What are you celebrating?

"Hey! Great party! What's the occasion?"

That would be a great idea for a youth function. Have a "celebration time" at your house and invite all sorts of people and withhold the purpose of the party. When the people get there and enjoy the cake and ice cream, tell them why they have gathered.

1. What is there in your life that you can celebrate?

2. Are the things that you are celebrating eternal or temporary? Will that make a difference in the way that you "party"?

3. Do you find that this has been a season of lots of parties in your life or a fairly lean time in your life? Have you remembered to celebrate God and your relationship with Him even in the lean times?

Hope that you are partying this week! Don't forget to invite me!! :)

Got my party hat on already,

Pastor Mike

Some More DQ's about Leadership

We didn't get to these in D-groups, but maybe you want to jump in now! Don't forget to read all of the new posts today! Monday has been busy already! :)

• Think about leaders you have encountered in your life. What role have they played in shaping your thoughts or actions?
• What are your thoughts on being a leader? Do you consider yourself a leader? Why or why not?
• Leadership is important in the Church. But so is being a follower. What would happen if no one were willing to follow and support the leadership of the Church? What is involved in being a good follower?
• Name some ways you support your leaders. If you can’t think of any, what can you do to start supporting them?
• There are many roles in the Church, each ordained by God. What is your role right now? If this question is hard to answer, how can you can increase or better define your role?

Just trying to massage those grey cells, :)
Pastor Mike

One Guy

Why was it so important for the apostles to replace Judas? He was just one guy, right?
How would replacing Judas impact their ministry?

Replacing a leader

Hey teens! Have you given anymore thought to the lesson from Wednesday night?

This summary of the importance of the lesson to your life was given in the teacher's information/commentary.

IMPLICATIONS:
Whether or not they knew it in Acts 1, the apostles’ role was to lay the foundation for the Church. They seemed to understand that good leadership was crucial; Peter’s quotation of Psalm 109:8 supports this. The apostles prayed for guidance and then trusted in the Lord to answer their question. How can you teach your students to follow the apostles’ example in decision-making? How can you stress the importance of church leadership?

God is infinitely concerned with us as individuals, and the Bible explains the value of each person. At the same time, God is concerned about the Church—all believers joined together in one eternal fellowship. Ephesians 4:11–13 discusses the various roles of those who
make up the Church. The goal of these various roles, Paul wrote, is to build up the Church “until we all reach unity in the faith.” How do leaders and others in your church help to unify it? What is your role? How do you prepare your students to play a fruitful role in the global Church?

This passage shows God’s concern for the integrity of the early Church’s testimony—the Church’s united witness to the glory of God and His mighty acts in Jesus Christ. The apostles served as caretakers of Jesus’ message. As the Church grew and became stronger, however, the role of apostle was not so central. While there are no apostles today, their role appears to have been extended through the ministry of evangelists and pastors (Eph. 4:11). The Church has other leaders as well. What types
of leaders does your church have? How does your church select them? What roles belong to all Christians, and what roles apply only to certain leaders?

Interact with some of the questions or agrre/disagree with one or more of the statements that are made. Leave your impressions of the lesson or of Acts 1 and the activity of the disciples as they waited for the Spirit.

So waddyathinkinbout Acts 1? :)
Pastor Mike

Down on Your LIfe

Depression happens! It usually occurs when I fail to process (well) the stuff that life throws at me. The Bible is filled with antidotes to depression. It usually centers around getting our heads right, focusing our minds on what is right rather than letting our emotions drive the bus!

Here's one thing (not the only thing) that Mrs. Mitzel made me think about on Wednesday (last):
"The 'that would be nice' stuff in our eyes is not always equal to God's plan."

That is a rough paraphrase -- since she talks so fast, and I listen so slow, and scribble slower! :) Remember that the Father's plan has dates and times and places that we don't always have when we want them. We often have to wait like the disciples did in Acts 1. BUT, the encouragement comes that God has promised us Power, our Assignment, and our Location ahead of time. That we know already. We are just waiting for timing.

1. What "major thing" has life thrown you recently that you need to realign your thinking on?
Confess the stress and avoid the mess!
2. How long is too long for God? Are you content to wait for the timing to become clear?
It's great to wait; He's never late!
3. Who is in my Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and uttermost that God is prepping for an unleashing of power through me?
Start today to pray for "they" (need to see God's power, need to hear the good news, need to have their sins forgiven, etc.)!

