So here are a list of some of my favorite quotes that we have heard over the past 2 months:
"I have a Phd...a Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance gifting! - (Graham Walsh, Director of Healing & Deliverance Ministry)
"Just because I live in a garage, it doesn't make me a car!" - (Graham Walsh, speaking of the state of people who attend church.)
"The church is like Noah's ark, it is full of animals who stick to their own kind, BUT it's still the only thing that floats!" - Lou Engle
"We don't combat evil with good, we combat evil with truth; and Truth is a person named Jesus." - (Ian Rutherford, speaking on "Apostolic Authority")
"EVERYTHING is motivated by reward! If God is not your reward you will NOT choose to remain in His word...You will not do right by God." - (Ed Boasso, speaking on "What Hinders Prayer?")
"When we close our eyes, do we see a God of hope? Or do we only see a God who puts up with your sin and weakness? ...The God you see when you close your eyes IS the God you convey to everyone else (your neighbor)." - (Ed Boasso, speaking on "The importance of the first commandment"
"Time is money. Time is destiny. Where you spend your time is what you will become rich in.........You are already giving extravagantly - you're probably just giving it to your credit card!" - (Ian Rutherford, speaking on the "Eternal Treasures")
"The test of liberality (generosity) is not what is given, but what is left." - William Kelly
"Jesus did not preach a gospel of non-violent resistance, His gospel is one of total non-resistance." - (Dale Anderson, speaking on Matt 5 - "Don't resist an evil man")
"It is not the strength of one's faith that saves him, but faith in a strong Saviour." - Dr. Constables Commentary (Matt 9:22)
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Jesus and his time...
So I've just read thru the book of Matthew (I won't tell you how long it took me....)
And I've found alot of interesting stuff in it.
The first was out of Matthew 15 where Jesus went up to a mountain and a bunch of people followed bringing all their sick family and friends.
And it says "they put them at his feet and he healed them"
Then it goes on to say that Jesus "has compassion" on the crowd because they had been with him 3 DAYS and were hungry. Then of course he feeds them with "7 loaves and a few small fish" which is yet another miracle but it's not what caught my attention.
The part that caught my attention was "Those who ate were 4000 men, besides women and children."
And the question's that came to mind were...
1. How many got healed and how long did it take to heal them all?
2. Why didn't he just wave his hands over them all "mass healing" or even a better use of his time organize them into like groups... the deaf over here, the demon possesed at the back, the lame over there. And then they'd have healing within their own groups.
So what came to mind was that Jesus was known for his compassion. And I totally can't imagine him separating them into groups because he wouldn't have had a personal interaction with them. And I doubt they would have felt cared for. HOWEVER he totally could have done the mass healing thing because he was known to heal people in other cities or who weren't in his presence.
But he didn't.
I assume the disciples asked themselves the same questions. Because they were known for asking questions that frustrated Jesus. It seems to be in the best use of his time to get these healings over and done with. There are more than 4000 people. Why not "fast food" healing. Oh even better, drive thru healing. You could just push the wheelchair past him, you wouldn't even have to stop. (is that sacreligious?)
So I did the math
If he took 5 minutes with each person
And if 20% of the male crowd were seeking healing
Then that would be 800 people
12 people an hour
Over 10 hours - 120 people
It would take 66 hours to heal 800 people.
There are only 72 hours in 3 days.
It didn't state he stopped for coffee breaks, meals or sleep
It says that "Jesus healed them" not Jesus and his disciples
And it also says "many others" were brought to him (meaning not fitting into the lame, blind, crippled or lame categories)
So it made me think again, were there any people who came to Jesus with insignificant things? Like an ingrown toenail or a broken arm? Sore throat? Diarrhea?
Was there a limit on what he would heal? Would he turn anyone away?
Did he say "put a little aloe vera on it, it'll be better in a couple days"
Was he serious when he was healing? Did he make jokes? Did he get tired? Did he look at his watch? Could he even see the end of the line?
And then I wonder, exactly how many people did he heal in total thru his 3 year ministry on earth? Alot more than 800 I know. And how is it that people still would not believe he was the savior the prophets spoke of? When everyone's brother had been healed of something. It must have been something to be on that mountain for 3 days.
I wonder if that could ever happen again?
I hope if it ever does that I'm there.
Rhonda
And I've found alot of interesting stuff in it.
The first was out of Matthew 15 where Jesus went up to a mountain and a bunch of people followed bringing all their sick family and friends.
And it says "they put them at his feet and he healed them"
Then it goes on to say that Jesus "has compassion" on the crowd because they had been with him 3 DAYS and were hungry. Then of course he feeds them with "7 loaves and a few small fish" which is yet another miracle but it's not what caught my attention.
The part that caught my attention was "Those who ate were 4000 men, besides women and children."
And the question's that came to mind were...
1. How many got healed and how long did it take to heal them all?
2. Why didn't he just wave his hands over them all "mass healing" or even a better use of his time organize them into like groups... the deaf over here, the demon possesed at the back, the lame over there. And then they'd have healing within their own groups.
So what came to mind was that Jesus was known for his compassion. And I totally can't imagine him separating them into groups because he wouldn't have had a personal interaction with them. And I doubt they would have felt cared for. HOWEVER he totally could have done the mass healing thing because he was known to heal people in other cities or who weren't in his presence.
But he didn't.
I assume the disciples asked themselves the same questions. Because they were known for asking questions that frustrated Jesus. It seems to be in the best use of his time to get these healings over and done with. There are more than 4000 people. Why not "fast food" healing. Oh even better, drive thru healing. You could just push the wheelchair past him, you wouldn't even have to stop. (is that sacreligious?)
So I did the math
If he took 5 minutes with each person
And if 20% of the male crowd were seeking healing
Then that would be 800 people
12 people an hour
Over 10 hours - 120 people
It would take 66 hours to heal 800 people.
There are only 72 hours in 3 days.
It didn't state he stopped for coffee breaks, meals or sleep
It says that "Jesus healed them" not Jesus and his disciples
And it also says "many others" were brought to him (meaning not fitting into the lame, blind, crippled or lame categories)
So it made me think again, were there any people who came to Jesus with insignificant things? Like an ingrown toenail or a broken arm? Sore throat? Diarrhea?
Was there a limit on what he would heal? Would he turn anyone away?
