Why Sabbatical?

This summer has been planned for multiple years. I italicize “planned” because I had direction, but no details. Our church and denomination encourage a Sabbatical for our pastors once every 7 years, and I am completing my 7th year in May. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long!

If the concept is new for you, a Sabbatical is an extended leave from ordinary work for rest, renewal, and uninterrupted focus. They are usually several weeks long, and many leaders swear by them.

I have a book on my shelf entitled “Leading On Empty” by a well-known and respected pastor in the Northwest named Wayne Cordeiro. His story is a testament to the need for rest and renewal.

Sabbaticals are more than a reward for years of service. They are an investment for healthy years of service to come. At Grace sabbaticals are one part of an overall ministry health plan designed to keep our pastors healthy.

Other than rest and renewal, I plan to spend time reading and writing on the topic of discipleship within a church context. If anybody’s interested, below is a list of the books I have lined up. I cannot vouch for them yet, but I was particular in researching reputable books.

• Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

• Intentional Disciplemaking: Cultivating Spiritual Maturity in the Local Church by Ron Bennett

• Down to Earth Discipling: Essential Principles to Guide Your Personal Ministry by Scott Morton

• The Multiplication Effect: Building a Leadership Pipeline that Solves Your Leadership Shortage by Mac Lake

• Hero Maker: Five Essential Practices for Leaders to Multiply Leaders by Dave Ferguson and Warren Bird

• Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck

• No Silver Bullets: 5 Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry by Daniel Im

• Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of Life by Jeff Vanderstelt

Of course, I plan to spend a lot of quality time with Courtney and the kids. I would be understating if I said everybody’s looking forward to our time together.

If and when I come to mind, pray that I can make meaningful connections with God and the family. I am blessed to be one of your pastors, and I thank God for you constantly.

With love and gratitude,

Pastor Jack

“Self-Control or Legalism?”

Ever notice the similarities between 1 Peter 1:5–7, and Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25)?

They both use the word self-control as one of the abilities Christians have when they are submitted to the Holy Spirit. Peter describes it as a divine power from God, and Paul describes it as “keeping in step with the Spirit.”

If you look up self-control in their language, it’s defined as “restraint of one’s emotions, impulses, or desires.” It’s a compound word, grouping “in” and “strength/power.” The idea is “in control.” It’s even translated as “temperance.”

Do you ever lose your temper? Do you ever say something you later regret? Do you ever get so frustrated that you react in a way you wish you didn’t?

Self-control is the ability that God gives us to keep things in check.

As I reflected on the word, I started to ask, “isn’t this just behavior modification?” This could be understood as a form of religious legalism.

So I asked the question, “what’s the difference between self-control and legalism?”

You find the answer is in the motive (also see Sermon on the Mount). Both share the exact same discipline, the same pursuit, but they have different motives. 

The motive for self-control is love, the motive for legalism is pride and acceptance. One is joyful and brings freedom, the other is arduous and leads to arrogance or despair.

There’s a lot more to say about this, but I encourage you to reflect on your own self-control as you pray and search the Scriptures.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Count Your Many Blessings...

Reflecting on last year’s blessings is always a worthwhile practice. It produces gratitude in the heart and perspective in the mind. This is one of the many benefits to journaling. Writing about priorities (mine include my spiritual and physical health) and concerns reminds me of how God graciously carries me through life.

Doing this at Grace is also rewarding. I am reminded of the many brothers and sisters I have that continue to sacrificially give and serve here in our church.

To you, I joyfully say “thank you!” Thank you for your commitment to building God’s Kingdom, sharing in God’s generosity, and investing in Grace Community Church.

The year 2023 had a number of highlights that reflect your sacrifice and ministry:

• 13 people were baptized.

• 302 people signed up to serve during our Big Serve event at 26 locations.

• 110 individuals volunteer on Sunday morning to serve our 6th grade and under (SS and Nursery).

• 53 adults serve the younger generations in AWANA.

• 56 students serve our church through Route 56.

• 76 people volunteered for Summer Quest.

• We gave $111,439.11 to local and global missions!

• We now have $51,394.80 set aside for church planting.

• We also gave away $18,944.88 through benevolence.

