Sunday, February 26, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Col. 3:18-21
Col. 3:18-21
This passage of scripture is one that I believe is abused more than any other. More husbands, wives, and children misread this text and misinterpret what Paul intended for it to mean than any other scripture in my opinion. Why this one? Because Paul instructs the above on how they are to live in regards to each other.
Most wives read Col. 3:19 and tell their husbands that they are to love them as Christ loved the church and not to be harsh with them. This only exacerbates the men and ticks them off. Most husbands read Col. 3:18 and tell their wives to submit to them because it is fitting in the Lord. Then they go on to talk about how Christ is the head of the church and the husband is the head of the household. This only pushes their wives farther from them relationally. Most parents read Col. 3:20 and tell their kids to be obedient because it pleases the Lord. Though this is correct, if the above is not being lived out correctly, the kids are not going to listen and will retort with Col. 3:21 telling their fathers that they shouldn’t emitter their children so that they won’t become discouraged or even rebellious.
The above is the western translation of a great piece of scripture. However, I find that everyone is reading the wrong scripture. Paul wrote Col. 3:18 for wives to read, not husbands. Col. 3:19 was written for husbands to read, not wives. Col. 3:20 was written for children to read and learn from, not for parents to harshly enforce. And Col. 3:21 was written for fathers (and I would include mothers in this day and age) to read on how they should treat their children.
If a wife submits to her husband, her husband will find it easy to love his wife because she respects him and trusts his judgement. And if a husband loves his wife, she will find it easy to submit to him because he cares about what she thinks and feels and will take all of her thoughts into consideration. If parents encourage their children and raise them up in the admonition of the Lord, they will have demonstrated proper living and will have children who trust them and will obey them.
Each verse though written together might as well have been written separately for men, women and children. Which verse are you reading?
This passage of scripture is one that I believe is abused more than any other. More husbands, wives, and children misread this text and misinterpret what Paul intended for it to mean than any other scripture in my opinion. Why this one? Because Paul instructs the above on how they are to live in regards to each other.
Most wives read Col. 3:19 and tell their husbands that they are to love them as Christ loved the church and not to be harsh with them. This only exacerbates the men and ticks them off. Most husbands read Col. 3:18 and tell their wives to submit to them because it is fitting in the Lord. Then they go on to talk about how Christ is the head of the church and the husband is the head of the household. This only pushes their wives farther from them relationally. Most parents read Col. 3:20 and tell their kids to be obedient because it pleases the Lord. Though this is correct, if the above is not being lived out correctly, the kids are not going to listen and will retort with Col. 3:21 telling their fathers that they shouldn’t emitter their children so that they won’t become discouraged or even rebellious.
The above is the western translation of a great piece of scripture. However, I find that everyone is reading the wrong scripture. Paul wrote Col. 3:18 for wives to read, not husbands. Col. 3:19 was written for husbands to read, not wives. Col. 3:20 was written for children to read and learn from, not for parents to harshly enforce. And Col. 3:21 was written for fathers (and I would include mothers in this day and age) to read on how they should treat their children.
If a wife submits to her husband, her husband will find it easy to love his wife because she respects him and trusts his judgement. And if a husband loves his wife, she will find it easy to submit to him because he cares about what she thinks and feels and will take all of her thoughts into consideration. If parents encourage their children and raise them up in the admonition of the Lord, they will have demonstrated proper living and will have children who trust them and will obey them.
Each verse though written together might as well have been written separately for men, women and children. Which verse are you reading?
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Integration
I've been following for a short time this blog by a girl named Ellen. Her latest post is a must read. It's about living an integrated life for Christ. It really does sound weird from an earthly perspective, and even foolish, but God has so mightily used the foolish things of this world to confound the wise and make His Name famous. If He used the wisdom of this world, we would boast in our wisdom, but we cannot boast in anything other than Christ, because He doesn't use our wisdom, but our weakness. We must have complete faith, faith that is crazy and doesn't make sense. Stop using our brain so much to rationalize things, and trust God with EVERYTHING. Live a life of reckless abandon for Christ, trusting him for everything.
You may not make sense of what inspired me to write all of that until you read this post. So here you all go, it's called "Integration": http://ellenjoy.blogspot.com/
Blessings!
You may not make sense of what inspired me to write all of that until you read this post. So here you all go, it's called "Integration": http://ellenjoy.blogspot.com/
Blessings!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Go or Send
If you feel the call of God on your life to serve and advance the Kingdom of God overseas, full or part time, then I would highly encourage you to check out Overland Missions at www.overlandmissions.com .
If you feel called to something else, then I would highly encourage you to find a missionary or missions agency that is actively involved in preaching the Gospel and advancing God's Kingdom and I would support them monthly. If you cannot go, then you should send. Use the seed (things God has given you) wisely by blessing other people with it. Do not hoard it and store it up, because one day a match may consume all you've worked so hard for. Instead, store up treasures in heaven and be a channel through which God blesses others through you and the things He's given you.
If anyone would like to speak more about missions or Overland Missions, please feel free to contact me, and hopefully we can sit down and talk about it. If this is not possible then a phone will have to do. Also, if you have questions about Overland Missions that I may not be able to answer, the staff there is incredible and will gladly take the time to talk with you and answer your questions. I know firsthand as I was able to spend a week with them serving them in any way I could.
Romans 10:14-15 How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they beleive in the one of whom they ahve not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
If you feel called to something else, then I would highly encourage you to find a missionary or missions agency that is actively involved in preaching the Gospel and advancing God's Kingdom and I would support them monthly. If you cannot go, then you should send. Use the seed (things God has given you) wisely by blessing other people with it. Do not hoard it and store it up, because one day a match may consume all you've worked so hard for. Instead, store up treasures in heaven and be a channel through which God blesses others through you and the things He's given you.
If anyone would like to speak more about missions or Overland Missions, please feel free to contact me, and hopefully we can sit down and talk about it. If this is not possible then a phone will have to do. Also, if you have questions about Overland Missions that I may not be able to answer, the staff there is incredible and will gladly take the time to talk with you and answer your questions. I know firsthand as I was able to spend a week with them serving them in any way I could.
