It’s Really None of Your Business

²⁰Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") ²¹When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

²²Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." – Jn 2

Jesus was reinstating Peter, having conversations around breakfast, asking Peter about his love for him.  In that context, Jesus gives a foreshadowing of Peter’s life as he gets older. Peter responds by saying "What about him [John]?”  Jesus’ answer is brilliant.  "It’s not really your business, Peter.  Your business is to follow me."

You ever look around and wonder why some other people may get some breaks and you still struggle along?  Ever feel like you are getting passed over?  Feel like things are not quite as fair as they should be?  Every wonder to yourself, “What about them God, are they going to go through some tough stuff like I am?”  Maybe he would say:

"It’s not really your business.  Your business is to follow me."

photo by tipiro

I’m not even jokin’. This band rocks.

I’m telling you what, the Justin Hoeppner Band is frighteningly good.  Here is why I dig these guys so much.

1.  They love Jesus.  They are the real deal.  It’s not about music.  They know it and live it.

2.  Street credentials.  The list of individual accomplishments are off the chart.  Studio musicians, national and international touring experience, recording contracts, product endorsement, CD’s, and songwriting; just to name a few.

3.  They love Jesus.

4.  Justin is an amazing songwriter and the band are creative arrangers.  Think David Crowder meets Coldplay meets Matt Redman.  Puree on high for 20 seconds and serve over ice.

5.  They love Jesus.

Catch the band live at Elevate 2010 with Jars of Clay and Need to Breathe; Monday, July 5 in Martinsville, IL at 6PM. 

For an audio sample, click here.  Hope to see you in Martinsville!

One Prayer Continues this Sunday

This coming Sunday, June 20, MCC will hear from two outstanding preachers as part of our One Prayer series.

Steven Furtic from Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC will be teaching (via video) at our 10AM gathering.  Our 6PM gathering will feature Brian Houston, all the way from Sydney, Australia.  Brian leads an incredible movement called Hillsong.  I can’t say enough about these Pastors and the message that they will bring on Sunday. You don’t want to miss it!

Here is a look at the upcoming One Prayer schedule at MCC.

(For previous week’s One Prayer teaching, click here).

June
20
AM: Unstoppable Power: Steven Furtic, Elevation Church, Charlotte, NC
PM: Unstoppable Life: Brian Houston, Hillsong Church, Sydney, AU
27
AM:  Unstoppable Focus: Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL
PM:  Unstoppable Comeback: Herbert Cooper, People’s Church, Oklahoma City, OK

Revenge

²⁰Then Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now keep silent, my sister, he is your brother; do not take this matter to heart." So Tamar remained and was desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. – 2 Sam 13

Tamar had been raped.  She was instructed not to take “the matter” into her heart.  The matter of rape?  How would that be possible?  Perhaps he meant the matter of revenge.  She was a wise and strong woman who had been violated. As the story plays out, she takes no revenge.  Others take it for her.

Sometimes part of the plan is that we don’t let our heart dwell on our violation to the point of revenge.  It can consume us.  It can take up residence in our heart and leave little room for anything else.

Today I will be careful of what matters I take into my heart.  I only have room for so many. 

Sidewalk Prophets make History at Dove Awards

Dave Frey is was in our youth group at Maryland Community Church in Terre Haute.  Long story short is that Dave chased his dream to Nashville and his band, Sidewalk Prophets were just awarded a Dove Award for the 2010 New Artist of the Year.

But that’s not what makes me proud.

What makes me proud is that Dave is getting a reputation in the Christian Music industry for being a spiritual man.  He is having deep influence and realizes that music is just a tool.  At the end of the day, it is not about songs, bands, arrangements, or tours.  It is about Jesus.  And Dave is a breathing reminder of that.

Want proof?  Check out the video.  Dave makes history when he pulls out a Bible during their acceptance speech and reminds us of what it is really about. 

Thanks Dave!

Opening for Jars of Clay and Need to Breathe!

Elevate 2010 will take place in Martinsville, IL on July 5.  This one-night event will feature Jars of Clay, Need to Breath,  Justin Hoeppner and myself.

Toss the kiddies in the back of the SUV, throw in some lawn chairs, and come enjoy a fantastic night of music.  Hope to see you there!

Tickets are available at the gate or thru ticketweb.

Elevate 2010 is located at the Martinsville Fairgrounds in Martinsville, IL (30 min West of Terre Haut on I-70).

