The first 6 weeks

This is a bit overdue of an update, but I know a decent number of folks have been wondering about how things have been going at church.  One of the areas that we put a good bit of time and effort into was sending out a mass mailing of flyers.  The flyers were put together by a friend in Alabama (to whom we owe a great deal of thanks!!) and they turned out great.  We sent nearly 12,000 to the immediate area surrounding the church (and didn't touch anywhere near as much as we wanted to due to cost restrictions).  The reply to these has been great.

 We've received good feedback and the vast majority of our visitors have come via the mailings.  Even for those who haven't come, there is now a good amount of name recognition.  Folks in our core group share stories about how they meet people, talk about church, and when they tell the name the reply is:  "Oh, I've heard of that...I saw their flyer."

However, more importantly the first 6 weeks of worship at Living Hope have been highly encouraging.  The core group of people who started this with us labor weekly to get things set up and torn down; they are some of the friendliest people - always welcoming visitors.  I have been greatly encouraged by our worship services.  I am enjoying preaching through 1 Peter and even leading the music (though I would gladly give that up if the Lord were to bring someone else who could lead).

We have had some families join with us beyond the original group.  Each one has their own story and perhaps I'll ask one to share sometime.  My big prayer now is to continue to see new people come.  In that it is to see my heart grow stronger for people to hear the gospel and experience the true and living hope that comes by grace through Jesus Christ.

One exciting perk of worshiping at a local elementary school is we get to be a part of the community.  We don't want to simply use the school on Sunday and have no impact there.  We want the community we are in to flourish.  More than that we want our deeds to point people to the gospel of grace.  As I have been preaching through 1 Peter I think about part of the text I am on for this very week:  Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.  (1 Pet 2:12)  I want the school, the community, to see the good deeds of our church so that it would glorify God - mostly in that they would ask about the hope we have and why we do what we do and we can give the reason - the grace of God!  This Saturday we have 4 people helping out at a Santa Breakfast that very possibly would have been cancelled without these volunteers.  We look forward to more of these small ways we can serve, but make a difference and in that point people to God's great grace.

        ¹⁷     If the Lord had not been my help, 

           my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. 

¹⁸  When I thought, “My foot slips,” 

your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. 

¹⁹  When the cares of my heart are many, 

your consolations cheer my soul.  (Ps. 94:17-19)

I am not currently in the midst of what the Psalmist was experiencing - that of evildoers at work against him - taunting and persecuting.  However, these words are so powerful and real.  "If the Lord had not been my help..." - but the amazing reality is that for the child of God, He is!!  He is our help.  He is our security.  He is our treasure.  His steadfast love holds us up.  His consolations do cheer the soul.  Think of what he has done for you child of God.  Ponder the grace that has been bestowed on you through the sacrificial love of Christ.  

As I have been preaching through 1 Peter it has been so refreshing to read how Peter encouraged his readers in the midst of severe trials.  He starts his letter in such a majestic manner.  The verses below are actually what inspired the name of our church plant.  Read through them slowly and ponder what Peter writes.  (If you want to hear my sermon on this go here and pick the one on 1 Peter 1:3-5)  

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (1 Peter 1:3-5)

We have been born again to a living hope, to an inheritance that will never and can never be destroyed, that has not and cannot be defiled, and that will never lose its majestic beauty.  Not only that but it is kept for believers, who themselves are guarded by the God of grace.  

Let these consolations cheer your soul daily.  Let the gospel bring refreshment all your days.  

A quick update

A banner for our church made by our good friend
Cardinal Signs in Gainesville, Florida.

I just wanted to give a quick update about our family and what is going on.  The biggest news we have is that our first worship service as Living Hope was this past Sunday (the 14th).  One of my biggest prayers was that I would be able to focus on it being a worship service and actually worship rather than focus on the details and making sure everything went off without a hitch.  Praise the Lord, I was able to do just that.  I know that many people were praying for me (and I had sent out an email asking that specific request on Saturday - and was greatly encouraged by the many quick replies saying that people were praying) and the work of the Holy Spirit was evident.

Anna by one of our signs.

It was a great service.  We had some guests, not a ton, but we did have some and we are continuing to pray for more to come.  I am beginning a sermon series through 1 Peter and am greatly enjoying my time in that book.  This week my sermon text is 1 Peter 1:3-5:

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope 

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

  ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 

⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

This is an amazing text of Scripture and was actually the main thrust behind the name of our church.  It is so comforting that our hope is solid and sure.  There are so many things that we can put our hope in that are fading, that defile, that perish - but our hope as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ will never fail.    Place your hope fully in Him today - let it grow as it is a living hope.  And please, continue to pray for Living Hope that we would reach many in our community who do not know the Lord and show them what a true and living hope is all about.  

Not surprised...so I'm pressing on

This would be an easy week to pack things in.  What do I mean?  I mean it's been a rough week (even so far) - and I'm not surprised in the least.  The reason I'm not is that in a week and a half we launch Living Hope.  We are starting a new outpost for the Kingdom of God.  We are starting a place where the invisible Kingdom of God will hopefully be made more visible and where people will hear the good news of the gospel!

