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Will You, Pretty Please?

Posted by Michael Breznau on 4:53 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship, Worship | 2 comments

“God in heaven, will you please ______________”

This morning, as the sun rose over the lush green trees in our backyard, I hit stride in my typical routine: wake up, shower up, open the Word, and bring a series of requests to God. As usual, I found myself coming to the Lord with two oft-repeated agenda items:

• “God will you forgive me for ____________?” (I’m still readily prone to many sinful faults and failures)
• “God will you give me ______________?” (I’m continually in need of strength, direction, peace, healing, etc.)

Now there certainly isn’t anything wrong with bringing our confessions and requests before God. In fact, His Word instructs us to do so. But as I’ve been studying through Paul’s letter to the Galatian Christians, I’ve again been confronted with the radical truth that God calls me His child – even His son and His friend.

Paul wrote: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:25-26)

Continuing the same mind-blowing theology, the apostle continued:

“…God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons . . . therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Gal. 4:4b-5, 7)

You and I have been adopted into the family of God, not as hired servants or indentured slaves but as God’s chosen sons and daughters! Not only are we His children, but also inheritors of God’s ultimate promise given to Abraham through Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:6-9, 14; 3:39). If we are in union with Christ through faith, then we are true children of Abraham. Take it one step further: if God called Abraham His friend, then we, too, are friends of God (2 Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; James 2:23; cf. John 15:13).

Only Give and Forgive?

Today, this truth assaulted my all-too-feeble and shallow prayers. Would I find it healthy and good if my children and close friends only came to me if they wanted me to give them something or forgive them of an offense? No way!

As a father and friend, I desire depth in my relationships with those I love. I want to know what is on their heart and mind. I look forward to hearing how they are feeling and what they are learning.

My heart warms up with gladness when Everlynn chirps like a songbird about what she discovered in the backyard. I delight in Hudson’s witty sketches and hilarious journal entries. And there’s nothing quite as sweet as Carson’s gummy kisses on my cheek.

Q: If in my limited, human role I long for more than mere requests from my loved ones, how much more may God in His limitless, divine love desire deep communion with His children?

God’s heart for us compels us to move from the shallow, safe end of the pool to the raging, rushing, freeing ocean of His love. In the deep with God we pour out our praise, our delight, our fear, our doubt, and a whole swirling sea of other whitecap emotions… and we find that we can know Him and be fully known, and yet fully loved by the One who has called us His own.

We may not only come to God with requests but also with our joy, wonder, discovery, and excitement.

Yes, we may say, “Lord God, please ________________.”

But by His unstoppable, adopting love, we may also respond, “God in heaven, I love __________________ about You. I’m amazed that You _________________. Oh Father, I’m feeling ______________ today, but I’m thankful that I know ____________________ is true.

So how might you fill in these blanks today?

In God’s Vineyard,

Week InREVIEW

• Repentance in the Church: As many of you have likely heard across the news, the Southern Baptist Convention has been going through a profound season of prayer, heart-evaluation, and repentance. Decisions were made even so far as to remove one seminary president from leadership. Even though we are not SBC-affiliated, these are certainly our brothers and sisters – even closely comrades-at-arms for the sake of the Gospel. Many responses have been written, but I found Dr. Thom Rainer’s transparent confession What I Must Change to be insightful and convicting, no matter your leadership position or affiliation. Click here: https://thomrainer.com/2018/06/what-i-must-change/
• How Friends, Families, and Churches can help Special Needs Families: Key Ministry is a unique organization that works to equip and encourage churches to minister effectively to families with specials needs children and adults. My wife, Stephanie, attended a conference with another one of our church members, in which Key Ministry was an integral part. They write: “A high percentage (some people report as high as 90%) of families with children with special needs don’t attend church. Our church considers them an unreached people group. We are active and intentional about reaching them with the love of Christ, and we believe every church should be as well.” Read more here: http://www.keyministry.org/specialneedsparenting/2016/3/28/how-friends-families-and-churches-can-help-special-needs-families
• Church Members Preparing for the Sermon: Everyone should assume that pastors are preparing to preach through prayer and intensive study, but how should church members prepare for the sermon? Here’s a helpful article that offers Seven Ways Church Members should Prepare for a Sermon. Click here: https://thomrainer.com/2016/04/seven-ways-church-members-should-prepare-for-a-sermon/