Did he say "put a little aloe vera on it, it'll be better in a couple days"
Was he serious when he was healing? Did he make jokes? Did he get tired? Did he look at his watch? Could he even see the end of the line?
And then I wonder, exactly how many people did he heal in total thru his 3 year ministry on earth? Alot more than 800 I know. And how is it that people still would not believe he was the savior the prophets spoke of? When everyone's brother had been healed of something. It must have been something to be on that mountain for 3 days.
I wonder if that could ever happen again?
I hope if it ever does that I'm there.
Rhonda
Ruth Graham says...
I found this quote somewhere and it took me off guard...
"If God does not judge America
He must apologize to
Sodom and Gomorrah."
I don't really have anything else to say about that but wow.
Rhonda
"If God does not judge America
He must apologize to
Sodom and Gomorrah."
I don't really have anything else to say about that but wow.
Rhonda
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Lydia update
fOur friend Jeff just stopped by to let us know that their 2 1/2 month old daughter who has trisomy 18 is not doing well. She's been diagnosed with pneumonia and due to her already existing lung difficulties it will make recovery very difficult
Not to mention the mom Joanelle has pneumonia as well.
Your prayers would be coveted.
We will keep you posted.....
Rhonda
Not to mention the mom Joanelle has pneumonia as well.
Your prayers would be coveted.
We will keep you posted.....
Rhonda
Hope- vs -Denial
I went to see baby Lydia to see how she's doing. Her cries sound like a muffled cat. Very unusual for a 2 month old baby. But usual for her. She is still so tiny. 5 1/2 pounds
Her mom Joanelle was sharing her interactions with the medical community over the last 24 hours, which I found interesting as a Canadian.
Basically Joanelle went to the emergency to get checked out and after an xray it was determined she has pneumonia. She had asked the doctor to check out baby Lydia too and was concerned if she had pneumonia too. The doc's response was "well even if she did, we wouldn't do anything about it." After Joanelle persisted a bit of a brew-haha occurred.
Lydia had to be discharged from the palliative care/hospice program in order to seek medical attention and care for a condition for her daughter.
They have a more distinct seperation from "palliative care" and "hospice".
That being palliative care allows for interventions other than pain medication and hospice does not.
In Canada we have a "comfort care" stipulation for palliative care. So if someone has alot of other issues going on, is bedridden, and has pneumonia they would probably recommend to the family not to treat it. I don't see Lydia fitting into this picture, and neither does her mom.
However the debate over Joanelle being "in denial" (however they don't say it like that to her face) goes on. They continue to reinforce that her daughter has an untreatable condition that will end in the end of her life within the next 12 months. They continue to reinforce that she's sick. That she won't get better.
And I hear Joanelle say, yes but it's my daughter. If it can be treated without it making it more difficult for her why wouldn't we? And what about God?? Is he capable of changing this situation???
And there it comes in, the fine line between hope and denial.
Hope for things to be better, the reality of what they are.
If you dont' hold them in balance you will swing into either of the 2 dangerous waters.
Even though I'm not in denial about baby Lydia, I hope that God will break into her little life and her body. Bringing his hope, his life, his breath.
Love Rhonda
Her mom Joanelle was sharing her interactions with the medical community over the last 24 hours, which I found interesting as a Canadian.
Basically Joanelle went to the emergency to get checked out and after an xray it was determined she has pneumonia. She had asked the doctor to check out baby Lydia too and was concerned if she had pneumonia too. The doc's response was "well even if she did, we wouldn't do anything about it." After Joanelle persisted a bit of a brew-haha occurred.
Lydia had to be discharged from the palliative care/hospice program in order to seek medical attention and care for a condition for her daughter.
They have a more distinct seperation from "palliative care" and "hospice".
That being palliative care allows for interventions other than pain medication and hospice does not.
In Canada we have a "comfort care" stipulation for palliative care. So if someone has alot of other issues going on, is bedridden, and has pneumonia they would probably recommend to the family not to treat it. I don't see Lydia fitting into this picture, and neither does her mom.
However the debate over Joanelle being "in denial" (however they don't say it like that to her face) goes on. They continue to reinforce that her daughter has an untreatable condition that will end in the end of her life within the next 12 months. They continue to reinforce that she's sick. That she won't get better.
And I hear Joanelle say, yes but it's my daughter. If it can be treated without it making it more difficult for her why wouldn't we? And what about God?? Is he capable of changing this situation???
And there it comes in, the fine line between hope and denial.
Hope for things to be better, the reality of what they are.
If you dont' hold them in balance you will swing into either of the 2 dangerous waters.
Even though I'm not in denial about baby Lydia, I hope that God will break into her little life and her body. Bringing his hope, his life, his breath.
Love Rhonda
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Breath Deep
This morning as I was praying the word, I was drawn to the verse in Acts where Paul proclaims to the philosophers at Athens;
"He gives to all life, breath, and all things...their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:25-27)
So I thanked Jesus for His nearness to me and then asked Him to reveal through the common and natural things just how close He was to me.
As I walked a few steps (I usually pace the isles when I am praying - it helps me stay focused!) I was prompted to take a deep breath, and then another.
As I continued to take deep breathes every few steps I was suddenly was reminded that He is always as close to me as the very breath in my lungs, the wind swirling around my head and the very substance of creation. Not that God is reduced to a piece of matter or substance, but that His creation is the revelation of His Divine Nature, just as Paul was declaring in Acts 17.
Soon I was reminded of Elihu's declaration in the book of Job:
"He gives to all life, breath, and all things...their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:25-27)
So I thanked Jesus for His nearness to me and then asked Him to reveal through the common and natural things just how close He was to me.
As I walked a few steps (I usually pace the isles when I am praying - it helps me stay focused!) I was prompted to take a deep breath, and then another.
As I continued to take deep breathes every few steps I was suddenly was reminded that He is always as close to me as the very breath in my lungs, the wind swirling around my head and the very substance of creation. Not that God is reduced to a piece of matter or substance, but that His creation is the revelation of His Divine Nature, just as Paul was declaring in Acts 17.
Soon I was reminded of Elihu's declaration in the book of Job:
"If it were His intention and He withdrew His spirit and breath,
all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust"
My very breath, the thing that I rely upon on a moment by moment basis is supplied through the graciousness of the Giver of All Life, who if He held His breath would cause ALL things to return to dust!
