HEY, ALL OF YOU "CHILLYBLOG FRIENDS" -- I'VE TOTALLY MOVED MY BLOGSITE TO A NEW LOCATION! ON THE NEW SITE YOU CAN: CHECK OUT MUSIC, BOOKS & MOVIES; ADD YOUR OWN COMMENTS/E-PROPS; SIGN THE GUESTBOOK, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
THIS SITE WILL ONLY REMAIN FOR A LITTLE WHILE SO THAT READERS MAY LOOK BACK AT THE ARCHIVES & SEE "PAST LESSONS, VICTORIES & HUMOR"! :)
click here: iChilly.com
SEE YOU @ THE OTHER SITE! THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST - i'm always honored & humbled! peace... OUT! chilly
10.04.2003
10.03.2003
10.01.2003
9.29.2003
9.26.2003
I woke up smiling today, excited over all I get to do before the clock
strikes midnight (ok, more like 4am). I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am
important to God. So, my job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful
that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that
my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away
from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was
growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that
thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a
quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy
because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to study or eagerly open my
mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do help out around thehouse or I can
feel honored because I've been provided shelter for my mind and body.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY . . . unless you have other plans.
===============================
one other thought:
The next time you feel like complaining, remember: Your garbage
disposal probably eats better than 30% of the people in this world.
strikes midnight (ok, more like 4am). I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am
important to God. So, my job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful
that the grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that
my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away
from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was
growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that
thorns have roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a
quest to discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy
because I have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to study or eagerly open my
mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do help out around thehouse or I can
feel honored because I've been provided shelter for my mind and body.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.
What today will be like is up to me.
I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY . . . unless you have other plans.
===============================
one other thought:
The next time you feel like complaining, remember: Your garbage
disposal probably eats better than 30% of the people in this world.
9.24.2003
WORD OF THE WEEK:
This week's word is...
GESTICULATE
gesticulate \juh-STIK-yuh-layt\, intransitive verb:
To make gestures or motions, especially while speaking or instead of speaking.
Sentence: While snorkling in Guam, in between clearing his flooded mask or adjusting his walmart flippers, Mike Latino (who's 18 today) would gesticulate wildly to point out the giant barracuda hovering nearby...
you're, again, much wiser and possibly amused... :)
This week's word is...
GESTICULATE
gesticulate \juh-STIK-yuh-layt\, intransitive verb:
To make gestures or motions, especially while speaking or instead of speaking.
Sentence: While snorkling in Guam, in between clearing his flooded mask or adjusting his walmart flippers, Mike Latino (who's 18 today) would gesticulate wildly to point out the giant barracuda hovering nearby...
you're, again, much wiser and possibly amused... :)
9.23.2003
spent most of today hangin' out at a lake with Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong Worship Team...
nooooooooo, i'm not name droppin' - but, it's cool to see the people God will put in your path as you serve Him. there will be many, MANY people saved by the next time i post a blog. be praying NOW...
by the way, 71 more accepted Christ over the weekend AND 2 people in wheelchairs were prayed for by a couple of our teens and they WERE HEALED & left their wheelchairs behind! this happened Saturday night at a gas station not Sunday morning at church!! Anytime is the right time for God to be GOD!!
peace!
nooooooooo, i'm not name droppin' - but, it's cool to see the people God will put in your path as you serve Him. there will be many, MANY people saved by the next time i post a blog. be praying NOW...
by the way, 71 more accepted Christ over the weekend AND 2 people in wheelchairs were prayed for by a couple of our teens and they WERE HEALED & left their wheelchairs behind! this happened Saturday night at a gas station not Sunday morning at church!! Anytime is the right time for God to be GOD!!
peace!
9.21.2003
Faith's Struggle
by Sarah E. Haringa
Hurdles are getting higher, God,
losing sight of who you are.
Going through the motions now,
each day like the one before...
Every hour is a test of patience,
each minute a test of strength.
Lord, how much longer must I wait?
Right now it seems you’re late...
"All in his time," so people say,
and while I know those words are true,
with the way things are going, God,
I’ve lost the comfort in that, too...
My hope is being shattered,
burdens press me to the ground.
My once-strong faith is wavering,
like Peter I’m sinking down...
I’m sailing a sea called Lonesome
to an island named Despair.
My ship has blown off course,
black clouds looming in the air...
Lightning fills the darkened sky,
and it feels like I’ve been hit.
But when I ask, "Why Lord?"
you simply say, "Don’t quit..."
Oh God, I’m your child!
Please listen to my cry.
However long it takes,
I’ll wait for your reply...
But if I have to wait much longer,
then you must give me patience.
If I am supposed to trust,
then you must give me faith...
Your answers mean so much to me;
it’s your will I’m striving for.
All I want is a glimpse of home,
to rest at last upon your shore...
Is this what they mean by
"Leap of Faith"?
When your feet can’t touch the bottom
and land seems so far away?
I want to reach out to you
despite my present fears.
Draw me closer to you now, God,
and wash away my tears...
I will rest tomorrow,
your love is all I know.
But in the storms of life, Lord,
please hold my hand and don’t let go...
by Sarah E. Haringa
Hurdles are getting higher, God,
losing sight of who you are.
Going through the motions now,
each day like the one before...
Every hour is a test of patience,
each minute a test of strength.
Lord, how much longer must I wait?
Right now it seems you’re late...
"All in his time," so people say,
and while I know those words are true,
with the way things are going, God,
I’ve lost the comfort in that, too...
My hope is being shattered,
burdens press me to the ground.
My once-strong faith is wavering,
like Peter I’m sinking down...
I’m sailing a sea called Lonesome
to an island named Despair.
My ship has blown off course,
black clouds looming in the air...
Lightning fills the darkened sky,
and it feels like I’ve been hit.
But when I ask, "Why Lord?"
you simply say, "Don’t quit..."
Oh God, I’m your child!
Please listen to my cry.
However long it takes,
I’ll wait for your reply...
But if I have to wait much longer,
then you must give me patience.
If I am supposed to trust,
then you must give me faith...
Your answers mean so much to me;
it’s your will I’m striving for.
All I want is a glimpse of home,
to rest at last upon your shore...
Is this what they mean by
"Leap of Faith"?
When your feet can’t touch the bottom
and land seems so far away?
I want to reach out to you
despite my present fears.
Draw me closer to you now, God,
and wash away my tears...
I will rest tomorrow,
your love is all I know.
But in the storms of life, Lord,
please hold my hand and don’t let go...
9.19.2003
it's been a hectic week and my bloggin' has suffered a bit... sorry.
here's the : WORD of the WEEK --
TRANSMOGRIFY
transmogrify \trans-MOG-ruh-fy\, transitive verb:
To change into a different shape or to transform, often with
bizarre or humorous effect.
word used in a sentence:
For the impulsive sin of turning to look back at the
firery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife is
transmogrified into a pillar of salt as she flees the
inferno.
hmmm, man, I should be a pillar of salt - I've looked back many times. the lesson: ah, friend, when God frees you and delivers you; move forward & refuse to look back or long for the things of your sinful past. AREN'T YOU TIRED OF WATCHING RE-RUNS?! There's a new season premiering on your "life" channel today - don't miss it - it's awesome!
here's the : WORD of the WEEK --
TRANSMOGRIFY
transmogrify \trans-MOG-ruh-fy\, transitive verb:
To change into a different shape or to transform, often with
bizarre or humorous effect.
word used in a sentence:
For the impulsive sin of turning to look back at the
firery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife is
transmogrified into a pillar of salt as she flees the
inferno.
hmmm, man, I should be a pillar of salt - I've looked back many times. the lesson: ah, friend, when God frees you and delivers you; move forward & refuse to look back or long for the things of your sinful past. AREN'T YOU TIRED OF WATCHING RE-RUNS?! There's a new season premiering on your "life" channel today - don't miss it - it's awesome!
9.15.2003
DV8 UPDATE:
what an incredible weekend we enjoyed! man, it was awesome!!
just Thursday through Saturday, 54 teens accepted Christ into their hearts at high schools, middle schools, shopping malls, football games, concert and the oUtbReAk! YES! then, on Sunday night @ DV8 Live we had 260 teens with 19 visitors and 25 MORE commitments to Christ (that's 79 in 4 days)!! God is moving so powerfully! not only are we reaching teens EVERYDAY but our discipleship efforts on Wednesday & Sunday mornings have never been better attended. we are seeing God build community among us and we're stronger than ever. now, i know that His word states: "First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall" (Proverbs 16:18, the message); so let me be clear that this is a GOD THANG! it's His work and we give Him ALL the glory!!
i'm just humbled and honored to be able to hang out with the greatest generation to ever be born. you teens know who you are and KNOW THAT i LOVE YOU and i'm PROUD OF YOU! and just think, how much MORE God loves you! HE'S SMILING!!
keep praying EVERYDAY - that's talking AND listening!! bury your nose in His word and live your life LOUD amongst your campus, family & beyond! HE'S IN YOU! now, be "Jesus with Skin on"
I BELIEVE!
oh... here's a TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
:D
what an incredible weekend we enjoyed! man, it was awesome!!
just Thursday through Saturday, 54 teens accepted Christ into their hearts at high schools, middle schools, shopping malls, football games, concert and the oUtbReAk! YES! then, on Sunday night @ DV8 Live we had 260 teens with 19 visitors and 25 MORE commitments to Christ (that's 79 in 4 days)!! God is moving so powerfully! not only are we reaching teens EVERYDAY but our discipleship efforts on Wednesday & Sunday mornings have never been better attended. we are seeing God build community among us and we're stronger than ever. now, i know that His word states: "First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall" (Proverbs 16:18, the message); so let me be clear that this is a GOD THANG! it's His work and we give Him ALL the glory!!
i'm just humbled and honored to be able to hang out with the greatest generation to ever be born. you teens know who you are and KNOW THAT i LOVE YOU and i'm PROUD OF YOU! and just think, how much MORE God loves you! HE'S SMILING!!
keep praying EVERYDAY - that's talking AND listening!! bury your nose in His word and live your life LOUD amongst your campus, family & beyond! HE'S IN YOU! now, be "Jesus with Skin on"
I BELIEVE!
oh... here's a TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
:D
hey,
we're working this week on making MUCH NEEDED improvements to our student outreach websites:
<----- click links to left for either DV8 and/or M/C
we want YOUR help!!
so, please tell us what you would like to see on our webpage...
email me your suggestions: chillydog1@yahoo.com
love you - have a great Monday!
peace...
we're working this week on making MUCH NEEDED improvements to our student outreach websites:
<----- click links to left for either DV8 and/or M/C
we want YOUR help!!
so, please tell us what you would like to see on our webpage...
email me your suggestions: chillydog1@yahoo.com
love you - have a great Monday!
peace...
YOU AND GOD
People are often unreasonable,
irrational, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse
you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere
people may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating
others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
-Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable,
irrational, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse
you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere
people may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating
others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
-Mother Teresa
9.13.2003
9.12.2003
9.11.2003
9.10.2003
Friends, tomorrow is September 11th... a day etched in our memories forever. Many of us remember the tragedies & fears but I want to bring something uplifting to consider...
A Positive Slant on Things
By now everyone has heard the death toll and reports of the destruction from the terrorist attacks on the US. These were deplorable acts that we will never forget.
But now is a time to look at the other side of the numbers that came out of New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The sad, but somewhat uplifting side, that the mainstream media never really reported - the SURVIVAL rates and some positive news about the attacks.
The Buildings
The World Trade Center: The twin towers of the World Trade Center were places of employment for some 50,000 people. With the missing list of just over 6,000 people, that means 90% of the people targeted survived the attack. A 90% on a test is an 'A'.
The Pentagon: Some 23,000 people were the target of a third plane aimed at the Pentagon. The last count shows that only 123 lost their lives. That is an amazing 99.5% survival rate. In addition, the plane seems to have come in too low, too early to affect a large portion of the building. On top of that, the section that was hit was the first of five sections to undergo renovations that would help protect the Pentagon from terrorist attacks. It had recently completed straightening and blastproofing, saving untold lives. This attack was sad, but a statistical failure.
The Planes
American Airlines Flight 77: This Boeing 757 that was flown into the outside of the Pentagon could have carried up to 289 people, yet only 64 were aboard. Luckily 78% of the seats were empty.
American Airlines Flight 11: This Boeing 767 could have had up to 351 people aboard, but only carried 92. Thankfully 74% of the seats were unfilled.
United Airlines Flight 175: Another Boeing 767 that could have sat 351 people only had 65 people on board. Fortunately it was 81% empty.
United Airlines Flight 93: This Boeing 757 was one of the most uplifting stories yet. The smallest flight to be hijacked with only 45 people aboard out of a possible 289 had 84% of its capacity unused. Yet these people, with a battle cry "LET'S ROLL," stood up to the attackers and thwarted a fourth attempted destruction of a national landmark, saving untold numbers of lives in the process.
In Summary
Out of potentially 74,280 Americans directly targeted by these inept cowards, 93% survived or avoided the attacks. That's a higher survival rate than heart attacks, breast cancer, kidney transplants and liver transplants - all common, survivable illnesses.