By the way, our benevolence fund continues to serve people in our community through financial assistance and caring for individual families. YOU are making this possible through your generosity, and how cool is it that we are able to do this together?

We have so much to be grateful for. Brother or sister, I love you and am honored to be one of your pastors at Grace. May you rest in knowing that our heavenly Father will continue to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Temporary Halt in Communication

I’m standing at my desk and my phone rings; it’s Courtney. I can hear her breathing a little heavier than usual as she quickly begins with what sounds like an exciting story. 

Turns out, a fellow resident in our neighborhood accidentally knocked over our mailbox. We happen to know this guy (great neighbor in our area), and we know this could happen to any of us. So, all is well.

The downside is that we won’t get our mail until we have a mailbox; one that isn’t lying on the ground. And, per the usual when the unexpected happens, this made me think of my relationship with God.

Sometimes it may feel like we aren’t “getting our mail” from God. It’s like He’s not responding or sending us anything. However, it may just be that our metaphorical mailbox is down. The problem isn’t with the carrier. The problem is on our end. 

We aren’t receiving anything because we’re not positioned to.

I know that if I don’t set aside time to listen to God, I won’t hear Him. I think this is why Jesus had to get away from the disciples to a private place (see Mark 1:35). Even God in the flesh had to position Himself to spend time with the Father.

This is the season of Immanuel—God with us. But that doesn’t mean we will automatically sense His presence if we are too distracted with the noises and people around us. 

My prayer for my family and yours is that you will get in the right position to hear from Him. It’s always worth the effort.

I’m looking forward to the Christmas Program on Sunday. This is one story that never gets old!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Runners in a Stadium

Last week Courtney and I checked off a bucket list item and attended our first NFL game, and it was a doozy! Most notable were the mascots for the teams: Aslan from Chronicles of Narnia (Lions) and Charles Entertainment Cheese, the mouse of Chuck E. Cheese (Chiefs).

Hours before the game we participated in the largest Tailgate party...in the world.

That’s what I was told, anyway. But just between us friends, if you’ve ever been to a small outdoor concert...

It got better when the players were warming up before the game. I got my hat signed by Chad Henne and Mike Danna!

Right before the game, they brought out 3 enormous Lombardi trophy replicas to excite the fans.

This was meant to be a centerpiece of their accomplishment as a team, and it got me thinking.

This team is spending hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of hours, suffering a huge toll on their bodies, and giving their very best for this one award every year.

And even though I respect their efforts, and I’m genuinely happy for their achievements, it’s only temporary.

It is what the Apostle Paul calls a “perishable crown.”

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (CSB) 24 Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. 25 Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. 26 So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

If they are willing to put it all on the line for a temporary trophy, we have even more reason to give it all for an eternal reward. Enjoying this football season has encouraged me all the more to exercise self-control in everything, and to “run” as if the prize I’m fighting for is worth my life.

I look forward to this Sunday with you.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

The Wedges? of Sin

As I was going over Romans 6:23 with one of our kids at our Summer Quest site, I asked him if he knew what “wages of sin” meant. Expecting him to answer no, he said, “Yeah. Wedges. Like potato wedges.”

After we both laughed, we talked about what we earn from sin. He got serious, looked me in the eye, and told me that his sin earned death.

Wow.

One of the best parts of Summer Quest is talking to kids about Jesus. Not only do we get to share the Gospel each day, they get the chance to share what they know about God.

In our Bible lesson time, I challenged the kids to memorize 12 verses of Scripture that cover the Gospel from beginning to end. To my joy, half of them stepped up to the challenge and shared what they learned with the whole class.

And that’s what I love about Summer Quest. It grants me the opportunity to share God’s Word and challenge the next generation to do the same.

Grace and Peace!

Pastor Jack

Honest Friends

Proverbs 28:23 (NLT) 23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

I’m not sure if this verse reflects our community (see Proverbs 28:5), but it does reflect the culture of our church staff.

One of our staff values is Gracious Candor. We define it as providing honest feedback in a gracious way. We are committed to sharing our ideas and opinions, even if it turns out to be a “tough conversation.”