Help me fine tune those statements! They are cheezy, but you just might remember them! :)

Nice and easy, oh so cheezy,
PM

Time Management Tip #61

"If we are truly trusting God [and the Spirit] and living with Him as our Lord, then fulfilling His divine plans and dreams for us should be our top priority; for only in Him will we ever be all that we can be."

Life's Ultimate to Be List, p.61

1. Are you truly trusting and living with Him as Lord? Are there any "off-limits" areas that He is not the Lord of? Are there any areas that you must confess as areas of anxiety and doubt?


2. How do you go about getting this "divine plan and dream for you"? Is it found in a fortune cookie? ;) How could we demonstrate that God's plans are the priority with us?


3. How does the world suggest that you can accomplish "be all you can be"? How different is that from the Christian worldview?

When we consider the thoughts of God about what we are doing, the cream rises to the top! And just so that you remember that I am preaching to myself, I just had to confess an area that I was stressed about. God is supposed to be in control of my futures, so I had to put me off of the throne and put Him back on (put off/put on). He is able to handle the pressures way better than I am.

Trusting that He is able to accomplish what He wants for me today & tomorrow,

Pastor Mike

The Power of the Spirit

Here are the discussion Q's from the small group time. Interact with them as you did in D groups or add a new comment that you thought about since you got home. Feel free to post some good Scripture support and quote other great thinkers!

• Have you ever had the chance to witness to someone but chose not to? Why didn’t you
share your faith?

• What does it mean to trust the Holy Spirit? What is one way you can demonstrate that trust?

• After Jesus ascended into heaven, the apostles waited prayerfully. What can we learn from
their example about how to act in uncertain times? How are you handling uncertainties in your
life right now?

• The disciples were told to witness to the world. We are charged to do the same. What are you doing to witness to the ends of the earth? What are some practical ways you can focus on carrying the gospel to the world?

Will of God -- Maintaining the God Focus

Whenever God directs me to "coincidental"voices saying the same thing, I like to stop and take notice. This morning as I picked up my book, Contemprary Christian, I came to this section

"If God had a prupose for the lives of his people, and if his purpose is discoverable, then nothing could be more important than for us to discern and do it." p. 128

Hey that sounds a lot like the stuff that we talked about last night! John Stott gives these 5 words to remind us how we ought to seek God's will:

1. yield (to whatever God wants)
2. pray (asking God for input)
3. talk (to others around you)
4. think (no you do not need to throw reason out the window!)
5. wait (don't make a snap decision if it is unclear)

I think those are pretty succinct and helpful. As you consider the willof God for your life, especially this summer, apply these principles to the process. Remember that God is the one that must take the initiative in these discussions. Be ready for Him to answer!

Seeking the specific will for my life too,

Pastor Mike

Here's Something to Chew On

"Some people have felt that if people can know God, it would have to be by a fundamentally different kind of knowing from the ordinary, workaday, know-your-mechanic kind of knowing. The ultimate things of life, including something so superior as God, simply can't be captured in words and by reason. To try and talk about God, to express him in propositions, is not to know him. He simply surpasses words. We cannot exhaust his reality in a neatly deduced human system."

Longing to Know, p.41

What would you say to a person like this if you met them on the street? How would you interact with their philosophy of knowing God (epistemology/theology)? Are they right? What are the ramifications of your choice here?

This paragraph is from a book that I am reading right now. It is a philosophy book written by Mrs. Paris' aunt Esther! It has repercussions on evangelism, discipleship, and youth group.

checking to see if you are still thinkinabout anything,
Pastor Mike

New Ministry Team Logos

Hey! Guess what! It's time to start thinking about ministry team and summer plans. Here are some logo ideas that I was playing around with yesterday. Give me some feedback or go to Facebook and vote!

What is grace?

1. How would you describe grace to an unsaved person?
2. Do you think that unsaved people can appreciate grace without having any of their own?
3. How could we function as dispensaries of grace to unsaved and saved teens?
4. How would that affect them? How would it affect us? How would it affect God? Is grace worth giving away?

Pastor Mike

Wisdom Quotient

Hey teens. I want to say thanks to Mrs. Mitzel for being sidelined for two weeks and allowing me to step up and deliver two spur of the moment lessons. I know that being sidelined is no fun, but it allowed me to have an unsheduled (by me) stop in the lives of the group.