I'm, obviously, not taking one life for granted -- they ALL matter to God. Yet, I can see God's protection & provision in the midst of such horrible attacks.
You know, the devil is the ultimate terrorist. He's targeted our souls many, many times but are we alive? YES! We are survivers of his cowardice attacks. Why? Simple: JESUS! He's already won!
So, as 9.11 is upon us, let's remember to pray for all of the families with lost love ones due to this tragedy. But, let's also rejoice in God's sovereign protection! THANK YOU JESUS!
peace
A Positive Slant on Things
By now everyone has heard the death toll and reports of the destruction from the terrorist attacks on the US. These were deplorable acts that we will never forget.
But now is a time to look at the other side of the numbers that came out of New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The sad, but somewhat uplifting side, that the mainstream media never really reported - the SURVIVAL rates and some positive news about the attacks.
The Buildings
The World Trade Center: The twin towers of the World Trade Center were places of employment for some 50,000 people. With the missing list of just over 6,000 people, that means 90% of the people targeted survived the attack. A 90% on a test is an 'A'.
The Pentagon: Some 23,000 people were the target of a third plane aimed at the Pentagon. The last count shows that only 123 lost their lives. That is an amazing 99.5% survival rate. In addition, the plane seems to have come in too low, too early to affect a large portion of the building. On top of that, the section that was hit was the first of five sections to undergo renovations that would help protect the Pentagon from terrorist attacks. It had recently completed straightening and blastproofing, saving untold lives. This attack was sad, but a statistical failure.
The Planes
American Airlines Flight 77: This Boeing 757 that was flown into the outside of the Pentagon could have carried up to 289 people, yet only 64 were aboard. Luckily 78% of the seats were empty.
American Airlines Flight 11: This Boeing 767 could have had up to 351 people aboard, but only carried 92. Thankfully 74% of the seats were unfilled.
United Airlines Flight 175: Another Boeing 767 that could have sat 351 people only had 65 people on board. Fortunately it was 81% empty.
United Airlines Flight 93: This Boeing 757 was one of the most uplifting stories yet. The smallest flight to be hijacked with only 45 people aboard out of a possible 289 had 84% of its capacity unused. Yet these people, with a battle cry "LET'S ROLL," stood up to the attackers and thwarted a fourth attempted destruction of a national landmark, saving untold numbers of lives in the process.
In Summary
Out of potentially 74,280 Americans directly targeted by these inept cowards, 93% survived or avoided the attacks. That's a higher survival rate than heart attacks, breast cancer, kidney transplants and liver transplants - all common, survivable illnesses.
I'm, obviously, not taking one life for granted -- they ALL matter to God. Yet, I can see God's protection & provision in the midst of such horrible attacks.
You know, the devil is the ultimate terrorist. He's targeted our souls many, many times but are we alive? YES! We are survivers of his cowardice attacks. Why? Simple: JESUS! He's already won!
So, as 9.11 is upon us, let's remember to pray for all of the families with lost love ones due to this tragedy. But, let's also rejoice in God's sovereign protection! THANK YOU JESUS!
peace
9.08.2003
ok, i have another word of the week
today's word is...
DEFENESTRATE
defenestrate \dee-FEN-uh-strayt\, transitive verb:
To throw out of a window.
Sentence: i would happily defenestrate the devil
if i caught him near a window.
hey, this was such a unique word that i just had to add it to the blog! if you don't like it, walk over to the window and defenestrate it!!
:D
today's word is...
DEFENESTRATE
defenestrate \dee-FEN-uh-strayt\, transitive verb:
To throw out of a window.
Sentence: i would happily defenestrate the devil
if i caught him near a window.
hey, this was such a unique word that i just had to add it to the blog! if you don't like it, walk over to the window and defenestrate it!!
:D
souls, souls, SOULS!!
ohhhhh, Yeah! this weekend was so amazing - as i mentioned, 32 teens accepted Christ on Friday night well then 41 more accepted Christ on Saturday night and then 16 more accepted Christ today! 89 SAVED IN ONE WEEKEND!
we are working our butts off finding as many options as possible to disciple these new believers! we have CPR (campus prayer revival) every Monday morning at area schools - also at schools: youth alive, campus life, fellowship of Christian athletes, r.o.c.k. groups plus "power lunches" and "bible"-study halls! Then we have CodeRed at DV8 with brand new IT (impact teams) we also have EMT (extreme ministry teams), MD (master's decision) and MC (master's commission) in addition we have Elev8 and DV8U... whew! it takes a lot to reach and equip a generation of warriors!
now, we're pressin' hard into prayer! all month we're back to BASIC TRAINING learning and re-learning how to aggressively & accurately pursue an awesome relationship with God through prayer. here's one thought regarding it...
Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems. HE can do anything/everything!
i hope this blog brings inspiration & motivation to ALL who read it! it's YOUR time ~ don't be caught chillin' when the trumpet sounds!
if i can help, SHOUT at me: chillydog1@yahoo.com
...peace...
ohhhhh, Yeah! this weekend was so amazing - as i mentioned, 32 teens accepted Christ on Friday night well then 41 more accepted Christ on Saturday night and then 16 more accepted Christ today! 89 SAVED IN ONE WEEKEND!
we are working our butts off finding as many options as possible to disciple these new believers! we have CPR (campus prayer revival) every Monday morning at area schools - also at schools: youth alive, campus life, fellowship of Christian athletes, r.o.c.k. groups plus "power lunches" and "bible"-study halls! Then we have CodeRed at DV8 with brand new IT (impact teams) we also have EMT (extreme ministry teams), MD (master's decision) and MC (master's commission) in addition we have Elev8 and DV8U... whew! it takes a lot to reach and equip a generation of warriors!
now, we're pressin' hard into prayer! all month we're back to BASIC TRAINING learning and re-learning how to aggressively & accurately pursue an awesome relationship with God through prayer. here's one thought regarding it...
Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems. HE can do anything/everything!
i hope this blog brings inspiration & motivation to ALL who read it! it's YOUR time ~ don't be caught chillin' when the trumpet sounds!
if i can help, SHOUT at me: chillydog1@yahoo.com
...peace...
9.06.2003
CHILLYISM CORRECTION!!!
the last post that i had, "don't crucify today..." well, i did a search and found that someone else had said the same thing in 1935. not that i had ever read it -- but it's a further reminder that there's little about me that's original. ha!
so, here's the whole article written with the quote included:
"Today"
Written to Margie Major by her father, Harold Major in 1935
"Don't crucify today between those two thieves, yesterday and tomorrow.
Either thief will rob you of the joy of living today and opportunities of service.
Yesterday and tomorrow, both are far away nothings. One is only a memory,
the other a vague promise. You might not even be here tomorrow. Accept from
the past only the lessons it has taught you and leave both yesterday and
tomorrow in the care of your loving Heavenly Father, knowing that He will
do for you better things than you can either ask or pray for.
Go forward today with the light of triumph in your eyes, trusting moment
by moment in your risen Savior as you live to glorify Him. He will hold you fast!"
gotta give props where they belong!!
peace
the last post that i had, "don't crucify today..." well, i did a search and found that someone else had said the same thing in 1935. not that i had ever read it -- but it's a further reminder that there's little about me that's original. ha!
so, here's the whole article written with the quote included:
"Today"
Written to Margie Major by her father, Harold Major in 1935
"Don't crucify today between those two thieves, yesterday and tomorrow.
Either thief will rob you of the joy of living today and opportunities of service.
Yesterday and tomorrow, both are far away nothings. One is only a memory,
the other a vague promise. You might not even be here tomorrow. Accept from
the past only the lessons it has taught you and leave both yesterday and
tomorrow in the care of your loving Heavenly Father, knowing that He will
do for you better things than you can either ask or pray for.
Go forward today with the light of triumph in your eyes, trusting moment
by moment in your risen Savior as you live to glorify Him. He will hold you fast!"
gotta give props where they belong!!
peace
. . . does God still answer prayer? . . . does He still save people??
Yes! YES!!!
tonight was a night of High School football games here in mid-America... big crowds under the lights as a cool autumn-like breeze blows ~ i love this time of the year! ... and IF you were Jesus, where would you hang out? that's right - you'd be at the game with your face painted among the cheering masses. yeah, well US TOO! and... well... 32 TEENS ACCEPTED CHRIST!! OH YEAH!
we have seen teens accept Christ right in the halls of their public schools EVERYDAY this week! what can your God do?! Anything! EVERYTHING!!
pray hard... obey quickly. your availability is God's opportunity to do a great work in/through you!
I BELIEVE!
Consumed with Christ,
chilly " oh captain, my captain "
P.S. I'm not positive that Jesus would paint his face -- but, I think he might... He did tonight when he wore Joel Henney's skin to the football game.
:D
Yes! YES!!!
tonight was a night of High School football games here in mid-America... big crowds under the lights as a cool autumn-like breeze blows ~ i love this time of the year! ... and IF you were Jesus, where would you hang out? that's right - you'd be at the game with your face painted among the cheering masses. yeah, well US TOO! and... well... 32 TEENS ACCEPTED CHRIST!! OH YEAH!
we have seen teens accept Christ right in the halls of their public schools EVERYDAY this week! what can your God do?! Anything! EVERYTHING!!
pray hard... obey quickly. your availability is God's opportunity to do a great work in/through you!
I BELIEVE!
Consumed with Christ,
chilly " oh captain, my captain "
P.S. I'm not positive that Jesus would paint his face -- but, I think he might... He did tonight when he wore Joel Henney's skin to the football game.
:D
9.05.2003
9.04.2003
... ok, it's that time again when i ask for some "feedback" ...
no, i'm not insecure but i do want to know what your opinions are about this blog: favorite feature (chillyism, tozer, vocabulary, devos, etc), new title and format, and whatever else.
so, email me TODAY and shout out how you're feeling about it all: chillydog1@yahoo.com ~ c'mon, email me NOW and be specific!
love ya...
cC
:D
no, i'm not insecure but i do want to know what your opinions are about this blog: favorite feature (chillyism, tozer, vocabulary, devos, etc), new title and format, and whatever else.
so, email me TODAY and shout out how you're feeling about it all: chillydog1@yahoo.com ~ c'mon, email me NOW and be specific!
love ya...
cC
:D
TOZER TODAY:
"The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abandonment of all things. The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have banished every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing. These are the 'poor in spirit' " (The Pursuit of God, 23)
...so the only way to be "rich in Christ" is to be "poor in spirit" --- ahhhh, yes! I get it!!
"The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abandonment of all things. The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have banished every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing. These are the 'poor in spirit' " (The Pursuit of God, 23)
...so the only way to be "rich in Christ" is to be "poor in spirit" --- ahhhh, yes! I get it!!
9.03.2003
This Is The Place Where Jesus Is
by Ginny Olson
The destination was Bethlehem. As a child I imagined it was full of wood crèches resembling Swiss ski lodges in the middle of rolling hills, dotted with woolly sheep. But I’d already seen enough of Israel on this trip to know that it wouldn’t meet my Sunday school expectations. Though I was prepared for the cheap souvenirs and tourists shouldering video cameras, I was still enthusiastic about seeing firsthand the place where the God who created the universe became screaming, infant flesh.
Our group walked across the square to the church at Bethlehem. It was actually a patchwork of different churches pieced together over the centuries, each trying to claim a portion of the site by erecting wall or a doorway. We entered the darkened sanctuary on the Eastern Orthodox side of the church. Straight ahead were ornate silver artwork, hanging candles, and antique icons. Off in a corner, a priest paced back and forth in silence—our guide said he’d seen this priest in the same place doing the same thing on each of his 10 or so tours through the church.
We were herded down stone steps to a well-lit cave where the Orthodox say Jesus was born. Nuns in white and sky blue habits were one of the few signs that this was more than a museum stop. After a few minutes we continued our tour to another part of the church and were greeted with a 30-foot tinfoil dove erected for the Christmas season.
The Reynolds Wrap bird was the last straw. I was overwhelmed by the crush of tourists and the museum-like quality of this place. I’d come hoping for an encounter with God and instead encountered international church culture, complete with tinsel trimmings.
Then I noticed a stairway at the back of the sanctuary. As the rest of the crowd moved to the front to examine the aluminum bird, I escaped to the catacombs further below. I needed to get away and figure out what was going on in my soul. Amidst the ancient tombs, it was quiet at last. The cool darkness was pierced by only a few rays of light and an occasional prayer candle. I wandered the dimly lit maze of former graves and breathed in the ancient air.
Moving further into the depths, I turned a corner and stumbled into a monk.
It took me a minute to figure out who he was; instead of the stereotypical brown sackcloth, he’d donned worn work clothes and a faded green canvas apron covered with wax drippings. He’d just finished chipping away the melted wax from the candles that tourists and pilgrims had lit. He looked up and smiled as he wiped his hands on his apron. Grasping my hand gently between his two worn ones, he spoke softly in a deep French accent, "You are searching, aren’t you?" A little taken aback, I politely nodded my head. He held onto my hand and quietly said, "Follow me."
