.I.C.A.) in Jinotepe, Nicaragua.  After much (and I mean much) preparation, the time has finally come.  My two travel companions are Crystal Heitz and Kassy Gammon (one of our college students).  They will be joining Dale and Gail Goad for the week to help with a few different humanitarian efforts (food distribution, clothing distribution, etc.).  I will do my best to record each day’s events during our stay.  I will actually have the means to do so this time!  I plan on uploading each day as a separate post upon our return.  I ask for each of you to pray for the work taking place this next week.  Please pray for our safety, as well as our efforts to be fruitful.  Thank you all in advance for your prayers, encouragement, and love.  May God continue to bless each of you!

- Jake