do.love.walk

According to the prophet Micah, these three verbs stand at the center of what God requires from us as believers. Do justice - be committed to other people's good; Love kindness - fall in love [be consumed, overtaken] with mercy and grace and sacrificial love; Walk humbly with your God - return God's affection for you with passionate and intense affection for him.

Over the next 90 days, a large group of us at Fc3 have made a commitment to do something tangible each day for our walk with Christ and our relationships with the people around us. For me, this looks like intentional prayer each day and a handful of pre-meditated acts of kindness. For others it will look different. Whether you go to Fc3 or you just should go to Fc3 (insert winky face here), you are welcome to join us.

What would happen if we stopped playing religious games and started living out a changed heart and life? We'll let you know over the next 90 days.

Video From Kenya!

I wanted to share with you guys a short clip of some of my students from Kenya. One day, between classes, we were messing around with my FlipCam and I decided to ask a few of them "If you could say one thing to America, what would it be?" I was surprised and amused by their answers. For one, they seemed to take it really seriously (I think they might have thought it could end up on MTV or something) and they also gave me a lot of praise (I promise it wasn't planned!). Enjoy!

Kenya Student Interview from Mike Skinner on Vimeo.

See My Post at HaMoreh

Friends,

I was privileged to be asked to write a blog post for my good friends at HaMoreh Ministries - you can read it by following this link: http://www.hamoreh.org/A-Living-Blessing

Enjoy! And comment on the HaMoreh page!!

Mike

Quick Thoughts From Limuru

Hello All! I am having an absolutely amazing time in Kenya. I have a jam-packed schedule for the next four days and then I will be on my way back to the States. I thought I would take a little break from writing/researching and give you a little update- bullet point style.

- Skinner: The Kenyans love saying my last name. Almost every time they see me they yell, "Mike Skiiiinnnnnaaaaa!!!" It's pretty amusing.

- Felix: This is the firstborn of Linus (see picture)- the deputy principal at Kenya Baptist Theological College.

- Students: I should say friends. I love them so much - and they are going to do big things in the world. We have had a blast digging into the General Epistles and I have been honored to have many meals and cups of tea with them.

- Tea: Kenyans drink as much tea as possible. Seriously. Every meal - and multiple tea times during the day. And let me tell you, it is amazing. I'm planning on bringing a bunch back to the States.

- Resources: They have very little. Most I have met are either in legitimate poverty or seriously struggling and barely making things work. We have so many - we must share and support.

- Sugar Cane: On the side of the road in

Limuru, they have wheelbarrows of sugar canes

(see picture) - you can buy one and they cut it up for you. You chew it like an apple, pure sugar comes out in liquid perfection, and you spit out the fibery, stringy remains. It is easily one of my favorite snacks ever. It is supposed to be good for you too. If not, don't tell me otherwise!

- Hollywood: Tomorrow (Monday), HaMoreh is hiring a camera-woman to follow me around as I teach and preach and to do an interview. I am told I will be given the footage.

Love you all! More soon!

Life in Kenya

Hello all! I arrived in Nairobi last night and found myself at the college around 10:30pm. The flights were long and cramped - but for the most part perfectly fine. I had a good nights sleep (no malaria meds nightmares... yet) and woke up this morning at 7:00 with lots of energy and enthusiasm. What exactly is jet-lag? I felt super human.

But, jet-lag is apparently how you feel after teaching for four hours with faux energy. I am exhausted. The day was very good - the people here are great and there is a very nice American center with great food right by my cottage. The classes went well - the language barrier is trying, but my students are great and are very passionate about applying the Word. Pray for me - I am teaching six hours a day for most days the rest of my trip, will be preaching Sunday at a church-plant, and might be doing one or two chapels during my stay.

I'll try to post a video soon!

Love,

Mike

Goodbye Texas, Hello Kenya!

My last great adventure of this summer will soon be upon me. As many of you know, Monday I will be heading to Limuru, Kenya to teach at Kenya Baptist Theological College and do some local preaching. I am going by myself but in partnership with HaMoreh Ministries. While there I will be teaching a course on the General Epistles and Revelation as well as preaching at local churches. Throughout my time there, I plan on blogging and posting pictures and videos on this site - so be looking out! I covet your prayers - and have included (by request) my itinerary below:

* All times are the correct time for location I will be in [Kenya time is 8 hours ahead of US time]

** I do not have any times for preaching, but I am expecting to do some chapels throughout the week (around 9:45 ish) and preaching at churches throughout the week (concentrated on Sunday)

Monday (7/19) - I fly out of Houston in the early afternoon.

Tuesday (7/20) - I will arrive in Amsterdam that morning, and after a short layover will take off for Kenya. I plan on arriving in Kenya late Tuesday night.

Wednesday (7/21) - Class from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Class from 4:30-6:30 PM.

Thursday (7/22) - Class from 7:30 - 9:30 AM. Class from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Class from 4:30 - 6:30 PM.

Friday (7/23) - No Class.

Saturday (7/24) - Class from 7:30 - 9:30 AM. Class from 10:30 - 12:30 (AM-PM). Class from 2:00 - 4:00 PM.