I was surprised at how his hand, so gnarled and weathered by years of labor, could be so gentle. I found myself trusting this stranger as he led me to the far end of the maze where no tourists were. We walked up a slight ramp to a door no bigger than four feet high and stopped. "You’re searching for Jesus, aren’t your?" I nodded. "This is it," he said, smiling and patting my hand like a pleased grandfather. "This is the place where Jesus is. I cannot let you in right now. The door is locked. But this is where he was born."
Joy was all over his face. The edges of his dark eyes crinkled as he smiled. He then turned and disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts. In the deserted tomb, beneath the patchwork of church culture, I was encountering God.
I dared not touch the little wooden door—I simply stood there, weeping silently. "Is this really the place where Jesus was born?" I wondered. "You’d never know it was here." Then after five minutes of solitude, I was touched with sense of peace I’d never felt before. Of course this is where Jesus was born. Its humble, secret quality was so opposite from the fanfare and clamor of the museum above me—and fitting for the birth of a poor carpenter’s child.
The monk—wherever he was—knew it, too. I thought about his gentleness. His hands. His kind, open touch that helped me trust his guidance and his words. This old monk gave me a flesh and bone connection to an otherwise impersonal, superficial experience.
And isn’t that the reason why Jesus came to earth? To let us touch, reach, and know the untouchable, unreachable, unknowable God?
As I ascended the winding stone staircase to join the rest of the group, I was far, far away. Part of me wanted to tell the others what had happened, but I couldn’t—it was too powerful and too precious to even articulate.
It was also in those moments that I learned that the essence of youth ministry happens in the catacombs of the soul, deep beneath tinfoil programs and calendars crammed with events and appointments. Youth ministry is about taking young people by the hand and leading them to the door where Jesus is.
We can’t unlock the door for them—they must make that decision alone. All we can do is lead them there.
Just like an old monk in a wax-stained smock did for me.
by Ginny Olson
The destination was Bethlehem. As a child I imagined it was full of wood crèches resembling Swiss ski lodges in the middle of rolling hills, dotted with woolly sheep. But I’d already seen enough of Israel on this trip to know that it wouldn’t meet my Sunday school expectations. Though I was prepared for the cheap souvenirs and tourists shouldering video cameras, I was still enthusiastic about seeing firsthand the place where the God who created the universe became screaming, infant flesh.
Our group walked across the square to the church at Bethlehem. It was actually a patchwork of different churches pieced together over the centuries, each trying to claim a portion of the site by erecting wall or a doorway. We entered the darkened sanctuary on the Eastern Orthodox side of the church. Straight ahead were ornate silver artwork, hanging candles, and antique icons. Off in a corner, a priest paced back and forth in silence—our guide said he’d seen this priest in the same place doing the same thing on each of his 10 or so tours through the church.
We were herded down stone steps to a well-lit cave where the Orthodox say Jesus was born. Nuns in white and sky blue habits were one of the few signs that this was more than a museum stop. After a few minutes we continued our tour to another part of the church and were greeted with a 30-foot tinfoil dove erected for the Christmas season.
The Reynolds Wrap bird was the last straw. I was overwhelmed by the crush of tourists and the museum-like quality of this place. I’d come hoping for an encounter with God and instead encountered international church culture, complete with tinsel trimmings.
Then I noticed a stairway at the back of the sanctuary. As the rest of the crowd moved to the front to examine the aluminum bird, I escaped to the catacombs further below. I needed to get away and figure out what was going on in my soul. Amidst the ancient tombs, it was quiet at last. The cool darkness was pierced by only a few rays of light and an occasional prayer candle. I wandered the dimly lit maze of former graves and breathed in the ancient air.
Moving further into the depths, I turned a corner and stumbled into a monk.
It took me a minute to figure out who he was; instead of the stereotypical brown sackcloth, he’d donned worn work clothes and a faded green canvas apron covered with wax drippings. He’d just finished chipping away the melted wax from the candles that tourists and pilgrims had lit. He looked up and smiled as he wiped his hands on his apron. Grasping my hand gently between his two worn ones, he spoke softly in a deep French accent, "You are searching, aren’t you?" A little taken aback, I politely nodded my head. He held onto my hand and quietly said, "Follow me."
I was surprised at how his hand, so gnarled and weathered by years of labor, could be so gentle. I found myself trusting this stranger as he led me to the far end of the maze where no tourists were. We walked up a slight ramp to a door no bigger than four feet high and stopped. "You’re searching for Jesus, aren’t your?" I nodded. "This is it," he said, smiling and patting my hand like a pleased grandfather. "This is the place where Jesus is. I cannot let you in right now. The door is locked. But this is where he was born."
Joy was all over his face. The edges of his dark eyes crinkled as he smiled. He then turned and disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts. In the deserted tomb, beneath the patchwork of church culture, I was encountering God.
I dared not touch the little wooden door—I simply stood there, weeping silently. "Is this really the place where Jesus was born?" I wondered. "You’d never know it was here." Then after five minutes of solitude, I was touched with sense of peace I’d never felt before. Of course this is where Jesus was born. Its humble, secret quality was so opposite from the fanfare and clamor of the museum above me—and fitting for the birth of a poor carpenter’s child.
The monk—wherever he was—knew it, too. I thought about his gentleness. His hands. His kind, open touch that helped me trust his guidance and his words. This old monk gave me a flesh and bone connection to an otherwise impersonal, superficial experience.
And isn’t that the reason why Jesus came to earth? To let us touch, reach, and know the untouchable, unreachable, unknowable God?
As I ascended the winding stone staircase to join the rest of the group, I was far, far away. Part of me wanted to tell the others what had happened, but I couldn’t—it was too powerful and too precious to even articulate.
It was also in those moments that I learned that the essence of youth ministry happens in the catacombs of the soul, deep beneath tinfoil programs and calendars crammed with events and appointments. Youth ministry is about taking young people by the hand and leading them to the door where Jesus is.
We can’t unlock the door for them—they must make that decision alone. All we can do is lead them there.
Just like an old monk in a wax-stained smock did for me.
word of the week
this week's word is...
NUMINOUS
numinous \NOO-min-us; NYOO-\, adjective:
Indicating or suggesting the presence of a god-- spiritual, divine; inspiring awe and reverence-- holy.
Sentence: there was a numinous atmosphere each night of boot camp this past weekend... (a very true statement).
yes! you're wiser!!
this week's word is...
NUMINOUS
numinous \NOO-min-us; NYOO-\, adjective:
Indicating or suggesting the presence of a god-- spiritual, divine; inspiring awe and reverence-- holy.
Sentence: there was a numinous atmosphere each night of boot camp this past weekend... (a very true statement).
yes! you're wiser!!
9.02.2003
so sorry that it's been a few days since my last post...
i was in the "woods" for Boot Camp ~ INCREDIBLE!!!
"I touched the Master, the Master touched me; I'M FREE"
TOZER said: "Nobody ever got anything from God on the grounds that he deserved it. Haven fallen, man deserves only punishment and death. So if God answers prayer it's because God is good. From His goodness, His lovingkindness, His good-natured benevolence, God does it! That's the source of everything" (The Attributes of God, 47).
well, this past weekend, GOD DID IT!
now, i'm off to a real bed, in an alergy-free room without crickets!! :D
i was in the "woods" for Boot Camp ~ INCREDIBLE!!!
"I touched the Master, the Master touched me; I'M FREE"
TOZER said: "Nobody ever got anything from God on the grounds that he deserved it. Haven fallen, man deserves only punishment and death. So if God answers prayer it's because God is good. From His goodness, His lovingkindness, His good-natured benevolence, God does it! That's the source of everything" (The Attributes of God, 47).
well, this past weekend, GOD DID IT!
now, i'm off to a real bed, in an alergy-free room without crickets!! :D
8.27.2003
i found this tight article that i had to throw your way... it compares the modern church (what most say they are today) with the emerging church (what i wish we were today & strive to be tomorrow). this looks specifically at evangelism - i'd love to get your feedback on this one... enjoy!
Modern Church
Evangelism is an event that you invite people to.
Evangelism is primarly concerned with getting people into heaven.
Evangelism is focused on pre-Christians.
Evangelism is done by evangelists.
Evangelism is something you do in addition to discipleship.
Evangelism is a message.
Evangelism uses reason and proofs for apologetics.
Missions is a department of the church.
Emerging Church
Evangelism is a process that occurs through relationships, trust, and example
Evangelism is concerned with people's experiencing the reality of living under the reign of his kingdom now
Evangelism is focused on post-Christians.
Evangelism is done by disciples.
Evangelism is part of being a disciple.
Evangelism is a conversation
Evangelism uses the church being the church as the primary apologetic.
The church is a mission.
(www.FutureMargins.com)
Modern Church
Evangelism is an event that you invite people to.
Evangelism is primarly concerned with getting people into heaven.
Evangelism is focused on pre-Christians.
Evangelism is done by evangelists.
Evangelism is something you do in addition to discipleship.
Evangelism is a message.
Evangelism uses reason and proofs for apologetics.
Missions is a department of the church.
Emerging Church
Evangelism is a process that occurs through relationships, trust, and example
Evangelism is concerned with people's experiencing the reality of living under the reign of his kingdom now
Evangelism is focused on post-Christians.
Evangelism is done by disciples.
Evangelism is part of being a disciple.
Evangelism is a conversation
Evangelism uses the church being the church as the primary apologetic.
The church is a mission.
(www.FutureMargins.com)
8.26.2003
8.25.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"The man that believes will obey; failure to obey is convincing proof that there is no true faith present. To attempt the impossible God must give faith or there will be none, and He gives faith to the obedient heart only." (Man the Dwelling Place of God, 33).
define obedience: __________________________________________________________ .
now, OBEY! (...and faith will follow... )
l8'er
"The man that believes will obey; failure to obey is convincing proof that there is no true faith present. To attempt the impossible God must give faith or there will be none, and He gives faith to the obedient heart only." (Man the Dwelling Place of God, 33).
define obedience: __________________________________________________________ .
now, OBEY! (...and faith will follow... )
l8'er
8.23.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"The secret of saintliness is not the destruction of the will but the submergence of it in the will of God. The true saint is one who acknowledges that he possesses from God the gift of freedom. He knows that he will never be forced into obedience nor wheedled like a stubborn child into doing the will of God; he knows that these methods are unworthy both of God and of his own soul. He knows he is free to make any choice he will, and with that knowledge he chooses forever the blessed will of God."
"I am happy to do your will, O my God." Your teachings are deep within me" Psalm 40:8.
not that we're trying to be "saints" (including you, Luis) but rather to be fully submitted to God's perfect will... then, if HE calls us a saint for it... so be it!
:D>
"The secret of saintliness is not the destruction of the will but the submergence of it in the will of God. The true saint is one who acknowledges that he possesses from God the gift of freedom. He knows that he will never be forced into obedience nor wheedled like a stubborn child into doing the will of God; he knows that these methods are unworthy both of God and of his own soul. He knows he is free to make any choice he will, and with that knowledge he chooses forever the blessed will of God."
"I am happy to do your will, O my God." Your teachings are deep within me" Psalm 40:8.
not that we're trying to be "saints" (including you, Luis) but rather to be fully submitted to God's perfect will... then, if HE calls us a saint for it... so be it!
:D>
8.22.2003
happy FRIDAY everyone!
hey, i was recently putting together a "MUST READ" book list for my life & ministry and i thought i'd throw it your way... i recommend ANY/ALL of these titles:
BOOKS:
General -
Knowlege of the Holy & Pursuit of God - both by A.W. Tozer
Total Forgiveness - by R.T. Kendall
Waking the Dead - by John Eldridge
The Screwtape Letters - by C.S. Lewis
Fear and Trembling - by Soren Kierkegaard
Principles of Prayer - by Charles Finney
More Than a Carpenter - by Josh McDowell
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - by Gene Edwards
Youth & Postmodern -
The Message: Remix - by Eugene Peterson
God Whispers - by Margaret Feinberg
I AM RELEVANT - Various authors
Adventures in Missing the Point - by Brian D. McLaren & Tony Campolo
The Emerging Church - by Dan Kimball
The Post-Evangelical - by Dave Tomlinson
Postmodern Youth Ministry - by Tony Jones
hey, i was recently putting together a "MUST READ" book list for my life & ministry and i thought i'd throw it your way... i recommend ANY/ALL of these titles:
BOOKS:
General -
Knowlege of the Holy & Pursuit of God - both by A.W. Tozer
Total Forgiveness - by R.T. Kendall
Waking the Dead - by John Eldridge
The Screwtape Letters - by C.S. Lewis
Fear and Trembling - by Soren Kierkegaard
Principles of Prayer - by Charles Finney
More Than a Carpenter - by Josh McDowell
The Prisoner in the Third Cell - by Gene Edwards
Youth & Postmodern -
The Message: Remix - by Eugene Peterson
God Whispers - by Margaret Feinberg
I AM RELEVANT - Various authors
Adventures in Missing the Point - by Brian D. McLaren & Tony Campolo
The Emerging Church - by Dan Kimball
The Post-Evangelical - by Dave Tomlinson
Postmodern Youth Ministry - by Tony Jones
another new feature to the blogsite: word of the week
this week's word is...
IRREFRAGABLE
irrefragable \ih-REF-ruh-guh-buhl\, adjective:
Impossible to refute; incontestable; undeniable; as, an irrefragable argument; irrefragable evidence.
