by Jim Supp, Campus Pastor @ MBC Loudoun
In my blog a couple of weeks ago I talked about how gracious God was to Moses in the midst of all of his foibles. God delights in taking broken vessels and using them for his own glory – and certainly this is true. I am grateful to see how God has worked in and through my life in spite of how broken I am. He has often ‘dusted my trail’ of the evidence of sin and covered it with the righteousness of Christ. Unfortunately there is a flip side to this coin, that remains a reality in the life of the believer in Jesus. There are many times in our lives when we are forced to face consequences for our sin. Oh yes, we can be forgiven. And yes we still possess our salvation, since nothing can take that away. But we must still understand that there continues to be consequences for sin in this life. In Numbers 20 the people of Israel were thirsty and without water. God told Moses to SPEAK to the rock and water would come pouring out. Instead of simply speaking to the rock as God had commanded, Moses struck the rock with his staff. Water came gushing out and quenched the thirst of all the people and the livestock, but God was not happy. Verse 12 of chapter 20 contains some of the most tragic words spoken from the Lord to his servant Moses. “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”
I don’t know about you but my first internal response is “God, come on – give the guy a break. Is it really that big of a deal? He has been serving you for 40 years. Can’t you just give him some grace on this one? After 40 years in the desert is he really going to miss getting into the promised land?” But the reality of Moses’ journey with God for 40 years is all the more reason why he should have known better. Why he should not have drawn the attention away from God to his own acts. Sometimes true believers end up facing consequences for sin and more often than not disobedience is the cause.
As I read this passage it gave me pause. I sat for a moment with the sobering reality that God is loving and gracious, but he is not to be trifled with. He expects obedience from those who claim Him as Lord and although forgiveness is always available, sometimes consequences for sin remain a reality. Should this be a cause for fear in our lives? Not at all. It should motivate us to be certain we are being as obedient as we possibly can and that our confession of sin springs from genuine repentance, not a presumption on God’s grace. Walk in obedience today!!
What a great day Sunday was! Our annual Weekend Host Team Leaders lunch was a blast. We are blessed with an amazing community of leaders at MBC Loudoun.
At our lunch, we took some time to give God all the credit and honor and glory for all He is doing at MBC Loudoun, in our lives personally, and on our Weekend Host Teams. We looked at 1 Samuel 4-7 – a series of battles between Israel and the Philistines spanning 40 years. Samuel, Israel’s prophet and last judge, led the people to repent of their sins and idols and to purify their worship. {We challenged each other to be a leadership team who does the same – repent of our sins and idols and purify our worship.} Samuel then prayed and sacrificed, and ultimately the Lord defeated the Philistines for them. 1 Samuel 7:12 tells us what Samuel did in response, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’”
The Lord has helped us on Weekend Host Teams in so many ways! With Samuel as an example, we as a leadership team took stones and wrote on them things for which we wanted to give God the glory and credit and thank Him for helping us thus far. Then we added them to our Weekend Host Teams Ebenezer Jar.
Ebenezers included:
- Amazing community that has developed on our serving teams
- How leading has helped some open up and trust God
- Our volunteers’ excitement to serve and participate
- Relationships and friendships that have developed on the teams
- Incredible leaders (both current and past)
- Refreshment and renewal
- Steadfast key volunteers (some named by name!)
- How serving on a team has helped increase their witness and opportunities to share with unbelieving friends
God is doing some amazing things in the lives of our leaders, teams, and at this church. It is a blessing to be a part.
by Wendy Melcher, Access Coordinator @ MBC Loudoun
This past Sunday, Access Ministry was ready for a normal, smooth running Beautiful Blessing classes. The volunteers and nurse were scheduled and confirmed for the two services. My plans were coming together and I was not sweating a thing that morning. However, God had His own plans. See, God has been whispering in a person’s ear about volunteering for Beautiful Blessings for the past couple of months. This person just was waiting for the right time or opportunity to go upstairs and offer to help. My plans started to go down a small hill around 8:45am when the nurse did not show up. Then the hill got steeper. At the 10:45 service, I was the only volunteer with two children. Now, I am starting to sweat. Then, one of my volunteers showed up. I start breathing a little bit better but, the other two children just showed up. I asked the parents to hang out for a little bit while I go and find one of our faithful volunteers. Quickly, I went down the steps to the auditorium and looked around. No volunteer! I really wanted the parents to be able to enjoy the service. I immediately went to the Welcome Center and asked Susie Battle if she knew of any volunteers that could help us out. She pointed over in a direction where some people were and said to try them. I figured, what could I lose, my plans were snowballing out of control. When I approached the group and started to explain that I needed help upstairs. One person said they could help even before I finished my sentence. I was shocked and said follow me. The rest of the Beautiful Blessings class went great. At the end of class is when I found that this crazy day was all in God’s plan. This is when the person shared with me about God prompting them to serve. It is so AWESOME to see God’s glorious plans come together in the mitts of our chaos.
by Jason Gate, Worship Leader @ MBC Loudoun
Identity is a hard thing. The reason it is hard is because so many variables go into making us who we are. Our friends, our family, our obsessions, our cities and scars all play a part in making us who we are.
