A Great Sermon by my Pastor

Check out www.ridgewaybaptist.com and go to the sermons link and listen to Scott's message from this past Sunday, February 26 on "Renewal and the Highest Cost of Leaving". It's talking about the Christian's judgement and whether it is Gold, Silver, Precious Jewels, or Wood, Stubble or Hay.

Swimming Against the World Culture and Church Culture

"Do not treat my holy name as common and ordinary. I must be treated as holy...." Leviticus 22:32

This Scripture sure combats the Jesus is My Homeboy cultural phenomenon that we have seen as of late. What would it mean for me(us) to treat God has holy? What would that look like? I would appreciate your thoughts.
Not only in our culture have we made Jesus our Homeboy, but to a degree we have made Jesus our Homeboy in the church in North America-we are more interested in fearing man than fearing God, more interested in bringing in people rather than bringing out God, more interested in food than fasting, more interested in reaching people rather than evangelizing, more interested in us becoming more famous rather than God.
Pardon my rant, but these are thoughts that I am trying to put action towards and I'm wrestling with this whole relevance issue....I guess the question I have is through trying to make everything relevant are we missing out on treating God as holy and fearing him? Sometimes as a pastor, as much as I don't want to be, I feel like I am in a box...one that I have made for myself and in my very own ranting, I feel as though I have at many times contributed to the above paragraph. I condemn myself.
More later..............

Protecting our Churches from Sexual Abuse

This is an excerpt from Sarah's site, but these are my sentiments exactly as well:

I praise God for the people in my church. How thankful I am for them. This weekend we had a conference at our church. The topic was a toughy--sexual abuse in the church. That's a topic that no one wants to hear about or deal with. Who would give up their Saturday for that? I'll tell you who! Well over 100 people went to it-- youth workers, children's workers, volunteers and paid workers alike. How thankful I am for that. I felt like these people have stood up and said to me," I care about your children and I want to protect them." I'm sure it just wasn't for my four children they all came, but I feel like it. Realizing that the church is the most unprotected institute for sexual predators, I'm so grateful my church took action. According to Church Mutual, there is at least one sexual misconduct complaints each day in religious institutions and at least ten a week in just the churches that Church Mutual does business with? I'm thankful for all the things my church is doing to fight it.

Noah: Boy Genius

Yesterday was Noah's Birthday. I can't believe he is getting so big. We celebrated on Sunday with some of his friends coming over--we had a Star Wars party!
Last night, Noah and I went to the mall so he could spend his birthday money as well as get him some clothes. After the mall we went to Mardel to look for a Bible man Video. Before we left, Noah had to go the restroom. Well, on our way out of the restroom, they had an incredible book sale....for me it was jackpot.....for Noah it was pure torture as I looked through the bargain books.
There were probably three or four other people around when Noah in a calm manner blurts out, "I've got snot and I just tooted!" I'm like...now that's the way to redirect Dad's attention....I wish I were that smart at six years old when I would have to wait around when my dad was looking at things in a store. Of course, immediately we went to the bathroom and gave him the talk about what to say in public and what not to say---anyway, it was quite hilarious.

The Fear of the LORD

I am currently listening to Passion Hymns...Charlie Hall has a great rendition of How Great Thou Art! "When Christ shall come...with shouts of acclamation...and take me home... what joy shall fill my heart..then I shall bow... in humble adoriation...and there proclaim...MY GOD HOW GREAT YOU ARE!" I can't wait for Christ's return!!!!
Today, I read Leviticus 10 and here's what it says:

Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over it. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him a different kind of fire than he commanded. So fire blazed forth from the Lord's presence and burned them up, and they died there before the LORD.

Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD meant what he said, 'I will show myself holy among those who are near me. I will be glorified before all people.'" And Aaron was silent.

For a while now I have been wrestling with this phrase...the fear of the Lord. At one time in my life, I would have taken this as a negative way of viewing God, but as I have read more and more, it is a phrase of reverence. Throughout this passage, I wondered if Nadab and Abihu thought that God was just joking when he was so specific when he told how to go about the sacrifices. They had a different kind of fire than he commanded it says. Honestly, I probably would have overlooked something like that and Nadab and Abihu probably thought--let's be creative and do something different--their "creativity" became disobedience.

What happened to Nadab and Abihu?...they were consumed with fire and they died before the LORD. This passage is a BIG reminder that God means what he says and even the smallest things in which we think we can get by with....matters to God.

What would have happened if God overlooked their disobedience? They would have taken more freedom in the way to do the sacrifice.