Sentence: the truth of God's Word is irregragable!
you're wiser today!
this week's word is...
IRREFRAGABLE
irrefragable \ih-REF-ruh-guh-buhl\, adjective:
Impossible to refute; incontestable; undeniable; as, an irrefragable argument; irrefragable evidence.
Sentence: the truth of God's Word is irregragable!
you're wiser today!
8.21.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"We must do something about the cross, and one of two things only we can do--flee it or die upon it"
(The Root of the Righteous, 63).
you all know that i love & do my best to live by Galatians 2:20. Check out how the Message captures the heart of this verse: "Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
again, enough said...
"We must do something about the cross, and one of two things only we can do--flee it or die upon it"
(The Root of the Righteous, 63).
you all know that i love & do my best to live by Galatians 2:20. Check out how the Message captures the heart of this verse: "Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
again, enough said...
8.20.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"Whatever a man wants badly and persistently enough will determine the man's character." (The Root of the Righteous, 116).
so, how bad do you want God?? more than your next breath? more than your next meal? do you IM Him more than anyone else on your "buddy list"? do you fall asleep talking to Him and wake up praising Him? do you find yourself daydreaming about Him? do you chat with him in the car, the shower, the hallway, the lunch-line, etc??
if such pursuit determines our character... we better step up the chase, huh?!?!
i'm runnin'...
"Whatever a man wants badly and persistently enough will determine the man's character." (The Root of the Righteous, 116).
so, how bad do you want God?? more than your next breath? more than your next meal? do you IM Him more than anyone else on your "buddy list"? do you fall asleep talking to Him and wake up praising Him? do you find yourself daydreaming about Him? do you chat with him in the car, the shower, the hallway, the lunch-line, etc??
if such pursuit determines our character... we better step up the chase, huh?!?!
i'm runnin'...
8.19.2003
Here's a quote that I stumbled upon tonight that really hit me hard...
"The problem with Christians today is that no one wants to kill them anymore." Soren Kierkegaard
... so, what effect does your "Christianity" have on humanity & hell? does hell even know your name? we don't seek to be hated ~ we SEEK JESUS! ... and for this, we gladly give our lives!
...
"The problem with Christians today is that no one wants to kill them anymore." Soren Kierkegaard
... so, what effect does your "Christianity" have on humanity & hell? does hell even know your name? we don't seek to be hated ~ we SEEK JESUS! ... and for this, we gladly give our lives!
...
TOZER TODAY:
"The character of God is the Christian's final ground of assurance and the solution of many, if not most, of his practical religious problems. Some persons, for instance, believe that God answered prayer in Bible times but will not do so today, and others hold that the miracles of olden days can never be repeated. To believe so is to deny or at least to ignore almost everything God has revealed about Himself. We must remember that God always acts like Himself. He has never at any time anywhere in the vast universe acted otherwise than in character with His infinite perfections. This knowledge should be a warning to the enemies of God, and it cannot but be an immense consolation to His friends."
God can & will do miracles today - it's His nature; His character - His Son proved this! "Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. " 1 John 5:10 (The Message)
Be confident of this truth and comforted by the reality the HE still is HE!! oh, yes!
smile!
"The character of God is the Christian's final ground of assurance and the solution of many, if not most, of his practical religious problems. Some persons, for instance, believe that God answered prayer in Bible times but will not do so today, and others hold that the miracles of olden days can never be repeated. To believe so is to deny or at least to ignore almost everything God has revealed about Himself. We must remember that God always acts like Himself. He has never at any time anywhere in the vast universe acted otherwise than in character with His infinite perfections. This knowledge should be a warning to the enemies of God, and it cannot but be an immense consolation to His friends."
God can & will do miracles today - it's His nature; His character - His Son proved this! "Whoever believes in the Son of God inwardly confirms God's testimony. Whoever refuses to believe in effect calls God a liar, refusing to believe God's own testimony regarding his Son. " 1 John 5:10 (The Message)
Be confident of this truth and comforted by the reality the HE still is HE!! oh, yes!
smile!
8.18.2003
The Real Seven Wonders of the World
A teacher asked her students to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. The students cast the most votes for:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not turned in her paper yet. She asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. to love
hmmmm...
A teacher asked her students to list what they thought were the present Seven Wonders of the World. The students cast the most votes for:
1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall
While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not turned in her paper yet. She asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list.
The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."
The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."
The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. to love
hmmmm...
8.16.2003
ok, it's late and maybe this is just a bad idea but we're starting a new feature on the blogspot... drum roll please...
CHILLYISMS (original thoughts, quotes, studies, etc ~ from, well, me... yeah, i know, i'm NO tozer ~ hey, but neither are you!! so, enjoy!!) ... here's chillyism #1:
"new church - old church - whatever...
new way - old way - who cares...
you and I are the church -- if we want a better church, we
should look at ourselves and change whatever looks like us
rather than HIM. that simple process can change the entire world."
process & apply ~ I believe we can make things better than better!!
...
CHILLYISMS (original thoughts, quotes, studies, etc ~ from, well, me... yeah, i know, i'm NO tozer ~ hey, but neither are you!! so, enjoy!!) ... here's chillyism #1:
"new church - old church - whatever...
new way - old way - who cares...
you and I are the church -- if we want a better church, we
should look at ourselves and change whatever looks like us
rather than HIM. that simple process can change the entire world."
process & apply ~ I believe we can make things better than better!!
...
8.15.2003
i've spent the last few days with some amazing people!!
i was in chicago with pastor steve andres speaking for his discipleship program (IDT) and preaching for his incredible youth ministry (NXT)! i'm so honored just to breathe in God's presence let-alone be used by Him.
i also spent some great time with my brother, brian! man, i love him so stinkin' much!! we chilled together & then had phat seats at wrigley field for a cubs game (cubs win)!! brian is such a gift to me -- my best friend, armor-bearer, and tons more!
then, today, i got to hang with ian green! this guy is a true prophet of God and humble servant. there's more wisdom in one of his sentences than hundreds of spoken pages by most others. he's from england and impacts most of eastern europe for the Gospel. remember him & pray for his life & ministry!
yeah... i'm so blessed. what a great three days...
but, now i'm back with the world's greatest students (DV8) and my queen & princesses!! INSERT BIG CHEESY SMILE HERE:
did this blog bore you? it's ok... life's more than inspiring words and tozer quotes... IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIPS, CONVERSATIONS, LOVE ... it's about YOU! I'm grateful to anyone who reads this today! now, don't get all "spiritual" on me -- of course life truly is all about JESUS... I KNOW!
honored, humbled & happy,
chilly "oh captain, my captain"
i was in chicago with pastor steve andres speaking for his discipleship program (IDT) and preaching for his incredible youth ministry (NXT)! i'm so honored just to breathe in God's presence let-alone be used by Him.
i also spent some great time with my brother, brian! man, i love him so stinkin' much!! we chilled together & then had phat seats at wrigley field for a cubs game (cubs win)!! brian is such a gift to me -- my best friend, armor-bearer, and tons more!
then, today, i got to hang with ian green! this guy is a true prophet of God and humble servant. there's more wisdom in one of his sentences than hundreds of spoken pages by most others. he's from england and impacts most of eastern europe for the Gospel. remember him & pray for his life & ministry!
yeah... i'm so blessed. what a great three days...
but, now i'm back with the world's greatest students (DV8) and my queen & princesses!! INSERT BIG CHEESY SMILE HERE:
did this blog bore you? it's ok... life's more than inspiring words and tozer quotes... IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIPS, CONVERSATIONS, LOVE ... it's about YOU! I'm grateful to anyone who reads this today! now, don't get all "spiritual" on me -- of course life truly is all about JESUS... I KNOW!
honored, humbled & happy,
chilly "oh captain, my captain"
8.13.2003
here's another TOZER TODAY:
"I think that most Christians would be better pleased if the Lord did not inquire into their personal affairs too closely. They want Him to save them, keep them happy and take them to heaven at last, but not to be too inquisitive about their conduct or service. But He has searched us and known us; He knows our downsitting and our uprising and understands our thoughts afar off. There is no place to hide from those eyes that are as a flame of fire and there is no way to escape from the Judgment of those feet that are like fine brass. It is the part of wisdom to live with these things in mind." (That Incredible Christian, 105-106)
"...HE'S LOOKING INTO MY HEART, INTO MY HEART..."
live with this in mind... hurry, time's ticking away!
"I think that most Christians would be better pleased if the Lord did not inquire into their personal affairs too closely. They want Him to save them, keep them happy and take them to heaven at last, but not to be too inquisitive about their conduct or service. But He has searched us and known us; He knows our downsitting and our uprising and understands our thoughts afar off. There is no place to hide from those eyes that are as a flame of fire and there is no way to escape from the Judgment of those feet that are like fine brass. It is the part of wisdom to live with these things in mind." (That Incredible Christian, 105-106)
"...HE'S LOOKING INTO MY HEART, INTO MY HEART..."
live with this in mind... hurry, time's ticking away!
8.12.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything." (The Pursuit of God, 127)
...so, ultimately, the question is: WHY? our motives determine our ministry and reveal our heart. i believe that the many, many (far too many) defeated-looking, yet faithful servants of our King remain pathetic and discouraged as a direct result of motives. the WHY of what they do is undetermined or unrealistic. if we do anything to get noticed, to relieve guilt, to prove ourselves, to please "man", etc... ugh -- what a waste! we serve a KING who is worthy of our very best 24/7! when HE is the focus, our work IS sacred!
check your motives, my friend. ask yourself the WHY questions -- better yet, ask the Holy Spirit! He'll be more honest.
this is WHY i spend time doing this blog-site...
consumed with Christ ~ living a sacred adventure...
chilly
give me your thoughts: chillydog1@yahoo.com or IM: chillydog1 (aol)
"It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it. The motive is everything." (The Pursuit of God, 127)
...so, ultimately, the question is: WHY? our motives determine our ministry and reveal our heart. i believe that the many, many (far too many) defeated-looking, yet faithful servants of our King remain pathetic and discouraged as a direct result of motives. the WHY of what they do is undetermined or unrealistic. if we do anything to get noticed, to relieve guilt, to prove ourselves, to please "man", etc... ugh -- what a waste! we serve a KING who is worthy of our very best 24/7! when HE is the focus, our work IS sacred!
check your motives, my friend. ask yourself the WHY questions -- better yet, ask the Holy Spirit! He'll be more honest.
this is WHY i spend time doing this blog-site...
consumed with Christ ~ living a sacred adventure...
chilly
give me your thoughts: chillydog1@yahoo.com or IM: chillydog1 (aol)
8.10.2003
ok, i'm back from WAR WEEK --- what an incredible adventure of faith! Friday night is truly unexplainable - so, I won't try to explain it... sorry.
but, around 250 received Christ this week and DV8 had a part in leading 191 of them to our awesome savior!
now, back to Tozer...
the following is one of my ALL TIME favorite quotes!
TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
oh YES!!! IF you will only dare to live with this kind of understood BOLDNESS, the devil would be tremblin' every second that you're awake! I'm calling YOU out! are you up for the challenge?!
I thought so!
strength & honor!
captain...
but, around 250 received Christ this week and DV8 had a part in leading 191 of them to our awesome savior!
now, back to Tozer...
the following is one of my ALL TIME favorite quotes!
TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
oh YES!!! IF you will only dare to live with this kind of understood BOLDNESS, the devil would be tremblin' every second that you're awake! I'm calling YOU out! are you up for the challenge?!
I thought so!
strength & honor!
captain...
8.08.2003
8.02.2003
8.01.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"I find that many men and women are troubled by the thought that they are too small and inconsequential in the scheme of things. But that is not our real trouble -- we are actually too big and too complex, for God made us in His image and we are too big to be satisfied with what the world offers us! ....Man is bored, because he is too big to be happy with that which sin is giving him. God has made him too great, his potential is too mighty." (Who Put Jesus on the Cross, 170).
you, through Christ, are HUGE! you get bogged down, frustrated and discouraged when you accept the "little" life that sin and this world offer you. i hear people say SO often: "what difference can i make, i'm just one person - i'm insignificant..." - - well, little people do little in this world because they are focused on what they can't do on their own rather than what they CAN do through Christ (Philippians 4:13). You are ENORMOUS to God and through God! When you're at your best, you tower over the devil.
with this in mind, WHO WAS THE REAL GIANT WHEN DAVID FOUGHT GOLIATH?!? ahhhh, now it's beginning to make sense...
LIVE HUGE TODAY ~ it's your destiny!!!
l8'er
"I find that many men and women are troubled by the thought that they are too small and inconsequential in the scheme of things. But that is not our real trouble -- we are actually too big and too complex, for God made us in His image and we are too big to be satisfied with what the world offers us! ....Man is bored, because he is too big to be happy with that which sin is giving him. God has made him too great, his potential is too mighty." (Who Put Jesus on the Cross, 170).
you, through Christ, are HUGE! you get bogged down, frustrated and discouraged when you accept the "little" life that sin and this world offer you. i hear people say SO often: "what difference can i make, i'm just one person - i'm insignificant..." - - well, little people do little in this world because they are focused on what they can't do on their own rather than what they CAN do through Christ (Philippians 4:13). You are ENORMOUS to God and through God! When you're at your best, you tower over the devil.
with this in mind, WHO WAS THE REAL GIANT WHEN DAVID FOUGHT GOLIATH?!? ahhhh, now it's beginning to make sense...
