Mosaic Middle School Ministry Blog.

The Gospel of John REWIND:

2010-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

In 2007 Mosaic read through the Gospel of John, and now we are doing it again. This month, we will be posting a series of rewind links that can get you in touch with the things we wrote about John last time we read thought it.

Check it out:

2007 INTRO

John 1

John 1 (Part 2)

John 1 (part 3)

John 2

John 2 (part 2)

John 3

John 4

Home & Pictures.

2010-07-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Both Mosaic teams are home.

GREAT trips.

I will be posting my 58 gigabytes (over 7000) pictures over the next few weeks. The pictures I uploaded in Caraballo were low resolution, so they will not look good any larger than a 4 x 6 print.

I will repost all of these pics and many many more soon.

Jfk

2010-07-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

We landed in jfk.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Caraballo Team 2 (Thursday)

2010-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a great, dry day (unlike the weather we heard that you experienced.

Most of our crew took on the task of painting the remodeled dining hall that we have been working on. The rest of our team helped out with pouring a few smaller concrete projects (Dining hall stage, and part of a wall). Having been here for almost two weeks, it has been cool to see how much that Elmbrook's middle school students have contributed. We have done a lot of work, and it feels good.

We painted a lot today, and will also be painting tomorrow. Everyone is doing a great job,working hard, and loving our team, and our hosts.

One more day of work, and then its time to come home!

Caraballo Team 2 (Tuesday & Wednesday)

2010-07-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

The last two days have been really good.

On tuesday, it did rain, but we were still able to move a lot of dirt, begin to paint the walls of the cafeteria, and help the Haitian workers pour the floor in the cafeteria addition. We also played a lot with kids, both from the school and from the Village. There is a lot of distance between the pile of black dirt and where it needs to goA few of our leaders had to work to create a "path" that allowed us to drive wheelbarrows through ankle deep mud. When the heavy rain did come, it was late afternoon and only cut off a little of the work day. Tuesday night, the truck died on the way home from our worksite, but we still got home safe, and the local mechanic had it fixed and back to the team house when we woke up in the morning.

On wednesday, we had a little bit different of a day. It is the last day of summer session for the students. They came for lunch and then had a program that all the kids participated in to celebrate the end of their school year. One thing that was very interesting was that the kids lunches were served in styrofoam take out containers. Most of the students didn't eat much of their food, but instead too their containers home for their families. The school actually gave the kids a little break after lunch just so they could take their food home. Pretty cool stuff.

Tonight the head of the school spoke with us. He shared his heart for the kids of the Village. It was really powerful stuff shared with tears.

Last night we looked at Luke 15, and tonight we read Luke 10. Awesome passages about God's heart for people. and what it means to truly Live and Love like Jesus did.

Caraballo Team 2 (Monday)

2010-07-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

Team #2's experience has been very different than the first team's so far.

Yesterday, it rained during beach day for most of the afternoon (which was still fun!)

Today, it rained most of from about 12:30 until 5:30. The had a massive effect on our work.

In the morning when we got to the school, we went on a tour of the surrounding area. There is so much to say about it, that a blog would never do it justice. On the "field trip" we say some pretty extreme poverty, as well as getting a hint of some of the social, political, & systemic problems that hold people there.

Once we got to work, we split into 3 team. One team worked on prepping the dinning hall to pour a new concrete floor. A second team started loading up the black dirt that was dug up in order to put in the footing we helped pour last week. Once it was in a wheel barrow, it had to be take through a crazy obstacle course of ramps, hills, mud & more in order to make its way to the future garden area (where they want to use the dirt to grow banana trees). The third team clean off a new place to mix mortar, and began to pile up the supplies needed.

Around 12 we had lunch, and got to see their monthly birthday celebration. Many of the kids have never had such celebrations before, so it is fun to see how excited they get. They also celebrated Kip & Kate, two of our team members whose birthday's are this week!

After a long lunch of playing with kids, we tried to get back to work, but it was raining very consistently.

We were able to move some dirt in the rain, but our work was definitely slowed down.

On the was to school, we have to cross a river without a bridge. Because of the rain, the river rose so high, that only one of our vehicles could not make it through, so we had to leave it at the school and make two trips home.

Please pray for us to either find jobs we can do even though it is raining, or for the rain to let up.

Caraballo Team 2 (Saturday)

2010-07-17T18:51:00.001-07:00

Team 2 arrived at the house safe & sound. They had a great dinner, and got settled in.

tomorrow morning they will begin their adventure in full!

Caraballo (Saturday)

2010-07-17T06:55:00.001-07:00

Team 1 got on a bus today and headed for the airport. We had to send a motorcycle to catch them because the driver had forgotten to shut that door on the trailer (he caught them:) , but other than that they left without a hitch.

Team two is supposed to arrive around 7 tonight.

Caraballo (Friday)

2010-07-17T06:48:00.000-07:00

On friday, we were again slowed a bit by rain. The river was full, and only the van could cross (we have a Van and a pickup that transport us around). Once on the sight, we finished up many of our projects, and got to work mixing more concrete.

Students on friday are only at the school for 2.5 hours. Many of them won't eat for the entire weekend, so the school created a short day on fridays, so they could at least give the students one meal. They come at 10, play games until 12, and then eat a huge lunch together and go home.

Around 11, our adult leaders took most of the work, so the students could have one last chance to play with the kids. The students also got to eat lunch with them. It was cool to see.

Meanwhile, the adult leaders were able to help the Haitian workers finish a second concrete floor. They are expanding their kitchen, and the new floors will be used for additionally cooking space.

After lunch, we gave the kids snack bags as they left for the weekend. It was hard to see them go.

Alberto, the director of the school, got very emotional as he thanked us for coming. He told us that when he had heard that a team of middle school students was coming, he was worried that we would not be able to do the hard work. But on the first day we surprised him so much, that he struggled to keep us busy with enough jobs. All week long, he said, we kept demanding more work from him! He was moved that our students could work so hard, even being so young. The Lord, gives the strength.

After this, we spent some time in the market across from the school, and then went back to our house. After dinner, we made the decision to go to the beach for our final group session, even though it looked like rain.

On the way there it rained on and off. When we got there, it held off long enough to sing a few songs, then the rain came hard and we took shelter in a beach restaurant that was owned by a Dominican Christian.

Our team shared a lot about what God has showed them on the trip.

We finished the time together by looking at Luke 8 together, and particularly the parable of the soils. I challenged the team, not to let the weeds grow up around what they had learned this week.

Caraballo (Thursday)

2010-07-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today was another interesting day.

The Rain came through some of the night, but did not slow out team down this morning.

Once on the site, we got to work on some new and familiar tasks. One team tied rebar in one of the areas we had cleared and leveled the previous day. Another group, got another are ready to put rebar in and cleared rubble from the dinning hall. A third group went to work on the remnant of the wall: A giant rebar reinforced concrete girder, which some construction workers had pulled down after we left yesterday.

Soon we were ready to pour concrete on the rebar, so most of our team moved to that task and brought the sand, gravel, and cement needed. Interestingly, each bag of cement weighs 94 lbs, which is more that several of our team members!

By lunch, we had helped pour half of the concrete pad, and made good progress on our other tasks as well. Lunch and the time with the students was awesome. It is so fun to play with them and to see the light in their eyes. Most of the funding for this school comes through each student having sponsorship (about $35 a month) from foreign families. Don't be surprised if your student asks you about it.

In the Afternoon, we helped finish the pad, finished destroying the concrete girder, & finished most of the footing that we had started on Tuesday.

THe big surprise came when we went to leave the worksite today. The team van, had a flat tire. It took over an hour to fix because of how hard it was to get the old tire off. Some of our team went back in other vehicles, but 4 leaders from our team eventually & triumphantly drove themselves home in the Van which they had fixed.

Great session tonight talking about what God has been teaching us and looking at Luke 10 together.

Hard to believe tomorrow is Friday.

Caraballo Pictures

2010-07-14T20:49:00.001-07:00

I have been able to put some up:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebrownsquirrel

Carballo (Wednesday)

2010-07-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Early this morning, we were greeted by the sound of rain. The rain was good in that, it cooled things off a bit (only the mid to upper 80's and extremely humid vs 90s and humid), but it did slow us down a little. There is a little bridge-less river that we have to cross on the way the the school every day. With the rain, we had to wait to make sure it would be crossable.

But an hour later, we were on our way through the sugar cain fields and out the the school in Caraballo. Today, the rain shifted our jobs, and prevented us from pouring any more concrete. We still got to beat on concrete with sledgehammers, move rubble, and also level a few places where we are going to pour concrete floors either this week or next.

Also one team from our group worked with Jesse (an awesome missionary with Kid's Alive) to sort clothing bags for students. The bags are made up of donated clothes and personal items for the students, but also for their families too. Each of the 200 students will get one on friday.

Throughout the day it rained on us periodically, but we still were able to get much work done.

Once again, lunch time was amazing, as we got to play with so many kids. One highlight of lunch today, was that our students taught the kids from the school a new group game. It was awesome to see them all play together!

Tonight we had three special treats: 1. Jesse the missionary shared about her life, and what she does here.
2. We had fried plantains for dinner. 3. We final changed our money, and so we went across the street and bought ice cream!!! it was awesome.

Tonight we talked about Luke 15 in our group time. God is really teaching us a lot about following him, and about living to bless others.

As I am writing this it is raining. Our hope is that it will stop soon, so work tomorrow can continue without increased challenges.

Caraballo (Tuesday)

2010-07-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

In the Morning we picked up an many of or projects from yesterday. We continued to hit the Giant wall with sledgehammers, and we continued to move the rubble, some of which we had now been the ones to create.