Why would I be surprised that Erin's mom would have a major surgery scheduled this week and that there have now been some complications?  Why would I be surprised that in our Core Group we have husbands out of town, sickness, and a host of other things thrown our way?  Why would I be surprised that in a week where we have our friend Marc Champagne (of Redeemer Church in Mason) preaching for me and where I was supposed to be able to get extra work done that our family has been really busy (Erin, Reed, and Meredith went up to Cleveland for her mom's surgery) and I have been hit with a terrible cold that is knocking me out?  Why would I be surprised that there are plenty of other things besides the church that are screaming for my attention?

As I said, I'm not surprised.  That doesn't necessarily make it smooth sailing.  It's still difficult when Erin's computer decides to fry the hard drive.  Sickness is still no fun.  However, when I take a step back and reflect and gain some perspective I see that this is nothing more than spiritual warfare.  Yes, I'm sure some of it is a product of the fall and that things break and we get sick, but the timing is impeccable.  I need my heart focused right now on my callings as husband, father, and pastor/church planter and with all else that is going on that is a bit more difficult.  However, I know that the Lord will sustain and I can rely on him.  Even as I write this I'm processing what is going on in life right now.  I appreciate your prayers for me, my family, and this church plant.

I'm sure it's also not coincidence that I'll be starting to preach through 1 Peter on the 14th.  There is much in there about suffering and perseverance and setting your hope fully on the One who can and will sustain and care for you.  It is a book of hope because of our Savior.  

The reality is I have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading kept in heaven for me (1 Peter 1:3,4).  I may be experiencing things breaking now, things fading, but what the Lord has done for me will never fade, never fail, never be defiled!  That is hard to comprehend, but it's well worth the attempt!  I am laboring for an inheritance that is guaranteed and one which many do not yet know but need to hear.  May God sustain me, my family, and our church to spread the news of this great hope that will never fade, be defiled, or fail to our community! 

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you,

 as though something strange were happening to you. 

¹³ But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, 

that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  

(1 Peter 4:12, 13)

It's been different lately...and I long for final change!

Sorry that I haven't posted in quite some time, but aside from the busyness of the church plant, our family has changed. Just over two weeks ago we brought a sweet little 19 month old boy home from Children's Hospital.  The reason we brought him from there is because he had been in for 10 days for an infection.  He unfortunately knows that hospital all too well as he has cystic fibrosis.  Before we got him, we didn't know much about this disease, but we are learning quickly and we still have a lot to learn.  If you want to know more about the disease the best place to go is here.  (Sorry no picture right now...not positive the rules for foster children...I'll figure that out and get one up...he's absolutely adorable!!!)

As I was typing I had to head back upstairs because he started crying.  For him, when he does that after being put to bed it is not because he woke up, but because something hurts.  He has a tendency to vomit what he just ate...especially if he burps and coughs at the same time.  The trouble with that (besides the sheer grossness) is that he needs more calories than most kids.  It goes with the disease.  It's so hard to see this precious little boy like this.  When I get him in the morning and his lungs have gathered more mucus, he coughs and turns red and shakes.  It's so hard to watch!

As I was holding him tonight I just kept praying and hoping that God would do something.  Why is this little boy's body so broken?!  Why does he have to have this?  Why doesn't God come back and put it all right?  It makes me long for heaven.  Maybe that's part of this little boy's role in my life - to help me long for heaven...to long for completeness...to long for a world where there is no sin, no death, no mourning, no crying, no vomiting, no cystic fibrosis!!

Read Revelation 21.  Long for God.  Long for His return. Long for no more sickness.  

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ² And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ⁴ He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

⁵ And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ⁶ And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. ⁷ The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.   (Revelation 21:1-7)

Stepping out because we are not alone

³⁴ And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? ³⁷ For what can a man give in return for his soul? ³⁸ For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”  (Mark 8:34-38)

These words are always a challenge to read.  Sometimes I think - "I'm doing that...stepping out in faith, moving my family, planting a church - starting something new and scary."  Then I think how well we have it.  Sure, we are still raising support in a bad economy.  Yes, we don't have a church yet (though things are moving along and we have even started informal Sunday morning worship).  But we are still so very blessed and loved.  I don't think my wife and I have ever really lacked for anything.  Our parents love us and have shown that for years by providing for us in so many ways...and we are grateful!  

Recently though, we have been on a journey that has included foster care.  We have done respite once and then had a little boy for nearly a month.  It was hard for us when he left, but we were glad to provide for him a loving home while we could.  It hasn't been an easy journey as we get a good number of calls about kids in need that we haven't been able to say yes to,...until now.  Though it's not completed yet, it looks like next week we will be bringing home a young boy with cystic fibrosis.  He is adorable and sweet, but he's also alone.  He has bounced around and he needs a home.  Erin and I have cried over the thought of a young child being homeless.  It's just not right!!  It's not the way things are supposed to be.  And we believe God has tugged on our hearts to provide that home.  Honestly, I'm scared of what it's going to be like.  I'm already feeling quite busy and full with a church plant...and now we'll be adding a child we know little about with a disease we know less about (though we are learning quickly).  

