A Real Friend and Brother?

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) says, "There are 'friends' who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother." Seven-year-old Cayden is unable to walk or talk on his own, but his nine-year-old brother Conner had an idea that would allow them to participate in sports together. A year and a half ago, they began competing in triathlons together. Conner swims while pulling Cayden in a raft, bikes with his little brother towed behind him in a trailer, and pushes that trailer when they run. Over the past 18 months, the pair from White House, Tennessee, traveled up and down the East coast to compete in races. Seeing the brothers working together has inspired onlookers, while bringing Conner and Cayden closer than ever. Their amazing determination and spirit is why the Long brothers are the 2012 Sports Illustrated Kids SportsKids of the Year. Enjoy!!!

Wall of Misconception?

Liberty Magazine has been arguing for full religious freedom for any and all—and for the right to change your belief or to have none at all—for 106 years now. From the beginning its editors have argued for the separation of church and state: a constitutional mandate designed to protect religious freedom. But some even in America would want us to rethink this separation. Lincoln Steed, current editor of Liberty magazine, writes in a recent editorial (click here to read in its entirety) that he recently received a copy of a book entitled Wall of Misconception. It is a rethink of the separation of church and state, and a redux of the godly state. More and more voices like its author are crying, “If we just morally cleansed our nation—our world—then God would stay His hand.” There is a half-truth here: God wants willing obedience and will bless it—but I, like Lincoln Steed, cannot imagine any mandated worship being pleasing or effective.

Why? Because God loves you like crazy! And because He is love (1 John 4:7-8), He is not willing to coerce or force anyone to follow Him (though current leaders in Egypt who this week gave 15-year prison sentences to a woman and her seven children for converting to Christianity apparently don't feel the same way). But even in America, this kind of sincere but dangerous thinking is alive and well. In the same Liberty issue quoted above, another article details how a devout Christian named Michael Salman was fined more than $12,000 and sentenced to 60 days in jail for the “crime” of holding a weekly Bible study in his Phoenix, Arizona home. If you think armed police raids of his property, repeated warnings against holding any form of Bible study at his home, and a court-ordered probation banning him from having any gatherings of more than 12 people at his home sounds more like Egypt than Arizona, think again.

Yes, life is (usually) (for many of us in America at least) good. And even when its not (as Jesus predicted in Matthew 24:8,14), God is still good. And can bring good from evil (cf. Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). But Bergman had it right: God was not in the flagellant revivals, He was not in the witch hunts, He was not in the edicts of clergy or ruler—as always, He is found in the heart and the conscience of free individuals. And it is this freedom to love the God back who first loved us that we will be highlighting MAR 23 @ 11am and 2pm at Toledo First Church. Come meet Lincoln Steed and hear him share more fascinating stories of religious liberty concern from around the world.

Adapted from Lincoln Steed's editorial "Earth and Sky" found in the NOV/DEC 2012 edition of Liberty Magazine

Now What?

Well, the world didn't end on December 21st as the Mayans predicted. 2013 has arrived and the earth is still here "looking forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay (Romans 8:21).

As we begin a new year, I think of all the blessings God has given us through children. I love their enthusiasm to sing praise to Jesus. I love their willingness to actively participate and whole-heartedly worship. Whether it's singing the ABC's or doing the motions for our new fave songs "Side by Side" and I'm In The Lord's Army." I love walking through the halls of JMLC and TJA and hearing their laughter and greetings. They remind me of how I think God probably feels about us.

May God's grace save and make you more like Him this new year as we look forward to the day He returns. Whenever He does.

You Got That Wright?

Jeffrey Wright uses wacky experiments to teach children about the universe, but it is his own personal story that teaches them that God still loves like crazy. This guy is my new hero. Enjoy!!!

O Little Town of Bethlehem?

I love this look through modern Bethlehem interviewing Palestinians and Israelite's about Jesus. Take 5 minutes to enjoy!!!

