Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. (Job 13:15)

Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. (Job 13:15)

[painting by Michelangelo]…original art based on Job 3-27

November 3, 1988
When I pulled into the parking lot and saw Scott and Mac standing outside the office with sad faces, I knew something was desperately wrong. When Scott gave me the devastating news, the reality and finality didn’t seem plausible. I had talked with him only hours before, a wonderful, happy talk about my nephew’s overtime heroics in a playoff football game. My dad was so proud, so happy, so alive. He had a doctor checkup that morning and was pronounced fit. This just couldn’t be; not my dad. Not yet.

I started walking south, just trying to think, just trying not to explode with grief. Oddly, I was standing right next to the dumpster and I said these words: “Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him.” Not a perfect quote of the verse, but close enough.

I couldn’t be more honest or more sincere when I say that I never remember learning, even hearing, this particular verse. Regardless, I believe that the Holy Spirit spoke it into my life when I needed it most. The words of this verse I hadn’t learned didn’t change the terrible, shocking news. They did, however, minister to me in my need, giving me a perspective which was wise beyond my own understanding, and that was good.

Sometime in the next few days after Dad died, I grabbed a Concordance and looked up “slay.” I found the verse… but the verse had actually found me first. Praise be to God.

May his word dwell richly in all of us, now and forever.

News & Announcements

  • PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY@ 7:00
  • May Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn: Addiction Recovery Unit  16 bed unit located on 4S treats inpatients and outpatients with various addictions.
  • No softball this week.
  • Got Kids? Love Kids? Cary wants to visit with you right after church, May 22.
  • Jr. High and High School kids interested in going to Miracle Camp this summer, please let Pastor Dave or Cary know.
  • Basque Kids coming June 28! Pick up a refrigerator magnet as a prayer reminder.Typically, weather-permitting, Saturday mornings will be community work days in the garden. Tell friends and neighbors about the garden; many who walk by are interested. What a beautiful way to share in the wonder of the Master Gardener!
Read More
Posted by on May 13, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

Have You Considered My Servant Job?

Have You Considered My Servant Job?
Have You Considered My Servant Job?
Job’s Despair, Chagall
Believers and non-believers alike read the Book of Job with great interest. Why? Could it be because we identify with a person in pain? Could it be because Job’s life is indelibly connected to the issue of evil and suffering in a world created and sustained by a good God? Could it be that Job is the poster-boy for the human condition?
Last Week We Rightly Shouted:
“He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!” as We Proclaimed Christ’s Victory
But… if Christ’s Victory is overwhelming and transcends time and space, then why is their so much pain, suffering, injustice, depression, confusion, and dying?
If the Book of Job teaches us that God spoke to Job from a whirlwind (Job 38), has He also been speaking through the terrible whirlwinds of violent weather in the South the past few weeks?
What are we to make of life’s severity?
Is it retribution for sin?
Are God’s people protected from it?
Is it “Christianity’s Achilles heel,” as some have said?
Legitimate questions, all.
We are going to dive deeply into the problems posed and questions answered by the Book of Job. This ancient work is included in what is called the “Wisdom Literature” of the Bible.  As such, it helps teach us how to think; it’s a verbal testimony of man’s relationships with himself, others, creation, and God. Job is one of the most noble characters in all of recorded history. That God inspired the writer to tell this story with such skill and sensitivity serves to show us how much God understands our plight, makes the Incarnation of Christ even more vivid and virtuous, and inspires us to know that affliction is not without purpose. Job learned that. Will we?
PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
@ 7:00
May Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn
Addiction Recovery Unit
16 bed unit located on 4S treats inpatients and outpatients with various addictions.
SOFTBALL IS HERE!
Wednesday night, 8:00, Champion Fields
(Let’s live up to our reputation of having the most fan support at these fun games!)
Invasion coming! We need an army!
Hosting the Basque Students will absolutely be one of the most exciting yet humbling things The Jake has ever done. To do this well, we must have an outpouring of prayer to cover the entire effort. To that end, we need you to be here Saturday, May 14 @ 5:00. Sandwich/chip supper.
Just waiting on the weather…
… before garden work starts in earnest. This year’s version promises to be bigger and better than ever, but we need your help. Watch for email announcements. Invite neighbors/friends.

thejake_050111 Believers and non-believers alike read the Book of Job with great interest. Why? Could it be because we identify with a person in pain? Could it be because Job’s life is indelibly connected to the issue of evil and suffering in a world created and sustained by a good God? Could it be that Job is the poster-boy for the human condition?