Romans 10:14-15 How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they beleive in the one of whom they ahve not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
His Kingdom Come
A week or so ago, I dropped off my buddy Jared we hung out and he spent his week off at work with Paul and I. I went into his dad's apt., and we talked awhile. His dad (Bill Shipman) was so proud of what his son Jared had done and how quickly he had picked up the art of doing a take off. We spent about an hour catching up and talking. Bill was telling me how he was in serious pain because of either gall stones or something was wrong with his liver. He said they did an ultra sound to check for stones, but the results hadn't come back. If it wasn't stones then there was something seriously wrong. Well before I left, I told Bill that one of the reasons I had come in was that I wanted to pray for him. He certainly wasn't against it, so I did. He said he didn't feel anything, so I prayed again and then went on my way. Well tonight he tells me that the following morning he woke up and felt no pain!!! His jaundice was gone, finger nails returned to normal color, and eyes were clear again. The test results came back negative that there were no stones which indicated a serious problem with his liver. The doctor did another check to see if the mass that was there before was still there and it was gone.
GOD HEALED BILL!!!! His Kingdom came into that apartment and invaded his body healing it from the liver problems and removing the mass. Not only that, but God provided for him in numerous other ways including providing a lift for his wheel chair. The people of God acted with one heart and mind in Christ and did what the people of God are supposed to do. Provide for those in need. I was so stoked about hearing this from Bill.
I strongly feel that as I continue to step out in faith, that the Lord will use me more and more and these kinds of occurences will become the rule more than the exception. His Kingdome is breaking in, and is looking for willing vessels to lay hold of it and aggressively advance it. There are marching orders to follow though, and we have to be obediant to them if we are to have a part in the Army of God. Jesus said "If you love me you will obey my commandments". As we do this, the Spirit of God will come upon us because we are willing to lay aside our rights, pride, and life so that His Kingdom, and His Agenda can be advanced.
I ask those of you whose hearts are stirred by this, join me and let us be the violent ones who take hold of the Kingdom of God and aggressively advance it with little regard to our own lives here on earth. Let us pour ourselves out upon the nations so that through our sacrifice this world will be consumed by the Fire of God which no one and nothing can put out or stop.
Lord, may Your Kingdom come, here now in my life, on this earth, and may Your will be accomplished in my life and on this earth as it is in Heaven.
GOD HEALED BILL!!!! His Kingdom came into that apartment and invaded his body healing it from the liver problems and removing the mass. Not only that, but God provided for him in numerous other ways including providing a lift for his wheel chair. The people of God acted with one heart and mind in Christ and did what the people of God are supposed to do. Provide for those in need. I was so stoked about hearing this from Bill.
I strongly feel that as I continue to step out in faith, that the Lord will use me more and more and these kinds of occurences will become the rule more than the exception. His Kingdome is breaking in, and is looking for willing vessels to lay hold of it and aggressively advance it. There are marching orders to follow though, and we have to be obediant to them if we are to have a part in the Army of God. Jesus said "If you love me you will obey my commandments". As we do this, the Spirit of God will come upon us because we are willing to lay aside our rights, pride, and life so that His Kingdom, and His Agenda can be advanced.
I ask those of you whose hearts are stirred by this, join me and let us be the violent ones who take hold of the Kingdom of God and aggressively advance it with little regard to our own lives here on earth. Let us pour ourselves out upon the nations so that through our sacrifice this world will be consumed by the Fire of God which no one and nothing can put out or stop.
Lord, may Your Kingdom come, here now in my life, on this earth, and may Your will be accomplished in my life and on this earth as it is in Heaven.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Editing picture profile
Does anyone know how to do this? I downloaded Picasa thinking that would help, but it didn't help in that area. It's been so long since I put a profile pic in I forgot how to do it. Any ideas?
5.7
My first lead climb ever. I followed that with a 90' 5.9 and then attemepted a 5.10A which I then fell 15' on. Last week I successfully lead the 5.10A and will hopefully post the pics of our adventures soon. Does anyone know how to make a subpage just for posting images?
Monday, January 02, 2006
Overland Missions Conference
This conference was what I've been longing for, for a long time. I found people who had the same heart, and vision for missions, and where doing it well.
Vaughn Gerald who is a Vineyard Pastor in upstate NY was one of the speakers at the conference. The Spirit of the Lord was on him. He gave the best message about "seed" I have ever heard in my life. During that ministry time afterwards, I felt the Lord telling me to sell all of my guns and give the money away to the mission field. A little while later some details about who to and how came about as well. Therefore I will step out in obediance, and sell all of my guns save my 10-.22 which my dad gave me. One of my buddies in Florida is going to buy my handgun, but all of the others are up for grabs.
I really felt a connection with these folks and have a strong desire to work with them. This was echoed strongly by them as well. I'm going to go on a trip with them this year, and Lord willing, I will move down there towards the end of the year and go full time.
I hope to bring more people with me to the conference next year. Especially people who are just out of highschool or are not far into college. I think it's sad that the greatest thing most young people have done is go on a cool vacation, or do do something that will quickly be forgotten. If I live to be an old man, I want to be able to tell my grandkids that God used me to change the world. To be able to tell the stories of how I saw God change people's lives with the Good News, and to see them healed, and set free from spiritual captitvity and physical illnesses.
Those of you who saw the call of God on my heart and generously responded with monitary support I thank you soooo much. You allowed me to help someone else in like manner. Those of you who prayed for me that God would speak to me and show me things; Thank you all sooooo much. He has spoken, and taught me a lot. Now I have to put all my trust in Him, and go where I believe He's calling me to go.
Please continue praying for me. I will need it desperately in the year to come. I will need wisdom, and the ability to plan well without putting my faith in planning and losing faith in God.
Romans 10:14 How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"
If the LORD has begun to call you into the mission field, even if it's short term, then join me and let us find those who will call our feet beautiful. What you sow, therefore you shall also reap. Pour out your life for others, and others will pour out their lives on you.
Vaughn Gerald who is a Vineyard Pastor in upstate NY was one of the speakers at the conference. The Spirit of the Lord was on him. He gave the best message about "seed" I have ever heard in my life. During that ministry time afterwards, I felt the Lord telling me to sell all of my guns and give the money away to the mission field. A little while later some details about who to and how came about as well. Therefore I will step out in obediance, and sell all of my guns save my 10-.22 which my dad gave me. One of my buddies in Florida is going to buy my handgun, but all of the others are up for grabs.
I really felt a connection with these folks and have a strong desire to work with them. This was echoed strongly by them as well. I'm going to go on a trip with them this year, and Lord willing, I will move down there towards the end of the year and go full time.
