Simon Birch asks the question... "What do donuts have to do with God?" The Lord revealed that answer to me in a real way.

My second day of being employed by Leavener (May 22nd), I took an impulse trip with a friend. He inquired about my "nut". I said, "What are you talking about?" He went on to explain that a "nut" is how much money you absolutely need to survive each month. Over the next 24 hours, I scrutinized my monthly budget to figure out how much of a "nut" would allow me to survive. (For those of you who know me... that means a detailed Excel file with fancy formulas... woohoo!!!)

Then on Friday, Michelle and I did our normal routine of brunch at Cracker Barrel. It was an emotional low for both of us. Tears were flowing (mostly from uncertainty). The food came and the routine prayer became more than that. It was a plea to God for wisdom and peace. I truly believe that before the meal ended, God had answered our prayer. We discussed our busy June/July family schedule and know that we are to rest for two months and trust Him. We hope to have oars in the water by August 1st for whatever adventure God has in store for us. There has been peace and joy since then. The two of us have had a great 10 days since. Thank you Jesus!

Which brings us to yesterday, June 2nd. Right before leaving for open houses and a wedding, I quickly reconciled my bank accounts for the end of the month. I opened the lovely Excel file and looked at that amount referred to as my "nut". Being the first month away from Northside, that nut was looking pretty overwhelming. I honestly said, "Lord, I have no idea how this is going to happen!"

Two minutes later, we climbed into the car to leave... Oh wait, here comes the mailman. Michelle says, "Chloe, would you get the mail, please?" Chloe comes skipping back to the car and hands the mail to Michelle. She hands me an envelope from some friends who have been tracking what God is doing in our lives. There was a check inside the envelope... oh my... that was quick Lord but it doesn't cover the "nut". Michelle hands me a second envelope. Another check... "You've got to be kidding me!!!". Within 15 minutes of questioning God, the Lord handed us two checks totaling 98% of the "nut" I had just reviewed. I turned to Michelle and said, "This is not happenstance." This is the exact situation that I referred to in my March 13th blog entitled "Unexplainable Adventure."

I have been told more than once... "You're going to have to do something... this is not going to just fall in your lap." I just can't buy that train of thought anymore. I am hanging out with my family and doing just as much ministry as I was before I quit as a staff member at Northside. I still hang out with people. I still pray with people. I still serve people. I still cry with people. I still encourage people. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVE PEOPLE. But truly, it is God that does it all. That may be semantics or a nice spiritual thought for you. But it is truly my way of life.

So what do donuts have to do with God? He gave Leavener all the "dough" I need for my "nut" this month! WOOHOO!!!

Rusty

Micah was a prophet with an objectionable message to his audience. The people of Judah thought that everything they were doing was exactly what God wanted them to do. Micah pointed a finger of "religion" at them. They were performing so well their duties as followers of God but... God could care less. Micah informed his peers that they were missing what God desired from them which was to act justly, love with mercy, faithfulness, kindness and walk humbly with your God.

In other words… Micah is saying it is not about you and your crusted rituals. It is about meeting the needs of others and your relationship with your God. (I actually have a friend named Micah and I imagine they are very similar… that is way cool!)

The one question that I have to deal with everyday during this adventure is, “So… what are you going to do after May 20th?” My favorite counselor even asked me that question today… that is pressure! For the very first time, I think I gave an answer besides, “I’m just not sure… whatever God has in store for me.”

I absolutely know that I am going to be in the “people” business. I know that is a “God-thing”. My personality is one that deals with tasks better than people (much like the people Micah was prophesying to.) But because of the Spirit that lives in me (Romans 8:11), I am interested about others. I want them to discover their identity in Christ. I want them to know exactly how the Spirit can change their life. I want them to know their faith makes them righteous. They are saints, not sinners. They are forgiven, redeemed and made new. Jesus has restored the believer and made them holy and blameless.

I am FREE… FREE INDEED!Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk humbly. Understanding my relationship with God causes me to walk with confidence.

I can’t help but tell people about this FREEDOM with a humble confidence.

Thank you God for allowing me to be in the “people” business.

Rusty

In Ephesians 5:32, Paul states the way Christ treats the church is a mystery.
So why does everything have to be explained?
Can't God be God?
Can Truth spread without a formula?
Can we really peal away marketing and programs from "the church"?
Can the Word of God stand by itself?

Wouldn't it be incredible to be involved in something that just couldn't be explained? A true mystery! To say these questions are idealistic, utopian or impractical speaks to the size of your God. Paul tells us in Romans 4:17 that God calls into existence something that does not exist. That is incredible. That is something that people will clamor to be a part of when God is the only answer for results.

This chapter of my adventure began on Monday, December 4th at 2 AM. That was when God abruptly awoke me and clearly enlightened me that I was finished serving in a full-time ministry position at the church I have served in for the last 18 years. Are you kidding me? Are we really having this conversation at 2 AM? Surely this can wait! Then Michelle, my wife, was abruptly woken. This can't be happening! I informed her about the message. We discussed it briefly, prayed and went back to sleep.

The next morning, my pastor was the first person with which I shared this information. This news has absolutely consumed me. I am to leave my ministry position to go to what? Lord, I absolutely trust you in this adventure. I trust that You will paint the picture on this blank canvas.

Many will think this description has more to do about others. The truth is this is about a man whose personality and leadership has collided with his faith... and today... his faith has risen to the top.

I look forward to being a part of something I can't even explain. How long will that continue? I guess that is why it is an adventure!

Rusty

I did something I have never done in my life before today... I resigned.

Northside celebrated Rusty & Michelle Kennedy's 18th anniversary as a staff member. It was at that point that I shared with the church that God was moving us on from Northside. It is like turning 18 and time to move out of the house to start your own life.

In December, God spoke very clearly to Michelle and I that it was time to begin our own ministry/church. We have walked through this process very slowly at this point. We have shared every thought and meeting with our pastor and staff. We have met with friends, denominational workers and our own two children. We are not quite sure what ministry God is calling us to next. I feel as if it will be a personal ministry in the beginning and then move into a church plant. We hope to stay in our community were we currently live.

Our leaving has nothing to do with my relationship with our church or staff. I genuinely love them all and will continue to be a part of them. They are my family and friends. But this departure is purely based on the calling God has on my life.

Kind of scary, but it is a huge leap of faith... or else I am just stupid. The whole "leap of faith" thing makes it pretty exciting as well. We have no idea what God has in store for us. Our last day on staff at Northside is scheduled for Sunday, May 20th. After that, the door is wide open. I will keep you updated...

Until then, pray that God will give us clarity for future ministry.

Rusty