LIVE HUGE TODAY ~ it's your destiny!!!
l8'er
7.30.2003
TOZER TODAY:
All things being equal, our prayers are only as powerful as our lives. In the long pull we pray only as well as we live. Some prayers are like a fire escape, used only in times of critical emergency -- never very enjoyable, but used as a way of terrified escape from disaster. They do not represent the regular life of the one who offers them; rather are the unusual and uncommon acts of the spiritual amateur. (The Root of the Righteous, 81).
are you an amateur??
enough said -- back to praying!
All things being equal, our prayers are only as powerful as our lives. In the long pull we pray only as well as we live. Some prayers are like a fire escape, used only in times of critical emergency -- never very enjoyable, but used as a way of terrified escape from disaster. They do not represent the regular life of the one who offers them; rather are the unusual and uncommon acts of the spiritual amateur. (The Root of the Righteous, 81).
are you an amateur??
enough said -- back to praying!
7.28.2003
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah!! God is SO amazing! my love for Him cannot be contained within the framework of this blog!! HE continues to rock me inside-out and i'm so stinkin' thankful! last night, we had such a move of God in DV8! before the worship even began, the Lord showed up mightily in the Fortress (our prayer room) and made "holy deposits" in each of our lives and then - oh man - praise and worship was off the hook! EXHUBERANT JOY & PASSION! by the the time we were at our last song, so many were ready to receive Christ... and, 12 MORE WERE ADDED INTO THE KINGDOM! that brings DV8's 2003 total to over 740 people saved! and STILL people are getting saved EVERYDAY! this IS, my friend, a move of God!! DV8 didn't end there - God's Word rocked us to the core and the entire BIG HOUSE was filled, for over an hour, with students on their faces going 1x1 with the King. you see, it's not just hyped enthusiasm - it's deep passion! sometimes these two look the same during praise & worship but the difference is seen when it's a personal choice that requires extended time sucking carpet and then, ultimately leads us deeper into the Word and then, into the World. IF our worship doesn't prepare us for the Word and, then, launch us into the world - it's not real and neither are we!! See "King David" for proof!!
today MORE will receive Christ!
what a great day to be alive! i hope you're R.E.A.L. (rejoicing, encouraging, attracting and loving) -- NO ALIBIS!
ok... enough ranting and raving (maybe) - let's hear from my good friend, "A.W."!!
TOZER TODAY:
"When I am praying the most eloquently, I am getting the least accomplished in my prayer life. But when I stop getting eloquent and give God less theology and shut up and just gaze upward and wait for God to speak to my heart He speaks with such power that I have to grab a pencil and a notebook and take notes on what God is saying to my heart." (Success and the Christian, 46-47)
isn't this awesome! you don't have to have big words and years of church training to connect with God! no way! intimacy with the Almighty comes from honest words from an honest heart and ultimately it comes from listening much, much more! HE'S SPEAKING TO YOU TODAY... THIS HOUR... THIS MINUTE... THIS VERY SECOND!!! write it down, apply it to your heart, obey it completely and LIVE IT LOUD!
keep those emails coming (chillydog1@yahoo.com) - it feels great to know that i'm being an encouragement to you! also, you can IM me - my "new" screenname is: chillydog1
have a great Monday -- punk the devil every chance you get! jude 23
l8'er
today MORE will receive Christ!
what a great day to be alive! i hope you're R.E.A.L. (rejoicing, encouraging, attracting and loving) -- NO ALIBIS!
ok... enough ranting and raving (maybe) - let's hear from my good friend, "A.W."!!
TOZER TODAY:
"When I am praying the most eloquently, I am getting the least accomplished in my prayer life. But when I stop getting eloquent and give God less theology and shut up and just gaze upward and wait for God to speak to my heart He speaks with such power that I have to grab a pencil and a notebook and take notes on what God is saying to my heart." (Success and the Christian, 46-47)
isn't this awesome! you don't have to have big words and years of church training to connect with God! no way! intimacy with the Almighty comes from honest words from an honest heart and ultimately it comes from listening much, much more! HE'S SPEAKING TO YOU TODAY... THIS HOUR... THIS MINUTE... THIS VERY SECOND!!! write it down, apply it to your heart, obey it completely and LIVE IT LOUD!
keep those emails coming (chillydog1@yahoo.com) - it feels great to know that i'm being an encouragement to you! also, you can IM me - my "new" screenname is: chillydog1
have a great Monday -- punk the devil every chance you get! jude 23
l8'er
7.26.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"When the followers of Jesus Christ lose their interest in heaven they will no longer be happy Christians and when they are no longer happy Christians they cannot be a powerful force in a sad and sinful world." (Who Put Jesus on the Cross, 105)
ok, i know, that's 2 Tozer's in one day... but this one just rocked me. i meet so many unhappy/selfish "christians" and wonder "what happened"?! we must never, EVER lose focus of THE GOAL: heaven!! this is what pushes us to the lost masses of our postmodern generation and it is with urgency that we become holy, humble servant's of the Most High! are you still happy -- if not, LOOK UP and live, REALLY LIVE!!
i believe in YOU!
"When the followers of Jesus Christ lose their interest in heaven they will no longer be happy Christians and when they are no longer happy Christians they cannot be a powerful force in a sad and sinful world." (Who Put Jesus on the Cross, 105)
ok, i know, that's 2 Tozer's in one day... but this one just rocked me. i meet so many unhappy/selfish "christians" and wonder "what happened"?! we must never, EVER lose focus of THE GOAL: heaven!! this is what pushes us to the lost masses of our postmodern generation and it is with urgency that we become holy, humble servant's of the Most High! are you still happy -- if not, LOOK UP and live, REALLY LIVE!!
i believe in YOU!
7.25.2003
TOZER TODAY:
"God dwells in eternity but time dwells in God. He has already lived all our tomorrows as He has lived all our yesterdays."
(The Knowledge of the Holy, 45).
i'm so encouraged by this thought... sometimes we get so uptight about what "tomorrow" may bring and yet our omnipotent & omnipresent Lord has already been there!
my friends, fear not and trust much - the result: you'll breath easier and smile bigger. your God is right there with you NOW - He's closer than your skin - enjoy Him! my Lord is never caught off-guard - He knows cause HE IS!
SHHHHHHHHHH, listen - He's whispering to you right now...
l8'er
"God dwells in eternity but time dwells in God. He has already lived all our tomorrows as He has lived all our yesterdays."
(The Knowledge of the Holy, 45).
i'm so encouraged by this thought... sometimes we get so uptight about what "tomorrow" may bring and yet our omnipotent & omnipresent Lord has already been there!
my friends, fear not and trust much - the result: you'll breath easier and smile bigger. your God is right there with you NOW - He's closer than your skin - enjoy Him! my Lord is never caught off-guard - He knows cause HE IS!
SHHHHHHHHHH, listen - He's whispering to you right now...
l8'er
7.24.2003
one of my ALL TIME favorite authors/ministers is A.W. Tozer... his books have been an incredible resource to me throughout my life and ministry.
so, in honor of him, i am adding a new feature to my blogsite. it's called TOZER TODAY. this will be a quote from one of his books that i have found inspiring and/or motivational. i'm not sure how frequent i will insert such quotes, so be on the look out for the tozer today heading. i, as always, would love to get feedback from you on this or anything else i place on this site. so, enjoy today's first installment of...
TOZER TODAY:
The purpose of God in sending His Son to die and rise and live and be at the right hand of God the Father was that He might restore to us the missing jewel, the jewel of worship; that we might come back and learn to do again that which we were created to do in the first place – worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, to spend our time in awesome wonder and adoration of God, feeling and expressing it, and letting it get into our labors and doing nothing except as an act of worship to Almighty God through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Worship The Missing Jewel 7,8).
...
so, in honor of him, i am adding a new feature to my blogsite. it's called TOZER TODAY. this will be a quote from one of his books that i have found inspiring and/or motivational. i'm not sure how frequent i will insert such quotes, so be on the look out for the tozer today heading. i, as always, would love to get feedback from you on this or anything else i place on this site. so, enjoy today's first installment of...
TOZER TODAY:
The purpose of God in sending His Son to die and rise and live and be at the right hand of God the Father was that He might restore to us the missing jewel, the jewel of worship; that we might come back and learn to do again that which we were created to do in the first place – worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, to spend our time in awesome wonder and adoration of God, feeling and expressing it, and letting it get into our labors and doing nothing except as an act of worship to Almighty God through His Son, Jesus Christ. (Worship The Missing Jewel 7,8).
...
FRIENDSHIP... hmmmmm...
How much thought do you give to "who" you hang with and what happens as a result? Recent findings show that most students want to be heard but not necessarily helped ~ in other words, they take their tough life circumstances to someone who can relate but not to someone who can relieve. This seems kind of hopeless...
I challenge you to, not only, have friends that hear you but also friends that challenge you, confront you, lead you, motivate you and empower you! Choose some friend(s) from beyond your own life experience and cultural setting. Some of the best friends in my life are ones that I feel that I don't deserve and don't measure up to... yet, everytime I'm with them, my life becomes stronger! Remember, you gotta be the kind of friend that you want to have...
Here's some verses to read and think about ( on the lines that follow each of them, you could write some qualities or characteristics of friendship found in the verse ):
Proverbs 18:24 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 13:20 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 17:17 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 27:17 ______________________________________________________________
Here's one final thought:
“If an enemy is one who stabs you in the back, then a friend is one who stabs you in the front.”
Think about it...
ARE YOU A FRIEND? How would you rate yourself?? What kind of friend of are you? Horrible 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 Awesome
"...Jesus, you are my best friend, you will always be, nothing will ever change that..."
keep those emails coming (chillydog1@yahoo.com)! peace!
How much thought do you give to "who" you hang with and what happens as a result? Recent findings show that most students want to be heard but not necessarily helped ~ in other words, they take their tough life circumstances to someone who can relate but not to someone who can relieve. This seems kind of hopeless...
I challenge you to, not only, have friends that hear you but also friends that challenge you, confront you, lead you, motivate you and empower you! Choose some friend(s) from beyond your own life experience and cultural setting. Some of the best friends in my life are ones that I feel that I don't deserve and don't measure up to... yet, everytime I'm with them, my life becomes stronger! Remember, you gotta be the kind of friend that you want to have...
Here's some verses to read and think about ( on the lines that follow each of them, you could write some qualities or characteristics of friendship found in the verse ):
Proverbs 18:24 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 13:20 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 17:17 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 27:17 ______________________________________________________________
Here's one final thought:
“If an enemy is one who stabs you in the back, then a friend is one who stabs you in the front.”
Think about it...
ARE YOU A FRIEND? How would you rate yourself?? What kind of friend of are you? Horrible 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 Awesome
"...Jesus, you are my best friend, you will always be, nothing will ever change that..."
keep those emails coming (chillydog1@yahoo.com)! peace!
7.20.2003
ok, ok... i know, it's been another LONG gap betweet blogs -- but, i was at another camp... OUR PUNK'D CAMP!!
it was an amazing and awesome middle school camp! here's a recap (but you gotta see these warriors to get the real picture!)...
satan was punk'd (big time) and Jesus was praised!
three churches participated
17-20 baptised in the HS for the first time
every teen was liberated in worship, warfare and His Word
amazing - truly amazing! you'll see the results first hand sunday morning!
thanks to all who prayed. thanks also to the world's greatest camp directors: brian & lana! their team served above and beyond all of our expectations!
it was an amazing and awesome middle school camp! here's a recap (but you gotta see these warriors to get the real picture!)...
satan was punk'd (big time) and Jesus was praised!
three churches participated
17-20 baptised in the HS for the first time
every teen was liberated in worship, warfare and His Word
amazing - truly amazing! you'll see the results first hand sunday morning!
thanks to all who prayed. thanks also to the world's greatest camp directors: brian & lana! their team served above and beyond all of our expectations!
7.11.2003
...ok, i know it's been a while since i've blogged... sorry, but...
I'M IN CANADA, EHH!
i'm doing this junior high camp and it's been super cool! yes, i admit it!!
so far, 57 salvations and last night there were around 100+ teens baptised in the Holy Spirit all at once - plus tons more refilled! It sounded something like this: oeirjljd kjfoeirunnvuuyiekvmkjnvurfueycnvkljhh eruitulnmcnoerjo (now say it really loud) - yeah, that's it! no, i'm not making fun - you punk - don't be all spiritual!! just enjoy the fun of knowing the Lord is moving mightily! just the other night God moved and close to 150 teens were all slain in the spirit -- the altar looked like massive grave -- maybe it was: Galatians 2:20 style!! which means the devil is about to get his!!!
thanks for always praying for me! you share in all the good stuff!!
email me sometime: chillydog1@yahoo.com
STRENGTH & HONOR!
l8'er...