2012 Fortune Christmas Card Quiz?

 
1. Which actually happened?
A. Lydia spent 2 days in the hospital for abdominal pain but is okay
B. Josh became a teenager
C. The kids did their homework without complaining
D. Both A and B

2. What did Mike’s church do this year to show people that God loves them like crazy?
A. Hosted internet safety and free computer classes for the community
B. Hosted Valentines for Toledo concert benefiting the School for Autistic Learners
C. Helped raise $18k to combat human trafficking in NW Ohio
D. All of the above
   

3. What did Mike do in 2012?
A. Joined the Executive Committee for the TV show Faith for Today
B. Attended Biker Camp Meeting without a motorcycle
C. Helped Haven of Hope make-over the homes and lives of two families in NW Ohio
D. All of the above


4. Jackie...
A. Loves her new job as a gastrointestinal nurse in the hospital
B. Saw Matthew West and Casting Crowns in concert
C. Got in a low speed fender-bender but is okay
D. All of the above

5. What was Joshua and Lydia’s favorite movie?
A. Brave
B. Wreck-It-Ralph
C. Dolphin Tale
D. All of the above


6. Joshua [age 13] loves:
A. Playing Minecraft on the computer
B. Reading the Owls of Ga’Hoole
C. 7th grade @ Toledo Junior Academy
D. All of the above



7. Lydia [age 10½] loves:
A. Sleeping with her nearly 1 year old black and white toy poodle Bianca (Barkley still sleeps with Josh)
B. Gymnastics at the Y
C. Her new braces
D. Both A and B


8. Mike & Jackie...
A. Made the kids wear our class jackets to our high school reunion
B. Took the kids camping in our new pop up
C. Took the kids to a Pathfinder Camporee
D. All of the above


9. Mike’s favorite books read include:
A. You Lost Me by David Kinnaman
B. Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg
C. Smart Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey and Greg Link
D. All of the above

10. What else did Mike’s church do?
A. Taught What Oliver Eats classes on health and wellness
B. Hosted a Kidz Crazy Car & Truck Show
C. Raised $1k for Hurricane Sandy Relief
D. All of the above

> 7 Fortunate—WTG!!!
> 5 Unfortunate—There’s no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1)
> 3 A misfortune—Better luck next year!

This Christmas Card is also available in color with pictures and links @ www.mike4tune.blogspot.com

➘  Please keep in contact!!!

facebook: mike4tune
iTunes: Toledo First
twitter: @mike4tune
website: tfsda.org

➘ Answers: They're all D!!!

Jesus Wept?

Our Heavenly Father, this morning our hearts are broken. As is yours. Once more, evil appears to triumph. And once more, lives have been lost. When Jesus was born, yes, the angels sang. And the shepherds rejoiced. But today we also remember that Matthew 2:18 says a voice was heard in Ramah weeping and mourning for her children and refusing to be comforted. Because when Jesus was born, children died when a mentally unstable man ordered their deaths in Bethlehem.

And again this week, when we should be singing and rejoicing about the birth of Jesus, instead we are mourning because adults and children died when another mentally unstable man killed kids in school. How long O Lord can we take this? How long O Lord can you? We know Scripture says in Ezekiel 33:11 that you take no delight in the death of the wicked, so we know you take no delight in the death of the innocent. But God, sometimes, all we can do cry.

So Emmanuel, come and comfort your people like you promised you would. Remind us that Jesus got angry at evil too. That you’re weeping with us. And that when we are weak, by God’s grace, we can be strong. In Jesus name, Amen.

Christmas Kept Right?

Recently, I reminded some children in a daycare that when Jesus was born, the wise men gave Him three gifts (Matthew 2:11). So I asked them if three Christmas gifts were enough for Jesus, would three Christmas gifts be enough for them as well. Surprisingly, most of them said yes! One said "no". So I asked how many would be enough, and he said 500! (I think he knew what I was going to say next). Christmas is about Jesus' birthday not yours. What if we taught our children this? And used any additional monies we've previously spent on ourselves at Christmas and donated it to a local non-profit organizations? Some of the faves I support include The Daughter Project (combating human trafficking in Toledo), The Eden Garden Orphanage (currently serving 37 orphans in Haiti), and Haven of Hope Toledo (making-over the homes and lives of people in NW Ohio one family at a time). If we did, years from now, would our children remember the Christ of Christmas more easily as adults? Would they become less materialistic? Would they learn to hold more loosely the things of this earth since their real home is in heaven? I hope so. Because Jesus has a wish list too. And one of them is to allow Him to be formed in each us including our children. Christmas kept right can help us do this.

The Serious Shepherd?