Mayfair on Mission

Posted by Michael Breznau on 4:35 pm in Church & Praxis, Devotionals, Discipleship, Mission | 2 comments

A few weeks ago I watched an intriguing documentary on the history and methodology of the US Navy SEALs. The birth of what became known as the SEALs during WWII was incredibly fascinating. First known as Amphibious Scouts and Raiders (Special Service Unit No. 1), these men used underwater demolition tactics to clear large portions of the beaches of Normandy, so that our transport ships full of soldiers could safely land. These little NCDUs (Naval Combat Demolition Units) completed similar heroic missions at Omaha Beach and Utah Beach to help conquer the German forces.

SEALs on Mission

My pastor-friend, Woody Shoemaker, is a heavily medaled Navy SEAL from the Vietnam War era. Years back, I asked him a little about his experiences in SEAL training and war. He has lots of interesting stories to tell. But one statement stood out to me, he said, “If you want to know if someone is a real Navy SEAL (because lots of people claim the title), you must ask them this: What was the number of your team in BUD/S training? If they won’t say, then they aren’t a SEAL.”

Mission assignments come to specific teams, so knowing which team you’re on is absolutely essential. In order for any SEAL team to be successful they need to focus on at least two things: (1). What is the mission? and (2) How we will complete the mission? No SEAL team would ever complete their goal without unifying around these objectives.

God on Mission

Our Commander was and is always on mission. God is a sending, missional God. God the Father sent His Son, and the Father and the Son sent the Spirit to empower God’s people to be sent out on mission to the ends of the earth to the praise of His grace.

God’s mission isn’t only a New Testament imperative; it has been God’s goal all along. Hear these words from the prophet Isaiah:

Church on Mission

All those redeemed and adopted into God’s family are on His Team, the Church. We, as His people are, therefore, called to live on mission to display and declare the glories of His love and power in the gospel of Christ… to all nations!

We have our mission assignment. The trouble is churches often get hung up on how they’re going to accomplish the mission. We, as a local expression of the global Church, the team of Mayfair Bible Church per se, need to prayerfully, thoughtfully, and creatively determine how we will move forward on God’s mission. No surprise here, really. Every local church needs to continually process and evaluate mission effectiveness.

God is building is Church and expanding His kingdom across the earth. We’re seeing God on the move through Team-Mayfair in radical, exciting ways.

Sunday’s Action Steps
So because we all are deeply serious and passionate about living on God’s mission together (this absolutely thrills my soul), we’re going to be involving everyone this Sunday morning in a survey and mission brainstorming project. We will also be announcing details about mission consulting help we’ll be receiving from Dr. Howard Bixby of ChristWay Ministries (retired president of Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit PA), as well as a brief update on The Thrive Center building. What’s more, Elevate Student Ministries will be leading us in worship!

Pray in Faith. Walk in hope. Live on Mission… guided by His Love. 

In Christ Alone,

     

Our Journey with Autism

Posted by Stephanie Breznau on 10:42 am in Devotionals, Marriage & Family, Pain and Suffering | 0 comments

A crisp, clean breeze whispered through the trees. A recent springtime snowfall had dampened the ground. But signs of new life were courageously emerging across the woodlands. Our family loves visiting the park together. Our children enjoy the trails, swings, slides, and freedom to run around like hyperactive kittens.

As we journeyed down a paved path, our six-year-old daughter Everlynn began happily skipping along.

“Hudson,” she chirped. “Do you want to skip with me?”

“Uh, ok, Everlynn,” he replied with a bit of distraction in his voice.

Hudson gave skipping a scout’s try but quickly resorted to a wobbly side-gallop. As Michael and I watched our nine-year-old son struggle to perform a basic motor skill, the evidence began to sink in yet again.

Hudson is unique. He isn’t like other average nine year olds. In some ways he surpasses the norm, but in other ways he clearly carves his own difficult trail. His awkward half-skip motions turned to frustration as his little sister sped right by him. This scenario is becoming quite familiar in other areas of life like tying shoes, riding a bike, crafting art, etc.

