Consumed Ministries

Change of (web)address

2007-05-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

Hey all! Sorry to do this to you, but in an effort to centralize everything, we've now placed our blog on our website. So update those bookmarks and favorites! To read, comment and interact - please go to www.consumedministries.com.

My current status

2007-05-04T15:41:00.000-06:00

At yesterday afternoon's Large Group Meeting for Intervarity at Normandale students shared how God was revealed to them this past academic year. It truly was an honor to hear the students, see their tears, and connect with their hearts. As I sat there and listened, I began to reflect on my life...what I have learned, experienced, embraced, etc. Then this afternoon I corresponded via the internet with a friend I haven't spoken with for a while. I shared with him everything currently happening in my life. For some reason (maybe because of IV yesterday) I just want to post those words here... Loving life, seeing God move in profound ways, abundantly blessed, truly broken for students, attacked by the enemy, humbled to serve people as a spiritual leader, understanding more and more Jesus' mission includes the marginalized, frustrated with status quo, loving Gretchen more now than ever, being a dad is amazing, and believing the Gospel isn't just something to be proclaimed but embodied as well.

Cathedral of St. Paul

2007-04-27T08:44:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my mom came to town to watch the girls while Gretchen and I went to South Dakota for Dan & Heidi's wedding. On Monday, we took my mom to St. Paul for pizza at Cossetta's (the best New York style pizza we have found in the cities...other suggestions welcome). After we filled our stomachs with Italian sausage and grease we decided to view The Cathedral of St. Paul. This was my first experience there and the only appropriate initial response to the place was "WOW"! I was completely blown away. The architecture was like nothing I have ever seen before. As I looked up at the 175 foot dome, with its' 24 stained glass windows of the angelic choirs I saw this verse from Psalms... If you can't read it, the words are, "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord." I stood there for what seemed like forever just staring. How could I not just want to scream praises to God? I was lost in this moment of inner praise to my Father. This Cathedral, built by the hands of humans, was unbelievable. It caused me to ponder over the grandeur of God. As I stood there staring, this man-made cathedral caused me to also think of another cathedral, or sanctuary, I have yet to see. If my jaw dropped to the floor when I looked at the Cathedral of St. Paul, what is going to happen the first time I see what Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John saw when they were offered a glimpse into the throne of the Almighty. I have a feeling my entire body will hit the floor at first glance.

Dan & Heidi

2007-04-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

It definitely was an adventure traveling to Lowry, SD for the wedding of Dan & Heidi Shearer. I never have seen anything quite like this small town. The wedding was beautiful and had Dan & Heidi's personalities written all over it. They are married now, honeymooning in Montana, and celebrating their new life together. God is good! Enjoy the pictures. The city girls in Lowry Dan & his best man...Ron Shearer The lovely Stephanie The parents praying over the bride & groom On the back of the Lowry firetruck Lowry, SD

Kingdom Meditation

2007-04-13T08:04:00.000-06:00

Last night I was blessed to experience a little bit of Jesus' prayer in John 17 coming to fruition. I believe there were around 12-15 churches represented at Normandale Community College for the Kingdom Meditation evening. The purpose of the evening was simple -- a gathering of people (the church) in the surrounding areas of NCC to pray. Our main prayer focus was Jesus' model prayer given to the disciples, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." I believe God is active, alive, and doing things at Normandale Community College. Jesus is building His church. Last night was a night to say, "God, we want in on what you are doing. Use us we pray." We prayed we would have eyes to see students, faculty, and staff at Normandale like Jesus sees them. We prayed for servant's hearts to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and welcome in strangers. We thanked Jesus for his authority and promised presence as we strive to make disciples of all nations at NCC...for the nations are there! Thank you to everyone that attended in person or prayed for the event from afar. I believe this is just the beginning of what God is going to do at Normandale for his honor and glory.

UGHHHHH!!!

2007-04-11T07:56:00.000-06:00

It is April 11 today, right?

Facebook is killing my blogging world

2007-04-09T21:13:00.000-06:00

I should say this is really Jamie, not Eric, even thought this post will sound very Ericesque. This is my theory -- Facebook is killing my network of bloggers. That's right...I am calling all of you out. You know who you are!!! Facebook is cheap, easy, and convenient (I know I'm a hypocrite because I use it too). You can slap little cute wall posts like "How are you" "What's going on" "Miss you" that requires no effort or detailed thought. Or then there is the "Inform people of your current status" thing. I'll play along for the purpose of this post... "Jamie is currently ticked because no one blogs anymore." The ultimate facebook feature -- "poke." What does it mean when someone pokes me? If I poke them back, they retaliate with a 2nd poke. When does the poking cease??? I miss your blogs. I miss hearing your heart, your thoughts, your views, your passions, and your quirky, random stories. Arise bloggers, and type again. The world awaits you (not just your confirmed friends)!

An Easter Thought

2007-04-09T11:50:00.000-06:00

It is the morning after Easter & I am still blown away by yesterday's events. I had the privilege of baptizing Nicole and celebrating Easter with my church family. Then this morning I received an E-mail from John Eldredge. Obviously this wasn't addressed to me personally (although Jack (for you Cliff) & I go way back)...I am on the intercessory prayer team for Ransomed Heart. Enjoy his thoughts. I hope they will encourage you like they did me. Here it is... I hope you had a wonderful Easter. As I was praying and reflecting on the resurrection this weekend, I felt what Jesus would have us hang onto was this: His resurrection is our resurrection. The great work God is up to in the world is this: the restoration of mankind. From before the foundation of the world, this is what he had in mind. When he created us, he created us for life and for joy, he created us with his own glory. And when he lost us, he already had a plan in mind how to get us back. And not only win us back, but restore us from all the damage sin and evil had done. He would take on humanity. He would absorb sin into himself, and destroy it. Through his death he would free us from sin's consequence, and from sin's power over us. Through his resurrection, he would raise us to a new life. He would give us his own life. He would restore us from the inside out. “God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun” (Romans 8:29-30 The Message). The way he did that was to include you in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You have been raised with him to a new life (see Romans 5:10-18, and 6:4-11). His resurrection is your resurrection. There’s a prayer we pray to help us enter into the Life of God, receive the life he has for us through the resurrection of Christ. You’ll find a copy of it at "Tell Me More" (www.ransomedheart.com/tellmemore).

An Invitation

2007-03-28T09:23:00.000-06:00

I want to start this entry with a disclaimer – This post is written in the middle of my thought process. I haven’t drawn any firm conclusions yet. The purpose for the entry is to get some of this stuff out of my head and on to my computer screen. I also want to welcome you into this discussion with me. So read, think about it, and respond if you feel so led. This past weekend my church went on a retreat to Luther Park Retreat Center in Danbury, WI (I highly recommend Luther Park for smaller retreats). Dr. Jim King and his wife Carol came along and led our teaching/discussion times. The theme for our times centered on the question, “What are we inviting people into?” The “we” in this question being however you classify people outside of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord & Savior – “unsaved”, “non-believer”, etc. Think about that question for a minute – “What are you inviting people into?” If someone asks you “What does it mean to be a Christian, born-again believer, etc?” How do you answer? What do you communicate to them? I think the clearer question we entered into this past weekend was this – “What does being a Christian mean for this life?” If Christianity is only about heaven after we die, what do we do until then? Hang out or live life in some kind of holding pattern? Are there any benefits for following Jesus on earth? Now let me clearly say that I believe heaven is a part of all of this. Heaven certainly is good news! But is it the only good news for this life? Having had a couple of days now to digest our discussions (everyone had unbelievable thoughts to give) and reflect on the Scriptures we read such as John 10 & 17, places in Ephesians, Philippians, Romans, and Acts, let me share what I am thinking right now… I believe we are inviting people into an eternal relationship with God (The Father, Son, & Spirit) as Father, friend, brother, Lord, Savior, Counselor, & Lover. Eternal life is knowing God intimately in a highly relational & intimate way. To become a Christian is an invitation into communion with God. It is also an invitation into communion with the family of God. To become a child of God means you now have brothers & sisters. We have the ability to enter into intimacy with other humans that somehow reflects the unity and love between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Much of the New Testament epistles deal with the relationship between the children of God. Thirty-seven one-another commands to be exact. Jesus even says in John 17 that they (the world) will know the love of the Father based on how we treat each other. So here is where I’m at right now. More realistically, here are the questions I am working through right now. If I am inviting people into intimacy with God and intimacy with the family of God, how do I assist people in living that out or understanding the full reality of such a wonderful thing? How do I help someone know what it means to walk with God as Enoch did? How does the Garden Communities create environments for community and intimacy? How does the GC have community & intimacy with those that are a part of it, but also is inviting and welcoming of others to join in? The danger with creating intimate community gatherings is sometimes it is extremely hard for those entering in to feel welcome, etc.? Where is the balance? How do you achieve that balance? So these are thoughts & questions running through my mind currently? Any responses? Are others asking these questions?

Prayer

2007-03-15T11:15:00.000-06:00

I have been reminded recently of the power of prayer. A part of my life consists of being an Intervarsity Student Fellowship volunteer at Normandale Community College. The leadership of IV at Normandale is made up of all volunteers actually because there isn't an IV staff person there. Since September of 06, the leaders of IV & Campus Crusade, along with leaders of two or three churches interested in students at Normandale have gathered the first Friday morning of every month to pray. As far as I know, this is a pretty unique situation for a college campus. As a result of our times together in prayer, a real sense of unity is present amongst the various groups. The unity is relational and characterized by friendship as opposed to an organizational unity. We understand that our programs, methods, and philosophy may differ but our mission is the same. Therefore, we gather and pray, asking God to empower us with his Spirit so we can reach students and faculty with the love and salvation Jesus offers. We are available to assist each other as well. Since Campus Crusade went through the process of becoming an official group this semester, the IV leaders helped Campus Crusade through this time. All groups are pitching in to help with our Pizza & God times designated to get the students involved in the Christian organizations together with other students at Normandale. It is wonderful to see Jesus' prayer in John 17 become a reality at Normandale: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." I truly believe students at Normandale are beginning to believe Jesus is from God and they see the love of the Father because students from IV, Campus Crusade, Evergreen Community Church, and others are striving to maintain unity. On April 5 at Normandale we are asking all Christians in the Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, and other surrounding communities to ascend on the campus for a night of prayer & worship. We are going to echo Jesus' model prayer in Matthew 6 for the kingdom and will of God be done on Normandale as it is in heaven. If you live in the area, join us. God is doing a work. It began with prayer and will continue with prayer. Jesus promised this in Matthew 18: "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Imagine if 2-300 came to Normandale on April 5, agreeing in prayer for the Kingdom of God to be expanded at Normandale? Imagine if leaders on other campuses would gather to pray? Imagine if pastors gathered to pray? Imagine if churches gathered to pray?

March Madness

2007-03-08T08:16:00.000-06:00

I've opened the Consumed Pool to any interested participants. All are welcome to play. We don't care what your strategy is! Pick all the higher seeds, choose the team with the best uniforms, go crazy with the upsets, whatever. I'll give you a little hint though, pick OSU to win it all and you will go far! CBS Sportsline does a great job with their brackets. It is very user friendly. To get in, go to this link: Consumed NCAA Bracket Password: abs If you don't have a user name with CBS Sportsline, you will have to create an identity. Takes no time at all. You can make your picks beginning on Monday, March 12 and have until the first game tips off on Thursday, March 14 to second guess and change some things around. 2005 Champion -- Eric Beavers (He got lucky because his weak Tarheels pulled it off!) 2006 Champion -- Jamie Miller (I won't give up my title easily. AND, I'm still waiting on my wings!!!)

Emergent

2007-03-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

Over the last several months I have received E-mails & phone calls and have had i-chat & face-to-face conversations about Emergent. Questions like this seem to always be asked: What do you think about Emergent? Is Consumed Ministries a part of Emergent? Do you think Emergent waters down the Gospel? Etc., etc., etc. For whatever reason (most likely laziness so now I can just refer people to this post when I'm questioned) I decided to blog about this topic. I want to start by saying something -- I encourage each of you to personally read the books, blogs, & websites and listen to the podcasts available from people that are a part of Emergent Village. The common trend I have found from those that ask me questions is that they have heard things about Emergent but have never explored for themselves. The other popular thing to do is to make up your mind concerning Emergent based on someone else's views rather than study, evaluate, and pray over Emergent and come up with your own opinions. Honestly, that is just lazy. If you really are curious, the resources are available to you. Moving on... I have read books from those in Emergent such as The Secret Message of Jesus, A Generous Orthodoxy, and Church: Re-Imagined. I listen to podcasts from Doug Pagitt, attended his church, and he did a podcast with Consumed Network. I read the blogs of Mark Scandrette, Tony Jones, and Doug Pagitt. Eric and I have been attending the Twin Cities Cohort the last few months as well. This is what I have discovered about the men and women of Emergent either through listening, reading, or personal encounters: -- They love Jesus. They really do! They are moved by a love for Him. They desire to follow Him no matter what because He is Lord of their life. -- They love people. They desire to take the love of Jesus to both the poor & the rich, the weak & the strong, to those on the political right & the political left, those seen by the public eye & those in the margins, and those who grew up inside the walls of organized religion & those who did not. They believe God is active in the world today, redeeming all of creation. They just want to join in what He is doing. -- They love the church. -- They are incredibly smart. When I'm done reading a chapter of a book, or finished listening to a podcast, or come home from a cohort gathering, my head stinking hurts! They are incredibly studious. They know the Bible! They believe all areas of life are theological so they base their views on any subject with much thought. Do I agree with everything I have read, seen, or heard? No. But do I agree with everything I have read, seen, or heard from anyone? Absolutely not! I believe my life and my community's life has been enriched as a result of the time spent reading, listening, and participating with those of Emergent. I'm glad God intersected my paths with theirs. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. I encourage you, once again, to explore on your own. Once you have done that, drop me a line and we can continue this conversation.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

One great reason for having three girls is Valentine's Day seems a bit more special. I'm not sure how comfortable I would feel giving my son (Gus of course) a little Valentine's Day card with heart candy. Anyway...I got up and made my girls heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes and had their Valentines Day cards (which I made on my own -- did you know I had such skills?) on the table. They came downstairs and were completely estatic. It was a wonderful morning! I dropped Tori off at the bus stop and watched her get on the bus. The depressing thought hit me as I drove away...When will a Valentine's Day card, special breakfast, and gift from dad not be enough anymore to complete her Valentine's Day bliss? At what point will Valentine's Day be incomplete without the Valentine's Day recognition from another male? I immediately pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and went back to my ignorance...believing she will always just need me. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

What am I getting myself into...