Sunday (7/25) - No Class. Probably lots of preaching.

Monday (7/26) through Thursday (7/29) - Class from 7:30 - 9:30 AM. Class from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Class from 4:30 - 6:30 PM. I am planning on flying out of Kenya late Thursday night.

Friday (7/30) - I am planning on arriving in Amsterdam early that morning, enjoying a layover, and then flying out to Texas where I plan on arriving back home that afternoon.

Again- I greatly appreciate your prayers and cannot wait to share with you all about what God does during my time with my soon-to-be new faith-family members.

Camp Bridgeport 2010 (JH1)

My second great adventure of this summer was my week speaking at Camp Bridgeport, a very nice retreat center that holds summer camps for Methodist youth. I was invited to come and speak at one of the Junior High camps from June 21-26.

While I have spoken at lots of different churches, schools, and youth events- this was my first gig speaking at a full week of camp. That, combined with the fact that the youth were middle schoolers, (what I consider to be the hardest group for me to communicate to) meant that I was very excited and a little nervous.

It was also an adventure to get there. I was supposed to arrive on on June 20 to get to know the other staff and volunteers - but a lack of sleep, some sickness, and some crazy last minute work items kept me away until right before camp started on the 21st. I drove the 6 hours up to the camp, on 4 hours of sleep over the last two days, and stopped repeatedly unsure if I could keep going. A few faithful friends carried me in prayer- and I arrived safely.

For our week of camp, we were entrusted with just under 200 youngsters who quickly became valued friends to me. I have lots of great stories from camp, made lots of great friends, and was overwhelmed with how God continued to increase a love for ministry in my heart. There are few things as life-giving as watching and being a part of God's work.

To my Bridgeport kids- what was one (or a few) of the things that God taught you during the week of JH1 Camp? Comment and share!!

Camp Blessing Texas - 2010

My first great adventure this summer was my week serving at Camp Blessing Texas, a camp for kids with special needs. I volunteered there last summer, had an incredible experience, and was looking forward to another rich time. I was also excited because this time I was taking two friends to experience the week with me- Adam McIntire and Zach Selindh.

It was, as expected, an amazing week. My camper was my little buddy, Spencer, who I had last summer and have gotten to know over the last year. Spencer is a 9 year old with autism. It was awesome to see how much Spencer has grown over the past year- using more words, giving more eye contact, showing more emotion. To the best of my knowledge, Spencer had an absolute blast during the week, and so did I.

One of my favorite memories from the week was the handshake that Spencer and I had (see picture below). It consisted of a bunch of alternating high-fives and fist-bumps, followed by me "head-butting" him in the stomach and saying "Boom!". He would always respond by smiling and saying "boom!" back.

So awesome. Another favorite moment is when Spencer figured out that I was willing for him to run at and jump on me and for us to fall to the ground. We did that for hourrrss and there were lots and lots of smiles and laughs.

In the end, the biggest blessing about spending time with Spencer is the way that Christ reveals himself to me and teaches me important lessons. Lessons about contentment, simplicity, joy, and trust. Matthew 19:14.

My Brother's Baptism

On March 7, I had the privilege of baptizing my little brother Brandon. So I found a guest speaker, took the Sunday off, and headed over to my parent's church to perform the baptism. Here is a short little video I put together to remember the event. Enjoy!

Has It Been a Year?

One year ago, in June of 2009, I took a week-long break from my duties as Lead/Teaching Pastor at Fc3 and headed up to Camp Blessing (then called Camp Barnabas), a summer camp for kids with special needs in Magnolia, Texas. It was a risky move. I had been Pastor for about 6 months and had never been away from the church for that long. I knew no one at this camp and very little about it. I had practically no experience working with severely disabled kids. But I loved camp, wanted an unforgettable experience, and wanted to meet Jesus through selfless love and service. I did.

I've told the story often, the one involving an autistic boy, Spencer, who loves toilets, light-switches, and swinging. The story about a closeness with Christ achieved only when any semblance of self-concern or care disappears in the light of a greater need and purpose. The story of a great organization that Fc3 has had the privilege of partnering with in a small way. The story of an awesome family, the Eichenbergers, who I have had the privilege of getting to know over the past year.

The story continues tomorrow morning as I head back to Camp Blessing for another week. I will be taking two good friends with me, Adam McIntire and Zach Selindh, to share the experience with them. Spencer will be there, as will his older brother. All signs are pointing to a great week. Pray for Adam and Zach. Pray for me. Pray for Camp Blessing. And when I get back, no doubt different from the experience, I will tell you all about it! Until then, much love.

Mike

Summer!

Hey friends!