One of the most popular images of Jesus is as the "good shepherd" (cf. Psalm 23:1-3; John 10:14-15). And while that metaphor of a good shepherd carrying his lambs and gently leading the others to still waters certainly conveys the love God has for us, the "serious shepherd" should convey the same the thing. Because shepherd imagery was often used of kings. King Cyrus of Persia is called a shepherd in Isaiah 44:28. King David too in Psalm 78:71-72. Even the uninterested counselors of King Herod told him after their encounter with the wise men before Jesus was born that they should be looking for a serious shepherd king of Israel. In Matthew 2:6 they quoted Micah 5:2 saying, "Out of you [Bethlehem] will come a ruler who be the shepherd of my people."

Jesus readily embraced the serious shepherd role as well in Matthew 25:31-32 when he said, "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Which probably sounded to some an awful lot like what Ezekiel 34:17 said hundreds of years earlier. "And as for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says to his people: I will judge between one animal of the flock and another, separating the sheep from the goats."

As we near Christmas, and remember that Jesus came the first time to lead us like a good shepherd, it would be wise of us to remember that one day soon He will be returning as our serious shepherd. To finish what He started. And reward those who have been his good and faithful servants. Isaiah 40:10 says it this way, "Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Aren't you glad Jesus is a good but serious shepherd?

For more info on Jesus as shepherd, see the book Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus p.46

The Future of Education?

This 10 min video suggests that in the year 2020, most colleges and universities could no longer exist. Tuition becomes obsolete. And degrees irrelevant. Even if the dates and details are wrong, this is the direction education is going. How will we adjust?

Angus' New Lane?

Angus T. Jones has been playing Jake Harper on the hit CBS sitcom Two-and-a-Half Men since he was 8 years old. During that time, he has literally grown up on stage. And while too many other actors to count with similar backgrounds have self-destructed due to fame and fortune, Jones has not. One reason he hasn't is because throughout this time, his parents sent him to Christian schools where he learned more and more about Jesus in every class. As he grew, this good foundation helped him avoid the pitfalls of sexual promiscuity (he admits he is still a virgin) and alcohol (though he admits to struggling with other drugs while dealing with his parents divorce).

But another reason he is doing so well, especially recently, is because he started attending the Valley Crossroads Adventist Church in Pacoima, CA - the "Friendliest Church in the San Fernando Valley." In it, Jones was welcomed. And felt the presence of God speaking to him through the Bible (one of his fave memory verses at the moment is Romans 11:33-35) and through the pastor and through the people. Months later, but prior to his high school graduation in June 2012, he was baptized and officially joined the Adventist Church. Where he now spends his time on Saturdays worshiping God while returning on Monday and Thursday evenings learning how to give Bible studies and share his suddenly meaningful relationship with Jesus.

On October 8, 2012, his 19th birthday, he visited the Adventist Media Center in Simi Valley, CA and videotaped his testimony. Where in it he gives all the glory to God and like the sprinter Michael Johnson, promises to "stay in my lane" as he fulfills his final contract year on Two-and-a-Half Men. Click here to watch the entire 30 minute interview here. Click here to listen to a 15 minute audio segment also recorded in the Adventist Media Center (the pic above is not a video). Click here to read a Christianity Today online interview. Click here to read a piece on Jones' mentor. Click here to read a disclaimer re:Jones' mentor. And click here to read an insightful commentary on how ironic it is that the media prefer Charlie Sheen's antics to Angus' faith.

Valentines for Toledo?

Please save the date FEB 16 @ 7pm for the FREE Valentines for Toledo benefit concert. This year, the intermission LOVE offering will benefit Haven of Hope Toledo, Inc - a nonprofit organization determined to makeover the homes and often the lives of the neediest "least of these" in NW Ohio.

Scott Michael Bennett will be our musical guest. He is an Adventist Christian young man with a great story and even better voice. He sounds sort of like Josh Groban but unlike Groban, gives all the glory to God!!!

Your friends, family, and neighbors will fall in love with his music. Take a listen below.

Die Singing?

The history books make little mention of this priest and scholar who lived 100 years before Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Yet, John Hus was convinced and taught openly that the Bible should be presented in the language of the people, that salvation comes by faith in Jesus, and the Word of God is the final authority. He died singing on July 6, 1415.

Star of Film Fest?