2007-02-08T11:59:00.000-06:00

Abby and Nicole have inspired me! I have committed to joining them for a half-marathon run in June. The run will help an organization whose mission is to end youth homelessness... so it is a good cause. I have been toying around with the idea for the last couple of years to run an actual marathon. It is one of those "do it before I die dreams" I would like to accomplish. I have a psychotic brother-in-law that has challenged me to do it with him. So, the half-marathon is like my testing out thing to see if I have what it takes to do the real-deal marathon. All that to say... because of the training I will be spending a lot of time over the next four months with Little Jimmy (the affectionate name for my ipod shuffler). I am in need of beneficial, intriguing, and take-my-mind-off-of-my-sore-legs podcasts. Suggestions please!!! That will hopefully be me in June (minus the short shorts!)

Scottie

2007-01-31T23:06:00.000-06:00

In February of 2004, while living in PA, I made a trip out to Bloomington, MN to be the speaker at a combined youth group ski trip. At the time of the ski trip, I was under all kinds of personal mental anguish. Back in PA, I had a contract sitting on my desk that needed to be signed in a week or I was out of a job in three months. My dilemma was I sensed God was asking me to begin working for Consumed Ministries full-time. The problem with that scenario is Consumed had about this much money ---- $0. After a few unsuccessful trips down the bunny slope, I found myself in the ski lodge talking to a man I just met named Scottie. Scottie is the type of guy that almost immediately you feel you can share anything with him...so I did. I told him about the decision I needed to make. I shared this information with him while spattering it with "spiritual" language like "God is big," and "He can do anything," etc. I'll never forget what Scottie said to me that day. "You know Jamie. People say God is a big God and He can handle anything until it comes to finances...then God isn't quite as big anymore." At that moment, while I looked into the eyes of Scottie, I knew what the decision was. I went back to PA, pushed that contract away, and chose the unknown financial future over the comfort of the guaranteed contract. God spoke to me personally through Scottie. That conversation was one of the most influential conversations of my life. At that time, in February of 2004, I didn't know I would end up living in Minnesota and having the privilege of getting to know Scottie and his family more. He has been a wonderful friend to my family and an incredible ally to Consumed Ministries. Tomorrow morning, Scottie will have surgery to remove the cancerous tumor on his pancreas. 95% of pancreatic cancer is inoperable. Scottie falls into the 5% that is. The surgery itself is very extensive and will most likely last all day. As I was thinking about Scottie tonight, his words to me that freezing cold day in February came back to my mind with a slight switch in words. "You know, people say God is a big God and He can handle anything until it comes to cancer...then God isn't quite as big anymore." I'm confident tonight Scottie knows God is big enough. He wouldn't believe it any other way.

Minnesota Winters...

2007-01-25T08:37:00.000-06:00

I found this on another blog. Since this is my third winter in MN, I am beginning to understand this kind of mindset. Winter in Minnesota... 60 above zero: Floridians turn on the heat. People in Minnesota plant gardens. 50 above zero: Californians shiver uncontrollably. People in Duluth sunbathe. 40 above zero: Italian & English cars won't start. People in Minnesota drive with the windows down. 32 above zero: Distilled water freezes. The water in Bemidji gets thicker. 20 above zero: Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats. People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt. 15 above zero: New York landlords finally turn up the heat. People in Minnesota have the last cookout before it gets cold. Zero: People in Miami all die. Minnesotans close the windows. 10 below zero: Californians fly away to Mexico People in Minnesota get out their winter coats. 25 below zero: Hollywood disintegrates. The Girl Scouts in Minnesota are selling cookies door to door. 40 below zero: Washington DC runs out of hot air. People in Minnesota let the dogs sleep indoors. 100 below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Minnesotans get upset because they can't start the Mini-Van. 460 below zero: ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero on the Kelvin scale.) People in Minnesota start saying..."Cold 'nuff fer ya?" 500 below zero: Hell freezes over. Minnesota public schools will open 2 hours late.

Fully Alive

2007-01-21T17:12:00.000-06:00

I have always felt a bit funny giving Fully Alive to people I meet. It is incredibly awkward to say, "Would you like to read the book I wrote?" It feels so pious, proud, etc. Last night, however, the opportunity presented itself and I couldn't resist... I stopped by the bank to use the ATM. Unfortunately for me the bank I chose did not have a drive-thru machine (it was 12 degrees last night!). As I was getting my cash out of the ATM, a guy I was having casual chit chat with shocked me with this question: "I know this may seem kind of personal, so don't feel you need to answer. But do you believe in God and Jesus Christ?" Wow! Talk about opportunity. I told him that I very much believed in God and Jesus Christ. He then asked me, "At one point did you start believing, or were you just raised up in Christianity?" I answered this question and he began to share with me how he used to struggle with drugs, theft, and anger. He has been seeing a Psychiatrist and doesn't feel like that is helping. He said that he had a friend that told him that Jesus would help him. He told me that he used to say forget God and forget Jesus and he didn't even believe God existed. But for some reason lately, he is starting to believe God is real. At this moment I remembered I had a copy of Fully Alive in my glovebox. I went to my car, grabbed the book, and told him the book tells my spiritual journey and why I believe God is real. I told him God is working in His life and to keep asking questions. We had to go our separate ways so I drove off. As I sat in my car I remembered what a brother in Christ told me via a voice mail message concerning Fully Alive. He said, "By the Spirit of God I want to tell you something Jamie. Fully Alive wasn't written for everyone, but it was written for someone." I hope that "someone" was my ATM buddy from last night.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2007-01-15T08:59:00.000-06:00

"But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Since today is a day set aside in our country to remember not only Martin Luther King, but also the civil rights movement he so well represented, I decided to read and listen to the text of his famous speech given on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Although the entire speech is powerful and crescendos with the famous "I have a dream" section, I found the text above to be extremely powerful. It reminds me of another speech given to oppressed people struggling for their own personal dignity and longing for freedom from the cruel government of the day. They desired a Messiah to deliver their freedom by force, but the most unlikely of heroes gave them another course of action to take. "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." To be perfectly honest, I only know what the history books, internet sites, and television reports tell me about Dr. King. I do not claim to be a Dr. King historian. But on a day where our nation declared his birthday a holiday, I can at least reflect and appreciate the Christ-like attitude he exemplified in his quest for the rightful freedom of his people. I can be challenged by his non-violent response to those that caused him harm. He embodied "turn the other cheek" and "love your enemies." So I wish you a Happy Martin Luther King Day. Let us celebrate his life & death today, and every day, by owning the words of Jesus in Matthew 5 as he did.

IBC

2007-01-03T17:08:00.000-06:00

In High School I played on an AAU Basketball Team for three years. We played in a lot of tournaments in Columbus, Toledo, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. At the end of our final summer playing together we had a team banquet. At that banquet, my coach Marvin King, said something to us that I will never forget..."Don't ever forget where you came from." Now most likely he was speaking directly to the other guys in the room since every one of them went on to play Division I basketball but me, but those words have always rang true to me in other respects. The phrase, "Don't ever forget where you came from" is why I am such a passionate OSU Football fan (that and the reason they have a tradition unmatched by any other program!) and is why I love Columbus, OH. I am never ashamed to tell people of the greatness of this midwest city I love and all of the many reasons to live there. I do this so much I know it annoys many people (this may slightly be another reason why I do it). Anyway, I also have never forgot where I came from regarding my spiritual heritage as well. I was raised in a loving church community that believed in me and taught me what it means to follow Jesus. I can't begin to list all of the names of the saints at Immanuel Baptist Church that poured their lives into mine. From the nursery right on up to graduation from High School, countless hours, sweat, and tears from people were sacrificially given to me. Pretty much any time I return home to speak, I am moved with emotion when I stand before these people because I am so humbled...knowing that I am where I am today with Jesus because of their impact on my life. My dad prayed this line once when I was home last week, "no church is perfect." I'm sure this applies to IBC as well. But one thing they have right -- they love people and sacrificially give of themselves to the betterment of others. IBC is a community where people truly "love their neighbors as they love themselves." So it is no surprise that when I went home for the Holidays, I was again blessed, humbled, and blown away by the generosity, love, and support for me from the people of IBC. I want to share just a few of the things the body of Christ there did for me, my family, and Consumed Ministries.

Before we left for the Holidays we received a letter in the mail with money in it from a family from IBC. We were blown away. As I expressed my thanks to the father of the family in Columbus, he informed me that the decision really came from the kids. They told their dad that they had everything they needed and they wanted the money to go to Consumed.
The first night I arrived home my parents gave me a box that someone left them that said nothing on it but Consumed Ministries. The box was heavy and something was rolling around in there. I opened the box and found a note from a senior in high school that explained over the course of 2006 he committed to give every quarter he received as a tip while delivering pizzas to Consumed. In the box was $98 worth of quarters and two $1 bills.
On New Year's Eve, IBC hosted a pie & praise night where people gathered at the church building to eat and share both formally and informally how God has blessed them in 2006. While I was there, I was told that someone wanted to talk with me in the hallway. I went to the hallway and found a family friend there. He told me he wanted to see me before I left because he had some money he wanted to share with me. I noticed he looked as if he was holding back tears so I asked him if everything was OK. He informed me that he was on his way to the hospital to see his wife that was just admitted. They were unsure what was wrong but it seemed pretty serious. Are you kidding me? Talk about humbling! This poor man was in anguish over his wife and was in transit to the hospital when he decided to take a detour in order to give me money. That is Immanuel Baptist Church in a nutshell.
And then last night when we arrived home, Gretchen found an envelope in the baby bag unmarked with cash inside. Someone from the church had put it in there.
This is just what happened the last two weeks. I could go on and on sharing other things like those from IBC that support me monthly or with one-time gifts, or the $150 someone gave my dad to send to me for Holiday travels and asked my father not to tell me who he/she was, the anonymous $1000 someone gave to Consumed, the countless hours of prayer, etc., etc., etc.

Yeah, no matter where God takes me I will never forget where I came from... the west side of Columbus, OH, doing life with the saints of God from IBC. Much love to you!

Merry Christmas and..

2006-12-26T16:37:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years! We at Consumed want to thank you for your continued journey with us, and wish you all the best this holiday season! May God bless in the upcoming year!

The Nativity Story

2006-12-11T16:06:00.000-06:00

I saw The Nativity Story last night with some people from our Sunday Night Community. I wanted to share a few brief thoughts on it with you in case you were considering going. I honestly enjoyed the movie. It caused me to worship. I drove home with a very full, overflowing heart. I was in awe of my Savior. The movie, for me, brought to life the story of Jesus. Now that I have had a day to kind of process my thoughts, here are some of the ways I was impacted: 1. Mary was young. -- It is one thing to know in your mind that Mary was 15 or 16 years old when she delivered Jesus, but it blows you away to see her youth on the screen. 2. Joseph did a very noble thing in marrying Mary. -- The movie does a wonderful job displaying the accusations, judgments, etc. that were most likely passed on Joseph & Mary as a result of her carrying the baby Jesus. 3. Herod believed but didn't display proper faith. -- Herod believed the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah but refused to submit to them. Herod truly believed that God desired to deliver His people with a Messiah. But instead of giving his heart to God, he decided to oppose him. 4. Mary & Joseph were just normal people. -- The faith they displayed in truly believing the word of God was amazing. I know an angel (the only part of the movie I could have done without -- the angels didn't really capture what I think angels would look like) appeared to Mary & Joseph, but it was still amazing that they obeyed. God had virtually been silent for 400 years and suddenly He speaks again in visions and dreams to certain people. They had to have second guessed what they thought they saw and heard. Despite the ridicule, questions, and accusations of others, Mary and Joseph's actions displayed great faith. You could also sense the humbleness and shock of Joseph & Mary in the movie for being the chosen parents of the Messiah. They couldn't believe God would choose them! Mary even says in the movie to Elizabeth, "Why would God choose me? I am nothing." 5. The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was brutal. -- The film does an excellent job giving us a visual picture of this. 6. The wise men from the east traveled a long way. -- It most likely took them months to get to where Jesus was. They displayed great faith in making the journey. 7. The firstborn of creation became a baby. -- My Sunday night group has been studying Colossians for a few months. We just finished studying these verses: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him..." When I saw Jesus the baby in the film, I became undone. Why would Jesus become a baby? Why would the firstborn become born? My heart filled with love, admiration, and joy. So those are my thoughts. If others out there have seen it, I would like to hear your response as well. Feel free to leave a comment.

Smile

2006-12-01T22:54:00.000-06:00

Tonight my heart was ripped out of my chest. Gretchen, the girls, and I ventured off to the Mall of America this evening. Yes, I decided to go to the Mall of America on Friday, December 1. The destination, more specifically though, was the park at Mall of America where the largest ginger bread house in the world is located. Tori & Isabelle have been excited to see it all week. The house is seriously three-stories tall. Pretty amazing! Anyway…we grabbed some food from the food court and did a little Christmas shopping as well. I made plans with Gretchen in the Gap to check out another store by myself for my good old father-in-law Gary while the girls played at the Lego-land place. This is when it happened. We walked out of the Gap and in the hallway I saw something that still has my heart in my throat. There was a girl holding her father’s hand with a small build-a-bear bag. It wasn’t a big build-a-bear, just a little one. The girl however, had a huge smile on her face. The father and mother were smiling too. They were lost in a moment together. The reason this scene did such a number on me was this little girl, most likely no more than 8 years old, did not have any hair except for a few straggling strands here and there. She was having a hard time walking…struggling with each step. The family even stopped so this beautiful girl could get her breathe. The dad bent over and whispered something to her in her ear. Maybe he asked if she was OK. Maybe he asked if they should sit down and take a brake. Maybe he just said, “I love you.” Whatever was said it was spoken with tenderness and the father and daughter continued to smile. I walked away from this scene just trying to keep myself from bursting into tears. I felt so horrible for this family. In all likelihood this would be the final Christmas the family would spend together. Suddenly, the gifts, busyness, ginger bread houses, and hot chocolates didn’t seem so important. A sense of thankfulness rose from within me because my little girls have hair (well, except Macie) signifying their health. I had a mini-van that was given to us sitting out in the parking lot. I was going home to a heated house with food in the cupboards. The God of the Universe resides in my soul. I am married to the most amazing woman in the world. I do life with a wonderful community that is on a journey. Life became very simple at that moment. I am blessed. I found my gift for Gary and started walking towards Lego-land. As I walked the hallways I looked for this little girl. If I saw her I don’t know what I would have done. It may have been freaky for her to have a 6’2, 210 pound goatee-wearing stranger wrap his arms around her and ask God to heal her, but I might have not been able to fight back that impulse. I most likely would have shook the father’s hand and looked the mom in the eyes and said “God loves you.” I might have even said “Thank you.” I didn’t see this family again though for the remainder of the evening but I don’t think I will every forget them. I dedicate this blog and this Christmas season to them. The girls and I prayed for this little girl tonight and we will continue to pray for her. I will think of this family when I open & give away gifts on Christmas morning. I will be thankful that Jesus came to earth for the sick. Mostly, I will try to smile every day just like that blessed family did and remember every moment is a gift from God.