In week one, we talked about service. You got to help me develop the seminar for ESFYS at Marilla. That was great. It really helped me polish some key areas and helped me communicate to teens in a VERY SHORT amount of time. I hope it helped them too. My ears have been very alert to a whole bunch of things about service recently-- including a funny exchange between Mr. Augrom and Mr. Post as we were setting up tables/chairs for the Easter breakfast:

Mr. Post: (after setting up the last chairs) Well, is that all there is to do?
Mr. Augrom: (with a smirk) Yes, you have completed your community service. You may go now.
Pastor Mike: (playing along) Mr. Augrom, do you need to sign something to verify that for the judge? :)

I was reminded of how often our service to God is a grudging, "have to do this" instead of a cheerful, "there must be more I can do".

In week two, we talked about measuring your wisdom quotient from Proverbs 9. I was wondering if your ears have been perked up and if you have remembered the 4 checkpoints/tests to determine your WQ. So here they are again so that you can interact with them:

1. How do you respond to correction?


2. Are you growing spiritually smarter? (insights, knowledge, application)


3. Are you deepening your personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ?


4. Is God blessing your life? (not in the health and wealth categories)

Sunday morning early service would have been a good test for #3. Did you come with a "who's bright idea was it to start Easter early" attitude or "Easter/Resurrection Day is my favorite high holy day" attitude? Did you spend any time reflecting throughout the day (beyond the walls of WyBC) on the cross, resurrection, grace, mercy, salvation, etc.?

The point of the WQ test is to see progress. Unlike IQ that is pretty set for most people, WQ is a measurement of a growing feature. It ought to be somewhat akin to measuring your height or even better, your age. It only makes sense that you are increasing in wisdom -- that is what Christians do.

Thanks for measuring and growing,

Pastor Mike

Something to Chew On

I used this quote in the Youth Seminars at Marilla this weekend. I was wondering if you might like to a) read it, b) think about it, and c) discuss how this truth will affect the way that we do youth ministry at Wyoming.

“Thirty years from now, regardless of changes in technology, communication, and culture, people will still have the same basic needs. They will need love, acceptance, meaning, purpose, forgiveness, dignity, and significance. They will struggle with selfishness, fear, guilt, resentment, worry, boredom, loneliness, and other universal problems. These won’t go away. Thirty years from now the solution will still be the same: Jesus Christ.”

--Rick Warren

1. Why is it important for us to understand well Jesus Christ and the message of the gospel and be able to articulate it clearly?


2. Is it important to keep sharpening our skills at sharing the gospel, explaining Scripture, and sharing our testimony?


3. Have you ever struggled with any of the issues Rick Warren mentioned? How does that change your ministry zeal/urgency?


4. What will motivate us to be involved with these kinds of broken people? (hint: think second main session, feeding of the five thousand)

I want to have a youth group that is open and receptive of people (especially teens) at all places in the journey. I want to see young people who care for the lost and are actively reaching out to them to draw them to Christ by lifting Him up. I want to be salt and light in the world around us to the point that people begin bringing their broken friends to us to heal them. Do you?

For teens and for the lost,

Pastor Mike

Service Seminar Pre-view

Thanks to all of those who endured the pre-view lesson last night on Christian Service. I am looking forward to polishing it and teaching it to teens at Marilla this weekend. God has really used the Youth Seminars in some really neat ways in the lives of teens in the past and I expect this year will be no different.

If you could think of any way that I could improve on the message or the mechanics of delivery, please feel free to give those ideas. That way, this seminar could be a ministry of Wyoming Baptist YG , not just Pastor Mike! Thanks for your input in advance. :)

Here are some prayer requests for the weekend:

1. Health -- my voice and upper respitory irritations. I want to give the seminar in the most dynamic way possible. Also pray for the Mitzels, if they are as sick as the rest of us who caught these bugs, they may not be back in action for a while. That would mean no Andrew on the weekend. That would be sad -- we would miss Napoleon.
2. Safety -- there are not supposed to be any major storms this weekend, but one never knows on the back roads of Western NY.
3. Unity -- the Youth Seminars is also about getting to know the younger Trek crew. Pray that Sr. Hi teens and Jr. Hi teens will not allow the typical separations to occur. This is a great opportunity to develop friendships with older and younger teens.
4. Growth -- I know that you think that YS is all about the pizza and the FUN. But, the real goal is that these pieces of the puzzle fit together with spiritual growth. The real goal is that you are stretched in at least one key area of your life.