Our DNA as human beings is determined by our experiences, and most of us can point to adolescence as the time period when these patterns were formed. For most of us, in the deepest recesses of our hearts, we don’t like what we see in the mirror because of these experiences and this causes our IDENTITY to be broken, weak and false.
I have often said that Jesus is the “Divine Interrupter.” He seems to show up in scripture and ruffle the feathers of all He comes into contact with by shaking them loose from the mundane and inviting them into a greater form of existence.
In Matthew chapter 4:18-22 Jesus displays this principle.
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers; Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Now this passage has always bewildered me for several reasons. Jesus had barely begun his public ministry so they didn’t leave because they wanted rabbinical fame. They didn’t leave because the money was better. And I have often thought, “How did this make their father feel?”
It wasn’t until I began to study the call of the rabbi in rabbinical literature that I came to understand this passage.
When a Jewish male reached the age of 6 they began the memorization process of the entire torah. Rabbi’s would choose the best and the brightest to follow them around the countryside and learn the truths of the scriptures. At this point in history, there was no greater honor for both son and parents than to be chosen by a rabbi for rabbinical schooling. By age 13, the final process of elimination was completed. If you weren’t chosen by a rabbi, you then returned home to do what was called “Ply your trade” which is what these disciples were doing when Jesus showed up on the scene. They were failures.
It was always the custom of the Rabbi to call disciples. But Jesus did something entirely different. As he began to travel the countryside searching for the men that were going to bear witness to his public ministry and learn His teachings on Torah, he didn’t choose the best and the brightest. He didn’t choose the young man who received the highest SAT score on his oral torah exam, or the one who answered the most questions on the bible quiz team. He chose the ones that didn’t make the cut. He chose the bench warmers. He chose the ones who were picked last in kickball. He chose the ones who were considered the lowest in Jewish society who had been collecting taxes for Caesar.
Now, before you let this fly right by you, think about this for a minute. God unzips the robe of divinity, zips up the robe of humanity and comes to earth to begin a revolution. He then proceeds to choose the bad news bears to be His team.
Now hear the word of the Lord…
1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
I don’t know about you, but I am really thankful for this verse. It lets me know a few things about God’s character. It lets me know that I don’t have to be perfect, have all the answers, be the most talented, or have the most influence in order to make a massive difference in this world. I simply have to know where my IDENTITY is found, and then throw down my nets, and follow.
IDENTITY
There was once a first century rabbi who was walking along a dirt road around sunset studying torah as he walked. By mistake he took a wrong turn and ended up in front of a roman official’s house. At once, a Roman Centurion stepped in front of him with sword drawn and said “Who are you, and what are you doing?” The Rabbi paused for a moment, contemplated, and then responded. “Sir, what is your daily wage?” The Centurion responded “Five Denari.” The Rabbi then said this. “I will pay you double, if you will come to my house each morning at sunrise, and ask me those same two questions”.
Who are you and what are you doing?
The Rabbi’s response is profound, but it has even greater implications for us. Hopefully, when we are asked these 2 questions, we will not refer to our past experiences to define our IDENTITY. Hopefully we will not point to all that we have done or hope to do. Hopefully we will not point to what we are good at, or gravitate towards things that we regularly receive praise for. Rather, we will simply respond, “I am a child of the living God, and I am daily dropping my nets”
by Kathy Scherrer, Kid’s Quest Parent
On Sunday, February 14th the KIDStuff crew performed with all the energy and excitement that we’ve grown to enjoy. It was football themed, since it was originally supposed to be delivered on Super Bowl Sunday. The dilemma in this show was that the neighborhood kids were getting ready for the highly competitive annual football game. The Tinkerbell’s secret weapon this year was their quarterback, whose performance was certain to gain the team’s first victory in nearly a decade. However, the star of the team couldn’t play because of an injury. The kids were so caught up in finding a solution on their own that they failed to realize that Mrs. F had played as quarterback during her high school days. Not only was she good, she was prize winning! They realized, in the nick of time, what was available to them. They ended up wining the big game!
Then the kids in the audience were told about Honor: Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. The kids in the audience were told that they would each receive a medal to be given to anyone they wanted. However, they had to explain to the recipient why they were getting the medal. What was it about that person that makes him or her valuable?