I hope to bring more people with me to the conference next year. Especially people who are just out of highschool or are not far into college. I think it's sad that the greatest thing most young people have done is go on a cool vacation, or do do something that will quickly be forgotten. If I live to be an old man, I want to be able to tell my grandkids that God used me to change the world. To be able to tell the stories of how I saw God change people's lives with the Good News, and to see them healed, and set free from spiritual captitvity and physical illnesses.
Those of you who saw the call of God on my heart and generously responded with monitary support I thank you soooo much. You allowed me to help someone else in like manner. Those of you who prayed for me that God would speak to me and show me things; Thank you all sooooo much. He has spoken, and taught me a lot. Now I have to put all my trust in Him, and go where I believe He's calling me to go.
Please continue praying for me. I will need it desperately in the year to come. I will need wisdom, and the ability to plan well without putting my faith in planning and losing faith in God.
Romans 10:14 How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news?"
If the LORD has begun to call you into the mission field, even if it's short term, then join me and let us find those who will call our feet beautiful. What you sow, therefore you shall also reap. Pour out your life for others, and others will pour out their lives on you.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Good News!
Well I had some good news today. My good friend and roomate Justin was offered a great job back home in S. Carolina where all of his family is. What makes it even better is that his girlfriend Rachael has decided to go as well (I believe the girlfriend status will change within the year). I'm really excited for them. Justin gets his cake and can eat it too. It's always awesome to see God work things out like this.
Unfortunately that means that my good friend and roomate will be moving home soon, but will come back evey 2 weeks to see Rachael until she can move out in April. So I'll have his half of the rent payed through March, but will need a roomate who can afford around $350-$375 a month as our lease doesn't run out until September. A lot of things are changing quickly around me.
It's funny how in hindsight I loved the fact that Kenya was so unpredictable and you never knew what life was going to hit you with next. It kept me relying on God for everything, and now I find myself in a similar situation stateside. I'm going to need a roomate soon this much I know. I'm also a little picky on who I live with. Ultimately the Lord has a plan behind all of this, and will provide for me, and will bless and take care of Justin and Rachael.
Lord, thank You for Your faithfullness to us. You've been so good, and You are always working in our lives to make us more like you. May this stage in my life bring me closer to you.
Unfortunately that means that my good friend and roomate will be moving home soon, but will come back evey 2 weeks to see Rachael until she can move out in April. So I'll have his half of the rent payed through March, but will need a roomate who can afford around $350-$375 a month as our lease doesn't run out until September. A lot of things are changing quickly around me.
It's funny how in hindsight I loved the fact that Kenya was so unpredictable and you never knew what life was going to hit you with next. It kept me relying on God for everything, and now I find myself in a similar situation stateside. I'm going to need a roomate soon this much I know. I'm also a little picky on who I live with. Ultimately the Lord has a plan behind all of this, and will provide for me, and will bless and take care of Justin and Rachael.
Lord, thank You for Your faithfullness to us. You've been so good, and You are always working in our lives to make us more like you. May this stage in my life bring me closer to you.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Don't Waste Your Life
I'm currently reading a book by John Piper called "don't waste your life" and in the 1st chapter he's talking about how C.S. Lewis' book "Mere Christianity" heavily influenced him. Here is a paragraph from his book.
"He ahs made me wary of chronological snobbery. That is, he showed me that newness is no virtue and oldness is no vice. Truth and beauty and goodness are not determined by when they exist. Nothing is inferior for being old, and nothing is valuable for being modern. This has freed me from the tyranny of novelty and opened for me the wisdom of the ages. To this day I get most of my soul-food from centuries ago. I thank God for Lewis' compelling demonstration of the obvious."
That paragraph goes against everything we practice today in society, both in the business world and in the church. Cutting edge is the ticket, who can come up with the "cool" new thing. There's an old saying that goes something like this: "Today you're in the paper, tomorrow that same paper is wrapping fish." The message is that what may seem like a big deal right now will soon be forgotton.
Why then as the body of Christ do we fight to be so cutting edge, and trendy so that we can be culturally relavant? What we should be doing is looking at the things that have lasted over centuries and are time tested and haven't passed away. Christ is the best example. People aren't attracted to Him because He's new, novel, or cutting edge. They're attracted to Him because He's faithful, and never changes. He's always relevant and His words can speak to anyone, anywhere at any time.
Now am I knocking contextualizing the gospel to fit culture? No, I most certainly am not. The Jesuits did a great job of spreading the gospel because they conformed to cultural norms like clothing, food, manners, speach and all other things that may allow them to reach the people without comprimising the gospel message in any way. What I am saying though can best be summed up by a quote from my friend and co-worker Jim Wimmenauer's pastor when he said "Whatever it costs to bring them in, it will cost more to get them to stay". You give a mouse a cookie, it'll want milk. If we are using things that will quickly pass away to bring people in, they are eventually going to want more. That's human nature. However, if Jesus is what brings them in, then they'll never want to leave as Paul B. correctly replied to the above quote.
So this begs the question. Why are you going to church? If we're honest with ourselves, we may find that it's not always Jesus.
This begs the next question. As church leaders, if people are not coming and staying because of their captivation with Christ, then we are doing something tragically wrong. A church is nothing but a building filled with white washed tombs if the center of our hearts isn't focused entirely on the glorification of God. And if that's where our hearts are as a body, God will be there and I can garauntee that we won't need to going fishing for the fish, they'll jump right into the boat.
Where is your heart looking?
God forgive me for letting my heart constantly put it's gaze on other hopes, dreams, ambitions, and people. Those things are all baggage that I carry, help me to let them all go so I can once again focus on You. If I'm focused on you, I won't need to go looking for action, because the action will come to me. The lost will more clearly see You in my life and once they've experienced You, will never want anything else again. I praise Your Holy Name.
"He ahs made me wary of chronological snobbery. That is, he showed me that newness is no virtue and oldness is no vice. Truth and beauty and goodness are not determined by when they exist. Nothing is inferior for being old, and nothing is valuable for being modern. This has freed me from the tyranny of novelty and opened for me the wisdom of the ages. To this day I get most of my soul-food from centuries ago. I thank God for Lewis' compelling demonstration of the obvious."
That paragraph goes against everything we practice today in society, both in the business world and in the church. Cutting edge is the ticket, who can come up with the "cool" new thing. There's an old saying that goes something like this: "Today you're in the paper, tomorrow that same paper is wrapping fish." The message is that what may seem like a big deal right now will soon be forgotton.
