I must confess that my life was filled with peace yesterday.  Flying into SFO, hopping into a rental car, heading north of I-80… only facing one traffic jam due to a flipped over car… life was pretty God.  I had an enjoyable meal at Armadillos Mexican Restaurant (phenomenal) and made my way on up to the campus.  I was warmly greeted by my good friend Chaplain Roy Ice of SalvationCoach.com

I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here at PUC.  Yesterday I had the opportunity of talking to primarily freshmen who are in a cohort to equip them in their lives as college students.  Last night I talked about addictions.  Tonight I will be presenting out of the Gospel of Matthew chapters 5 & 6. 

If you are around the area, please swing by.  For those of you who attend, let me know your thoughts!

Piece yo’s!

mwg

After the “Seeds” event was done, my friend Jim Henderson hosted an event through his organization called Off-The-Map (PodCast), where Rob Bell, Doug Paggit, and Todd Hunter shared the bulk of the time answering questions about progressive culture and the church.  Of special interest to me was Rob’s comments that: “Eucharist is a way of life… you break yourself open and pour yourself out.  This means that you will suffer and on the otherside there is resurrection and new life.  If we were to chart the most significant points of your journey it would center around times where you have cried out.” Lately my world feels like it is spinning out of control.  There have been times where I have thought to myself, “Self, who can you talk to?  Where can you turn?” And it has been there that Jesus has reminded me that He is there.  That He is ultimately in control.  That I have no need to fear the future with its trying to finish a DMin, trying to buy a house in New Haven, trying to sell a house in the worst market in years, trying to say goodbye to people I love deeply, etc.  All God asks of me is to chill in Him.  This has certainly been a season of crying out and learning that God cares deeply about me, He cares deeply about you! 

mwg

Beijing is an absolutely amazing city.  They are doing wonders to get ready for the upcoming olympics.  Speaking of, I am about as tired as an olympic athlete so I am going to hit the sack.  I will do my best to write more later.

Blessings on your day from Beijing!

mwg

I have just revisited the account of Jesus dying on the cross.  If I had been there that day I am not sure that I would have thought good of that day.  While I am sure that there would have been confusion in my head as to why this was happening, I am confident that my emotions would have gotten the best of me as I would have been devastated to see my best friend being crucified.  This would not have been a good day.  As a matter-a-fact, I would imagine that this would not have been a good weekend.  Sabbath would simply have not been the same without Jesus there.  The singing, the worship, the meal, the fellowship: all of it would have felt empty. 

Then waking up Sunday morning the first thought on my mind is that Jesus is dead.  That empty feeling would have filled my stomach once more.  My appetite would be gone as I could hardly eat breakfast.  All I can think about is that Jesus is dead.  Where there used to be light, now there is darkness.  Where there used to be life, now I feel like death. 

I make my way out to his tomb to prepare his body further.  Upon arrival I find that He is not there and I am told by an angel that He is risen.  Suddenly I am mixed with an emotion of both excitement and confusion.  ”Where could He be?!” I turn to leave and I ask the gardner who is working on his crops if he has seen Jesus?  After some brief dialogue this gardner calls me by name and I realize that it is Jesus!  This day has become GREAT SUNDAY!

If you have seen Mel Gibson’s, The Passion you will remember the terrible scenes of Jesus being beaten, spit upon, and crucified.  Many were horrified over how gruesome Jesus’ plot was portrayed, some even left unable to watch any more.  What bothered me the most was how little emphasis was given to the resurrection.  Why?  Because while Jesus’ sacrifice on Friday is something that I am thankful for every day, it is the resurrection that assures me that Jesus is alive and well today.  He has defeated death and the grave.  He is victorious over all of the sins on this planet.  He lives so that I too my have life and life more abundant.  This to me is GREAT NEWS!

I know that Ellen White makes the statement that, “It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day reviewing the life of Christ from the manger to Calvary. We should take it point by point and let the imagination vividly grasp each scene, especially the closing ones of His earthly life.” While I see this as I too think that it would be well for us to spend one of the other 24 hours in the day praising God that He is alive and well today!