Last Week We Rightly Shouted:

“He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!” as We Proclaimed Christ’s Victory

But… if Christ’s Victory is overwhelming and transcends time and space, then why is their so much pain, suffering, injustice, depression, confusion, and dying?

If the Book of Job teaches us that God spoke to Job from a whirlwind (Job 38), has He also been speaking through the terrible whirlwinds of violent weather in the South the past few weeks?

What are we to make of life’s severity?

Is it retribution for sin?

Are God’s people protected from it?

Is it “Christianity’s Achilles heel,” as some have said?

Legitimate questions, all.

We are going to dive deeply into the problems posed and questions answered by the Book of Job. This ancient work is included in what is called the “Wisdom Literature” of the Bible.  As such, it helps teach us how to think; it’s a verbal testimony of man’s relationships with himself, others, creation, and God. Job is one of the most noble characters in all of recorded history. That God inspired the writer to tell this story with such skill and sensitivity serves to show us how much God understands our plight, makes the Incarnation of Christ even more vivid and virtuous, and inspires us to know that affliction is not without purpose. Job learned that. Will we?

News & Announcements:

  • PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7:00
  • May Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn: Addiction Recovery Unit  > 16 bed unit located on 4S treats inpatients and outpatients with various addictions.
  • SOFTBALL IS HERE! Wednesday night, 8:00, Champion Fields (Let’s live up to our reputation of having the most fan support at these fun games!)
  • Invasion coming! We need an army!
    Hosting the Basque Students will absolutely be one of the most exciting yet humbling things The Jake has ever done. To do this well, we must have an outpouring of prayer to cover the entire effort. To that end, we need you to be here Saturday, May 14 @ 5:00. Sandwich/chip supper.
  • Just waiting on the weather…
    … before garden work starts in earnest. This year’s version promises to be bigger and better than ever, but we need your help. Watch for email announcements. Invite neighbors/friends.
Read More
Posted by on Apr 29, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

Like a Flint: Determined to Defeat Death

Determined to Defeat Death
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  (I Corinthians 15:20-21)
He is Risen!
He is Risen, indeed!
May our souls rise with Him as we receive and believe the best news ever. Timeless, beyond time, is Easter.
Consider that as you engage this powerful expression of faith by Welsh poet George Herbert (1593-1633):
Easter Wings
Lord, Who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poore:
With Thee
O let me rise,
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day Thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.
My tender age in sorrow did beginne;
And still with sicknesses and shame
Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.
With Thee
Let me combine,
And feel this day Thy victorie;
For, if I imp my wing on Thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.
PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
@ 7:00
April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn
Acute Rehab A Unit
16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
SOFTBALL IS HERE!
Wednesday night, 6:00, Champion Fields
(Let’s live up to our reputation of having the most fan support at these fun games!)
Just waiting on the weather…
…before garden work starts in earnest. This year’s version promises to be bigger and better than ever, but we need your help. Watch for email announcements. If weather improves, we’ll start this week/weekend. Stay tuned…
.

thejake_042411

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  (I Corinthians 15:20-21)

He is Risen!

He is Risen, indeed!

May our souls rise with Him as we receive and believe the best news ever. Timeless, beyond time, is Easter.

Consider that as you engage this powerful expression of faith by Welsh poet George Herbert (1593-1633):

Easter Wings

Lord, Who createdst man in wealth and store,

Though foolishly he lost the same,

Decaying more and more,

Till he became

Most poore:


With Thee

O let me rise,

As larks, harmoniously,

And sing this day Thy victories:

Then shall the fall further the flight in me.