We did this until lunch. At lunch we got to play with the students again. Already, many know our names, and come and find us for more "horsey" rides and pushes on the swing. The younger ones love to have their picture taken, but the teens are much more camera shy.

After lunch our team worked with some Haitian workers at the school to poor a long and deep concrete footing for a new wall at the school. It was crazy, hot work, that you would most likely have been shocked to see middle school students doing, but they worked hard.

Tonight we are in good spirits. We has a great dinner in our Team House, and had a good session learning about Matthew 19:13-30.

More of the same tomorrow.

Caraballo (Monday)

2010-07-13T18:15:00.000-07:00

Because of internet troubles, we are not able to post easily, or often. Most likely picture will not be posted until I get back on the 24th. (Maybe I will find another way to do it, that will work before then.)

On Monday we started the day with a tour of our worksite and the surrounding community. We are working at a Kid's Alive school that has almost 200 students (up to 8th grade.) The students are made up of both Haitians and Dominican's. This is somewhat amazing, as the two groups really struggle with many racial issues in the community. In the village that many of the students come from, there is a Haitian district and a Dominican district which don't really mix.

After our tour, we met Alberto, the director of the school. He welcomed us and told us what we would be doing. Our work of the day consisted of moving some concrete rubble created from expanding their dining hall so they can expand their enrollment. We also got to help with the demolition. We used sledge hammers to begin tearing down a concrete wall that was 35 ft long and about 12 ft high. We made good progress, but it was hard, slow work.

At lunch time, we get to play with the kids from the school. They love getting piggy back rides, and being picked up and held by our team. It is one of the highlights of the day.

After the kids go back to class, we work through the afternoon until 4 or so.

At night we debrief about the day, and learn about God together.

Then off to sleep.

Caraballo (Sunday)

2010-07-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

Our trip yesterday was long. Bus ride to Ohare, flight to New York, Flight to Santiago, bus ride to Caraballo area... finally done at around 12:30. Once we settled in, and unpacked, we were in for a hot night.

Our showers didn't work this morning, so we had to rough it. After a quick breakfast, we went to a local church, and enjoyed a Spanish Worship service. The preacher seemed really good, although other than knowing he was talking about God's Promise & Hope from Hebrews 6, I didn't catch much of the message.

After lunch, we had our orientation with Kids alive staff, and learned more about our project.

Then we spent the rest of the day, really working hard... at the BEACH!!! Apparently, it worked out better this week to have our Beach on Sunday, than at the end of our week. So after an afternoon at the beach, some amazing Pizza, we came home and finally are taking showers, and getting ready to sleep well tonight & work hard tomorrow.

Tomorrow we will be removing concrete debris from a wall they recently tore down at Kids Alive's school in Caraballo. They are expanding the dining hall, and well will be helping.

Caraballo (Saturday): Mosaic Dominican Republic TRIP 1 is off and RUNNING!!!

2010-07-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

We are well on our way to the DR. We are sitting in the JFK airport, and will be boarding our final leg of the plane ride momentarily.

Once we land, we will have a 2 hour drive to our serving site.

Please pray for our teams:
   -safe travel & adjustment to new place
   -that we would feel God's presence as we serve
   -That we would trust him when things are unknown
   -that our team would grow close in community.
   -that we would effectively demonstrate Christ

Paparazzi Series Rewind (Jan & Feb 08)

2009-11-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

This January and February Mosaic will be launching a new series on Boys, Girls, Birds, Bees, and following God. As I am preparing, I thought it would be helpful to collect in one post, the links to my last series on the issue.
paparazzi INTRO
Flash bulbs explode as people pursue their obsession with finding the next big thrill... extreme sports... extreme partying... extreme clothing... extreme everything... Our culture has gone wild. The message is clear: DO whatever you have to do... give up whatever you need to give up... go as far as you need to go.... all just to have the next thrill... and whatever your do... don't let your values get in the way of your fun. ... but does it really deliver? Or could it be that after experiencing all the extremes people are still extremely empty? Life is a treasure. Don't throw it all away to fast.
Freedom is overrated
Paparazzi Week 1: The Proposition.
Paparazzi 2: hot R not.
Paparazzi 3: Celebrity
-Celebrity Video Text:
-Paparazzi VIDEO (Celebrity)
-News Cast video
Paparazzi 4: Feb 4th, 2008 (Part 1)
- Lessons from Duct Tape (Part 2)
Paparazzi 5: I see London
-Paparazzi comment round-up: What students are saying.
Respond!
And a few other links from other places:
Help Needed
Sheep with out a Shepherd.

Bored

2009-10-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

I was just sitting here thinking that a lot of students will have their teachers convention coming up in a week! YAY! Boy do I remember those well needed breaks throughout the year! I want to challenge students to consider doing something during your break *other* than sitting at home watching TV or mindlessly playing on the computer all day long!

This upcoming Thursday the 29th and Friday the 30th we have two service days Downtown Milwaukee. (note: this is not an overnight) Spots are limited, so if you are interested...sign up ASAP! Cost is only $30 for both days (for lunch, transportation & supplies) (click here for permission form)

Where are we going:
We are working with Straightway Vineyard Church located in Walkers Point. Mosaic Middle School students will combine with the Straightway Middle School Students for a day of teaching and serving in their community. After lunch we will head out into local ministries near their church to serve in a variety of ways. We will then return to Elmbrook Church at 5pm for parents to pick up students.

Schedule:
8:15am Arrive at Elmbrook Church (777 S Barker Rd. Brookfield WI)
9:00am Arrive at Straightway
9:30am Training
11:00am Lunch
12:4:15pm Serving
5:00pm Pick up at Elmbrook Church

What to Bring:
Messy Clothes, Tennis or closed toe shoes, Good attitudes and FRIENDS!

If you have questions:
contact Mark Holcomb at mholcomb@elmbrook.org or 262-786-7051 *636

Crazy Love FUN you have been missing

2009-08-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

Tecate 09: Day #6 (Finishing the House)

2009-07-25T00:55:00.001-07:00

Today was awesome. We finished, dedicated, and handed over four houses to four very thankful families. Its late, but I will just share that it was a very emotional day as we said goodbye to our new friends, and headed back to our camp.

We have had a great week and God has taught us all so much.

Tomorrow we will be leaving early to head home.

Check out the PIctures HERE:

Tecate 09: Day #5 (Sights Seeing & Rest)

2009-07-23T23:47:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome time taking in Tecate's sights, and having a day to relax and recuperate. Because of the heightened security concerns in Mexico, we did not travel to Rosita today. Instead we hung out in Tecate. In the morning, we went to an awesome public stadium to play soccer, hike, and relax in the shade. Nothing quite like playing soccer in 100 degree weather on a dirt field!

After lunch, we headed out to downtown Tecate. The town has a square with a fountain where people congregate. Around the square, were many shops to find Mexican jerseys, souvenirs, food, and trinkets. It was cool to see Tecate and be able to spend some time just watching the people of the city move about.

Tonight we talked about what it means to follow Jesus in a world with so many distractions. We considered the questions together of "where are the workers?" Jesus told his disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Why are they few? How can there be so many Christians, and yet so few workers? Perhaps it is because so many of us are so distracted by life that we forget why we are really here.

Tomorrow is our last day on the sights. We will be finishing the houses and dedicating them. It is hard to believe it is our last day with our families. We have been so touched by what God has done in our midst this week.

Check out Mosaic Pictures HERE:

Check out Insight Pictures HERE:

Tecate 09: Day #4 (Roof & VBS)

2009-07-22T20:47:00.000-07:00

Yet another great day!!!

Today all of our groups got out roofs up!!! We still have work to do, but the trusses are all up, and the plywood sheeting is mostly up as well. VBS was also great today, and our students had a great time singing songs with the Mexican students and telling them about Jesus love. It has been great to continue to build relationships with the families that we are building houses for. Their stories are so awesome, and we are totally blessed to get to be a part of what God is doing in their life.

Tonight in our evening session we explored a simple 4 letter word. THEY. They is a word that we often use when we are talking about a group of people. They are ______________. Often when we do this, we are grouping an entire nationality of people together into a single group and assigning a characteristic which might be true of a few, to them all. While in Mexico we have seen how harmful these groupings can really be. We were challenged tonight to really think about who they "THEYs" were in our life, and what is would mean to really get a more dynamic and fully formed view of people. One that goes beyond stereotype.

Tomorrow is our rest day. We will be sleeping in a little, and then heading around town to play some soccer, and shop for some items we need for our houses.

Check out Brandon's Mosaic Pictures HERE:

Check out Insight Pictures HERE:

TECATE 09: Day #3 (Building)

2009-07-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today was another great day. In addition to playing with hoards of local children who have shown up to hang out with us, we also managed to get the walls up on all four of the houses that Elmbrook groups are building. Our groups have been pitching in with servants hearts to help get things done. One of our groups is smaller because a few of its students had to drop out of the trip, but the other groups are kicking in extra to help them when they need it. (The 6 students on that group are also really hard workers, so they are holding their own!)

Putting the walls up is a major accomplishment in the building process both emotionally and practically. Practically it is a major turning point as it signifies a sort of halfway point in the the putting up of the house. Emotionally, there is nothing like seeing the pile of lumber we are greeted with on the first day. It feels so great to see the results of our efforts. It is months of faith finally materialized into a physical shell that now is starting to look like the home and protection that it will be for this family. In a real way, it is our faith made physical. Way cool!

Tonight we talked about how blessed we are as a people. We have so much, and often we do not think about how the choices in our lives, effect other people, even people on the other side of the world. Part of being rich as a country is realizing how blessed we are, and part of it is realizing how our blessing makes us responsible to help other who we are able.