From the One Campaign

2006-12-01T15:20:00.000-06:00

You may have noticed the banner for one.org we have in the corner of our blog. The reason for this is we are supportive of the mission of ONE. They exist to try and make poverty history. I believe Jesus spoke to His followers concerning poverty as well when he said this in one of his many parables:

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

This is just one of many times whether in words or actions Jesus addresses poverty. Because the One Campaign is active in carrying out the heart of Jesus concerning poverty, we want to make your partnership with them available. The One Campaign has representatives spanning from Pat Robertson to Jamie Foxx to Jars of Clay to Bill Gates to Rick Warren. So check it out and make an educated decision from your heart and mind whether this is for you. I also ask you to consider checking out this opportunity to allow your voice to be heard at your state senator's office. I actually did this today and it took all of four minutes to transpire.

Thanksgiving Week

2006-11-21T17:17:00.000-06:00

I can tell from the way people are talking, the way stores are decorated, and the color and design of starbucks cups that there is almost no one in this world who cares that in two days we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. I really don't know why I get so aggravated this time of year - but without fail, it always happens. Two weeks before Thanksgiving retail outlets everywhere begin decorating for and celebrating Christmas! I don't get it! What happened to the joy of giving thanks with family??? The joy of eating turkey until it comes out your ears and then taking a 2 hour turkey nap and then eating more when you woke up??? What happened to being excited about turkey day football and seeing who was going to get the turkey leg award from John Madden (or whatever that crazy guy gives out at the end of the game)??? What happened to stopping for a moment and acknowledging - just like the pilgrims did - that we've been provided for and cared for over the last 12 months???? Stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetables, DINNER ROLLS (my favorite - hence the all caps), pumpkin pie, and a slew of other things!!! These are all things that have somehow become obsolete and we skip right from Halloween to Christmas. Now - don't get me wrong....I'm not a Christmas-hater. I love Jesus, and I love the fact that our country allows us to take time to celebrate His physical birthday. Believe me - come the end of December I'm wearing the silly snowflake sweaters and sucking down peppermint mocca's in my red snowflaked starbucks cup. But I just wish we would be excited about spending time with friends and family eating more food than we need and giving thanks to our Creator that He has miraculously provided for all of our needs for yet another year of our lives. Just for one day! Understandably - Black Friday comes right on the heels of our Turkey coma....but do we really have to look at decorated christmas trees in target a week after halloween??!! Does there really have to be garland and bells hanging from the ceiling of the Southdale Mall 2 weeks before we even buy our first crust for the pumpkin pie?? Ok, i'm done grumbling. So, being as it IS Thanksgiving - let's hear from you the readers! I'll give two options for the comment section. first option: what has God done in the past year that you are truly thankful for? second option: what is a favorite/funny Thanksgiving memory? Well, I hope you all have an incredible week! Enjoy the time off, have safe travels if you're traveling (Lisa and I are going to Chicago this weekend!), and please just take time to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Macie says "Go Bucks! Beat Michigan!!!"

2006-11-16T13:24:00.000-06:00

Our trip out east

2006-11-15T10:07:00.000-06:00

Eric and I returned yesterday morning from our trip to Norwich, NY & Clarks Summit, PA. It was a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone that spoiled us while we were gone. Podcasts will begin to be uploaded in the near future. I ate Jim Dandy's wings twice and worked an auction with the Evans family (click here for a little video of our day). How could the trip be any more fulfilling? We did see God move. Our hearts were encouraged and we believe others were encouraged as well. Thanks so much to those who participated with us through prayer. We are grateful for you.

Grandview Trip

2006-11-07T11:39:00.000-06:00

Eric and I are presently sitting in "Being There" coffee shop in Altoona IA awaiting our pizza buffet at Pizza Ranch. We drove down from Minneapolis yesterday morning to be a part of a Sr. Class Retreat at Grandview Park Christian School. We had a wonderful time playing football, seeing the largest log possible burn in a bon fire, eating Pat's delicious coffee cake (a shout-out to the mother-in-law), and interacting & discussing Jesus' words in Matthew 6. We have asked ourselves tough questions such as: "Why do we do the things we do as followers of Jesus? What are our motives? Are we living our lives in search of man-made accolades or for the joy of our Father? Who is our master...God or money? Are we seeking first the Kingdom of God? Will we live lives of faith...trusting God to provide our meals and clothing? My hope is that these discussions will push us to complete, holistic, and transformational change. I pray these followers of the way of Jesus will flesh out following Jesus in Des Moines, IA so the Kingdom of God will be advanced. Thanks to everyone at the retreat. We felt a part of your group these 24 hours. Much love!

A new web page feel...

2006-10-30T10:15:00.000-06:00

Eric has been working on our Consumed Ministries web page. He still has a bit of work to do, but go ahead and check it out. Thoughts or suggestions? Consumed's website: www.consumedministries.com

Macie Miller

2006-10-18T23:10:00.000-06:00

Macie Virginia Miller was born at 6:22 p.m. on October 18. She and Gretchen are doing fine. Dad is pretty jacked up about the whole thing as are Tori & Isabelle. Thanks for your prayers.

Words Fall Short

2006-10-13T10:17:00.000-06:00

"The one whom I bow to only knows to whom I bow." -- C.S. Lewis "You are indescribable. You are beyond expression. I run out of words for you. I can't think that high." -- So High - A song sung by Candi Pearson "Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." - Paul "Language can be a window through which one glimpses God, but never a box in which God can be contained." -- Brian McLaren I love this quote by McLaren because it speaks so powerfully! Why do we (finite human beings) have this innate desire to rationally describe all there is to know of God? Why do we want to cut Him up and place Him into ten neatly organized packages? Why do we want to figure God out by saying He works a certain way in a certain time? Last time I checked, He was God, right? He can basically do whatever He wants? Language is important... vitally important actually. But they are just words. Words from created beings of The Creator. I'm not speaking of God's Words recorded of Himself in Scripture such as love, holy, faithful, compassionate, peaceful, etc. I'm talking about the words not found in Scripture we have made up as descriptive terms of God. The best we can try and describe our creator kind of words. You've heard of them -- omnipresent, omniscience, omnipotent, and dare I even say "Trinity" (yep, never recorded in Scripture). I mean who hasn't scratched their heads when God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit (The Trinity) were described to them as an egg? Are these words wrong? Do I reject them? No I do not. But, as McLaren says, they are simply words given to allow us a glimpse into all God is. I hate the fact that sometimes we come across as if God somehow fits only into these parameters. That somehow because our minds are not fully capable of understanding all there is to know of God, we try to squish him down to some kind of feeble human level of understanding. The thing is...if God is someone I can control, understand, and manipulate, I'll pass on knowing Him. I am drawn to God because of his wonder, mystery, and greatness. I love the idea that I can try my darness to know all there is to know about Him for the rest of my physical life and wouldn't begin to scratch the surface of all He is. He is far greater than my biggest thought! I want to regain the mystery of God. I pray I will know Him more each day, but never believe I know everything about Him.

Big Dreams

2006-10-09T10:13:00.000-06:00

Friday morning I was together with fellow followers of Jesus that have a heart for the students at Normandale Community College. Those in the room represented Campus Crusade, Consumed Ministries, and Intervarsity Student Fellowship. As we prayed, those in the room began to cry out to God to do unbelievable, amazing things at Normandale. As they prayed, God told me something. He said, "Jamie, you used to pray like this." These words were crashed down on me because I knew they were true. Somewhere along the line I stopped asking God to do the impossible. My faith has become too realistic! I remember times of prayer where I cried out to God to blow my mind with his power. I remember sitting in a room with Glenn & Jane Amos, Mark & Tara Chapman, Dan Shearer, and a few others as we pleaded with God to work in the hearts and lives of college students in Northeast PA. I believed He would act and astonish us with His power. I remember when I took literally the words of Jesus when He said: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Friday was a wake-up call for me. A wake-up call to begin dreaming again. Dreaming the impossible for this earth. Believing God's Kingdom can come to earth. Believing His will for earth will be done as it is in Heaven. Maybe more importantly for me, I believe God will use me to carry out this mission...no matter how impossible and unrealistic that is.

God is present!

2006-09-18T19:00:00.000-06:00

This past weekend at Camp Patmos in Kelley’s Island, OH I was reminded again how God comes out of nowhere to blow you away with His nearness! Dan & I left early Friday morning to drive 715 miles to the island in Lake Erie where Camp Patmos is located. I was scheduled to speak four times to Middle & High School students about what it meant to be Fully Alive. As I prepare for events like this, I normally expect God to use me to impact lives for the Kingdom. That may have happened for some there, but I believe God brought me to Camp Patmos so He could gently remind me of something... He is present with me at all times. He spoke that to me over and over for 48 straight hours. Let me share a few ways He communicated… Dan & I sat on the porch of the dining hall overlooking Lake Erie for about two hours on Friday evening as we waited for the students to arrive. The sky was somewhat cloudy off in the distance but directly over us it was clear. You could see countless number of stars. The lake was simply gorgeous. Dan & I talked with God for a while. As the time approached for the students to arrive, we saw a shooting star. This was the largest shooting star I have ever seen. Seriously, it was huge. God was present! Saturday afternoon I went for a little run (too much junk from the pop house!). I sensed God was directing me to speak on something different Sunday morning from what I initially prepared. I was running and thinking to myself, “God is this you directing me or does this have something to do with Coldplay prodding me along on my run via Little Jimmy (the affectionate name for my Ipod Shuffler)?” As this conversation took place I sensed God simply asking me to look left. I turned and about ten feet into the woods off of the road stood a deer. Our eyes met and he watched me run by. I knew it was God directing me to change my initial plans. God was present! Saturday evening the camp staff and those from churches in northern OH put a remarkable interactive visible description of ancient Jerusalem in the early first century. The students were able to experience a street in Jerusalem. They purchased bread, drinks, and fish, while looking at live donkeys, camels, and sheep. Following their “market place” experience, they were led off through the city gates down a some-what lit path to the foot of a 20-25 foot stonewall in a quarry. On top of the quarry they witnessed a re-enactment of the crucifixion scene. I can’t describe in my frail words the impact of this event. I will simply say it was powerful. Since I spoke for about five minutes after each of the three groups of students came back into the quarry, I witnessed this scene multiple times. Each time I took this scene in, God communicated stronger and stronger in my heart – “I love you. You are forgiven! You are clean! You are perfect because of my son’s perfect sacrifice!” God was present. Last night as Dan & I drove home we hit some rain in Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. We battled the rain for about 75-100 miles when it stopped. Just shy of Wisconsin Dells heading west we were stunned by one of the most amazing evening skies I have ever scene. The mixture of clouds with several shades of orange, red, pink, & blue was overwhelming. Right there, 500 miles into the trip in our rental car…God was present. I won’t go into the way He spoke by allowing me to have an hour ½ conversation with my brother-in-law, having dinner on a picnic table overlooking the lake with my mom & dad, interacting with students from my home church in Columbus, OH, meeting many new brothers & sisters in Christ that worked at the camp, singing songs of praise with the body of Christ, finding a place to watch the OSU game, seeing a husband wrap his arms around his wife and one-year old daughter as they sang praises to the King, and hearing incredibly wonderful news from a friend when I returned home at 11:00 last night. God was indeed present! I was overwhelmed with God’s presence not because He hasn’t been around lately and He finally showed up on a little island in OH. I was overwhelmed because He reminded me He is always present with me. I just haven’t recognized this wonderful truth lately. So this morning in Bloomington, MN I sensed God’s nearness in a chilling wind while holding my daughter’s hand as she waited for the bus stop. I was reminded of His goodness when I kissed Gretchen goodbye when I left to come to this coffee shop. And I just saw God as two close friends that are willing to lay down their lives in a second for Him walked in here for a little get-together. God is present!

This Weekend

2006-09-14T07:29:00.000-06:00

Normally I do not request prayer on our blog but circumstances force me to do this at the present time. Our normal intercessory prayer process is that I send Eric an E-mail and he handles our intercessory E-mail prayer team. He forwards on my requests, you prayer, the Kingdom comes, etc. It is beautiful! But this week Eric is enjoying his honeymoon in Mexico. So I am putting my hope in the fact that anyone who reads this blog will kindly E-mail it on to those that normally would be on the intercessory prayer team. Wow! That was a long explanation. Anyway, here is the request... Very early tomorrow (more like middle of the night early), Dan and I are driving to Camp Patmos in Kelley's Island, OH. We will be involved with a Middle/High School retreat. The theme of the weekend is the cross. I will be speaking four times about the ramifications of the cross for our lives here on earth (based on Hebrews 10). Saturday night the students will see a reenactment of the crucifixion. I will speak to three different sets of students with the imagery of three crosses behind me. It should be very powerful. I have no idea where these kids are at spiritually. I want the Kingdom to come to that little island though. I want them to fully understand they can draw near to God because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. I want them to understand they have an amazing hope they can grab hold of and claim. I want them to understand that because of the cross, they can spur each other on towards love & good deeds. My desire is the same as Paul's in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. I want to rely on the power of God and simply preach Christ & Him crucified. I do not wish to see transformational change due to my "eloquence or crafty words." Would you pray for that? Dan & I hopefully will have many conversations outside of the organized chapel with the students. We desire to listen, discuss, and pray with them. Pray for us to seize every opportunity. Pray also for us as we travel. We will be in the car for around 1500 miles in three days. Finally, please pray for Gretchen & our unborn baby. She is not due until October 19 but the doctor informed her yesterday that the baby's head is very low. She told Gretchen it is highly, highly unlikely she would have the baby this weekend. But she also said I shouldn't travel after this weekend. This obviously doesn't encourage me greatly. Would you pray that our little baby stays inside of Gretchen until I come home? I do not want to miss this! I think Gretchen would want me here too. Thanks for your prayers. We stand on them. Jamie

More Pictures from the Wedding

2006-09-13T07:51:00.000-06:00

Thank you to the great Chuck Mannie for these pictures. If you would like to see more pictures, you can find them at our Consumed Peterson Community Group Site (you can find that under "links" on this page -- Consumed-BBC).

The Beavers

2006-09-12T14:39:00.000-06:00

I'm not talking about the animals, but rather the new married couple. The wedding took place a few days ago -- Saturday, September 9. The newlyweds are presently celebrating their honeymoon in Mexico. The wedding festivities were wonderful...Including the ceremony. I'm not sure Eric & Lisa could pack anymore adjectives in their vows to each other. It was a wonderful picture of our love for God...words just can't it express it. We wish them all the best and many years together. They will be returning to MN this Saturday. Leave them your wishes if you so desire. Should have more pictures up soon.