For more info, click here.

Killer Leprechauns

My great friend Jack Fox not only helps people find their way to Christ, he also makes great art and has two wonderful daughters.  Let’s eavesdrop on a recent conversation between Jack and Chloe, his youngest.

Chloe:  Knock Knock

Dad:     Who’s there?

Chloe:  Why did the Leprechaun cross the road?

Dad:     Ummm I don’t know why?

Chloe:  To stab the old lady who wasn’t wearing green.

Dad:     That’s not a very nice joke.

Chloe:   It’s not my fault Leprechauns stab people.

Dad:      True.

Things That Make Me Smile

This is Ron.  He makes me smile.  Ron used to be wrapped up in himself; bad. Drug abuse, stealing, you name it.  Ron was not the kind of guy you would want to hang around.  Certainly not the kind of guy that you would want to introduce to the folks.  That was then.

Now . . .

Ron is clean, dry, and on assignment with Samaritan’s Purse; a division of the Billy Graham Association.  He is a project leader on a 3-month assignment in Haiti, heading up disaster relief.  Several years ago, Ron gave his life to his creator and now spends his days helping others to do the same.

Check out the tattoo; it’s a logo we use at MCC for our Crash (serving) ministries.  Ron got inked on his skin – and his heart; living what he believes.  He reminds me that no matter what your past; God has a future for you that you could never imagine.

Thanks Ron!

For the adventures of Ron, follow him on facebook.

Why I’m Nervous About Easter

Monday night we were in some prayer time with the MCC elders.  One elder asked what he could pray for.  I said “Easter.  I am nervous about Easter.”  He just looked at me with a blank stare.  “Why, because there will be so many people here?”  Um, no, but thanks for bringing up another reason to be nervous.

This year Vince has invited me to preach the Easter services.  Easter is the biggest day of they year for us.  It’s the super bowl of MCC. We cancel the evening service and run 2 services in the AM (9 and 11).  We plan this service for months.  We bring out the creativity.  Our leaders work double time.  Every detail (from parking to nursery to seating) is analyzed. Videos are in the works from the media team.  Justin and the band are in the middle of rehearsal.   Wee Village, R Town, and Student Ministries are geared up and ready to go. So, why am I nervous?

We get one shot.

Easter Sunday will be full of people who come to church one time a year.  Many will come Easter Sunday with no intention of returning to church until next Easter.  My prayer is that this year, people will give God (and MCC) a 2nd (and 3rd) look. I think if they gave MCC a chance, they would see that God is closer than they could ever imagine.

If someone comes Easter, they might meet God.  If not, maybe if they come back the following weeks, they might meet Him.  Maybe they get connected to a small group.  Maybe they find a purpose in life by serving the community and the world.  Maybe they find what they have been looking for all along.  Maybe they eventually become a follower of Christ. Much is at stake.  And that is a big deal.  And that makes me nervous.  But He is big.  And He is good.  And He is in control.  And that is why my nervousness about Easter is turning into anticipation.  I am anticipating God doing amazing things.  After all, if he raised a man from the dead, he can do anything.

We are praying.  We are working. We are inviting as many people as we can.

You want to be here.  Don’t come alone.  It is as simple as saying something like this to your friends and family:

“Hey, not sure if you guys are open to going to church this Easter, but I go to MCC and would love for you to come with me.”

Worse case:  They say no.

Best case:  We get a shot.

See you Sunday!

PS – This is a picture from Easter 2008.  I can’t divulge the content of Easter 2010 because your mind would explode from the awesomeness :>

Compassion Thursday – Haiti

I find myself moved to tears with the situation in Haiti.  My daughter, Mariah, and a high school team are scheduled to be in Haiti in July.  Though I have yet to visit Haiti I have spent a considerable amount of time in the 3rd world and know the challenges when things are normal.  I cannot simply get my head around the disaster.  If your like me you wonder, “Sure, but what can I do?” 

As you know, I am a huge fan of Compassion International.  They have a strong presence in Haiti.  They are asking for donations for their efforts, as they work with over 6000 children there. 

If you can’t give, would you join hundreds of us in praying for Haiti.  The eyes of the world are turned to the poorest nation in the western hemisphere.  I am praying that the church will rise up.  My hope is that in years to come, an old man will sit on the beach with his grandson and say “The earthquake of 2010 changed where I lived and whom I lived with.  Then God came along.  He changed my life.”

You can donate here.