Why Leavener

While in transition from Northside to whatever... I am working on incorporating a personal ministry. To complete compliance I had to name this new ministry. I tried to think of some kind of theme. For the past seven years I have met with my good friend Keith (Michelle considers him to be my second wife) on Tuesdays at 7 AM at Panera Bread. It was through many discussions, lessons and reading through God's Word that the Spirit has allowed me to discover Truth. These weekly sessions have absolutely had a major impact on my life. Therefore, the theme of a bakery seemed pretty logical. After searching several bakery glossaries, I have chosen the name Leavener. Leavener is not a word found in a dictionary but is definitely used by bakeries. A leavener is the change agent found in a dough product that causes it to rise or transform while it is in a state of rest. The most common leaveners are yeast, baking soda or baking powder.

I can honestly say this same process occurred within me. During the first 2-3 years of just sitting with Keith at Panera each Tuesday, the Holy Spirit allowed me to see things like I have never seen them before. I began to grow in the Truth and discover that my life had truly been transformed. Click on these verses... 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ezekiel 11:18-19, Galatians 2:20.

As I mention the name Leavener to different friends, I get two different comments, sometimes together. "That is very cool" and/or "Do you know what the Bible says about yeast?" That's like telling someone that your car has broken down and they ask you, "Does it have gas?".

Yes, I am aware of the many references to yeast and unleavened throughout the Scriptures. But just like so many other issues in the church, we can be totally misguided because of discussions, teachings, experiences and traditions. It is the same issue the disciples were dealing with after hearing Jesus say just one sentence... "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Read the whole story here - Matthew 16:5-12.

You see... it is not about whether leavener is bad or good. Leavener is neutral. It is a chemical reaction. Just as the Pharisees could have an effect for the negative, the Holy Spirit can have even a greater effect for the positive. It's not about the leavener. It's purely about the transformation. And there is no doubt that I have been transformed. I am holy because God has granted me faith. Just as leavener is the change agent that causes dough to be transformed while it is in state of rest, the Holy Spirit has transformed my life while I have done absolutely nothing. Thank you Jesus!

Rusty

Humble Confidence

Micah was a prophet with an objectionable message to his audience. The people of Judah thought that everything they were doing was exactly what God wanted them to do. Micah pointed a finger of "religion" at them. They were performing so well their duties as followers of God but... God could care less. Micah informed his peers that they were missing what God desired from them which was to act justly, love with mercy, faithfulness, kindness and walk humbly with your God.

In other words… Micah is saying it is not about you and your crusted rituals. It is about meeting the needs of others and your relationship with your God. (I actually have a friend named Micah and I imagine they are very similar… that is way cool!)

The one question that I have to deal with everyday during this adventure is, “So… what are you going to do after May 20th?” My favorite counselor even asked me that question today… that is pressure! For the very first time, I think I gave an answer besides, “I’m just not sure… whatever God has in store for me.”

I absolutely know that I am going to be in the “people” business. I know that is a “God-thing”. My personality is one that deals with tasks better than people (much like the people Micah was prophesying to.) But because of the Spirit that lives in me (Romans 8:11), I am interested about others. I want them to discover their identity in Christ. I want them to know exactly how the Spirit can change their life. I want them to know their faith makes them righteous. They are saints, not sinners. They are forgiven, redeemed and made new. Jesus has restored the believer and made them holy and blameless.

I am FREE… FREE INDEED!

Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk humbly.
Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk with confidence.

I can’t help but tell people about this FREEDOM with a humble confidence.

Thank you God for allowing me to be in the “people” business.

Rusty

Unexplainable Adventure

In Ephesians 5:32, Paul states the way Christ treats the church is a mystery.

So why does everything have to be explained?

Can't God be God?

Can Truth spread without a formula?

Can we really peal away marketing and programs from "the church"?

Can the Word of God stand by itself?

Wouldn't it be incredible to be involved in something that just couldn't be explained? A true mystery! To say these questions are idealistic, utopian or impractical speaks to the size of your God. Paul tells us in Romans 4:17 that God calls into existence something that does not exist. That is incredible. That is something that people will clamor to be a part of when God is the only answer for results.

This chapter of my adventure began on Monday, December 4th at 2 AM. That was when God abruptly awoke me and clearly enlightened me that I was finished serving in a full-time ministry position at the church I have served in for the last 18 years. Are you kidding me? Are we really having this conversation at 2 AM? Surely this can wait! Then Michelle, my wife, was abruptly woken. This can't be happening! I informed her about the message. We discussed it briefly, prayed and went back to sleep.

The next morning, my pastor was the first person with which I shared this information. This news has absolutely consumed me. I am to leave my ministry position to go to what? Lord, I absolutely trust you in this adventure. I trust that You will paint the picture on this blank canvas.

Many will think this description has more to do about others. The truth is this is about a man whose personality and leadership has collided with his faith... and today... his faith has risen to the top.

I look forward to being a part of something I can't even explain. How long will that continue? I guess that is why it is an adventure!

Rusty