Ahhh Love, L-O-V-E Love

2006-09-06T09:16:00.001-06:00

Unless you are a fan of the television show Friends, you might not understand the quote from the subject line. It's from basically my favorite episode of friends - Episode 1002, The One Where Ross If Fine. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you go to your local Sam Goody or Sun Coast or whatever and pick it up - it's definitely a solid 45 minutes of laughter. (Tara? Can you concur?) Anyways, my main reason for this outburst of words is just to express how in love I am with Lisa, and how excited I am that in 3 days I get to publicly promise my life and love to her. We are both currently sitting in Northern Light Espresso Bar in Scranton, PA - we just finished picking up our marriage license and are now enjoying the best caramel latte ever! Seriously, Northern Light has the best caramel latte - as many know I'm a huge fan of Starbucks...but they have absolutely nothing compared to this! (sorry Abs!) While talking to the lady who gave us our marriage license stuff, we found out that when Cliff (mr. officiator of our wedding) pronounces us man and wife....he has to say, "by the power invested in me by the state of Minnesota". How cool is that! Standing in PA, we'll be married through the power of MN. Kind of unique. Anyways, I'm very much in ramble mode today. Lisa is wrapping ribbons around some bubble stuff for the wedding, and I'm supposed to be writing my vows...but I'm not having focused thoughts at the moment. I'm just still kind of floored that in 3 days I'll have a gold ring on my finger and I'll be referred to as someone's husband. Don't get me wrong - i'm floored in a great way! I'm excited! And i'm ready for all the planning to be over and I'm ready for the part where I get to just enjoy the time with friends. So, the sum total of this blog was just to say 1. I'm getting married in 3 days! and 2. Episode 1002 of Friends - watch it and laugh!

1st Day

2006-09-06T09:12:00.000-06:00

Last night I looked into Tori's (my oldest daughter) eyes and they were dancing. Tori is already known for being an excitable little girl. It doesn’t take much to generate anticipation in her life. I can mention the words “soccer, ice cream, donuts, movie, people are coming over, etc.” and she jumps up and down. But last night was the most wide-eyed expression I have ever seen in her cute little face. Why was she so pumped? Well today marked the official first day of Kindergarten for her. Her excitement from last night bubbled over into this morning. I had to run Dan & Heidi to the airport but I received a call from Gretchen explaining to me that Tori came into our room at 7:00 fully dressed requesting breafkast (not a misprint, that is how she says it). The bus doesn’t come until 8:22. It is 8:10 and Gretchen, Isabelle, and I walk Tori down the block to her bus stop. Now her eyes look as if they are going to pop she is so jacked up. Tori isn’t your typical little first-time kindergartener. She is not nervous at all. Gretchen and I are amazed at her unique personality. Neither of us is anything like this and we wonder where she gets it. The bus pulls up and the door opens. A somewhat scary looking bus driver guy opens the door and Tori about knocks over this other mom to walk up the steps. She grabs the fourth seat and looks out the window. The bus pulls away and it is done. Just like that. The whole experience took like 45 seconds. She is gone! As I sit here right now and type I must share my honest feelings. I’m pretty miserable! I can’t believe what just happened. I wasn’t really all that sad about this first time experience until that dang bus pulled away. I can’t describe my feeling but something felt final. It felt as if this phase of the Tori I know is over. She will come home from school today a little different…a little more grown up. She will have a world now that I am not a part of. A world of new friends, Mrs. Sickman, crafts, recess (my favorite part of school), library time, teacher’s aids, etc. I came home and looked up on top of my dresser and saw one of my favorite pictures in the entire house. It is a picture of Tori around her 1st birthday. She is sitting backwards on this little chair. Practically bald, she has this little smirk of a smile…the eyes still dancing. This photo captures all of who Tori is now but packed into a 14 month body. I looked at this picture of my little girl and the emotions just came. How has 4 ½ years gone that quickly? For the first time in my life, I honestly received a tiny little peak into what it must have been like for God the Father when Jesus took on flesh and became one of us. I know the pain I feel right now can’t begin to compare to what God felt. Tori will be gone until 11:22, Jesus was gone for 33 years. Tori is learning her alphabet, Jesus faced persecution, hunger, and death. I have known Tori for 5 ½ years; God’s relationship with Jesus is eternal. Today’s experience though, as small as it may seem, at least gives me a little deeper glimpse into God’s heart and I love him more for it. Sending Jesus to redeem us was hard for God! He felt loss, grief, pain, agony, & despair. He watched His son experience things no person should ever endure. He had to turn His back on Jesus and for the first time in all of eternity experience separation from His beloved son. I think I appreciate this sacrifice more today. I love God a tiny bit more. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…” From Tori's orientation Another orientation picture The walk to the bus stop There she goes!

That Sneaky Punk

2006-08-28T08:23:00.000-06:00

Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat..." This verse was pointed out to me this past weekend. Pretty freaky! This is Jesus talking here to Peter. Could you imagine this scene? Could you imagine Jesus turning to you and informing you that God's enemy has personally asked to destroy you? I was reminded last week once again that the enemy is alive and well. There is a real battle going on for the hearts & lives of people today. Satan is active, alive, and determined to kill, steal, and destroy. So I pull on to this camp on Thursday to speak for a High School Retreat. As soon as the car turned on to the gravel road entrance to the camp, I immediately became short of breath and my heart was beating viciously fast. I had no idea what was going on until a bit later. I began to discover that many of the teens at the camp have succumbed to the wiles of Satan. They are blinded to the goodness & greatness of God and believe all sorts of lies about Him. As I read honest evaluations of their spiritual journeys (they each filled out a card and these were posted on a board in the chapel), many mentioned their displeasure for God and God's people. Not once was Satan mentioned. Not one time! It is as if he doesn't exist in their worlds. God is to blame for everything while Satan sits back unnoticed, sneaky, loving every minute of it. It was just a wake up call for me. I have forgotten over the last few months Satan's purpose for existence -- "to kill, steal, and destroy" our lives. Have you forgotten?

Words from Jesus

2006-08-11T14:53:00.000-06:00

I was taught growing up to never say the word "sucks." So sorry mom & dad, but no other word can describe the week I just had. To say, "This week stunk" or "This week was really hard" would not fully communicate the last seven days. This past week just plain old sucked! The reasons for the "sucking" of the week vary. From conflict/miscommunication with friends (of which I am to blame -- so I have felt like crap for hurting people) to getting the rosy news from Consumed's accountant we were in the hole $500, to being rejected...I have had it all. So as I sit here boo-hooing for myself, I am reminded of Jesus' words to the first 12 followers of the way. He said this in John 14:1: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." I am learning more and more that in life, bad things are going to happen. They just are. You can't control them. You can't even control the stupid mistakes you are going to make. We are just prone to do completely idiotic things at times. We can't control being hurt or experiencing sadness either. Those are going to happen as well. But there is one thing we can control. We can control the anxiety, worrying, etc. that we spend far too much time doing in our lives. Jesus basically says to His disciples: "If your hearts are troubled, it is your own fault." You think I'm wrong? Read his words again. He says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled." We have control over whether or not our hearts are troubled. Again, I'm not saying we control hurts or wounds, etc., but being "troubled." If we are allowing our hearts to be troubled, then maybe we don't trust God enough, plain & simple. This is so true in my life. I allow circumstances many times to dictate how or what I am feeling. It is so garbage! Bas stuff is going to happen in all of our lives. But God is always faithful! He is completely 100% trustworthy in any & every circumstance. He is always good! He always will fight for us! The enemy wants to swoop in during these moments of hurt, confusion, and despair and whisper things about our Father that he will burn for. I know in the past I have made agreements with the enemy and wounded my heart even further. Presently speaking, however, I'm not going to believe his lies. I am going to choose to get it right this time. I am hurt, but I won't let anxiety take control of my life. I'm reminded of the song in Hillsong's album Look to you when they sing (or should I say shout) this statement over and over: "The enemy has been defeated. Death couldn't hold you down. I'm going to lift our voice in victory. We're going to make your praises loud!" Truly Matt Redman (I know, I'm jumping all over the place right now) is right, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!" No matter what, blessed be the name of God. No matter what the circumstance. No matter what men say. No matter what the enemy whipsers! Blessed be the name of God. For the moment at least, my heart isn't troubled. I'll choose to trust in God & His only Son that died for me. I'll choose to fight for Him. I'll choose to hold nothing back as I storm the gates of hell. "Blessed be your name God."

2006-08-07T10:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday (Sunday, August 6) some in one of our community groups participated in The Minnesota Lynx Great Basketball Dribble. The event was a 2.5-mile walk/dribble to benefit breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic here in MN. Each participant gave (from themselves or a sponsor) $25 to be involved. To be honest, three years ago I most likely wouldn’t have taken a group corporately to an event like this. This event wouldn’t have fit into my grid of what “churches” do. Well, maybe if we went on the walk and handed out information about the church or something similar. But the more I listen to Jesus’ words, the more I understand the Gospel message is a holistic one, impacting all areas of life. I believe Jesus was pleased to see some of His followers walking down the shaded streets of downtown Minneapolis for the purpose of somehow being used to eradicate a horrible disease like cancer. My outlook of what it means to truly follow Jesus is shifting dramatically. I am shifting away from this position: Following Jesus means I am saved from an eternal destiny in hell to a wonderful inheritance called heaven. Because of this I am no longer supposed to sin and I am responsible to convert as many people as I can to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. This, and only this, will keep others from hell as well. Obviously there is nothing false about this statement. I do believe in heaven & hell, and that belief/faith in Jesus is the only way to experience eternal life. I think this outlook of what following Jesus is not wrong, but incomplete. I am finding myself shifting more to a position like this (concerning what it means to follow Jesus): Following Jesus means immersing myself in an eternal (beginning now), amazing, intimate walk with God forever (abundant life). This relationship impacts every area (holistic) of my life. It not only means I stop sinning, but I also really start living. I strive to make a difference in the world by using my gifts, talents, abilities, and sweat to see God’s kingdom & will (see Lord’s prayer) become a reality here on earth. I believe God is active & present on earth now. I want to either join in where His activities are taking place or be used by Him to create environments for others to participate in His desires for this world & the next. So back to the Great Dribble… Even though this was sponsored by U.S. Bank & The Minnesota Lynx (that is a WNBA team for those of you who have no idea) instead of First Whatever Church, I think God was present there. I believe God is concerned for those suffering from breast cancer. Many of the stories of the Gospels describe Jesus’ compassion & healing of physical sicknesses. God is active other places as well. I want to join in. I want Consumed Ministries to join in. I want to not only take the message of “life” verbally to people, but also through service, love, and sacrifice as well.

Scioto Hills and TLC!

2006-07-26T21:50:00.000-06:00

Hey all! I've been traveling around the country with the youth group here at Bloomington Baptist - taking them to some camps - for the past month. I'm currently sitting in northeastern Pennsylvania - I have 4 girls (where are all the guys?!) at Teen Leadership Camp out here. Anyway, I've taken some pictures through the process of both Scioto Hills Revolution Camp (which we were at 2 weeks ago) and from this camp, so I figured I'd share some with you. There is a great one of Megan sleeping in the van - but she won't let me post it!

A few pics from our community group last night

2006-07-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

Gretchen is 30!

2006-07-14T06:54:00.000-06:00

My beautiful wife turns 30 today. Happy Birthday babe! You are a treasure. I hope I have 30+ more years to spend with you.

The roots have been placed....

2006-07-13T08:25:00.000-06:00

As many of you know - Lisa and I will be exchanging our vows in less than two months. But what some of you may not know, is that we have just purchased our first home! The address is 7337 Clinton Avenue, and it's in Richfield (a suburb of Minneapolis) MN, 55423. We closed on it on June 30th, and since then have been busy moving stuff in and painting some rooms (the kitchen took me 5 coats of paint!!!). Being as we are so excited about it and want to share it with all of you, here are some pics...enjoy!

Ohio/Iowa trip

2006-07-05T14:21:00.000-06:00

Well, the Millers just returned from Ohio (basketball camp & speaking) and IA (visit our newest niece). We had a wonderful trip but it was marvelous to sleep in my own bed last night. Our mattress has one of those little extra small mattresses built on top of the regular mattress (as you can see I have no idea what the name is). I missed that little guy. I slept like a slumbering bear for seven solid blissful hours. Anyway, I put some pics on here from the b-ball camp. Many wonderful aspiring shooters attended. If they don't end up shooting like me, I consider it a successful venture. There should be a new podcast soon at itunes with my chat from Sunday at Immanuel Baptist Churcy as well. We will try and keep this blog updated more frequently in the near future. Well, we at least believe we will try at this point.

Reflections

2006-06-07T08:30:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday. It is amazing how your perspective changes over the years. Early on in life, birthdays of course were about presents, presents, and hopefully… more presents. The success of a birthday was evaluated by the number of “things” you compiled throughout the course of the day. Now don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy presents. Gretchen & the girls just brought me in a brand new shirt for my birthday. I am thankful for that. But now I enjoy birthdays really for another reason. Birthdays always become this time in my life to reflect, contemplate, & observe my life. I love to look back at the last year and think through all God, me, and my community have walked through together. So with that in mind, I just want to express thanksgivings to God for this past year, which (if you are wondering) was my 30th year of life. A beautiful wife – Her beauty is obvious to the eye, but when you get to know her, you understand how deeply her beauty truly lies. Tori & Isabelle – What would life be without them? I don’t remember, nor do I want to. Each day is packed with much joy from my interactions with them. A beautiful new girl – She is 11 ounces right now and still inside of Gretchen, but I already celebrate her life and the joy she is already bringing me. The rest of my family – A dad & mom that always have loved me. Three sisters, two sisters-in-laws, five brother-in-laws, a billion nephews & nieces, a godly father & mother-in-law, & wonderful grandparents. I’m rich! A community – There are many I share life with. For all of you, I’m blessed. Sunday nights at the Petersons are truly my most enjoyable three hours of the week. OSU vs. MN – If you know me, you know of my love for the Football Bucks. It was a joy to watch them spank the Gophers in the Dome. Road Trips – NYC, Columbus, Des Moines, Portland, PA, Waverly (MN) – Meeting new people & being reacquainted with others is always a joy. I could go on and on and on. I’ll spare you of that. But just know I’m blessed. I’m rich. I’m humbled. I’m in love with Jesus. This 31st year of my life, I desire to be used of God now more then ever. I want to shake the foundations of the earth with the entire message of Jesus. I desire to be used of God to introduce many into His Kingdom. I want to be faithful! I want to love my wife and daughters! I want to be vulnerable in my community. I want to put others ahead of myself. I want to hear the voice of God and have the courage to obey. I want to live a life that echoes in eternity! “May it be so Jesus, my master and friend!”