We also cite multiple Bible verses that serve as the foundation for each value. Reading through these never gets old! (We actually review one of our values each week)

One of my favorites is: Proverbs 27:5–6 (ESV) 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

For months I, Jack, interpreted “profuse” as disgusting…which gave a good laugh for our team when I finally realized that profuse just meant plentiful. It was an embarrassing moment that provided an opportunity to reflect a different staff value, Humble Growth.

In the end, I am grateful for our staff team. I get to work with exceptional people whose strengths and perspectives make up for my weaknesses and blindspots. They make me a better pastor and teammate, and I love them very much.

I don’t know who God uses in your life to provide gracious and honest feedback, but I hope you don’t forget to appreciate them. They are truly your friends.

- Jack Napier

Having Dominion and Gentleness

Ever since I was a little kid I loved dogs. The whole world could be against you, your siblings could not be speaking to you, and your parents could be upset with you. But your dog would still be wagging its tail, jumping up and down just waiting for you to walk through the door.

Beasts of burden help us in our labor, and smaller pets bring a unique joy and dare I say “friendship” to our lives.

But the gaiety of animal affection is more than just a Hallmark sentiment. God intends for us to have a sense of respect and responsibility for animals that He created: Proverbs 12:10 (CSB) 10 The righteous cares about his animal’s health, but even the merciful acts of the wicked are cruel.

You can tell a lot about a person who shows no mercy or tenderness, even when it comes to animals.

Of course this doesn’t mean that we elevate animals to the same status or value as mankind. Genesis 1–2 clears up that distinction for us. God has given us permission to enjoy feasting on juicy, tender meat (see Peter’s animal quilt, Acts 10:9–16).

However, it is part of God’s design and desire that we demonstrate “care” for animals. They are one of His gifts to us.

So, be an omnivore and keep rodents out of your home. You have dominion. But don’t be wicked or cruel. God set humans over the earth to oversee and care for His creation, not abuse or neglect it.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

P.S. I am not in the market to get a dog...I already have a “handful” of God’s creation to take care of, and that’s all I can manage at the moment. ;-)

Struggling in Secret

“Wow...I’ve never heard that before.” This has been a common thought uttered in the recesses of my mind as I read popular resources on sexuality and gender. Hearing from “both sides” of the issue has stretched and deepened my understanding of our current sexual revolution. Studying Scripture at the same time has deepened my understanding of the truth.

  One of my favorite resources has been Christopher Yuan’s Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story. (Other great resources are listed on our Resource page)

  However, something he shared bothered me, and it hasn’t stopped bothering me. While working on his doctorate, Yuan interviewed 80 Christians who were struggling with same-sex attraction. In each interview he asked about their experiences in the Christian community. This was what he had to say about their answers, which he later commented were the norm:

One answered, “I was terrified that I would be judged and ostracized for something I didn’t want and something that wasn’t in my control.” Another said, “I didn’t feel like I would be understood...I thought that I would at least be rejected by peers and maybe even made fun of.” Yet another gave this reason for his silence: “I was terrified to tell close friends for this reason: I couldn’t bear to lose some of the most meaningful friendships in my life.” (pp. 163-164)

  It seems evident that Christians who struggle with same-sex attraction are more likely to look for help outside of the Church for avoidable reasons.

  In the same section referenced above, Yuan writes, “We evangelicals feel free to open up about a multitude of difficulties—pornography addictions, eating disorders, alcoholism, sex abuse, and so on. But many feel that same-sex attraction is the one thing they cannot share with another Christian.”

  This should not be. My hope is that with a clear understanding of the Scripture, we can follow Jesus in the way He interacted with and pursued sinners, and we can edify and encourage other believers in their walk with Christ.

I’m looking forward to Sunday’s Q&A time. I hope the manner in which we share opens the door for meaningful discussion and deeper relationships.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Facing My Fears at 10,000 Feet

I will never forget the moment I exited a perfectly good airplane at 10,000 feet above the ground. I was the first to “jump,” so I was the first one to perch myself on a small step that stuck out under the wing.

The wind was deafening as it beat on my face at 200+ miles per hour. As I looked down, the ground looked like square plots of land, houses barely big enough to identify.

The professional skydiver attached to my back allowed me to initiate the jump...every second felt like a minute.