Tomorrow, we will be working more on our house. We will be trying hard to put on the roof. Fun TIMES!!!

Check out Brandon's Mosaic Pictures HERE:

Check out Insight Pictures HERE:

TECATE 09: Day 2 (Starting)

2009-07-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

We survived the heat, and actually made some phenomenal progress on building our houses today. We also met our families, and had a great time getting to know a ton of local Mexican kids who showed up to hang out with us and play some soccer, baseball, and even work together on the houses. Its amazingly cool to swing a hammer or paint along side the people we are hear to serve.

The heat is intense, as we are right up on top of a hill without much shade, but we take lots of water breaks and the mission discovery trucks come around regularly to hit us up with Gatorade. That said, it has been incredible to see how hard our students play and work in the sun and heat. They really are a great example of the love of Christ.

Tonight at our evening session we talked about blindness. Not physical blindness, but a blindness that happens when we train ourselves not see the needs of the people around us, and even eventually to stop even seeing needy people at all. We do it all the time, just like the story of the Good Samaritan that is found in Luke 10:25. The answer for this is to ask Jesus to help us see the world, ourselves, and others like he does.

Tomorrow we are building again, and starting VBS with the kids.

Check out Mosaic Pictures HERE:

Check out Insight Pictures HERE:

TECATE 09: Day 1 (TRAVEL)

2009-07-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

We are HERE!!! Travel today went great. God revealed himself to us in many ways even as we set out. Last night, one of our leaders had to back out of the trip because she was sick. So at 9pm, we were able to find another leader who was willing to go at the last minute and able to be ready in less than 12 hours to get on a plane. AMAZING.

WE were even able to convince the ticket agent that this was a great idea... way amazing.

Our flight was uneventful, and then we jumped on a bus in San Diego, and after a brief lunch, we were off of Tecate.

When we arrived it was crazy hot, but we were able get all settled in in time to jump in the pool and cool down.

Dinner was incredible (tacos and quesadillas) and then we were off to our first evening session.

Our topic for the night was how God had created the world whole, but that it has been deeply fractured by sin. Jesus offers us healing for our own brokenness and the opportunity to participate in his healing of the whole world!!!

Check out the Mosaic Pictures HERE:

Check out the Insight Pictures HERE:

And they arrived

2009-07-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

The group landed in San Diego on time and collected all of the luggage. Boarded busses and off to one last meal in the U.S.A. before crossing the border.

We all made it to Rancho La Paloma safely and have just finished enjoying a dip in the pool, as it is sort of warm down here in July. That's all for now, until later...

Invasion 09 Pictures!!! The Invasion 09 Pictures are on Flickr!!! (1775 of them!)

2009-07-01T20:45:00.001-07:00

Click HERE for 1775 Invasion 09 PIctures

DSC_2171.JPG, originally uploaded by thebrownsquirrel.

Click HERE for 1775 Invasion 09 PIctures

Cell Phone Fast

2009-06-09T13:13:00.001-07:00

So a few weeks ago at the Mosaic end of year party I was talking to a group of people and they were telling me how hard it would be to go without their cell phone for a WHOLE day. This made me think, shouldn't we be able to go longer without something like a cell phone? In the Bible it talks about fasting from food and instead spending that time with God; I think the same can apply to technology today, whether it's cell phones, video games, facebook or email. Matthew 6:16-18 talks about this idea - check it out.

What do you all think?

Fun Video Invite for our Leaders!

2009-05-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

2009-04-29T09:35:00.000-07:00

2009-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Malaria is a potentially fatal infection of the blood usually occuring when a person is bitten by a mosquito that carries the disease.

Malaria is

PREVENTABLE & TREATABLE.

But somehow 350-500 million people are infected with malaria every year. African children under the age of five all account for 75% of those who die—that's 3000 children each day. (source unicef)

BITE BACK on May 12.

Mosaic ministry will match the first 100 nets given. (which means we double the first 100 to make 200) Come ready to impact the lives of families living in Africa.

www.biteback.net

2009-04-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hey Students! On May 12th we are collecting money to buy mosquito nets for families in Africa! They only cost $10 a net, and save lives.. So come prepared that night to buy a net. For more information check out BITEBACK.NET or email mark at Mholcomb@elmbrook.org

"If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito."

Every African knows this is true because mosquitoes carry malaria—a tropical disease that kills over 750,000 children each year. That’s one child every 30 seconds. In Africa, mosquitoes make a huge difference in the lives of poor families and children.

And it all starts with a tiny bite.

More examples of Spring Break Boredom: ANother Peep video

2009-04-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is Here... What are you going to do?

2009-04-12T17:15:00.001-07:00

Don't know what to do with all your spring break free time? Check out the fun video that some local students created.

2009-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Check it out!! this is the latest picture of all the postcards!! even those wood letters at the top went through the mail! you guys are super creative and the cards bring great joy!! keep sending them in.

Laughing Baby Brown

2009-04-07T09:14:00.001-07:00

Postcards!!!

2009-03-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

Check out your cards that you have sent it.. there is room for more!

Hero Movie: Grant's Story (Hero Rising)

2009-02-25T07:04:00.000-08:00

Grant was extraordinarily average...

Average in every conceivable way, Grant is the classic anti-hero. Nothing about him seems to make him likely to succeed, unless conviction and integrity, counted as a superpower.

Grants life has been troubled lately as his group of friends seems to be falling apart. Last summer, they all traveled to Mexico with their church to build houses for people living in poverty. The trip had drawn them all so close, but now Grant is starting to feel like it is all falling apart. Ben flaked out and became a ladies man, Sierra and Kaleigh are always fighting, Sara is even more sullen than before and Skitz (Trevor), Grants best friend is never around.

None of his friends seemed to have time to listen to his problems which is unfortunate because deep in the suburban sprawl a student in Grants school had a very large problem that Grant needs help to address. A mutant 8th grade giant who Bullied Wimpy Wimperson every single day. Much too small to resolve the situation himself, Wimpy endured his large problem alone.

Will anyone help Wimpy out?

Hero Movie: Sierra's Story (An E.Z. Mistake)

2009-02-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

Sierra was extraordinarily faithful...

Sierra was really serious about God and her faith. She was extraordinarily serious in fact. So serious that she was a little prone to being judgmental. She would gladly give Jesus her life, so long as it did not mean enduring life among the sinners.
Growing up in a good church and learning from an early age of God’s love and the life that He wants everyone to live, Sierra had doubt which path she wants to live on. But while her love for God is strong, her understanding of others is still forming. To her, she doesn’t get why people would choose anything else. Her patience and respect for them are pretty thin...

until the day she made on EASY little mistake...

Hero 6 An E Zmistake

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Hero Movie: Kaleigh's Story (Torn In Two)

2009-02-12T05:59:00.000-08:00

Kaleigh was right on the edge of popularity.

6 months ago, so was a nobody and didnt even care, but then it happened; her boyfriend Ben dumped her and her sheltered and perfect world collapsed. She cant seem to get over the thought that if she was more popular, then maybe she would still be dating the school's rising star, Ben. Kaleigh walks the fine line of being almost popular, but also trying to maintain her good image with her friends and parents.

Popularity could be hers though, if only she is willing to reach for it. Should she stick to her friends who have always been there for her, and who have known her for years, or trade them all for a chance to be truly popular. Seems like an easy question to answer, but not for Kaleigh.

Hero Series: What makes a Hero?

2009-02-04T12:55:00.001-08:00

Nobody can save the day for everyone, but almost everyone can help someone.

The Problem isn’t our lack of ability, it is our lack of effort. All around us people struggle and hurt, yet we do not engage. We hold back and wait to see what happens. The end of this process is that we become spectators to the painful problems of others as if we have no part in the outcome.

But we do.

We have the ability to help people, nearly every day.

We have a choice. Will we help others around us, or will we keep our abilities for ourselves.

Hero 1: What Makes a Hero

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Hero Movie Ben's Story.

2009-02-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Ben is extraordinary in many ways... Blessed by the gods of puberty Ben is the antithesis of middle school awkwardness. He is unusually confident and in control, light years ahead of his class developmentally. His confidence has been reinforced by his recent interactions with girls. He is bright, gifted, articulate, funny, and in many ways he is achieving popularity effortlessly. But there is a cost. Bens drive to explore his new popular life has led him to many places once unimagined. Ben grew up in a good Christian home, but His newfound success with the ladies has led him to put his faith and values on hold. While some people ride the fence, Ben has jumped it entirely. He has traded faith and God, for pleasure and popularity. Ben is not the alone.

Hero 4: (Ben's Story) Double Agent

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Hero Movie: Skitz's Story.

2009-01-31T06:35:00.000-08:00

Skitz was failing as a friend. For some reason he had changed and had not bothered to give his friends the memo. They looked in at his life and wanted to be part of it, but he did not know how to invite them in. Even his best friend was starting to wonder what his deal was, how could a kid with his whole life through college scheduled in his iPhone be so unavailable.

This is a rough cut, so there is still some work to be done on it.
Make sure to click on the "Watch in High Quality" link. It is in the lower right corner of the player

Hero 3: (Skitz Story) The Good We Ought...

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Hero Movie: Sarah's Story.

2009-01-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

This clip is a montage from the upcoming Hero Movie that we shot last summer. It chronicles the life of Sarah, one of the main characters. While at school she seems to be falling further and further behind, her she has a secret that will explain it all.