I have much more I could say, but I want to end with the lyrics to a song by Andrew Peterson.  The whole cd released last week sometime and these words in particular have brought tears to my wife's eyes and much comfort to my heart.  The thought that we are not alone - that Christ is always with us is amazing, and it's always good to be reminded.  But when we coupled that with the thought of this little boy being alone we knew we had to act.  Even though it will mean sacrifice for us and surely hard times, we can't deny God's call.  The words of Jesus never said it would be easy and I'm sure some people think we are crazy, but God's way doesn't seem normal to the world.  He calls us to lose our lives in order to gain them.  I don't want to ignore His harder words like these and this is one way I believe we can follow them...this child needs a home and I'm happy to be seen as crazy to lose my life and my comfort to provide that home for this boy.    

Rest Easy

Andrew Peterson

You are not alone
I will always be with you
Even to the end

You don’t have to work so hard

You can rest easy

You don’t have to prove yourself

You’re already mine

You don’t have to hide your heart

I already love you

I hold it in mine

So you can rest easy

Do not be afraid

Nothing, nothing in the world

Can come between us now

You don’t have to work so hard

You can rest easy

You don’t have to prove yourself

You’re already mine

You don’t have to hide your heart

I already love you

I hold it in mine

So you can rest easy

You work so hard to wear yourself down

And you’re running like a rodeo clown

You’re smiling like you’re scared to death

You’re out of faith and all out of breath

You’re so afraid you’ve got nowhere left to go

Well, you are not alone

I will always be with you

You don’t have to work so hard

You can rest easy

You don’t have to prove yourself

You’re already mine

You don’t have to hide your heart

I already love you

I hold it in mine

You can rest easy

Good music is good for the soul

I've had this cd by Josh Garrels for quite some time, but recently added a few of the songs on it to my running mix (and to Erin's for that matter).  As we are both running more (we believe we are training for the Indy Monumental Half-Marathon in November) we have heard the song "Beyond the Blue" a bit more lately.  This morning these words struck me from the second stanza:  To keep on course from the bow to the stern and throw overboard every selfish concern that tries to work for what can't be earned.  Those words remind me of so many from Scripture passages: Ephesians 2:1-10 and Philippians 3:8-11 as just two examples.  

Our default mode as human beings is self-justification.  Deep inside we don't like grace because we want to have earned everything we have received.  It doesn't work that way with the gospel.  It is a gift, and thank the Lord it is because without that gift we would be in deep trouble.  And when we try to work for what can't be earned we are just fooling ourselves and don't realize who we are or who the Lord is.  Last night we studied Psalm 103 in our small group and verses 14-17 were a focus.  God knows who we are...he knows we are but dust and we fade like the glory of the flower.  We are incapable of effecting our own salvation...BUT the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him...Glorious words from a glorious God.  

Enjoy this song and pray with me that we can learn to throw overboard the ways we try to work for what cannot be earned!!

Beyond the Blue  

(Click on the title to go to Josh Garrels website and to hear the song)

Stand on the shores of a site unseen 

The substance of this dwells in me 

Cause my natural eyes only go skin deep 

But the eye’s of my heart anchor the sea 

Plumbing the depths to the place in between 

The tangible world and the land of a dreams 

Because everything ain’t quite it seems 

There’s more beneath the appearance of things 

A beggar could be king within the shadows, 

Of a wing 

And wisdom will honor everyone who will learn 

To listen, to love, and to pray and discern 

And to do the right thing even when it burns 

And to live in the light through treacherous turns 

A man is weak, but the spirit yearns 

To keep on course from the bow to the stearn 

And throw overboard every selfish concern 

That tries to work for what can’t be earned 

Sometimes the only way to return is to go, 

Where the winds will take you 

And to let go, of all, you cannot hold onto 

For the hope, beyond,the blue 

Yellow and gold as the new day dawns 

Like a virgin unveiled who waited so long 

To dance and rejoice and sing her song 

And rest in the arms of a love so strong 

No one comes unless they’re drawn 

By the voice of desire that leads em’ along 

To the redemption of what went wrong 

By the blood that coveres the innocent one 

No more separation 

Between us. 

So lift your voice just one more time 

If there’s any hope may it be a sign 

That everything was made to shine 

Despite what you can see 

So take this bread and drink this wine 

And hide your spirit within the vine 

Where all things will work by a good design 

For those who will believe 

And let go, of all, we cannot hold onto 

For the hope, beyond, the blue 

Said I let go, of all, I could not hold onto 

For the hope, I have, in you

The time is drawing near...