I must say that this was an interesting weekend.  I have received an overwhelming amount of emails and a few calls from various people reflecting on their experience with the ENCOUNTERS Weekend.  Not to fail to mention the numerous conversations that I had with people after each message.  That being said I want to clarify a few things:

1) There is a difference between METHODOLOGY and THEOLOGY - I believe that Jesus was THEOLOGICALLY “CONSERVATIVE” and METHODOLOGICALLY “LIBERAL”.  What I mean by this is that Jesus loved the Bible and was well versed in it (after all He is the WORD).  He used it regularly to make His points.  Conversely His methodology was out-of-the-box!  A Rabbi would never even look at a woman in public, much less talk to her, ALONE! (John 4) And she was a Samaritan!  Jesus was not bothered by cultural or traditional values, rather He was all about KINGDOM VALUES.  Scholars even tell us that He used the street language of His day.  Koine’, or New Testament Greek, was the common language of the hellenistic world. 

What is the point of this?  Simply to say that while my approach may be “liberal” my theology is “conservative” (like I believe Jesus was).  I know not everyone in the audience was comfortable with the methodology of how things were done this past weekend, and that is okay; so long as the bigger picture received was Jesus!  One of the worst things that I can hear from someone after a sermon is “you’re funny.” If that is all you got and didn’t hear the message then I failed as a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  If, however, God was able to use the gift of laughter (and ADHD) to keep your attention and communicate His goodness to you, then GOD BE PRAISED! 

2) Many of the people that I have heard from are troubled by sin in their lives.  Porn, sex, drugs, masturbation, etc.  I praise God for the opportunity to address such things from the pulpit because all too often preachers are not scratching where people are itching.  I believe that we have a huge problem in our church with the average age being 58.  The issues that Young Adults are facing are not being addressed.  Many are turning their backs on the church and in some cases God.  We must wake up and smell the Postum.

3) In closing I just want to share with you something that I find so powerful out of scripture.  In John 21 after Jesus forgave and empowered one of His closest peeps, Peter finds out how he is going to die and then asks Jesus, “Well what about him?” referring to John (:21).  Jesus reply’s, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?  You follow me!” (:22) This is such a huge point that Jesus makes.  In the bigger picture, Jesus tells the restored disciple, don’t put your eyes on anyone else, you stay focused on Me!  This my friends is so key. 

Blessings to you Southern!  I am praying that revival continue to take place in the lives of the students there, and in my life as well.

Courage,

mwg

Tonight the message is called “Who’s Ya Daddy?” based on Romans 8.  This chapter really spells out clearly the entire battle between the flesh and the spirit.  Ultimately I believe that God wants us to be filled with the Spirit and is so doing have our flesh crucified (Galatians 2:20), but how many of us as followers of Jesus still struggle with the flesh?  There is great news found in this powerful chapter (Romans 8). 

If you are unable to make it in person tonight you can check the vespers service out live starting at 8pm ECT.  Just CLICK HERE. 

Blessings and Happy Preparation Day!

mwg

I must confess that I get really nervous standing up infront of a group for the first time to preach, more accurately it is just about everytime.  The irony is that preaching is my absolute #1 passion, and yet it terrifies the daylights out of me.  I truly thank God for the gift of nerves because it helps me to recognize my utter and total dependancy upon Him.

So what does this have to do with you?  The next time that you are scared out of your mind to do something for Jesus, just do it.  Follow His calling on your life.  While it may be intimidating you will know that anything God that came out of it was a direct blessing from God.  While you may think that you’ve blown it, the very thing that you did or said may have been the very thing that someone needed to hear or receive that day.  And when it happens we can be sure to give God all of the praise, the honor and glory! 

mwg…

ps check out the blog post below on discipleship… I would be interested on more input. 

I have been a follower of Jesus just shy of 12 years now. I did not come into faith in him through my parents or an evangelistic series. While I believe that Jesus was/is the initiator, I came to faith after going through some intense events in my life. I was an atheist, but became an agnostic and started calling out to God in prayer. Some time passed and I met a pastor who, after hearing my journey, handed me a Bible. No one invited me to church, I looked up the closest one in the phone book, called and went. Some months later after attending the church and reading the Bible, I felt convicted to get baptized so I called the pastor and told him that I wanted to be baptized. My point with all of this is simply that it is hard for me to say that a disciple-er came along and discipled me to be a follower of Jesus. Granted I had people along the way that gave me encouragement, prayed for me, and clarified my questions, but I wonder what Jesus had in mind when he called us to go and make disciples.

I would like to hear from you. What do you think a disciple-maker looks like? Have you had a disciple-er disciple you? If so, what did that experience look like?