This is a rough cut, so there is still some work to be done on it.
Make sure to click on the "Watch in High Quality" link. It is in the lower right corner of the player

Hero 2: (Sarah's Story) Secret Identity

View more presentations from Brandon Brown. (tags: elmbrook church)

Invasion Summer Camp Video (Finally!!!)

2009-01-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

Due to cascading technical difficulties, and not having enough time to really work them out, I am just now, finally posting the summer camp video. May it remind you that the sun will come up tom... er... eventually.

(You can view extremely high resolution versions of these videos on youtube.)

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

SnoRodeo 2008 Video

2008-12-31T23:07:00.000-08:00

Here it is... the SnoRodeo 2008 video. Click on the Youtube link to watch it in high quality! It had to be broken into two parts in order to fit on youtube.
Part 1

Part 2

SnoRodeo 2008 Pictures!!!

2008-12-31T10:15:00.000-08:00

Check them out in all their GLORY here:

What is Christmas Really about?

2008-12-17T22:23:00.003-08:00

Numbers 34: Canaan's Boundaries

2008-12-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

The word “boundaries” often has negative connotations because no one thinks they like boundaries. People like to be free and independent and have the option to do things their way.

Boundaries are so important to our culture that there are books upon books on emotional boundaries, personal boundaries, professional boundaries, dating boundaries, societal boundaries, social boundaries, etc. Even though we don’t feel like we need them, God knows we do.

I probably wasn’t easy for the Israelites to stay within their boundaries – and we will see what happens in the next few chapters, but God knew they needed to know how far the land was theirs.

Have you every felt like God put a boundary in your life? Maybe it was easy to honor, but sometimes it is hard to obey when there are limits put on us. Tell me about it!

PLEASE NOTE – I am not encouraging you to read any of the books pictured – they are just there to show how even our culture understands we need boundaries, even though we many not always want them.

Nexus Review: Numbers Series #4 -- Complainers vs Creators

2008-12-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Israelites were out of control. God blessed and blessed and saved and provided and listened and gave second chances and third and God even was patient, but none of it broke through their world view problem. They were fixated on the negative and unable to see their own role in making the world they way they wanted. They refused to own their mistakes and the consequences of them.

So much of their unhappiness was brought on themselves... Their bad choices brought them pain, and they blamed God. The whined and complained and pitied themselves above all others, yet when we look at the blessings in their life it is hard to be jealous. They are the ones who God dwelt visibly among, who God fought tangibly for, who God did mighty miracles in front of. Most of us would give an kidney to witness just one such mighty act of God, and they had seen so many, but they didn’t care.

Makes you wonder. Would we have been any different in their position. Would we be able to see the blessings or would we fixate on our wants, desires, and our need for constant comfort. It is easy to answer the question actually. Hold the mirror to your life right now... do you spend more time complaining, or thanking; wishing for more for yourself or creating blessings for others.

Sometimes no matter how much we have, we always want more, and more... and more... and even more than that.... We will even make our selves sick to get it.

-The Israelites were insatiable... they would complain no matter what...

...While the Israelites whined and complained, they selfishly squandered the most amazing opportunity God had ever given a nation: The opportunity to create a new and wonderful life for themselves, and their children!

They were already God’s “Favorites” but they couldn't see how blessed they were, so they through it all away.

We face the same choice: Complain or Create?
-What about you? It is easy to answer the question actually. Hold the mirror to your life right now... do you spend more time complaining, or thanking; wishing for more for yourself or creating blessings for others.

If you haven't read Numbers 16, you should!!! What would you need to do to become a creator instead of a complainer?

Numbers.4 2

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Numbers 33: Your Journey

2008-12-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why your crazy Mosaic youth leaders are always challenging you guys to be creative? You know...we are always creating fun ways for you to express yourself (shameful plug for the post card...send us some! We love getting them!!!)

Sometimes we even suggest journaling. What a great way to document history.

History you ask?

Im sure most of you are thinking to yourself..."now what is so important about MY life - that I should #1 consider it 'history', and #2 spend MORE of my time documenting it?"

Well, let me tell you.

Have you ever felt that God was not working in your life? We all have those moments. When you document what goes on in the day to day (either by journaling or blogging) you have the opportunity to look back and actually 'see' how God was working in your life. Sometimes we miss those tiny details along the way...but just like a puzzle - when you put one piece together with another...it hardly looks like the finished product. It takes time to build enough of the puzzle before you actually see the full picture.

So, pull out a pen and paper (do you feel creative today?) Heck, it doesn't even have to be a pen (how about crayons, colored pencils, cray-pa's, chalk, idk...get creative) and start documenting your life. Make sure to let us know how we can help you on your journey. After all, the Israelites did it in chapter 33 of Numbers. (now go read about where they have been)

Numbers 32: Like Samwise?

2008-12-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

I love the Lord of the Rings books and movies. (Yes, I admit it: I'm a geek.) One of my absolute favorite things about the story is this amazing character named Sam. After Jesus, he's pretty much the best friend in the whole world. He risks everything, including his life, and goes into Mordor (basically the scariest place ever) to help his friend Frodo. This passage from Philippians (along with Galatians 6:2) could almost be his motto:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. --Philippians 2:3-4

In Numbers 32, Moses reams the tribes of Gad and Reuben for not doing just that. Just as the nation of Israel is about to go into the promised land and go to war against the people who are living there, they go to Moses and ask not to be taken across the Jordan River. They say that they want to say right where they are, because the land is good for their livestock. Moses reminds them that if they don't go with the rest of the people to war in the promised land, they'll make God angry with the whole nation and then He might abandon them in the wilderness, and the whole nation will be destroyed.

Most of us probably won't be required to go to war alongside our friends. And we for sure won't need to go to Mordor with them. But we all need to think about how our actions are going to impact those around us. And we need to consider their needs before our own.

2008-12-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

We love it when we get mail from you guys... (both POSTCARDS... and email). Last week one of you sent us a really cool email, and we wanted to share it..

Here is a cool email from a student. This is Ryan’s Response when I asked him to email me his top 5 things he is thankful for:

Hey JNG! I got your email, and here are some things I'm thankful for!

1. My family. They will stand by me and help me if I'm in trouble, and just to give me a laugh, even if we do fight once in a while.

2. Food. Over the past couple years, my eyes have been opened to the real world. Not the one that we live in, that almost gives everything to us, I mean the one where several people die of starvation every day. It makes me love having all the food that I do.

3. Home. Once again, there are people, even in this country that don't have warm, cozy homes like I do. I can't believe how blessed I am to have these things.

4. School. I hate to say it, but I realize that school is actually good for me. I don't like getting up early or the homework, but I am learning, growing, and getting pretty good grades. Then again, I really don't like homework...

5. Computers. Without them, you wouldn't get this e-mail, there would be no blogs, no facebook, no computer programming... The important thing is to not let them get in the way of God.

Have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving, like I get to look forward to (I'm thankful for that, too!). Be safe, eat lotsa turkey, and have fun!

Numbers 31: war

2008-12-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

Check out Numbers 31:27

After the war the Israelites divided up all the things that they had aquired after conquring the towns. the ones that gave an appropriate amount to God were given more.

this is a great thought as we prepare for Christmas. Often times we just think about what we want (i want legos, and a few other toys). We often forget that we should be thinking of what God wants for us this season.

Think about how God would want you to honor him with the things that he has blessed you with this season.

Numbers 30: If you say it, mean it.

2008-12-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

In Numbers 30, we learn lots of cool stuff about being honest people.

THe Bible is actually really clear about what honest living is...

2 When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

Honest living is doing what you say you will do.

Thats it. If you say you will clean your room, then you do it. If you promise to keep a secret, then you keep the secret. If you tell someone that you are their friend, then you treat them like a friend all the time.

Honest living is learning to make your life obey your promises, and learning to promise things you will really do.

Numbers 29: Happy New Years!

2008-12-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

Chapter 29 of Numbers is describing the Feasts and religious duties that were to occur around the time of the Jewish New Year.

Their Ancient calender marked this date as the first of the year, thus it was a great time for a party. As you read the text we are talking about almost an entire month or special feasts, parties, and special religious services. There are even many days were the people are commanded to party...

Numbers 29:35 "On the eighth day of the festival, proclaim another holy day. You must do no ordinary work on that day.

Why all these festivities?

Simple... God knows we need it. God knows that humans need something to look forward to. He knows we need breaks from the weekly rhythms of work and sleep and eat. He knows that if we do not get these breaks, we start to get discouraged and our bodies break down. We even get depressed sometimes.

When was the last time you actually partied with God and just enjoyed some time celebrating with your Friends?

I am not talking about watching movies, TV, texting, IMing, and all of the other quick and regular means of "relaxing" that dont really help us relax...

I mean actually taking a break from the regular rhythm and just letting your mind, body, soul, mouth, eyes, etc really rest from the over stressed and over stimulated lives that we live.

God knows we need this rest... do you?

Numbers 28: A Fragrant Offering…

2008-12-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

So, I know what you are thinking (after reading Chapter 28)…
In order to please God I need to:
- find a perfect lamb (one without defect)
- mix the grain offering with the oil
- burn it in order to show God that I love him/to be saved from my sin

Obviously, this isn’t exactly how we show God we love him now because Jesus came to be the ultimate Perfect Lamb and offers us salvation if we simply ask for it. After we ask for forgiveness, we are able to offer things to God that prevent us from being in communion with God.

What kinds of things do you offer to God in your daily life to show Him that you love him and are grateful for your salvation? Have you surrendered a relationship that wasn’t good – because it wasn’t honoring to God? Did you stop a behavior because you knew it wasn’t pleasing to the Lord?

Spend a bit of time reflecting on what you could offer to God in your life.