I realize it has been a decent bit of time since I last wrote, but that is not for a lack of material.  It has simply been that I haven't been able to get to the blog.  We have a great deal of things going on.  The family has started school (under the tutelage of their very capable and beautiful teacher!), the church plant is moving along rapidly, and along with that it feels like fall is quickly approaching (yeah for the cooler weather and open windows!).

On the family front, we are doing well.  We made it to Cleveland and even to Pennsylvania to see some good friends.  We are trying to squeeze in some late trips to Kings Island to make use of our passes.  We just had a "Back to School Splash Party" in our backyard on Sunday featuring a blow up slide and a 40' long homemade slip and slide that I must say rocked!  By the end of the afternoon it was torn up, but boy did the neighborhood kids have a blast.

The day before Erin and I got to go to the Western & Southern Open (tennis tourney) for the second year in a row.  We went with Erin's sister, brother-in-law, and brother to the men's semifinals and we watched Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer both win their matches.  We even garnered a few minutes of "fame" by being behind the interview desk of ESPN.  I was right in between Brad Gilbert and Djokovic (there was a video on Saturday, but I can't find it now...oh well, guess the ten seconds of "fame" is long gone now). It was great to watch and just a great venue to be at with family.

On the church front we have been busy.  I have been working hard on getting financial and administrative things in order (bank accounts, incorporation, etc...), we have had two Informational Meetings, we passed out school supplies at a local apartment complex (which was great), and we are one week away from beginning Sunday morning worship with our core group.  I am working on various preaching topics and series, Life Group material, and much more.  It is keeping me busy and sometimes a wee bit stressed out, but I am trying to learn better how to trust God through the whole process.

On the personal and ministry front, tonight our Life Group is studying Psalm 37 and there is such a dramatic contrast between the life of the righteous and that of the wicked.  The language in this psalm has helped many for centuries.  I love how the Psalms speak to real life because I know that I need to hear over and over again the words:

Trust in the LORD, and do good;

dwell in the land and befriend (or cultivate) faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act...

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him...

The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;

he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

The LORD helps them and delivers them;

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.

I could spend a great deal of time talking through this Psalm because of its richness in grace and the power of God, but I will move on because there is a connection with Mark 12:24.  In this text Jesus has been asked a question by the Sadducees to trip him up.  This is his response to them:

Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are wrong,

because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?"

What an indictment against people who were "experts" in the Scripture.  The reality is they didn't truly know Scripture though because they didn't see Christ and his grace woven throughout the entirety of Scripture.  They didn't seek to know Scripture in order to know and experience the power of God, but to better themselves, or to be able to be right.  

I want to know Scripture because I want to know God.  I want to want that more.  God is the gospel and he is beautiful.  I want to experience that beauty more and more each day.  Pray for me.  Pray that I am patient to experience the best rather than settle for something else that doesn't really satisfy and isn't true power.  God is good and I want to know him and his goodness intimately.  Pray that for yourself too...may we be people who know the Scriptures AND the power of God!!

God pushing me to trust across the board

The latest book that I have been reading is Love Walked Among Us by Paul Miller.  It has been an excellent book and another that I highly recommend.  When I was at the PCA's General Assembly in June I volunteered at the prayer booth and met Paul and more of the staff of SeeJesus.  They are a great group of folks and another book I would highly recommend is A Praying Life, also by Miller.  But I digress.

This book focuses on the ministry of Jesus, and in particular how he loves. It is likely one of those books that I'll have to read multiple times in order to get the full force out of it.  However, it has been quite profitable and challenging in how I love and don't love so well.  I'm mostly done with the book and I won't rehash the earlier chapters, but the topic I just finished was that love depends on God.  Miller takes multiple chapters fleshing out this concept.  He then moves into the fact that love is energized by faith.  The way Jesus pushes his disciples to trust him and stop looking to themselves is quite challenging and refreshing.  I'm not actually called to do things on my own apart from him.  Miller uses the stories of Jesus feeding large crowds with meager (visible) resources.  Here he illustrates that Jesus himself will give us the ability to love.  One of the more challenging chapters was that faith requires losing control.  Personally I like control, though I don't like the thought of failing...which happens when you lead and are in control.  However, failure happens though not by being weak, but by trying to be strong.  After feeding the crowds Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees.  They don't get it.  They don't understand what he is saying to them.  Miller writes:  "...Jesus is not upset about the missing bread, nor is he upset that they misunderstood him.  Jesus is upset that when faced with a need, the disciples looked to themselves instead of turning to him....They're behaving as if Jesus is powerless to help them." (p. 176)

I think about this on many levels.  I'm still working through having a foster child leave our home last week.  I hope and pray that he is in the best place (though wishing he were still here) and I'm simply not sure of that.  That makes it hard.  I want to help.  I want to have some control in the situation...and my guess is that I struggle most because I don't have control.  It is actually gently reminding me that I really don't have control at all.  Though my kids live in my house, I really don't have control over them.  And when I think about that in a proper perspective (I think it's proper) it is quite comforting.  Because I know that my actions are not consistent.  My holiness is not where I want it to be and that affects my kids.  But I can also rest in the fact that God is in control.  Yes, he calls me to repent and believe the gospel; to model that to my kids; to live sacrificially for my family...but I must always rest in his good and gracious character and plan.  I believe, help my unbelief.  