I look forward to hearing about your weekend at the far end. Remember, there is a time of sharing available on Sunday night to encourage those who are at home. :D

To defend and serve,
Pastor Mike

When Temptation Becomes Too Great

Last week we looked at a Biblical narrative about Joseph. It is the story of how he, being a rising star in the servant world, and sufficicently strapping, catches the eye of his boss's wife. She being either of poor moral character or extremely lonely as the abandoned first lady or some combination of both, sets about to seduce poor Joe. Her attempts at securing his physical intimacy are refused. She is not accustomed to rejection and sets Joe up to be alone with her. The trap is sprung and Joe is left with only one option -- drop your coat and run like mad.

Two interesting things have happened since we had that lesson led by Bethany:

a. My pastor friend Paul Peterson blogged a great exit strategy if he were ever caught in that situation. It sounded remarkably similar to Joe's actions.
b. Our governor Elliot Spitzer is up to his eyeballs in trouble following some evidence gathered against him in a prostitution sting. It is remarkably dissimilar to Joe's actions.

So. Whaddyathinkbout now?
1. How important does an exit strategy seem to you now? Have you formed one yet?

2. Some have said that Spitzer actions are not really the issue -- they are private matters. Do you agree or not? Why? (By the way, any answer that isn't supported by the Bible is not a Christian Worldview)

3. At least one person has said that Eliot Spitzer's actions are a "victimless crime". Do you agree?

4. Read this great post by Scott Ott. He seems to have made the connection! Does his response to Gov. Spitzer seem to soft or compassionate? Does he go too far in feeling sorry for the governor? How would you respond to the governor if he called you in for advice?

5. Can fallen leaders be restored? Is immorality an unforgiveable offense?

6. How does David's story help sort out this political mess? What actions reflect a man after God's own heart?

7. Do you believe this stuff only happens to politicians or other people? (i.e. "That would never happen to me!")


Teens, I hope that you can see once again that the truths taught in the Word of God are relevant to today. They are applicable everyday as you walk and talk about in this world. You must know them thoroughly and totally go beyond hearing only! Our enemy wants to see us fall. He is very creative and very resourceful and very deceitful. Do not try to outwit him on your own. Put on your armor and train your thoughts to follow God's ways!

On guard,
Pastor Mike

Does God Use Unsaved/Evil People to Do His Will?

Before you answer, you should consider the example of Joseph's brothers (Gen 37:12-36 + Gen. 50:15-21), the example of Pharaoh (Ex. 14:1-31), or Job's friends (Job 42:1-16).

I believe the answer is yes. I believe that He even uses their own character to set them up to accomplish exactly what He wants.

1. Is there a difference between doing God's will and accomplishing God's plan?


2. Do we have to be willing participants to get the badge of honor/crown of glory for accomplishment of the battle plan?


3. Are you willingly pursuing God's will for your life and facing roadblocks?

Remember that God intends it for your good and is working it together for His ends. His ways are indeed higher than ours and He has the better perspective on the way that things are!

Pursuing the plan,
Pastor Mike

Debrief in Brief, Perhaps Too Brief

Hey sno-campers. I was really looking forward to your sharing last night in the "PraisenPrayer" time. And then the winds started to pick up and blow that powdery stuff around! Drat! Another time of fellowship thwarted by weather conditions in western NY. :(

I know that we attempted to get your juices flowing in the parking lot prior to departure, but it was not nearly long enough. Would you mind chiming in again and in print? Think about sending this link to some of the teens who were part of sno camp, but who are not necessarily part of our regular Sr Hi YG discussions. I would love to hear again (and more) of what God is doing in and around you through these events.

Here are some starter Q's:

1. What was the bestest, favoritest part of the whole weekend? (Note: you may say hanging out with Pastor Mike -- only if it is true!) :)


2. Rate the "cardboard sno snake sled" on a scale of one (what a watse of time/talent/energy and cardboard) to ten (that sled "rocked the house" dude -- or other appropriate teen-aged lingo).


3. Rate the pizza Friday night on a scale of one (that was pizza?) to ten (Mama mia, viva Italiano, bon apettite, -- or other Italian phrases of delight).