What an incredible gift; that in the midst of a dull heart, a dark night or the tribulations of growing into my intended end that all I have to do is take a breath and I am intimately near to the uncreated unchanging God!
It is not only the breath of life, it is the very breath of Life Himself.
Breath deep! Worship deeply!!
Jon
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Divine Dominoes
Ever since we have arrived in Kansas City I have been laughing at all of the divine set-ups that God has been doing.
It seems that almost every day I will arrive in class and the speaker for that day will be referencing the exact bible verse or passage that I was led to study that morning in the prayer room! It has almost become a bit of standing joke between Rhonda and I; the speaker says...turn to blah blah blah....and I open my bible to that spot and show Rhonda the verse already highlighted.
Now the thing that makes it even funnier is that I just bought a different bible, specifically for our time at Commission, so I didn't come to KC with anything written or noted in this bible - they are all things that I have encountered since getting here!
So please don't get me wrong, this is not a "wow I'm so awesome!" kind of thing. It has been really cool, but kind of scary at the same time; because many of the things I've been marking have been invitations into things that I don't presently possess.
Well Sunday morning we arrived at church and it happened again! Cory Russel was preaching and touching on a passage that I had just been praying through the day before. However, as he preached his message didn't really touch my heart. I was starting to get a bit disconnected and was ready to go for lunch. Then suddenly, my heart started stirring and within a few minutes I was literally fighting myself from running to the front of the auditorium and throwing myself down at the alter!
Fortunately for me, about 10 minutes later he did call people forward for prayer and I was off like a bullet.
As I'm standing on the prayer line waiting to get prayer for, I am struck by something - the worship team is the same team that usually does the 8 am worship set in the prayer room! What's odd about this is that they never play at the main services!? What's also odd is that they are playing the exact same song that the Lord has been meeting me in week after week in the prayer room. Now to put that in perspective, there have been very few emotional moments in the prayer room over the past 8 weeks, but this song has been a unique event, a place were my emotions are actually activated in a deep way.
They have just finished preaching my morning meditation, and I am being ministered to by my worship team and they are playing my song!
I could go on and list even more things that were divinely set up for that one single event but there are not enough Gigabytes of storage on Blogger to hold a story that long! Needless to say I felt like God was playing Divine Dominoes with my heart on Sunday and with one breath of His Spirit they all came toppling down.
Jon
It seems that almost every day I will arrive in class and the speaker for that day will be referencing the exact bible verse or passage that I was led to study that morning in the prayer room! It has almost become a bit of standing joke between Rhonda and I; the speaker says...turn to blah blah blah....and I open my bible to that spot and show Rhonda the verse already highlighted.
Now the thing that makes it even funnier is that I just bought a different bible, specifically for our time at Commission, so I didn't come to KC with anything written or noted in this bible - they are all things that I have encountered since getting here!
So please don't get me wrong, this is not a "wow I'm so awesome!" kind of thing. It has been really cool, but kind of scary at the same time; because many of the things I've been marking have been invitations into things that I don't presently possess.
Well Sunday morning we arrived at church and it happened again! Cory Russel was preaching and touching on a passage that I had just been praying through the day before. However, as he preached his message didn't really touch my heart. I was starting to get a bit disconnected and was ready to go for lunch. Then suddenly, my heart started stirring and within a few minutes I was literally fighting myself from running to the front of the auditorium and throwing myself down at the alter!
Fortunately for me, about 10 minutes later he did call people forward for prayer and I was off like a bullet.
As I'm standing on the prayer line waiting to get prayer for, I am struck by something - the worship team is the same team that usually does the 8 am worship set in the prayer room! What's odd about this is that they never play at the main services!? What's also odd is that they are playing the exact same song that the Lord has been meeting me in week after week in the prayer room. Now to put that in perspective, there have been very few emotional moments in the prayer room over the past 8 weeks, but this song has been a unique event, a place were my emotions are actually activated in a deep way.
They have just finished preaching my morning meditation, and I am being ministered to by my worship team and they are playing my song!
I could go on and list even more things that were divinely set up for that one single event but there are not enough Gigabytes of storage on Blogger to hold a story that long! Needless to say I felt like God was playing Divine Dominoes with my heart on Sunday and with one breath of His Spirit they all came toppling down.
Jon
Monday, 26 October 2009
Mercy
Last week as one of the teachers was teaching on the beatitudes, she gave a beautiful picture of what mercy truly is.
She said that in the original text the word "mercy" was given a symbol as the language was something like hylogryphics. ?how do you spell that?
The symbol was an outline of a graceful bird with it's head looking downward.
What this symbol depicted was that of a stork who had plucked out her own feathers with great pain to herself. The feathers were used as a ground covering for her chicks who had found themselves in a thorny place. She put the feathers over the thorns so the chicks would find comfort from their distress.,
Isn't that a beautiful picture? I don't think I will ever forget it. And the lord knows I will be needing this ground covering many many times in my life.
Another definition she gave of mercy was....
"The willingness to alleviate the consequences of someone's foolishness"
and another man's thoughts....
"It squanders itself on rogues who have no intention of improving themselves. All it asks for is that it be received. The only unforgivable sin is the sin against forgiveness, the sin which directly and immediately refuses forgiveness."
And lastly, God is RECKLESS with his mercy. He gives to all who will receive it, no matter the crime, the misdemeanor, the horrific. The hardest part is receiving it since we do not deserve it and can't guarantee we won't be in need of it within the next hour.
What a beautiful God we serve
Rhonda
She said that in the original text the word "mercy" was given a symbol as the language was something like hylogryphics. ?how do you spell that?
The symbol was an outline of a graceful bird with it's head looking downward.
What this symbol depicted was that of a stork who had plucked out her own feathers with great pain to herself. The feathers were used as a ground covering for her chicks who had found themselves in a thorny place. She put the feathers over the thorns so the chicks would find comfort from their distress.,
Isn't that a beautiful picture? I don't think I will ever forget it. And the lord knows I will be needing this ground covering many many times in my life.
Another definition she gave of mercy was....
"The willingness to alleviate the consequences of someone's foolishness"
and another man's thoughts....
"It squanders itself on rogues who have no intention of improving themselves. All it asks for is that it be received. The only unforgivable sin is the sin against forgiveness, the sin which directly and immediately refuses forgiveness."