God has never failed to be gracious to me and my family.  No matter the difficulty of the situation (and by comparison to so many Christians in the world our difficulty has been slight), he is good.  Psalm 34 is such a good reminder of all these truths.  The eyes of the Lord are toward his children...he is open to their cries.  I want to cry more.  I want to cry for the Lord to break me of my desire for control and the fleeting comfort I get from that.  

Sorry if this has been a bit jumbled, there is a lot going on in my head.  Our church has a picnic this Saturday and prior to that we are handing out school supplies in an area that finds it more difficult to get all the needed supplies.  We have another informational meeting coming up in two weeks and there is much going on.  Thank you for your prayers.    

Not sure what to think...

Today has been a long day...and in many ways it isn't over yet.  We started off early heading to Cincinnati Children's Hospital with Reed for corrective eye surgery.  After the morning there we headed home with Reed pretty much out of it, but doing well.  The doctor told us that the surgery went well, but we won't truly know the results of the realignment for 4-6 weeks.

And in other news we were told that the boy who has been staying with us in foster care is leaving tomorrow morning.  As I wrote elsewhere - I'm not sure I know what to think about this yet.  I know my emotions aren't really there and I don't believe Erin's are either.  We know that we can trust God in all of this, though that doesn't necessarily make it easier.

I will write more in the next day or so as I get to reflect on all that has happened.  Thanks.

Trying not to sweat the things I can't control

Being a perfectionist is hard...or is it difficult?  I should look that up.  At the moment our church plant is in the process of a lot of work, much that is very detailed.  One item that is occupying a good amount of time is an upcoming Informational Meeting (I know...a pretty lame name but I'm not sure what else to call it).  On the 19th of this month we will have a meeting for people to come and learn more about our church.  I'm praying for 20 new people to come and hear what God is doing.
One aspect of this process is publicizing the event.  Now, I like to tell people what we are doing and having a conversation is great; but I have less graphical ability than most 8 year-old's.  Our resident graphic designer got a pass for this event as she just returned from a summer overseas and needs some time off.  However, this left the design in my hands or my wife's.  No one else in our group has any graphics ability either.  As we were working on it I felt myself getting more and more stressed.  My thoughts were not very positive.  I didn't verbalize them too much, but it was clear I was bumming over our "uncool" flyer.  Erin thankfully intervened and called me out a wee bit.  I then grabbed my Bible and said "I just need some time alone right now."  So I went upstairs and opened up my Bible.  Here is what I read.


            1       For God alone my soul waits in silence; 
      from him comes my salvation. 
            2       He alone is my rock and my salvation, 
      my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. 


            3       How long will all of you attack a man 
      to batter him, 
      like a leaning wall, a tottering fence? 
            4       They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. 
      They take pleasure in falsehood. 
                  They bless with their mouths, 
      but inwardly they curse. Selah 


            5       For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, 
      for my hope is from him. 
            6       He only is my rock and my salvation, 
      my fortress; I shall not be shaken. 
            7       On God rests my salvation and my glory; 
      my mighty rock, my refuge is God. 


            8       Trust in him at all times, O people; 
      pour out your heart before him; 
      God is a refuge for us. Selah 


            9       Those of low estate are but a breath; 
      those of high estate are a delusion; 
                  in the balances they go up; 
      they are together lighter than a breath. 
            10       Put no trust in extortion; 
      set no vain hopes on robbery; 
      if riches increase, set not your heart on them. 


            11       Once God has spoken; 
      twice have I heard this: 
                  that power belongs to God, 
            12       and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. 
                  For you will render to a man 
      according to his work. 

Psalm 62.  A great Psalm that proclaims great truth.  For me the words could not have been better or more of what I needed.  Here are a few of the many encouragements I took from this Psalm.

• My salvation is not in the success of this informational meeting, or the church plant as a whole - nor is my worth.  That comes from being a beloved child of God.
• My trust is not in this flyer, but in God who is at work. I may be feeling that it is lame and won't be effective, but that is my perspective and not God's.  Therefore my call is to pour out my heart to God and ask him to be at work calling people; stirring hearts.
• The last two verses - power belongs to God and so does steadfast love.  God is not only powerful, but he is good too...he is loving.  He has displayed that over and over in my life and most clearly in sending his only Son to be an atoning sacrifice for my many sins and "lameness" in rebellion against him.  Quite simply:  I can trust him!

I would appreciate your prayers for this meeting (and one coming up August 16th as well) that God would call many people.  Please also pray that we would see people come to faith in Christ through the presence of Living Hope and our ministry.  And feel free to pray that I relax and trust in the work of God...not that I won't work hard, but that my work will be in his strength trusting in his working!