DYK that Satan / Lucifer, Jesus, and John Wycliffe are called The Morning Star? The first reference to the morning star as an individual is in Isaiah 14:12: “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” (NIV). The KJV and NKJV both translate “morning star” as “Lucifer, son of the morning.” It is clear from the rest of the passage that Isaiah is referring to Satan’s fall from heaven. Jesus Himself confirms this explanation in Luke 10:18. So in this case, the morning star refers to Satan.

But in Revelation 22:16, Jesus unmistakably identifies Himself as the Morning Star. As does 2 Peter 1:19 and Revelation 2:28. Why was Jesus also identified this way? I believe it's because Jesus is the fulfillment of Numbers 24:17 where it was prophesied that "a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel." Jesus was that star! 2 Peter 1:9 adds, "We have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts."

Because of his loyalty to the Word summarized by sola Scriptura and his insistence on justification by grace alone, John Wycliffe prefigured a couple hundred years earlier than Luther the great Protestant Christians Reformation principles. And in doing so, this "morning star of the Protestant Reformation" pointed people to the Bible which as Peter revealed, also points people to THE Morning Star, the TRUE light of the world, Jesus (John 1:9). Bring a friend to Connections Prayer Service on DEC 8 @ 5pm to learn more about this brave follower of Jesus. Free hot drinks and snacks and discussion afterward available.  You do NOT have to be a member of Toledo First Church to participate.

Give Thanks?

A GREAT Thanksgiving prayer (by Cindi McMenamin). Enjoy!!!

Thank you, God, for this food we are about to eat. And thank You for Your many blessings on us this past year...the ones we've seen, as well as the ones we haven't seen.

Thank you, God for the times You have said "no." They have helped us depend on You so much more.

Thank you, God, for unanswered prayer. It reminds us that You know wha

t's best for us, even when our opinion differs.

Thank You for the things you have withheld. You have protected us from what we may never realize.

Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented us from going where You would rather not have us go.

Thank you, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in our lives. It has helped us more closely relate to Your sufferings on our behalf.

Thank you, Lord, for the alone times in our lives. Those times have forced us to lean in closer to You.

Thank you, God, for the uncertainties we've experienced. They have deepened our trust in You.

Thank You, Lord, for the times You came through for us when we didn't even know we needed a rescue.

Thank You, Lord, for the losses we have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are our greatest gain.

Thank You, God, for the tears we have shed. They have kept our hearts soft and moldable.

Thank You, God, for the times we haven't been able to control our circumstances. They have reminded us that You are sovereign and on the throne.

Thank You, God, for Your ability to take what we consider 'tragedy' and turn it into a treasure.

Thank You, God, for those You have allowed to pass from us. Their absence from this earth reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven.

Thank You, God, that we have an inheritance in the heavenly places...something that this world can never steal from us and we could never selfishly squander.

Thank You, God, for the greatest gift You could ever give us: forgiveness through Your perfect Son's death on the cross on our behalf.

Thank you, God, for the righteousness You credited toward us, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's a righteousness we could never attain to on our own.

And thank You not only for our eternal salvation, but for the salvation You afford us every day of our lives as You save us from ourselves, our foolishness, our own limited insights, and our frailties in light of Your power and strength.

Thank You, God, for all that You have allowed and not allowed in our lives this past year. For we commit our lives anew to You this day and ask that You would continue to remind us, throughout this next year, that You are God, You are on the throne, and You are eternally good.

Thank You, finally, that we can pray in the name of Jesus, who made our access to You—and a personal relationship with You—possible. Amen.

Adrenaline Rush?

The 1954 British Empire games, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, provide remarkable illustration of Hebrews 12:1-2. The mile race that was held there is considered to be one of the greatest races—perhaps the greatest race—of all time. It pitted the two fastest men in the world over one mile—Roger Bannister and John Landy.

Following his usual approach, Landy started fast. Unlike most runners, Landy's method was to move to the head of the pack early and by the sheer power of his physique outlast the other runners, who would reserve strength for a final thrust at the tape. The race was clearly between Bannister and Landy. Soon the other runners were dropping back, leaving Landy out front, with Bannister well behind him. At the end of each quarter mile, the times were announced, and with each declaration, the stands rocked. Landy and Bannister were setting a blazing pace, one that would surely set a new world record. But who would get to the tape first?