Why then as the body of Christ do we fight to be so cutting edge, and trendy so that we can be culturally relavant? What we should be doing is looking at the things that have lasted over centuries and are time tested and haven't passed away. Christ is the best example. People aren't attracted to Him because He's new, novel, or cutting edge. They're attracted to Him because He's faithful, and never changes. He's always relevant and His words can speak to anyone, anywhere at any time.
Now am I knocking contextualizing the gospel to fit culture? No, I most certainly am not. The Jesuits did a great job of spreading the gospel because they conformed to cultural norms like clothing, food, manners, speach and all other things that may allow them to reach the people without comprimising the gospel message in any way. What I am saying though can best be summed up by a quote from my friend and co-worker Jim Wimmenauer's pastor when he said "Whatever it costs to bring them in, it will cost more to get them to stay". You give a mouse a cookie, it'll want milk. If we are using things that will quickly pass away to bring people in, they are eventually going to want more. That's human nature. However, if Jesus is what brings them in, then they'll never want to leave as Paul B. correctly replied to the above quote.
So this begs the question. Why are you going to church? If we're honest with ourselves, we may find that it's not always Jesus.
This begs the next question. As church leaders, if people are not coming and staying because of their captivation with Christ, then we are doing something tragically wrong. A church is nothing but a building filled with white washed tombs if the center of our hearts isn't focused entirely on the glorification of God. And if that's where our hearts are as a body, God will be there and I can garauntee that we won't need to going fishing for the fish, they'll jump right into the boat.
Where is your heart looking?
God forgive me for letting my heart constantly put it's gaze on other hopes, dreams, ambitions, and people. Those things are all baggage that I carry, help me to let them all go so I can once again focus on You. If I'm focused on you, I won't need to go looking for action, because the action will come to me. The lost will more clearly see You in my life and once they've experienced You, will never want anything else again. I praise Your Holy Name.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Long Day
Today has been an incredibly long day. I just took a new postition at Ace Asphalt as their Business Development Coordinator and have spent the first day being completely overwhelmed with info.
I know that with any job transition, there is a learning curve, but mine is going to be especially steep. I have reports that are due weekly and must be done along with many other things. Fortunately I have Robert Howard and a few other good men to lean on during this time and train me up. I know that once I start understanding the order of things, priorities, and am able to really get a grasp of things and remember it, then I'll be doing ok. That may take a little while though. This entire week I'll be arriving at work at 6 a.m. for training, and will continue it throughout the day.
One thing is for sure, and that is that I didn't get where I am by myself. It is God and Him alone that is to credit for me being where I am. So I take comfort in that He will help me through this stressful time of intense learning, and hopefully I will exceed their expectations and be able to bless this company.
Lord be with me. Keep your hand upon me and bless everything that I do, that in everything I do, glory will be given to Your Name. Help me to work harder and smarter, and make things more effecient. Help me to quickly understand the new software systems I'm going to be working with. I desperately need you by my side and need you to walk me through this. May your name be glorified in all the earth.
I know that with any job transition, there is a learning curve, but mine is going to be especially steep. I have reports that are due weekly and must be done along with many other things. Fortunately I have Robert Howard and a few other good men to lean on during this time and train me up. I know that once I start understanding the order of things, priorities, and am able to really get a grasp of things and remember it, then I'll be doing ok. That may take a little while though. This entire week I'll be arriving at work at 6 a.m. for training, and will continue it throughout the day.
One thing is for sure, and that is that I didn't get where I am by myself. It is God and Him alone that is to credit for me being where I am. So I take comfort in that He will help me through this stressful time of intense learning, and hopefully I will exceed their expectations and be able to bless this company.
Lord be with me. Keep your hand upon me and bless everything that I do, that in everything I do, glory will be given to Your Name. Help me to work harder and smarter, and make things more effecient. Help me to quickly understand the new software systems I'm going to be working with. I desperately need you by my side and need you to walk me through this. May your name be glorified in all the earth.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
The Provision of God
Recently I was invited to a missions conference in Cape Canaveral, FL. This conference is the annual missions conference for Overland Missions alumni, staff, and people who have a heart and passion for the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the entire world. David Phillips, one of the staff there set me up with a place to stay should I decide to come, and after considering it and talking with David some more I decided I would try and get the time off of work. My thoughts were, if things come together than perhaps God is behind this, if not, then I will continue to wait.
Well last friday I met with a group of Christians at my work (Ace Asphalt(which we do every friday)) and were telling them how I wanted to go to this missions conference and asked if they would keep that in their prayers. Well I found out that getting the unpaid time off wasn't a problem, so I asked that they would pray for a cheap plane ticket despite the holiday season.
Later that day, one of my buddies calls me into his office and tells me that him and another buddy of mine have decided to sponsor me to go there. I was shocked to say the least. I haven't asked anyone for a dime and people are coming to me to sponsor me just to go to a missions conference. I was extremely encouraged that I had they're prayers and support without even asking for it.
So now I'm searching for a plane ticket. What I need is people to pray that I'll get an incredible deal on a plane ticket that leaves during the morning of the 27th so I can arrive in mid afternoon, and leaves around noon of the 2nd, so I don't get home to late. Also continued prayer that God would really speak to me at the conference and that I'd build lots of strong relationships there as well.
Lord, I thank You that You've given me such a great calling and put me around such great Christian friends who believe that what I feel called to do is something that is worth supporting, and that by investing their resources into me, they are investing them into advancing Your Kingdom. Please continue to direct me and give me patience as I walk down this seemingly long road that You've decided that I should walk. Help me to listen and hear You, and obey what You say. I love You Jesus, and I need You to live Your life through me.
Well last friday I met with a group of Christians at my work (Ace Asphalt(which we do every friday)) and were telling them how I wanted to go to this missions conference and asked if they would keep that in their prayers. Well I found out that getting the unpaid time off wasn't a problem, so I asked that they would pray for a cheap plane ticket despite the holiday season.
Later that day, one of my buddies calls me into his office and tells me that him and another buddy of mine have decided to sponsor me to go there. I was shocked to say the least. I haven't asked anyone for a dime and people are coming to me to sponsor me just to go to a missions conference. I was extremely encouraged that I had they're prayers and support without even asking for it.