Numbers 27: Petitioning God

2008-12-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

In Numbers 27 the daughters of a man named Zelophead (who died in the wilderness) came to Moses to petition the land their father owned.

Since Zelophead had no sons, The custom was that the land would be passed to Zelophead's brothers...without a brother to inherit the land these daughters were essentially homeless (or without inheritance).

When Moses went to God for the daughters of Zelophead, God found that these women were right in their statements and gave them posession of their fathers land.

I love how this story illustrates that God gives proper Judgement and cares intimately about the affairs - not only of nations, but of small families.

He will never leave or forsake us.

Send us your postcards!

2008-12-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

We want you to be part of an AMAZING project that we are making to tell the world how AWESOME you are. All you have to do, is mail us a postcard that tells us something cool about you. You are more than just a NUMBER, or another face in the crowd. You are a one of a kind expression
of God’s creativity and we want to know more about you.
So...tell us...it can be a secret, fear, accomplishment, passion, love, hope, dream, mistake, regret, like, dislike, or favorite something (number, feature, letter, word, food, person, game, show, movie, etc.).

Steps to sending your postcard:
1. Make a postcard. Feel free to make postcard from whatever you want, my favorite is cereal boxes, just make sure to obey the size guideline!!!
2. Put a message about your life on it! (it can be anonymous)
3. Place a stamp and address on the card and mail it!

Mosaic Middle School Ministry
777. S. Barker Road
Brookfield WI, 53045

Suggestions for cool postcards.
• Be Creative -- don’t feel bound to send a boring postcard, be as unique and innovative as you can in what it is made of and what it looks like.
• Be Honest -- We want to know about you!
• Be Appropriate -- We don’t want to read or look at vulgar stuff, and neither does anyone else. Find a way to express yourself that channels your message and feelings, but does so appropriately!
Post cards must be able to be mailed with either a postcard or regular stamp, and must fall within the appropriate size restrictions of the USPS.
If you want to send us a really big message, consider sending it on multiple post cards!

Click here to download a sample postcard form to get you started!!!

Numbers 26: A Lifetime with Yahweh

2008-12-03T18:00:00.000-08:00

This chapter gives the second census of the people of Israel. The first was 40 years earlier way back in Numbers 1, and the total was 603,550 men "ready to go to war." In the second census the total was 601,730. What's kind of interesting about these two censuses is that there's only two guys out of the entire nation who were around to be counted for both: Joshua and Caleb. (Remember, in Numbers 13, they were the two spies who wanted to obey God and enter the land. The rest of the spies and all of the people wanted to disobey God, so they weren't able to enter the land.)

I want to be like Joshua and Caleb. They started serving God when they were young, and they continued to serve Him all their lives. What an amazing privilege!!! I was thinking the other day: I've known God nearly all my life, so if I live long enough, I'll get to serve Him for 80-90 years or more! A whole lifetime. Seriously. A lifetime here on Earth to get to know God better and make His will a reality and His name known. The only thing I can think of that might be cooler than that is the fact that most of you probably have even more time ahead of you to get to know God better and serve Him here on Earth!

How can you get to know Him better? How can you serve Him?

Nexus Review: Numbers Series #3 -- Rabble vs Humble

2008-12-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Pride is a celebrated american virtue, but it is not actually a virtue at all.

Pride sets itself up in opposition to humility, the true virtue.

Many people confuse pride and strength.

They talk of team pride, when really what they need is team strength. Strength is a resolve to do your best and try your hardest even in the face of great adversity. Strength and humility can go hand in hand, but there is no room in humility for human pride.

Human pride rises up in arrogance against any other that dares to challenge it. It sees itself as special, different, blessed, even better than all others.

It fights against submission to God, submission to an opponent, submission to compromise, or submission to any sort of authority.

Pride leads us to hunger for more height and fame, but it is ultimately a sign of weakness.

The proud are to weak to face a universe where they are not in control, where God exists and is in charge. Their pride rises from their own misplaced confidence in their ability, where as true strength rises from deep faith and resolved character.

Numbers 3 Rabblevshumble

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Numbers Bookmark Chapter 24-29

2008-12-02T12:17:00.001-08:00

What a great week to read the book of numbers!
This week we have a lot to look forward to!
Here is your bookmark for this week!
Kristina :)

Numbers 25: Is killing my friends ok??

2008-12-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

Next time you get in a fight at school, and your parents ground you say to them "well at least I didn't kill the other person".

At first glance we could understand from Numbers 25 that its ok to kill those that make fun of us or others that we don't like. But I think the point is more about verses 10-13. We should be ZEALOUS for God and his desires in our life. Zealous means excited, passionate, stoked, full of joy and happiness, as well as focused on a mission. (this is mark's definition... not websters) How are you living your life in a way that you are zealous for God... When we are zealous for him, He will see that and honor that in our lives.

Don't start killing people in your school (especially if your homeschooled) check out Exodus 20:13.

Numbers 24: Balaam's curse??? err...Blessing

2008-12-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

So in Numbers 24 theres a couple really cool things that happen...

To start Balaam sees that God is pleased to bless Israel. Imagine seeing what Balaam saw here, he saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. I would imagine it might look something like this,
just a whole lot cooler because the tents would be arrayed facing the place where God's presence hung out with his people!

Then Balaam speaks words that God gives him, and he blesses Israel. No big deal right? Except for Balak isn't too happy because that is EXACTLY what he didn't want to have given to Israel...he wanted to have them cursed! Balak gets pretty mad at Balaam saying, "I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times." Not exactly what Balak was hoping would happen!

Balaam's response is awesome...it also made me think. This is what Balaam says:

Numbers 24:12-13 "12 Balaam answered Balak, "Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, 13 'Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD -and I must say only what the LORD says'?"

When I read this I wondered...what would I have done? Would I have given up a palace filled with silver and gold? Would I have settled for what the world was offering and not done what God asked of me? What would you do? Would you take the money...or obey God?

Numbers Bookmark Chapter 18-23

2008-12-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Students!-
Sorry this bookmark is late!!!!
Here is your bookmark for chapters 18-23 :)
Kristina

Numbers 23: Making Sense of Balaam and his Donkey

2008-11-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Balaam is a tricky dude to understand!

In the book of numbers, it almost seems like he is a good guy, BUT he is not. He is a bad DUDE through and through.

First he is dumber than a donkey.
God should not have to tell us over and over what we are supposed to do. Balaam keeps asking God, even though God already said no. His donkey gets it, but he doesn't

The same thing is true about him going along with Balak. He should have know enough as a prophet of God, to know he had no business even being with the enemies of Israel (God's people). SO while it seems like he is being the good guy by only blessing the way God says,

Balaam is really just being a greedy SNAKE

Balaam keeps looking for a way to do what Balak wants so Balak will PAY him. Make no mistake, the only reason Balaam is there is that he wants the fatty paycheck.

Don't believe me? Check out these others sources and see for yourself!

Jude 1:11
Joshua 13:22
Revelation 2:14
2nd Peter 2:15-16
Deuteronomy 23:4-5
Numbers 31:8
Numbers 31:16

Numbers 22: A talking Donkey?

2008-11-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been as stubborn as Balaam in this story? He is so stubborn to see the angel (probably because he wasn’t seeking what God wanted for him) that he beat his beloved donkey – who had gotten him through long years of traveling, I’m sure.

It would have been pretty embarrassing to have a donkey set you straight when you aren’t listening to God. It shows that God can get your attention in unusual ways – you just need to be paying attention to Him and spending time seeking what he wants for you.

When I want to seek God, I surrender myself to Him: Take my life, take my mind, take my heart and make it all of you. Help me to see what you want me to do. Help me to become who you want me to become. I am nothing without you, God. Take control of my life.

If Balaam would have surrendered himself to God, do you think this story would have ended differently? What do you think would have happened?

Numbers 21: The FIERY Serpent

2008-11-27T09:06:00.000-08:00

Numbers 21:9 "And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived."

God sent firey serpents among the people because of their sin and many Israelites died when they were bit by them. After the people repented and asked for forgiveness...God asked Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a standard (or pole)...so that if any person was bit, all they had to do was look upon the serpent and their life would be spared.

Its interesting to me that God didn't remove the serpents from the land. This would have been another solution to the problem of the people getting bit. Instead he asked Moses to create something to which people 'look upon' if they were bit.

And if they were bit...and looked up this image above... they were saved.

The cross has the same saving power for us. There will always be sin in our lives. We need to recognize the sin in our lives as a deadly poisonus snake bite and immeditely turn and look to the cross...for HE died to save us from these sins.

How many snake bites do you have? Turn to the cross.

Numbers 20: Three out of Four... not quite enough...

2008-11-26T10:50:00.000-08:00

Step 1: You have a problem.
Step 2: You go to God for help.
Step 3: God gives you directions.
Step 4: You do what God says.

Seems like a good way to do things, right? But that's not what Moses and Aaron did in Numbers 20. They got the first three steps, but then instead of doing what God said, Moses did something else. He also lost his temper and yelled at the people of Israel. Because he didn't honor God in front of the people, Moses wasn't able to go into the promised land.

It seems crazy to me that Moses went to God for help, but then when he got back to the problem he didn't do what he was told. But I guess I kind of do that sometimes. Perhaps I don't lose my temper, but I often go to God for help and then once I get back in whatever situation might be the problem, I forget what He told me or showed me. And that's just stupid, like looking in a mirror and going away and forgetting what I look like. Check out James 1:22-25:

22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

So let's not just hear what God has to say to us. Let's do it. What has He been saying to you?