Fully Alive

2006-05-20T10:56:00.000-06:00

"When we begin to live our lives fully alive, we awaken the dead around us." -- Erwin McManus

Light

2006-05-19T08:58:00.000-06:00

I have to admit something right from the start – I didn’t want to write this blog. God and I have been talking about it for about twenty-five minutes or so and He won’t let me focus on anything else. I love that about Him, but sometimes He really gets in the way of me doing what I want to do. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish this morning! So here is my dilemma, or why I didn’t want to write. Honestly, I am immersed in an immense amount of brokenness right now. So not only has God clearly pointed something out in my life that isn’t right, He asked me to share it with whomever reads this blog (maybe that is only four people, but still!). I read the following this morning: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 Of course, the first thing thought that comes to my revolutionary heart is – “This is the problem with the organized church. We have fled our communities and built info structures to keep hurting and lost people away. We need to engage our communities with the love & tenderness of Jesus.” When my self-righteous attitude quieted down, The Holy Spirit gently said to me, “You are not being a true light.” Of course my initial defensive reaction would not allow this kind of prodding. I began to question God. “Why? Why am I not being a true light? I have given my life to communicating the wonderful news of an abundant life through knowing God in an intimate, interactive way. I’ll go wherever and do whatever to share this message. How am I not being a true light? I have never cowered away from my community or culture. I will speak the name of Jesus to anyone that is ready to listen. Etc., Etc. Etc.” I’ll spare you the rest of my plea to the God of the universe. Once I quieted down, my attention was drawn to a little phrase in those verses – “… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Wow! I was floored. I thought being a light was about evangelistic events, programs, discipleship, etc. Being a light, in my mind, was simply carrying out the basic religious duties of the church in a public arena. But Jesus defines “being a light” differently. Being a light is simply performing good deeds. It is picking up the trash you see on the street, or tipping the waitress a hair above 20%, or assisting your neighbors in carrying their groceries into the house, or holding the door open so someone can enter ahead of you. Being a light may involve something much bigger though. There are examples in time of people that were lights in dark places. It cost them their time, energy, and money. These light-bearers organize walks to benefit cancer, MS, or autism. They see horrific acts of humanity and give their lives to changing the situation (guys like those that began Invisible Children). Think about a woman like Mother Theresa that gave her life to ending poverty. Yeah, think about Mother Theresa. If there was any one person in the world over the past 100 years that “did good deeds” and “men praised the Father in heaven” because of what she did, it was Mother Theresa. Pushing a political agenda, or fighting heresy, or clarifying gray issues of the church did not dominate her time. She just gave her life to putting food in a hungry man’s belly or clothing an adolescent naked girl. Another human being may never match her impact on this world, doing the “good deeds” Jesus spoke of. She was a true light on a hill. So these are my thoughts. I have a feeling though just because I wrote this entry doesn’t mean I can drop the issue and move on. I need to think about how I can truly be a light. Any ideas? Suggestions? How have you seen others be a Jesus kind of light?

Tonight...

2006-05-10T13:56:00.000-06:00

REVELRY!!! 6:30PM!!! YOUTH ROOM @ BBC!!! BE THERE!!!

A Night with Atheists

2006-05-05T22:58:00.000-06:00

I spent an evening recently at the Corner Bar on the University of MN's campus with a dozen other followers of Jesus and two atheists. These new acquaintances shared with us why they do not believe God exists. It was a very enjoyable and interesting night. I was going to eventually blog about it, but my friend Tom Wilson (who came with me), beat me to it. Therefore, I'm inviting you to check out his link and read what he has to say. He says it better than I could anyway. Jamie http://www.thomasewilson.blogspot.com

Invisible Children Benefit Concert

2006-05-02T10:36:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all who volunteered, attended, and gave sacrificially. It truly was a wonderful evening. My prayer is the love of Jesus would continue to reach the children in Uganda. I firmly believe what took place last night will have lasting, eternal effects. Much love! Jamie

Invisible Children

2006-04-25T08:17:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, on Monday, May 1 at 7:00, Consumed Ministries in partnership with Intervarsity Student Fellowship at Normandale Community College will be hosting a free Shawn McDonald concert to benefit Invisible Children. The concert will take place in Normandale's auditorium. Some of you are not familiar with the Invisible Children Organization or why we (Consumed Ministries) would do something on there behalf. I was just made aware that on Wednesday's episode of Oprah, Invisible Children will have a fifteen minute segment on the show. If you can watch it live, record it on your Tivo, DVR, or VCR, I'm sure the segment will assist you in learning more about Invisible Children and why we desire to do something to help them with their cause. You can also find information at their website -- www.invisiblechildren.com Tickets for the concert are still available. Please E-mail tickets@consumedministries.com to reserve tickets for you and your family & friends.

Impact?

2006-04-20T10:02:00.000-06:00

Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, "Don't you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?" But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. Matthew 27:11-14

It's amazing, and humbling, to think of the huge impact our lives have on the lives whose path we cross. Think about it, our character...who we are...our personality...our decisions...our reactions...our responses....our words...everything that we do and say and think that makes up who we are as individuals, has an impact on others. The shaping of our lives is now shaping the lives of those around us. And for the majority of us it's not a conscious decision we make to want to effect other people lives. But we can't help it...we just DO! That's why it's so sobering to read verses like the ones above. More often than not we live our lives in order to validate ourselves. Let's be honest! We are constantly, subconscioius though it may be, trying to stick up for ourselves, prove ourselves, have the right comeback, one up the next person, stand up for us, etc. But Jesus - the Creator of everything (let that sink in...He created the ground He walked on, the air He breathed, the people who accused Him and spit on Him and beat Him, the cross He hung on...the list goes on...) - our Jesus, stood in the face of lies and slander and accusation.....and said nothing. Don't you think that the God of the universe has a place to stand up for himself? Don't you think out of anyone it'd be Him who SHOULD stand up for Himself??!! NO! In Romans we're told to not repay evil with evil, to not take revenge...overcome evil with good. God is saying, "I have more important things for you to accomplish...let me handle the revenge part...you take care of the loving your neighbor part and returning any evil with good part....all for My glory." What do you think? Are we more concerned about our rights as human beings than to be concerned about loving our neighbors? Are our harsh words and responses impacting lives negatively? Do we stand in the face of persecution and respond in love like Jesus (he died so we could have life very soon after this encounter in the passage above)? Or do we stand up for ourselves, validate ourselves so people know we have worth? Should we? Also, how have you been impacted in life by others? How has this shaped you? What has it shaped the way you respond to others? Sorry for so much here...I'd love to hear responses though!

From John Eldredge

2006-04-18T10:16:00.000-06:00

I am on John Eldredge's Intercessors E-mail list. I just received an E-mail that said this: I hope you had a wonderful Easter! It's taking some time, but beginning to sink in, that Life really is the point, and that, as Dallas Willard says, "life" is a perfectly suitable synonym for the word "salvation" in the Bible. For too long we've lived with the view that salvation equals "heaven when you die," and "the blood of Jesus covers my sins." And that's true. It does. But there is MORE. The resurrection of Jesus is also our resurrection: "just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). May the life of God fill you today. Amen & Amen. Are you experiencing true, abundant life presently? Or are you waiting for heaven? There is a huge difference!

My First Lent Experience

2006-04-14T09:07:00.000-06:00

Well, my first Lent experience is over. I never even heard of lent until about four or five years ago. I was in the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City, PA when I couldn't figure out why every other person I saw had a dirty forehead. It honestly freaked me out a bit. I didn't know whether the end of the world was near or the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour was running some kind of crazy special Scrantonians couldn't resist. I was informed that day that it was Ash Wednesdays. Ash Wednesday kicked off the Lent Season. I was told this was only something that Catholics would participate in. Just another thing they would do to earn their way to Heaven. I shook my head in pity for these poor souls. They just don't get it. Every year, the Lent season would come and go and my interest for the season would grow. The more I talked with people that participated; I realized that many of them just desired more of God. It was some sort of fast for them. I wanted to do it, but was scared my friends would think I was getting a little crazy. Last year was my first year to go for it. I committed to give up caffeine. I lasted three days. So this year, I told myself I would do it. I viewed Lent as a chance for me to fast from something. Fasting to me is simply an outward expression of an inward desire for more of God. More of Him for me personally, and more of His power in my life to reach others. So I upped the antsy and decided to give up desserts. Now for those of you that know me, that proposed quite the challenge. Honestly, not a day goes by where some sort of sweet delicacy makes its way down my throat. I am a sweets addict. But if I was going to do this whole Lent thing, I wanted it to be something significant. I did it and now its over (I had chocolate chip cookies and Breyers Vanilla Bean ice cream at midnight). So now I reflect a bit on my experience. Honestly, nothing crazy happened. No visions or dreams. I didn't perform any miracles. No fire from the sky. Nothing like that. But one thing I took away -- I actually sacrificed something for God. Something as small as not bloating my fat cells with chocolate. Not much of a sacrifice, but every time I would finish a nice meal and desired something to chase it down with, I would think to myself - "No. No desserts. You’re doing this for more of God." Again, compared to what Christ suffered for us, not really that big of deal. But, I'm glad I did it. I'm happy to have participated and look forward to growing a bit more in this wonderful tradition next year. Many of my experiences I can't really describe. But there were special moments with God. Moments I wouldn't trade for a piece of pie, a Dairy Queen Blizzard, or Ang Johnson's chocolate chip bars (no offense Ang). So that's my experience. What about yours?

Shawn McDonald & Invisible Children

2006-04-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

Come check out Shawn McDonald in a FREE Invisible Children benefit concert - held at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN on May 1st, 2006 at 7pm. Tickets can be reserved by emailing tickets@consumedministries.com (just let us know how many you need reserved, and what name you'd like them reserved under). Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis. All money accrued (donations, refreshments, invisible children sales) will go directly toward the work of Invisible Children.

Hope

2006-04-04T07:47:00.000-06:00

Last week I shared about a friend from college who left this world to be face to face with Jesus. As i was reading a blog from one of his friends at Landing Place Community, I came across this quote from Mark: "There is hope in the midst of hopelessness. Death is not where we lose; the onset of hopelessness is the great defeater. So allow hope to rise up within you. And when it seems that hopefulness is the least appropriate response in this situation, let it rise up even more. Whisper your hope when you lie down at night; scream your hope when you wake in the morning. Live your hope as if it is the one and only thing that sustains you in this ravaged world. You will not be disappointed." -Palmer, 10/03/05 As I reflected on this statement from a dying man, I remembered again why Easter is such a big deal. Easter gives us hope! So much garbage goes on in this life -- disease, war, broken promises, conspiracies, church politics, gossip, slander, murder, deceipt, etc., etc., etc. We have all been wounded by this broken world. But hope moves us forward. Hope drives us to love someone that just doesn't get it, wounds us with his/her words, or takes and takes and takes but never gives back. Hope gets us out of bed after a long night struggling in warfare. Hope pushes us to put on our armor and fight the princes of darkness. Hope encourages us to believe our lives can make a difference. We can have a sustaining impact. We can end poverty, hunger, and violence. Hope says we can be a generation that follows Christ at all costs. So wherever you are at now. Do as Palmer said this Easter season, Allow the hope seeded in your inner being through the love of Christ to rise up. Scream your hope in the face of the enemy. And if all you can do right now is whipser, then whisper hope in the midst of suffering. Hope will not disappoint!

As if for the first time

2006-03-31T12:37:00.000-06:00

Eric made fun of my post from a few days ago that began "Can I think outloud?' You know what, I don't care what you think Eric Harry Beavers, I'm starting this one of the same way... Can I THINK OUTLOUD? (Now I can begin since my bitterness is out. So I'm sitting in my town home and I notice this decoration kind of deal on my wall. I know you have done that before too....noticed something on your wall for maybe the first time even though it has been there for years. I'll go home to my parents house in OH and say to my mom, "Hey mom, is that "whatever" new?" She will reply with, "No Jamie, that has always been there." And so it was with this little decoration in my town home. Gretchen and I have been married for 8 1/2 years and have lived in four different places. I'm sure we have had this little decoration thing the entire time we have been married. It has been on various walls in PA and now MN. It has become so common, I stopped noticing it until today. But anyway, I'm looking at this deal, and I look at what it says -- "In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straights (Proverbs 3:6)." "Make your path straights" literally means, "to remove obstacles." Its like driving down the road and potholes, cars, litter, pedestrians, various small animals, whatver it may be, are removed from the road. Your path is straight. So then I began to think about my life presently (as I'm steering at this decoration for like the first time) and I think to myself, "Why does my life seem full of obstacles right now? My path is not all that straight." I even began to think of many of my friends and how they have obstacles in their lives. So what is that all about? Honestly, I don't know. But I have come to some almost conclusions (I use that phrase as an escape clause in case I'm wrong). One, maybe I am not fully "acknowledging Him (God)." Maybe my path is cluttered with distractions, confusion, sin, warfare, etc. because I'm not acknowledging or recognizing God in any and every situation. Second, maybe I acknowledge God, but I don't trust Him enough (Proverbs 3:5). Maybe I focus too much time worrying about obstacles & straight paths and not enough time on God -- the one who removes the obstacles. So maybe my path could easily be straightened if I simply began to move forward. Maybe I'm more worried about making sure the entire road from where I'm at and where I want to be is completely smoothed out, repaved, and fixed before I travel one mile. But maybe I need to just move forward one mile at a time, trusting God & God alone to continue straightening out everything until I reach my eternal home. So what is the moral of all this? I don't know. Look at your decorations at home? Maybe. Or strive for more recognition of God. Obstacles are nothing to Him. But will we trust Him enough to remove them?

Can you hear the voice?

2006-03-30T13:35:00.000-06:00

…the more I sing that sweet old song the more I understand That I do not comprehend this love that's coming from your hand Who am I that you would love me so gently? Who am I that you would recognize my name? Lord, who am I that you would speak to me so softly Conversation with the love most high Who am I? -Watermark. Album: All Things New. …He [God] jealously desires the spirit that dwells within you. -James 4:4-5 Why? I honestly can’t figure out why the God of the universe - the King of Kings, the Almighty, the Creator, the all-powerful, the all-knowing, the everywhere, the infinite and glorious God of Heaven – could possibly be passionately pursuing me! There is no theological grid that I could work through to make a proof statement for His love. All I know is that He’s had all of history to quit. To throw in the towl. To give up on us. In the garden – Adam and Eve were given everything, yet they disobeyed. Right there God could have called it quits. “What am I doing? These people don’t care! It’s over!” Or how about the flood. Why save Noah?? Why not just obliterate the earth? Think about David. King David. The chosen King of God’s people. He willfully and knowingly committed aduletery. “That’s it! Time to start over! I’m finished pursuing people who don’t listen! Who don’t care! Who aren’t paying attention! Who are too caught up with themselves! It’s over!” Why didn’t He quit? I don’t know. I do know that one night in a field, men with sheep were startled by voices from the heavens declaring that a Savior was about to born…Christ, the Lord. And with that simple birth, all of history for all time had proof of God’s love. Proof that He hasn’t given up. Proof that we matter to Him. Proof that He is passionate about us. Proof that He is pursuing us. Proof that He loves us. Can you hear the voice from heaven? I’m passionate about you. Passion is defined as what we are willing to endure to reach the goal. God endured history. Jesus endured opposition, betrayal, accusations, challenges, mocking…and ultimately a cross. “my God, my God…why hast thou forsaken me?!” I’m passionate about you. You matter to me. I write all this to say that my ‘christianity’ isn’t about me. It’s not about MY love or MY efforts or MY merit. God passionately pursued me in love. He was passionate about the relationship with me! And that passion for me has ignited a passion in me to be passionate about Him. Make sense? I have ‘come to know and believe the love that God has for [me]” (Hebrews 11:6). And because of that I’m compelled to love Him. I’m compelled to love others. Can you hear God’s voice in your life? The voice that calls out from the heavens? You matter to me. I’m passionate about you. I jealously desire the spirit I’ve made to dwell in you. Enter the conversation.