And lastly, God is RECKLESS with his mercy. He gives to all who will receive it, no matter the crime, the misdemeanor, the horrific. The hardest part is receiving it since we do not deserve it and can't guarantee we won't be in need of it within the next hour.
What a beautiful God we serve
Rhonda
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Moses and Jesus
O.k. you have to know since we are at a christian thingee I'm learning lots of christian kinda things....
Anyway, here there is a man passionate about stopping abortion in this country. Since of course it is legalized. (As it is in our country)
Apparently there is an "abortion super center" being built in Texas that is funded by the both the state and the country.
I've never really had strong opinions on this topic because I have a hard time saying to someone's face that what they are doing is wrong. I have no problem thinking it... I guess it's the Canadian in me. Not wanting to offend...
However, he mentioned 2 things that really got me thinking. And it was in regards to Moses and Jesus. Firstly the birth surrounding Moses was unusual. At the time the Israelites were a HUGE nation living in Egypt, and since the Egyptians were afraid the Israelites would overthrow them they made them slaves. The slaves kept procreating so there were even MORE Israelites. So, the Pharaoh commanded the country that every son that is born to a Hebrew must be cast into the nile to be killed, but every girl may live. See no men, no procreating. And so we pick up the story as baby Moses floating in his basket and being rescued from this horrible fate. However it makes me wonder if the Israelites were such a huge nation and so proliferative there must have been a whole lot of babies born. So how many babies were killed. Murdered actually. Hundreds? Thousands? I don't know if there is an estimate in some history text book but it was a whole lot I assume. And for how long did this "edict" stay? Was it 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? I'd like to know. Would you call this a massacre?
And then fast forward to Jesus time. Herod is told by the wise men of this new king and he get's jealous and fears for his "kingdom" and thus plans to kill him. The wise men sneak out of the country and Herod gets furious. So he sent his soldiers on a mission to kill all the male children 2 years old and under in Bethlehem and in that region. And he killed them. How many? Lots. Massacre.
Killing young babies and toddlers is not a new idea. Lots have been killed throughout history.
So I think I've come to believe that abortion is this generations technologically advanced form of a massacre. How many? Lots. And not just in Bethlehem and Egypt but in every single country all over the world.
Is God big enough to end abortion? I have to believe he is.
Rhonda
(does it sound like I"m becoming an activist? Until now I never thought it was a good thing)
Anyway, here there is a man passionate about stopping abortion in this country. Since of course it is legalized. (As it is in our country)
Apparently there is an "abortion super center" being built in Texas that is funded by the both the state and the country.
I've never really had strong opinions on this topic because I have a hard time saying to someone's face that what they are doing is wrong. I have no problem thinking it... I guess it's the Canadian in me. Not wanting to offend...
However, he mentioned 2 things that really got me thinking. And it was in regards to Moses and Jesus. Firstly the birth surrounding Moses was unusual. At the time the Israelites were a HUGE nation living in Egypt, and since the Egyptians were afraid the Israelites would overthrow them they made them slaves. The slaves kept procreating so there were even MORE Israelites. So, the Pharaoh commanded the country that every son that is born to a Hebrew must be cast into the nile to be killed, but every girl may live. See no men, no procreating. And so we pick up the story as baby Moses floating in his basket and being rescued from this horrible fate. However it makes me wonder if the Israelites were such a huge nation and so proliferative there must have been a whole lot of babies born. So how many babies were killed. Murdered actually. Hundreds? Thousands? I don't know if there is an estimate in some history text book but it was a whole lot I assume. And for how long did this "edict" stay? Was it 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? I'd like to know. Would you call this a massacre?
And then fast forward to Jesus time. Herod is told by the wise men of this new king and he get's jealous and fears for his "kingdom" and thus plans to kill him. The wise men sneak out of the country and Herod gets furious. So he sent his soldiers on a mission to kill all the male children 2 years old and under in Bethlehem and in that region. And he killed them. How many? Lots. Massacre.
Killing young babies and toddlers is not a new idea. Lots have been killed throughout history.
So I think I've come to believe that abortion is this generations technologically advanced form of a massacre. How many? Lots. And not just in Bethlehem and Egypt but in every single country all over the world.
Is God big enough to end abortion? I have to believe he is.
Rhonda
(does it sound like I"m becoming an activist? Until now I never thought it was a good thing)
Friday, 23 October 2009
The Pleasure of Boundaries
Over the past while the Lord has been drawing me into what I would call "the pleasure of the center". The enjoyment of having sustained periods of communion with Him as a result of setting my heart to obey His words.
It has been truly enjoyable, and today in my prayer time He brought a new level of understanding in this pursuit; it was the revelation that God's love was founded and manifested in "boundary".
Out of the divine creativity of the Godhead, they chose to use their immeasurable strength, goodness and beauty to create a gift for themselves. It says in Hosea 2 "I will betroth you to Myself.".
God created for Himself a bride! He gave the Bride to Himself as a gift. (Oh how I wish I could have had that ability when I was in my 20's!). Out of His great pleasure, God created the universe and chose to give a physical dimension to His invisible Spirit nature.
Not only that, the Godhead then agreed that it would be the best thing ever for Them to become a part of this new measurable reality. They were going to become limited just like the creation. Why? So that we, the bearers of His image could have intimate fellowship with Him! He would become a man, so that He could marry us!
For God does not unite unlike things together. (He calls that an abomination). He unites them male and female together - animals to animals, fish to fish and man to man. This is the perfect reflection of His holiness!
At the end of the age, God, living under His own laws and heart, will take great pleasure in uniting His flesh to our flesh at the wedding supper of the Lamb. It will be the ultimate pleasure of holiness as the two become united together as one in union of holy marriage forever.
So what does this have to do with "boundary"?
In order for God to unite Himself to us in righteousness, He had to put a boundary on Himself!
Jesus emptied Himself of the ability to be in all places at the same time. He became, and remains to this day, limited to being in one place at one time.
God humbled Himself and took on the body of a man, and it gave Him eternal pleasure to do it! It was not a sacrifice, it was for the purpose of pleasure, for the sake of experiencing love.
Not only did God limit His Son to a human body, He has established walls around the eternal city, with houses to enclose His children. He set the boundaries of the sea, the sky, the stars and planets at creation and then pronounced that it was "good".
Out of God's love, and unsearchable wisdom, have come one of our greatest pleasures - the pleasure of boundaries. God LOVES boundaries!!
