WEEK1 eMi

First hike of the week...

And then we went rock climbing... gonna have to do more of that!

Volleyball for fun points!

Last hike of the week... crossroads??

Okay, God is good.  Really good.  All-the-time kind of good.

It's hard for me to figure out how to say THIS IS AWESOME as I sit and think about the amazing people that Engineering Ministries International is sending out into the world.

My first week in Colorado was joyfully spent with all the other interns as we hung out during orientation, learning about each other, ourselves, and eMi.

The best part of the week was seeing the level of Christian devotion from the bottom to the top of this great organization.  We had a lot of fun too.  Lots of time enjoying these beautiful outdoors!  Hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Rock Climbing, S'mores, Hot Tubs...

Before I ramble for too long, I want to spend some time in scripture.

Luke 10

In this passage, Jesus sends out a bunch of followers (72 to be exact) ahead of him to cities that he planned to go.  He didn't send them alone, he sent them in pairs, telling them they'd be "sheep amongst wolves."  They went out penniless, trusting the Lord to provide.  They went out with the gospel.  While on their journey, they met opposition and oppression, but they triumphed in Jesus' name.

Then they came back to Jesus rejoicing in the work that had been accomplished.  "Even the demons submitted to your name" they exclaimed to Jesus.  Jesus' response to them was encouraging, but it redirected their joy.

"Behold, I have given you authority... Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."  (Luke 10:19-20)

hmmm...

Each of us are given authority to carry Jesus' name.  I am given authority.  Each eMi intern is given authority.  You are given authority.  Just don't be so focused on the authority that you lose sight of heaven. Don't' lose sight of your destiny.

I rejoice in the Lord.  

I rejoice that He has led me in a wonderful and strange way to be in Colorado this Fall with eMi.

I rejoice that I can't piece together the puzzle that has led me here, because it gives me confidence that the Lord will continue to lead me.  I have no worry for my future.

I rejoice in heaven.

I rejoice in the Lord.

Psalm 37:5

Commit yourself to the Lord.

Trust in Him, and He will act.

What an incredible team

I'm in Colorado!

Drove by this abandoned barn on the longgggg drive through Kansas.  This was the most interesting thing I saw...

My host family's house sits on top of a hill and overlooks the mountains... yeah, I know!

Here's my bedroom - it's more space than I've had in four years haha... also, that window over the desks looks out toward the mountains!

I made it to Colorado!

I've been anxious about this transition but God has comforted me and reminded me that He's in control and always providing in some incredible ways!

As I'm writing this, I'm getting ready for a week long orientation with eMi.  I'm excited to meet all the other interns.  It's been great getting to know my roommate Mike, a Mechanical Engineering intern on the project in Sierra Leone.

What am I excited about most?  The opportunity to see and meet people who are combining ministry with engineering.  I have a definite heart for ministry, so we'll see where this goes!

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to hear from you - even though I'll be meeting a lot of people, I am definitely not leaving you behind.  Keep me encouraged and keep praying for me, as I am for you.

Here's my mailing address:

Seth Carlton
4577 Whispering Ct.
Colorado Springs, CO  80917

The Church

        I have been blessed by the Church.

After the fire I was immediately surrounded by family and friends and supported in a way I’ve never experienced before.  There is so much I want to say and so many things to be thankful for that I’m finding it hard where to begin...

There’s this crazy thing that God does - He sets people apart.  Set apart.  From Adam and Eve to Noah to Abraham and onward, God is pursuing a people who are devoted to Him.  In the Old Testament we had prophets and kings and messengers to tell us about God.  Jesus came and told us about God directly and then he mobilized his disciples and told them that there was work left to do.  He sent them out and they reached as far as they could, sharing with as many people as would hear.  The message spread like a wild fire.

Before long these followers of Jesus earned a nickname - “The Way.”  They were following the way, the truth, and the life, and they were experiencing the power of God.  It was the power to change them and to change those around them.  Two thousand years later, nothing has changed.

God’s grace and love are seen powerfully in the church.  Whether it be leading missionaries across the world or changing the life of a repentant heart right here at home, God’s love is redeeming His church and empowering them to stand together as a people “set apart.”  The Church is a city on a hill, a great light in the midst of darkness.

There are many things wrong in this world, but we have the power to make things better and to shed some light and truth to even the darkest places.  If our relationships with God were only meant to be personal business we would lose the Christian community.  But since we have been commanded to love others and share God’s love with them, we can form that Christian community everywhere - there are no boundaries - it’s for everyone everywhere!

The support I received this week was an extension of Christ’s love.  It’s as simple as that.  When I was in need, you supported me.  I am unspeakably grateful.