A needed word

Towards the end of last year I started a new memory verse system called Fighter Verses (you can find a lot of information and get an app if you want at the link).  It's less rigorous than the system I've used in the past, but it's very convenient and well laid out.  There are tons of different sets of verses, as well as great ones for kids with pictures to help with memory aid.  

But, the reason I'm writing is much has been hitting me lately all in the same vein - and that is in the character and goodness of God - simply how much he loves and cares for and provides for his children.  As you know I recently read "Jesus + Nothing = Everything" by Tchividjian and I'm now reading a book called "Because He Loves Me" by Elyse Fitzpatrick.  So far the book has dovetailed wonderfully with Tchividjian.  Much of the point so far is do we know and understand how Jesus is significantly relevant to us in our daily walk as a Christian - in a sense have we left Jesus behind in our pursuit of godliness?  Have we forgotten the Gospel?  Have we forgotten how much he loves and how that impacts us greatly?

I've also been doing a Bible reading plan with Erin where we take a book of the Bible and read through it as many times as possible in a month.  This month we are on 2 Peter and the first few verses of chapter one connect so well with what these books are teaching.  Read these words carefully and afresh in your life:

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (2 Pe 1:3–10 ESV)

God's power has given us everything for life and godliness.  Not so that we can do it on our own, but so that we can be more like him - partakers of the divine nature (which I believe means we image God as we live in him in self-control, steadfastness, etc...).  However, I often try and do it on my own - and it never works.  I get weary, tired, frustrated, and I'm not much good to anyone.  To come back around to the start of this post - my memory verse for this week is this:

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28–30 ESV)

The reminders just kept coming.  It's nothing new, but I needed to hear it.  I need rest.  I need to stop trying it all on my own.  I need Christ and he is constantly calling me to rest and take refuge in him because that is simply who he is.  He loves his children dearly and provides all we need in himself.  What an amazing savior!!  Rest in that thought and pray that I would rest in him daily and that I would intimately know the power of the gospel.

Orphans, Love, Pain, & Promises

For the past week and a half our family welcomed a young child into our home.  We were doing respite care for a foster family who would be out of town for 10 days.  Erin and I have recently been licensed to do foster care or adopt through a Christian adoption agency.  This was our first go in the system.  Here are some reflections on that time and what it's been like the past few days since the child left.

First, since moving to Ohio we have come across a significant number of people who have either adopted or are in process.  We have loved that about our planting church (www.northcincy.org) and even within our small group that is forming the basis of Living Hope.

Second, adoption is so rich theologically.  To think that rebellious sinners can become children of God through the sheer grace and mercy of God because of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ: it really is something that should never cease to amaze believers.  We are by nature children of wrath, dead in our trespasses and sins - ...but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ...(Ephesians 2:4, 5a).  This is theology that leads to doxology!

Third, I was amazed how quickly our family bonded with this child.  Having another person - a strange child in our family for 10 days added some different twists and limited us a tad bit, but nothing that wasn't well worth it.  This little one was adorable and so fun loving.  Every night our kids couldn't go to bed without giving their nightly hugs and kisses.  When the child left what I heard was - "it's lonely here...we miss...etc..."  Our family loved this kid greatly.  It was hard to see the time end.

Fourth, it is painful to think about the situation this child could be going back to.  There was a reason that this child was placed away from family, because it wasn't good...and the child could be going back.  It's so hard to think that.  To think that this precious little one could be put back in a bad situation, in a place that isn't good is gut wrenching.  It isn't the way it's supposed to be - it's not right!  I pray that this child is protected.  That God's kingdom comes to this one in a real way and invades this child's family and transforms them, but my hope for this is hard to have.  I believe that God is sovereign, but somehow that doesn't help enough right now.  I believe he can change the situation, but will he?

Truly though, Christ and his intervention is my only hope for this child just as it is my only hope for my children.  It doesn't make it easier for God that they live in a nice home with two loving parents...he works for his glory and pleasure.  Yes, I know he works through families and is a God of covenants and our children are part of the covenant community and there are advantages to that - but God must still call.  Please pray with us that God would chose to call this child and his family and that his kingdom would come powerfully to them.  Because I do know, if God calls Christ will never leave.  His promise in John 14:18 is so wonderful:

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Come, Lord come!

"It is not imitation that makes sons; it is sonship that makes imitators"

The quote in the title is from Martin Luther.  I found it as I'm trying to finish up the Tchividjian book.  Though I don't have much left in the book, there is much to consider, ponder, and meditate upon.  In the next to the last chapter the author writes about sanctification (the progress of holiness).  Here is another sampling.