4. What ah-ha!/eureka!/oh-i-get-it-now! moments happened during this weekend?


5. What one point of the messages really left a mark on your spiritual thoughts/life?


6. What are you planning on working through with God's help in the next 3-4 weeks?


7. Did you learn anything about leadership, teamwork, the group, yourself, ministry or the Bible?

I will add some of mine in a little while.

Thanks for going,

Pastor Mike

The Scandalous Love of God

Philip Yancey has a way of making me think, or rather squirm. He pokes me in the eyes with truth until they water. Then when it is all said and done, I wipe my eyes and end up thanking him for poking me. Talk about adding insult to injury. But I remember that teh wounds of a friend are more trustworthy than the kisses of an enemy. I believe that Phil is my friend, since we are seeking after the same thing -- conformity to Christ. That high goal however must run through an examination of my gracious levels.

Phil points out that God's grace is scandalous! It goes against everything that we consider "right". Grace does not make any sense to us. Listen to what Phil writes,

"Why would God choose Jacob the conniver over dutiful Esau? Why confer supernatural powers of strength on a ... deliquent named Samson? Why groom a runty shepherd boy, David, to be Israel's king? And why bestow a sublime gift of wisdom on Solomon, the fruit of that king's adulterous liaison? Indeed, in each of these Old Testament stories the scandal of grace rumbles under the surface until finally, in Jesus' parables, it bursts forth in a dramatic upheaval to reshape the moral landscape."

What's So Amazing About Grace, p.61

1. So what parable do you think he is thinking of?
2. Can you think of other NT examples of Jesus living graciously in spite of the "receptivity" or "worthlessness" of those to whom he ministered?
3. Do you struggle with ministry to the "undeserving" or do you struggle with Jonah syndrome?
4. What is the antidote to this twisted mental conception? How do we straighten out our "stinkin' thinkin'"?

I want to think Jesus' thoughts about grace, and then minister it to them!

Still amazed by grace,
Pastor Mike

What a Great God

You know, it is an awesome thing to listen to the beautiful sounds of encouragement and edification coming from the fingertips of teens. I really appreciate the fact that you have not forgotten your missing YG members. (except Kristi W! :( We do miss you since basketball has stolen you away from us!)

Would you now turn your words of appreciation toward God? Study out Isaiah 40 snd write some words of praise to God based on these words. We are at Ithaca today for a conference on "Christ in Isaiah". One of the speakers spoke last night on Isaiah 40 -- it was awesome worship to hear how this man was dealing with some rough road because he was "beholding his God". Try you hand at this yourself.

You may begin your post with "Our God is an awesome God because..." or any other way that makes sense to you. I hope to post on this soon too.

Praising Him,
Mike

The Morning After

Okay. So this title is supposed to make you sit up and take notice.
This post has nothing to do with a mistake made in the heat of passion last night. INSTEAD it has to do with great things happening last night in YG.

Here are some of the cool things that I saw:

1. Mr. B's game totally bombed! You guys were so totally paying attention about Hilary (did I spell it right?) last week that you knew all of the answers to Mr. BBBBB's trivia challenge. Good listening!
2. Worship leading is becoming a part of what teens like doing at WyBC! When I proposed the next step, there was no fussing. When you sang last night it actually sounded good, from the heart, and I just focused on some really great leadership choices. Andrew led me mentally into the next song with some thoughtful transition statements. Good leading!
3. You all had Bibles with you and opened them! This is the first time (that I remember) that everyone in attendance had their Bibles with them. And there were some new Bibles being distributed at Christmas time -- what teen in their right mind would ask for a Bible for Christmas? :D I know some!! And study Bibles to boot -- not just trendy metal cased or slim hide-it-under-a-bushel Bibles either! :D Good learning!
4. 7:30 came in a hurry! Again, I missed you guys; I missed your good discussion of the text and interaction with Mr. Baker's wild suggestions about the story! You guys were engaged and interested in challenging each other to know more. I wasn't really ready to go home. Good lesson!

As you reflect back on the youth group year, what are the things that you are noticing about each other? How has someone in the group encouraged you? Have you seen someone stepping up and doing a great job? Sound off in the comment section. This is supposed to be a time of encouragement -- not flattery. Make these comments start with "I have observed you modeling Christlikeness in this way...." or "I have really seen you grow in this area..." or "Your ability/talent/gift of ________ has really ministered to me this year" or something like that.