I have no title for this

2006-03-29T09:48:00.000-06:00

I started my day yesterday reading this: PALMER Mark K. Palmer, age 31, Monday, March 27, 2006 at Riverside Hospital after a long battle with cancer. 1992 Graduate of Mansfield High School, PA and 1996 Graduate of Baptist Bible College, Clarks Summit, PA. Currently working on his graduate degree at Ashland Theological Seminary. Mark was Spiritual Director of the Landing Place Community, Columbus, Ohio, and also shared his vision of Kingdom and Community living in speaking engagements across the country and around the world. Survived by wife, Amy Palmer; son, Micah Palmer; parents, Richard and Vivian Palmer of Mansfield, PA; sister, Christiana Palmer of Philadelphia, PA; brother, C.J. Palmer of Vista, CA; father and mother-in-law, Bruce and Betty Smith of Columbus, OH; also the members of his Landing Place Community. Preceded in death by his first wife, Jennifer Palmer. Mark was a friend of mine from college. I played basketball with him for one year and lived in the same dorm. I don't "look up" to my peers the same way I do my elders, heros of the faith, etc., but I did look up to Mark. He was the first person to truly challenge my grid of theology. He challenged me to allow God the freedom to roam outside the box I had put him in. I am where I am today because of Mark's love & influence on my life. He loved God very passionately and He wanted to make a difference in this world for the way of Jesus. He desired Kingdom values to be established on this earth. A mighty saint of God has been lost. So yeah, I'm just at a loss. So many questions, so many questions. LIfe is so brief! It truly is a vapor. I just want to leave a mark like Mark did. I want to live my life with an intensity fueled by my love of Jesus. As I remember Mark preached on once, I want to be "out of my mind" for the sake of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5). So as the Spirit directs, would you pray for Mark's family. His first wife (and mother of his son) passed away of cancer not too long ago. His second wife Amy (I've never met) will be raising their son Micah (4 yrs. old). I'm sure the community they lead is hurting to say the least. They have lost two of their leaders in 3-4 years. Take them to throne room please. And then live, just live. Live a full life.

Boldness

2006-03-27T10:24:00.000-06:00

Can I think out loud? That’s what this is. Just thinking out loud. Don't get all bent out of shape. I'm trying to work my way through something. In my prep time for the community group I lead here in MN I was rocked a bit. More like floored. That happens sometimes. You know, when your little Sunday School answers don't measure up to the truth you encounter in Scripture. When you read something that jams up the filter or smears the lense you have viewed Christianity through. Let me catch you up. We are talking about prayer (side note: Why do we have all of these lessons and stuff on prayer. Why not just do it???). So, I wanted to focus this week on what Jesus says about prayer in Luke 11. The chapter starts off with the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. So Jesus gives them the Lord’s or disciples (however you want to take it) prayer. He then tells them the story of the neighbor that needs bread. You know, “Friend, I need bread. I have unexpected guests and I need to feed them.” The guy says back, “Leave me alone, I’m tired, my kids are in bed with me.” But Jesus says, “because of the man’s BOLDNESS, the friend gets his neighbor bread.” So I decided to do a bit of research on what the word “boldness” means. I always had the picture of “boldness” being more like “perseverance.” You know, the neighbor just kept knocking on the door and wouldn’t leave him alone until the guy gets out of bed. But that doesn’t capture the true meaning of the word “boldness.” The word actually means “recklessness, audacity, shamelessness, one who knows no restraint.” The ESV version uses the word “impudence” instead of “boldness.” “Impudence” carries an attitude “marked by cocky boldness or disregard of others” (Webster’s). That pretty much stunned me. Still has honestly (that’s why I’m writing now). Why? Because Jesus goes on to say, “So I say unto you…” Or “Therefore,” or “so because of that, you should do this…” “So I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you.” Wait a second Jesus! What are you saying? Are you saying that I can approach God with a “reckless, audacious kind of boldness?” That I should expect God to answer my request just because? Me approach the Creator of the World, the one true living God, I AM, LORD of Hosts with a kind of attitude that says, “I belong here in your presence and believe you will give, help me find, and open the door?” Doesn’t that just feel off? Doesn’t it feel wrong? Presumptuous? Misguided? Shouldn’t we humbly approach God? After all He is God right? We are not! But for whatever reason, the Spirit has been telling me otherwise. He tells me Jesus can be trusted. I don’t have to have it all figured out. I just need to believe Jesus... to take Him at His word... to have that type of faith in my Father. That I can come to Him for anything at anytime and feel like I belong there. Well, sorry if I messed you up. But I feel better just getting those things off my chest. Thoughts?

Prayer

2006-03-09T15:16:00.000-06:00

In our community groups here in the Twin Cities we are discussing prayer. I wanted to share some things that are on our blogsite for the groups from Dan & Abby. PRAYER – A conscious realization of a personal intimate relationship with a holy, omnipotent God. -- Dr. Jim King A CONSCIOUS (never stopping, always existing, 24/7) REALIZATION (knowledge of, awareness, continuing road sign, eternal knot of the finger) of a PERSONAL (all yours, not based on anyone else) INTIMATE (“unknown” to anyone else, deeper than normal, tell Him things you don’t tell others) RELATIONSHIP (father to son, king to servant, deeper than normal, tell Him things you don’t tell others) with a HOLY (separate, set apart, more pure than you could imagine) OMNIPOTENT (all powerful, bigger than impossibilities, greater than problems, more than enough for the unknown) GOD (Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Lion of Judah, and I AM that I AM, BE) -- Dan The past couple of days have been a little rough for me. I’ve struggled through a high fever, and other unpleasant symptoms. You know the feeling. My fever was so high all I could do was lie in bed, either shivering and shaking with a cold sweat, or roasting because I was so hot. It’s the first time I have been that sick with a fever in a long time. It’s actually the first time I have been that sick while living away from my family. My mom was not here to take care of me. I was alone most of the time. (Side note: when Lisa was home, she was an extremely wonderful “mom” for me!) Yes, it was miserable, but no, I didn’t feel alone. Why? Because I have 24-7 access to a personal, intimate, holy, omnipotent God. God never left my side the entire time. I had some freaky dreams, horrible flashbacks to painful times in my life, and was in physical pain at times. You know what I did? I cried out to my Father. I knew he was there with me, so I asked him to guard my heart and mind, and to heal my body. He was there watching over me, taking care of me, listening to me, and sitting right next to me. I also listened to his voice. You don’t have to be sick to have this kind of personal communication with your Father. For me, it was a comfort because I was sick, but God is there during your happiest moments, and every day moments, and boring moments, and…well, he’s there no matter what the case! How would your relationship change, if you talked to God and thought of him in this way? Try it, and I promise you, you will never be the same. -- Abs

Our Responsibility Too?

2006-03-06T09:12:00.000-06:00

"And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." -- Paul in Acts My question is this? Is it our responsiblity as well to "testify to the gospel of God's grace?" Or was this just a special calling from the Lord Jesus Christ on Paul's life to take this Gospel to Jews & Gentiles in the 1st Century? If this is our responsibility, how would our lives be different if we truly "considered our lives worth nothing?" I sense in Paul's statement something powerful -- telling others about the amazing grace of God was THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN HIS LIFE. Nothing compared! That's why he didn't care about his life. He didn't care if he was whipped, beaten & bloodied, thrown in prison, etc. His life was nothing. He was an ambassador of an amazing message -- God's grace covers all sins! I'm shamed to say that i "testify to God's grace" out of convenience and safety. I believe in the grace of God, but only share it with others when the setting is such that no real risk or harm is a possibility. I find my priorities do not line up the way Paul's did. I consider my life and the earthly pleasures I fill it with far more valuable than proclaiming the good news. I wonder what our world would look like if saints would rise up and say with their lips and believe in their hearts that "my life is worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

Brad Kilman in concert!!

2006-02-16T16:42:00.000-06:00

Brad Kilman (writer of "We Are Hungry" and "Tower") will be in the Twin Cities doing a FREE concert on Saturday March 18th, 2006. He will be at Bloomington Baptist Church. Doors open at 7pm. If you have questions or need more info...please contact Eric at either 952.913.7017 or ebeavers@consumedministries.com. Hope to see you there!! (Did I mention it's FREE???!!!!)

Something to Ponder

2006-02-03T13:06:00.000-06:00

When the Lord divided Canaan among the tribes of Israel Levi received no share of the land. God said to him simply, "I am thy part and thine inheritance," and by those words made him richer than all his brethren, richer than all the kings and rajas who have ever lived in the world. And there is a spiritual principle here, a principle still valid for every priest of the Most High God. The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many ordinary treasures may be denied him, or if he is allowed to have them, the enjoyment of them will be so tempered that they will never be one after one, he will scarcely feel a sense of loss, for having the Source of all things he has in One all satisfaction, all pleasure, all delight. Whatever he may lose he has actually lost nothing, for he now has it all in One, and he has it purely, legitimately and forever. -- A. W. Tozer - The Pursuit of God

God is good...but is He safe?

2006-01-30T12:36:00.000-06:00

“Ah…time alone with you, Father. Quiet. Stillness. Peace. Rest in your presence. You really are such a cool God. With a huge heart. You make my heart feel protected. Happy. Loved. Warm. I feel safe in your arms. Even though you’re not safe, you are good, and that helps me to trust you in an ironic sort of way.” I wrote that in my journal today. I like writing to God. I express myself better on paper sometimes. When I write, something clicks from my heart to my pen. Today, I was thinking of the line from the Narnia movie when two of the characters are talking about Asland. (Who represents Jesus) One character, when talking about Asland, says, “He is not safe”, and the other responds with, “No, but he is good.” How can God be good, but not safe? It is an odd statement. I don’t know how to explain it, but I feel it in my heart to be true. I know his goodness, but I also know there is risk involved when following Him. OK, let’s take Jesus for instance. In Luke 22, Jesus was about to be crucified and he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to talk to God, his Father, about it. Jesus said in verse 42, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…” Do you see that? The anguish Jesus faced in preparing to take on the sin of the entire world by being brutally beaten and destroyed. Do you see Jesus being safe right then? No way! But then Jesus goes on, “…yet not my will, but yours be done.” There. Jesus trusted in his Father’s goodness, even though he was not safe in any way, shape, or form. An angel appeared to him from heaven at that exact moment, and strengthened him, though. God didn’t leave him hangin’ high and dry. He strengthened him. Jesus was praying so earnestly, and was in so much anguish that his sweat was like drops of blood. (Verse 44) That’s intense. This scene blows my mind. It makes my heart ache to see what Jesus went through for me. The outcome though? I have eternal life through Jesus, because of his obedience to an “unsafe” God. That eternal life has already begun. I live an abundant, overflowing, amazing life because Jesus sacrificed for me. For you. I certainly see God’s goodness there. So yeah, following God is a risk. It’s not safe. It’s good. -submitted by Abby Amos

The "Grizzly Man"

2006-01-25T09:04:00.000-06:00

Recently, I was exposed to the life of a man, who in his commitment to what he loved and was passionate about, challenged me to my very core. His story was one that included danger and mystery and internal battles, but most of all it was the story of a man who was totally devoted to his cause. “Grizzly Man” is how most people know him - due to the recent release of a documentary which chronicles the last parts of his extraordinary last days here on earth. Timothy Treadwell - his real name - lived among grizzly bears in Alaska for 13 summers in a row. He camped in a tent for 3 to 4 months every year, during which he watched, studied, named and interacted with grizzlies. He recorded his last five summers in Alaska on film. It was inexplicably clear that this life of simplicity and danger was what Tim was created for. He thrived on connecting with the bear. Despite the constant threat of injury or death and the lack of modern conveniences, Tim would not trade that life for any other. He loved what he did and would, as he said several times, die for the bears. Ultimately, Timothy was killed by the very animal he longed to know and protect. I cannot tell you with adequate words how much Tim’s life challenged my soul. He was sold out to his passion, and would gladly pay the ultimate price for his cause, and tragically he did. I however am not always sold out to what God has put on my heart to do and share. What I love about the life of Timothy Treadwell was that his passions for his life’s mission made him seem, to the “normal” man, a little crazy. Many have said foolish. I pray that my commitment to Christ, and the calling He has placed on my life, would be looked upon as passionate and counted as foolish. (1 Corinthians 1: 18-31) Timothy Treadwell knew what price he was willing to pay for what he loved. Do I? Do You? -submitted by Daniel Shearer

Resources

2006-01-24T08:25:00.000-06:00

Many of you have asked what are good books to read. Well, partly because I'm tired of telling you (slightly kidding) and I want to be as helpful as possible, here is a list of books we (Consumed Staff) have found incredibly insightful and meaningful in our personal journeys. I feel I should put something official like, "All of the expressed views, opinions, blah, blah, blah, in these books do not solely reflect the views of Consumed Ministries on God, church, faith, issues, etc." What I'm trying to say -- YOU WON'T AGREE WITH EVERYTHING IN THESE PAGES. That's OK. The things you don't agree with will challenge you, the things you do agree with will move you. Here you go: (Sorted by Author) JOHN ELDREDGE The Sacred Romance The Journey of Desire Wild at Heart Waking the Dead Epic Captivating DONALD MILLER Blue Like Jazz Searching for God Knows What Through Painted Deserts ERWIN MCMANUS Seizing Your Divine Moment Unstoppable Force Uprising The Barbarian Way PETE GREGG & DAVE ROBERTS Red Moon Rising MATT REDMAN Facedown The Unquenchable Worshipper JOHN PIPER The Pleasures of God The Dangerous Duty of Delight The Passion of Jesus Christ DAVID CROWDER Praise Habit CHRIS TOMLIN The Way I was Made MARK BUCHANAN The Holy Wild LOUIE GIGLIO i am not but I know I AM The Air I Breathe PHILIP YANCEY The Jesus I Never Knew What’s So Amazing About Grace ROC BOTTOMLY The Promised Power

It's All About Who?