Summer is finally here for me and with it comes much to do and be. As I was committing myself to opportunities this summer, I may have overestimated just how much I can comfortably take on! This summer will find me very, very busy- but hopefully the kind of busy that is satisfying and worshipful. Here are some of the things that are on my plate for this summer:

- Preaching/Teaching on Sundays (Preaching through Micah at Fc3, various stand-alones elsewhere) [All Summer]

- Teaching a class on the historical Jesus (Join us! 7:00 pm on Tuesday nights at Fc3) [End of May-Middle of July]

- Serving for a week at Camp Blessing! [Early June]

- Speaking for a week at a Junior High camp in North Texas [Late June]

- Take the youth of Fc3 to San Antonio for a couple days (Hello SeaWorld!) [Early July]

- Traveling to Kenya for 13 days! Teaching a class at a seminary over there and doing some preaching at local churches as well! [Middle-End of July]

Whew... I got tired just typing all of that out... Somewhere in that mix I will celebrate my 22nd birthday (June 19), be introduced to some new family members (my parents are adopting!), go to a couple of concerts, and watch Big Brother 12 (my guilty pleasure).

Expect some blog posts this summer about some of the above mentioned things! And while you're here - drop me a comment and let me know what your summer will look like! What is on your plate?

STORY

Here is a video written, directed, and produced by Adam McIntire for Fc3's STORY series. Enjoy!

FC3 Story Video from Adam McIntire on Vimeo.

STORY!

Easter at Fc3 was amazing. We had over 90 people in attendance, including a dozen or so visitors, and enjoyed a rich time of worship and study. I preached out of Luke 24 and 1 Corinthians 15- you can listen here.

But, we want to keep up the momentum! Next week we start a new 5 week sermon series entitled "Story: Changing the World." I am so excited about it and can hardly wait to start it. Here is one of our promo videos for the series. Enjoy! Join us for this series if you would like!

STORY from Mike Skinner on Vimeo.

Adam on Wheel of Fortune!!

My good friend Adam McIntire was recently on Wheel of Fortune. When he flew out to LA months ago, I told him not to embarrass us... looks like he didn't listen to me. Mailbu Barbie? Really? Btw- his face at :47 seconds is hilarious.

Enjoy!

Adam McIntire on Wheel of Fortune!! from Mike Skinner on Vimeo.

Thanks, God.

"But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus."

2 Corinthians 7:6 (NET)

Last week I had the honor and privilege of being invited up to Sulphur Springs to speak to 75 (ish) kids at a monthly youth event. I've spoken at this event twice before, so it is encouraging to be brought back. One of the biggest compliments an itinerant (traveling) speaker can get is an invitation back.

While there, I was speaking on Psalm 133 and pleading with the kids to walk in deep and intentional relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ. To be honest, a good number of the kids seemed very distracted. This distracts me. BUT, there were a good dozen or so who were locked in with me and hanging on every word. Later that evening at dinner, one of the youth pastors recalled for me how earlier in the evening, when they found out I would be speaking that night, a group of students asked for pen and paper to take notes. Another one of the biggest compliments a speaker can get is the faithful taking of notes (especially among youth!).

It seems that God has been encouraging me much lately. Thank you, God. Or then again, maybe my eyes are just open wider to see the many ways in which he blesses and encourages. Are your eyes open? How is God encouraging you?

Hope in Focus: FACT

hope in focus - FACT from First Colony Christian Church on Vimeo.

Conquering Faith

This past Sunday I preached (at Fc3 - www.fc3.org ) from 1 John 5:1-5 and attempted to unpack this very powerful and tightly packed passage. You can listen to the sermon here. In these verses, John centers the entire Christian life and identity around a dynamic, active, and victorious faith placed in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

John's argument could be laid out in the following formula:

Faith (produced by God's regeneration) = Love for Others & Love for God = Obedience to God's Command = Victory over the World = Faith.

The following is an image I made while exegeting this text and I think that it helps visualize the argument.

John's plea is simple. Place your faith in Jesus. Center your entire worldview around the fact of the cross and the resurrection. Love, obedience, and victory will flow naturally.

Love you guys! - - Feel free to join us at Fc3 for the last two parts of our 1 John series!!

Mike

Quote

Here is a quote that I have taken from a resource I am using for Fc3's 1 John series. It was found inside a discussion of 1 John 5:1. Think about it, pray over it, and enjoy! Oh, and be sure and comment to tell me what you think!

"Faith's tie to God is not grounded in its own tenacity, much less in a self-serving spiritual autism; it is rather a response to a saving message brought home by the grace of divine regeneration. The sublime authorship of saving Christian faith- for which John gives God primary credit- makes possible a sublime outcome: love for others." - Robert W. Yarbrough

Christians & The Scriptures

My plan for my devotional life in 2010 is to keep up with the ESV Daily Reading Plan (New Testament in morning, Old Testament and Psalms at night)- and so far it has been going well. Jesus is convicting the mess out of me in the sermon on the mount (via Matthew).. Anyway, I wanted to encourage all you guys to dig into your Scriptures with energy and hope this New Year!

Someone much smarter than me (Eugene Peterson) had this to say about the Scriptures:

"Christians don’t simply learn or study or use Scripture; we assimilate it, take it into our lives in such a way that it gets metabolized into acts of love, cups of cold water, missions into all the world, healing and evangelism and justice in Jesus’ name, hands raised in adoration of the Father, feet washed in company with the Son.”

What is your plan to dig into the Scriptures this year? How is it going so far??