My tender age in sorrow did beginne;

And still with sicknesses and shame

Thou didst so punish sinne,

That I became

Most thinne.


With Thee

Let me combine,

And feel this day Thy victorie;

For, if I imp my wing on Thine,

Affliction shall advance the flight in me.

News & Announcements:

  • PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7:00
  • April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn: Acute Rehab A Unit  > 16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
  • SOFTBALL IS HERE! Wednesday night, 6:00, Champion Fields (Let’s live up to our reputation of having the most fan support at these fun games!)
  • Just waiting on the weather…
    …before garden work starts in earnest. This year’s version promises to be bigger and better than ever, but we need your help. Watch for email announcements. If weather improves, we’ll start this week/weekend. Stay tuned…
Read More
Posted by on Apr 22, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

Flint. Stones. > “…if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

stones_cryoutAnd some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40)

Who is this King-Glory? (If Jesus was thinking of Psalm 22 when Mary anointed Him and when He was crucified, was He thinking of Psalm 24 on Palm Sunday?

Psalm 24 (The Message)

1-2 GOD claims Earth and everything in it, GOD claims World and all who live on it.

He built it on Ocean foundations,

laid it out on River girders.


3-4 Who can climb Mount GOD?

Who can scale the holy north-face?

Only the clean-handed,

only the pure-hearted;

Men who won’t cheat,

women who won’t seduce.


5-6 GOD is at their side;

with GOD’s help they make it.

This, Jacob, is what happens

to God-seekers, God-questers.


7 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!

Wake up, you sleepyhead people!

King-Glory is ready to enter.


8 Who is this King-Glory?

GOD, armed

and battle-ready.


9 Wake up, you sleepyhead city!

Wake up, you sleepyhead people!

King-Glory is ready to enter.


10 Who is this King-Glory?

GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies:

he is King-Glory.

News & Announcements:

  • PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7:00
  • April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn: Acute Rehab A Unit > 16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
  • Today’s the Day! Hailey’s Bridal Shower! 3:00 p.m. April 17th at Jacob’s Well. Bring your best advice and favorite recipe to share with Hailey! (Registered at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.)

Maundy Thursday Service
Prepare for the Cross. Prepare for the Empty Tomb. Please come to the Upper Room with Jesus and the disciples next Thursday, April 21, at 7:00 p.m. for Holy Communion.

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Posted by on Apr 13, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

Like a flint … determined to be worshipped.

Face like a flint…
… determined to be worshipped.
Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  (John 12:3)
She has done a beautiful thing to me.  (Mark 14:6b)
Willing to Offer Worship in the Face of Criticism… and Determined to Receive Worship from this “Healthy Soul”
I once heard a dear friend complimented thus: “She is a healthy soul.” I thought then – and still think – that such an assessment was appropriate for this happy and secure woman.
When Mary anointed Jesus feet she was embraced by Jesus and “endorsed” as a healthy soul. He noted that her act would be recalled and praised as long as the Gospel is being preached… and we are fulfilling that prophecy here today.
Mary was a woman who understood what Jesus had done for her. She also seems to have understood (more than others?) the incredible strain of this week we call Holy had to have on Him. He was determined to carry out His mission of becoming the Sacrificial Lamb of God Who would bear the sin and death of all time. We are told that during this week He prayed in agony, sweat blood, and displayed righteous indignation at the temple. Mary worshipped Him by sparing no expense to sooth His tired feet and burdened soul. He not only received her worship, He reveled in it, promoted it as wonderful and memorable, and once again announced His determination to go to the cross.
As a funny friend of mine often quips, “No good deed goes unpunished.” Mary’s singular act of love is criticized by the very man destined to betray Jesus. In fact, the intimation is that this extravagant love for Jesus sent Judas “over the top.” His self-righteousness bore the ugliest of fruit; he substituted “social justice rhetoric” for true love of the Just One.
If we fall at Jesus’ feet in the presence of others; if we give much money to the work of the Kingdom; if we massage the burdened and weary – the “least of these, my brothers and sisters” – in Jesus’ words, we will be criticized. Wait, there’s more. We will be remembered and rewarded because “… you did it for Me.”
So, bust out the nard. Love the Savior extravagantly.
PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
@ 7:00
April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn
Acute Rehab A Unit
16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
Hailey’s Bridal Shower!
3:00 p.m. April 17th at Jacob’s Well
Bring your best advice and favorite recipe to share with Hailey!
(Registered at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.)
Prayer – Key for SUSA
Our opportunity is also our holy calling to pray. Candace Ferguson is leading the prayer ministry on behalf of the Basque people. She’ll share the beauty of it all with us today…