2006-01-16T23:49:00.000-06:00

On the back cover of my journal, the phrase, “It’s all about you.” is printed. Huh. Me-huh? NO, that’s not true. It’s not all about me. Life isn’t about me. Sometimes I certainly live that way. It’s kind of the craze right now- for little girls, for teens, for women, the theme that “It’s all about us”. Huh. No-no-no. We’ve got it all so wrong. It’s not all about me, myself and I. Others, others, others. What if the craze was, “It’s all about others”? How would our lives be different? Our world? My life for instance would be a lot more peaceful. I’d be a lot more restful. I’d have a lot more joy! The joy would be deep down, overflowing from my heart, and abundant. If my theme was, “It’s all about others”, I wouldn’t get angry and be hurt when things don’t go my way. Everybody would be better off. Even me. I’d have joy, peace, rest. Others would be touched, blessed, and feel loved. They would know I love them. Then they would know God loves them, because God is love. Why is it that we think- and in the universal we I certainly mean me- why do I think that looking out for me, my heart, my needs, my betterment, my good will bring me happiness? It never has, never does, and therefore leads me to believe it never will! Yet I still cling to my walls; cling to every ounce of protection, any possible way to protect myself, my pride. Oh how I fight to protect my pride. Believing, living out, “It’s all about others”, means a major shot of humbleness. It’s like I need humbleness pumped into my veins three times a day. At the very least. The littlest things tick me off, attack my pride, and then the walls go up. I’m like a rottweiler with its teeth snarling and its hackles up, ready to attack the next prey victim. Humbleness is like my owner (still assuming I’m a rabid rottweiler) holding tight to my leash. It’s not a rope leash, it’s a thick chain leash wrapped tightly around my neck until I can’t breathe. Being humble is a fight. But once the humble choice is made, the hackles go down; the teeth cease drooling, and there is comfort. There is peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding. So, what if our theme in life was, “It’s all about others”? -submitted by Abby Amos

Heaven or God?

2006-01-16T18:16:00.000-06:00

One of the greatest discoveries I ever made that transformed my duty into delight was to finally understand that the Gospel is not a way to get people to heaven but a way to get people to God. I used to think that not "going to hell" was the best thing about being a Christian. I finally came to realize (I mean deep down in my bones) that that was not true. Somehow along my years in my church I came to somehow think that sharing the Gospel was mostly about rescuing people from hell. And while the death of Jesus definitely brought about the salvation of mankind from the throes of hell, the decisive goal of Christ's butchering was to bring us to God and eliminate the outcome of NOT being able to enjoy our original design to be united with him; therefore, the greatest gift of the Gospel is God himself. As God told Moses, "I am your very great reward." Paul's great motivation was not the gift of heaven but the gift of the Giver when he said, "I want to know Christ." Heaven is wonderful and beautiful but not because of its gold, precious stones, or mind-blowing exquisiteness... it is wonderful and beautiful because it is where God is and where we will dwell with him face-to-face. Why does "devotions" or church attendance become such a chore for some Christians? Why does Christianity seem like an endless set of errands for a God we cannot seem to please? Why do so many Christians become jaded and bitter? I think one of the answers (maybe THE answer) is that they are trying to follow and worship a THING, not a person. I mean, how long can you worship "not going to hell"??? It's hard to worship and find delight in a thing and not a person. Many come to church and do their devos out of a guilt-tripped sense of obligation to a THING, namely "not going to hell." But the discovery that liberates is the knowledge that eternal life is knowing God. [RabbitTrail: And instead of asking people the Q: "If you died today, do you know you would go to heaven?" maybe we should ask them, "If you DIDN'T die today, and woke up tomorrow-- would you have hope, joy, and the intimate knowledge of The One Who Made You-- the One who loves you and calls you by name...so you can LIVE tomorrow with a purpose and a future???] The difference with the Rob Seyler of 1991 and the Rob Seyler of now is that the old Rob Seyler was on his way to heaven... the Rob Seyler you know now is on his way to God. Small difference in wording, huge difference in motivation. May the delight of knowing the Giver free you from the emptiness of being motivated by his gifts. -- Rob Seyler

Paradigm Shifts

2006-01-10T10:47:00.000-06:00

These are not original with me, but thought they were worth a post. These are paradigm shifts needed while sharing the love of Christ with those in the grid of our every day lives: 1. Other People Exist: Simply coming to the understanding that the world does not revolve around “me” but that everybody is having an experience, created by God, loved by God, and that we needed to repent of showing partiality... 2. Nobody will listen to you unless they know you like them: We began to understand that people, subconsciously, merit a religious or philosophical idea not on logical conclusions, but on whether or not the idea creates a “good person”...the definition of a good person being whether or not a person is kind to them, tolerant and understanding, able to listen without arguing and so on. 3. Nobody will listen to God unless they know God loves them: We came to believe there was usually a hidden pain behind hostility, that many people have been hurt by the church, or people or perspectives they believed to represent God. Many times its as simple as an interview they saw on CNN, but an apology and kindness went a long way in helping people understand God was loving. 4. Other people have morality and values: We came to understand that Christians do not own morality, that everybody lives by a moral code, not always informed by an ancient text, and yet it is there. Calling people or even thinking of them as immoral was, then, inappropriate. In fact, we often found that people who did not know Christ lived a morality close to his heart in many areas we had ignored, ie; community, tolerance, social justice, fairness and equality, freedom, beauty and so on and so on. 5. Find common ground: Often the morality of others overlapped Christian morality, and we came to understand that in these cases, we would focus on the overlapping issues. We came to see this as kindness, just as though we were on a date or making friends, we did not focus on what we didn’t have in common, but rather on mutual feelings about life. We would not say or do anything to combat people unless they knew we loved them, and this takes a great deal of time. 6. Define terms in their language: We were careful about Christian sayings and phrases that might be offensive: Crusade, sin, immorality....we came to understand that concepts were more sacred than terms... 7. Telling somebody about the gospel is about them, not us: We were careful not to try to “build our organization” and respected peoples freedom and space. Sharing the gospel became an exercise in friendship, rather than an attempt to grow a machine. Often, people feel used if they feel they are being recruited. The gospel, we learned, is really about them, their feelings about God and truth, about sin, about life. 8. Don’t let spreading the gospel feel any different than telling somebody about a love in your life, about your children or a great memory: We realized that in telling somebody about Jesus, we were telling them about somebody we have come to love and need, and about something that had happened to us, an encounter. This keeps us from sounding preachy, and allows us to share part of ourselves in a friendship. 9. Include lost People in Your Community: Our organization was not exclusive. We invited non-believers into the community if they wanted to be invited. We were careful not to not be ourselves with them, but they were certainly invited and enjoyed being a part of the group. We explained terms that we used, what we believed, but other than that, continued as normal. 10. Apologize for what you represent: We discovered that many people have been offended or hurt by what they perceive Christianity to be. We allowed ourselves to stand in the place of “Christianity” and apologize whenever necessary. 11. Be authentic: We discovered the need to be as honest about our lives as possible. We did not feel the need to sale Jesus, as much as share what He has done in our broken lives. We had no problem sharing our doubts and fears about faith, along with our commitment and appreciation for what God had done. 12. Pray for the Salvation of others: We discovered the need to pray for others. This would insure God was working in peoples lives, as we asked Him to. We discovered the work of evangelism is something God lets us watch, but very little of it is what we manipulate. We repented of not believing evangelism was a spiritual exchange between a lost person and God, rather than believing it was a series of ideas we were supposed to convince others of. 13. Ask people if they would like to know Christ: We decided to initiate, whenever the relationship called for it. We were not afraid to ask people if they would like to know God.

Update on the King...

2006-01-06T14:03:00.000-06:00

Just spoke with Dr. King. His surgery was successful and he is now home recovering. Obviously, there is pain involved. He has a lot of therapy to go through in the next weeks and months. Thanks for your prayers! I know he appreciates them. -Jamie

Happy New Year!

2006-01-03T07:41:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to all! I know it has been a few weeks since the last Consumed E-mail. I hope you had a wonderful time around the Holidays celebrating the birth of our wonderful Savior. I had a wonderful time in OH with my family and friends. I am so blessed by God to have such a wonderful Christian family there. Their support is overwhelming. Would you pray for Dr. Jim King on Tuesday, January 3? Dr. King is undergoing knee replacement surgery. A long recovery of eight or more months will take place following the surgery. Dr. King is one of Consumed's Board Members. He is a personal friend of mine and I admire him greatly. I thank you for raising him up to our great God. Our staff should all be back by the end of the week. We will get together early next week to discuss the opportunities God has given us for the winter and spring months. More details to come. -Jamie M.

Tis the season?

2005-12-23T00:20:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I watched a stewardess aboard my flight melt when I said the words “Merry Christmas” to her as I exited the plane. You know how they stand there as you leave – giving the obligatory “have a nice day”’ and “thanks for flying with us”. Well this woman gave me a “Have a great holiday!”. And for me, it was a missing letter that caused me to speak. Normally I would have nodded and continued on my way, but because she was very specific in her greeting, I had to be very specific in my reply. If she would have said “holidays”, I would have known she was referring to both Christmas and New Years lumped together. Cuz that’s what they are, really, holidays. One holiday plus one holiday = holidays. But she stated the word “holiday” very assuredly referring to Christmas, as it is on our very near horizon. So I replied, maybe a little confidently, with “Merry Christmas”, and her whole standard and stiff demeaner instantly disappeared. I saw relief. It crept out on her face and filled her whole body. Her posture changed. A genuine smile appeared, replacing the fake plastered smile. Her eyes became expressive as they focused on me. Not only was she relieved, but she was happy! Reason being? Why was she so happy? The answer came in her response. She was happy because I had given her the opportunity and the permission to say was she wasn’t allowed to say. She eagerly responded with a a very excited “Merry Christmas” of her own. I’ve been hearing about this whole politically correct controversy for a few weeks now. Holiday is the word that’s replacing Christmas. Happy Holiday. Holiday Tree. The Holiday. In the pursuit of PC, the renaming of the celebration of Christ’s birth is making it possible to never think about Him throughout the ‘Holiday”. My reason for posting this isn’t to give my input or suggestions – I want to hear yours. So please…comment. What do you think of the redefining of terms?

Action

2005-12-12T13:29:00.000-06:00

I came across this quote from Donald Miller: "I can’t imagine what would happen if every Christian felt it incumbent upon themselves to worship Christ through serving the poor and oppressed, and reaching out to the marginalized. More and more this has become religion to me. Not that reading the Psalms under a flickering candle isn’t beautiful, but faith should find action quick." So what would happen if Christians stopped talking and started acting? What if we took the words of Jesus literally? What if we truly believed (faith & action) the following statements of Jesus: "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." "...I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." What would these things look like in every day life? How can the church participate in this as well? Comments???

Update: Ang Johnson

2005-12-11T07:46:00.000-06:00

An email I received this morning concerning Ang... Hi Guys, I just talked to Angela and she is praising the Lord. She is feeling much better and went home around 11:00 today. She slept great last night and is starting to keep food down. All this to say that this last bout with all the ickyness was probably side effects from one of the antibiotics used to treat her infection. She has been off of it for 48 hours now and she feels much better. She asked for prayer because, since the last antibiotic caused side effects for her, the doctor is starting a different antibiotic starting tonight at home. Pray for no side effects. I want you all to know how much you guys mean to Angela and that you are praying for her and Cliff. When she called she was crying because she loves you all so much and are thankful for each one of you. She said she would love to talk to you and see you all whenever, so feel free to give her a call or visit her at the house she has alot of praising God she would love to share. Thanks to all

Angela Johnson

2005-12-09T14:43:00.000-06:00

Hey all, Angela Johnson - wife of Cliff Johnson who is a member of the Board of Directors for Consumed - has been having some health problems as of recently. Over the past week or so she has been admitted to the hospital, released after a few days, and then admitted again yesterday. She has an infection in her body that's causing problems in her kidney that was transplanted. They have put her back on IV antibiotics because her white blood cell count has creeped up. The plan right now is to have an ultra sound of her kidney and a possible spinal tape to rule out some things on the doctors list. If you would, please join us in prayer for this situation... Pray for knowledge for the doctors Pray for Angela to get a good nights rest and that she could keep some food down. Pray for the frustration and helplessness Cliff is feeling. Thank you.

Deuteronomy?

2005-12-06T08:31:00.000-06:00

I'm reading in Deuteronomy this morning. Not the typical place you think you are going to find nuggets of truth to boost your spiritual journey. But I came across this: "Know this: God, your God, is God indeed, a God you can depend upon." Three obvious revelations from the Holy Spirit today that are continuing to work me over. Not the most insightful stuff in the world, but if you are like me, I need these basic reminders. 1. God is my God. He is not just the God of Moses, Joshua, David, Job, Paul, Peter, etc. He is my God. I walk with Him the same way these great men of faith did. He is my God not because of anything I have done, but because I'm covered with the precious blood of Jesus. I know God. He is mine! 2. He is God indeed. There are a lot of "so-called" gods out there. Trying to get the job done. People are lighting candles, kneeling five times a day, carving images, etc. trying to awaken their gods. Trying to motivate them to action. Just hoping they will get a taste of their god's power. There is only one true God and I am His child. 3. I can depend on Him! Can't depend on many things in life. I found out I can't depend on the tires of a 2002 Toyota Corolla on Sunday morning as Gretchen, my girls, our friend Ang, and I flew off the road going 65-70 mph 20 feet into a ditch because of black ice. Another friend of mine is in the hospital with an infection. She has been there for five days now. The doctors are trying to figure out her medicine, trying to get her to rest, etc. I'm learing we can't depend at times on all of the technology living in 2005 brings. Heck! I know I can't depend on myself. Many times I'm striving like crazy to solve this dilema, fix this problem, etc. It never turns out profitable when I try to do things without the power of God. But I can depend on God. I can rest in Him. I can lay my burdens at His feet and rest. Truly rest. So, there is my mini-sermon. Hopefully helps a few of you. It helped me.

seeing as if in a mirror...

