John Markum

New Series, “Sun Stand Still”

In Joshua 10:6-15, we read this story of Joshua praying for the sun to stand still in the middle of a battle, and God answered him. A supernatural phenomenon took place in the sky as God answered the prayer of a man who simply believed God to do the impossible on his behalf.

The Bible tells us that “nothing is impossible with God,” and that we “can do all things through Christ” who strengthens us. But we often get so bogged down in our current struggles and circumstances that it seems hopeless to experience anything different, and useless to dream of better.

But you were meant to experience more than the ache of the ordinary. Even in your circumstances, God has the ability to break barriers, remove obstacles, pour out healing, and restore brokenness. If you have the audacity to ask, God has the ability to respond.

Inspired by the book, Sun Stand Still, by pastor and author Steven Furtick, we’ll take a three week look at the Scriptures to see what happens when we dare to believe God for the impossible. Join us at Edgewood at our Saturday night service, 5pm, beginning this Saturday.  I look forward to seeing you there.

Blessings,

John

Daddy Letters 01-05-12

Emilee, Kali, Josiah, and Elijah…

As of the time that I’m writing this, each of you are very young and yet so different:

  • Emilee, you are 6 years old and in Kindergarten! You have your Daddy’s stubbornness and your Mommy’s tender heart. Your smile makes my worst day bright and everyone says that your laugh is intoxicating. You are so smart! And sometimes too clever for your own good. But you are very special to us. And you are a terrific big sister!
  • Kali, you are 4 years old and want to do everything that you see your big sister do. You are very opinionated already! Everyone tells me that you are the one that’s going to cause me trouble with the boys! But they don’t know how much you love your Daddy. And no boy can shake us. You say the funniest things! Your mom and I laugh all the time at the stuff you come up with. Especially when you can’t say it without putting your hands on your hips. You are precious to me! You are forever more, my “Little Bug.”
  • Josiah, you are 2 and there is nothing you can’t turn into a weapon! I asked God for a little boy and I got every bit of it in you! Much to my surprise though, you took longer than your sisters in warming up to me. But we’re definitely making up for lost time now. I can already see such potential in you. You have a good heart. And a strong, but sensitive spirit. When you grow up, we’re going to be best friends!
  • Elijah, you’re just a baby, dude! But you are at the “fun” baby stage. You can roll over, and you smile and laugh all the time. You and I became fast buddies. I love the way you smile up at me when you realize I’m around you. You have a look about you of an “old soul.” Women at church can’t seem to put you down. You are surrounded by a brother and sisters who adore you.

You’re all so young still, and our house is full of crazy activity all day long. But your Mom and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We love watching all four of you growing up together. At this point in your lives, you may not appreciate some of the things we do, but our love for you is unshakeable, and we delight in each of you in your own uniqueness. We know that you will make us so proud in your own ways, and we are honored to be your parents.

Though you had no choice in the matter, thank you for being my kids. I promise to give you the best of my life, and to help you be everything that God created you to be. I cannot begin to tell you how much more you’ve taught me about our heavenly Father. And it is my pleasure to teach you about Him as well. I’ll write to each of you again soon.

All my heart,

Daddy

10 Unexpected New Year’s Resolutions

In case you’re thinking about doing something new in the new year, here are some suggestions for atypical resolutions:

  1. Start dating your wife again.
  2. Go on a fast for 2+ days.
  3. Go on a missions trip.
  4. Teach your kids something.
  5. Do something generous that you “can’t” afford.
  6. Spend more time with non-church people.
  7. Buy someone’s groceries at the store for them.
  8. Start talking to strangers.
  9. Forgive yourself.
  10. Give sincere compliments to everyone.

The phrase no pain, no gain has been a mantra for athletes and fitness junkies for years. And what they understand about physical pain needs to be broadened to a much more general use in all of our lives. Pain hurts. That's the whole problem. No one enjoys it, and if someone does, we rightfully

The Premium of Pain