I have to admit that the idea of giving away this medal was initially quite difficult for my five- and nine-year old daughters. They wanted to keep the medal for themselves. It gave their father and me the chance to do a reality check with the girls. We began by explaining that the medal wouldn’t be meaningful to them since it hadn’t been “awarded” to them for a specific reason. We then reminded them about how they are surrounded by some really special people that would get great joy from having someone recognize them for what they do. Then we waited.
I picked up my five-year old from day care on Monday evening, holding my breath to hear about her experience. She was so excited to tell me who she had given the medal to and how excited her friend was to receive it. She then said that all the other children wanted a medal as well.
My nine-year old had a similar experience. She awarded one of her closest friends for being very caring and very kind. This girl was so impressed that she went home and made a special box for her medal. I was so thrilled with the responses that I told the girls we would go buy a whole box of medals that they could present to their other friends for being honorable. My hope is that the children around my kids will behave in more honorable ways, knowing that they will get “the medal” someday. Honorable behavior will then become more of a habit then something done every once in a while.
I so love that we have been able to attend the past couple of KIDStuff shows. Each one helps us as parents explain a significant element of life that wouldn’t be as easily explained or understood had we not attended. I want to encourage other parents to take advantage of these moments. Our children really need us to be examples to them .The KIDStuff shows offer situations that may not be part of our everyday lives, yet it is in a safe and fun environment. See you at the next show, which is Sunday, April 11, at 2:00.
by Jim Supp, Campus Pastor @ MBC Loudoun
I have just finished reading Leviticus and have started reading Numbers in my personal time with God each day. I am reminded of why so many people skip right on over these books as they make their way through the scriptures. Honestly – at first read they are pretty boring. Sorry, Lord. I know I shouldn’t say that out loud. After all, it is the Bible. But because I am a rule follower, and reading through the Bible in a year means ALL of the Bible, not just the parts that are more exciting, I am persevering. As I sit back to ponder all I am reading and what it actually means I am struck by a critical reality. The people of God had to do an enormous amount in order to meet with the living God. They had to build a structure – the tabernacle – to very strict specifications regarding every component. Then different clans were assigned to carry each and every piece of it around through the wilderness as they wandered. There was very rigid do’s and don’ts about how it was to be set up and who was allowed to do what job –with severe consequences for mishandling these instructions, like death. And here is the amazing part – Jesus did away with all of that. As the once for all high priest and sacrifice Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can approach the throne of God with confidence. WOW! And now WE are God’s temple since He indwells every believer – 1 Corinthians 6:19. The next time you are tempted to skip over certain parts of the Scripture – like Leviticus and Numbers – I encourage you to keep on reading. Allow yourself to be impacted by the implications about all the Christ as done for us as you read those passages. When you see what it means for Jesus to have provided ‘access for us to the Father’ you will never see the old testament the same way. Never take for granted that ‘in Christ’ we have free access at any time to the living God of the universe. God bless you as you walk with Him today.
A huge thank you to Brad, one of our MBC Loudoun attendees who stepped up in a powerful and helpful way today to lead the parking team and navigate the adapted parking lot and routes. A special thank you to Hugh and Bruce, regular parking team members who served extra shifts to help out. And thank you to our on-the-spot volunteers Eric, Jim, Mike, and Dave, who helped find and direct people to open spots. Thank you as well to Dave for shuttling people to and from a remote lot, and thank you to the very kind woman who lent her mini-van for the service.
It is a blessing to be a part of a church body who is willing to pitch in and do whatever it takes to enable others to worship the Lord. THANK YOU!
by Jim Supp, Campus Pastor @ MBC Loudoun
I have been reading through the book of Exodus in my personal time with God. I love each action packed scene as God goes toe to toe with Pharaoh through His servant Moses. The plagues and the Red Sea parting – what a story. One of the most amazing things to me is how frequently God revealed his power and yet how often the people of God doubted and complained. God is so patient. I sometimes wonder why God chooses to use any of us – oh, but He does. I found the journey of Moses especially interesting in this regard. In Exodus 3 God meets Moses at the burning bush to tell him all He planned to do. Moses was going to be God’s instrument to deliver His people – yeah!! And what was Moses’ response? “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11. “What if they do not believe me or listen to me? Exodus 4:1 “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 And finally, Moses went for it and simply said – “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Exodus 4:13. Now remember, Moses finally pulled himself together and responded more appropriately to God’s directions and did indeed play an enormous role in God’s plan. (Moses gets a pretty awesome commendation in God’s “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11.) — As I think about what all of this means for me I am so grateful that the Lord chooses to love me and use me in spite of myself. Never give into the lie that God can’t or won’t clean you up and keep his hand on you in spite of your failings. He is so much more filled with grace for His children than we think He will ever be. His blessing is only a confession away. Feeling like you are too broken for God to use? Think again – and look at all God did through his broken vessel Moses. Blessings.