IGNITION started as an event this past February in Dallas, TX.  There we gathered with over 200 other young adult servants, leaders, and dreamers.  From an evening cafe where worship and community was experienced, to workshops on a wide array of different topics relevant to young adults in the 21st Century, IGNITION created an atmosphere of empowerment.  Certainly be on the look out for the next IGNITION event, but also be plugged in through the blog and resources that are being made available.  If you would like to receive regular updates about young adult ministry please sign up for the IGNITION Newsletter by CLICKING HERE.

Disciples Being Made Here

24/Seven Reaches Church Status

“A young family’s lives transformed by prayer in Pike Place Market. A young woman who stopped binge drinking. Lonely people who found a welcoming community. People searching for more in life. This is 24/Seven Ministry Center, and these are a few of their stories.  To read more… CLICK HERE

I trust that God will continue to bless and pour out through the weekend.  It would be great to hear from you.  We are here to serve! 

Blessings to you all and a big THANK YOU to Allan Martin and James Black for including me on the journey!

mwg

Just wanted to give a shot out quickly to all the schools who were able to make it up.  I just got word that my ride is ready to take me to the airport so I am out the door.  I will write more later.

Keeping my eyes on Jesus!

mwg

Welcome to the website.  As you scroll down, you will find various blog entries from previous speaking appointments that we have been involved with around the world.  Also, there are some various threads that you may find interesting to read through and even comment on.

Enjoy!

I just walked in the door from emceeing the show and I wanted to give a special shot out to the gV guys.  It literally brings tears to my eyes when I hear them play and sing the message of a God who loves us more than we love ourselves.  To know the sacrifice that these guys made (and continue to make) at such a young age is an inspiration to me. 

Big-Ups garageVoice.  May God continue to use you to represent Him to a world that is dying to hear about the God that you testify of!

mwg

The United Nations estimates that the cost to end world hunger completely, along with diseases related to hunger and poverty, is about $195 billion a year. Twenty-two countries have joined together to raise this money by each contributing 0.7% (less than 1%) of national income. Some of the countries have already met this goal. Others are being a little slow, but this can be fixed. You can see how the countries are doing here. You can print a letter to support your country’s participation here.

Who pays for the donated rice?

The rice is paid for by the advertisers whose names you see on the bottom of your vocabulary screen. This is regular advertising for these companies, but it is also something more. Through their advertising at FreeRice, these companies support both learning (free vocabulary for everyone) and reducing hunger (free rice for the hungry). We commend these companies for their participation at FreeRice.

If FreeRice has the rice to give, why not give it all away right now?

FreeRice is not sitting on a pile of rice―you are earning it 10 grains at a time. Here is how it works. When you play the game, advertisements appear on the bottom of your screen. The money generated by these advertisements is then used to buy the rice. So by playing, you generate the money that pays for the rice donated to hungry people.

Instead of playing a video game right now, learn some vocabulary and help feed a starving person!

Keep it street Marcus!

Blessings,

mwg

Today I had the distinct privilege of meeting Chris Blake for the first time.  I had attended a Jack Johnson concert with his son and now daughter-in-law several years ago at the Gorge in Washington and I have heard a lot about Chris so it was great to finally meet.  While he has written several books, the one that I own is called Searching for a God to Love.  I am now committed by law to read the book (he forced me to), but after meeting him I am eager to get on it!

Also, this afternoon I got to sit at the feet of Dr. George Knight, adjunct professor at the Andrews University Theological Seminary, who happened to be teaching a class on the history of the SDA Church.  I cannot imagine how I got through 2.5 years at the seminary and never took a class by Dr. Knight, but after hearing him today, I am convicted that Satan had something to do with keeping me away from this man.

Gotta fly to talk about porn…

mwg

To be honest with you, meeting the entire staff at 3ABN (not that I met everyone), I was really impressed.  I found that not only were they down to earth, but I had several conversations where the individual openly shared their faults and how thankful they were for Jesus’ grace. 

This was my first time going to 3ABN and I have been reminded again that before I allow someone else’s judgment call (pun intended) to impact the way I view a ministry, I need to get to know the people behind the vision.  While I know that some of the shows may not meet you where you are at, I think that it is important that we recognize that there are people there that love Jesus with all their heart.  Would you join me in saying a word of prayer for this powerful ministry that is impacting lives around the globe? 

Thank you 3ABN staff for the opportunity to spend the last couple of days there.  AND I CAN’T TELL YOU NOW, BUT THERE MAY BE MORE EXCITING INFO TO COME… (thank you Cathy, Ralph and Moses!)… big ups!