In a time when the spirit of this age is proclaiming that true pleasure can only be found in the throwing off of all restraints, the Lord is revealing to me the pleasure of holiness. The extreme joy of living in the center of His will.
The Lord gave me a picture the other day of how I have treated holiness.
It was a picture of a rural homestead that inhabited a large area of grassy meadow and was surrounded by a fence. Inside the fence was His will for me in the form of holiness and on the other side of the fence was the world of selfish unrighteousness.
I was standing within that great meadow, but it was as though I was leaning up against the fence looking out over the surrounding country side. I was living within His will, but my eyes were set gazing upon the old country - I was a border dweller.
Every time the Lord invited me deeper into intimacy (holiness) I would have this wrestle with the fence...How close can I get to the fence before I begin missing out on the pleasure of holiness? Can I get this close? (and I would inch forward)...Can I get this close? (and inch a bit closer).
The Lord has challenged me to no longer live as a border dweller, but has invited me to live within the heartland. He is calling me into the deep place of God's country, the place where He lives. You see, He doesn't live along the border (although He visits there daily looking for people like me!), He dwells in the very middle of this great land known as the "pleasures of His holiness".
Jesus loves boundaries! He demonstrated His delight in dwelling in the center of His Father's will by submitting to the point of death. Not only that but it gave Him such pleasure to dwell in humility that He chose to remain in human flesh even after He rose from the dead!
Beloved, I am discovering great pleasure in the boundaries of God's word!! It's is delighting my heart, bringing me greater joy than I have ever experienced before. Not only that, the deeper I journey into the boundaries of God's heartland, the more freedom I am experiencing.
Once again God is confounding the wisdom of this foolish mind and revealing to me that His kingdom is truly upside-down - that the greatest pleasures are not found near the boundary line but deep within the center of His will.
Jesus, would You come and be the center! Amen
Jon
It has been truly enjoyable, and today in my prayer time He brought a new level of understanding in this pursuit; it was the revelation that God's love was founded and manifested in "boundary".
Out of the divine creativity of the Godhead, they chose to use their immeasurable strength, goodness and beauty to create a gift for themselves. It says in Hosea 2 "I will betroth you to Myself.".
God created for Himself a bride! He gave the Bride to Himself as a gift. (Oh how I wish I could have had that ability when I was in my 20's!). Out of His great pleasure, God created the universe and chose to give a physical dimension to His invisible Spirit nature.
Not only that, the Godhead then agreed that it would be the best thing ever for Them to become a part of this new measurable reality. They were going to become limited just like the creation. Why? So that we, the bearers of His image could have intimate fellowship with Him! He would become a man, so that He could marry us!
For God does not unite unlike things together. (He calls that an abomination). He unites them male and female together - animals to animals, fish to fish and man to man. This is the perfect reflection of His holiness!
At the end of the age, God, living under His own laws and heart, will take great pleasure in uniting His flesh to our flesh at the wedding supper of the Lamb. It will be the ultimate pleasure of holiness as the two become united together as one in union of holy marriage forever.
So what does this have to do with "boundary"?
In order for God to unite Himself to us in righteousness, He had to put a boundary on Himself!
Jesus emptied Himself of the ability to be in all places at the same time. He became, and remains to this day, limited to being in one place at one time.
God humbled Himself and took on the body of a man, and it gave Him eternal pleasure to do it! It was not a sacrifice, it was for the purpose of pleasure, for the sake of experiencing love.
Not only did God limit His Son to a human body, He has established walls around the eternal city, with houses to enclose His children. He set the boundaries of the sea, the sky, the stars and planets at creation and then pronounced that it was "good".
Out of God's love, and unsearchable wisdom, have come one of our greatest pleasures - the pleasure of boundaries. God LOVES boundaries!!
In a time when the spirit of this age is proclaiming that true pleasure can only be found in the throwing off of all restraints, the Lord is revealing to me the pleasure of holiness. The extreme joy of living in the center of His will.
The Lord gave me a picture the other day of how I have treated holiness.
It was a picture of a rural homestead that inhabited a large area of grassy meadow and was surrounded by a fence. Inside the fence was His will for me in the form of holiness and on the other side of the fence was the world of selfish unrighteousness.
I was standing within that great meadow, but it was as though I was leaning up against the fence looking out over the surrounding country side. I was living within His will, but my eyes were set gazing upon the old country - I was a border dweller.
Every time the Lord invited me deeper into intimacy (holiness) I would have this wrestle with the fence...How close can I get to the fence before I begin missing out on the pleasure of holiness? Can I get this close? (and I would inch forward)...Can I get this close? (and inch a bit closer).
The Lord has challenged me to no longer live as a border dweller, but has invited me to live within the heartland. He is calling me into the deep place of God's country, the place where He lives. You see, He doesn't live along the border (although He visits there daily looking for people like me!), He dwells in the very middle of this great land known as the "pleasures of His holiness".
Jesus loves boundaries! He demonstrated His delight in dwelling in the center of His Father's will by submitting to the point of death. Not only that but it gave Him such pleasure to dwell in humility that He chose to remain in human flesh even after He rose from the dead!
Beloved, I am discovering great pleasure in the boundaries of God's word!! It's is delighting my heart, bringing me greater joy than I have ever experienced before. Not only that, the deeper I journey into the boundaries of God's heartland, the more freedom I am experiencing.
Once again God is confounding the wisdom of this foolish mind and revealing to me that His kingdom is truly upside-down - that the greatest pleasures are not found near the boundary line but deep within the center of His will.
Jesus, would You come and be the center! Amen
Jon
Rhonda's thoughts on sex trafficking...
If you've read Jon's blog on this subject I assume your heart has been wrenched somewhat.
The session we sat thru was really heart breaking and horriffiying and hard in other ways because now that I know what I know, what am I going to do about it?
There is this verse in Revelation that kinda surprised me... bear with me... read it all
Revelation 18:11-13
"And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold and silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silks, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles or ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls."
Did you know that was in there? I've NEVER heard of this before. So basically since Revelation is talking about the end of the age when christ will be returning to earth, this is the time that the merchants are out of work and no one wants to buy their SLAVES anymore. Meaning at the end of the age slave trading will be a business.