atjesusfeetMary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)

She has done a beautiful thing to me.  (Mark 14:6b)

Willing to Offer Worship in the Face of Criticism… and Determined to Receive Worship from this “Healthy Soul”

I once heard a dear friend complimented thus: “She is a healthy soul.” I thought then – and still think – that such an assessment was appropriate for this happy and secure woman.

When Mary anointed Jesus feet she was embraced by Jesus and “endorsed” as a healthy soul. He noted that her act would be recalled and praised as long as the Gospel is being preached… and we are fulfilling that prophecy here today.

Mary was a woman who understood what Jesus had done for her. She also seems to have understood (more than others?) the incredible strain of this week we call Holy had to have on Him. He was determined to carry out His mission of becoming the Sacrificial Lamb of God Who would bear the sin and death of all time. We are told that during this week He prayed in agony, sweat blood, and displayed righteous indignation at the temple. Mary worshipped Him by sparing no expense to sooth His tired feet and burdened soul. He not only received her worship, He reveled in it, promoted it as wonderful and memorable, and once again announced His determination to go to the cross.

As a funny friend of mine often quips, “No good deed goes unpunished.” Mary’s singular act of love is criticized by the very man destined to betray Jesus. In fact, the intimation is that this extravagant love for Jesus sent Judas “over the top.” His self-righteousness bore the ugliest of fruit; he substituted “social justice rhetoric” for true love of the Just One.

If we fall at Jesus’ feet in the presence of others; if we give much money to the work of the Kingdom; if we massage the burdened and weary – the “least of these, my brothers and sisters” – in Jesus’ words, we will be criticized. Wait, there’s more. We will be remembered and rewarded because “… you did it for Me.”

So, bust out the nard. Love the Savior extravagantly.

News & Announcements:

  • PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7:00
  • April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn: Acute Rehab A Unit  > 16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
  • Hailey’s Bridal Shower! 3:00 p.m. April 17th at Jacob’s Well > Bring your best advice and favorite recipe to share with Hailey! (Registered at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.)

Prayer – Key for SUSA
Our opportunity is also our holy calling to pray. Candace Ferguson is leading the prayer ministry on behalf of the Basque people. She’ll share the beauty of it all with us today…

Read More
Posted by on Apr 8, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 0 comments

Prince of Peace? Face like a flint, heart aflame, angry, but not sinning.