So the runners came to the final lap, the final quarter mile. Landy was in front, ahead of Bannister, as he had been throughout the race. Ahead of him stretched the tape, looming closer and closer. Somewhere behind him was Bannister. And then a deafening roar arose in the stands. Landy knew what it meant: Bannister was making his last desperate effort to catch Landy! The tape at the finishing line was getting closer and closer and the roar from the crowd louder and louder. Landy knew that Bannister in his last great effort was catching up. But where was he? Just before the tape, Landy turned his head to he could see just where Bannister was. And Bannister, seizing the psychological moment, threw himself past Landy on the other side and just beat him to the tape! A statue in Vancouver memorializes the moment. It shows one runner touching the tape while the other, just a tad behind him, turns his head (source: William Johnson, The Abundant Life Bible Amplifer: Hebrews).

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) says, "Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame." Verse 3 in The Message says, "When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

Response of the Century?

News outlets called it Frankenstorm and The Storm of the Century (though it has some stiff competition). And indeed, the damage from Hurricane Sandy has been catastrophic to New York, New Jersey and even parts of West Virginia. Hundreds of miles away residents along the shores of Lake Erie were experiencing shoreline flooding.

In response, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America pulled $500k from their reserves and with additional monies collected NOV 10 from a special offering from local conferences and churches across America, the contribution to Adventist Community Services (ACS) will exceed $1 million. During December in Toledo First Church, we'll be collecting an additional offering each week for further ACS Sandy Relief.

And while that's not insignificant, it's about the same as the amounts much larger companies like Apple, Coach, Disney, FedEx, Gap, JPMorgan Chase, and others contributed to the Red Cross which has helped them raise over $131 million so far in Sandy relief. But, it's significantly less than the monies other nonprofit organizations raising money for relief efforts have received. The Salvation Army has received more than $5 million in donations made online, by phone and by mail. Feeding America has brought in $1.2 million in financial contributions and 150 truckloads of food, which it said will go to food banks in impacted areas. Donations for Sandy are still well behind the funds raised during international disasters like the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan last year and the earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010. During the entire recovery periods for those events, the Red Cross raised a total of about $302 million for Japan, and $475 million for Haiti.

So far, the "storm of the century" has not motivated the "response of the century" either by the church or by secular companies. Which got me thinking: Is there an amount those affected would recognize from a church / business / NGO as indicative of "a response of the century"? And if so, how much would it be? Would such an amount help people remember the givers a year later when they get an invitation to some public evangelistic meetings taking place in NYC in 2013? Guess we'll see.

Social Media?

DYK that over 50% of the world's population is under 30 years old? And that social media has become the #1 activity online even though most of it isn't even allowed in China - currently the most populated country in the world? DYK that only 69% of parents are "friends" with their children online? And that 93% of businesses use social media for marketing because 90% of people trust peer recommendations while only 14% of people trust Madison Avenue? DYK that only 39% of churches use social media and of those churches who do, only 30% use Twitter? (these last two stats come from Buzzplant Pulse, How Churches and Their Members Use Social Media, Franklin, TN: Buzzplant, July 2010, p.6 not the video below). How can you help?
 

Accountability Questions?

John Wesley died on March 2, 1791 in his eighty-seventh year. As he lay dying, his friends gathered around him. Wesley grasped their hands and said repeatedly, "Farewell, farewell." At the end, he said "The best of all is, God is with us." He lifted his arms and raised his feeble voice again, repeating the words, "The best of all is, God is with us."

A pastor friend recently shared with me some questions he learned the late great John Wesley asked of those in his small groups. Is there a place for these kinds of questions in the small groups you frequent? Are you the kind of friend who would sit with someone dying just to be there with them? How can we help others know that "best of all, God is with us?"

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? 3. Do I confidentially pass onto another, what was told me in confidence? 4. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits? 5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? 6. Did the Bible live in me today? 7. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday? 8. Am I enjoying prayer? 9. When did I last speak to someone about my faith? 10. Do I pray about the money I spend? 11. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? 12. Do I disobey God in anything? 13. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy? 14. Am I defeated in any part of my life? 15. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful? 16. How do I spend my spare time? 17. Am I proud? 18. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisee who despised the publican? 19. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I going to do about it? 20. Do I grumble and complain constantly? 21. Is Christ real to me?

Grace Abounds More?

I LOVE this website http://www.revivalorriots.org/ with its sweet T's and hoodies. Enjoy!!!