As these last 11 years of Youth Ministry come to a close...I thought I would share with you guys the last two lessons I gave to the teens here. The teens here have been so hungry and have been very inspiring in their faith and boldness. I decided that with the last two lessons I would focus on the Father's heart towards them. Thank you for indulging me and reading these last two lessons (without the power point slides of course)...hope they bless you as I know I was blessed every time I 'prepared' a lesson and God taught me in the process...
House of Grace 2/10/10
Let me ask you a question, again...how do you think God looks upon you tonight?
Slide 1 - Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)
Because of his grace, he washed away our sins...this is HUGE!! Do you realize how they had to do sin offerings before Jesus came along and died once and for all as a sacrifice for everyone??
Old Testament Sin Offerings...Slide 2 - Put a picture of a beautiful white lamb. According to the law, a man must take a sin offering to the priest whenever he sins. Imagine that you are living in Old Testament times. You have sinned and you are now taking a lamb as your sin offering to the priest. The first thing that will happen is that the priest will examine the lamb to ensure that it has no blemishes. The lamb must be without blemish and perfect because it speaks of Jesus’ perfection. After the priest has examined your sin offering, you must lay your hands on its head. (WHY??) When you lay your hands on your sin offering, your sins are transferred to the innocent lamb. After you lay your hands on the lamb, you must kill it. The lamb must die because all your sins have been transferred to its body. And because it dies bearing your sins, you can go free. In the same way, Jesus had to die on the cross with your sins so that you might go free. (Do you feel free today??)
That is why, when John the Baptist saw Jesus, he said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” That is why Apostle Paul said, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us so that we might become His righteousness.
PUT SLIDE 1 WITH THE SCRIPTURES BACK UP AGAIN....RIGHTEOUS (Burnt Offering)
While the sin offering speaks of Jesus taking your sins on His own body, the burnt offering speaks of the righteousness of Jesus being transferred to you at the cross. PUT SLIDE 2 UP OF THE LAMB...With the sin offering our sins were transferred to the spotless lamb (Jesus) on the cross, and the burnt offering transfers righteousness to us. We become His righteousness when we believe and are saved!! This burnt offering is a sweet aroma to God. God sees you clothed with the righteousness of His son as Jesus set you free of every guilt and condemnation at the cross!! The DEBT has been paid and God looks at you like Jesus!
Jesus is your perfect sin offering so stop examining your heart for sin as His blood covered all your sins of the past, present, and future. Look at the lamb again...Remember that when someone takes his sin offering to the priest, the priest does not examine him. He examines the sin offering. The priest is a picture of who?? God. When you go to Him today, God does not examine you. He examines your sin offering. He examines Jesus, who is completely perfect and sinless, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish. God accepts Jesus as your sin offering, and every one of your sins has been transferred onto His body! Isn’t that good news?!? So, stop punishing yourself...he took it on the cross and in turn gave you His righteousness!!
House of our Father’s Heart 2-24-10
Songs (Days of Elijah, You Have Turned, I Belong to Jesus, Great in Power, No Other Gods, Mighty to Save, What the Lord Has Done in Me...my favorite 7)
What a joy and honor it has been to teach you the goodness of our Father, His son Jesus Christ, and our power within - the Holy Spirit for over 2 years now. I have focused a lot on the teachings of Jesus and who we are in our Union with Jesus Christ from the letters of (Paul) and therefore the possibilities that lie within.
Being my last time to teach you in here...I want to end with a lesson giving a great picture of our Father’s heart towards us. The last lesson I did two weeks ago was on the difference between the Sin offering of the Old Testament vs. the Sin offering of Jesus Christ and showed you a great picture of our Father's heart toward us (briefly review again) and I want to build on that tonight.
(SLIDE 1) What do you think of when you hear the word lost? In Luke 15, we have several stories on saving the Lost and the broad definition of Lost in these scriptures literally means...to destroy; to devote or give over to eternal misery in hell
(SLIDE 2 - Question - Scriptures) Do you want to see how your Father responds when you have failed? Luke 15:11-32 shows the Father’s Heart of grace in an amazing way, told by His Son, Jesus...(You will have to read this on your own to get the full meaning, but I didn't want to put it all on here...ha)
His Father ran to him and instead of condemning him and punishing him, he gave him full love, grace, and celebration for his return. When Jesus told this story, they were still under the law...(SLIDE 3) do you know what the law says to do with a rebellious son like this? Take him out of the city gate and stone him to death to purge the town of this evil (Deut. 21:18-21). Those listening to this story would have been familiar with the law, so how Jesus portrays the Father’s heart of grace would have been radical...radical grace. Jesus was giving them a taste of what was to come...what we get to enjoy today!
His Father didn’t care what the reason was that had brought him home...he interrupted him before he could give his reason and asked the servants to bring out the best robe, put a ring on his son’s hand, and sandals on his son’s feet! He was returning because he was hungry!! So, when the prodigal son was still a great way off (and the father had no way of determining why his son was returning), his father saw him and had compassion and ran and lavished love on him. What a wonderful picture of God’s heart of love!