Many people tell me we are wrong for labeling Hudson with a diagnosis of ASD/ADHD, setting up an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and joining support groups. We have also heard that we are crippling his future or glossing over the evidence of our lack of parenting skills.

Michael and I often wonder if Hudson’s unique struggles were caused by him contracting Pertussis at just three weeks old. Our beautiful son spent 11 days at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas and went code blue five times (read about it HERE). He pulled through with tremendous tenacity and has been incredibly healthy ever since.

But we wonder, as only parents can do…

Crossing the Rubicon

Until we put Hudson into public school in 2015, I felt like a complete failure as a mom. I tried every parenting method recommended to me. No matter what I did it never worked. The shame accompanying comments from people about how we were doing a terrible job as Hudson’s parents was intense.

_______________________

What is autism spectrum disorder? Autism is an “all-encompassing, neurological, and developmental condition” that affects about 1-3% of any given population.[1]

What does all-encompassing, neurological, and developmental mean? All-encompassing means that autism affects pretty much every part of my son Hudson – his personality, his experiences, how he thinks, how he moves, and how he communicates. Neurological means that Hudson’s brain functions differently than other neurotypical or non-autistic people. He also processes sensory inputs such as sounds, visuals, touch, taste, and smell differently than other neurotypical or non-autistic people. Developmental means that ASD is often detected in early childhood, continues in the development process and, in varying degrees, affects the individual throughout his or her lifespan.[2] Autism is not something you can catch like a flu or cold. Autism is not a disease that you can contract or transmit to others.

_______________________

Michael and I believe the earth is beautiful yet broken. We know deep within ourselves that everything is not the way it should be. The apostle Paul wrote, “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now” (Romans 8:21). Erosion, war, disease, violence, abuse, storms, famine, and suffering of all sorts fills us with a longing for Eden restored. And one day we know God will make “all the sad things come untrue,” as Sally Lloyd-Jones so eloquently phrased it.

Yet on the other hand, we also believe God is sovereign over our Hudson and that He is working out a beautiful plan to mold us into people of love, grace, and hope. God formed Hudson in the womb and designed him as a good and wonderful gift to us (see Psalm 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15). Hudson is a super kid, yet with a different way of processing the world around him. God loves him and so do we. 

Several years ago, we realized denying Hudson the help he so desperately needed was far more crippling to him than finally letting go of our pride. Once we accepted help and the “label” of autism (plus his other challenges of ADHD and OCD), a whole new life began. I cannot begin to share how much his teachers have invested in us. They have loved him very much and accepted him just the way he is. We couldn’t do this without them or our amazing church, which supports and encourages us.

Our son is more than a label. He isn’t “less than”. He is Hudson William who is strong in spirit and stronger than many adults I know. He has many daily struggles that seem to be set on persistent replay. However, we see the battles he fights and wins too. You can read about one of those here: New Paint.

Win Some, Lose Some

People who don’t live with him only see glimpses and it can seem like we are just being dramatic, however, we know our son more than anyone else.

We have experienced some pretty amazing wins and many losses. The wins outweigh the losses. The wins include Hudson becoming a follower of Jesus, learning to read, realizing he is very smart, and meeting some amazing teachers and friends.

We have experienced worry over uncertainties about Hudson’s future, frustration over not knowing how to help him, loneliness in feeling we’re the only ones going through this, struggling with judgment over his various behaviors, and anxiety in trying to find Hudson accommodations to improve his school experience.

We have put vacations on hold, avoided going out on day trips, and ended up staying home a lot. We are hoping this continues to change for our family.

We aren’t putting him into a box by admitting he is different. We are just changing our perception of how he experiences life. Autism has not only changed the direction of our lives as his parents, but it has opened a whole new world for us in the direction of compassion and hopes for special needs inclusion in the Church.

We hope and pray every person who meets him will be able to do the same thing and accept him for who he is. I believe he was created in the image of God. Hudson is a very loved and important part of the body of Christ.

Autism awareness isn’t silly or unneeded. It’s vital and necessary. Just because we know something of autism does not mean we cannot learn more about it or from the people who live with it. We try to learn from others on a regular basis on this journey too!