I could feel my heart pounding, my arms and legs shaking, and my face had a nervous perma-smile (permanent grin). But I knew I had to face my fear of heights and leap out in faith. The adrenaline rush cannot be described, only felt.

Skydiving has been on my bucket list for many years. Throughout my childhood and early adult life, I’ve always been deathly afraid of heights. Just throwing a ball up into the air and watching it soar caused my muscles to tighten; and that was while I was standing on solid ground.

After gaining insights through counseling and understanding the brain, I believe it has something to do with a fall I took as an elementary student. My brain has never forgotten that traumatic experience, and only wants to protect me from enduring that ever again.

As a teenager I tried facing the fear by following through with tasks on ladders and other work-related activities. Pride was a big motivator, and I was just pushing through. The fear never let up.

But then something changed. The physical symptoms of fear were still present for many years, but my thinking shifted.

I was strapped into the seat of a world-class rollercoaster inching up to the peak. I didn’t just have butterflies in my stomach, it felt like I had wasps and knives in there too.

So I decided to pray something like this: “God, I know You are with me, and I am in Your hands. So, I’m going to let go of these shoulder bars and take this ride with You. I trust You with my life. If something bad happens, then it’s because You are allowing it. I trust You.”

As I went over the top, staring down at the ground that would have paralyzed every muscle in my body, I raised my hands and whispered, “God, I love you. If this is going to be fun, it’s going to be because I’m enjoying this with You.”

It was the coolest thrill I ever had! I immediately wanted to ride that rollercoaster again. My stomach was still in knots, and my hands still got sweaty, but I was drawn to the ride...the thrill.

Eventually I knew that skydiving would be the ultimate step. If I could jump out of a plane with that same thought process, then I knew the fear had no power in my life. And that’s what I did at the end of this summer, thanks to a good friend of mine.

Fear was present, but trust and joy overcame. What. A. Thrill!

This Sunday we are going to look at anxiety and worry. Many of us are trying to deal with it the best we can, and even though this broken world will always give us opportunities to worry and be anxious, God invites us to find our rest and peace in Him.

I thank God for you and I’m blessed to have you as brothers and sisters. I love you, and I’ll see you all Sunday!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Responding to Evil

I had never heard of Uvalde, Texas before the horrific tragedy this week. The town has a population of about 16,000, not much smaller than Newton. The national headline news sent a chilling shock through the spine of our country, even though this act of evil is nothing new.

So how are we to respond? How are Christians supposed to react to evil that brings death and loss?

Well, our first reaction is likely grief. I have 5 young children, and I can’t even begin to imagine what those families are going through. The mourning for these precious children are surely felt throughout our nation. As those who have been comforted by God (2 Corinthians 1:3–4), we are reminded by the Apostle Paul to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). Let us be a compassionate people that mourns the senseless loss of nearly two dozen lives.

Another response should be prayer (Ephesians 6:18). We are commanded by God to pray against the evil schemes of the devil, and the immoral behavior that follows in his steps. We should pray for God’s peace and comfort for those who are grieving, asking God to intervene and draw people to Himself. We should also pray for wisdom on how a society must face these evils.

And we must remember Jesus’ mission for the Church. Murder and evil have been around since the very beginning. This is nothing new to the human experience. Jesus told us it would get worse, and His response was the Church. We are called to be the light and the salt of the earth. We are called to make followers of Jesus.

I know that many of you are brokenhearted at this heinous act. I am. But I rest in Jesus’ promise for a better future for those that trust in Him:

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, CSB)

I love you all and look forward to praying and worshiping together on Sunday.

- Pastor Jack

Thou Shalt Raise Thy Hands...What?

On November 21, 2021, I (Jack) preached about gratitude and thanksgiving. Not unusual for that time of year, however, the sermon raised a couple of questions, concerns, and even offenses—a preacher’s nightmare. So, I asked a number of people what they thought, and here’s what I’ve learned. 

First, I realized that I publicly called out a bunch of men, my brothers, in front of their families without first giving them the same opportunity I had to work through Scripture; something that took weeks and months of study, prayer, and patience. For that, I wish I could go back and deliver the sermon differently. Ever wish you could go back and articulate your thoughts differently to the people you love? I’m still working through that guilt and shame because of how much I love you, my church family, and because I want to be a good under shepherd. 

