Mark Hunnicutt

John 10:19-38 Like Jesus, what we say and show publically should match who we are privately.

Scripture

33 They replied, "We're stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God."

34 Jesus replied, "It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, 'I say, you are gods!' 35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God's message were called 'gods,' 36 why do you call it blasphemy when I say, 'I am the Son of God'? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 37 Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work. 38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father."

Observations

• Jesus once again claims to be God
• "They" didn't like it
• OT Judges were considered gods (little g) because they were God's means of executing judgment
• Jesus is, was and will be JUDGE
• Jesus walk matched His talk
• Jesus' miracles matched His plan and purpose

Applications

• Prepare for opposition when claiming Jesus is God
• People will not like the plan of God
• Worship Jesus as Judge today
• Make sure my verbal talk, integrity match my actions.

Prayer

God, you came as Jesus! You spoke, shinned and showed people through miracles that You are the eternal JUDGE. I ask that you convict me where my talk, integrity and actions don't line up.

Scripture

6 Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn't understand what he meant, 7 so he explained it to them: "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep.

14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.

17 "The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. 18 No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded."

Observations

• Jesus compares Himself to THE gate/Sheppard
• Jesus compares the Pharisees to a thief
• Freedom, provision and protection are found in and around THE gate
• Division, destruction and devastation are found outside of gate
• Our Sheppard will sacrifice for our benefit
• Hired hand will run away
• Jesus isn't done wrangling sheep
• True sheep hear the voice of the true Sheppard
• Our Sheppard has the authority over death

Applications

• Settle on the Sheppard
• True freedom has boundaries that benefit
• False freedom has no boundaries
• Listen for THE voice amidst the noise
• Jesus looked for and loves me
• Be involved with His plan of getting people through the gate

Prayers

Jesus you are THE Sheppard! I'm a sheep… I ask for that perspective as I seek Your plan for my life. You've opened and continue to open gates for me. Help me to hear Your voice and to find the peace, protection and provision that comes from You.

Uganda: Who are we partnering with? Who is on the team? How can you pray?

I want to thank you for your interest in the Hunnicutt's mission trip to Uganda. I also want to thank you for your investment in our lives. You mean the world to us and I want to invite you to experience this trip with us. We are going to try to use technology to bring the huge needs in Uganda through your computer or mobile device to your home and heart. We pray that God would use the sites, scenes and stories we are going to be exposed to move us to more generosity and going.

Please subscribe to this blog's feed (top right of page), follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/markhunnicutt & Twitter www.twitter.com/markhunnicutt for daily details of our trip.

Our Ministry Partner

We are traveling and being led by the worldwide ministry of Compassion International. Compassion is a proven partner for local churches to make an earthly and eternal impact. I challenge you to explore the pages of their web site concerning Compassion's philosophy, mission, programs and operations.

In response to the Great Commission, Compassion International exists as an advocate for children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. – Compassion's Mission

Kevin Myers, Regional Director of Church Relations & member of Brevard Community Church, will be leading this trip. Kevin is an amazingly gifted guy that has committed his life to Christ cause. Cheryl and I have had the privilege of meeting his family (all going on trip) and eating a meal in their home. We immediately felt a spirit of fellowship. Our co-leader will be Peter Habyarimana who is from Uganda and someone enabled by the Compassion ministry and process. His story, which we heard over burgers on the Myer's back deck, is amazing. He didn't own a pair of shoes until he was a teenager! He arrived a couple of days ago at Kampala airport and is now "on the ground" preparing for the teams arrival.

Our Ministry Team

I know that some Mud Creek prayer warriors will be reading this so I ask you to pray through this list every day. The follow people make up this trips mission team…

• Tim & Diane Bakker – Plainfield, IL
• Greg & Kristi Bearss – Hot Springs, AR
• Dave Bish – Du Bois, PA
• Mitch Caldwell – Pisgah Forest, NC
• Jay Childs – Midland, MI
• Brent Harrison – Dallas, GA
• Tim Ingram – Valrico, FL
• Nick Lillo – Littleton, CO
• Ron Moro – Apopka, FL
• Veresa, Kyndal and Brayden Myers – Brevard, NC
• David Oates – Lithia, FL
• Kathy Peterson – Littleton, CO
• Jason Phillips – Cumming, GA
• Scott Phipps – Tampa, FL
• Cindy Porter – Elida, OH
• David Putman – Cumming, GA
• Leah Putting – Ormond Beach, FL
• Dan Smith – DuBoise, PA
• Warren Williams – Ocoee, FL

Please Pray

• Pray for the many parents who are splitting up and the families that are being torn apart because of separation. Pray for the Lord to protect the children's hearts and minds from the negativity and low self-esteem that comes from these situations. Please pray that the parents will seek help and that the Lord will give them a desire to commit to their marriage.
• Please pray for the children who have witnessed violence and other cruelties experienced in poverty. Ask for the Lord to protect their minds and hearts so that they do not give in to despair but that they would come to understand the love the Lord has for them.
• Please pray that communities will come together to look after the needs of the children and those in desperation. Pray for truth and justice to reign in their hearts.
• Pray that Compassion can continue to train parents to learn skills that will provide financial stability for their homes and safety for their children.

Uganda: Where is it?

Facts about Uganda from Compassion's web site...

 

  

John 9:8-34 May my perceived rights not get in the way of righteousness…

Scripture

13 Then they took the man who had been blind to the Pharisees, 14 because it was on the Sabbath that Jesus had made the mud and healed him. 15 The Pharisees asked the man all about it. So he told them, "He put the mud over my eyes, and when I washed it away, I could see!"

16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man Jesus is not from God, for he is working on the Sabbath." Others said, "But how could an ordinary sinner do such miraculous signs?" So there was a deep division of opinion among them.

17 Then the Pharisees again questioned the man who had been blind and demanded, "What's your opinion about this man who healed you?"

The man replied, "I think he must be a prophet."

18 The Jewish leaders still refused to believe the man had been blind and could now see, so they called in his parents. 19 They asked them, "Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he now see?"

20 His parents replied, "We know this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we don't know how he can see or who healed him. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself." 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. 23 That's why they said, "He is old enough. Ask him."

24 So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, "God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner."

25 "I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!"

Observations

• Blind man healed by Jesus
• Pharisees divided over the who and what
• They tried to catch blind man in lie
• They cared more about being right than being righteous
• "I was blind, and now I can see!"
• They questioned his facts but could not question his faith

Applications

• Jesus can choose who, how and when to heal. Celebrate!
• Be discerning but not skeptical
• When questioned about Jesus make it personal
• Lay my "rights" down
• Walk and talk faith not just facts

Prayer

Jesus, I thank You that you chose me. Different scene, different situation but You are the same Savior! Empower me to be discerning but not skeptical and people's experiences with Jesus. Shine Your life through this life You created and are transforming.

John 8:51 – 9:7 God, empower me to live like a man possessed!

Scripture

54 Jesus answered, "If I want glory for myself, it doesn't count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, 'He is our God,' 55 but you don't even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad."

57 The people said, "You aren't even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?"

58 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!" 59 At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple.

Observations

• Jesus didn't have self ambition
• The Father glorifies
• You can say but that doesn't make it so
• Jesus "knows" God
• OT faith looked forward
• People asked how? a lot
• Before Abraham was born, I AM
• The people wanted to stone Him

Applications

• Direct all ambition to God's glory
• Show it don't just say it
• Be able to look forward and be glad
• Jesus transcends time
• People will not like a message that contradicts their own

Prayer

God, empower me to live like a man possessed! The people thought Jesus was crazy for speaking truth. The message is THE message and I ask that you convict me if I change it to fit people's wants or desires.

John 8:38-50 My default contradicts my divine destiny…

Scripture

42 Jesus told them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me. 43 Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear me! 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don't believe me! 46 Which of you can truthfully accuse me of sin? And since I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me? 47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don't listen because you don't belong to God."

48 The people retorted, "You Samaritan devil! Didn't we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?"

49 "No," Jesus said, "I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me. 50 And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge.

Observations

• People are arguing with Jesus
• They can't understand because they can't hear
• We are all born into sin
• My default is devilish
• The Devil hates truth
• Don't expect anything but lies from the Devil
• We don't naturally believe Jesus
• We can know we belong to God when we hear His voice
• The true judge has and will glorify Jesus

Applications

• Consistently grow away from my default
• Daily die to self and listen to my true father
• Don't be shocked when the world hates truth
• Be involved with God's/Judge's plan to glorify Jesus

Prayer

Jesus, I almost laugh because these people are arguing with You. Then I think about my actions that are contrary to your character and line up with the Devils character. Reveal the areas in my life that need to be killed. I don't want to live in the default or naturally. I want to hear Your voice and live in the supernatural. I love and long to glorify You!!!

John 8:21-37 Jesus is more than a scene in my history He is at the seat of my heart…

Scripture

31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

33 "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?"

34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 37 Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because there's no room in your hearts for my message.

Observations

• A true disciple continues to follow Jesus
• A true disciple faithfully obeys Jesus teachings
• These truth will allow us to live in abundance and freedom
• FREEDOM
• Following is not just a head issue it is a heart issue

Applications

• Be teachable and growing
• Be sensitive to the sin of omission
• Freedom is found in LORDSHIP
• Is Jesus at the seat of my heart or a scene in my history?

Prayer

Thank You! I want to praise You for freedom from the bondage of trying to be or become something outside of my destiny. God, I ask that You continue to shine the Light of the Gospel on my soul and situations.

John 7:37-53 & John 8:1-20 This post if is a catch up from my SOAP journey through John…

8:9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"

11 "No, Lord," she said.

And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."

Baptist Press - Church mourns loss of worker in Uganda - Praying for family

Church mourns loss of worker in Uganda

Posted on Jul 13, 2010 | by Staff

DURHAM, N.C. (BP)--An American who was among 74 people killed in a Uganda terrorist attack was related to Summit Church, a Southern Baptist congregation in Durham, N.C.

Nate Henn was a former college rugby player who used his love of rugby to mobilize assistance for children suffering from warfare in Uganda. He died July 11 on a rugby field in Kampala when he was struck by shrapnel from a terrorist bomb. Three bombs exploded in coordinated attacks on a garden restaurant and the rugby field while hundreds of people had gathered to watch a World Cup soccer game between Spain and the Netherlands, according to news reports. A Somali terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Henn, 25, had gone to Uganda to meet children he had raised money to help through Invisible Children, a San Diego group that helps "forgotten children." The children called Henn "Oteka" -- "the strong one" -- and loved "Nate's wit, strength, character and steadfast friendship," the group said on its website.

Henn was the son of Bob and Julie Henn, members of Summit's North Raleigh campus, Summit pastor J.D. Greear reported in a July 13 article on his website. The grief of losing Henn was compounded for the family when a brother, who was flying home to be with his family, was involved in a plane crash, Greear noted. While the brother was not critically injured, a second passenger was critically injured and the pilot died, the Associated Press reported.

The article Greear posted, titled "A Pretty Devastating Day," also noted that the same day Henn died, Summit Church also lost Helen Young, "a matriarch" of the young congregation, and Chai Atwood, son of Summit's college pastor, Trevor Atwood and his wife, Keva, who had been born 14 weeks premature.

"Death and pain put the joy of salvation in sharp relief," Greear wrote to the congregation.

"Our sufferings are real, our cries of pain are real. But we weigh our present pain against the glory that God is working through that pain; a glory that will outweigh (though it is hard to believe sometimes) all the suffering that we endure in the present," Greear said. "Paul says that we now 'groan in anguish' like a woman in childbirth. Our groaning is real, but it is not a groan of despair."

Greear pointed out that in Romans 8, the Apostle Paul likens the pain people experience in this life to the pain of childbirth. "Yes, we genuinely hurt, but the glory God is bringing forth in us and through us, for the age to come, makes ours a light and momentary affliction," Greear said. "Summit, let us not forget that it is in our pain that we have one of the clearest opportunities to put the glory of God on display. It is in our pain that we are able to show that God is better to us than even life itself, and that our inheritance in God is something not even death can take away."
--30--
Compiled by Baptist Press assistant editor Mark Kelly.

via www.bpnews.net