So now I'm searching for a plane ticket. What I need is people to pray that I'll get an incredible deal on a plane ticket that leaves during the morning of the 27th so I can arrive in mid afternoon, and leaves around noon of the 2nd, so I don't get home to late. Also continued prayer that God would really speak to me at the conference and that I'd build lots of strong relationships there as well.
Lord, I thank You that You've given me such a great calling and put me around such great Christian friends who believe that what I feel called to do is something that is worth supporting, and that by investing their resources into me, they are investing them into advancing Your Kingdom. Please continue to direct me and give me patience as I walk down this seemingly long road that You've decided that I should walk. Help me to listen and hear You, and obey what You say. I love You Jesus, and I need You to live Your life through me.
Friday, November 11, 2005
The Power of God
I've recently been thinking alot (I know this is very dangerous) about Paul's conversion in Acts as I've been reading through Luke's historical account of the 1st century church. In 3 days he went from a man who murdered Christians and said that Jesus was not the promised Messiah, to a man who boldly preached and convinced even some of the religious leaders in Damascus that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah. Something amazing had to have happened him to completely change his life like that so quickly. Meeting the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus would be something else, but we're also told in Acts 9:9-11 that he spent these 3 days fasting and praying.
Now we know that Jews knew the Torah well through schooling, but the most exceptional students would go on to know all of the wisdom lit, and prophets as well. This was Saul's world. He was well versed in scripture and didn't believe the claims that Jesus was the Christ. Did Jesus' appearance to him cause the immidiate change or did that power encounter open the door for God to do some work in his life. I believe that it's kind of a both/and type of deal. It's a lot like believing that when we turn the key to our car it will start and then we can drive wherever we want to go, but we really don't know how all this works. If we wanted to be effective advocates and teachers of automobiles then we'd have to learn a good bit about them so we could teach others. This is the same thing with Saul. He was going to be a rabbi/teacher, but now he would be a different type of teacher. One who knew that the OT prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus.
I think Jesus appearance to Saul was the catalyst to his change, but ultimately when he spent those next 3 days seeking God while praying and fasting is when the truth was entirely revealed. After Ananias prayed for Saul and his vision was restored in Acts 9:19 we're told that "at once he began to preach in the syagogues that Jesus is the Son of God."
You may begin to wonder where I'm going with all of this, so here it is. It seems that with most people you can have a casual conversation about spiritual things and talk about Christ. You may get somewhere or nowhere through talk, but generally it's pretty easy to do. Radicals however cannot be reasoned with or talked to. They are absolutely set in their ways and the moment someone disagrees with them religiously, it's time to beat them and maybe even kill them. Radicals are changed by radical things. Something naturally supernatural and unexpected that brings truth into their face like a freight train running into a pinto. The radical encounter with truth knocks them for a loop and then they have to deal with it.
All of this is stemming from the atrocities that have been committed in Indonesia by radical muslims there towards the Christians. I've been thinking a lot about his whole deal, and wondering what it would take to lead these muslim extremists to Jesus. If people who like Paul had nothing to lose went there in the power of the Holy Spirit, preached boldly, showed the awesome power of God by healing folks, raising murdered from the dead, going into villages and sharing the love of Christ with them, can you imagine the impact that could have. Some could die, and I'm sure some would if not many, but for them to know that Jesus is the One True God and that He loves them and is not willing to give up on them even though His own should suffer as He did so that they may come to know Him as Lord and Savior. Wow, how incredible would that be. Could I do that? Is that were God is leading me or should I pursue this position at work? I don't know, but what I do know is that according to Eph. 2:10 God has already prepared in advance good works for me to do. If that should include something in Indonesia then He will reveal it to me in time. If I'm to stick around and work with Ace for a bit more, then He'll show me that too.
Lord I trust that you have the best in mind for me, and you know where my heart is, but know also that if I'm to stay here I will be happy. As long as I have a place in advancing Your kingdom I'll be happy. Lord I ask that you would reveal yourself to these muslims over in Indonesia much like you did with Saul. They are persecuting You just like he did and are trying to make the gov't side with them and prohibit the reading of Your Word. Soften their hearts so that they may know Your truth and respond to it with eagerness. Bless them and the Christians over there. Give Your people in Indonesia strength to endure persecution and death, and yet give them the mercy, compassion, and love to forgive their enemies and pray for them as well. I know that you love everyone regardless of what they've done and You would have everyone come to know You. I ask that this would happen in Indonesia.
Now we know that Jews knew the Torah well through schooling, but the most exceptional students would go on to know all of the wisdom lit, and prophets as well. This was Saul's world. He was well versed in scripture and didn't believe the claims that Jesus was the Christ. Did Jesus' appearance to him cause the immidiate change or did that power encounter open the door for God to do some work in his life. I believe that it's kind of a both/and type of deal. It's a lot like believing that when we turn the key to our car it will start and then we can drive wherever we want to go, but we really don't know how all this works. If we wanted to be effective advocates and teachers of automobiles then we'd have to learn a good bit about them so we could teach others. This is the same thing with Saul. He was going to be a rabbi/teacher, but now he would be a different type of teacher. One who knew that the OT prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus.
I think Jesus appearance to Saul was the catalyst to his change, but ultimately when he spent those next 3 days seeking God while praying and fasting is when the truth was entirely revealed. After Ananias prayed for Saul and his vision was restored in Acts 9:19 we're told that "at once he began to preach in the syagogues that Jesus is the Son of God."
You may begin to wonder where I'm going with all of this, so here it is. It seems that with most people you can have a casual conversation about spiritual things and talk about Christ. You may get somewhere or nowhere through talk, but generally it's pretty easy to do. Radicals however cannot be reasoned with or talked to. They are absolutely set in their ways and the moment someone disagrees with them religiously, it's time to beat them and maybe even kill them. Radicals are changed by radical things. Something naturally supernatural and unexpected that brings truth into their face like a freight train running into a pinto. The radical encounter with truth knocks them for a loop and then they have to deal with it.
All of this is stemming from the atrocities that have been committed in Indonesia by radical muslims there towards the Christians. I've been thinking a lot about his whole deal, and wondering what it would take to lead these muslim extremists to Jesus. If people who like Paul had nothing to lose went there in the power of the Holy Spirit, preached boldly, showed the awesome power of God by healing folks, raising murdered from the dead, going into villages and sharing the love of Christ with them, can you imagine the impact that could have. Some could die, and I'm sure some would if not many, but for them to know that Jesus is the One True God and that He loves them and is not willing to give up on them even though His own should suffer as He did so that they may come to know Him as Lord and Savior. Wow, how incredible would that be. Could I do that? Is that were God is leading me or should I pursue this position at work? I don't know, but what I do know is that according to Eph. 2:10 God has already prepared in advance good works for me to do. If that should include something in Indonesia then He will reveal it to me in time. If I'm to stick around and work with Ace for a bit more, then He'll show me that too.