"When I came to see that Christian growth doesn't happen by working hard to get something you don't have, but rather it happens by working hard to live in the reality of what you already have, this gospel insight radically transformed my life."  (p. 170)

"...after reading the Bible more carefully, I now understand that Christian growth does not happen by working hard to get something we don't have.  Rather, Christian growth happens by working hard to daily swim in the reality of what we do have....Sanctification is the hard work of giving up our efforts at self-justification.  Those efforts are what we're all naturally inclined to do, and it's what makes the sanctification process so grueling and counterintuitive....When breathed in, the radical , unconditional, free grace of God reverses every natural instinct regarding what it means to spiritually survive and thrive.  Our survival mechanism is to measure spiritual maturity almost exclusively in terms of behavior - what we do and don't do.  Only the 'toxin' of God's grace can turn that mechanism upside down." (p. 172)

This is a way of thinking that is counter intuitive.  We naturally judge ourselves by what we do.  It's very easy to feel good or bad about your life depending on the things you do, how you react, and a whole host of other things that depend on you.  But that's not how we are to judge our relationship with the Lord.  When someone meets Christ in a real way and by grace alone, through faith alone trusts in Him that relationship is secure.  The Good News is that Christ has brought about justification by His life and work, and He will continue to work on conforming His children to His image.

One last quote:  "Christian growth is forgetting about yourself!  So by all means work!  But the hard work is not what you think it is - your personal improvement and moral progress.  The hard work is washing your hands of you and resting in Christ's finished work for you, which will inevitably produce personal improvement and moral progress."

That is hard work!!  It is so much easier to try and do it myself and simply pull myself up by my bootstraps and make myself "better."  But it really doesn't accomplish anything good and certainly nothing glorifying the free and amazing grace of God!  Therefore, rest in the sonship and concentrate on what that means and Who it was that bought you and you will become more and more like Him!

Feeling better about myself...but not really.

I'm almost done with the book "Jesus + Nothing = Everything."  Here are a few more nuggets from the book.

"It's always the gospel of God's free grace that should motivate our right doing; otherwise we're nothing better than Pharisees, making sure we're keeping all the rules, mainly because when we do, we feel better about ourselves - especially when we compare ourselves to those who aren't doing right."  (p. 153)

This little paragraph reminded me of an article/lecture by Ray Ortlund titled "Justification versus Self-justification."  (You can find that article here).  In this article Ortlund writes that the deepest impulse of the fallen human heart is self-justification.  The article is well worth the read and it looks at how the gospel (justification by grace alone through faith alone and in Christ alone) is the only cure for self-justification.

This whole premise (between the two authors) is so clear in my heart.  I may harp on people about the need to make sure that imperatives follow indicatives (commands follow statements of truth), but yet my heart doesn't rest there naturally.  I like to feel like I'm better than other people because I do the right thing.  I know - it's a pretty sick thought when the truth is we are all equally sinners condemned apart from the grace of God in Christ.  I need to realize more in my own life the power of free grace.  I too often can sulk in my failures and that isn't helpful.  It tells me though that my focus is off.  One last long quote from the book.

"One of the reasons we experience so much failure in the Christian life is that we think more about obligations then we do gospel declarations.  We focus on the imperatives, but we pass over the indicatives.  We fail in our doing because we fail to grasp first what Christ has already done.  This leaves us powerless-running on our own steam.  Only when you realize that the gospel has nothing to do with your obedience but with Christ's obedience for you, will you start to obey.  The only Christians who end up getting better are those who realize that if they don't get better, God will love them anyway." (p. 156)

Our latest ministry update

Support Update As I mentioned in our last letter, this month is one of focus for us; and that focus is support.  As of our last email we were in need of $78k to be raised from our $270k budget.  In just over a week's time we have not seen much support come in.  At this point I can only account for $1200 total towards that need.  This leaves us with just under $77k remaining. How does this impact us? Erin and I are facing the ever increasing reality that one or both of us will need to get a part-time job to get our income (for us and the church plant) at its necessary level.  We don't know exactly how this will play out or how it will impact the church plant, but it will surely take time away from what we were called here to do.  However, we are willing and committed to do whatever it takes to see this church move forward. As a refresher, below is the breakdown of what we (and I would like to ask you to join us) are praying for in regards to our support situation.  As I have said, this time is critical for the life of the church and I hope to be freed up from the burden of the finances for the church and our family.  To reach this need we are praying that this month the money we have left to raise will be secured either in special gifts or in monthly pledges.  This is what we are praying towards: 1 Gift              $10,000 2 Gifts              $5,000 5 Gifts              $2,000 12 Gifts            $1000 24 Gifts              $500 Total:                          $54,000 That would leave $24,000 to be raised through monthly giving - which would break down to 20 people giving $100/month for only one year.  We also have additional needs not fully covered in our budget (new computer and sound equipment).  Obviously this breakdown just helps us visualize the need, but we are praying for 10 people to join us in the next 2 weeks or we will have to pursue part-time employment much more seriously. If you are able in any way to help meet this need would you prayerfully consider joining with us in reaching this area with the hope of the Gospel?    If you can, you may give through this link online or you may contact me and I will mail you the necessary information.