Numbers 19: Cleansing Waters

2008-11-25T04:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we are unclean before the Lord. Making mistakes in a movie theater, lust-full thoughts, making fun of the “weird” kid at school, hating our parents, what ever it is sometimes we are unclean before the Lord.

Fortunately we don’t have to kill any doves, rams, bulls, or goats anymore to make up for it. Jesus died on the cross as our ultimate sacrifice, and through his blood we are cleaned. Have you asked for him to clean you? Verse 20 says that if we are unclean, we should be put outside of our community, separated from our God, and our friends. We are humans, we will sin, but the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of the Lord covers it all. Spend time today confessing to him today, and walk through the Cleansing water that he provides.

20 But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, and they are unclean.

Numbers 18: Whose are you?

2008-11-24T19:06:00.000-08:00

Numbers 18 talks a lot about a group of Israelites that God set apart to be his. They were called the Levites. In recent chapters some of the Levites caused some problems and crazy things happened, like the ground opening up and swallowing them...CRAZY! This isn't like that but it is pretty cool what God says about the Levites and Aaron.

This is not the most exciting book, but stay with me on this. God gives Aaron a whole bunch of rules for his family and also for the Levites to follow. Aaron and his family were to be in charge of the sanctuary and the tent and everything that went with it. The Levites were to be guardians over the tent and Aaron and his family, to keep people out so that no one would be struck dead. The Levites were to be set apart for God, they were called to serve him (See Numbers 18:21).

Now, reading this chapter made me think...the Levites were called to serve God, to be completely his...isn't that sort of what I'm called to? In Exodus God gave his people these 10 commandments. They were one way that the people were to be set apart for him. In the New Testament Jesus expands upon this idea that we are to be set apart. So I asked myself, am I fully God's? Like, completely? Are you?

In Numbers God designates the Levites as his, not just in word, but in different ways so that all of Israel would know who the Levites were. If you are a Christian then you bear God's name, you are a child of God. If you are a child of God, do others know? Can they tell you are God's and not your own?

Numbers 17: Grumbling to Death

2008-11-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

You would think they would learn!

The Israelites were constant complainers, but the problem was that they were constantly complaining about the blessings God had given them. The Israelites were grumbling... often to death...

In Numbers 17 they are once again complaining that they do not want to follow Aaron, God's chosen leader... so God tells moses to collect all their staffs and put them in God's presence over night.

8 The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron's staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

God did this as a warning to the rebellious Israelites that their grumbling was not good...

10 The LORD said to Moses, "Put back Aaron's staff in front of the ark of the covenant law, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die."

The Israelites didn't think God's blessings were enough....

They didn't like the people God had chosen to lead them...

They didn't really want to follow God at all... they wanted him to bless them, and given them what they want from life, but then leave them alone.

You know what... I can relate to them... I often find myself complaining when God actually expects me to obey him. I love the blessings, but struggle with the obedience thing...

how about you?

Numbers 16: Buried Alive!

2008-11-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

The Levites were out of control. They were given a special role in the building and maintaining of the tabernacle (which is an honor), and they simply wanted more power.

It is incredible –not in a good way- that they would not be satisfied and the Israelites constantly were complaining about everything. They have already complained about food, fire, guidance and even the leaders despite the fact that God provided every time. Will the Israelites ever be content?

This passage is good to reread and see that if we aren’t content with what God has given us and we choose not to focus on the many blessing God has given us, there are often consequences.

Numbers 16:28-33 - "Then Moses said, 'This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: If these men die a natural death and experience only what usually happens to men, then the LORD has not sent me. But if the LORD brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.'

As soon as he finished saying all this, the ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them, with their households and all Korah's men and all their possessions. They went down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community."

Maybe reading about the consequences of the Levite leaders who went against Moses will help us remember that God knows what he is doing – even if it doesn’t make since to us. We simply need to trust him and choose to be content in each circumstance.

Are there any circumstances that you have chosen to be content – even though it wasn’t easy?

Numbers 15: W.W.J.D Bracelets - Revisited

2008-11-20T10:22:00.001-08:00

"You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord..." (Numbers 15:39)

When you are at school or hanging out with your friends, do you ever find yourself having to make tough decisions? Do you ever wonder afterwards if you have made the "RIGHT" decision? Life can be difficult and the pace of it can be overwhelming. We move so swiftly through our day that sometimes we are making decisions and not realizing how we are compromising our own faith!

The Jewish people group were commanded to have these tassel's on their garments...as a reminder to keep the Lords commands. Just like the famous WWJD bracelets of a few years ago...this same thing is a reminder to us that we belong to Christ and we are continually "learning to live and love like Jesus." (sound familiar???) There is nothing wrong with having a visual a daily reminder for yourself of "who" you belong to (Christ). Where is your "tassel"?

Numbers Chapter 15 (if you have not read it yet click here)

Numbers 14: A Sad, Sad Story

2008-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, today's post will make a lot more sense if you've read Numbers 14 already. If you haven't, click here.

What struck me about this chapter is just how tragic it is. God had really amazing plans for the Israelites. He had this great land for them, but they decided not to listen to Him, and they missed out big time. How sad.

It made me think about how often God has something incredible He wants for us, and we totally do our own thing. We think we know better, so we don't do what we should be doing, or sometimes we'll do things we shouldn't. Now God is God and all-powerful, so He can be glorified regardless of what we do (check out verse 21), but we still miss out on His best when we don't follow His will.

There have been times I've disobeyed God, and I know I've missed out on some good things as a result of that. Thankfully, God offers us grace and mercy, but let's not use that as an excuse to sin. God has amazing plans for us; much better than we could ever imagine. Let's follow His lead so we can see where He takes us!

2008-11-19T15:13:00.000-08:00

Dont forget to send in your postcards!!!

Mosaic Announcements 11/18/2008

2008-11-19T12:16:00.000-08:00

Announcements11 18 2008

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Nexus Review: Numbers Series #2 -- Blessings

2008-11-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

Great care must be taken when working with dangerous substances. Radioactive material for example can kill people with only small amounts of exposure. For the Israelites, God gave them very specific directions for how they could successfully handle his presence in their camp, but many of them simply did not believe him. They did not take his presence, power, and also danger seriously... and they paid for it with their lives and the lives of their family.
Thousands of years later, we often forget how incredible God is... We have the awesome privilege of living in the presence of God with his attention fully on us... This is a unique opportunity to live in peace (shalom) with ourselves, others, and God... When we forget his power and holiness in our lives, we do so at great expense to ourselves, our loved ones, and God’s name.

Numbers.2.Blessings

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Numbers Bookmark Chapters 12-17

2008-11-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! How are you doing on reading through the book of numbers? If you have missed a few days or have not joined in yet...now is the perfect time to jump right in this week! There are so many interesting things to read about this week...

-Spies sent out to scope out the land they will be entering.
-GIANTS discovered?!?
-The earth opens and swallows a tribe and all their posessions!
-A walking stick sprouts buds as if it were still attached to the tree!

Don't miss this week! Print out your COLOR bookmark now...and continue on your journey through this incredible book of NUMB3R5!

Kristina :)

Numbers 13: 10 were bad and 2 were good...

2008-11-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

Numbers 13 is a pretty sweet chapter! I don't know if its still used, but when I was in elementary school we learned about this story through a song. I don't remember all the words, but I do remember the song talked about spies in Canaan and how "10 were bad and 2 were good."

Moses was told to pick 12 men, one from every tribe to go check out the promised land. This is that land that God had promised would be flowing with milk and honey, and what do you know, God was right! How often do we not trust what God has told us? We think, he said that this was going to happen, or be like that but we don't really believe.

The spies spent 40 days exploring all the land had to offer. They saw the different cities of those who lived there. They saw how fertile the land was and some of the first crops of grapes. The land was everything God had said it would be...but now we get to the song I learned growing up.

10 were bad, and 2 were good

When the spies came back and reported what they saw the stories they told didn't exactly match up. It was a case for CSI, or maybe more for Law & Order, but either way things didn't add up.

10 of the spies said yes, the land is fertile and flowing with milk and honey...BUT the people there are strong and well protected. Joshua and Caleb however didn't agree:

Numbers 13:30 "Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it."

The spies said, no...not so much. We are like grasshoppers to them, it wouldn't be good. How often do we let our surroundings define who we are? How often do we not trust that God is with us and loves us? Its easy to be in the 10, but difficult to be in the 2.

Numbers 12: Humility Defined?

2008-11-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

Numbers 12:3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

I think there is a lot of confusion about what the word humility means.

Wikipedia says that

Humility, or being humble, is ... someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others.

What is so amazing about Moses was that even though he spoke to God face to face, he still was humble... he didnt think he was better than anyone else.

Even though Moses was special, was the big shot in camp, was the leader, was in change, was God's right hand dude... he still didnt get a big head.

that is amazing because I get a big head from much smaller things...

H0w about you...?

Are you someone 'who does not think you are better or more important that others?"

or does the universe revolve around you?

Numbers 6-11 Weekly Review (By Stuart Briscoe)

2008-11-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks and that may be true. But the fact that this elderly gentleman is sitting down writing a blog for the first – and only? – time in his life shows that change is possible. So here goes.

Numbers chapter 6-Speaking of change this chapter talks about changes in the rules and regulations about Nazirite vows. There was a time when you had to be “born as a Nazirite” and it became a life long commitment (see Judges 13: 2-5.) but they could become kind of rivals to the priests. So the rules were changed so that ordinary people could take the vows not for life but for “short term” under the direction of the priests but it is important to notice that short term did not mean casual or half committed. They had to be for real!