Who was the one sharing the parable of the prodigal son? It was Jesus. I think Jesus knows His Father really well, wouldn’t you agree? We are hearing an eyewitness account of what our Father is like from His Son and Jesus should know! If you are choosing sin and separation from your Father right now...He is keeping his eyes on the horizon daily, hoping that each day would be the day His beloved son or daughter returns home.
(SLIDE 4) Can you see His heart of love for you even when you have failed Him? You just have to take one step toward God and your loving Daddy in heaven will run toward you with no condemnation. He wants to fall upon you, kiss you, and lavish you with His love and blessings!! He is waiting to clothe you with the robe of righteousness, put the signet ring of authority back in your hands, and shod your feet with the sandals of right standing. He wants to reinstate you, wash you, and throw a party because you came home! Our God is a God who will run toward you with NO CONDEMNATION.
To God be the glory!
Todd
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Owen's 4th Birthday
We had a fun day celebrating 4 years with Owen. As usual, we start the day with their choice of breakfast and Owen loves buscuits and sausage. Marcie and I got a little emotional the night before doing our tradition of looking at their photo album of their first year. Hard to believe our youngest is 4. We are praying love, joy, and peace over this next year.
Mom, this is Owen coloring the book and markers you got him. Thank you!
Part of what we got him was a "Cars" cell phone and Lightning McQueen in his hand.
Here he is with all his "loot", as Grandma Stracke would say.
He wanted a Batman Cake, so I did the best I could with some icing and a toothpick.
He loved it, so that's what matters...cute little Owen.
His older brothers did a great job of celebrating the day with him.
Owen chose "Jason's Belly", as he calls it, for his Birthday dinner.
As of today, February 12th, we have snow coming down...hoping it covers the ground. The boys are making the most of it as I write...poor guys, this is all they get in the deep south.
Mom, this is Owen coloring the book and markers you got him. Thank you!
Part of what we got him was a "Cars" cell phone and Lightning McQueen in his hand.
Here he is with all his "loot", as Grandma Stracke would say.
He wanted a Batman Cake, so I did the best I could with some icing and a toothpick.
He loved it, so that's what matters...cute little Owen.
His older brothers did a great job of celebrating the day with him.
Owen chose "Jason's Belly", as he calls it, for his Birthday dinner.
As of today, February 12th, we have snow coming down...hoping it covers the ground. The boys are making the most of it as I write...poor guys, this is all they get in the deep south.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Dancing the Night Away
We like to have a night of praise dancing every once in a while at the Miller House. I will spare you the footage of me dancing, but I wanted to show you the boys dancing to their favorite musician...Toby Mac. Mom, this is from the new Flip video camera...in case you were wondering. Sorry that I couldn't get the video to where you can look at if in "full screen", but you will get the point...lol!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Update on "The Branch"
I wanted to give you guys a quick update on the preparation for our transition to Jackson and The Branch Ministry...
We have not sold our house yet but do have a couple who is very interested, but there has been no offer as of yet. Nothing you can really do except commit it to the Lord and trust He will sell it soon.
We had a productive weekend in Jackson, TN last weekend. We met with a recommended lawyer to set up the corporation for The Branch. I really liked him and we ended up having a great conversation after the legalities about this ministry. He will continue to be in contact with my friend Taylor as this goes through the process of confirmation from the IRS.
We have also set up a bank account for the ministry. The way it works, people can write checks to The Branch and it will be considered tax deductible even before the IRS "officially" recognizes it as such. As soon as you get the number for the bank account for The Branch, it is considered "birthed" at that time. We have been blessed to have have several people already wanting to make significant donations.
We have found a location for The Branch ministry! It's located on the downtown square in Jackson in a building called Cornerstone. It has an easy entrance off one of the most well known roads in Jackson and a big parking lot next to it that is the only free parking lot downtown. The owners of the building are giving us half off the lease price for the 3,000 square feet area on the second floor. It's a great lay out of free open space with room for offices, prayer rooms, and a kitchen area. The big open area has enough area for a coffee/resource area when you come in; an area with couches and big flat screen on the wall for games; a big area in the middle for teaching/worship; a nice area for ping pong and pool tables; and a couple more rooms to break off in to small groups. The owners are doing us a favor as they are excited about what we're going to do. The entrance into The Branch is open downstairs from 8 to 5 and automatically locks at 5. There is an elevator and stairs you go up and then a nice glass door entrance into our area that can be locked. We know we will need wireless internet, cable (with Espn), and a phone. So...that's pretty exciting as they will let us paint the area as well. We start paying that lease in March.
We don't know where we are living yet in Jackson, but are feeling peace about that as well. We went to the community church we will probably be going to on Sunday morning and were blessed. As you know, the website is a work in progress, but a good start that I'll start updating in March. I have also made a brochure that we will hand out to churches and businesses. Now that we have a location, I can mail those to our partners and make business cards.