Building a body of believers outfitted for every good work,
Pastor Mike

OLD Testament Encounters with God

WyBC Teens,

I hope that you realize that the Bible Study that we are working through right now in Genesis is supposed to be OLD TESTAMENT characters' encounters with God. You have just breached that threshold and are now allowing OT characters to shape NT characters (you). I hope that you have found that studying and discussing has had a couple of impacts on you:

1. Increased desire to study Scripture more
2. Increased ability to share your perspective and beliefs
3. Increased level of friendship between those blogging/discussing
4. Increased desire to get to YG and hear more in "real time"
5. Increased appreciation for the OT characters that God used
6. Increased recognition of your self in these same characters
7. Increased gratefulness for God's character and plan

While seven is often the mark of perfection or fullness in Scripture, it is not here. As great as you think I am, I am not inspired by the Holy Spirit! :) I am inspired (="motivated, encouraged") by your work on the blog though and your learning via the internet.

Would you post #8, #9, and #10 for others in the blogging community to see? What have you learned over the past two weeks through this experience? What do you get now more than you did only 14 days ago?

By the way, don't look now, but if you can say "amen" to any of these items in the list, I think that you are growing spiritually! And to that I say "amen" and "hallelujah (praise to the LORD)"

Thanks for growing,

PM

Mr. B's --> "Get Ready" Thread

Take this is fair warning that the wrangling with Biblical truth is not over!

>>I Mr. BBBB am teaching next week and in listening to the account of Joseph and his being sold and all that. I just got to thinking did Jacob "Israel" really need to go to Eygpt to save him and his family or did this demonstrate a lack of faith that God would take care of him in the land that God had promised him. JUst something I am thinking about.<<

So, jump in, weigh in and tune in!
Duly warned,
Pastor Mike

An Application Suggestion for Genesis 27

As I concluded a week of Writing Conference, I was reflecting on the original intentions of this blog -- to think about how this narrative might be applied to us.

We have had some conversation regarding the issues of God's plan and whether or not we are really in control of anything, including our choices. I beleive that most have found that this discussion is far from "definite" and that Scripture talks about both a free will and divine sovereignty. Therefore, take heart, it is not "clear and apparent". But that ought not to be a cop-out or keep us from studying Scripture and dialoguing.

Now, I believe that the discussion of sovereignty and God's plan for each person, including Jacob, Esau, Rebekkah, and Isaac, is warranted from this passage. It is part of this story. But I believe that there is a bigger application.

Here is my attempt at an application of mine own.

"I will not resort to trickery, deceit or manipulation to help God accomplish His will."

"I will wait patiently, even in the face of overwhelming odds, for God to direct my paths and bring blessings on me."

His way, His timing, for His glory

Thanks for being active in this conversation.
Let me know what you think,
Pastor Mike

God Knows

As we consider the story of Jacob stealing the blessing from his brother (Gen 27), we have come to wrestle with what God had planned for these boys (albeit now 40 years old). God does indeed have a plan that promotes Jacob, changes his name to Israel, and continues to build a family of children that he will love to call "HIS OWN PEOPLE". This rascal, who chooses to follow his mother's scheme despite the dangers of discovery, will eventually, by the providence and sovereignty of God, become the father of the nation of Israel. The people that come from his loins will be called by his new name, Israel, not his old supplanter name. I believe that this is significant.

God chose, by His own pre-knowledge and forethought to bring this conniving, rebellious trickster to supplant the older "heir apparent" and turn the whole system on its head. This boy from a troubled, dysfunctional family will become part of the triad of "great-grandfathers" of promise and covenant. (the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)

His father, Isaac, who tried to undermine God's intention chose to violate God's stated will. He still gets into the greats! Also a lying, weak husband/leader (Isaac) also gets used by God to perpetuate greatness and grace.

Are you still with me? God knows what is happening. He is not surprised, unsettled, confused, off-his-game, etc. His omniscience and sovereignty meld into his grace and merct perfectly and without flaw.

These events of Gen 27 are "seen" by God before man was created. There is no space-time constraints on God's knowledge. He knew exactly the junk that Esau was packing. So while he may have been operating correctly for once in his life (obeying Dad) he was still probably wrong because he goes so that he might gain the blessing at least above his brother. (notice the whining and tantrum that follows his realization that the blessing is not going to come to him as he had planned).