Second, I took too little time to work through the personal and sacred act of worship (orthopraxy), with an audience that I knew beforehand had a history of practicing differently for multiple generations. I thank God that His idea of shepherding us includes patience and wisdom...how I need and want more of that! And it’s not just our history that colors our theology. There have been movements of people/denominations with bad theology who have perverted the practice of praise. This has become a volatile topic because of how intimately connected it is to our relationship with God. And the way I spoke about such a sensitive and personal issue alienated some of our brothers and sisters. 

I am truly sorry for this, and can only ask for your forgiveness. Would you forgive me? 

Third, my delivery and emphasis covered up some of the important truths that makeup the doctrine of praise. One, God does not command that we raise our hands every time we praise Him. There are different expressions of worship and praise: singing, dancing, shouting, playing an instrument, praying (confession of guilt or truth, adoration, giving thanks), raising your hands, bowing, kneeling, and even lying prostrate on the ground. You can’t do all of those at the same time, nor is there any Scriptural basis to infer that all must be done every time you come to public worship. Whole books have been written on the practice of praising God from the Scriptures, and no man can preach it all within a single point of one sermon. 

I wanted to take this staff journal and a moment on Sunday to apologize for the way I communicated. I love God and you, and I want to do this right. So, December 12, we’re going to look deeper into worship and praising God. And we are going to ask: “Is the church commanded to praise God, and are there particular ways in which He desires each of us to praise Him, like singing or raising our hands in public praise?” That’s the real question, regardless of how much time it takes us to study and search the Scriptures. 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Backyard Mission Field

So far this week, we have reached more than 100 kids that don’t attend Grace or possibly any other church. How exciting is that?!?! We have given out Bibles, shared the Gospel, taught kids the Truth, and formed new relationships with our neighbors.

The numbers are still coming in, but we have about 240 kids attending our 10 Summer Quest sites. And this is all because 125+ volunteers decided to give up their week to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their own backyards.

We are hearing from volunteers how these young people are hungry for connection and care. I keep hearing moving stories of unchurched kids not wanting this week to end.

Well, it doesn’t have to. 

We have a great mission field right here in our community of children and students that do not know God’s love personally.

Why can’t we find creative ways to continue reaching our neighbors for Christ? Why can’t we continue praying for a particular neighborhood, getting our own kids in the battle, and making the effort to share God’s love with them?

This week has been a joyful reflection of 2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB) 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 

Grace, thank you for “being the Church.” I look forward to Summer Fest this Sunday afternoon. May it be a time of rejoicing and fellowship for our church family.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

A Rewarding Night

Last night was so refreshing!

We had bouncy houses, popcorn, cotton-candy, and other fun games. A special thank you is due the AWANA leaders for making this year and last night’s AWANA Awards Night uplifting and fun!

I am grateful for the encouragement and challenge given to our younger generation.

 My older three children received awards for memorizing Scripture and completing AWANA lessons. Amelia walked across the stage bashful, her head tilted downward with a shy grin on her face. On the other hand you have my son, Russell, who walked across the stage smiling at the audience and waving like a politician who just won office. (Maybe he gets that from his mother...) Samuel was his usual jovial self.

 I pray the fruit from their labors will last a life-time. Maybe that’s captured in the picture I took...

...maybe, lol.

And I was so proud of Courtney for the 8-month long commitment she kept in directing Sparks. She is truly a special lady!

Last night was full of joy and fellowship. What a refreshing break from the hardship and complexity of life.

I hope you can take the time to enjoy the relationships that God has given you this week.

 I love our church family, and I appreciate the ways that you minister to me and my family. I won’t be preaching this Sunday, but I am eager to hear the message that God has laid on Kyle’s heart.

 Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jack

Divine Delays

We walked into the terminal around 8am at the Wichita airport and we were the only passengers in sight. We went through security, just Courtney and I, and walked toward Chick-fil-A (because, of course). 

We were supposed to fly out of Wichita that morning, but we had no idea how interrupted our schedule would become. Our flight was delayed, so we had to wait for the afternoon. 