What is God teaching me through this journey?

I’m learning deeper reliance on God for wisdom, strength, and patience. I’m discovering how to more intentionally care for myself, so that I’m healthy enough to be the best Mama I can be for Hudson and my other two wonderful children. You can’t serve and love with an empty cup.

Knowledge is power. Different isn’t bad, it’s just different. In fact, different is good too!

Love, learn, accept, and listen. You have no idea how it will knock your socks off!

Blessings, 
Stephanie

Come to the Table

Posted by Michael Breznau on 10:37 pm in Devotionals, Sermons, Worship | 0 comments

Standing at the Table of Communion tonight…  I recall that long ago, in the Garden of Eden, our forebears, Adam and Eve, lived and walked in perfect communion with God. They enjoyed beautiful fellowship with their Holy Creator in His perfect oasis.

But we walked away. Adam and Eve turned their backs on God and rebelled against His guidance for life. They disbelieved God and instead believed Satan, personified as that “serpent of old,” who schemed to bring chaos to God’s created order (Revelation 12:9).

We proclaimed we wanted to do life our way, not God’s way. We rejected God’s truth and called Him a liar.

Our sin cut us off from God, but it was our own doing, our own rebellion, and now the shame of sin taunts and haunts all who remain separate from the God of all love and grace. The shame and guilt of pride, envy, lust, anger, hate, profanity, and violence now seems to control. Nothing we can do or say or work toward can take away the shame of our sin and restore the relationship. Separate. Lost.

Shocking Grace

But God the Father stepped in, by His grace, with His rescue plan through Christ the Son.

God came to us. (John 1:14)

Fast forward to the Last Supper where God the Son was again communing with mankind at the Passover meal on the eve of His crucifixion.

Jesus the Christ, God-Incarnate, knew what was in the heart of every man (see John 2:24-25). He knew full well that Judas would betray Him for a mere 30 pieces of silver, the recompense price for a dead slave. And yet at the Last Supper, Jesus shows a shocking picture of grace – underserved, unearned kindness toward Judas.

Let’s take a look at the scene in John 13:21-30:

When Jesus had said this, He became troubled in spirit, and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you will betray Me.”  The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. So Simon Peter *gestured to him, and *said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.”

He, leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, *said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”  Jesus then *answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” So when He had dipped the morsel, He *took and *gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. After the morsel, Satan then entered into him. Therefore Jesus *said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”

Now no one of those reclining at the table knew for what purpose He had said this to him.  For some were supposing, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus was saying to him, “Buy the things we have need of for the feast”; or else, that he should give something to the poor. So after receiving the morsel he went out immediately; and it was night.

Most of you are familiar with Da Vinci’s famous painting, The Last Supper. Beautiful as it is, the seating arrangement and table setup do not at all resemble the original setting:

Instead, in first-century culture the table would have been close to the ground with the guests laying next to it with their feet away from the table, leaning on their left arm and eating with their right hand.

Further biblical evidence shows that Jesus was seated in the place of the host, with John at his right (leaning back to talk with Jesus, cf. John 13:22, 24), Peter in the lowest seat of honor (John 13:23), and Judas in the highest seat of honor (Jn. 13:26).

How so? As the host, Jesus would have dipped the morsel of bread or meat into a sauce and, as a sign of honor and love, served it to the person seated directly to his left (see v. 26-27).

And this turns out to be Judas. Shocking.

Peter, seated across the table (v. 24), saw something going on and quickly grappled for information. But no one picked up on what only Jesus and Judas knew. (v. 28-29)

Even to the betrayer, Judas, filled with inexcusable greed, malicious intent, and secretive scheming… Jesus extends grace.

We may find it all-too-easy to say, “I’m better than Judas. No way I’d ever succumb to that kind of greed and unbelief!”

You and I might retort, “I’d never respond like Peter in the face of fear and deny Jesus three times.”

Yet all the disciples responded in kind:

“Peter said to Him, ‘Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.’ All the disciples said the same thing too.” (Matthew 26:33-35)

I’m that Betrayer

And deep in my heart I know I’m one who has chosen greed or giving, fear over faith, pride over humility, complacency over co-mission, lust over love, the path of death instead of the way of life… … all far too many times than I dare count.