I think there must be some bit of blessing in every bit of suffering.  God won’t waste a struggle if you respond to what He is trying to do with you.  Treat everything as an opportunity to be faithful.

Because of the FIRE, I learned that nothing is as valuable as a soul.  It’s the only thing we keep with us and our treasure in heaven far outweighs our trinkets here on earth.  God provides for us here but He is always drawing our gaze heaven-ward, back toward Him.

Because of the CHURCH, I have been reminded of how good God is.  It’s the truest form of love when you look to others before yourself.  It was hard for me to accept some of the help I was given this week.  I don’t like admitting that I’m in need.  I wanted to give something back (but only because I didn’t want to feel like what I was receiving was unmerited).  I will always give back to the Church, to the people, whenever I can, but this was a time for me to receive, and that was difficult at times.

Why is it difficult to receive such generous help when I’m in need?  I think the answer may be the same reason I can struggle to accept God’s grace - It’s unmerited and it was given to me without me choosing it.  In the end, I needed it and it was given in faith.  Just as God is always faithful, we extend His love by practicing our faith.  It takes faith to give but it also takes faith to receive.  That’s what I learned.

Thank you for the love and support you’ve shown me.  That fire was nothing compared to your love, to God’s love.  The love you showed me will never be forgotten.  Our treasure is always in heaven.

I pray you’ll be encouraged.  Treat everything as a chance to be faithful.

Don’t just go to church.  Be the church.

Still Singing

The day in review…

    This morning I woke up to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls.  I snagged a few and headed to Starbucks before I landed at a friend’s house for breakfast.  We talked about the summer – how awesome it’s been, how busy it’s been, how quickly it has flown by.  It was a great morning.

    For lunch I headed on over to Subway to meet with a guy who calls me a “mighty man of God.”  That name is much more appropriate for him because he is the one who is always encouraging me.  It’s always great to share some really thought provoking conversation, especially when it’s about eternal things.  It was a great lunch.

    I went back to the apartment to chill for the afternoon.  Our neighbor from downstairs came by and we all chatted for a while.  After he left I sat back in my chair, and yes, I played some video games.  After receiving some ridicule from the roommate I gave a defense on how everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves, even if it was virtual.  It was fun.  It was a good afternoon.

    A cloud rose over the window and Hannah moved to the front door to see if it was rain.  What was a perfectly normal afternoon took a turn for the worse.

    As soon as the door opened thick smoke billowed into the apartment.  There was no time to think.  I moved to the door and grabbed something to cover my mouth as we pressed through the smoke.  We live on the third floor and the smoke didn’t let up until we made it to the parking lot.

    A minute later the flames burnt against the door of our apartment.  Then there was a loud explosion, driving everyone to the other side of the street.  Everyone was still waiting on anyone to show up.  We felt lost.  It’s hard to say anything other than “I’m glad we made it out safely.”

    More time passed and then the police showed up, followed by the fire department.  Hannah and I were talking to a girl named Sophie, stealing glances at the flames that were jumping out of our bedroom windows.  Everything in there was gone, but we were outside and safe.  Thank God.

    My phone was gone along with my keys and wallet.  I didn’t have shoes on because I wasn’t wearing them in the apartment.

    Sophie’s boyfriend had run to the store and bought water.  He made it back and began passing it out to everyone nearby.  There was nothing to do but wait or move on, so Hannah and I asked Sophie to take us to a friend’s house.

    My family is great.  My friends are great.  I have so many people to rely on.

    Before long my sister had made it over and she took me to the store to get some clothes and all those basic everyday things you need.  I’m blessed to have been able to pick those things up immediately – some people couldn’t do that.

    In the apartment I lost my phone, keys, wallet, Bible, all my books and clothes, computer, golf clubs, guitar, and a bunch of other things.  I came out alive and so did everyone else – thank God because that fire went up quickly.

    At the end of the day I’m sitting in the Jones’s apartment watching a movie.  I’m in some fresh clothes with some great friends.






    So at the end of the day I’m still singing.  How can I keep from singing when I know I am loved by my God, my family, and my friends?  Nothing eternal was lost today.  In fact, eternity just got a day closer.

    Good night friends.  Keep singing.

Wisdom

    Wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence.  If knowledge is the accumulation of facts, and intelligent is the development of reason, wisdom is found in the heavenly discernment and application of these things.  For the spiritual leader, wisdom is the strong foundation from which many decisions may be made.

    Spiritual wisdom involves knowing God and knowing self.  It is a Holy Spirit filled gift.  Jesus tells his disciples “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth... He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:12-14).  Spiritual wisdom grows with time, being sustained by the Spirit.

    Wisdom is introspective but it is also active.  Paul writes, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).  The spiritual leader takes wisdom and applies it, understanding that mere knowledge of the truth is never enough.  We must also be doers of the word (James 1:22).

