hey, I love you!!
I'm serious!
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...
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