Another statistic that surprised me was in comparing the cost of a slave during the trans-atlantic slave trade and today. Due to the cost of "shipping" the slave and paying all the other people involved in getting this slave to it's destination a slave cost $ 40, 000. (in comparing what their dollar would buy to nowadays) The average cost of a slave today is $90
Isn't that outrageous? You can barely buy a cool pair of running shoes for that.
I found a book at the bookstore which intrigued me. It's a fictional story of a 12 year old girl from the mountains of Nepal being sold into the sex industry by her stepfather. Anyway, there was a mention in passing that struck me. That being the men who were with her would be charged the amount it would cost to have a Coke.
O.k. I don't know how to transition to a less heavy topic.
Oh one more thing I thought was interesting....
During the session the speaker shared some history with us.
In regards to the Vietnam war, when the U.S. soldiers were on leave they went to ?Thailand?
Anyway, at the time prostitution was illegal in this country, but because of the huge demand for women from the soldiers and the $$ that was involved, they created a law that legalized prostitution somewhat when involving an entertainment business. The business people were rich, the politicians were rich and the women probably weren't. (I may be alittle off in some of the details...) But bottom line is the sex industry is HUGE business in these countries now and it was created by the american driven demand.
That's not to say that there isn't demand from non westerners too, but it really all comes down to money and it being a business.
o.k. one more thing...
Did you know that for the Olympics happening in Vancouver this winter, they are bringing in girls from all over the world to service the athletes. To meet the increased demand that will occur due to this influx. For more info on this you can google the Salvation Army or Benjamin Perrinn.
I don't have any huge ideas as to how to save the world quite yet.
But I'm still thinking.
Rhonda
The session we sat thru was really heart breaking and horriffiying and hard in other ways because now that I know what I know, what am I going to do about it?
There is this verse in Revelation that kinda surprised me... bear with me... read it all
Revelation 18:11-13
"And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold and silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silks, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles or ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls."
Did you know that was in there? I've NEVER heard of this before. So basically since Revelation is talking about the end of the age when christ will be returning to earth, this is the time that the merchants are out of work and no one wants to buy their SLAVES anymore. Meaning at the end of the age slave trading will be a business.
Another statistic that surprised me was in comparing the cost of a slave during the trans-atlantic slave trade and today. Due to the cost of "shipping" the slave and paying all the other people involved in getting this slave to it's destination a slave cost $ 40, 000. (in comparing what their dollar would buy to nowadays) The average cost of a slave today is $90
Isn't that outrageous? You can barely buy a cool pair of running shoes for that.
I found a book at the bookstore which intrigued me. It's a fictional story of a 12 year old girl from the mountains of Nepal being sold into the sex industry by her stepfather. Anyway, there was a mention in passing that struck me. That being the men who were with her would be charged the amount it would cost to have a Coke.
O.k. I don't know how to transition to a less heavy topic.
Oh one more thing I thought was interesting....
During the session the speaker shared some history with us.
In regards to the Vietnam war, when the U.S. soldiers were on leave they went to ?Thailand?
Anyway, at the time prostitution was illegal in this country, but because of the huge demand for women from the soldiers and the $$ that was involved, they created a law that legalized prostitution somewhat when involving an entertainment business. The business people were rich, the politicians were rich and the women probably weren't. (I may be alittle off in some of the details...) But bottom line is the sex industry is HUGE business in these countries now and it was created by the american driven demand.
That's not to say that there isn't demand from non westerners too, but it really all comes down to money and it being a business.
o.k. one more thing...
Did you know that for the Olympics happening in Vancouver this winter, they are bringing in girls from all over the world to service the athletes. To meet the increased demand that will occur due to this influx. For more info on this you can google the Salvation Army or Benjamin Perrinn.
I don't have any huge ideas as to how to save the world quite yet.
But I'm still thinking.
Rhonda
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Rhonda's life
Emma has been fairly aggressive lately with her sisters and so I decided it was time for a mom and daughter date. In order for the twins to not feel left out they had special one on one time with daddy making cookies.
We went to the IHOP coffee shop and she ordered a raspberry flavored sprite and super sized brownie. Did I mention this was 6:30 in the evening??? Anyway....
Friends of mine from our course stopped by the table to chat, and chat we did.
I then saw Emma giving me the "stink eye" and motioning something weird with her hands.
I interrupted my friend to ask Emma what she was trying to say.
So Emma says, in a loud "under her breath sorta way"..... (staring me down)
" I thought you were here to talk with me!!! "
So with that, I politely excused myself from my side conversation and let the king pin be the king pin.
And love it she did. She talked to me about what she's learning in the book of Daniel and wondering about what it would be like to meet God and what he would look like. And about how hard her school friend Benjamin hit her in the arm and how her teachers said if that EVER happened again then the teachers would "TALK TO THEIR PARENTS" (that being the student's parents, and not the teacher's parents.. :)
It was so great to watch her emphasize how terrible it would be to have the teachers "TALK TO HER PARENTS" and all I could think was "um, so, exactly what would I do about that anyway?"
Now it gets ME scared that Emma's teacher will "TALK TO HER PARENTS"
Having just one on one time is one of my favorite things with her. I love hearing what's on her mind and seeing her develop and mature before my eyes. Having her grow up doesn't make me sad yet because I feel like I still have her little sisters to baby so it's o.k. that she grows up.
Heaven help me when the "babies" start growing up. ??Mom do the babies ever grow up??
So, back to the date, Emma needs to go to the bathroom and I ask her if she wants me to come, she deliberates, says no than says, it's o.k. you can come.
As she is bopping off towards the bathroom she says "Mom, this is fun, we should do this every time daddy makes cookies with the twins!!!"
And I say, yes this is fun. We should do this again and again and again.
I sure hope Jon's in the mood for making LOTS of cookies!!!
She is such a great kid.
I had no idea being a parent would be so incredible.
Rhonda
We went to the IHOP coffee shop and she ordered a raspberry flavored sprite and super sized brownie. Did I mention this was 6:30 in the evening??? Anyway....
Friends of mine from our course stopped by the table to chat, and chat we did.
I then saw Emma giving me the "stink eye" and motioning something weird with her hands.
I interrupted my friend to ask Emma what she was trying to say.
So Emma says, in a loud "under her breath sorta way"..... (staring me down)
" I thought you were here to talk with me!!! "
So with that, I politely excused myself from my side conversation and let the king pin be the king pin.