God knew Gen 28 before it was written. God knew Gen 28 before it happened. God knew that Gen 27 was going to happen and that Gen 33 would come out of this Gen 27 situation. God knew that Gen 34 would happen as a natural consequences of Israel's/Jacob's lifestyles and rebellious choice against God's best for him. Jacob missed out on a lot of good stuff and had to deal with the baggage for the rest of his life. God knew that this decision point -- do I follow my mom's manipulation plan -- would affect the rest of Jacob's life. Yet He allowed it. Yet He sovereignly controlled every aspect of this ruse, including the fact that the trick worked. (How else do you explain the fact that tying goat hair on your arms and wearing your brother's clothes would actually succeed.)

Personal application time:

• God knows my junk and He still loves me
• God knows the trouble that I will get myself into and how it will trash the rest of my life
• God knows that my heart is tender towards Him and has responded in faith to Him
• God knows how many more times I will blow it
• God knows how I will atempt to hide it
• God knows how to expose it
• God knows how I will respond to discipline
• God knows my junk and He still loves me
  
  Simple enough for even a 3rd grader,
  Mike

Mrs. M's Post Unravelled

To those of you who know Mrs. M, you know that when she is on caffiene, there is no stopping her. I have read her post (via Andrew) at least three times and haven't been able to unravel all of it. But like a great piece of literature, we ought to at least try to unpack it a little bit! :)

So, here it goes. My attempt to respond to at least some of what Mrs. M said:

>> When we look at these "stories" as a lesson, as what can I learn from this, number 1 remembering Is. 55:8, and then think about those involved, before, during and after the particular scripture. PM refered to Mal. 1:2&3.<<

I believe Mrs. M is suggesting that we can't always figure out what God is doing when we are right up on a situation. We must look at context, not just immediate context either. We must consider the whole counsel of God. The two passages that are mentioned here are Is. 55:8 -- God's thoughts are not mine and Mal. 1:2 -- Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated. We must consider the context always. Be careful not to try and understand simply b/c your mind is too msall to figure what God is doing out. This is part of revelation after all -- God wanted you to read it and understand it clearly.

>>We talk about Es & Jake like they are teen boys, when in fact they're 40y.o.<<

I think just an observation about our perspectives on these men. I am not sure of the relevance to the topic at hand.

>> In Gen 25: 27 Jacob was Plain (Heb. is perfect/complete) man, while in v.34 God says Esau, on the other hand, "despised his birthright" My question was, Is that before or after he sold it? <<

The Hebrew word "TawM" does mean perfect/complete. Another one of its uses suggest that the person described by it is "morally innocent having integrity". I am not sure that this is the right translation since it seems to be in contrast to Esau's hunting ability and outdoorsmanship. the plainness (KJV) or mildness (NKJV) or quietness (Scoffield) seem to be better choices for translation. This quietness is also one of the semantic possibilities.

>> Jumping to Ch. 26 we see again Esau making mama and daddy proud by his choice of a wife hmm -vies both Hittites, v.35 says a grief to Is & Reb. Had this 40y.o. man never heard of the care that was taken in finding a wife for his own father? OR was Dad a bit slow in seeing the needs of his sons. So the quick fix? Let's get another wife! Even related! 28:9 (still in Gen) You look this one up, <<

Pretty well messed up marital affairs! How does this come to bear on the blessing? Consider what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 28:13-14. The blessing from God is connected to something other than birth order or a Dad's dying wishes. If he was a grief to his parents, imagine the horror that he gave to God who is righteous.

>>anyway Esau was spiritually blind, but was interested in the blessibg when it came to the political and military superiority.<<

Mrs. M has a knack for understatement.

>>Isaac and Reb. both had a prefered son, wrong any time a parent values one child over another, but then that's another lesson on parenting.<<

True.

>> We need to remember too that God could have prevented Reb. from "overhearing"<<

THIS IS THE BEST GEM IN THE WHOLE PILE! So, if that is true, then God wanted this to become known to Rebek. and He wanted her to deal with the issues of her heart. But instead she took matters into her own hands and attempted to manipulate the situation to do God's job for Him. Isn't this the same problem with Sarah and Abe? Sarah tries to work the fertility stuff to the advantage of "God's plan". God had a different, righteous approach planned.