2005-12-02T00:24:00.000-06:00

A member of our Consumed staff - Abby Amos - sent an email to the rest of us tonight concerning her grandfather. I asked her for permission to post it here - she consented, and therefore I will. It is as follows: my dear MN family members, my heart is grieved. it's ironic to me how many different forms of grief there are. grief over heart break. grief over a wayward brother. grief over moving to a different state, starting a different life. grief over a human life created out of wed lock. grief over disease. and on and on they go. grief is a sickness. an illness that overtakes your soul. anne lamott talks about it in her book, "traveling mercies- some thoughts on faith". basically she talks about how most people deal with grief and that is to keep busy, deny whatever is going on, and live in disillusion. when you do that "whatever you use to keep the pain at bay robs you of the flecks and nuggets of gold that feeling grief will give you. you begin to cry and writhe and yell and then to keep on crying; and then, finally, grief ends up giving you the two best things: softness and illumination." i guess God wants me really soft and illuminating. which sounds like wonderful traits to have, that's certainly the woman i want to be...yet the process is more then i can bare at times. i figured i'd email all of you because i don't think i have the strength to make another roud of sick phone calls. grampy had a full body scan today and they found another tumor in his chest. mom called it a "mass". sounds better, i guess. i can hardly type the words. it just rips and tears at my heart. i just can't believe it. i can't. my loving, sweet, tender-hearted, selfless, kind, faithful grampy. grampy who sings "miss america" to me. who tells me how beautiful i am. and he really thinks that, too. grampy who pretends to ask me out on a bowling date...pretending he's this shy teenager. grampy who prays faithfully for me every day. grampy who tells me how sweet i am. grampy who loves God and has faithfully lead my entire family to follow Him as well. grampy, who every one at church knows because he loves them all and wants to meet each person that walks in the door. my grampy that i love more then i can express has cancer. with two tumors in two very bad places. i am eating the animal crackers that grammy and grampy just sent to me in the mail. they don't have a dime to their name, but they wanted to send me a bag of 2 pound animal crackers because they know how much i love them. each animal i eat makes me sadder and sadder. it makes me think, when the bag is gone...will grampy be too? so, yeah. grief reigns in my heart. the pain is physical. i wanted you to know because it's easy for me to stuff it. to bottle it up. to pretend it's fine. but i need you to pray. for grampy. for grammy. for my family. for me. i love you guys. thanks for being my family. ~abby

Worry

2005-11-22T14:02:00.000-06:00

What began as a small Bible study about “worry” to calm my nerves has turned into a soul-searching journey about serving two masters. Or, at the very least, ignoring the one Master who really matters. This was (sort of) a case of hearing something for the umpteenth millionth time and finally getting it and…it sent me on a voyage through the Bible to learn more. What I didn’t expect was to be dealing with the Holy Spirit in a very real, personal, and introspective way. I find myself in sort of a mid-life crisis at the moment. Let me share with you shortly so you have a background as to why I had been living in a state of worry for the past few months. My wife filed for divorce back in February and it is now finally going through (mid-November). She is taking the kids and moving an hour away. Most dads become “week-end dads” with a divorce, but I’ve been able to have my kids three days a week, plus every-other weekend. Now, I’m losing my kids possibly. My wife is also refusing to file taxes with me, which meant I had been staring at a $3,600 debt to Uncle Heinz (I live in Germany), as opposed to only $600. I am working a mid-night shift, post office job, which has me physically, mentally, and, quite literally, spiritually wasted. I am not sure what kind of job I’ll have within the next two years—do I have to go back to school, or do I end up at the post-office, or will I finally be able to get a teaching job? Top that off with my wife telling me I am only able to see the kids now when she sees fit, I guess you could say I’m not exactly having the greatest of months. We all have worries. Mine aren’t any worse or less than anybody else’s. People in New Orleans have legit worries. What about the people in Kashmir? China’s Christians? Moms and dads with sick newborns? The un-employed? We all have worries. But God tells us not to worry. Hmmm. Then why give us the worries is my first question. I don’t want to come off as “why worry, it’s all in God’s hands” type of person, or, worse yet, as someone who has everything under control. When it comes to worrying, I’m an expert I hate to admit. But here’s the deal, why should we worry? Most of the time we can’t do anything about our worries, anyway. And once we’ve done something about them, we can’t always change the course of action we’ve chosen. The worst part about typing the preceding sentences is that I, of all people, have the hardest time practicing such calmness. So, off to the Bible to calm my nerves. I went straight to Mathew 6. The Sermon on the Mount. I went directly to Christ’s “speech” on worry. I’ve heard it a thousand times before, but this time was different. It was as if the light in my head went off. Finally. In verses 25-34 we read the famous “Don’t Worry” passage. But how does it start out? “So, I tell you, don’t worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need…” (NCV, emphasis mine). Why would Christ say, “So, I tell you?” He’s in the middle of a conversation and he says, “so…” This tells us he was saying something important before hand. As it turns out, Christ had just been talking about the value of money. Or, more specifically, how we should value money. We should be putting our emphasis on God’s Kingdom and not putting our emphasis on everyday worries—once we start putting the emphasis on ourselves we start serving ourselves. And when we are worrying about our own financial plans/ideas we are then serving another master, other than Christ. And that’s not good. Christ’s main point was/is simply: deal with the problems of today and serving/obeying God and let God take care of the rest. Now I have some serious financial worries. They are legitimate. But this got me to thinking—or asking—could it be that serving another master (namely: us) is the cause of our worry. If we stay focused on God’s Kingdom then will our worries depart? Since we are roundaboutly taking about ourselves, let’s stay there. What do we know about us…about us in God’s care? In Psalm 139 we read about how God knows everything, how He knows all about us. Not only does He know our thoughts and actions, but David tells us that God “has His hand” on us! God knows where we are. He does! And He’s there! With us! But it gets better…or more complicated…or both. Tony Evans, in God is More Than Enough, points out that in Psalm 23 God leads us “in the paths of righteousness.” This means, that if we are truly following God, He will guide us through the right paths! He will put us right where He wants us. Before we get too happy…Evans points out that the very next verse (4) tells us that we will go through valleys. In this case, the Valley of the Shadow of Death. God will, at some point, lead us through valleys, through dark places. Don’t get scared. That’s David’s point…there’s no fear. Even the Paths of Righteousness lead through valleys…even the Valley of the Shadow of Death! EVEN IF we are following Him, He’s going to guide us through tough times. For example, look at Job. God points out Job to Satan. He turns Job over, in other words. He wants to test us. But why??? Why does God test us? It’s a test. A test of our faith. It’s a test of who we are! It is a test of our calling! And if we don’t step up, we are going to fail…and thus the worry. We are going to worry because we are going to be looking at ourselves and seeing that we can’t do it. But if we are focused on God and His Kingdom he’s going to take care of us—according to Mathew 6. Look at every major figure in the Bible. Look at their callings. Every person that God called for something great was tested. They were put through some sort of dark valley. Either God tested them or He allowed Satan to test them. Either way, God tested them to see if they were worth their calling. Israel was called to inherit a specific land. Their initial test was failed by ten spies. David was called to be king, hunted by a lion and a bear, fought a stinkin’ giant, then was immediately hunted by his predecessor. Abraham was to be the father of a great nation…then was asked to kill his only son, the only person who could continue this national, family tree. Moses was called to bring God’s people out of slavery; only to be tested by Pharaoh and millions of murmuring Israelites. Those may be the exceptions to the rule. I mean, they all might just be the cream of the crop. But doesn’t God give us a calling, too? Doesn’t God want us to do great things, too? I think so. No. I know so! God wants us to be a Royal Priesthood! He wants us to be co-rulers with him. In Malachi we read of a Book of Remembrance for those who do great things for God. A Holy Hall of Fame, so to speak! And that’s where the introspective look inside my soul began to be painful. I know God wants more out of me. I know He expects better from me. And here I am worrying about things. Why was I worrying? Because I took the focus off God and His Kingdom. By simply ignoring God and putting the focus on my circumstances I slowly began serving me. I was more worried or focused on myself and my surrounding situations. And as a result I began to stop serving God. I wasn’t necessarily serving Satan…but I wasn’t serving God. And, I ask, what is the difference? There are two camps in our lives. Both are spiritual. God’s Holy Camp vs. Satan’s Camp of Evil. We can only be in one. And if we choose a middle ground, then we are automatically in Satan’s camp. There is no middle ground. That’s where I was. I was taking my focus off of God and his provisions for me. I wasn’t allowing Jehovah Jireh to perform great things in my life. No. Sad to say, I let my everyday worries—most of which I can’t do much about anyway—take control. And this worry was a great tactic by Satan. You see, by letting one sin fester in my life, he was able to talk me into other sins. Yes, I’m responsible for my actions but he isn’t called the tempter or father of lies for nothing. One sin was in my heart and that helped pave the way for more sin to enter. I let sin enter my life because I refused to stay alert to Satan’s tactics. The result was a downward spiral of worry, seeking my own way out, letting sin enter other areas of my life, drowning God out, and, ultimately, disappointing my Heavenly Father who rewarded me with sleepless nights riddled with guilt. I write. I write a lot. I love to write. When I’m unable to write or have no desire to write is due to one of two things, or an odd combination of both. I’m either extremely tired or I’m not living my life like a Man of God should be. Through this process of being focused on me and wrestling with sin and having the Holy Spirit speak to the deepest parts of my heart I have learned to rely on Jehovah Jireh. I am slowly learning to let Jehovah, this Warrior of a God, lead me and let him take care of me.

Grandview Pictures

2005-11-09T10:14:00.000-06:00

Hey Grandview Seniors! We just want to put it out there that if any of you have any pictures you could send us, we'd love to get some up on here. Thanks!

Ephesians 3:17-21

2005-11-06T00:06:00.000-06:00

Jamie Miller from our conference in Ankeny, Iowa.

Ephesians 3:14-17

2005-10-24T21:56:00.000-06:00

Dan Shearer from our Ankeny, Iowa Conference.

Consumed Ankeny, Iowa...

2005-10-24T21:17:00.000-06:00

“I love the fact that I am completely forgiven through the blood of Jesus.” “My eyes were opened to know that the enemy does want to attack me, but I have victory in Christ.” “Abundant life starts now.” “Hearing all the names Scripture calls followers of God – Children of God, worshippers, saints, chosen ones, etc. impacted how I view myself in Christ.”

These are paraphrased responses by those that attended the Ankeny Conference this past weekend. We are so pleased and humbled to be used by God. With you partnering with us in prayer, we saw breakthrough in many lives. The kingdom advanced, the enemy was attacked, and God received glory. Thank you to those that committed to pray. It was a joy to tell the attendees there were saints praying for them literally all over the world. The entire conference was immersed in prayer. A technological blessing is you can experience some of the conference. Right now, one of the celebration time talks is posted on this blog. In the next couple of days, more talks and some of the live musical worship will be added led by Brad Kilman (who, by the way did an amazing job. We were so blessed to have him). Our podcasts are also up and running - so if you'd like to subscribe to our feed you can either a) look us up in itunes, or b) put this link in your pod program (http://feeds.feedburner.com/consumedministries). I want to thank Eric for all his work with sound, podcasting, powerpoint, and the fifty other things he did. Abby, you did a wonderful job with the prayer room. I could have stayed in there for a week. Dan, it is a joy to serve with you. I love your heart! Gretchen, you are my treasure. Thank you for everything you did that no one but our wonderful Father knew about. Lisa, thank you for sharing your gifting from God with us. Chuck, Dan, & Megan – thanks for your support from the Twin Cities. We were so glad to have you with us. Daylene, thanks for battling with us. Staffords, Frys, and all other friends in Des Moines – we couldn’t have done this without you. To all that gave financially to make this happen – “I pray blessings on you through the blood of Jesus.” We love you all. If I missed anyone, I blame tiredness and mental strain. “Not to us, but to your name be the glory.” Alive & free, Jamie

The Enemy

2005-10-23T14:04:00.000-06:00

Jamie Miller from our Consumed Conference in Ankeny, Iowa. October 23, 2005.

Ankeny Conference

2005-10-19T09:55:00.000-06:00

I can’t believe our first conference is 48 hours away. We are filled with many emotions – anticipation, nervousness, excitement, etc. At this point, all of the details are taken care of. We are prepared in that sense. My prayer is for our hearts. That they would be full and overflowing with a genuine, authentic love for God & people. Please pray for us in that regard. That are individual walks with Christ would be amazing these next couple of days. At the conference, we will be having a 24/7 Prayer Room available for everyone involved. The prayer room serves as a tangible, physical reminder to everyone that we promise to bath the entire conference in prayer. There will be people literally praying around the clock for all involved. Praying that God would open hearts & minds to the wonderful gift of abundant life available for them in knowing God intimately in a relational way. We would be honored to have you join us in this. We realize you can't physically be present in Des Moines (you are welcome to come!!!), but you can pray in your living room, bedroom, or prayer closet at home. It will give us great joy to let people at the conference know there are people praying for them all over the country & world. As a tangible way for us to know your praying, please feel free to reply to this E-mail and simply say, "I commit to pray for the conference over the weekend." Here is the schedule for the conference: Friday Evening: 5:30 – 6:30 – Oasis (Registration, walk through of conference, prayer room) 7:00 – 8:30 – Interactive Groups 8:45 – 10:15 – Celebration Time 10:30 – ??? – Late Night Saturday Morning: 8:30 – 9:45 – Interactive Group 9:45 – 10:15 – Continental Breakfast 10:15 – 11:30 – Interactive Group 11:45 – 1:00 – Celebration Time Thanks so much for partnering with us. May God’s Kingdom be advanced in Des Moines! All praise & glory to Him! Alive & free, Jamie

Eternal Life

2005-10-10T09:11:00.000-06:00

Often, we rob the true meaning of “eternal life” by limiting it to simply our future home in heaven. We believe eternal life begins in one of two places Christ’s return or our death. Again, this would be good enough. If this was the only offer on the table, I think I would accept it quickly. But we definitely were not meant to have abundant, eternal life here on earth, right? I mean we just need to toil on, “endure our hardships like a good soldier,” try not to sin, realize this life stinks, cognizant one day it will be worth it all. Amen brother! Well, actually that is dead wrong. I do not agree with that sort of logic one bit and even feel it is a travesty. It robs Christ of what he came to accomplish for us. John Eldridge speaks of this in Waking the Dead when he writes: “Jesus doesn’t locate his offer to us only in some distant future after we’ve slogged our way through our days here on earth. He talks about a life available to us in this age. So does Paul: ‘Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come’ (I Tim. 4:8). Our present life and the next. When we hear the words eternal life, most of us interpret that as ‘life that waits for us in eternity.’ But eternal means ‘unending,’ not ‘later.’ The Scriptures use the term to mean we can never lose it. It’s a life that can’t be taken from us. The offer is life, and that life starts now.” Does that mean we will not experience trials, temptation, and sufferings? NO! But I do believe we can experience abundant living in the midst of those experiences. At the point of salvation, we have an unending, overflowing, more that you can begin to comprehend or imagine life. That’s what I desire. That’s what you long for, isn’t it? Start believing that is what God desires for you. Jesus Christ is the Source. It’s one of the reasons He came. It’s the reason He was beaten, spit upon, crushed, bruised, mocked, slapped, and crucified. It’s the reason He conquered death and burst forth from the tomb. It’s yours! Claim it!

Welcome!

2005-10-04T11:20:00.000-06:00

Hello all! This blog is going to be a major tool for us to use in order to begin podcasting. We look forward to being able to share messages from our conferences and from other things that we do here in the Twin Cities. So keep your eyes peeled - we will begin 'casting' soon!