Lord I trust that you have the best in mind for me, and you know where my heart is, but know also that if I'm to stay here I will be happy. As long as I have a place in advancing Your kingdom I'll be happy. Lord I ask that you would reveal yourself to these muslims over in Indonesia much like you did with Saul. They are persecuting You just like he did and are trying to make the gov't side with them and prohibit the reading of Your Word. Soften their hearts so that they may know Your truth and respond to it with eagerness. Bless them and the Christians over there. Give Your people in Indonesia strength to endure persecution and death, and yet give them the mercy, compassion, and love to forgive their enemies and pray for them as well. I know that you love everyone regardless of what they've done and You would have everyone come to know You. I ask that this would happen in Indonesia.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Update police, back off
I have a post, back off, I know how to use it!!
I had a moment after I finished doing some work at work, off the clock of course to respond to a post that Obie www. klaobeforehim.blogspot.com made on holloween. I absolutely had to post on that so if you want to see my latest wonderings and rants, go there. Hopefully my wireless will be up soon and the I can post at the wee hours of the morning or late hours of the evening. Blessings to all!
I had a moment after I finished doing some work at work, off the clock of course to respond to a post that Obie www. klaobeforehim.blogspot.com made on holloween. I absolutely had to post on that so if you want to see my latest wonderings and rants, go there. Hopefully my wireless will be up soon and the I can post at the wee hours of the morning or late hours of the evening. Blessings to all!
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Blessings of God 2
I'm just amazed sometimes at how God really does take care of us and provide for us. This comes to mind because recently I've been looking for a Toyota Tacoma to buy and a buyer for my Scout. Well, I finally found the Tacoma (praise God) and it has been a great truck. There are a few little issues I need to get straightened out, but I'm just happy to not be driving the Scout. Once I bought my Tacoma I was looking for a way to sell my Scout. I knew that it would be a while in the truck trader because it's a vehicle for a very niche market. That didn't give me a lot of hope, so I prayed and had others pray that my truck would sell fast and for a decent amount of money. I bought my Tacoma on a thursday and 2 days later a climbing buddy of mine calls me up on saturday morning and asks how I'm doing and if I'm still selling my Scout. I'm kinda stunned at the randomness of the phone call, but told him about my recent purchase and what I was asking for the Scout. He had moved to Tuscon and wanted something to go offroading with his family in, but his kids were to young for quads. He bought it a couple days later for $3,700 which is a decent price that seemed like something we could both live with. His family is loving the Scout and have been doing a lot of 4 wheeling in it. I'm glad it's found a good home.
The biggest thing is that a friend who didn't have my number and who I hadn't talked to in months calls me up out of the blue and buys my Scout. That's God, no if's, and's or but's about it. That gave me money for a new computer and money to refinance my truck loan in 6 months. God has also blessed me relationally with great friends and family. I pray that I can do rightly by Him and be who He has called me to be. That I can be the kind of son, brother, grandson, friend and employee that reflects the love of Christ and is always willing to serve others. Help me to know what it is like to be a follower of Christ. Teach me your ways, may the dust from your feet cover me.
The biggest thing is that a friend who didn't have my number and who I hadn't talked to in months calls me up out of the blue and buys my Scout. That's God, no if's, and's or but's about it. That gave me money for a new computer and money to refinance my truck loan in 6 months. God has also blessed me relationally with great friends and family. I pray that I can do rightly by Him and be who He has called me to be. That I can be the kind of son, brother, grandson, friend and employee that reflects the love of Christ and is always willing to serve others. Help me to know what it is like to be a follower of Christ. Teach me your ways, may the dust from your feet cover me.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Therapy in Writing
It's so nice to be able to type something out and release what you feel and think, then be able to have the wisdom to know that it is good to get off your chest, but not good to share with the world.
I've really been thinking a lot about the sovereignty of God lately. How He commands everything and how He has orchestrated all of history, using man's decisions both good and bad to accomplish His perfect will. How he provides for the birds of the sky and clothes the flowers of the field, and yet sometimes I wonder if He will provide for what I need. That is a dangerous place to be.
Adam and Eve were when the questioned God's goodness and thought that God was holding out on them. God knew what was best, but let them make their own decisions and 7000 yrs of humanity has paid the price for their sin.
Therefore, though I know what I desire, I do not know if it is good for me or not. Or if I am good for the object of my desire. God ultimately knows what is good for me and His plans are trustworthy. Prov. 16:9 says "The mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Also in Rom. 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." These verses are comforting above all things. To know that God is working out my future despite my plans, dreams, and hopes is very encouraging.
I was watching a Nooma (www.nooma.com) DVD where Rob Bell tells the story of how him and his wife were going to look for a kickball for their son. At the mall there was a kiosk that sold these rubber balls that were on an elastic band with a loop on one end for your wrist to go in. Rob put it on threw the ball and tried to catch it but it hit him in the face. His son instantly wanted one, but his parents knew better. The toy may have been good for a while, but they knew what was best. His son wasn't very happy as they picked him up and carried him away. They went to a sporting goods store across the street to continue their search for a kickball and found a whole wall of them in all different colors. Rob told his son he could have any kickball he wanted.
Sometimes I'm like Rob's little boy. I want something bad, it looks like fun, but God knows that it'll probably smack me in the face and then I'll not want it anymore. How often has He had to pick me up kicking and screaming, take me across the street and show me that He had something so much better in mind for me.
As I'm walking through life, I constantly find myself in situations where I have to stop and think, is this the best God has for me, or am I settling for second best? Is this the job that I should be at? Should I be working harder to move into full time missions trusting that the seizure stuff will be taken care of? Should I stop investing so much of myself into a relationship that may never go where I'd like it to? Should I continue investing at work trusting that God will open up the door when the time is right and continue to pour myself into this relationship trusting that God will work things out and that loving somebody selflessly will always produce good fruit, even if it's not harvested by you.