And love it she did. She talked to me about what she's learning in the book of Daniel and wondering about what it would be like to meet God and what he would look like. And about how hard her school friend Benjamin hit her in the arm and how her teachers said if that EVER happened again then the teachers would "TALK TO THEIR PARENTS" (that being the student's parents, and not the teacher's parents.. :)
It was so great to watch her emphasize how terrible it would be to have the teachers "TALK TO HER PARENTS" and all I could think was "um, so, exactly what would I do about that anyway?"
Now it gets ME scared that Emma's teacher will "TALK TO HER PARENTS"
Having just one on one time is one of my favorite things with her. I love hearing what's on her mind and seeing her develop and mature before my eyes. Having her grow up doesn't make me sad yet because I feel like I still have her little sisters to baby so it's o.k. that she grows up.
Heaven help me when the "babies" start growing up. ??Mom do the babies ever grow up??
So, back to the date, Emma needs to go to the bathroom and I ask her if she wants me to come, she deliberates, says no than says, it's o.k. you can come.
As she is bopping off towards the bathroom she says "Mom, this is fun, we should do this every time daddy makes cookies with the twins!!!"
And I say, yes this is fun. We should do this again and again and again.
I sure hope Jon's in the mood for making LOTS of cookies!!!
She is such a great kid.
I had no idea being a parent would be so incredible.
Rhonda
15 year old me
So being at IHOP is a bit of a "blast from the past" so to speak.
In the prayer room I am surrounded by "kids" 20 years old and younger (and older too...)
They are worshipping their little hearts out, singing passionately, praying passionately and loving God with their whole being.
It just brings me back to that time in my life 20 (TWENTY) years ago when I was a girl of 15 choosing to come to youth group every friday night.
Worshipping my little heart out, singing passionately, praying passionately and loving God with my whole being.
It's kinda like a deja vu watching these kids. And it truly makes me smile wondering if their path will continue on, where in 20 years they will be bringing their children into the environment that first gripped their hearts.
I honestly don't know what I would have done without worship music at my youth group. It was what grabbed my heart and connected me to the words of scripture and God's heart for me. It also gave me language for the longings inside of me to love God and put him above all my other pursuits in life.
I don't know where that youth pastor is now but I realize back then that the youth group I attended was fairly cutting edge. It was basically a youth church service every friday night. And of course a meet market (or is that MEAT market?) And that was the challenge every friday, who were you getting ready to meet?
And so here I am, 15 inside, loving the REALLY LOUD music, the amazingly talented musicians pouring out their gift's before the altar of God, and a place again, where I go knowing who I am getting ready to meet.
It is my desire for you all to have this experience alongside me.
I guess I have heaven to look forward too.
Rhonda
In the prayer room I am surrounded by "kids" 20 years old and younger (and older too...)
They are worshipping their little hearts out, singing passionately, praying passionately and loving God with their whole being.
It just brings me back to that time in my life 20 (TWENTY) years ago when I was a girl of 15 choosing to come to youth group every friday night.
Worshipping my little heart out, singing passionately, praying passionately and loving God with my whole being.
It's kinda like a deja vu watching these kids. And it truly makes me smile wondering if their path will continue on, where in 20 years they will be bringing their children into the environment that first gripped their hearts.
I honestly don't know what I would have done without worship music at my youth group. It was what grabbed my heart and connected me to the words of scripture and God's heart for me. It also gave me language for the longings inside of me to love God and put him above all my other pursuits in life.
I don't know where that youth pastor is now but I realize back then that the youth group I attended was fairly cutting edge. It was basically a youth church service every friday night. And of course a meet market (or is that MEAT market?) And that was the challenge every friday, who were you getting ready to meet?
And so here I am, 15 inside, loving the REALLY LOUD music, the amazingly talented musicians pouring out their gift's before the altar of God, and a place again, where I go knowing who I am getting ready to meet.
It is my desire for you all to have this experience alongside me.
I guess I have heaven to look forward too.
Rhonda
I Think What You Think
"I think what you think!"
There have been many days that the Tom Thumb's crew and I have chuckled at these words. Why? Because if you ever ask Tom Kelly his opinion about pretty much anything, he will respond with the same answer EVERY TIME..."I don't know; what do you think?".
It has become a statement of great frustration and joy for all of us. But what does this have to do with the global prayer movement?
Today while I was interceding the Lord struck me with these very words. I want you to think what I think!
It was a simple invitation to be united with Him and His word. To set aside my image of who He is and let Him define it by His word (not by traditions and cultural norms)
There have been many days that the Tom Thumb's crew and I have chuckled at these words. Why? Because if you ever ask Tom Kelly his opinion about pretty much anything, he will respond with the same answer EVERY TIME..."I don't know; what do you think?".
It has become a statement of great frustration and joy for all of us. But what does this have to do with the global prayer movement?
Today while I was interceding the Lord struck me with these very words. I want you to think what I think!
It was a simple invitation to be united with Him and His word. To set aside my image of who He is and let Him define it by His word (not by traditions and cultural norms)
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Vancouver Olympics
This morning in the Prayer Room we were praying for the ending of human-trafficking in Vancouver and the outpouring of God's glory to the nations as they gather for the Olympics.
As I meditated on the image of an Olympic stadium, with it's thousands of people setting their gaze upon the one athlete standing on the podium who has triumphed over their adversaries and been deemed worthy to have her anthem played in the presence of this great cloud of witnesses, I became aware of one thing - only Jesus is worthy to stand in the presence of the nations and be glorified!
He is the One who has overcome. He alone is worthy of such praise! He is the One highly exalted among the nations!! And it is HIS song that the nations were made to share in!!!
For so many years I have set my eyes on the Olympics, putting aside my life for 3 weeks to gaze upon the finest men and woman that humanity can produce. I have worshiped at the alter of humanity and given my affections to men like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps.
Jesus have mercy on me! You alone are worthy of such affection! You alone are worthy to be praised!!
Father I pray today that you would reveal your Son to the nations of the earth as they gather in Vancouver. That you would break in with power and turn these temples of men into a prophetic picture of heaven, as men and women from every tribe and tongue raise their voices in the song of the Lamb. Jesus, You are the desire of the nations. Come Lord Jesus Come!