>> ok enough, get into Ch 28, the lesson is on 29, so come ready to spew! I'm bouncing around, and its almost 5AM and I need to get the coffee. <<

Forewarned is forearmed. You teens had better be ready. If this was her not on the drug of choice, look out when she is loaded!! :)

>>and yes to #1 It's been forever since I've heard a lesson on this, but there are more details that I picked up this time and I see the need for more digging especially when I came to ch. 36 and it mentions another wife <<

This is great! If Mrs. M (and we leaders who are older than you teens) still get stuff out of studying the text, then you can too!! Keep digging, keep learning, keep growing.

>>this is Andrew signing out for my mother, Laurie Mitzel. Good day.<<

Such a nice boy. He does love his mother dearly. :) As do we all!

Thanks for unpacking that with me. Whew I am exhausted. But again, at a slightly slower, more sane pace, we can "get" Mrs. M! Hope that you got even more than this out of this discussion!! :)

PM

God's Will and Sin

Hey from sunny Florida! We just finished a great day here in the 70's! We walked around campus in short sleeved polos shirts and enjoyed the evening. Tomorrow it is hard at work and crack the whip!

Here are some questions to stimulate more discussion. I believe that they have soem bearing on your developing discovery in the story of Esau/Jacob/Isaac/Rebekkah that we are conversing about.

1. Is God's plan messed up by our wrong choices?
2. What does sin do to our blessings, intended for us by God?
3. Can God bless us when we are in sin? If so, when does He act in this way? If not, why not?
4. What effect does sin have on God?
5. How do sovereignty and free will collide in the story of "Isaac's 'Mistaken' Blessing"?

BTW - where is Laura in this discussion? and Bethany? :)

Good night,
PM

Manipulation of God

One of the points of the lesson was:

"You cannot change God"

Here are some more discussion questions for you to interact with:

1. Do you believe that this is a true statement? Why or why not?


2. Do you believe that this point can be made from this text/narrative?


3. What "theology proper", or understanding of God's character and interaction with men, does this statement summarize? Why is this theology so important to your life?


4. When you read this statement, can you think about any other persons in Scripture that tried to manipulate God? How did that work for them?


5. How does this theological statement influence the way that you pray to God? Doesn't "prayer change things"? Doesn't the Bible promise "ask whatever you will in my name and it will be done unto you"?


6. When we have a "serious head-on collision" with God and He doesn't change, what must be the outcome of such an encounter? What is the result of the "gravy meeting the road"?


7. How is the faith of each of the characters affected as a result of this narrative? How do they come out of this encounter with God? Where is God, by the way, in this whole exchange? Why doesn't He step in and make a statement of truth and exposure/censure?

This is a great story. It reveals some real tendencies of our hearts. We could just as easily been in the place of any of these characters. God has not changed since this story really happened or since it was recorded for us. What can we learn from this careful study of Scripture?

It would be easier for me just to preach at you for 45 minutes and I would get it and you might even understand my two main points. But by digging into the story yourself and thinking hard about what is REALLY going on here (below the surface facts) you will know this story. I am also convinced that as you place your hard work into understanding this portion of God's Word that he will give you an opportunity to see the principle in your life or in the life of someone around you. This passage will give you an opportuity to minister, to someone, the words of life.

Thanks for thinking outside of the Sunday School answers,
Pastor Mike

Last Night in the Youth Ministry Laboratory

This is the first post! So, welcome.

Last night in YG, we had a discussion/experiment with the lesson that I hope caused you to be uncomfortable (a little bit). I want that because when we are stretched beyond our comfort zones, we will grow. I want you to grow! :) Ergo, I want you to be uncomfortable.

What did you think? I want honest, open feedback here. I don't want you to say "it was fine" unless that's really what you thought and you cannot generate any creativity to improve on that response! Don't say "it stunk" unless you have some ways that would have helped you get it better. Be prepared for interaction from me or others either way -- this is a forum!

Here are some other questions to chew on:

1. Do you know the story of Gen. 27:1-29 any better today than you did yesterday? Why or why not?
   
2. Are you convinced that Gen 27:1-29 belongs in inspired Scripture? If so, what impact does that have on your "study for understanding and mastery" (see 2 Tim 2:15, 3:16-17)? If not, why not and what should go in its place as our standard for truth?
   
3. What is the "take home lesson" that you took home, in your own words?

Thanks for being part of the experiment and for being outside of the comfort zone for a couple of minutes last night. You are a special group of young people and I love you very much -- even when it seems like I am just up in your business! :D

On your team,
Pastor Mike