I am that betrayer, Judas.

In the face of uncertainty, confusion, and fear, I am that denier, Peter.

Yet Jesus offers grace at the Table.

Judas rejected Jesus. Peter, John, James, and the rest of the rag-tag crew received grace upon grace in Jesus.

Q: What about you?

John the apostle would later write:

“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. . . . For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” (John 1:11-12, 16)

So how about you? Jesus is inviting you to come to His Table, to come join the sinners who have been redeemed. …Take your place beside the Savior.

Sit down and be set free. Come to the Table.

We who were separate – distant – carrying the weight of our guilt and shame because of our own sinful rebellion against the holy and loving God, are called to come to the Table. We are invited into the Family, to have a seat by the Savior-Rescuer-Friend.

And His Table is a living metaphor, a symbol of what Christ accomplished to bring us home and into His family:

“For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18a)

See His Love

Christ – the eternal God-man – carrying the crushing weight of a crossbeam all the way to Golgotha’s hill for you and for me.

As the cat-of-nine-tails whip lacerated his back

As the crown of jagged thorns cut into his skull

As the nails smashed into his hands and feet

As the spear pierced his stomach and intestines

As the weight of His body suffocated his lungs

…He breathed his last breath and endured it all out of love for you and me.

He is inviting you tonight to receive the symbol of bread for His body and the cup for His blood.

By receiving communion you are saying, “I believe Jesus Christ died for me. I have placed total trust in His death as the Way to Life forever in God’s family and forgiveness of all my sin – past, present and future. I know I cannot save myself through good behavior of any measure, but only through receiving the free gift salvation in Christ (see Romans 6:23) can I be rescued and redeemed.”

If you have not taken the step to receive the gift of rescue from sin through personal faith in Jesus Christ, we ask that you refrain from coming to the table. Our communion at Christ’s Table is for all who have believed and received His grace (no matter your church or background).

But instead of refraining from receiving communion, why don’t you believe and receive Christ right now? Believe in Him tonight. Receive life everlasting with God.

Come to the Table. Be Welcomed into God’s family.

Forever.

Here’s Sidewalk Prophets’ poignant anthem calling you to come to the table:

Michael Breznau | Good Friday 2018 | delivered at Mayfair Bible Church of Michigan

What is Maundy Thursday?

Posted by Michael Breznau on 6:53 pm in Church & Praxis, Devotionals, Theology | 2 comments

On this rather cold, cloudy, and rainy March afternoon, I’m reminded of the dark, omnious day nearly 2,000 years ago when Jesus the Son took our place on the cross, dying the death we deserved as the perfect Lamb of God. Through His blood, we receive mercy, the atonement for sin, and life forever in communion with God.

We rejoice in this good news with the apostle Paul, who wrote:

“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”  (Colossians 2:13-14)

Tomorrow is Good Friday, a pivotal day of remembrance on the calendar for God’s redeemed people. We will gather at 6pm @ Mayfair Bible Church for a brief yet poignant reflection on the sacrificial death of Jesus the Christ. We hope and pray your schedule allows you to join with us as we sing, pray, hear from God’s Word, and receive the Lord’s Supper together.

Here’s my latest Q & A video:

What is Maundy Thursday?

Last week, I drove by a church sign that outlined a schedule for Maundy Thursday. Now, I’ve heard excerpts and comments about Maundy Thursday over the years. But as one raised in a non-denominational evangelical church, this particular calendar event usually skipped right by us without so much as a passing nod.

Some of you may have been raised in churches where Maundy Thursday or “Holy Thursday” (as some call it) was common practice. But I think for you and I alike, the rather deep meaning and significance of this holiday probably breezed by.

The rather peculiar word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word Mandatum, which means “commandment.” This refers to the key instructions Jesus gave to His disciples at the close of the Last Supper on Thursday evening:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Jesus was preparing to display the immeasurable depth and grandeur of God’s love through dying in our place on the cross. He continued to elaborate on this love in His Upper Room teaching:

“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:12-13)

Throughout church history, Christians have remembered this important command of Christ on the eve of His crucifixion by celebrating Maundy Thursday. Most often, a more informal celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a part of this worship gathering. Some churches also hold foot-washing ceremonies, as well, to recall the picture of self-sacrificial service Christ modeled for His disciples.