Hello Preschool & Toddler Friends!
In February we will be teaching our young children “With God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26). Through the stories of Jesus doing miraculous things like walking on water and calming the storm, we hope to show children that Jesus can do anything. Jesus is God’s son, and He has the power of God behind Him. When Jesus is our friend, we have an amazing friend who can do anything.
Luke 5:11
Jesus tells Simon to put out his nets to catch fish after he’s been fishing all night with no luck. Amazingly, this time the nets are full of fish.
Mark 6:30-44
Jesus fed 5000 with two fish and five loaves of bread. There were even leftovers!
Mark 6:45-51
Jesus is so amazing. He even walked out onto the water and met his friends who were on a boat.
Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus was asleep on a boat during a huge storm. His friends were very afraid. They woke Jesus up to help them, and He stopped the storm. Jesus can do anything!
When was the last time you really thought about the miracles Jesus performed while here on earth? Spend some time in the gospels. You will be in awe all over again. Imagine your child knowing and trusting ~ Jesus can do anything!
Our team will be praying for you to have moments filled with wonder as you give toddlers and preschoolers a ‘first look’ at the God who loves them, made them, and wants to be their friend forever.
Is anything too hard for JESUS? Jesus can do anything!
Want to hear the writers give you the ‘why’ behind the curriculum?
Go to http://www.myfirstlook.org and play vision video #2. (Note: the videos change as each month passes and a new bible truth is introduced.)
February’s Virtue: HONOR 
When was the last time you used the word honor in an everyday conversation with a regular Joe? Does it strike you as outmoded, a little archaic perhaps? For instance, when did you last slay a dragon from the back of your trusty white steed, lay your cloak over a puddle for a lady, bow in deference to others at court, or swear undying fealty to your king? (more on that later) After all, that stuff was around in the Middle Ages.
On the other hand, that stuff has been around since the Middle Ages. What student hasn’t read of King Arthur (first written about in the 1130’s) or Don Quixote (published in 1605, 1615)? Who among us hasn’t seen a Robin Hood movie (the first of which came out in the early 1920’s) or Shrek? If you’ve visited a museum and seen a suit of armor, haven’t you marveled at how small those guys were?
But, with all due respect, it wasn’t Geoffrey of Monmouth or Cervantes who invented honor. Nay, honor is older than, well, dirt. Noooo, it was God who created honor. Check out what David says about honor in Psalm 8:1-5 (NIV):
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise … When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.”
Can you read that and not be awestruck that the King of kings and Lord of lords, who deserves glory over all others, would esteem us, even a little? Yet He does. David’s life, in fact, is chock-full of honor-related examples and principles. Think back to what you know about David, like:
… his encounter with Goliath. God said, “Those who honor me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30, NIV). David honored God, and God honored David, even though he was the little brother, a mere boy, and overlooked at every turn. Honor those who are overlooked.
… his friendship with Jonathan. God says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10, NIrV). David honored Jonathan, certainly; but think how remarkable it was that Jonathan (the heir apparent to the throne) should honor David (who would eventually become king) more than himself. Honor others more than yourself.
… his turbulent and tragic relationship with his son Absalom. God says, “‘Honor your father and mother’–which is the first commandment with a promise–’that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth’” (Ephesians 6:2-3, NIV). What a contrast Absalom is to Jonathan! Honor those who are over you.
… his unself-conscious worship of God: “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this” (2 Samuel 6:21-22, NIV). Honor God out LOUD.
So come February, we’re going to camp here, with David, Goliath, Jonathan, Absalom, and Michal, and examine some things God says about honor and what it looks like to live in honorable ways.
Now back to dragons and puddles. You may not have slain a dragon from the back of your trusty charger, but have you cheered the underdog or said thank you to the teenager taking your order at the drive-thru? You probably haven’t spread your cloak over a puddle for a lady, but have you held the door for one? You may not have bowed in deference to others at court or sworn loyalty to a king, but have you obeyed your parents without rolling your eyes or stood in heartfelt praise to honor THE King?
See, honor doesn’t live just in legends! Therefore, prithee don thine armour and thy cloak and henceforth seek to impart the ways of honour to thy probies thusly. Thy labour shalt not be for naught.
Huzzah,
Melanie Williams
The reThink Group
WANT TO HEAR MORE ABOUT FEBRUARY’S VIRTUE?
Go to http://www.252basics.org. On the video player, select Virtue Video #2 to hear Reggie Joyner speak on HONOR (Note: the videos change as each month passes and a new virtue is introduced.)
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