Alone Together still

The leadership of our church has decided to move toward a small group ministry. In doing so we recognized the need to teach through the reasons that we find small group ministries important. Yesterday I started a series in which I will preach on some of the responsibilities of the New Testament Church and how small groups can assist us in fulfilling those callings. The topic yesterday was fellowship. The point that I wanted to get across was that Biblical Fellowship can't take place if we are excluding the Lord.
I think that we label a lot of things as "fellowship". We get together for hobbies, sporting events, potlucks, and even movie events. Oftentimes, even at these church events, we enjoy our fellowship without it bringing us any closer to the Lord. I think that true Biblical Fellowship is experiencing God together.

I was reading in Hebrews chapter ten last week and I noticed that before we are called to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..." we are reminded that we have "boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated..."
As I went back to Exodus to look closer at the "holiest" (the Holy of Holies) I was reminded of all the times the High Priest went in (once a year) alone. Now however, because of the blood of Jesus, we are able to enter the "holiest" (anytime) together. This is how I picture Biblical Fellowship. Walking into the holy of holies, hand in hand. If there is anything preventing us from wanting to walk behind the veil (figurative) with our spouse, our children, our family or others in our church, we cannot experience true Biblical Fellowship with them.

Last night we also had a vote on calling a preaching pastor. The vote was close but we didn't have the percentage necessary to call him. This was difficult news for many in the church. I want to again ask those of you who have been so faithful in prayer to continue to pray for our church at this time. It is difficult to see so many hurting people. I pray that even through something as difficult as this, our church will experience God together.

Laced with Blazing tears

I want to take a little time to thank those of you that have been praying for our family. I know that many of you have been faithful in prayer and we appreciate it immensely.

In regard to things at church, there was some very encouraging news this past Wednesday evening. I do not have the freedom to write about it yet, but I know that the Lord is continuing to lead in our lives.

Additionally, this morning our daughters said goodbye to two members of our family. This involved a few tears but I am so thankful for children that, though incredibly sad, are obedient and respectful even on the hardest days. Lacy and Blaze have been wonderful horses! In the above picture, they are the two horses on the outside. Our pony "Cocoa" is in the center. We hope their new owners love them as much as we have.

My Hidden Agenda

I was asked last week if it was possible to update my blog with something that wasn't so discouraging.

Instead, I decided to go into hiding!


Saturday was the start of youth season here in Iowa. Emily and I have a date this afternoon because we weren't able to hunt on Saturday. In preparation for this (my favorite time of the year) I decided to try out some new camouflage.


Now if you don't see me for a while, you know why!

Which Weigh to Go?

These next two weeks may be very difficult weeks for my family. I am asking that those of you who read this blog will pray for us over the next couple of weeks. We are at a crossroads right now in our lives as it relates to ministry and the church we have been ministering in. These decisions have been weighing on our minds. I am seeking the Lord's direction in these areas and I am praying for clear direction to the choices we must make.

At least six months ago Karen and I affectionately termed our ministry a "kamikaze" ministry. We decided that no matter what became of our "reputation" we were going to do what we knew to be Biblical. Shortly after we came to grips with that, the Lord started doing things in the life of the church that gave us hope as to our future there. However, in the last few weeks it has become evident that there is a distrust or fear (of me) that wasn't there before the kamikaze(ing) had to be done. We shall see where all this leads...

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.