Lord I don't pretend to know why I am where I am, and how to make sense of all the ups and downs in my life. What I do know is that You are constant and unchanging. You never fail me, though the world should crash down all around me, still You will be there. Forgive me for taking my focus off of you and putting so much attention on things that should be second not first. Teach me to live my life as is depicted in the song Keith Green so eloquently sung when he pledged himself, his wife and his son to the Gospel. Give me a heart that seeks diligently after you and is heart after Yours.
I've really been thinking a lot about the sovereignty of God lately. How He commands everything and how He has orchestrated all of history, using man's decisions both good and bad to accomplish His perfect will. How he provides for the birds of the sky and clothes the flowers of the field, and yet sometimes I wonder if He will provide for what I need. That is a dangerous place to be.
Adam and Eve were when the questioned God's goodness and thought that God was holding out on them. God knew what was best, but let them make their own decisions and 7000 yrs of humanity has paid the price for their sin.
Therefore, though I know what I desire, I do not know if it is good for me or not. Or if I am good for the object of my desire. God ultimately knows what is good for me and His plans are trustworthy. Prov. 16:9 says "The mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Also in Rom. 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." These verses are comforting above all things. To know that God is working out my future despite my plans, dreams, and hopes is very encouraging.
I was watching a Nooma (www.nooma.com) DVD where Rob Bell tells the story of how him and his wife were going to look for a kickball for their son. At the mall there was a kiosk that sold these rubber balls that were on an elastic band with a loop on one end for your wrist to go in. Rob put it on threw the ball and tried to catch it but it hit him in the face. His son instantly wanted one, but his parents knew better. The toy may have been good for a while, but they knew what was best. His son wasn't very happy as they picked him up and carried him away. They went to a sporting goods store across the street to continue their search for a kickball and found a whole wall of them in all different colors. Rob told his son he could have any kickball he wanted.
Sometimes I'm like Rob's little boy. I want something bad, it looks like fun, but God knows that it'll probably smack me in the face and then I'll not want it anymore. How often has He had to pick me up kicking and screaming, take me across the street and show me that He had something so much better in mind for me.
As I'm walking through life, I constantly find myself in situations where I have to stop and think, is this the best God has for me, or am I settling for second best? Is this the job that I should be at? Should I be working harder to move into full time missions trusting that the seizure stuff will be taken care of? Should I stop investing so much of myself into a relationship that may never go where I'd like it to? Should I continue investing at work trusting that God will open up the door when the time is right and continue to pour myself into this relationship trusting that God will work things out and that loving somebody selflessly will always produce good fruit, even if it's not harvested by you.
Lord I don't pretend to know why I am where I am, and how to make sense of all the ups and downs in my life. What I do know is that You are constant and unchanging. You never fail me, though the world should crash down all around me, still You will be there. Forgive me for taking my focus off of you and putting so much attention on things that should be second not first. Teach me to live my life as is depicted in the song Keith Green so eloquently sung when he pledged himself, his wife and his son to the Gospel. Give me a heart that seeks diligently after you and is heart after Yours.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Church is a Blast!
What kind of church can you go to where the pastor will only have a vague idea what he's preaching on, is unsure of how he's going to deliver it, yet the Lord totally moves, and the pastor has blast doing it?
What kind of church can you go to where you get to act out the sermon, hunt for clues that lead you to the main point of the sermon, and is highly interactive?
What kind of church can you go to where you can break dance, do the robot, the sprinkler, the lawnmower, the worm, or the disco dance while praising and worshipping God?
What kind of church can you go to and be accepted by everyone?
If you're wondering where this church has been all your life then I'll tell you. The only condition I have is that if this sounds like something that is interesting then you absolutely must come atleast once. This church is the church of our future. It's the church our kids go to.
This past sunday was a total blast. None of us teachers did the responsible thing and called around to see if there was a written up curriculum for this week. We all assumed, and were disappointed come sunday morning. Nonetheless, God used it to His glory. We did something completely different than the typical Adventure Bay hunting for clues deal. We had everyone act out the story of Moses sending the 12 spies into the land of canaan and it was so much fun. We will definitely do this about once a month.
The kids were laughing, participating, coloring, and answering questions like it was going out of style.
It's so nice to be able to escape into the world of a little kid once a week, jump around, roll on the floor and just have a blast and not have to be so serious or concerned about other things. I think I find that I'm most alive when I'm in that state of mind. Absolutely cut loose and just enjoying life. I can't wait till I can do that with my own kids.
What kind of church can you go to where you get to act out the sermon, hunt for clues that lead you to the main point of the sermon, and is highly interactive?
What kind of church can you go to where you can break dance, do the robot, the sprinkler, the lawnmower, the worm, or the disco dance while praising and worshipping God?
What kind of church can you go to and be accepted by everyone?
If you're wondering where this church has been all your life then I'll tell you. The only condition I have is that if this sounds like something that is interesting then you absolutely must come atleast once. This church is the church of our future. It's the church our kids go to.
This past sunday was a total blast. None of us teachers did the responsible thing and called around to see if there was a written up curriculum for this week. We all assumed, and were disappointed come sunday morning. Nonetheless, God used it to His glory. We did something completely different than the typical Adventure Bay hunting for clues deal. We had everyone act out the story of Moses sending the 12 spies into the land of canaan and it was so much fun. We will definitely do this about once a month.
The kids were laughing, participating, coloring, and answering questions like it was going out of style.
It's so nice to be able to escape into the world of a little kid once a week, jump around, roll on the floor and just have a blast and not have to be so serious or concerned about other things. I think I find that I'm most alive when I'm in that state of mind. Absolutely cut loose and just enjoying life. I can't wait till I can do that with my own kids.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Over the Crux
I just found myself relating life to climbing, then I deleted everything I wrote. Must have been smoking something.
Wonderings of a Sojourner. What does that mean? Beyond the dictionary definitions, to what does that mean in life? To call oneself a sojourner and to live as one are 2 different things. Biblicly speaking all who are called by the name of Christ are sojourners, wanderers in this land waiting to go Home. Do we really live like that though? Do I? What things and people have I allowed my roots to get wrapped around? Could I leave the pseudo protection of knowing where I am, pull my roots out of the ground and go to war? Have I already stretched out my limbs and pulled my roots out and begun to walk the war path that has been worn by men and women far greater than I. Do I use seizures as a crutch to not go do what I truly want to do, or is God using it as an anchor to keep me from going wherever the wind blows. Who/what is my crutch? Is it God? Is it work or medical insurance, desire to get married, friends, family, or myself? Why do I feel as if I'm on the crux ( hardest part of a climb) with the end in sight, but I just can't pull off the move. Is it because I'm hesitating to do what I know needs to be done? Do I know what needs to be done? Do I have what it takes to do what needs to be done.