I'M IN CANADA, EHH!
i'm doing this junior high camp and it's been super cool! yes, i admit it!!
so far, 57 salvations and last night there were around 100+ teens baptised in the Holy Spirit all at once - plus tons more refilled! It sounded something like this: oeirjljd kjfoeirunnvuuyiekvmkjnvurfueycnvkljhh eruitulnmcnoerjo (now say it really loud) - yeah, that's it! no, i'm not making fun - you punk - don't be all spiritual!! just enjoy the fun of knowing the Lord is moving mightily! just the other night God moved and close to 150 teens were all slain in the spirit -- the altar looked like massive grave -- maybe it was: Galatians 2:20 style!! which means the devil is about to get his!!!
thanks for always praying for me! you share in all the good stuff!!
email me sometime: chillydog1@yahoo.com
STRENGTH & HONOR!
l8'er...
7.03.2003
My fellow warriors, tomorrow we celebrate "FREEDOM"...
... is it freedom to eat hotdogs, throw a frisbee, get a sun tan, jump off a diving board, and watch a bunch of exploding lights in the sky??? I hardly think so! Our forefathers in America fought with every cell in their bodies to ensure that we would become a nation FREE to worship Jesus Christ, the living Son of God! Fields of northeast america were soaked red with the blood of patriots willing to lay down their lives so that you and I may, today, worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Freedom is NOT being able to do whatever you want - no way, that only leads to bondage/slavery. FREEDOM = JESUS! The more you know Him, the more FREE you become! And, as a result, the more FREE others become through your testimony and witness!!
I'm willing to do anything and everything to see that FREEDOM reigns in the hearts of today's postmodern warriors... YOU! Are you willing to pay the price to be FREE?! Ponder this quote:
"Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that...for one chance...just ONE CHANCE to come back here to tell our enemy that they may take out lives, but they will never take OUR FREEDOM!!!" (william wallace ~ braveheart)
"So, Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free..." Galatians 5:1.
so, what does freedom mean to you?? PROVE IT!
IN GOD I TRUST...
... is it freedom to eat hotdogs, throw a frisbee, get a sun tan, jump off a diving board, and watch a bunch of exploding lights in the sky??? I hardly think so! Our forefathers in America fought with every cell in their bodies to ensure that we would become a nation FREE to worship Jesus Christ, the living Son of God! Fields of northeast america were soaked red with the blood of patriots willing to lay down their lives so that you and I may, today, worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. Freedom is NOT being able to do whatever you want - no way, that only leads to bondage/slavery. FREEDOM = JESUS! The more you know Him, the more FREE you become! And, as a result, the more FREE others become through your testimony and witness!!
I'm willing to do anything and everything to see that FREEDOM reigns in the hearts of today's postmodern warriors... YOU! Are you willing to pay the price to be FREE?! Ponder this quote:
"Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that...for one chance...just ONE CHANCE to come back here to tell our enemy that they may take out lives, but they will never take OUR FREEDOM!!!" (william wallace ~ braveheart)
"So, Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free..." Galatians 5:1.
so, what does freedom mean to you?? PROVE IT!
IN GOD I TRUST...
546 SAVED IN 2003 so far... !!
AT LEAST one person saved every single day since "the challenge" June 1, 2003!
Over 100 teens reading the Bible, cover-to-cover, over the summer (many reading it through once a month)!!
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
may God be praised ~ ALL the props go to Him!
now, get up and do something ETERNAL!
l8'er...
AT LEAST one person saved every single day since "the challenge" June 1, 2003!
Over 100 teens reading the Bible, cover-to-cover, over the summer (many reading it through once a month)!!
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
may God be praised ~ ALL the props go to Him!
now, get up and do something ETERNAL!
l8'er...
6.27.2003
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, man!!! I just had the best "volcanic-like" belch and no one was present to hear it... what a waste! Where are YOU??
Anyways, thanks for those of you sending me feedback today about my blogsite! I'm glad to hear that you're reading it, applying it, sharing it -- whatever. Mad props to Anita ~ she was the first to respond! You should all check your local hallmark store in the very near future for her new line of greeting cards: "Anita's Almost Affirmations" -- you'll love them!
keep reading - the thing on gossip is pretty decent...
you are my friend!
bye...
( chillydog1@yahoo.com )
Anyways, thanks for those of you sending me feedback today about my blogsite! I'm glad to hear that you're reading it, applying it, sharing it -- whatever. Mad props to Anita ~ she was the first to respond! You should all check your local hallmark store in the very near future for her new line of greeting cards: "Anita's Almost Affirmations" -- you'll love them!
keep reading - the thing on gossip is pretty decent...
you are my friend!
bye...
( chillydog1@yahoo.com )
Ok, i thought i'd do a little lesson for all my "blog fans" today... this is something that I challenge you to FIRST apply to your own life, then if you want, hook up with some of the ppl in your life and share this...
My whole goal in all of this is that we may be as holy as possible and deal with any/all junk right when it raises it's ugly head... you know?!
So, take this Bible study to heart and then, preach it, teach it, share it, bear it and most definitely WEAR IT! ha... you can feel free to trash it if you want too! just don't trash it to someone else - that would be gossip... ouch!
The Sin of Gossip
If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26
INTRODUCTION:
1. One of the greater problems facing the student ministries and Christian friendships is gossip.
2. Gossip is a very real sin and yet it is laughed off as a joke.
3. Let’s dig deep into what it is, so that we can eliminate it!
DISCUSSION:
I. Definition of Gossip.
1. Dictionary definition: “groundless rumor or malicious lie; also, chatter; slander, whispering," and so on.
2. Examples:
a. Talking behind another's back.
b. Passing stories on regardless of where they came from.
c. News gathered and broadcast by phone, visitation, email, IM, etc.
d. Passing of opinions and ideas that may hurt someone.
e. Having a really poopy heart & then letting it flow out of your mouth... gross.
II. A Gossiper May Be Described as a:
1. Liar. (Prov. 11:13; 18:8; 26:20, 22; Lev. 19:16.)
2. Big mouth. (1 Tim. 5:13; 2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Pet. 4:15.)
3. Meddler. (Deut. 2:5; 2 Kings 14:10; Prov. 17:14; 20:3, 19, 24; 26:17.)
4. Rumorer. (2 Kings 19:7; Isa. 37:7.)
5. Whisperer. (Prov. 16:28; Rom. 1:29,30; 2 Cor. 12:20.)
6. Mutterer. (Isa. 8:19; 59:3.)
7. Murmurer. (Ex. 15:24; Jude 16.)
8. Slanderer. (1 Tim. 3:11.)
9. PUNK (1 Chilly 1:23) - ha...
III. The Cause of Gossip.
1. Many simply have an urge to tell all the news they hear. A lack of discipline or self-control prohibits them from remaining quiet.
2. Others are jealous of certain people and therefore talk about them. This stems from personal insecurity.
3. Still others have a grudge against certain ones and consequently spread rumors about them.
4. And finally, some just have such a lame life that all they have left is trashin' someone else. pathetic.
IV. The Result of Gossip.
1. It makes a person worthless to the cause of Christ.
2. It ruins friendships that have existed for years.
3. It ruins many people's names and even their very lives.
4. It hurts the cause of Christ in more ways than one.
V. Replacing Gossip.
1. Practice the golden rule... sounds cheesy - so what! just do it!
2. Have a kind word to say about everyone or smile & say nothing.
3. Talk to your friends and family about spiritual/eternal stuff.
4. Always seek to catch others doing things right!
CONCLUSION:
1. Use the tongue to the glory of God.
2. Learn to control the tongue. (James 3.)
==================================
ok... so, that's it! listen, would you mind doing me a super huge favor?! IF you actually visit my blogsite and enjoy stuff like this, would you mind emailing me to say: "yeah, i like it and i read it" or, "nah, don't bother" -- email me: chillydog1@yahoo.com
My whole goal in all of this is that we may be as holy as possible and deal with any/all junk right when it raises it's ugly head... you know?!
So, take this Bible study to heart and then, preach it, teach it, share it, bear it and most definitely WEAR IT! ha... you can feel free to trash it if you want too! just don't trash it to someone else - that would be gossip... ouch!
The Sin of Gossip
If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26
INTRODUCTION:
1. One of the greater problems facing the student ministries and Christian friendships is gossip.
2. Gossip is a very real sin and yet it is laughed off as a joke.
3. Let’s dig deep into what it is, so that we can eliminate it!
DISCUSSION:
I. Definition of Gossip.
1. Dictionary definition: “groundless rumor or malicious lie; also, chatter; slander, whispering," and so on.
2. Examples:
a. Talking behind another's back.
b. Passing stories on regardless of where they came from.
c. News gathered and broadcast by phone, visitation, email, IM, etc.
d. Passing of opinions and ideas that may hurt someone.
e. Having a really poopy heart & then letting it flow out of your mouth... gross.
II. A Gossiper May Be Described as a:
1. Liar. (Prov. 11:13; 18:8; 26:20, 22; Lev. 19:16.)
2. Big mouth. (1 Tim. 5:13; 2 Thess. 3:11; 1 Pet. 4:15.)
3. Meddler. (Deut. 2:5; 2 Kings 14:10; Prov. 17:14; 20:3, 19, 24; 26:17.)
4. Rumorer. (2 Kings 19:7; Isa. 37:7.)
5. Whisperer. (Prov. 16:28; Rom. 1:29,30; 2 Cor. 12:20.)
6. Mutterer. (Isa. 8:19; 59:3.)
7. Murmurer. (Ex. 15:24; Jude 16.)
8. Slanderer. (1 Tim. 3:11.)
9. PUNK (1 Chilly 1:23) - ha...
III. The Cause of Gossip.
1. Many simply have an urge to tell all the news they hear. A lack of discipline or self-control prohibits them from remaining quiet.
2. Others are jealous of certain people and therefore talk about them. This stems from personal insecurity.
3. Still others have a grudge against certain ones and consequently spread rumors about them.
4. And finally, some just have such a lame life that all they have left is trashin' someone else. pathetic.
IV. The Result of Gossip.
1. It makes a person worthless to the cause of Christ.
2. It ruins friendships that have existed for years.
3. It ruins many people's names and even their very lives.
4. It hurts the cause of Christ in more ways than one.
V. Replacing Gossip.
1. Practice the golden rule... sounds cheesy - so what! just do it!
2. Have a kind word to say about everyone or smile & say nothing.
3. Talk to your friends and family about spiritual/eternal stuff.
4. Always seek to catch others doing things right!
CONCLUSION:
1. Use the tongue to the glory of God.
2. Learn to control the tongue. (James 3.)
==================================
ok... so, that's it! listen, would you mind doing me a super huge favor?! IF you actually visit my blogsite and enjoy stuff like this, would you mind emailing me to say: "yeah, i like it and i read it" or, "nah, don't bother" -- email me: chillydog1@yahoo.com
6.23.2003
ok... i've just gotta praise God! i'm 7 hours away from boarding a plane to glasgow, scotland and then on to chicago... and then, eventually, home. yes!
my trip in belfast, northern ireland has been... well... amazing, awesome, incredible -- you get the picture! each time i've been here (7 times if your counting... and, i am) i've had great teams and each of them share in the foundational groundwork that allowed this team (my youngest ever) to ROCK belfast!! we planted a student outreach and a community church in 10 days! i think the staff here in belfast is bewildered and overjoyed with the results!
you know... i had a vision and a dream for this (along with my friend here, jonny - the director/pastor) and time after time we inched closer - then this time, things broke open wide! wow! God's timing is perfect - although at times it may seem way off but HE proved Himself again! man, i love HIM so much!
so... i'm away to pack... tears streaming down my face. why me? why here? how?? i don't know... but i'm so grateful to serve my King and be at the heart of His passion: missions! thank YOU for praying for me and reading these nocturnal ramblings! you're cool!
i'll write again from the states!
and by the way, i'm returning home on my 14th wedding anniversary! it's time for the jester to return to his Queen and three princesses! I HAVE A VIRTUOUS WOMAN OF WAR -- WOW!
ok... i'm really signing off now. peace.
my trip in belfast, northern ireland has been... well... amazing, awesome, incredible -- you get the picture! each time i've been here (7 times if your counting... and, i am) i've had great teams and each of them share in the foundational groundwork that allowed this team (my youngest ever) to ROCK belfast!! we planted a student outreach and a community church in 10 days! i think the staff here in belfast is bewildered and overjoyed with the results!
you know... i had a vision and a dream for this (along with my friend here, jonny - the director/pastor) and time after time we inched closer - then this time, things broke open wide! wow! God's timing is perfect - although at times it may seem way off but HE proved Himself again! man, i love HIM so much!
so... i'm away to pack... tears streaming down my face. why me? why here? how?? i don't know... but i'm so grateful to serve my King and be at the heart of His passion: missions! thank YOU for praying for me and reading these nocturnal ramblings! you're cool!
i'll write again from the states!
and by the way, i'm returning home on my 14th wedding anniversary! it's time for the jester to return to his Queen and three princesses! I HAVE A VIRTUOUS WOMAN OF WAR -- WOW!
ok... i'm really signing off now. peace.