Although we here at Mayfair are not holding a formal Maundy Thursday gathering, I encourage you to take a moment to read through Chapter 13 of the Gospel of John, as you prepare for our communion gathering on Good Friday.

See you on Friday… and Sunday!

Standing at My Altar

Posted by Michael Breznau on 5:01 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship, Worship | 0 comments

Today’s article is a guest post from Lori Visser, a member of Mayfair Bible Church, where I serve as Lead Pastor. Lori is a devoted Christ-follower, an artistically talented writer, and a vivacious mother and grandmother. Her wonderful sense of humor is coupled with a deep humility and love for God.

 

On her Facebook profile she defines her motto as: “Nisi dominus frustra.” This unique Latin phrase is a truncated version of the first line of Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” One might roughly translate it as, “Without the Lord, frustration.”

I recommend this honest, heart-moving piece to you: 

Standing at My Altar

While standing at my altar, I was thinking how easy it is to forget…

I have stewed over the fact that my life and body have been sacrificed too many times, even for good things. For instance, I literally gave up space inside my body three times to allow three other little bodies to grow there. On the “not so good” side, I had to sacrifice my breast to conquer cancer. I sacrificed my thyroid to conquer the ravages of Graves’ disease.

I sacrificed ease of life and often my own sense of mental well being to comfort or help others in need. I have sacrificed my own ideas and plans about how my life should be. I have stood before this great altar many times, watching it smoldering; so much going up in smoke.

It is always sobering standing there.

Often I stand amazed as I realize how Jesus has brought me through it all. I am reminded God has a good plan for me, and that it all has a purpose. I wish I could say that is how I feel every single time, but that wouldn’t be true at all. Often I go there just to tell Jesus how sad or disappointed I am. It’s okay. He can take it. He always listens to my rants.

But sometimes I foolishly walk away from those rants without letting His love wash over me, refreshing and reminding me of His goodness. It’s a stupid way to walk away from the altar. It leads to nothing more than the same sense of sadness and disappointment with which I came there.

Today I wasn’t stupid. I decided to stay there and let Him wash me. I asked Him if all the sacrifice would be worth it. The Holy Spirit spoke into my own spirit, letting me know that it most assuredly would be.

Then He quietly but clearly reminded me of Jesus’ sacrifice. I remembered that He gave up everything. Everything. I pictured Him leaving glory. He sacrificed the perfection of heaven, and for nine months took up space inside of a young girl. A young girl, by the way, who said, “yes” to God, having no idea what her sacrifice would mean for herself, and an entire world.

Spring forward to Jesus’ misunderstood ministry. Even though it took the resurrection for them to completely understand, the disciples said yes. They gave up the plan for their lives and followed Jesus… even to death. Was their sacrifice worth it? Of course it was.

And as I stood at my great big smoldering altar, I remembered. Jesus gave up everything for me. Everything. He gave up glory; ease; riches; his body; his life. He sacrificed it all for me. For you. For everyone. He said, “yes,” and didn’t look back…

…even when He was sweating out blood.

When He was being beaten.

When He was feeling alone.

When He was being pierced.

When He was naked and dying on a shameful cross.

And you know what? It was worth it.

And so I stand now, before my puny looking altar, which just a few moments ago looked so large and smokey, and in it I see the Refiner’s fire. As the smoke wafts its way up, I see it like incense filled with smells that bring joy to my Savior, Healer, Redeemer and Friend, and I feel washed.