Family Update In spite of all that is going on there is no stopping normal life.  We recently were in Cleveland, OH for the wedding of Erin's sister Megan (see family picture above).  We had a great time and are glad to welcome Nick Pacione to the family. In other news, Mother's Day this year was very special as it was not just Mother's Day but Erin's 40th birthday.  We had a great celebration with family and friends. Sticking with Erin; she has a lead on a part-time nursing job.  The interview has yet to be setup, but we are praying for God's will in this opportunity. Prayer Requests Financial support.  That God would provide through His great abundance. Decisions on part-time jobs for Erin and/or Chad.  Wisdom in juggling how that will effect family life and the work of the church. Networking (much of my job right now is simply meeting people in the community and getting to know what makes this area unique) The growth of our young church.  We need to be meeting more and more people and see them join with us. Growing intimacy with the Father and greater reliance on His grace and mercy given in Christ.  That I/we would daily be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 2:1) Websites If you want to know more about us, you can keep up in two ways.  First for our family, you can follow us on our blog.  Second, if you want to know more about the church we now have a website!!  You can visit it here (www.livinghopepca.org).

You are receiving this email because you have expressed desire to pray for our ministry an

The Gospel & Tchividjian

I have been reading a book called "Jesus + Nothing = Everything" written by Tullian Tchividjian.  Basically it is a rehearsal of the greatness of the Gospel - that in Christ believers have all they need.  Tchividjian recounts some of his struggles in 2009 when he became senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  It was a rough time for him: accusations, attempts to remove him, personal struggles, and more...and he tells of how the book of Colossians ministered to him deeply.  The depth of Gospel grace and truth woven throughout that letter is astounding and liberating.  It frees us from our idols and our own sinful longing for self-sufficiency.  Paul wrote that letter with great focus on the glory and supremacy of Christ.  Refresh your memory and renew your heart with these words:


15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (Col. 1:15-23  ESV)

Listen to the number of times Paul says "all", or speaks of Christ's supremacy and preeminence.  He has complete dominion, power, and authority.  It should never cease to amaze us that it is this one who died to reconcile rebellious sinners to the Father through the blood of his cross.  He has done it for us...we cannot accomplish anything on our own and we must realize that!  A.W. Pink once wrote, "The great mistake made by people is hoping to discover in themselves that which is to be found in Christ alone." We cannot save ourselves because we are not good.  But Tchividjian applies this further:

"The gospel liberates us to be okay with not being okay.  We know we're not - though we try hard to convince other people we are.  But the gospel tells us, 'Relax, it is finished.'"  Because of the gospel, we have nothing to prove or protect.  We can stop pretending...The gospel grants us the strength to admit we're weak and needy and restless - knowing that Christ's finished work has proven to be all the strength and fulfillment and peace we could ever want, and more." (p. 120)

This has helped me remember that I'm needy, and that I have a great Savior!  I don't have it all together.  I fail as a husband and father, friend and pastor, and I will do so more in the future.  I am restless too often about this church plant and our finances, but God's grace and work cover that.  Not that I don't seek to grow and become more like Christ and trust Him more, but I do so in His power and grace, not in my own strength.  Thank God for the liberating gift of grace in Christ!

A dark night, beautiful provision

Tuesday night we spent dinner time in the basement because of tornado sirens going off for half and hour.  Thankfully the storms were just north of us, but they remind me of the immense power of our Creator.  He controls all of nature...He is not detached.  Yet He continues to uphold His promise that He will never cover the earth with a flood again.  We saw that beautifully after the storm.  As it was on its way out of our area it started raining pretty intensely, but the sun was almost as intense at the same time.

It took a little bit of coaxing to get the kids on the front porch, but the rainbow was beautiful (and if you look closely enough you can see a second rainbow to its left).  The whole evening truly was beautiful.  A little later I went out and saw a cloud formation I had never seen in my life...it was beautiful.  It may be hard to make out, but the clouds almost looked like the bottom of an egg carton.  The white portion was hanging down...it was amazing.  May I never cease to be amazed by the creativity of our Creator!  

Core Group

Since the beginning of February we have been meeting as a Core Group.  What that means is that we are getting together on a Sunday evening praying, planning, discussing, encouraging, and anything else that relates to church planting at the moment.  We have talked through church names, philosophy, core values, and more and we will continue to do so.  The time together is great and I'm so thankful for all the members who have committed a good deal of time to this new work.  We meet every other week from 5-8 pm (we've been having dinner together at the beginning of our time), and most all of them come as well to a weekly  Bible study on Tuesday nights for an hour and half.  

Core Group Meeting in our Family Room

Please be in prayer for this group.  Everyone is busy and summer is coming sooner than we will realize and many people will be travelling.  Pray for good cohesiveness throughout times of inconsistency that will naturally be there.  Please also pray that this group will grow.  I would love to see 30-45 adults in a Core Group before we launch public worship in the Fall.  Currently we have 18 adults and 18 children (all 10 and under).  Thanks so much for your prayers, God has brought a great group together and we are excited about what is to come, but we always need prayer.  

Greg helping a couple of his kids with dinner