The thing about fads is that they come and get us excited with what Webster defines as “exaggerated zeal”.  They satisfy for a moment and then leave us empty looking for the next best thing.  We can get so involved emotionally and it can be hard to let go.  (Like the guy I saw yesterday with ‘Zubaz’ pants on.)  Sometimes these fads make a reappearance, and the cycle starts again.

The great thing about our God is that He remains constant.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  What He said, He will do.  What He started, He will complete.  Even when our emotions come and go, He continues to be good.  He is a solid foundation that can never be moved.

I pray that you remember this the next time you’re driving in your hybrid, listening to your Ipod, and sipping a Starbucks.  What’s here today may be gone tomorrow, but Jesus will always be the same.  He loves you with exaggerated zeal, and nothing can separate you from His unwavering love.

Jesse Heikkila

Director of Modern Day

Who was Mephibosheth?

Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan who was the son of Saul the first king of Israel. When Mephibosheth was just a boy, his father and grandfather died in battle. Because of the possibility of what could happen to the previous king’s descendants, in a hurry Mephibosheth was picked up and rushed out of the palace. In 2 Samuel 4:7 we read “Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse picked him up and fled, but as she hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled. His name was Mephibosheth”. He was taken to a place called called Lo Debar, which in Hebrew means “a place of no pasture”. He was taken there for fear of the newly appointed king. He was spending his days in hiding with no rest because he believed that the king was his enemy.

Have you ever felt like you were God’s enemy?

Think about it. Everything he knew had been taken from him. He was crippled, all alone and living the rest of his days in fear for his life. This sounds like a tragedy of the worst kind. What a seemingly lowly existence. What a perfect example of a life of despair.

There was nothing he could do!

This could have been a tragic end to a very tragic story but something happened. Grace stepped in. When the newly appointed and anointed king had finally assumed his throne we read in 2 Samuel 9 that David had other plans for Mephibosheth. “The king asked, ‘Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?’ Ziba answered the king, ‘There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in both feet.’” David was a man after God’s own heart and a picture of the eternal king, Jesus Christ. Even though Saul had been his enemy and had tried several times to kill him, David still sought to bless anyone from his line. David tells a guy named Ziba to go and get mephibosheth. No doubt Mephibesheth was reluctant to go with Ziba. Was this end. Maybe it was just as well that he would finally be put out of his misery.

The surprise of his life

What a shock it must have been to realize that the king did not want to kill him but to bless him and honor him by letting him eat with him at the kings own table. What did Mephibosheth do to deserve this kind of treatment? Absolutely nothing! We read in verse seven the reason David did this. “‘Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’”

Do you see yourself in this story?

Do you see the reality of God’s grace in this story? He summoned us to His table and it wasn’t because of anything we had done. Because of his mercy and grace a crippled soul, hiding in fear and shame comes to dine with the king. It makes me stop and think about how much love I have been shown. Oh how He loves you and me. Oh how great is is love for the world. He is longing to show His kindness to others just like you and me. This brings up another point about another character in this story. Someone we can also identify with. Ziba was also a part of Saul’s kingdom but David had allowed him to be a part of his as well. Ziba was the one who went to get Mephibosheth.

God is calling us to go and get people like Mephibosheth

Who do you know like Mephibosheth? Do you know any crippled souls that are hiding in fear as God’s enemies? God is telling us to go and get them. Go and tell them of the grace and blessing He wants to bestow on them. Let’s go and get them. Let’s go and cary them to His table.

Jesse Heikkila

Modern Day Director

How humiliating and down right shocking was the event unfolding before their eyes.  Never before had so many spectators joined the mob in so short a time.   It’s dusty and dirty and the terrain is not very safe, but it’s worth it. This was the moment they had all been waiting for.  This was the moment where it all came to an end.  Screaming, yelling, crying and even occasional laughter fill the air.  Was this really happening?  Was this the end?

So many promises, so many dreams, so much hope fading before their eyes.  Most of the onlookers that day felt relief.  A mad mans pursuit of division and dissidence would be silenced.  For some this was a failure that cut right to the heart.  How could this be happening?  How could it all be over?

To everyone watching that day, Jesus’ crucifixion and death looked like the exact opposite of success.  His ministry on earth had ended and it seemed like He had failed.Yet it was at this moment that He was winning the most important victory in the history of the world.  It turned out to be the greatest success story ever told.  It didn’t matter what the onlookers thought, He could see the end in sight.  He knew how the story would turn out.

What is success?

Webster defines success as: a favorable or desired outcome.

What will be your outcome?

Hebrews 11:1 says “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see”. NLT

Do you believe that whatever your circumstance, God sees you as a success?  Do you have faith in a God that can turn any situation around for good?

In the book of Genesis, we find the story of a man named joseph.  Joseph was hated by his brothers, he was sold as a slave for money, his reputation was completely marred because of other peoples lies and he was thrown into prison for two years.  Yet, in Genesis 39:2 God calls him a success.  ”The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian”.  Don’t forget that Joseph had just been sold as a slave to this guy.  The part that I’m sure carried Joseph through it all was that “The LORD was with him”.

Even though your situation and circumstances might look like a failure in the eyes of the crowd,  keep the end in site.  Whatever you are facing or going through, know that the LORD is with you and He has won the victory.  He is your success!  Even when victory is hard to see, put your faith in Him!

Jesse Heikkila

Modern Day Director

If you would like to make a financial contribution to the Nathan & Courtney Watkins, please click here.

If you are not familiar with what Masters Commission is, here is a brief overview.  Masters Commission is a nine or ten month discipleship program where young people will leave “life as usual” and fully pursue God and the destiny he has for them.  Students direct their full attention to things like memorizing scripture, ministering in youth groups and churches and discipleship.  It’s a life changing experience and usually launches these students into their life long calling.

So many of the students I spoke with had a passion for missions and a desire to be used by God in another nation.  It was so inspiring to hear their stories and it was a reminder for me that God is continuing what He started.  He is continuing to call people to every tongue and every tribe.  His heart still hurts for the lost and he is calling out “Who will go for me?  Who shall I send?”  This conference gave me an opportunity to meet people who are answering that call.  I believe that we will continue to see more people answering this call than ever before.  We live in an exciting time.  Despite the state of the economy, more money will be given to missions.  Despite talks of fear and worry, the church of Jesus Christ will continue to advance triumphantly.  Now is the day of salvation!

Jesse Heikkila

Modern Day Director

If you would like to make a financial contribution to Tomas & Miriam Süss, please click here.

Allyster has had a heart for French Speaking Europe since he was a boy.  He has been taking steps towards working full time in Europe by spending over a year in France and also by learning the French language.  Allyster is a talented musician and has a desire to see young people come into a deeper relationship with the Lord and find their true identity.

If you would like to make a financial contribution to Allyster Taubeneck, please click here.