All I want is to get my head above the clouds, breathe the fresh air, and feel the Son warm me. There has got to be more to life than this. If a lion was born in a cage, he never knows that there's anything more to life than a cage. But once he tastes freedom, I mean absolute freedom, he can never be content to have anything less than freedom. Once he's experienced the rush of stalking his prey, chasing it, bringing it down, tearing into it's flesh and tasting the fresh warm meat and blood. The animal in him comes out. He knows that this is what he was meant for. Everything he had known before was a make believe world that ran off of somebody else's clock, but out here in the wild, there's only One timekeeper. To put such in animal back into a cage is the same as killing it. When will the Timekeeper, come with the keys to my cage and let me return to the wild where I was meant to be. Length of life is not always as important as quality of life. I've often said that "if you're not living on the top or on the edge then you're simply existing". I am sick of existing. God's kingdom will be advanced, but not by those who are merely existing. Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. According to an interpretation of this by Matthew Henry, Jesus was talking about a highly regard tradition of zealous Jews that would ascend to Heaven and forcibly lay hold of the Law. This was how passionate they were about God's law and following it. It was looked upon as greater than peaceably accepting the law in the eyes of the Jews. Jesus then may be using this to say that great are those who passionately advance the Kingdom of God and with the direction of God in the Power of the Spirit force the enemy into retreat as they preach the Gospel with boldness to all who would listen.
Lord let me be that way. I'm but an orphan cub adopted into your family, but my teeth are sharp, and I've tasted the blood of our enemy. You've shown Your power to me and I know that it's in me as You are in me. Send me out to let the other orphans out of their cages and to destroy those that have them bound up. Give me courage and boldness so I won't be like the lion in the Wizard of Oz. Make me like You oh Mighty One. The Lion of Judah who can stand against You? Who is left standing in Your presence? Even the mightiest of men wet their pants when they see You. Your whispers turn mountains into valleys and makes the earth tremble at it's very core. Who is like You? Your roar is that which would destroy the universe, nothing created can stand before You. Blessed be Your name and Your will be done. Raise up a people, set them apart for Your purposes, may I be counted among them.
For those who have been counted, and who's blood is covering the earth, who's cries scream out for mercy on their murderers and persecuters, give them and their families Shalom. Give them strength to get over the crux and to do what You've called them to. For my brothers and sisters who are laying hold of the Kingdom and forcibly advancing it, give them courage and boldness in abundance. Send them encourgers to keep them pushing forward. Protect them and provide for their needs.
Praise be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who though separate are One in the same and equally worthy of our praise as God, as LORD, and as Savior.
Wonderings of a Sojourner. What does that mean? Beyond the dictionary definitions, to what does that mean in life? To call oneself a sojourner and to live as one are 2 different things. Biblicly speaking all who are called by the name of Christ are sojourners, wanderers in this land waiting to go Home. Do we really live like that though? Do I? What things and people have I allowed my roots to get wrapped around? Could I leave the pseudo protection of knowing where I am, pull my roots out of the ground and go to war? Have I already stretched out my limbs and pulled my roots out and begun to walk the war path that has been worn by men and women far greater than I. Do I use seizures as a crutch to not go do what I truly want to do, or is God using it as an anchor to keep me from going wherever the wind blows. Who/what is my crutch? Is it God? Is it work or medical insurance, desire to get married, friends, family, or myself? Why do I feel as if I'm on the crux ( hardest part of a climb) with the end in sight, but I just can't pull off the move. Is it because I'm hesitating to do what I know needs to be done? Do I know what needs to be done? Do I have what it takes to do what needs to be done.
All I want is to get my head above the clouds, breathe the fresh air, and feel the Son warm me. There has got to be more to life than this. If a lion was born in a cage, he never knows that there's anything more to life than a cage. But once he tastes freedom, I mean absolute freedom, he can never be content to have anything less than freedom. Once he's experienced the rush of stalking his prey, chasing it, bringing it down, tearing into it's flesh and tasting the fresh warm meat and blood. The animal in him comes out. He knows that this is what he was meant for. Everything he had known before was a make believe world that ran off of somebody else's clock, but out here in the wild, there's only One timekeeper. To put such in animal back into a cage is the same as killing it. When will the Timekeeper, come with the keys to my cage and let me return to the wild where I was meant to be. Length of life is not always as important as quality of life. I've often said that "if you're not living on the top or on the edge then you're simply existing". I am sick of existing. God's kingdom will be advanced, but not by those who are merely existing. Matthew 11:12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. According to an interpretation of this by Matthew Henry, Jesus was talking about a highly regard tradition of zealous Jews that would ascend to Heaven and forcibly lay hold of the Law. This was how passionate they were about God's law and following it. It was looked upon as greater than peaceably accepting the law in the eyes of the Jews. Jesus then may be using this to say that great are those who passionately advance the Kingdom of God and with the direction of God in the Power of the Spirit force the enemy into retreat as they preach the Gospel with boldness to all who would listen.
Lord let me be that way. I'm but an orphan cub adopted into your family, but my teeth are sharp, and I've tasted the blood of our enemy. You've shown Your power to me and I know that it's in me as You are in me. Send me out to let the other orphans out of their cages and to destroy those that have them bound up. Give me courage and boldness so I won't be like the lion in the Wizard of Oz. Make me like You oh Mighty One. The Lion of Judah who can stand against You? Who is left standing in Your presence? Even the mightiest of men wet their pants when they see You. Your whispers turn mountains into valleys and makes the earth tremble at it's very core. Who is like You? Your roar is that which would destroy the universe, nothing created can stand before You. Blessed be Your name and Your will be done. Raise up a people, set them apart for Your purposes, may I be counted among them.
For those who have been counted, and who's blood is covering the earth, who's cries scream out for mercy on their murderers and persecuters, give them and their families Shalom. Give them strength to get over the crux and to do what You've called them to. For my brothers and sisters who are laying hold of the Kingdom and forcibly advancing it, give them courage and boldness in abundance. Send them encourgers to keep them pushing forward. Protect them and provide for their needs.
Praise be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit who though separate are One in the same and equally worthy of our praise as God, as LORD, and as Savior.
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