6.06.2003
ok, i'm on vacation... in hillbilly country USA... ugh! it's been weird but really awesome to see my parents.
it's funny how God stops you in your tracks to restore you, instruct you and then, release you. i've realized that I really needed rest but would never have taken it willingly. but, here, i've been able to crash & i feel like i'm much stronger for it. i'm ready for a crazy summer!
my prayer is that I may be a FORERUNNER for Jesus!
l8'er...
it's funny how God stops you in your tracks to restore you, instruct you and then, release you. i've realized that I really needed rest but would never have taken it willingly. but, here, i've been able to crash & i feel like i'm much stronger for it. i'm ready for a crazy summer!
my prayer is that I may be a FORERUNNER for Jesus!
l8'er...
5.27.2003
holiness...
ever wonder what, exactly, is holiness (besides the current condition of your socks)? Jesus tells us to be holy like He is holy... whoa! HOW?!?
i guess it brings me back to the realization that ALL of the attributes of Jesus (including holiness) have much more to do with me gettting out of the way than my feeble attempt to get somewhere on my own. there's nothing holy about me... NOTHING! the Word says that all of my "righteousness" is like filthy rags compared to HIM... but, IF i get out of the way, die to self, deal with sin and let the Lord invade every single cell of my body - guess what? i start behaving like Him: loving, sharing, serving, honoring, exalting, smiling - you name it!!
i DO want to be holy - and, ultimately, the only way for me to get "there" is to fill the God-size "HOLE" inside of me with Him and NOTHING else. now that's holiness -- filling all the holes of my life with HIM.
whew! that's it!
well, i better go... i've got some HOLE-FILLIN' to do!
l8'er...
ever wonder what, exactly, is holiness (besides the current condition of your socks)? Jesus tells us to be holy like He is holy... whoa! HOW?!?
i guess it brings me back to the realization that ALL of the attributes of Jesus (including holiness) have much more to do with me gettting out of the way than my feeble attempt to get somewhere on my own. there's nothing holy about me... NOTHING! the Word says that all of my "righteousness" is like filthy rags compared to HIM... but, IF i get out of the way, die to self, deal with sin and let the Lord invade every single cell of my body - guess what? i start behaving like Him: loving, sharing, serving, honoring, exalting, smiling - you name it!!
i DO want to be holy - and, ultimately, the only way for me to get "there" is to fill the God-size "HOLE" inside of me with Him and NOTHING else. now that's holiness -- filling all the holes of my life with HIM.
whew! that's it!
well, i better go... i've got some HOLE-FILLIN' to do!
l8'er...
5.26.2003
last night was incredible!!
220 teens, 21 visitors and 12 salvations!
we had families visiting from the area looking for a church home for their teens and within' the first 5 minutes they were crying stating: "we have never seen teens who love Jesus like this"!!
the altar service at the end, was so unique and amazing ~~ too weird to explain... it was simply a "God thing"!
i'll share more l8'er about some details & application... but, i'm off to join 80+ dv8'ers at the baseball park -- yeah, it's minor league but with all of "us" there, the outreach will be big time PRO!
peace...
220 teens, 21 visitors and 12 salvations!
we had families visiting from the area looking for a church home for their teens and within' the first 5 minutes they were crying stating: "we have never seen teens who love Jesus like this"!!
the altar service at the end, was so unique and amazing ~~ too weird to explain... it was simply a "God thing"!
i'll share more l8'er about some details & application... but, i'm off to join 80+ dv8'ers at the baseball park -- yeah, it's minor league but with all of "us" there, the outreach will be big time PRO!
peace...
5.19.2003
ok... it's been a while since my last blog... sorry. things have been crazy awesome and fast paced ~ seems like the last 7 days just flew by!
know this: the uprising continues and satan is being punk'd hard right here in fort wayne! last night over 210 students joined us in the dv8 big house for an intense illustrated message but long before the presentation ever began, the Holy Spirit hijacked our worship service and we had more fun than any of us can ever remember - then, right in the middle of it, 7 teens accepted Christ! yeah! needless to say after that kind of worship & altar call, everyone was juiced for the message and it did not disappoint (no, not because of me - ha! my part was small)... our anointed students were awesome as nearly 20 filled the stage each with a unique part to play ... by the end, the altars were bum-rushed as teens threw themselves at the feet of Jesus.
friends, God is calling us to "live deliberately" ~ simply defined: LIVE ON PURPOSE. in a world full of people simply existing, we are called to LIVE! ...and, if you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
on a seperate subject (kind of), the matrix reloaded sucks - don't see it! if you did see it, pray for God to free you from the images that are meant to stay with you & rob you of purpose and joy... ok, so, yeah... i give it TWO THUMBS DOWN! disagree? please see philippians 4:8-9... enough said.
alright - time to get back to the battle! press on mi amigo! you're not alone and through Christ we can't lose! L8'er...
know this: the uprising continues and satan is being punk'd hard right here in fort wayne! last night over 210 students joined us in the dv8 big house for an intense illustrated message but long before the presentation ever began, the Holy Spirit hijacked our worship service and we had more fun than any of us can ever remember - then, right in the middle of it, 7 teens accepted Christ! yeah! needless to say after that kind of worship & altar call, everyone was juiced for the message and it did not disappoint (no, not because of me - ha! my part was small)... our anointed students were awesome as nearly 20 filled the stage each with a unique part to play ... by the end, the altars were bum-rushed as teens threw themselves at the feet of Jesus.
friends, God is calling us to "live deliberately" ~ simply defined: LIVE ON PURPOSE. in a world full of people simply existing, we are called to LIVE! ...and, if you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!
on a seperate subject (kind of), the matrix reloaded sucks - don't see it! if you did see it, pray for God to free you from the images that are meant to stay with you & rob you of purpose and joy... ok, so, yeah... i give it TWO THUMBS DOWN! disagree? please see philippians 4:8-9... enough said.
alright - time to get back to the battle! press on mi amigo! you're not alone and through Christ we can't lose! L8'er...
5.14.2003
the battle wages on -- the devil is freakin' out and he's totally ticked off... (good!)
in order to continue experiencing the power & passion of God's awesome presence (like what happened on Sunday night), we must understand that each step we take deeper into enemy strongholds will result in hellish reactions. failure to live in God's perfect will each and every moment 24/7 isn't just reckless, it could be deadly... someone once said: "bigger levels, bigger devils" -- you can't afford to just talk a big game... LIVE IT... LIVE IT LARGE... LIVE IT LOUD!
have you really, REALLY prayed today - does the devil know your name??!!
press on, fight hard, fight even harder, and never, ever quit!
INVICTUS!
in order to continue experiencing the power & passion of God's awesome presence (like what happened on Sunday night), we must understand that each step we take deeper into enemy strongholds will result in hellish reactions. failure to live in God's perfect will each and every moment 24/7 isn't just reckless, it could be deadly... someone once said: "bigger levels, bigger devils" -- you can't afford to just talk a big game... LIVE IT... LIVE IT LARGE... LIVE IT LOUD!
have you really, REALLY prayed today - does the devil know your name??!!
press on, fight hard, fight even harder, and never, ever quit!
INVICTUS!
5.13.2003
Here's an email from one of my heroes regarding the DV8 Live service on Sunday night... enjoy!!
"Capt,
Here's basically my day yesterday:
I went to my brother's church in Indy Sunday morning and it is a good church that is growing uncontrollably and they are Baptist. I talked to my brother Jason for a while about there beliefs and stuff on the Holy Spirit and talked a lot about the Holy Spirit.
I started home at 7 from Indy and I was driving by myself. I left my brother Jeff's graduation after he did the prayer and his name was announced. I left early cause I was disappointed I didn't get to go to Dv8 live and was hoping to stop by church and at least see what God had done.
As I was driving I turned off the radio and began to pray for dv8 live that night. I prayed for a little while but I just ran out of things to say and that's not a normal occurrence. I stopped and got something to eat and then after eating I turned on the radio and after searching through the radio stations decided they were all trash and turned it off. Then God just told me to pray in tongues and I began to pray in tongues. Having no idea what was going on in Dv8 I just began to pray and tongues.
I got to Dv8 about 9:00 and when I pulled in I could find a parking spot by the morgue so I knew something big had happen cause everyone was still there! I walked in to hear the drums still playing and I couldn't wait to get in cause I knew God had done something crazy! I walked in and Tony Meek sprinted up to me and put his arms around me and began frantically telling me what had happen and was just going nuts! I had never seen Joy on the faces of dv8 students like I had that night. The spirit in the room was just amazing! You could feel it when you walked in and it automatically put permagrin (permanent grin) on my face! I heard so many testimonies from fellow leaders in the youth group that had an excitement I've never seen them have. I then talked to Pastor Chilly and he gave me the CD of the night and I rushed home ti listen to it.
My parents were in bed and I set up the CD player and opened up the first page of my brand new journal with expectancy. I listened as people got saved and then Pastor Chilly spoke his message on the CD. I had been disappointed that I had not been there tonight but God always has his planning and I believe I was more in tune and in to that message than any message I had ever been before. I knew from the beginning that I was taking it to a level that night higher than I had ever before and I was going to meet with God like never before even in my house with just me and my dog. I had no doubts in my mind God was going to change me. I was so in to the message that I yelled out "I want it all" more than once and one time even woke up my parents. I had totally forgotten about my surrounding for a couple moments.
As the message ended Pastor Chilly was going to give his altar call and the CD cut off! Fellow warriors and dv8 had told me about the altar call and how Pastor Chilly had yelled out "Fire" and that's when everyone was filled so I stood up yelled "I want it all!!!" and then paused and yelled "FIRE!!!!!!" and began to be filled with the spirit like never before and spoke in tongues like never before. I had been filled with the spirit before but had not always felt like when I was speaking in tongues that it was God but I just knew I had no control of what my mouth was doing it and it was doing it uncontrollably! I went to my knees and began crying and just prayed for a long time! I then went to bed as it was already extremely late! Man that was SO AWESOME just writing about it gets me exited!
Then today I woke up and I was speaking as soon as I woke up and God was just so real today throughout the day and there were so many things that normally I would have done that before I did them My "counselor" was there to remind me not to and I was guided with who to talk to and what to do and what to say. IT WAS TIGHT! and right!
That's it....thats the ball game!
Joel "
warriors, you KNOW it's real when it happens away from the church buildings, worship music and pumped-up peers... especially when it continues right onto the high school campus and beyond! things are getting crazy and i love it! strength & honor... cC
"Capt,
Here's basically my day yesterday:
I went to my brother's church in Indy Sunday morning and it is a good church that is growing uncontrollably and they are Baptist. I talked to my brother Jason for a while about there beliefs and stuff on the Holy Spirit and talked a lot about the Holy Spirit.
I started home at 7 from Indy and I was driving by myself. I left my brother Jeff's graduation after he did the prayer and his name was announced. I left early cause I was disappointed I didn't get to go to Dv8 live and was hoping to stop by church and at least see what God had done.
As I was driving I turned off the radio and began to pray for dv8 live that night. I prayed for a little while but I just ran out of things to say and that's not a normal occurrence. I stopped and got something to eat and then after eating I turned on the radio and after searching through the radio stations decided they were all trash and turned it off. Then God just told me to pray in tongues and I began to pray in tongues. Having no idea what was going on in Dv8 I just began to pray and tongues.
I got to Dv8 about 9:00 and when I pulled in I could find a parking spot by the morgue so I knew something big had happen cause everyone was still there! I walked in to hear the drums still playing and I couldn't wait to get in cause I knew God had done something crazy! I walked in and Tony Meek sprinted up to me and put his arms around me and began frantically telling me what had happen and was just going nuts! I had never seen Joy on the faces of dv8 students like I had that night. The spirit in the room was just amazing! You could feel it when you walked in and it automatically put permagrin (permanent grin) on my face! I heard so many testimonies from fellow leaders in the youth group that had an excitement I've never seen them have. I then talked to Pastor Chilly and he gave me the CD of the night and I rushed home ti listen to it.
My parents were in bed and I set up the CD player and opened up the first page of my brand new journal with expectancy. I listened as people got saved and then Pastor Chilly spoke his message on the CD. I had been disappointed that I had not been there tonight but God always has his planning and I believe I was more in tune and in to that message than any message I had ever been before. I knew from the beginning that I was taking it to a level that night higher than I had ever before and I was going to meet with God like never before even in my house with just me and my dog. I had no doubts in my mind God was going to change me. I was so in to the message that I yelled out "I want it all" more than once and one time even woke up my parents. I had totally forgotten about my surrounding for a couple moments.
As the message ended Pastor Chilly was going to give his altar call and the CD cut off! Fellow warriors and dv8 had told me about the altar call and how Pastor Chilly had yelled out "Fire" and that's when everyone was filled so I stood up yelled "I want it all!!!" and then paused and yelled "FIRE!!!!!!" and began to be filled with the spirit like never before and spoke in tongues like never before. I had been filled with the spirit before but had not always felt like when I was speaking in tongues that it was God but I just knew I had no control of what my mouth was doing it and it was doing it uncontrollably! I went to my knees and began crying and just prayed for a long time! I then went to bed as it was already extremely late! Man that was SO AWESOME just writing about it gets me exited!
Then today I woke up and I was speaking as soon as I woke up and God was just so real today throughout the day and there were so many things that normally I would have done that before I did them My "counselor" was there to remind me not to and I was guided with who to talk to and what to do and what to say. IT WAS TIGHT! and right!