And it’s all worth it.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

My Prayer for You + Week In-Review

Posted by Michael Breznau on 4:49 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship, Worship | 0 comments

Week In-Review

• This past Wednesday marked the passing of Billy Graham at 99 years of age. In an age of scandal and compromise, he remained faithful to his family, Christ, and the simplicity of the Gospel. By God’s grace, He finished well. While we would likely differ with him on some points, there is no doubt that He was used by God to draw millions of people to faith in Christ. Here’s what he said we should think when we hear this news: “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” I encourage to read Dr. Russell Moore’s piece on the life and legacy of Bill Graham: Billy Graham Bore Witness for 99 Years.
• Last week I wrote an article containing my pastoral reflections on the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida: “My wife and I are in deep sadness over the death of 17 students and teachers in Parkland, Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We’re also grieved by the fact that the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, had a long history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with autism. Reports show he regularly faced rejection from classmates and neighbors. Every part of this story is incredibly sad and heart-wrenching. But while many will weigh-in to talk about political, legal, and psychological factors, I want to go back to a foundational issue, which is actually theological…”. continuing reading by click HERE: Shun the Violence.
• 75 years ago yesterday, a brother and sister were murdered by Hitler’s regime in Munich, Germany for standing up for Christian truth and justice. 18 year-old author, Sara Barratt writes, “They risked and lost, fought and failed, but not without leaving a lasting imprint. Their names were Hans and Sophie Scholl. . . . they formed the White Rose, a student-led resistance movement…. May their spirit live on in our generation, as we—to quote Sophie—’stand up for what [we] believe in, even if it means standing alone.’ ” Continue reading their powerful story HERE: The Incredible Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl

See you Sunday, Mayfair Bible Church family! Pssssst… We’re kicking off the 9:30am service with a baptism!

In Christ Alone, 

Shun the Violence

Posted by Michael Breznau on 12:23 pm in Devotionals, Marriage & Family, Morality & Ethics, Theology | 0 comments

My wife and I are in deep sadness over the death of 17 students and teachers in Parkland, Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
We’re also grieved by the fact that the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, had a long history of mental illness and had been diagnosed with autism. Reports show he regularly faced rejection from classmates and neighbors.

Every part of this story is incredibly sad and heart-wrenching.

But while many will weigh-in to talk about political, legal, and psychological factors, I want to go back to a foundational issue, which is actually theological.

We live in a culture that not only allows but promotes and glorifies violence. The quantity of horror movies pouring out of Hollywood is frightening. Redbox, Netflix, and Hulu “blood and gore” film options abound. The gaming industry is filled with products that give players points for extreme violence, murder, and rape. Even the clothing and music industries proliferate gang-culture.

In a sad twist of irony, one student who survived the shooting in Parkland told a reporter, “It was really bad. We knew this wasn’t a drill. . . . It seemed like it was out of a video game.”

To make matters worse, many families who confess to be Christians not only accept but purchase and enjoy these products of our violent culture. They may even shame those who disagree with their favorite forms of entertainment.

So why should we wonder when criminal violence and vitriol is skyrocketing?

The heart of God is actively opposed to those who enjoy violence.

Some will immediately object, “But what about war violence?” Yet I have met numerous military veterans who don’t wish to talk for one minute about the actual violence they had to endure for the sake of peace. Some men I know are seriously traumatized by some of the war films produced today. Why? Because they know the real-life consequences of war. It’s not through a screen and portrayed on a set for them.

It’s time for God’s people to repent of soaking in and approving of our culture of violence. It’s time for Christians everywhere to stand up and say, “No more. Not in my house. Not on my watch.”

As we pray for those grieving the loss of their loved ones, let us also pray for an awakening across our nation to the Gospel of Christ, which alone produces the lasting fruit of peace, righteousness, and justice.

Will you join me?

Shifting Seasons

Posted by Michael Breznau on 6:24 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship, Pain and Suffering | 0 comments

The great snowstorm of 2018 has now come and gone, and today feels like spring when compared to the sub-zero temperatures of January.

Yesterday afternoon, Hudson squinted up into the sky and proclaimed to our little daughter, “Hey Everlynn! Winter is over! It’s warm and I can see the sun!”
“Not quite,” I remarked, much to Hudson’s chagrin. But winter is definitely receding. Within several weeks we may see crocuses begin to emerge from the frosty ground with their cheerful blossoms. A warm breeze will melt away the icy wind. Cool April showers will bring forth life hidden dormant within.

The shifting of the seasons reminds me of God’s enduring faithfulness. The shadows of the night turn to the bright rays of dawn. The barrenness of winter is broken by the efflorescence of spring. The grief and angst of Good Friday rolled away on Resurrection Sunday. Therefore, we know the sorrows of this life will be eclipsed by resurrection life in the age to come.