Last, but not least, it has been going as well as it possibly can down here. I want to finish strong and the process of finding two quality interns and a youth minister to replace me is a bit exhausting with interviews at the moment, but Father is pulling us through. The people down here have been very gracious and confirming and the teens have been great. Trying to make the most of our time as February 28th will get here soon. Our boys are doing better than expected and keep them and Marcie in your prayers during this transition time. Marcie keeps speaking truth to all of us. We love you guys! If God is for us, who can be against us? Grace and peace to all of you and I hope this update helps. www.thebranchministry.org
The Miller's
We have not sold our house yet but do have a couple who is very interested, but there has been no offer as of yet. Nothing you can really do except commit it to the Lord and trust He will sell it soon.
We had a productive weekend in Jackson, TN last weekend. We met with a recommended lawyer to set up the corporation for The Branch. I really liked him and we ended up having a great conversation after the legalities about this ministry. He will continue to be in contact with my friend Taylor as this goes through the process of confirmation from the IRS.
We have also set up a bank account for the ministry. The way it works, people can write checks to The Branch and it will be considered tax deductible even before the IRS "officially" recognizes it as such. As soon as you get the number for the bank account for The Branch, it is considered "birthed" at that time. We have been blessed to have have several people already wanting to make significant donations.
We have found a location for The Branch ministry! It's located on the downtown square in Jackson in a building called Cornerstone. It has an easy entrance off one of the most well known roads in Jackson and a big parking lot next to it that is the only free parking lot downtown. The owners of the building are giving us half off the lease price for the 3,000 square feet area on the second floor. It's a great lay out of free open space with room for offices, prayer rooms, and a kitchen area. The big open area has enough area for a coffee/resource area when you come in; an area with couches and big flat screen on the wall for games; a big area in the middle for teaching/worship; a nice area for ping pong and pool tables; and a couple more rooms to break off in to small groups. The owners are doing us a favor as they are excited about what we're going to do. The entrance into The Branch is open downstairs from 8 to 5 and automatically locks at 5. There is an elevator and stairs you go up and then a nice glass door entrance into our area that can be locked. We know we will need wireless internet, cable (with Espn), and a phone. So...that's pretty exciting as they will let us paint the area as well. We start paying that lease in March.
We don't know where we are living yet in Jackson, but are feeling peace about that as well. We went to the community church we will probably be going to on Sunday morning and were blessed. As you know, the website is a work in progress, but a good start that I'll start updating in March. I have also made a brochure that we will hand out to churches and businesses. Now that we have a location, I can mail those to our partners and make business cards.
Last, but not least, it has been going as well as it possibly can down here. I want to finish strong and the process of finding two quality interns and a youth minister to replace me is a bit exhausting with interviews at the moment, but Father is pulling us through. The people down here have been very gracious and confirming and the teens have been great. Trying to make the most of our time as February 28th will get here soon. Our boys are doing better than expected and keep them and Marcie in your prayers during this transition time. Marcie keeps speaking truth to all of us. We love you guys! If God is for us, who can be against us? Grace and peace to all of you and I hope this update helps. www.thebranchministry.org
The Miller's
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Merry Christmas!
We celebrated our family Christmas this morning and enjoyed our Christmas Eve as a family at home last night. I love this time of the year and it was fun to celebrate the "Advent Conspiracy" at church as we gave the boys less presents while getting to bless an orphanage in Mexico. The boys still got plenty as God loves to give us good gifts and for us to bless others. On to the yummy cookie decorating from last night...
The more icing the better...that's my boy!!
We read our traditional Night before Christmas books to the boys.
Here are the boys ready to come downstairs to start Christmas morning.
Star Wars stocking stuffers...
You can't tell, but these light up like light sabers.
Andrew loves Yoda
Here are the swords they have waited on that we bought at Pioneer Days.
Ready to tear into some gifts!
Easton made a Larry Boy from construction paper for Owen.
Andrew wanted to give this to Isaac as he said, "Jesus is the Rock"!
Owen with his new backpack, coloring book, markers, and portable desk from Gma Stracke.
May we all have deeper revelation of God's love for us this Christmas as we tend to love ourselves and others according to how we view God's love for us. Love you guys!Friday, December 11, 2009
Winter 09'
We went to the mall today so Owen could use the money Nana and Papaw gave him for Christmas. The process of his Build a (Tiger) is here in a little bit (mainly for Nana). I have sprinkled in a couple of pictures from our Thanksgiving trip and here at home. Blessings to everyone! Oh yea, this first picture will have to serve as our Christmas card photo this year...sorry, it's been a little crazy.
All of Lee and Becky's kids chipped in and got them this nice hot tub for their 60th birthday's, 40th wedding anniversary, and Christmas all put together! It was worth it and fun for all of us.
I don't want to hear any complaining of our boys being loud at Christmas!! It was fun, but after 4 or 5 days...it was time to come home lol. Look at all of them...wow!
Our only photo of putting the tree up...we had a fun night.
The process of build a bear (tiger) starts...
Owen kissing his heart for "Bama"...
Fill him up!!
His first chance to hug "Bama" after being filled.
Giving Bama an air bath.
Dressing him up...
He actually chose the "football" outfit from Alabama.
Thank you Nana and Papaw!! Can't wait to see you and my cousins, aunts, and uncles!!
See you soon in Springfield...
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