That's it....thats the ball game!
Joel "
warriors, you KNOW it's real when it happens away from the church buildings, worship music and pumped-up peers... especially when it continues right onto the high school campus and beyond! things are getting crazy and i love it! strength & honor... cC
5.12.2003
ok, i've just got to brag about my Lord for a few minutes...
God is so amazing and awesome! last night at DV8 He simply took over and we all just stood back stunned by His presence.
i had wrestled for most of the weekend with what the Lord wanted me to preach on Sunday night. i knew that sunday was mom's day and that our weather wasn't expected to be the best, so it was likely that our numbers would be down a bit. i had been promoting a late-night "pentecost-type" prayer meeting for friday, may 16th... yet, God kept speaking to my heart to be ready on sunday. i reasoned with Him and myself: "but God, i'm expecting leadership teams from 2 "non-charismatic" youth ministries, our numbers will be down, we usually have lots of catholic and Lutheran teens on Sundays, etc..." so, i prepared another message...
i remained torn between the two messages (i guess, to be honest, i was torn between my way or God's way... yeah, you're right, obedience). so, as i sat on the stage steps during the offering, 2 messages in hand... i was still wrestling with, well, myself. it's crazy! we had just had six more teens accept Christ at the end of worship, we had tons of visitors (around 20), our numbers were down but still respectable (175 - hey, that's 55 more than Acts 2:4)yes, the visiting leadership from youth groups was there, and...
well, i bowed my head one more time, and prayed, "Lord, i'll do whatever you tell me to do. you want me to preach on Your Holy Spirit, don't you?" and the Lord responded, "i've been blowing the wind strongly all weekend to get your attention - what you've felt physically outside, you are about to feel spiritually inside." - i got up, looked at our worship leader and said, "get ready, things are about to get crazy! i'm throwin' down a message on the Holy Spirit and everyone's gettin' it!"
from that moment on, God took over! First in me, then quickly through me and ultimately throughout the building. at the altar call, we had AT LEAST 97 people baptized in the Holy Spirit (i think we had way more than that, but this is the amount that i was able to personally confirm) with loud evidence of speaking in tongues simultaneous - that's right, all at the same time they began to speak, then every other teen in the place (except for 2) joined in!! hey, even my armor-bearer perry was baptized in the spirit right at the same time as his ladies - their whole home is bi-lingual now! the outpouring in the altar lasted 1.5 - 2 more hours. eventually parents began to arrive & joined us at the altar as well. we were even joined by Pastor Campbell and Sherri - needless to say, they were thrilled!
i can't even imagine what's goin' on today at schools across our city even as i type this!
ok, i'll stop ~ may God be praised and receive all of the glory!
i learned another lesson on obedience this weekend and God changed a generation!
to be continued...
thanks to all of you who pray for me! you're a part of all of this!!
Strength & Honor,
chilly ~ Acts 20:24
God is so amazing and awesome! last night at DV8 He simply took over and we all just stood back stunned by His presence.
i had wrestled for most of the weekend with what the Lord wanted me to preach on Sunday night. i knew that sunday was mom's day and that our weather wasn't expected to be the best, so it was likely that our numbers would be down a bit. i had been promoting a late-night "pentecost-type" prayer meeting for friday, may 16th... yet, God kept speaking to my heart to be ready on sunday. i reasoned with Him and myself: "but God, i'm expecting leadership teams from 2 "non-charismatic" youth ministries, our numbers will be down, we usually have lots of catholic and Lutheran teens on Sundays, etc..." so, i prepared another message...
i remained torn between the two messages (i guess, to be honest, i was torn between my way or God's way... yeah, you're right, obedience). so, as i sat on the stage steps during the offering, 2 messages in hand... i was still wrestling with, well, myself. it's crazy! we had just had six more teens accept Christ at the end of worship, we had tons of visitors (around 20), our numbers were down but still respectable (175 - hey, that's 55 more than Acts 2:4)yes, the visiting leadership from youth groups was there, and...
well, i bowed my head one more time, and prayed, "Lord, i'll do whatever you tell me to do. you want me to preach on Your Holy Spirit, don't you?" and the Lord responded, "i've been blowing the wind strongly all weekend to get your attention - what you've felt physically outside, you are about to feel spiritually inside." - i got up, looked at our worship leader and said, "get ready, things are about to get crazy! i'm throwin' down a message on the Holy Spirit and everyone's gettin' it!"
from that moment on, God took over! First in me, then quickly through me and ultimately throughout the building. at the altar call, we had AT LEAST 97 people baptized in the Holy Spirit (i think we had way more than that, but this is the amount that i was able to personally confirm) with loud evidence of speaking in tongues simultaneous - that's right, all at the same time they began to speak, then every other teen in the place (except for 2) joined in!! hey, even my armor-bearer perry was baptized in the spirit right at the same time as his ladies - their whole home is bi-lingual now! the outpouring in the altar lasted 1.5 - 2 more hours. eventually parents began to arrive & joined us at the altar as well. we were even joined by Pastor Campbell and Sherri - needless to say, they were thrilled!
i can't even imagine what's goin' on today at schools across our city even as i type this!
ok, i'll stop ~ may God be praised and receive all of the glory!
i learned another lesson on obedience this weekend and God changed a generation!
to be continued...
thanks to all of you who pray for me! you're a part of all of this!!
Strength & Honor,
chilly ~ Acts 20:24
5.08.2003
INVICTUS...
the latin word meaning "an unconquerable spirit"
my friend, unless you have INVICTUS you surely will NOT make a difference in these final days of spiritual conflict.
physically, i have been a literal wreck and yet, i press on and become much more than a mere survivor... HE makes me a champion.
INVICTUS!
either you have it or ...
the latin word meaning "an unconquerable spirit"
my friend, unless you have INVICTUS you surely will NOT make a difference in these final days of spiritual conflict.
physically, i have been a literal wreck and yet, i press on and become much more than a mere survivor... HE makes me a champion.
INVICTUS!
either you have it or ...
5.06.2003
happy cinco de mayo! ok, a day late but - hey - i'm still up so it feels like monday.
anyways...
i spent 2 hours on a hard plastic chair at the departement of motor vehicles (ok, you're right, i didn't just sit there ~ i'm way too hyper for that but the 2 hours of "waiting" is accurate)... nice way to spend a beautiful afternoon. people don't smile much in there - so i must have freaked out 50 or so! just making eye-contact with as many as i could all the while praying silently straight into them. that's how i make time fly ~ it was cool.
then, after some mexican food (a must on may 5th) i spent some time cleaning my wife's vehicle... ever learned anything profound while washing a car?? i did: i really love my wife and don't deserve her! yeah, i had to learn it again - blessing her, blesses me (just wait to mom's day this sunday)!!
"if you want the latest upgrade for your walk with God, download more of Him" l8'er...
anyways...
i spent 2 hours on a hard plastic chair at the departement of motor vehicles (ok, you're right, i didn't just sit there ~ i'm way too hyper for that but the 2 hours of "waiting" is accurate)... nice way to spend a beautiful afternoon. people don't smile much in there - so i must have freaked out 50 or so! just making eye-contact with as many as i could all the while praying silently straight into them. that's how i make time fly ~ it was cool.
then, after some mexican food (a must on may 5th) i spent some time cleaning my wife's vehicle... ever learned anything profound while washing a car?? i did: i really love my wife and don't deserve her! yeah, i had to learn it again - blessing her, blesses me (just wait to mom's day this sunday)!!
"if you want the latest upgrade for your walk with God, download more of Him" l8'er...
5.05.2003
12 visitors, 7 salvations ~ AWESOME!
...and this morning... oh man, God was off the hook! the adults went nuts... FINALLY! dv8 continues to lead the way in the church, community, schools and beyond! May this week be incredible... i'll do my part!
LESS THAN A MONTH TO LIVE ~ LIVE URGENTLY!
strength & honor...
...and this morning... oh man, God was off the hook! the adults went nuts... FINALLY! dv8 continues to lead the way in the church, community, schools and beyond! May this week be incredible... i'll do my part!
LESS THAN A MONTH TO LIVE ~ LIVE URGENTLY!
strength & honor...
5.04.2003
today is a celebration for me. Have you bought my presents yet? Ha! Ok, no presents needed... "His presence" is my present!
...but the reason I celebrate is that today marks my one year anniversary at DV8! yeah! what's dv8, good question - check out: www.dv8ion.net
... so, this morning i'm surrounded by student warriors that have radically changed over the last year. they are my heroes. they live the truth for IT has made them free!
i'll continue this later cause i have a feeling that today will hold some serious victories and awesome surprises. may God BE GOD! maybe this morning God will use me to instigate something in the "big church"... never say NEVER! ha!
L8'er...
...but the reason I celebrate is that today marks my one year anniversary at DV8! yeah! what's dv8, good question - check out: www.dv8ion.net
... so, this morning i'm surrounded by student warriors that have radically changed over the last year. they are my heroes. they live the truth for IT has made them free!
i'll continue this later cause i have a feeling that today will hold some serious victories and awesome surprises. may God BE GOD! maybe this morning God will use me to instigate something in the "big church"... never say NEVER! ha!
L8'er...
yeah, so chris (one of my friends, disciples & fellow warriors) just left the house - he just got back in town and brought over some very impressive documents: college diploma, honors certificate, who's who certificate, top honors kind of stuff. he flew to philly to to walk the line at graduation. impressed?! well, you know what, I AM! ...no, not for all of the certificates & awards -- nah... I'M IMPRESSED WITH THE MAN. don't get me wrong, a college degree is a great accomplishment but for someone like chris, it only confirms with papers & tradition what God has made clear to all of us fortunate enough to see it... to me, a man of God's greatest credentials are not found framed on his office walls but rather framed between the eyelids on his face. character, or lack there of, can be seen in just one look.
chris, i've looked. you've got it!
ok, new subject: :"i'm tired - think i'll stop running now and go home" ... when i wake up the devil gets PUNK'D and God gets PRAISED! until then...
chris, i've looked. you've got it!
ok, new subject: :"i'm tired - think i'll stop running now and go home" ... when i wake up the devil gets PUNK'D and God gets PRAISED! until then...
5.03.2003
Ok, so I finally get to bed early Saturday morning (around 4:30am) after staying up late with "coram deo" prayer then pounding out some work in the office until 2:30am... I was beat! But, I got some solid Zzz's - which is rare for me - and woke up late (it felt great - no guilt)... but as I'm throwing back a few pancakes, I hear on both sides of our house the sound of lawnmowers chewing up and spiting out the yards of my neighbors - so I think... ugh... "what am I gonna do? my mower is busted - I have no loot to buy a new one - but I don't want my yard to look like crap... stink!"
Just then, there's a knock at the door and to my surprise, the mowers I heard on either side of my house were those of some our teenagers cutting MY yard. YES! ...I mean, "these young people shouldn't be wasting their time cutting my yard - I'm still in good shape and can certainly do my own landscaping" - what?!! No, I'll stick with my first response: YES!! YES!!! YES!!!! "yes" for two reasons: 1) this is a huge blessing to me and my family, and 2) this speaks volumes about our teens - they weren't asked to do this - not even any hints... nope, they are becoming servants and are honoring their leaders. how can i stop them?!
So, Britt, Nicole, Carrie, Chelsea, Tyler and Paul -- mad props to you all. I love you and I'm proud of your dedication to HIM. THANX
...by the way... they were doing such a good job that my neighbor across the street asked if they would do her yard -- and she paid them! that's just how cool God is!
l8'er...
Just then, there's a knock at the door and to my surprise, the mowers I heard on either side of my house were those of some our teenagers cutting MY yard. YES! ...I mean, "these young people shouldn't be wasting their time cutting my yard - I'm still in good shape and can certainly do my own landscaping" - what?!! No, I'll stick with my first response: YES!! YES!!! YES!!!! "yes" for two reasons: 1) this is a huge blessing to me and my family, and 2) this speaks volumes about our teens - they weren't asked to do this - not even any hints... nope, they are becoming servants and are honoring their leaders. how can i stop them?!
So, Britt, Nicole, Carrie, Chelsea, Tyler and Paul -- mad props to you all. I love you and I'm proud of your dedication to HIM. THANX
...by the way... they were doing such a good job that my neighbor across the street asked if they would do her yard -- and she paid them! that's just how cool God is!
l8'er...
ohhhhhhhhhhhh, and another thing, I couldn't do any of this stuff without Queen Netta, DV8 Destroyers and the MAC Militia...
tonight a bunch of bmx guys came to our BIG HOUSE (youth center) -- they're being evicted from their house and have tons of skate ramps: quarter pipes, half-pipes, grinding boxes, rails, etc... they're looking for somewhere to put it -- and, no coincidence, we just cleared our lot for a skate park. hmmmm... again, God's right on time!
Thanks Lord!
tonight a bunch of bmx guys came to our BIG HOUSE (youth center) -- they're being evicted from their house and have tons of skate ramps: quarter pipes, half-pipes, grinding boxes, rails, etc... they're looking for somewhere to put it -- and, no coincidence, we just cleared our lot for a skate park. hmmmm... again, God's right on time!
Thanks Lord!
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