Risk in the Old Testament

As I was researching the topic of risk this past month, I discovered that in the Old Testament the concept of risk is evident in all the Bible characters from Noah to Abraham and Isaac to Nehemiah. It is amazing to see those that are listed in Hebrews 11 (click here to check it out!) are those that "put it on the line." In fact it says,

"Through acts of faith, they toppled kingdoms, made justice work, took the promises for themselves. They were protected from lions, fires, and sword thrusts, turned disadvantage to advantage, won battles, routed alien armies. Women received their loved ones back from the dead. There were those who, under torture, refused to give in and go free, preferring something better: resurrection. Others braved abuse and whips, and, yes, chains and dungeons. We have stories of those who were stoned, sawed in two, murdered in cold blood; stories of vagrants wandering the earth in animal skins, homeless, friendless, powerless—the world didn't deserve them!—making their way as best they could on the cruel edges of the world."

WOW! Sounds risky... but real exciting from where I sit. Makes me not want to sit any longer. I pray that all of us would gain an inspiration and courage to take up the challenges that the Lord would lead us to. Use the gifts God has entrusted you with today.

Put them on the line!

Van

p.s. If you can't read the Helen Keller quote above here it is: "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing."

So Much to Say! - Desperate for Affirmation #1

WELCOME!
Here's the intro video from Sunday. This is one of my favorite groups. They are a Grammy Award winning a capella jazz group called "Take 6". They are a totally committed group of believers in Jesus.

Fun stuff.

Van

P.S. tomorrow I'll put up the links for the downloadable files of the questions that we put in the TaKe OuT Talk boxes we handed out on Sunday. We will have 50 more available this weekend!

All Things New! - Desperate for Renewal #3

There will come a day... when all things will be made new.

Revelation 21:5 records a scene in heaven..."He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"

I really can't imagine that. I want to grasp it, but my mind is not capable. Yet my heart cries out...YES! and AMEN! Because my Spirit has been made new I can begin to understand. Paul said " if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

I have experienced this and I desire more of his re-newing both in my life and yours.

God is moving today.

Though there will come a day...
a marvelous,
amazing,
mind-blowing day
when all things will be made new...

Today, I can be clothed in newness, for "Now (I'm) dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of (my) new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. (Colossians 3:10)

God is doing a new thing!


So be it!


Van

P.S. The Steven Curtis Chapman CD "All Things New" has been a source of great encouragement for me. It might be for you as well.

The Kacyvenski Story - Desperate for Renewal #2

The Isaiah Kacyvenski story captured my attention certainly because of the obvious great story of redemption that it is... but more than that, it reminded me of the incredible amount of "work" that it is to forgive. Forgiveness can be painful as we work up to it... but there really is nothing more sweet than the moment when we let things go and forgive. It is so worth it.

Kacyvenski's strength to be able to confront and love his father is not only inspirational it is possible for all of us. The parable of the Unmerciful Servant reminds us that we can forgive others because we have been forgiven by God... a whole bunch! (Matthew 18:21-35, to read this story click here)

Forgiveness is part of our work in the miracle of God's renewal in our relationships!

Let's forgive and be forgiven!

More later,

Van

P.S. Here's a cool article about Isaiah. (USA TODAY)

A Place to Start - Desperate for Renewal #1

Yesterday, we (the people of Willamette) started a journey together for the next two months. Our focus is Renewing Relationships. Over the next 60 days we will have many opportunities to let God in to do His work in our lives. Our two sermons series, Desperate Households and What to Wear will lead in opening up subjects that we need to talk, think and pray about.
I am really excited about Connection Point on Thursday nights. The class schedule includes some great opportunities for you to participate with. You can get the PDF of the CP brochure by clicking the link (Connection Point Brochure.pdf) The classes begin this Thursday at 7 PM in the main hallway in the school!

In addition, we have slated a number of special nights for seminars and further exploration. You can read the current brochure that gives dates and times by clicking the link to download the pdf of the brochure. (Renewing Relationships Brochure.pdf)

Yesterday, we began with the greatness of God and his ability to make all things new. The question for us all to ask remains... is God big enough to renew the relationship in my life. Like Zechariah do you ask "How can I be sure of this?" or like Mary do you ask "How will this be?". I encourage you today... believe in the God who is God. Say to God... be it to me according to YOUR word!
More later!
Van

P.S. If you'd like the powerpoint notes from yesterday you can click the link to download a full color pdf version of the slides. (Powerpoint slides from yesterday)