Oh, how I have erred in many and countless ways in the small things that I think God would overlook! This passage today gives me an incredible look at what it means to fear God. Obedience is key in the small things.....my delight should be in pleasing God, not in others.

Have we as a church overlooked this fear of the LORD? I like what Ray Comfort says in his book, Revival's Golden Key: "The happiness gospel has the laborers tied up in the function of being counselors and propping people up, when these problem people don't need counsel or prop up. They need repentance." I personally believe in churches we are missing this crucial aspect of fearing the Lord. We fear people more than God. We fear their response rather than God's judgement. We fear heaven more than we fear hell!

I say all of this to say that I am as guilty as anyone else....I wonder how many times, because I have been in the shoes of Nadab and Abihu, God would strike me down.

Can you imagine what was going through the mind of Aaron? It just says that he was silent. Through that word silent, I see the fear of the LORD in that word. Aaron finally knew what it meant that God is holy(unfortunately he had to learn it through this way).

If I(we) were to take this and run with it--this aspect of God being holy and fearing God, I believe I(we) would see incredible revival---I pray that for myself, family, and for you--that we would all fear God, revere Him, and be in AWE of Him. Father, forgive me for my lack of reverence! Show me your holiness!

Snow Days

Friday night it started sleeting while at Third Friday. If you've never been to a Third Friday at Ridgeway at 7 p.m., I encourage you to go...it's just a great opportunity to just pray and praise God! It's the third friday of each month!
Saturday we stayed in except our trip to Wal-mart to get some much needed groceries. Noah and I went and we also rented Star Wars III. I would say that Star Wars III has been the best episode. We started with Episode I and are making our way through each movie. Yesterday was one of those lazy days!
Today, I got all ready for church when Scott called and said that the services were canceled. It started sleeting about 8 a.m., so I hurriedly called some people to let them know! I was looking forward to worship, but then again it was great just to stay home with my family. We had church at our house around 11 a.m. after making a fire in the fireplace. Each of the kids picked a story out of their Bible and we read it and talked about each story. Hannah chose the story about when Jesus ascended into heaven. Noah chose the story about Elijah and his challenge against the Baal god. Grace chose the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Elijah chose to play Duck Duck Goose! :) So....we all played Duck Duck Goose after reading from the Word! It was a great day!
In the afternoon we watched the fourth episode of Star Wars and then we played Star Wars. Noah was Darth Vader...Elijah was a young Jedi and I was I don't know who. Noah got a Star Wars Light Saber for Christmas so we had saber fights. Sarah made the best potato soup today...she is a great cook!

Super Bowl Detour

I returned from watching the Super Bowl with our youth at the Rokisky's--my team did not win--to find this detour sign in my driveway!
I was thinking, "What in the World?--awesome--they're going to fix the drainage ditch by my house!", but in actuality it was a prank by Forest and Devon---great job guys! Cool looking I must say!

A Tribute to My Dad

I wish you could have known my dad. His full name is Floyd Dean Lehew. I apologize to all of the Floyd's out there, but why in the world would anyone name their kid, Floyd? Fortunately, my dad went by the name Dean.
My dad passed away in August of 1994. I can remember like it was yesterday when I got the call that my dad passed away. I was saddened, but was also grateful that God chose to send my dad home because he had already suffered enough.
Fortunately, I got a chance to spend two straight weeks with him right before he passed away. I am very grateful for that time....I would stay up with my dad and listen to the Gaither Vocal Band with him and the song that we always played was, I Bowed on My Knees and Cry Holy, which is such an incredible song.
My dad had all sorts of medical issues. At one time he had cancer....in 1988, his first leg was amputated due to diabetes...a few years later, his other leg was amputated. His kidneys were failing so for many years, he had to go through dialysis three times a week. Eventually, he lost the use of one of his arms due to the shunt in his arm and he could barely see.
Sarah got to meet my dad once when we first started dating. That's the thing I miss alot is that he's not here to enjoy his daughter in law or his grandkids, but the time will come...right now he is in a much better place.
One thing I always admired about my dad was that he always had a great attitude regardless of the situation---even in the midst of the pain. He was always there to encourage others and me. He would always make the time to spend with me....he would always go to my ball games or my wrestling matches when I was younger and regardless of how I did, there was always an encouraging word.
One of the greatest times of my life was when I got the chance to work side by side with my dad at the milk processing plant at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch. We would package the milk in cartons. My dad taught me responsibility and allowed me to be independent....he could trust me and I appreciated that about my dad.
I wish my kids got to know my dad. I get a chance every once in a while to remind them of their Grandpa Dean and what a great man he was. I sure do miss him!
This blog is for you to get a glimpse of who my dad was, but for me it's a reminder of how fortunate I was and am to have had an awesome dad! I know there are many that are not has fortunate, so I am incredibly thankful.

Date Day with the Kids

(This picture is of Elijah and I on Christmas Day...he's a sharp dressed guy!)

Today we had date day! It's good every so often to spend one on one time with our kids, so today, we did just that.
I took Elijah with me to Wal-Mart and he got his fix of a candy bottle.
Hannah and I had a date to Braum's. She got chocolate chip cookie dough and I got butter pecan!
Sarah and Noah went to the Dollar Tree, but ended up at Wal-mart....Noah got a Darth Vader mask.
Grace tonight went with me to Third Friday at Ridgeway....good night of worship and then we ended back up at Wal-Mart. Grace fell asleep at Third Friday and then she fell asleep in the cart when we got to Wal-Mart.
Three Wal-Mart trips in ONE DAY! Yahoo!
The kids and Sarah also today went to tour the Fire station with the Buckmaster's while Elijah and I took a good nap! It was a much needed nap!
These are great times just to spend one on one time with the kids and talk with them. I enjoyed talking with Hannah about everything about church, to our family, to school. As I sat there talking to her, I was just amazed at how much she has grown...how much she is aware of things.
I love my kids!

My Favorites

Here are some of my favorite books, websites, and music:

Favorite Books:
One Year Bible--Our church is going through this in 2006!!!!
A Call to Die by David Nasser
How to Bring Your Child to Christ by Ray Comfort
Revival's Golden Key by Ray Comfort
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
When I Don't Desire God...How to Fight for Joy by John Piper

Favorite Websites:
www.xanga.com/SarahJeanStinkyMean
www.homeword.com A website for parents
www.frontliners.org A great mission opportunity for youth groups
www.e-sword.net Bibles, commentaries, and more all for FREE
www3.caringbridge.org/ok/djl My Brother's website for his daughter, Anabel, who has cancer
www.desiringgod.org John Piper's website
www.268generation.com Passion website: Louie Giglio
www.stupidvideos.com Fun Stuff
www.bobbylehew.com My brother's website
www.emmausbaptistchurch.com This is the church where my brother, Jim, serves
www.turningpointradio.org David Jeremiah's teaching ministry

Favorite Music:
Chris Tomlin
David Crowder
Jeremy Camp
Tree63
Sanctus Real
Mercy Me

Praying for My Children

Being a dad is one of the most humbling experiences up to this point in my life. My question to other dads is do you struggle like I do in this role? God has placed four wonderful and incredible kids in my responsibility and I am in awe many times that God would give me much to be responsible for.
I pray today that my kids will come to really know Christ and truly live for Him. I pray that this life decision will be of their own and not mom and dad "making" them. I pray that what we do as a family around the dinner table and the small God conversations that I have, and as we go about our day living life, will have a Jesus impact on them.
Sometimes I wonder....sometimes I wonder-do they see Jesus in me or is Jesus just someone that they hear about? Is Jesus becoming more real to them each and every day through me....this thought frankly scares me for I know my heart, so I pray that they see Jesus in the minor and major things in our household.
Ray Comfort in his book, "How to Bring Your Children to Christ," made this statement:
"Are you creating children of God who will know salvation from death, or children of the devil who will know the terrors of hell?"
What a challenge...I would encourage you to read this tremendous book by Comfort if you have not already...it will put a desire in your heart to cultivate Christ in them.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
(Luk 2:11)


We pray that you will have an incredible Christmas and that we will all hold Christ up high this season!

Merry Christmas!
Mike, Sarah, Hannah, Noah, Grace, and Elijah

Please Pray for My Niece, Anabel

Please pray for Anabel. Anabel has lymphoma cancer and is battling it with chemotherapy. Check out www3.caringbridge.org/ok/djl/. Her brother, Daniel(on the right), passed away from neuroblastoma cancer a year ago.
Please pray for Bobby and Audra Lehew. Bobby is brother! Anabel has two other brothers, Joshua and Caleb. Bobby and Audra also have another child on the way!!!! Yahoo! This is an amazing family. Please pray for God's healing on Anabel.
I will add another post to this later.......

Our Kids are Tooooo Funny

Hannah and Noah were having a conversation about losing weight-don't know HOW they got on that conversation, but they were. Hannah said, "I know how you can lose weight--go on the show, "The Biggest Loser" and Noah said, "No, not if it's belly fat-you just have to take Relicore" It cracked Sarah up because here is a five year old that knows what Relicore is and can actually pronounce it!

Hannah has pretty much broken our bank account with all the teeth she has lost. Three days ago, she lost another tooth. That night she put her tooth under her pillow hoping that the "Tooth Fairy" would come. She even wrote a nice note to the "Tooth Fairy". During the course of the night she wasn't feeling well, so she climbed in bed with us. Well, she woke up and her tooth was still under her pillow so she figured since she wasn't in her bed the tooth fairy missed her. The next night she put her tooth under her pillow and the "Tooth Fairy" came.
Well, today, we(the tooth fairy) put the tooth in our top drawer along with the note. Sarah was rummaging in the drawer and Hannah saw the note she wrote to the tooth fairy. Sarah told her the note was too heavy for the tooth fairy to carry, but Hannah figured it out and had a big toothless grin! Sarah told her to not tell her brothers and sister.

Ridgeway Student Ministry

Much of what we do as a family is done with our awesome students at Ridgeway Baptist Church. God has given us the responsibility to shepherd these students! I am always amazed each week of their faithfulness, their goofiness, and their desire for Christ!
The great thing about working with students is that they keep me thinking and on my toes. Although it can be challenging, there are far greater rewards. My desire for our students is that they become true Christ-followers--that they look at the true biblical example of what this looks like rather than the world.
My motto is that we are building up and training missionaries. They may not necessarily go on the home or foreign mission field, but whatever their occupation, our desire is that they live for Christ in that environment.
Sarah and I will write more about our students throughout our blog! I've included a photo of some of our students. It's one of my favorite pictures. The picture is taken at the end of our Annual Yuck Night which is a great night of Yucky games! Our students have a blast! This is after the all out shaving cream war! We had Yuck Night at the Hall's house--they are sooo cool!

An Awesome Baptism Service

Last night, I had the opportunity to take my children to Tulsa Bible Church. There was no choir, so my kiddos, Hannah and Noah, and I got to witness an incredible baptism service. In the span of an hour, we witnessed the baptism of eleven new believers!
Not only did they get baptized, but before each baptism each person, including the young ones, shared how they came to know Christ! It was a powerful witness to Christ of his saving power! I was simply reminded of the powerful message of the Gospel. These people did not come to Christ because of an exciting event, speaker, or band. They came to Christ because they saw their sin and they knew that they needed Christ. On each of their parts there was an admittance of the sin in their lives and even more important was the confession of Christ as Savior and Lord.
I don't know why I was so moved by these baptisms because I witness them on an occasional basis. Maybe I had just forgot the simplicity of the Gospel.
I jotted down some of the Scriptures and phrases that were shared during the testimonies:
"Getting baptized is claiming that God own's me!" Pastor John Barnett
"I've encountered churches that love Jesus yet do not fear Him."
"I had more in common with a Satan worshipper, not in my beliefs, but in my attitudes and actions." (before I was saved)
1 Peter 1:3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

God has of late been using the simplest of things to bring my attention back to him. The other day I read in Numbers 18:20, "The the Lord said to Aaron, " YOu shall have no inheritance in their land nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel."
I love that phrase, "I AM YOUR PORTION AND YOUR INHERITANCE...!" What an incredible reminder that God is all we need!

SARAH!
You've seen the pictures of our wonderful kids, but I want to introduce you to my incredible wife, Sarah. We have been married for over 10 years!
We met at the University of Central Oklahoma through the Baptist Student Union and a business class! She later started coming to my church. Our first date was to a Ricky Skaggs concert. We started dating in a February, I asked her to marry me the next September and then in May of '95, we got married!
The picture you see is of us in Belarus. For our 10 year wedding anniversary, we did a mission trip/vacation/10 year anniversary in Belarus, where Sarah's parents serve as missionaries. We had such a great time and it was incredible to see what God is doing in Belarus!

Welcome to our Blog! Check back often on updates from our family! Pictures, stories and thoughts will accompany this blog. Through this we want to share with you God's unmerited favor through the good times and the challenging times.
We got the idea of the name for this blog from our good friend, Wes Atkinson. Instead of calling our daughter by her name, Grace, he calls her Unmerited Favor, which is such a hoot. Unmerited Favor....oh how we are blessed by God!
Through this we hope you will keep up with us. Some of what we write won't matter much to you, but it's awesome to think of how God has entrusted us with four wonderful children: Hannah, Noah, Grace, and Elijah and so this blog is in essence a thank you to Jesus for entrusting us with these four treasures.
We also hope that this will be an encouragement to you as we also share our insights in life!