The priests, among other things, had the privilege of blessing the people – they believed that the words spoken actually carried power to change people’s lives. The blessing recorded in 6: 24- 27 is very well known and is often used in services to this day. It talks about security, prosperity (not necessarily financial) and a sense of well being. Beautiful and all the blessing comes from the LORD!

Numbers chapter 7-The early chapters of Numbers talked about the priests being involved in the life of the community. This chapter is about the community helping the priests in the worship center. They brought suitable gifts that were practical, every tribal group participated something and when you add up all the animals and the precious metals given the gifts were clearly sacrificial. David set us all a great example when he said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” (2 Sam. 24: 24.)

Numbers chapter 8-The priests wore special vestments and this “set them apart” from the people but they could abuse this position and become remote from the people. So the Levites had a different role to play in the worship of Israel - they were kind in between the people and the priests . They were not inferior they were different but we must not fail to notice that preparation for service was most important. There was no place for casual, careless worship and service – and we need to be careful in this area as well.

Numbers chapter 9-Moses was privileged to go into the worship centre and there God would speak to him. Even though we can’t hear God’s voice as he did God still speaks to us through His Word, the Bible, through other believers, in the wonders of Creation and deep in our consciences and we must remember to be open to what He is saying. He told Moses to prepare the people to celebrate the Passover – remember how God when His people were slaves in Egypt He had promised that if they sacrificed a lamb and painted the blood on their doors the angel who was going to bring judgment on their oppressors would “Pass over” the Jews – if you don’t remember check out Exodus chapter 12 . The Jews still celebrate Passover to this day so that they won’t forget what God did all those years ago. (Rather like the way we remember on Veterans Day those who died in the World Wars because we must not forget their sacrifice.) Jesus celebrated Passover the night He was betrayed (see John chapter 13) and our Communion service has close links to Passover.

As soon as the worship centre was finished, God who is invisible moved in. But if He was invisible how did they know? Good question – the “cloud” that is the brightness of His glory shone around the place (at night it glowed like fire) so at all times they knew God was with them. Some times they knew it was time to move on – how did they know? The cloud moved and they followed obediently. God works that way with us too.

Numbers chapter 10-When I was in the Royal Marines I loved it when the band played and on special occasions they sounded the silver trumpets. What an unmistakable sound they made – clear, harmonious, beautiful. Apparently God likes all kinds of music because He gave lots of instructions about it and showed that it has a special place in worship. The trumpets also challenged them to be ready for battle – after we worship we need to be ready too! Time to move on was the message on occasion and this the people of God did in an orderly manner – just as God had directed. God likes orderliness in His children too.

Stuart Briscoe (Click here for more from Stuart!)

Numbers 11: Grumblers and Complainers (by Stuart Briscoe)

2008-11-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

You would think that the people of God even though they were in the wilderness – not a very nice place! – would have been grateful to God for saving them and guiding them but they were a bunch of grumblers!
Never satisfied, always asking God for something different. In the end God got a little ticked and said, “Alright if its meat you want you can have it.” They were delighted and figured grumbling worked, but day after day they got meat until it was coming out of their noses – Yuk! Be careful what you ask for – you might get it!! The grumbling got to Moses in the end and he’d had it with the people he was responsible for – but God had a good idea. He told Moses to pick out 70 key people to assist him and then God empowered and appointed them and it worked like a dream. Good leaders always share the responsibility and give younger people a chance to develop. The key is picking the right people and giving them just enough responsibility so they can show they are responsible. Not too much and not too little. Who’d be a leader?!!! The check is how they’re doing and sense when they are ready for more responsibility.

Stuart Briscoe (Click here for more from Stuart!)

Numbers 10: The Trumpets

2008-11-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wished that God would use a trumpet to help you know when to go somewhere or when it is good to do something, like He used to instruct the Israelites to set out to their next place? Sometimes it is hard to know what God wants for us – and sometimes there is no “right” answer – just a fine and good or good and better.

When I have a big decision to make and I am not sure what God wants me to do, I pray and read God’s Word – the Bible to seek the answers. How has God helped you to make a decision? How did you know it was what God wanted?

Sno Rodeo 2008: The Furnace...

2008-11-13T13:00:00.001-08:00

Staying cool when life heats up...

Need more info? Click here

Nexus Review: Numbers Series #1 --Details, Details

2008-11-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

Numbers_1_Details, Details

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Numbers play a far bigger part in our life than we realize. Digital photographs, videos and games... are entirely based on numbers.. little zeros and ones that scroll through millions of lines of code to create vivid images on the screen. Any one of those little numbers, insignificant seeming as they may be, could ruin a photo, video, game, or crash a computer or network, or ever bring down a power grid knocking out power to half of our country.

Numbers, although often invisible, matter. They are details that can overwhelm us in large quantities, but God is not overwhelmed by the details at all. Imagine a BEING who knows every single number in the universe, and what they are for. He knows how many people, stars, galaxies, atoms, subatomic particles, angels, iPods, songs exists anywhere.

That is the God that I want to entrust my life to. If he can handle the details of the universe without breaking a sweat, he can handle the universe of issues and emotions that makes up my life.

Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Numbers 9: Clouds and Fires

2008-11-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Do you walk around with a cloud of fire above your head? This seems like something straight from the funnies in the Sunday morning paper now doesn’t it? The reality of this is that the cloud of fire described in Chapter 9 of Numbers was a visible sign that God’s presence was with the Israelites. Whether the cloud moved or stayed…their movement directly copied the movement of this cloud.

It is very safe when we see God going before us – such as with the pillar of fire. Could this be true of us today? Do you sense God is near and moving in your life? THIS IS TRUE TODAY! Although the Spirit of God may not manifest himself as a cloud of fire above our heads, the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us….and HE lives within us! The Holy Spirit guides us as we learn to live and love like Jesus!

The Israelites were on a journey…a very long journey. We are also on a journey. Can everyone see the presence of God in your life? Can anyone see the presence of God in your life?

Numbers 8: His People

2008-11-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

"...and the Levites will be mine.... They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me."

That's God, talking about the Levites, in Numbers 8, verses 14 and 16 (NIV).

A lot of Numbers 8 involves God talking about how the Levites are His special people, and how they need to be set apart specially for Him. There's a lot they have to do before they can serve Him: sprinkle special water on themselves, wash their clothes (no big deal), shave their whole bodies (kind of a big deal), and offer sacrifices. All of that is to make them pure or clean enough to serve God in His tabernacle.

Reading about how God had them set apart reminded me of a passage from the New Testament, I Peter 2:9:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Peter (the writer) isn't speaking just to a group of Levites, pastors, missionaries, or the twelve disciples. He's talking to regular Christians. God doesn't want just the Levites to be His own special people. He wants all of us to be His, set apart to honor and praise Him. And Jesus was already the sacrifice to make us clean before God, so we don't have to do the purification rituals the Levites did. Pretty amazing, if you ask me!!!

So, what do YOU think it means to be set apart as God's people? What does that look like in our lives? Is there anything special you think He's calling you to do?

Numbers Bookmark Chapters 6-11

2008-11-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is what you have been waiting for! Bookmark Number 2!!!!!!
WE hope this tool will help you walk through a chapter a day as we are all reading through the book of Numbers! Post a blog comment and let us know what you are learning!
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Numbers 7: dishes and a petting zoo???

2008-11-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

If your keeping up with us in this quest of reading numbers, chapter 7 is one that could easily be one that is skipped over. Its 89 verses make it one of the longest chapters in the Old Testament, and I think one of the longest in the bible. This chapter talks about the needs of the temple being meet by the offerings of the Israelites. They all brought a silver place, a silver bowl, a grain offering, a gold dish, incense, a bull, a ram, a lamb, a male goat, two oxen, 5 more rams, and five more goats. In short they brought some dishes and started a petting zoo.. (although most of the animals were given as a sacrifice).

Chapter 7 marks the completion of the tabernacle. The Israelites have finished the building that will serve as God’s dwelling place among them here on earth. What an awesome thing to celebrate. And that is what they did, the Israelites were celebrating the completion, and as an act of obedience to God they all offered the finest of dishes and the best of their animals.

Think of something that has happened in your life that you think is really cool. A few months ago I purchased a brand new car. It was an awesome thing that God provided for me. Another cool moment for me is that recently I got to hang with my big time BFF’s in Michigan, I don’t get to see them much but they are some of the greatest people I have ever met. God completes amazing things in our lives all the time, do we ever stop and think about what he has done, and we have to give back to him as an offering?

What can we give as a gift to celebrate his faithfulness in our lives?

The Israelites were given an opportunity to walk around the place where God lived on earth. In response the Israelites gave God their finest animals, silver and gold as an offering to thank him and worship God for this gift.

What do you have to give to celebrate the things he has done in your life?
Maybe time to serve at a nursing home… maybe a part of your allowance can be put in the offering plate on Sunday morning…. Maybe just a kind word or encouragement to a friend… We all have a lot that we can offer, but it should be our best that we have to give. What can you give?

Be Creative!!!

2008-11-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

I think that young people today have a huge advantage when it comes to creativity. They were born with a tool that makes creativity more easier to express: the personal computer.

Now, a computer is not the first thing that you think of when you think of creativity (unless you use a mac ;), but the personal computers we use today allow people to record their own movies and songs, write and publish their own books, create their own publications, businesses, websites, and more... all before they graduate high school.

SO... you have the tools... you have a talent... don't be content just to consume others content... become a creator... start making your own content!