Prince of Peace?
Face like a flint, heart aflame, angry, but not sinning.
And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”
Luke 19:45-46
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild?
So, he lost his cool. Are you still on board?
Jesus asked you to follow Him. That was pretty exciting and fun duty when a wedding party was saved because He made water become wine or when He made a few fish and loaves feed thousands. (How did that happen?) And it was certainly exciting to be there when grievously ill people were healed before your eyes. And remember the thrills when He walked across the lake or calmed the storm with His words? What of the TRULY BIG DEAL when friend Lazarus died… for only four days… and (once again) His words brought Lazarus back to life?
All this led up to the big parade just a few days ago. Most of the folks there were really pumped up. His reputation had preceded Him. No public relations firm could have done a better job of promoting His arrival. The expectations and experiences all week have been so infused with emotion that every night He and His followers have headed back through the city gates to the outskirts of town to relax and rest. And He seems to always slip away and pray.
But then there was this scene today at the temple. He lost it. Shouting. Tipping over tables. Pointing fingers. Showing a side of his personality that was, frankly, shocking and kind of scary. Except, if you really know Him, you know that the thing He cares the most about in all the world is His Father’s honor.
So, really, this outburst shouldn’t be a surprise anymore than the tears he shed last night as He looked over the city. He’s an emotional guy. He cares more about the important stuff than anyone you’ve ever met. But, there’s trouble in the air. The guys in charge are out to get Him. Will it be safe to be known as one of “His?”
Come to think of it, He had promised that it was going to get rough. He even promised that He was going to be executed. So, what do you think? His reputation took a strange turn today. What about yours? He wants you to stay with him…
PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY
@ 7:00
April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn
Acute Rehab A Unit
16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
Men’s Study Group, Mondays
6:00-7:00 p.m. Gospel of John. Ask Bob V.
Women’s Study Group, Thursdays
6:00-7:00 p.m. Starting new book. Ask Mia B.
Wedding Shower for Justina & Dom
Today, right here @ 1:00 PM (shortly after the service) ??? Ask Candi V.
Hailey’s Bridal Shower!
3:00 p.m. April 17th at Jacob’s Well
Bring your best advice and favorite recipe to share with Hailey!
(Registered at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.)
Summer in the USA
There are 8-10 Basque high schoolers who are absolutely pumped about spending a month with us. Please pray for those kids… and our ability to love them as God desires.

jesus_cleansing_templeAnd he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” - Luke 19:45-46

Gentle Jesus, meek and mild?

So, he lost his cool. Are you still on board?

Jesus asked you to follow Him. That was pretty exciting and fun duty when a wedding party was saved because He made water become wine or when He made a few fish and loaves feed thousands. (How did that happen?) And it was certainly exciting to be there when grievously ill people were healed before your eyes. And remember the thrills when He walked across the lake or calmed the storm with His words? What of the TRULY BIG DEAL when friend Lazarus died… for only four days… and (once again) His words brought Lazarus back to life?

All this led up to the big parade just a few days ago. Most of the folks there were really pumped up. His reputation had preceded Him. No public relations firm could have done a better job of promoting His arrival. The expectations and experiences all week have been so infused with emotion that every night He and His followers have headed back through the city gates to the outskirts of town to relax and rest. And He seems to always slip away and pray.

But then there was this scene today at the temple. He lost it. Shouting. Tipping over tables. Pointing fingers. Showing a side of his personality that was, frankly, shocking and kind of scary. Except, if you really know Him, you know that the thing He cares the most about in all the world is His Father’s honor.

So, really, this outburst shouldn’t be a surprise anymore than the tears he shed last night as He looked over the city. He’s an emotional guy. He cares more about the important stuff than anyone you’ve ever met. But, there’s trouble in the air. The guys in charge are out to get Him. Will it be safe to be known as one of “His?”

Come to think of it, He had promised that it was going to get rough. He even promised that He was going to be executed. So, what do you think? His reputation took a strange turn today. What about yours? He wants you to stay with him…

News & Announcements:

  • PRAYER GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY @ 7:00
  • April Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn Acute Rehab A Unit: 16 bed unit serving patients needing extensive rehabilitation from head, spine and other traumatic injuries.
  • Men’s Study Group, Mondays 6:00-7:00 p.m. Gospel of John. Ask Bob V.
  • Women’s Study Group, Thursdays 6:00-7:00 p.m. Starting new book. Ask Mia B.
  • Wedding Shower for Justina & Dom > Today, right here @ 1:00 PM (shortly after the service) ??? Ask Candi V.
  • Hailey’s Bridal Shower! > 3:00 p.m. April 17th at Jacob’s Well Bring your best advice and favorite recipe to share with Hailey! (Registered at Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.)

Summer in the USA
There are 8-10 Basque high schoolers who are absolutely pumped about spending a month with us. Please pray for those kids… and our ability to love them as God desires.

Read More
Posted by on Apr 1, 2011 in News & Updates, Programs | 1 comment
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