PS - If you want to see the interview, it will be aired on Saturday November 10th at these hours globally: USA CST 1:00 a - 8:00a - 3:00p - 9:00p

piece yo’s

mwg

The title of my talk was “10ft. Overhead”.  In the message we explore the fact that we there are often so many standards in the Bible that we feel like we will never measure up.  Sometimes sin is so dominate in our lives that we feel we can never please God.  What begins to happen is that we start down the slippery slope of doubt which can easily lead to us loosing faith in God completely (something that I hear about all the time). 

Jesus, in His opening discourse at the beginning of His public ministry, begins by telling the crowd that if they want to go to heaven, their righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5: 20).  I can just imagine the crowd gasping as Jesus, who they have heard is the Messiah… the savior of the world, is now telling them that they need to get their lives together if they really want to go to heaven.  The conflict comes when they realize that the prophet Isaiah says that their righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). 

So here is a question for you:  What does Matthew 5:20 + Isaiah 64:6 + Matthew 6:33 = ____________?  You tell me?

Blessings,

mwg

Here are some of the photos… enjoy!

Jermaine the urban poet…

Your’s truly throwin’ down…

End result… lives touched for eternity!

I have received “heaps” of emails as well as comments on my blog and I just want to tell you that you guys rock!  Jesus is up to something huge and I pray that the Spirit that is leading us to conviction will continue to lead us to the throne room of grace! 

Today I had a day of pastors meetings and in talking with one of the other pastors he too has noticed that the Spirit is bringing about a level of repentance that he has never seen.  For this reason, I remain committed to surrendering my all to Jesus.  Will you join me? 

Riding the wave… mwg

The first night we took a look about the foundational struggle that every human being on the face of the earth can relate with, the battle between the flesh and the spirit (see Genesis 6:12 and I John 2:16.17). 

On Saturday (Sabbath) morning we moved into Romans 8 where Paul spells out further the theology between the flesh and the spirit.  He reminds us that when we are in the flesh, our minds are focused on the things of the flesh, and that as result, we feel like death.  Conversely when we are lead by the Spirit, our mind is focused on the things of the Spirit and we have life and peace.

Then last night (Sunday evening) I was in a bit of a conundrum.  I was supposed to speak on Revelation 1, but I was sensing from some that they were wanting a bit more clarity and something more to stand on scripturally to support what was being said.  After some prayer and digging in the Word, I sensed that God was leading us to Romans 7.  It is here that Paul uses the analogy of a woman who wants to have an affair on her husband because she has met someone better.  Paul uses this analogy to spell out the fact that we are all married to the law.  The moment that a child is born into the world, they are born into a universe that is governed by the heavenly principles found in the 10 Commandments.  But one day Jesus comes along and we recognize that we are married to the law which condemns us to death, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  So we meet Jesus and unlike the law, because it is stone, Jesus empathizes and sympathizes with us.  He is there to encourage us to love on us.  Suddenly we desire to be in a love relationship with Him and not our husband (the law).  If we go off with Jesus we are an adulterer and the only way to end the marriage we are now in is if someone dies. 

Jesus tells us that in order to really live, we must die.  Paul says that he dies daily and that he has been crucified with Christ so that it is no longer he who lives, but Christ who lives in him (Galatians 2).  When the woman dies to self, she raises to new life in Christ.  She is now married to her new husband, Jesus.  A guy who sympathizes with her, empathizes with her, cries with her, laughs with her, rejoices in the good times and the bad, and cleans her off when she gets dirty.  I praise God for Jesus who delivered me from my body of death! 

Hope to see you back out tonight as we continue on! 

Call me crazy, but I really believe that these lyrics are worth listening to.  Whether or not you think the genre of music is appropriate is not the point.  Hear the heart cry and see if you can relate. 

Below are the lyrics to a song that I have been listening to quite a bit called Numb.  As you read, or better listen to these lyrics, see if you relate.  Here you will find the tension that is seen in almost every young person who was raised in the church.  They feel the pressure to become something that they’re not, and never will be.  They are looking for something, but just acting a certain way isn’t paying off.  See if you can relate, or at least empathize. 

“Numb” by Linkin Park

I’m tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless lost under the surface
Don’t know what you’re expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes
(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)

[Chorus]
I’ve become so numb I can’t feel you there
I’m tired of being what you want me to be
I’ve become so numb I can’t feel you there
I’m tired of being what you want me to be