Numbers 6: A Vow and a Blessing

2008-11-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Numbers chapter 6 has two sections to it. The first section is "The Nazarite Vow" and the second is "Aaron's Blessing". I didn't know what a Nazarite vow was, so did a Google search and found an entry on Wikipedia. I know Wikipedia isn't the best source, especially for school papers, but it was informative nonetheless. You can read what Wikipedia said here. A basic summary is: The Nazarite vow was a vow to separate themselves to God, to be Holy unto the Lord. The person who took the vow would follow the rules outlined in the first part of Numbers 6 for at least 30 days. They would not eat anything made from grapes, they wouldn't cut their hair, and they would stay away from dead bodies.

At first this doesn't sound too difficult, but if their dad, mom, sister or brother died they wouldn't be able to go to the funeral!

The vow made me think, how often do I deliberately separate myself to God, how often do I spend with just him? A few minutes a day, a few hours on Sunday? Maybe a week here or there for a retreat or missions trip? These times are times that I fit into my schedule, around what I really want to be doing. When was the last time I sacrificed something for God? Not just gave an offering, or did what was expected, but truly sacrificed? What sacrifices can I make today to put God first?

The second section of Numbers 6 is Aaron's Blessing. Through this blessing the Lord says that Israel as a nation would be blessed. Numbers 6: 24-26 says:

24 "The LORD bless you
and keep you;

25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

26 the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."

This is a great reminder of God's love for us and how much he cares. I really like how this chapter begins with a way for us to separate ourselves to the Lord, and ends with a blessing for those who bear the Lord's name.

Numbers 1-5 Weekly Review (By Brodie)

2008-11-09T05:39:00.000-08:00

Numbers lives up to its name in the first few chapters. I thought I was in school again with all of the addition (count ‘em up), subtraction (take the Levites out), multiplication (the shekels that needed to be paid to replace the firstborn), and division (dividing out the Levites) coming out all over the place. When I was in school, I remember learning so many different things and they often didn’t tie together in my mind. Later on, I found that things started working together and it made more sense. I am sure the Israelites felt like God was doing a bunch of new things in their nation and they were a bit confused. Later on though, things started working together and life made more sense. Even now, I see things happening all around me that are sometimes confusing. When I read these passages, they help me understand that if God could make sense of things then…He can still do it today!

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9—Everything in Order
My mom used to tick me off!! Every Saturday I had to have my room in perfect order before I could do anything! What a bummer! I used to fight and complain until I realized that if I kept things in order for most of the week, Saturday’s were much more pleasant. I could do a lot more of what I wanted to do. All through the first five chapters, you see that God is setting things in order so that the Israelites (even though they are now going to be delayed in going to the Promised Land) can move about and wander in an organized way. God gives us the same thing. The Bible is full of things that will help us move through life in an easier way. Here are a few:
• Tell the truth (Ex. 20)…then you won’t have to remember what you told someone
• Don’t take what isn’t yours (Ex. 20)…don’t have to fear being caught
• Be kind (Eph 4:32)…others are likely to be kind back
• Study (II Tim. 2:15)…knowledge can be a powerful thing
When we build order into our life, spiritual and every day order, we find that our lives become a bit easier. God did this to help us!

Brodie
Childrens Ministry Pastor

Reading Numbers: The Lost art of Reading

2008-11-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

Reading is becoming a lost art.

This is a problem for people who want to be effective followers of Jesus, because Christianity bases so much on what we find in the WORD of God... a collection of books called the Bible.

For many students today, reading would not even be listed among their hobbies... many students just don't read...

This means that reading any book of the Bible, and especially one that has lots of details, is a huge challenge.

Hear is a rough list of some tips that might help you... let me know if you have better ideas that I can share with others.

1. Set a regular time and place, and get a notebook (or computer)
2. Pray first: Ask God to reveal himself to you in the
3. Look for a few things that interest you as you read. (Don’t get stuck on things you don’t understand)
4. Ask God what those verses might mean in your life. (Sometimes its obvious sometimes its not)
5. Try to focus on one thing, each time you read, that you can work on in your life....

Numbers 5: Things that Make you Cringe (By Brodie)

2008-11-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

Numbers 5:5

The LORD said to Moses, 6 "Say to the Israelites: 'Any man or woman who wrongs another in any way [b] and so is unfaithful to the LORD is guilty 7 and must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done

This verse really makes me cringe.
I wish it wasn’t in there. I wish it didn’t have to be true!!!...but it is. It says that whenever I do wrong towards anyone else, it is like I am doing wrong (being unfaithful) to God Himself.

The whole chapter (5) is about Israel living in their camp in such a way that others look to them as the example of how to live.

One of those ways is that they should treat each other as if what they did was a direct action towards God, because it was. The same thought applies to us today.
This means that what I say about my parents shows God how I feel about Him.

The way I act towards the people I don’t like, shows God how I feel about Him. The way I go about my day, shows God how I feel about Him. The way I treat others in any situation shows God how I feel about Him! So let me ask you…if God were standing around the corner when you talk to your family, to your friends, to the people you aren’t crazy about…would he feel like you are crazy about Him?? Like you are following Him with your whole heart?? I have looked back at my day and have already had to talk to some people and think differently just because of this verse…what about you??

Brodie
Childrens Ministry Pastor

mosaic announcements - 11.7.08

2008-11-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Mosaic Friends!

Email me back about your favorite number! Is it your age? Your birthday? A random number? I wanna hear about it as we are reading through the book of Numbers!

Nexus: NUM3ER5 Series! This week we will be starting a new series on the book of Numbers. We have started reading the book together as a ministry. Check out what I wrote about Numbers 4 today! We are excited to see you this Tues - 6:45-8:30pm as we start the NUMBERS Series!

Sno Rodeo is coming up super fast! (Dec 28-30) Sno Rodeo registration forms are finally available online at www.elmbrook.org/mosaic ! Look for a postcard in the mail this week with the Sno Rodeo theme! The Early Bird cost (until Dec 1st) is $160.

Please remember to email me your favorite number!

Jng
jng@elmbrook.org

Numbers 4: tabernacle transfer - 8,580 people needed...

2008-11-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

I hope you have been keeping up and reading Numbers with us – it is full of incredible stuff! If you are just starting now, read the first four chapters and stick to this website everyday and hear from the Mosaic staff and other special guests what we learned or thought about when we read the chapter you read today.

When I read through Numbers 4, I simply couldn’t believe how many different responsibilities each tribe had. The tabernacle was way more than just some tent that you take camping that flips open when you throw it in the air. The tabernacle and the surrounding courtyard was set up the same way every time.

We know that it took A LOT of people because in chapter 4:47-49 it says, “All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting numbered 8,580.” At the LORD's command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry.”

Did you catch that last part? God commanded each to a specific job. It wasn’t like this person could just help out with whatever – they needed to be a part of what God wanted them to help with.

Maybe they would have to be responsible for making sure the utensils used for ministering at the altar were on top of the bronze altar, or carry the altar from place to place. Carrying all the pieces from place to place would take 8,580 people and God was prepared with a way to help them get organized.

It is incredible to me that our God – even though He is all powerful and all knowing – would care to explain to Moses what jobs needed to be done and which tribe would do it. God allowed all these people to participate in the preparation of the location He would reveal himself to Moses and His people.

Our God is amazing for so many reasons. Looking at the way He guided all of these people (over 8000!) is so interesting and helps understand a little more about our Creator. I would encourage you to re-read Chapter 4 and think about what job you would have been good at (which tribe you would have probably fit into) and maybe you can even think of how awesome it is that God made each of us so unique that when we work together (with other people and with God), we can do great things together.

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2008-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

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Numbers 3 - "I AM THE LORD"

2008-11-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

I remember as a middle school student before my family left to run errands running out to the car with my sister yelling “SHOTGUN!” Since my sister and I couldn’t drive at the time, we both clearly wanted to sit in the front passenger seat. Now, official ‘shotgun’ rules clearly state that whoever calls shotgun first gets the privilege… but as with all sibling encounters, sometimes this privilege comes with a little bit of a fight.

How many times in our lives do we claim things as “MINE!” When we call dibbs on something - do we accept part of the item or task at hand? Probably not... (after all… how easy would it be to cram 2 people in a front passenger seat) In calling dibbs on something we demand the whole.

What do you think when you read these words: ‘I AM THE LORD’. Do they mean anything to you? It struck me funny to read these words in the context of the book of NUMBERS being spoken in this active sense. Perhaps it is funny to me sometimes because of my lack of faith that disallows me to see that God IS still as active and alive as he was when these words were written. For us today reading the bible is easy because all we have to do is just read to the end of the story and see how God shows himself…it’s not this easy as we live in real time and usually don’t have answers by the end of the day.

In Numbers chapter 3, the Lord repeats himself twice in calling the Levites “mine” in verses 12 & 13. It is obvious that God has a very specific design, plan and purpose for Aaron’s family as clearly stated throughout the whole chapter because he claimed the Israelites as HIS people. He can do this because he says 'I AM THE LORD'! This is also true with us today. He calls dibbs on his redeemed people... (THAT’S US!) because HE saved us…

When God calls us to a task or asks us to claim something for him in our lives…he wants us to do it wholly…completely…to its fullest. No exceptions. And if he has called us to do something, he will give us the means by which we complete it. “Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.” He doesn’t want pieces…he wants the whole…whole obedience in us. For we are completely His…and He is Lord.

Has God asked you to do something that you have not fulfilled? It could be something as simple as obeying your parents or helping out a friend. Its time to listen specifically to what God is calling us to do…for he has called us His…and he knows what’s best for us.

After all…He said it himself… “I AM THE LORD… I get shotgun.”

Numbers Bookmark Chapter 1-5

2008-11-06T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Students! Here is our newest bookmark to help you keep track of reading through the book of Numbers...in FULL COLOR!

Just click the picture to the left

<----- and print the image!