In the middle of a dark season, Jeremiah recalled God’s immovable, irrevocable love:

“Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down with me. This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. The Lord’s loving-kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I have hope in Him.’ ” (Lamentations 3:19-24)

God is faithful in His love toward us through every season of life. God does not forget about spring in the middle of winter. God continues His good plan of grace when discouraging storms cause us to twist in the wind.

What type of season are you in right now? 

Does it feel like winter in your soul? Are you enjoying a spring-like mountaintop moment with God? In every season, lean into the steadfast love of God in Christ.

Trust that the One who carefully arranges fall, winter, spring, and summer also watches over us and guides us with His good plan. In winter-like storms, Charles Spurgeon said, “I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me against the Rock of Ages.” Lean into His faithful arms. He is never letting go.

In Christ Alone,

Prayer isn’t a Post-it Note

Posted by Michael Breznau on 5:42 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship | 0 comments

Dear Mayfair Bible Church, 

Wow… time rapidly coasts by when you’re having fun! I’ve so deeply enjoyed preaching God’s life-changing Word over these past five weeks together. I praise the Lord for the insatiable hunger He has given you for the Scriptures. And I give thanks to Christ for His love at work in and through you. My heart was also overwhelmed with joy this past Sunday night when so many of you returned to engage in prayers of confession, intercession, and praise. For those of you who missed our Church-Wide Call to Prayer event, you may click HERE to access our 2018 Prayer Guide.

Undoubtedly, we all desire to move forward into greater Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity in 2018. Yet the only way we will move forward, both individually and collectively, is on our knees in fervent prayer. In E.M. Bounds’ pithy book, The Power of Prayer, he reminds us:

“Paul lived on his knees, that the Ephesian Church might measure the heights, breadths, and depths of an unmeasurable saintliness, and ‘be filled with all the fullness of God. . . .

The praying which makes a prayerful ministry is not a little praying put in as we put flavor to give it a pleasant smack, but the praying must be in the body, and form the blood and bones. Prayer is no petty duty, put into a corner; no piecemeal performance made out of the fragments of time which have been snatched from business and other engagements of life; but it means that the best of our time, the heart of our time and strength must be given.”

For this reason, God is pressing on my soul to call all of us (myself included) to devoted, persevering prayer. Prayer is the beginning, the middle, and the end of every other outflow of faith. All ministry, work, and service must come out of an intimate relationship with God and prayer is the source of that communion (see James 1:5; 5:13-16).

The most vital work is not first serving, teaching, preaching, exhorting, evangelizing, giving, or even Bible reading (all good things) – but prayer! Prayer must preface, saturate, and finish all we do as Christians. Prayer isn’t merely the bookends or a magnet on the fridge of the Christian life. It’s the foundation. Prayer is the way we put on the armor of God, and how we are empowered by God and obedient to God (see Ephesians 6:18-19).

In James chapter 5, we discover 6 key reasons why we should pray (though the Bible is filled with hundreds of reasons why we should pray). Here are the six:

1.     Prayer changes our perspective (5:13a; cf. 1:5)
2.     Prayer leads to praise (5:13b; cf. Acts 16:22-26)
3.     Prayer restores the sick (5:14-15)
4.     Prayer demonstrates our faith (5:15a)
5.     Prayer results in forgiveness (5:15b-16a)
6.     Prayer unleashes God’s power (5: 16b-18; cf. 1 Kgs. 8:42)

So let us pray. I ask that you continue to uphold all your elders and deacons – and the rest of Mayfair Bible Church – in your prayers. Someone once wisely quipped, “A family that prays together, stays together.” And undoubtedly, the local church is a family. So let’s devote ourselves to prayer for one another and for those without Christ in our community.

Going forward, keep on the lookout for a new, private Facebook Group called “Mayfair @ Prayer” which will help all of us stay tuned to prayer needs within the church family. We’ll also be holding the REFOCUS Prayer gathering each Wednesday from  7-8 pm and scheduling other times of corporate prayer. May God’s grace and truth be displayed in all we do!

In Christ Alone,

Share the video below with your friends and family to invite them to REFOCUS: