Category Archives: Uncategorized

October 15, 2014

Vote Yes on One!

By Jason

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 begins early voting in Tennessee. I normally do not blog things like this. However, we Tennesseans have an opportunity to make a step in the right direct with Amendment One. In our local paper, an opposing view was given about three weeks ago. While I disagree with this person’s view, I did not want it to be the only view presented. So, I wrote a very short letter to the editor. I post it here for those who might read this through other means:

A Letter to the Editor,

“January 22, 1973 – The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, affirms the legality of a woman’s right to have an abortion under the Fourteenth amendment to the Constitution.” I was born in September 1974 (you can do the math). Some years later, I wondered what my mom thought about me in the months during her pregnancy. There was legal opportunity for her to abort. So, I asked if she considered abortion. “No,” she said. “It did not even cross my mind.” My heart warmed with that answer.

I had little doubts that she had considered abortion. Yet, with the newness of the decision and a movement that was gaining speed, I wondered how all of that affected her. I think the decision to allow abortion encouraged abortion. So, someone like my mom who, I believe would have never considered abortion could have considered it because it had been legalized. That option was now put on the table for her. Now that option has been etched in the very hearts of all Americans.

Obviously, my desire would have been a denial of legality for a woman’s right to have an abortion. Nevertheless, my question is since this is the law, “How can we make the option of giving life more appealing than death?” First, I would like the option of life given with the same emphasis as those who give the option to abort. Second, I would like the option of death to be harder than easier. Decisions in haste are often regretted and in this case it is a decision that is not reversible.

I want to encourage Tennesseans to vote Yes on amendment one. You cannot imagine how thankful I am to be alive. My mom chose life and I hope all Tennesseans will too. Voting yes on amendment one is a vote for life. See www.yeson1tn.org/ for more information.

Sincerely,

Jason Snider

I would urge you to please vote. It is your responsibility.

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September 24, 2014

Wedgwood Baptist Church Gave Me a Gift

By Jason

While living in Fort Worth, Tx, my family and I were members of Wedgwood Baptist Church. Many people have probably heard of this church because of the tragic shooting that occurred there. However, they are known for more things than that.

Just before we arrived, it became known to WBC that a fellow church near by was in danger of closing its doors. I don’t know the details of why this was so. However, I did see the response of Wedgwood. The pastor asked the congregation of 700+ if any would be willing to move their membership to this struggling church (Now that’s Kingdom-minded). The best I can remember 100+ accepted.

This struggling church was in a prime location. It was in need of people and life and funds. A light had grown dim but this surge of people brightened things up. Again, I do not have details but what I do know is the church is thriving and reaching people for Christ. Praise God for Kingdom-minded churches. Thank you Wedgwood.

I encountered a similar opportunity. The example of Wedgwood greatly influenced me to consider being Kingdom-minded. We were members of a great church. Great relationships. The decision was h.a.r.d. You would hope it’s hard to leave a church. Trust me…it was.

I promised in the last post to give more context to the decision I wrote about. As you can see, God used Wedgwood in that decision among many other things. We followed their example and are blessed. This was a precious gift…a gift by way of example…the gift of Kingdom-minded.

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September 12, 2014

A Letter to My Brother in Christ

By Jason

I am aware that you need more context to understand fully what I write here. However, that will not be provided. I hope it is of value as it stands.

Journal Entry:

September 12, 2013

I don’t think a church plant will happen…at least not right now. The letter I sent to various people did not reveal much interest. Therefore, I will push on doors elsewhere. If you hear of any opportunities please pass them along. Thanks for all your help and prayers. All that you poured into me is still bearing fruit brother…it was not in vain.

I am thankful for the time I have had after seminary. Seminary was good for me in many ways but I needed to adjust to life outside the academy. I was not ready to deliver truth with mercy and patience. I had a packaged deal (that had many flaws) that would not fly very quickly. I would have lorded it over them. I would have pushed my agendas. But now, I am ready to walk with them (whoever they are) for however long it takes. I will have compassion instead of compulsion. Discipleship rather than dictatorship.

Also, I think my marriage is better as a result of waiting. I think I am a better father having waited. I have learned a ton! Many adjustments along the way. The Lord has been so merciful to me.

Seminary students don’t know what they need because they think they know. They don’t know…most of them. I hope you will encourage them to hang around the church for awhile before going into ministry. They need to be around you. Brother, you have such a gift from the Lord. I thankful for the time with you.

At the end of the day, God has not called me to be a pastor but to trust in His Son. The process of following everyday in everything is far more important than ministry. I could be so consumed with seeking a ministry position that I become faithless to the ministry of my family and those I am in contact with everyday.

I could tell you a story about Stanley who was our delivery guy where I work. I spoke with him about Jesus each week even though he claimed to be a believer. A few months ago, the Lord got his attention and he and his son went to church, heard the gospel, and believed. Now his wife is believing. They are making backpacks for the homeless. I could go on and on about things like that. God is using me right where I am…a husband, father, and hardware salesman.

I am in a discipleship relationship with two guys. We meet at McDonald’s every Saturday morning. I see fruit in their lives! Yet I long for more.

I feel like I am doing nothing for Christ. I ponder giving it all up because I can only do so little. Then God sent this to me: “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do so little” (Edmund Burke).

May the Lord do with me as He pleases. May I be content with the small ministry that I have. I will give an account for them too! Pray for me…I so need it.

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June 10, 2014

The Gospel Preached! Hear. Repent. Believe.

By Jason

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May 26, 2014

Freedom Comes With A Cost (Death)

By Jason

It is fitting this day to honor those who have fought for our freedom–many at the cost of their lives. I have to admit that I have never been overly patriotic. I’ve taken for granted the freedom earned for America. I guess I am too far removed from the events of history for them to land on me. I am not a historian. In other words, I hated history. It wasn’t pushed in my family. I would guess that I am not alone in many of these contributing factors. When I look at the zealous patriot, who only talks about honoring freedom, I can easily decide not to be that way. That was until I stepped into Arlington Cemetery and observed the memorial at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Of course, it did not make me a zealous patriot. However, the reality of those historical events in plain sight landed on me. If possible, every American should make that visit–especially those visual learners like me. Stepping into Arlington was breathtaking. The sight of the magnitude of lives lost was humbling. It’s not a place to be entertained but reverenced. It’s not a place to laugh but to cry. So when you visit, set your mind to be more aware of your demeanor. May it be humble and honorable. 

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Now, if this is humbling how much more the reality that God the Son died for our freedom–the Innocent One for the guilty. Our freedom from sin cost something. It cost Jesus Christ his life. There’s no Arlington Cemetery for Christ because there is no need. The grave could not hold him. However, we can honor him today by not continuing in sin from which we have been freed!

Romans 6:3-7 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” 

~Jason

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May 25, 2014

Prayer and Providence

By Jason

Reading through 2 Samuel reminded me of the topic-Prayer & Providence-because there is an example clearly stated in the text. I think it would be helpful to draw your attention to this. Of course, some want the systematic theology answer. However, others are helped by narrative display. I hope you will be enriched to pray and trust that God is at work. Here are the texts:

But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dirt on his head. David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. (2 Samuel 15:30-34)

Of course, both Ahithophel and Hushai became Absalom’s counselors. As you can see, David asked the LORD to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. He then asked his friend Hushai to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel with his own counsel to Absalom. However, what else is going on? Where is God in this? We get an explanation a couple of chapters later.

 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring harm upon Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:14)

Here we see what David had prayed for and sought means to achieve was also ordained by God for a purpose. You may struggle with one side of this issue or the other but here both are present. Both are true. Therefore, we should pray and trust (not completely understand) that God is at work.

Just this morning, I asked my son to do something  that involved reading. He replied, “But I can’t read.” I said to him, “That is not true. You can read. Just because you can’t read everything does not mean you cannot read. If that is so, then I cannot read.” Same goes for this argument. Just because you do not completely understand this does not mean you cannot pray or cannot believe that God ordains. See it here in His holy word and be encouraged!

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May 25, 2014

Essential Resources

By Jason

Dispatches From the Front will encourage you. It has the needed engagement and cultural wake-up call that I am aware of but cannot grasp on my own. It is also good to see other believers trusting in hard places. The videos remind me of the lostness in this world. They display the power of the gospel! Get them for yourself and then loan them out to anyone who will watch them! 

Here is a trailer to flame the fire and the link to the website:

~Jason

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April 9, 2014

Resurrection Sunday Resources

By Jason

For years it seemed as though the holiday of Easter, or Resurrection Sunday, was upon us without taking much time to prepare. Certainly nothing like we did for Christmas. So, a couple of years ago we tried to be more intentional about celebrating this important holiday. I’d like to share over the next few days some different ideas we have enjoyed and hope to continue as traditions in our home.

One resource that has been helpful is the book, Treasuring God in Our Traditions, by Noel Piper. She includes not only activities for Resurrection Sunday, but also other holidays and ways to make any day special.

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~Kimberly

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April 7, 2014

The Blessing of Memorizing Scripture

By Jason

A while back I began using this plan to memorize the book of Colossians in a year. I am about half way through chapter three. It has taken much more than a year to even get this far, much less finish in one year, but I am excited to even have done this much. (I should say that if you are interested in the plan, the problem with not finishing in a year was me, not the plan! It is very doable.) God has been kind to keep me motivated, help me to remember, and bring it to mind when I need it. For example, on this Monday morning, I prayed from chapter three of Colossians that I would have a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience because the old self has been put away and the new self is being renewed in knowledge after God’s image. What a glorious thought!

~Kimberly

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March 24, 2014

Comforted By The Word

By Jason

I am so thankful that God is kind and patient with us. I recently had a hard day due to a situation in my family. As I attempted to spend time with the LORD that morning, I couldn’t concentrate on what I was reading in my Bible. One of those times when my eyes were reading the words but I had no idea what I was reading because my thoughts were elsewhere. But, I could pray. I thanked God that even though I couldn’t seem to concentrate and study His Word at the moment, He was with me. I knew He understood that I was troubled for those I love and that on another day I would be back studying again. The next day as I journaled this, I thought, “How did I know that?” Because I had been reading His Word before. When I needed it, the Spirit used it to comfort me. I was reminded of the verse, John 14:26 where Jesus said, “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.” Jesus was speaking to His disciples in this passage, but would the Spirit not help us in the same way as His disciples? Absolutely!

~Kimberly

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