At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first, Seek God. Second, Love Others. Third, Pursue Holiness. Fourth, Serve the Church. Fifth, Steward Your Resources. Now, Share the Gospel.

As He called some of His disciples Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 4:19) After His resurrection Jesus said at the end of Matthew, “Go therefore and make disciples…” (28:19); at the end of Luke, “repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations.” (24:47); at the end of John, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (20:21); and at the beginning of Acts, “… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…” (1:8) It’s clear: followers fish.

• Live with Gospel intentionality in your various circles of influence to help others see, hear, and respond to the Gospel. The spheres of influence might include where you live (your neighbors), where you work (your coworkers and clients), and and where you play (your friends at the gym, the bookclub, etc.). Are there people far from God in each of these spheres of influence? 
• A good way to think about Gospel intentionality is living to B.L.E.S.S. others. Having identified the people far from God in your spheres of influence, (1) Begin with prayer: this is always the best place to start, (2) Listen: ask good questions and listen well, (3) Eat: practice hospitality on a regular basis—have them in your home or enjoy a good meal at a great restaurant, (4) Serve: find ways to meet the needs of these friends, and (5) Story: share your story and THE STORY of God’s love through Jesus! Learn more about this strategy HERE.
• Learn a simple yet solid way to communicate God’s love in the Gospel. Sonlife has a great blogpost that briefly exposes readers to a number of ways to share the Gospel like The Wordless Book by Child Evangelism Fellowship, the Romans Road, the Four Spiritual Laws, One Verse Evangelism, and more.
• Just as you seek to help those in your spheres of influence know about Jesus, help others around the world see, hear, and respond to the Gospel by becoming more and more involved in world evangelism. OMF International and the Perspectives Study Program encourage six ways people like you and me can get involved: (1) Learn about missions, (2) Pray for missions, (3) Go on a mission trip, (4) Send others who go, (5) Welcome internationals in your city, and (6) Mobilize others for mission. You can learn more about each of these HERE.

In his commentary on the book of Jonah, Man Overboard!, Sinclair Ferguson wrote, “He [Jonah] also learned that the pulse-beat of God’s heart has an evangelistic rhythm.” What’s the pulse-beat of your heart?

At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first, Seek God. Second, Love Others. Third, Pursue Holiness. Fourth, Serve the Church. Now, Steward Your Resources.

Remember the apostles who let Jesus use their boat (Lk 5:1-4), the young boy who handed over his loaves and fish (Mt 14:17-19), Aquila and Priscilla who kept opening their homes for the sake of the Gospel (Rm 16:3-5; 1 Co 16:19), or the impoverished Macedonians who gave so generously to the Lord’s work? (2 Co 8:1-5) These were men and women, young and old, stewarding their resources (time, talents, and treasure) for Christ and His kingdom.

• Find a church home you believe in, belong to, and benefit from—then generously pour your time, talents, and treasure in for the glory of Christ, the strength of the church family, and its mission in the world. Your time: How will you spend it? Your talents: How will you use them? Your treasure: How will you invest it?
• Your time: Devote regular time to your church’s worship gatherings, discipleship groups, service teams, and mission work. Your participation in each is a blessing to others.
• Your talents: Join a service team at your church. You have unique abilities and passions that God can use for His glory and the spiritual good of others. And, you’ll experience soul-satisfying joy as you follow Jesus’ path. (Mk 10:42-45) See this blog post.
• Your treasure: Make your financial support of God’s work at your church home (1) a priority: make it the first check you write each month, (2) based off a percentage: 10% is a place that many start, but start somewhere, even if it’s just 1, 2, or 3%, (3) progressive: as your faith grows and/or your financial situation improves, increase your giving percentage to the Lord’s work, and (4) sometimes prompted: willingly consider spontaneous giving for unique opportunities that arise. (Thanks to Andy Stanley for these 4 P’s.)
• Beyond your church home there are many great Gospel-loving causes in your city and around the world. Ask God how He might want you to steward your resources for the sake of His good work in and through these great works.
• Remember, biblical stewardship is not about what your church can get FROM you, but rather what God offers FOR you. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Paul said the generous “store up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future.” (1 Tm 6:19)

“A life of simplicity, with a governor on your spending and a passion to advance the kingdom through giving, will be a far happier life than a life of luxury.”  John Piper

After becoming a #CHIPSTARTER winner, it was on! No longer could I simply talk about climbing a mountain, I actually had to find a guide and secure a climb. Because June, July, and August are the best months to climb Mt. Rainier, and because climbers secure their slots well in advance, almost all of the climbing spots were taken for those three months—in particular, all of the spots up the traditional route for novices, the Ingraham Glacier/Disappointment Cleaver Summit Climb. I could find a spot here  and there for almost any time, but I was looking for four-five spots because my plan was to form a team of friends to climb with me.

What to do? No spots remained for my team up the traditional novice route. After visiting more with the guide company that I’d chosen, International Mountain Guides, four spots were available on their Mt. Rainier Emmons Route Summit Climb. The guide explained this is a novice climb, as well; but, it is more demanding than the traditional route—you carry a heavier load, and the route is longer. Four spots were available. I took it.

The 4½ Day Emmons glacier climb is another excellent basic mountaineering training program. It is perfect for anyone desiring a less-rushed summit experience in a more remote alpine environment, away from the greater crowds found on the south side of the mountain. The focus of this small group climb is on glacier skills training, self-sufficiency and teamwork. This climb is physically more demanding than the Disappointment Cleaver route due to the heavier loads carried and longer distance traveled.

Friends Ricky Chapman, Ryan Bakke, Jon Guthrie, and I are scheduled to climb June 18-22, 2018. That leaves us five and a half months to train. Now, these three guys are something else—I’ll be blogging about them in coming weeks.

Until then, if you’d like to learn more about our route up Mt. Rainer, take a look HERE. Don’t forget to check out their PHOTOS.

All for now,

Below is a series of emails I sent to our church family updating them on Tara’s surgery.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, ABOUT 9:30 A.M., WHILE TARA WAS IN SURGERY

Dear Redeemer Family,

I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas! My family sure had a great time both Sunday morning and at our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Christmas Day was filled with joy, good food, and building Maddy’s backyard playhouse (I told some buddies, “If you don’t hear from me for a couple of days, you’ll find me dead in my backyard!”)

Tara and I were up early this morning and arrived at Memorial Hermann at Memorial City this morning at 6:15 a.m. Registration and pre-op went well, Tara went back to the operating room around 7:45 a.m., and surgery officially started about 8:45 a.m. We’re told the double mastectomy should take about 1.5 hours and the plastic surgeon’s initial work about 1.5 hours (he’ll have more work to do in about 3 months).

So, please pray the doctors will have a great morning, and that all of the cancer will be removed. Above all, pray that Tara and I will walk faithfully with the Lord no matter what He has for us.

When peace like a river attendeth my way, or sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
Are rich with mercy and shall break with blessings on your head.

God is good, all the time.
All the time, God is good.

All for now,
Mitch Maher

WEDNESDAY MORNING, ABOUT 11:30 A.M., JUST AFTER SURGERY FINISHED

Hey Redeemer Family,

The breast surgeon finished about 9:45 a.m. with the double mastectomy. She was pleased with the surgery. She took 4 lymph nodes, and they all came back negative… great news! This is 93% accurate; of course, we still have to wait for the full pathology to come back over the next week or so. In fact, the breast surgeon goes out of town next week. We’re scheduled to see her on January 9, so we might have to wait until then to hear. We’ll see.

The plastic surgeon finished up about 10:55 a.m. He was pleased with his surgery, as well. Tara will have multiple visits to his office, and the full reconstruction will come in about 3 months.

Whether Tara still faces radiation or chemo is yet to be seen. We’ll wait to see how the official pathology goes. We visit the breast surgeon on January 9, and the oncologist on January 10.

Thanks for your prayers. So far, so good.

Mitch

THURSDAY MORNING, ABOUT 9:30 A.M., THE NEXT DAY

Hey Redeemer Family,

Here are a couple of Facebook posts that Tara has written… one from last night, and one from this morning.

Last night

I’ve managed to make it by myself to the chair for a change of scenery. Trying to get pain under control. They wrap a tight bandage around your chest (like a corset) which isn’t comfortable at all. I sometimes can’t tell if it’s my expanders the plastic surgeon placed that are hurting or the fact that it’s tighter than anything in there. Mitch is having to wait on me for everything…cutting my food up, putting my socks on, etc etc etc…. i think it’s good for him. I wasn’t scared going into the O.R. – a true evidence of your prayers. Thank you so much for those bc it looked like a scene out of a movie, which was intimidating. The Lord’s peace was truly with me like He promises and He helped me view it very objectively: “if i want to be cancer free, this is the first step…so, ok then. Let’s do this.” That was actually very helpful. I can’t tell you how much I have been touched by your love and prayers. They have meant the world to me. ❤️

This morning

Making my first lap around hall. Wore me smooth out. still working on pain control but it’s better then last night so that’s good. Thx for praying for that. I feel extremely loved.  This morning I remembered that yesterday In recovery between dozing off and all the pain meds she was giving me I told the nurse I’d met Chip & Joanna. Told her I thought she needed to know that. Thankful for today. Thankful for Mitch Maher. He’s taking good care of me. ❤️❤️ Thankful for my parents who are home with my girls. Thankful for all my friends who are loving on me SO BIG. It makes me heart rest.

The plan is to see both the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon sometime today. Assuming all is well, we will go home sometime today.

Thanks again for all your love and prayers.

Mitch Maher

THURSDAY AFTERNOON, ABOUT 3:30 P.M., AFTER WE GOT HOME

Hey Redeemer Family,

We’re home!

Here is Tara’s last Facebook post from the hospital.

Plastic surgeon writing in Mollys cancer book. And me with Dr Lee. All looks good. Heading home. ❤️ My heart is so humbled & thankful. Can’t believe how blessed we have been in this smooth process. Thankful to the Lord and for all the prayers prayed over us.

Many blessings to you all!

Mitch

Thanks to all of you who prayed for us. We feel loved by the Lord and by our many friends.

Happy New Year!

I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was as sweet as ever, though tempered by the recent news that my wife Tara has breast cancer. God is good all the time, yet His faithfulness has seemed to shine at every turn for us in the last month. We feel very thankful these days.

After being diagnosed in early December Tara goes in for double mastectomy surgery this morning, Wednesday, December 27. We would certainly appreciate your prayers.

Here is a Facebook post that Tara rattled off on December 23.

From Tara on December 23: I’ve been waiting to post this because there’s been so many up-in-the-air details, and it’s been a lot to process; but I was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago. I went in for my first mammogram in July when I turned 40, then they did a second one in August and told me it was a dense area, and they wanted to recheck it in January. Well, early November I felt a spot on my left breast that hurt to press on, so I assumed it was a cyst but went ahead and had my OBGYN look at it. She ordered another 3D mammogram… which led to an ultrasound and biopsy that same day (Nov 29th). A few days later I got the call that it was cancer. 😳 Fast forward a month, and I’ve had more mammograms and ultrasounds, another biopsy, an MRI, chest x-ray, lots of labs drawn, have met twice with the plastic surgeon and breast surgeon and am miraculously (seriously – God opened an operating room that wasn’t available before we prayed about it) having a double mastectomy with reconstruction this coming Wednesday. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, all held up by the God who made me, loves me, & promises to never leave me. We’ll know more after surgery and will update as able, but I know there’s many of you who had no idea, so I wanted to go ahead and share 🙂

Cling – and i mean WORSHIP cling, not just tip your hat – to Jesus because you CAN NOT go through things like this without Him. He is real & worthy of your full devotion. Hug your hubby because he’s amazing & schedule your mammogram, ladies. ❤️

All for now. Thanks for praying. And Happy New Year!

At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first, Seek God. Second, Love Others. Third, Pursue Holiness. Now, Serve the Church.

Your church’s ministry is fueled by people like you who use their gifts to meet a variety of practical needs. Your church home probably has ministry teams for important things like Guest Services, Kids Ministry, Student Ministry, Adult Ministry, Worship Ministry, Missions Ministry, Facilities, Office Operations (finance and admin), and more. These teams exists to serve the men and women, boys and girls, members and guests alike, that come to your church. In one way or another, each person on these teams aims to help equip and encourage these folks to follow Jesus and help others do the same. Make sure you’re on one of these teams! Paul said God gave us gifts “for the common good.” (1 Co 12:7). Peter charged concerning gifts, “employ them in serving one another.” (1 Pt 4:10)

• Each week make sure to say a hearty “Thanks!” to a volunteer serving at your church. Some serve up front while others behind the scenes, but the wonderful ministry that you and your family enjoy at your church finds its fuel in the sacrificial service of volunteers. Say, “Thanks!”
• As you joyfully follow Jesus and desire to help others do the same, ask, “God, how would you like to work through me at my church?” Read, study, and pray through passages like 1 Cor 12, Rom 12:3-8, 1 Pt 4:10-11. Consider what you’re good at and passionate about. Consider the needs at your church. Talk to your pastors and friends at church. Seek to understand how God is working in your life and how that can be used for Christ in your church’s life.
• Cultivate an attitude of the heart that says, “I want to serve God’s mission as long as He gives me breath. How can I help? Given my gifts and my passions, where can I serve? No job is too small for me. I want to help others follow Jesus!”
• Join a ministry/service team at your church. Don’t have a clue where to start? Start anyway. Experiment. Scared or think you don’t have much to offer? Take the first small step. The early days may be less than ideal, but over time you’ll discover what you’re really good at—your blessing to others will increase, and your satisfaction and joy will soar.
• Remember, “… the church is the hope of the world. But that hope rests on the willingness of volunteers from all walks of life—doctors, teachers, at-home moms, business executives, college students, nurses, grandmothers, retired engineers, carpenters, dentists, hairdressers, high school kids, grocery-store clerks—to be mobilized, empowered, and used by God.” (Hybels)
• Your church leaders exists to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry.” (Eph 4:11-12) Let them help you. Give them a call.

Your church family could use your help. Let ’em know you’re available.

Serve the church!

At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first, Seek God. The second, Love Others. Now third, Pursue Holiness.

Holiness is a life, inside and out, marked by “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…” (Gal 5:22-23) It’s a lifestyle of righteousness, not sin. Peter wrote, “like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior…” (1 Pt 1:15). Paul said, “God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” (1 Th 4:7). The author of Hebrews, “Strive for… holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Heb 12:14)

• Realize the pursuit of holiness is a good and necessary pursuit. Some might say, “Because I’m forgiven in Christ, I don’t have to pursue holiness.” No! God chose you to be His and to walk in holiness. (Eph 1:4; 4:17-32; 2 Tim 1:9) Recognize the call to obedience is good, noble, and right.
• Don’t forget that we pursue holiness FROM the security of God’s love in the Gospel, not FOR His love earned by our obedience. Holiness is a child, secure in her Father’s love, seeking to obey Him.
• Don’t be surprised at the opposition you face. Followers of Jesus face the three-fold opposition of the alluring world, our intense flesh, and a busy devil. The Christian life is rightly called a fight. Holiness is a noble pursuit, but not an easy one.
• Consider APTAT. When faced with a temptation to resist or a righteous act to perform, and when feeling the heat of the world, the flesh, and the devil, (1) Admit you can’t do it without Jesus, (2) Pray for His strength, (3) Trust His ways are best, (4) Act: you must trust and obey, and finally (5) Thank God for the desire and grace to obey. Do this again and again and again and again… until Jesus takes you home. Learn more about APTAT here.
• Don’t wage this battle alone. Get in a group at your church (Community Group, Small Group, Life Group, etc.) engaged in the same fight. You’re struggling? We do too! The encouragement of being with others in this fight of faith will help. You’ll realize you’re not alone and make some new friendships and deepen others. You’ll be empowered to keep waging the war.
• Don’t ever quit! The fight of faith against sin and for holiness is a long and arduous battle. You will struggle. You may well fall. A lot! But, don’t believe the lie of our enemy, “God is finished with you.” No, He’s not! Get up, turn to God in repentance and faith. Keep going. The issue is not perfection (you’ll never reach it in this life), but direction. Keep heading in the right direction—Christ!

“Fight the good fight of faith.” (1 Tim 6:12a)

At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

The first practice was Seek God. The second practice: Love Others.

Jesus summed up the Law, “Love God… love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt 22:37-40) Paul said of faith, hope, and love, “the greatest of these is love.” (1 Co 13:13) James called love the “royal law.” (Jm 2:8) Peter commanded, “fervently love one another from the heart.” (1 Pt 1:22) Husbands are to “love their wives.” (Eph 5:25-33) Older women are to teach younger women to “love their husbands and children.” (Titus 2:4) Again, Paul said, “… the goal of our instruction is love…” (1 Tim 1:5)

• Don’t ever forget the Gospel. God loved you when you were unlovable. In fact, Paul called it “His great love with which He loved us.” (Eph 2:4) Let that amazing truth control how you relate to others. “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 Jn 4:11)
• Start at home, then extend to the world. Express your love in word and deed to those closest to you. Husbands, love your wives. Wives, respect your husbands. Parents, love those kiddos. Children, obey your parents. Kids, treat your brothers/sisters as you hope they’ll treat you. Then, love your church family, your community, and the world. Even love your enemies. (Mt 5:44)
• Arrive to church several minutes early to connect, visit, and love. Enter the Worship Center praying, “Lord, where would you like me/us to sit?” It will put you in a love-one-another mindset. After the service stay a bit longer to visit and love. Stop hustling in, sitting in “your spot”, and then hustling out. Create margin to love as your church family gathers. Read How to Walk Into Church.
• Join a group at your church (Community Group, Small Group, Life Group, whatever your church might call them) to not only receive the wonderful one-another ministry of others, but also to give that ministry to others in love. “Serve one another… bear one another’s burdens… be kind to one another… comfort one another… encourage one another and build up one another… pray for one another…” (NT texts)
• Practice hospitality on a regular basis (at least one night per month?). Invite someone from the church family over to the house (or even to a restaurant). Visit, laugh, and enjoy a good meal together. Remember, sometimes the simplest meals are the best meals!
• Make a Prayer Card (from Paul Miller’s A Praying Life or videos here) of your Community Group, Men’s or Women’s Group, and/or friends at church. Then, pray for them often.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

First practice: Seek God.

King David records one of the most striking invitations extended by God to a sinful man, “Seek My face.” David resolutely responds, “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.” (Ps 27:8) Elsewhere, “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly.” (Ps 63:1) Seek to know, adore, and worship God in Christ for who He is and what He’s done for you. A. W. Tozer called this “the glorious pursuit, the heart’s happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead.”

• Read and meditate on God’s Word each day, listening to His voice. While one chapter each day is a worthy path, consider also reading large portions of the Bible at a time, sometimes even entire books (17 of the 27 NT books are six chapters or less).  “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Ps 119:105)
• Pray to God each day. Cultivate devoted times to prayer (maybe times in the morning and evening), but also a relationship with God that turns to Him throughout the day. Study Nehemiah’s prayer life: devoted prayers day and night in 1:4-11, as well as on-the-spot prayers in 2:4-5. Read about and use Paul Miller’s Prayer Cards (A Praying Life) “I love the LORD because He hears my voice… Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.” (Ps 116:1-2)
• Memorize Scripture. Commit to memory your favorites verses, passages pertinent to your life, powerful chapters of Scripture, or maybe an entire book of the Bible. There are great apps, ebooks, and more tools available to help you.
• To these twin pillars of the Christian life—the Word and Prayer—engage other spiritual disciplines (or Habits of Grace as Mathis calls them) like fellowship with God’s people, fasting, worship, and more.
• Go hard after God at your church’s Worship Service. Be an active participant, not a passive spectator. Passionately sing His praise. Eagerly listen and submit to His Word. Joyfully celebrate His work in your church’s midst. Seek your God. Read How to Walk Into Church.
• Trust and obey God as a sure way to know and experience Him. Jesus said He would disclose Himself to those who follow His ways. (Jn 14:21)

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Ps 34:8)

At Redeemer Community Church we’ve identified seven practices of a disciple of Jesus that we hope to be true of each one of us in increasing measure. These are not practices we pursue for God’s love (we cannot earn nor deserve the love of God), but rather from God’s love poured out on us through the gospel of Jesus.

Here are just a few verses to remind us of God’s love for us:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10

So, for example: one of our seven practices of a disciple is Seek God. We read the Bible, we pray, we worship, not so that God will love us. Through the gospel He already loves us! Therefore, from God’s love we read the Bible, we pray, we worship, so that we can enjoy fellowship with our heavenly Father and grow in Him.

Here are the seven:

• Seek God
• Love Others
• Pursue Holiness
• Serve the Church
• Steward Your Resources
• Share the Gospel
• Multiply Disciples.

As I venture back into blogging, I think one road I’ll travel is these seven characteristics. Maybe a quote here, my reflections there; a good article here, or a powerful sermon there. It’s my hope that you’ll be encouraged and equipped to go harder after Jesus by what you find.