    If wisdom is sought out of self-ambition, it is a burdensome thing.  To face the human condition, entertaining the inevitable thoughts of depravity, wisdom can be a darkening thing.  King Solomon solemnly speaks “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:18).  The only way to bring wisdom out of the dark and into the light is to be filled with God's Spirit.  Spirit-filled wisdom understands man's dependance on God and joyfully makes the path of humility known.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

    The spiritual leader exercises and hones wisdom through spiritually attentive testing and discernment.  Paul writes “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).  This kind of wisdom requires the transformation of our mind that can only come from the Lord.  It enables us to discern the will of God.

    Wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence, it is also discernment and application.  Spiritual wisdom is humble and Holy Spirit filled, always yielding itself to the Word of God.  Wisdom is engaging eternal spiritual truth, which the Father gives us through Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

Vision

    Vision for a spiritual leader is both foresight and insight.  Those who use this gift of vision to see the Kingdom of God in its current and future state are enabled to persevere through the difficulties and setbacks.  Where there is difficulty, a visionary sees opportunity.

    Vision that looks forward must not neglect the present circumstances.  The spiritual leader may be gifted to see and understand where God is leading, but they should never take for granted the duties of the present day which God has granted them.  Spiritual vision is always through the lens of faith in God, not self.

    Vision understands the importance of the present as it leads to the future.  The overarching story of the Old Testament is one of God pursuing His people and God giving them visions of Himself.  The spiritual leaders were able to see and communicate these truths.  Abraham, named “father of many nations,” taught his children the promises of God, entrusting to them the blessing and responsibility of their kinship.  Moses had many visions from God but he didn't claim them as personal achievement.  He dutifully made known the words of the Lord, leading an entire nation out of slavery and toward the promised land.  David, upon learning he was to become the next king, didn't boast in his future.  Instead, he was faithful to the present time and did not take the Lord's plans into his own hands.  All the prophets of the Old Testament had visions of the coming Kingdom of God.  They spoke about an eternal king and the restoration of the God's people – all of their visions were pointing towards Jesus.

    When Jesus steps onto the scene everything changes and the visions become realities – they have a name and a face now.  Jesus says early on in his ministry “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2).  He also says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).  He tells his disciples they are blessed for seeing what they see.  The spiritual leader's visions always flow from a love and relationship with the Lord Jesus.

    Vision always cares for people, the ones entrusted to the spiritual leader.  As Jesus was nearing his arrest and crucifixion he spoke more and more intimately with his disciples.  He made known to them the path he would walk, reassuring them that they would not be left alone.  Jesus tells his disciples, “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:25-26). 

    Vision leads to venture.  Once the disciples and apostles are empowered by the Holy Spirit, their vision pushed them to become missionaries and fulfill the great commission.  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

    Spiritual eyes to discern what the Lord has for his people is vision.  Vision always cares for people, maintaining hope and optimism.  The spiritual leader with vision will march forward, confidently following where the Lord leads by the urgings and understanding of the Spirit.

Stories

    We all tell stories.  I love that!

    Don't you think that in some ways it's our stories that make us humans so unique?  I can see a clear resemblance to our Maker because of stories.  He said “Let us make man in our image” and thus began the great story between God and man.

    Okay, I must be completely honest – I'm writing about stories because I just came back from the final Harry Potter movie.  It was a good movie about a much better book, but all in all, a great story.  What fascinates me about Harry Potter so much, especially after finishing the series, is the unbelievable connectedness and engaging nature of the story.  As we grew up with the story, the story grew up with us.  It became darker, more serious, more connected, and ultimately more satisfying.  Alright, that's enough of an endorsement...

    As great as Harry Potter is, there is a much better story.  It's much darker, much more serious, much more deeply connected and fluid, and absolutely more satisfying.  We read about it on the pages of Scripture, the Holy Bible.  We experience it, all of us, but only some really respond to it.

    The story that unfolds through the Bible is the story that unfolds in each of our lives.  It's the promise of God when He says “I will be your God.  You will be my people.  I will prove this to you over and over again for eternity.”

    The story that unfolds in each of our lives is the story we must never stop telling.  It's better than anything we'd put on paper – more real than imagination.  It's a story that is confirmed by God's Spirit.  A story that is repeated by Jesus himself.  Your life story is one that Jesus loves to tell to his Father, so you should be certain that it's worth telling to everyone you have the chance to.

    “You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3).

    Each of you have a story, not written down on paper, but written on hearts.  It's to be known and told to everyone.  You prove that your Story is from Christ because of the Spirit of the living God.  It's more real than a book – it's as real as your beating heart.

    What story do you have to tell today?