We knew we would miss our connecting flight, but maybe we would get to the FEC retreat just a few hours late. Since we had no place to go, we sat and read. Then the moment came to board our plane. We sit in our “be-thankful-for-what-you-get” seats, and wait. And we wait some more. Then we wait just a little while longer.

We sat on our plane for two hours before we disembarked due to our airline’s complete shutdown (which ended up lasting for five days). None of it was going to plan… or, at least, our plan.

Toward the end of Monday, we knew our flight was canceled and we had no hope of making it to our retreat in time. We would miss a whole day and a half.

Do you ever get discouraged when expectations and plans get altered and delayed? Of course you do. It’s disappointing.

Yet, we had resolve and hope. God was aware of what this trip would be like, so we trusted Him.

The next day, we head back to the airport, only to sit slouched in our chair because of further delays. I began to wonder if God really wanted us to go. Lunchtime came around, and I began to pray for God’s purpose in the waiting.

“Is there ANYBODY You want me to talk with? Let me join You in some encounter... please.”

I knew God always had a plan for our waiting, no matter what the reason.

As I passed by the gate counter, I saw Mike. We saw him the day before, so I knew he was in our same predicament. But Mike wasn’t flying for business or pleasure. Mike was on his way to donate his kidney to his son’s war buddy. He looked tired. He looked defeated. He looked worried.

So I decided to take my own detour. I walked up to Mike and asked if I could pray for him.

“I don’t know if you’re a person of faith, but would you mind if I prayed for you?”

He obliged, I put my hand on his shoulder, and I prayed for God to step into the situation and help. I don’t remember my words, but as soon as I said “Amen,” God opened Mike’s heart to share with me.

Here’s Mike on the right:

Turns out, Mike comes by Newton every once in a while to visit a friend (what a weird “coincidence,” huh?). We even talked about meeting at Norm’s and having coffee.

I never wanted to spend an extra day in the airport, and I really didn’t want to miss a whole day of our retreat. But if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have connected with Mike, and maybe that was a more important connection than the one we were trying to make at the Dallas airport.

See you guys on Sunday morning, and I hope you come to The Heart of Grace at 4pm in the Worship Center. 

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jack

Connecting with God through His Word

“I will give you $100.”

The room froze. Samuel and Russell stared at me, eyebrows raised and shocked at the offer.

Courtney quickly turned her neck and gazed at me with a smirk.

Today was the day. I had thought about it for a while, going back and forth in my mind, unsure of whether this was the best solution (or honestly, even a good idea).

Courtney and I have been reading through our Bibles for years, and we’ve encouraged our kids to do the same. But it hasn’t been an easy habit to start.

They go to Awana on Wednesday night, memorizing Scripture and thinking through Bible stories. They enjoy Sunday School and learn from the experience and knowledge of their teachers.

But nothing is a substitute for personal Bible reading. Each of us, no matter how young or old, need to hear from God. We need to connect with Him through His Word.

We all need His voice in our lives on a regular basis. So I threw down the parental ace of spades.

I offered $100 to my oldest boys if they read through the Bible each day this year.

So far, the monetary reward has sparked a new motivation. They have been far more diligent to read than ever before. They haven’t missed a day so far!

But I know this is only a temporary strategy to get them started. Most of their rewards in life will be personal accomplishment, contentment, and growth.

This year, our Habit of Grace is Connecting with God through His Word. Our original plan was to begin this upcoming Sunday, January 10th, but Courtney and I both tested positive for COVID-19 this week and will be spending some time quarantining at home. So far, we are both doing okay, and the kids have had a couple of runny noses. We appreciate your prayers and look forward to reuniting with you all soon.

I love you, Grace.
Pastor Jack

Puzzling Seasons

There are 43 quintillion possible configurations of the Rubik’s Cube. That’s 43 with eighteen zeros attached to it. That means you can have the same cube look different in 43 quintillion ways, and yet it is still the same cube.

However, did you know that the fastest “cubers” can solve a randomized cube in under 10 seconds? A couple of people have even solved it in 5 seconds... FIVE!

Sound impossible? Well get this, any cube can be solved with just 20 moves! You can look it up. It only took mathematicians about 30 years to figure it out.

So, this year we got one of our sons, Samuel, a Rubik’s Cube for his birthday. None of us had ever solved one, so it didn’t take long before we bought two more—one for me (Jack) and another for Russell. We thought it would be fun to learn how to solve it together. 

At first I was intrigued, learning about how Erno Rubik created the game “on accident” when trying to create a new puzzle back in 1974. Then I was determined.

We successfully searched the World Wide Web for some insights and lessons and spent one of my “off” days watching YouTube videos. We learned a few classic strategies, memorized about 5 algorithms, and eventually solved our first Cube. What an accomplishment! I don’t remember what it felt like when I first learned how to ride a bike, but I bet it’s similar. 

Samuel’s gotten pretty good at it. He can solve his in just over 2 minutes now. That’s not too bad for beginners like us! Still, we would have to learn a hundred more algorithms before we could solve one in under 30 seconds. Not a current goal of mine.

But what would be worth the time it takes to become great?

Many accomplishments take hundreds and even thousands of hours to achieve. When it came to the Cube, my ultimate aim was doing something fun together, which often feels like a more difficult puzzle to solve. 

I am in a season of parenting young children right now, and different seasons require extra effort and intentionality. Some seasons may feel like a giant puzzle that you’re trying to solve. 

Maybe you feel like you are just turning a bunch of pieces and not seeing any results. And if you’ve ever played with a Rubik’s Cube, you know what I mean. But persevering in whatever calling God has given you is worth the intentionality and effort. It may have 43 quintillion different variations, and sometimes it seems impossible to “solve,” but we can trust Him to guide us and turn the pieces of our lives.

Galatians 6:9,
Pastor Jack

Unexpected Friendship

I texted one of my neighbors at 6am: “It’s Monday...does that mean I’m headed to the gym alone?” He shot back, “Not today.”

At first, I took that as, “I’m not going today.” But before I backed out of my driveway, he opened my passenger door and jumped in the seat. I was startled, but glad.

We have been hitting the gym 3–4 times each week in the mornings, and it has been good for my health. I can tell that I have more energy and feel better throughout the day.

But that’s surprisingly not the best part. I find myself most looking forward to spending time with my neighbor.

What’s shocking is, he doesn’t go to church. Anywhere. 

He’s just a regular guy with kids and a job… and a pastor as a neighbor. 

Now, my family and I have been praying for years that God would help us be good neighbors and witnesses. We have faithfully prayed for our neighbors by name. We have welcomed them into our home, enjoyed food together, and we’ve invited them to church services and Awana.

But I would never have guessed that God would open the door for a mutual friendship.

To my shock and surprise, my don’t-go-to-church buddy has encouraged me in my walk as a pastor. He has passionately challenged me about my “path” as a Christian man, husband, and father. And he has motivated me to continue exercising. 

Clearly, God has been speaking to his own heart. Gratefully, God has brought me to his neighborhood.

What began as a simple prayer and church sending, has turned into an unexpected friendship and opportunity for an everlasting relationship.

Would you pray for me, that God would overcome my weaknesses and inabilities and open the door for the Word? Would you pray that I would grow in my walk as a friend and neighbor?

This has been a great blessing in my life, and I believe there is more to come.

This Sunday we'll think about the disaster that occurred when Jesus tried to convert His hometown. Why did His attempt “fail”? What made them so angry?

Guess you’ll have to gather with us to find out... see you then!

Galatians 6:9,
Pastor Jack

A Half-Mowed Lawn and Jesus' Steadfast Presence

Samuel walked up to me while we were mowing and trimming the yard (he mows, I trim) and tells me that the lawnmower was broken.

“Mmhmm…”

Of course, I just thought that he was missing some step and casually walked over to the mower and turned it on. I have an EGO electric mower, which I love. You pull the lever, press the button, and you’ve got the quietest mower in the world, and it cuts the grass just fine. 

But not this time. 

This time it shook like a spring door stop, turned off, and then the red LED on the display began to blink. Now, my friends wouldn’t exactly call me a “mechanic,” but I was pretty sure that something was wrong. Red never seems too good. 

I turned it over and checked the blade. It apparently was pulling up grass from the roots. “Maybe it wasn’t sharp enough?” I had no clue what was wrong, so I dragged it into the garage and took the blade off to examine it.

I’m also not a “blade-ologist,” so I did what anybody my age would do: I googled it. 

There wasn’t a replacement blade within a 40-minute drive, and only half of my yard was cut. HALF. It was also after dinner time. We all know you should look at the glass half full, not half empty, but I doubt my neighbors would keep that perspective if I left my yard half-complete. 

I started thinking of alternative solutions, and I really didn’t want to borrow a neighbor’s mower if I didn’t have to. Then it occurred to me, I have a Power+ String Trimmer (weed eater)! It’s not really meant to cut a yard, but it could be a temporary resolve until I get a new blade in.

So I spent the next few moments trimming my yard down as evenly as possible (emphasis on “as possible”). It reminded me of the first time my mom let my aunt cut my hair as a kid. My hair was technically shorter, but I wouldn’t exactly call it a “win.”

Nevertheless, the front yard was cut and I bought myself a week to figure it out.

This year has brought a lot of new challenges for me. I’m having to pivot quickly and try new ways of doing things. Some are different but just as easy, and others have left me waiting for a more permanent solution.

The good news is, Jesus’ presence and promises haven’t changed. My faith in Him isn’t based on a predictable and comfortable life. 

I like the way Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

I haven’t seen the staircase in about 7 months, but Jesus hasn’t left.

See you guys this Sunday as we look at Jesus’ second sign in John’s Gospel.

Will He get upset and leave them? Can He still work among a people who need to see before they believe? You’ll have to come and hear the story to find out!

I love you, Grace. 
— Pastor Jack

Practicing Trust

I was a little taken aback when he asked, but I was glad that he did.

When I said that I am “trusting God with all of this,” he was quick to reply, “what does that even mean?!”

You know that feeling of, “So what! How does that help me now?!” That’s the vibe he was giving.

Friends that won’t take simple answers and pose deeper questions are both a blessing and a pest. I know, because I am one of those people. When those outside of the church ask me surprising questions, it is often a vulnerable exposure of the heart. They’re almost always connected to doubt or pain.

I think we all want to hear the truth in practical terms. When friends are hurting, they’re not interested in the lofty musings of a philosopher. They want something to apply to their current situation that sounds like it came from a wise farmer, not a grandiloquent professor (amirite?).

My friend wanted to know how I was dealing with all of the change and tension in my life, probably because he wanted to know how to handle his own.

Times are difficult right now. Many things have changed on a global scale in just a mere two months. Not only that, but my place of worship and work have become unfamiliar and uniquely challenging. Every time we make a decision, it changes before the week is over. New information or events have caused additional work, extra meetings, and added stress.

So, after silently praying in my mind, I told him how I have been trusting God in the fewest amount of words I could.

“Well, first, I have told God everything that is going on in my life. Every worry, every concern, every joy, every desire; I have shared everything I can with Him. I even opened up about my current regrets... bad things I’ve been thinking and feeling and, sadly, doing. I have confessed and spoken about it all with Him.

Second, I continue to believe that He actually cares. The Bible says to cast all your worries and concern on Jesus because He cares for you. I have faith in the Bible, so I believe that Jesus genuinely cares about what is happening in my life. I know He loves me, and I remind myself of that every day.

Third, I expect that He is going to do something about it. I believe He responds to all of my prayers. He doesn’t always do what I ask (thank God!), but He hears every word and has the power to change hearts and situations, including mine.

That is how I trust God. I share all that is going on, believe that He cares, and know that He will intervene and work it all out for the good.”

After I was done he simply said, “Oh... okay.”

Because our friendship is strong, I assumed that he wasn’t unaffected or uninterested. Maybe he just had to chew on it for a while. Either way, I was glad he asked, because once we finished talking I looked upward and whispered, “Thanks for reminding me how to trust You.”

I have been practicing trust a lot lately. Some of the process feels like exercise... I know the next move, and I choose to do it. But my heart hasn’t been left behind. As I practice trust, I develop more trust. And I don’t know of anything I need more than trust right now. 

I love you Grace family, and I am praying that God continues to guard your hearts as you trust Him with your lives. I will see you (well, you’ll see me) this Sunday as we continue learning about how Jesus lived as a human being.

Pastor Jack