Amen
As I meditated on the image of an Olympic stadium, with it's thousands of people setting their gaze upon the one athlete standing on the podium who has triumphed over their adversaries and been deemed worthy to have her anthem played in the presence of this great cloud of witnesses, I became aware of one thing - only Jesus is worthy to stand in the presence of the nations and be glorified!
He is the One who has overcome. He alone is worthy of such praise! He is the One highly exalted among the nations!! And it is HIS song that the nations were made to share in!!!
For so many years I have set my eyes on the Olympics, putting aside my life for 3 weeks to gaze upon the finest men and woman that humanity can produce. I have worshiped at the alter of humanity and given my affections to men like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps.
Jesus have mercy on me! You alone are worthy of such affection! You alone are worthy to be praised!!
Father I pray today that you would reveal your Son to the nations of the earth as they gather in Vancouver. That you would break in with power and turn these temples of men into a prophetic picture of heaven, as men and women from every tribe and tongue raise their voices in the song of the Lamb. Jesus, You are the desire of the nations. Come Lord Jesus Come!
Amen
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Exodus Cry
CONTENT WARNING - This email may result in a broken heart, nausea and uncontrollable and long lasting weeping. If symptoms last for more than four hours please remain in your prayer closet until the symptoms pass.
This weekend IHOP was hosting their annual Prayer & Prophetic Conference.
As part of the conference, Rhonda and I took in a session about human-trafficking, which was being put on by Exodus Cry (The prayer movement to end human-trafficking).
It is a ministry that we are familiar with because Rhonda's best friend Yvonne's husband Jason is the national director for Exodus Cry Canada.
The session, given by Benji Nolot the founder of Exodus Cry, gave an overview of the global sex trade and how millions of people are being trafficked every day for the purpose of sexual exploitation and prostitution.
For almost two hours we heard stories and facts surrounding this $32 billion / year industry which currently imprisons over 27 million people. He told us how every 8 seconds a person is sold and every 30 seconds that person sold is a child.
Even though we had heard all of these facts before it was still difficult to sit through the session and not cry or be filled with righteous anger. However, none of those emotions would compare to what I felt when we heard the following story.
Benji told us of his visit to a village in the south of Asia. It is a region of the world were sex tourism is rampant and parents will often sell their children into prostitution. What is worse, is that many parents have agreed to co-operate with the pimps and provide the services of their children under their own roof.
This particular day, Benji and the team were holding a day camp for the kids of the village; teaching them about Jesus and singing songs of His love and power to save them.
They had just finished singing the old children's song "I've got a river of life" when one local mafia men showed up at the camp.
The words of the song were still ringing in the air...Opens prison doors, sets the captives free...when this man entered to pick up one of his "employees".
He was there to pick up one of the children because a client had come and wanted to have sex with a child.
With little power to oppose this violent man, the team could do little to stop this event from transpiring.
Here was a grown man, who was about to bring a child back home for the purpose of being sexually violated, all the while, the childs parents would be in the next room reaping the financial benefit of this horrendous exchange.
This is common place among many of the children in this region, and it doesn't just happen in southern asia, it is happening all over the world, including North America.
I went home and wept bitterly and even now have to fight back tears as I write this post.
Friends, God's heart is broken over this issue and I believe it is time for ours to break as well.
I would like to invite you to visit www.exoduscry.ca and join us in praying for the end of human-trafficking.
Sincerely,
Jon & Rhonda
This weekend IHOP was hosting their annual Prayer & Prophetic Conference.
As part of the conference, Rhonda and I took in a session about human-trafficking, which was being put on by Exodus Cry (The prayer movement to end human-trafficking).
It is a ministry that we are familiar with because Rhonda's best friend Yvonne's husband Jason is the national director for Exodus Cry Canada.
The session, given by Benji Nolot the founder of Exodus Cry, gave an overview of the global sex trade and how millions of people are being trafficked every day for the purpose of sexual exploitation and prostitution.
For almost two hours we heard stories and facts surrounding this $32 billion / year industry which currently imprisons over 27 million people. He told us how every 8 seconds a person is sold and every 30 seconds that person sold is a child.
Even though we had heard all of these facts before it was still difficult to sit through the session and not cry or be filled with righteous anger. However, none of those emotions would compare to what I felt when we heard the following story.
Benji told us of his visit to a village in the south of Asia. It is a region of the world were sex tourism is rampant and parents will often sell their children into prostitution. What is worse, is that many parents have agreed to co-operate with the pimps and provide the services of their children under their own roof.
This particular day, Benji and the team were holding a day camp for the kids of the village; teaching them about Jesus and singing songs of His love and power to save them.
They had just finished singing the old children's song "I've got a river of life" when one local mafia men showed up at the camp.
The words of the song were still ringing in the air...Opens prison doors, sets the captives free...when this man entered to pick up one of his "employees".
He was there to pick up one of the children because a client had come and wanted to have sex with a child.
With little power to oppose this violent man, the team could do little to stop this event from transpiring.
Here was a grown man, who was about to bring a child back home for the purpose of being sexually violated, all the while, the childs parents would be in the next room reaping the financial benefit of this horrendous exchange.
This is common place among many of the children in this region, and it doesn't just happen in southern asia, it is happening all over the world, including North America.
I went home and wept bitterly and even now have to fight back tears as I write this post.
Friends, God's heart is broken over this issue and I believe it is time for ours to break as well.
I would like to invite you to visit www.exoduscry.ca and join us in praying for the end of human-trafficking.
Sincerely,
Jon & Rhonda
Sweet Madison
Yesterday Emma came running into the kitchen with great excitement and proclaimed "Madison has Jesus in her heart!!". So Rhonda and I called Madison into the kitchen to confirm this exciting news. Our conversation with her went something like this...
Madison, do you have Jesus in your heart?
Yes
How did that happen?
He asked me if He could come in?..I said "Yes"...and He walked right in!! (at which point she turned with a big smile and walked out)
So there you have it!
Jon
Madison, do you have Jesus in your heart?
Yes
How did that happen?
He asked me if He could come in?..I said "Yes"...and He walked right in!! (at which point she turned with a big smile and walked out)
So there you have it!
Jon
Friday, 16 October 2009
Does this sound familiar?
How many of us have heard this kind testimony...
My life was not going well and I was at the end of my rope.
I got to a point where I didn't think I could go on and I simply began weeping before the Lord, asking Him to help me.
They then say something like "I'll do whatever you want Lord, just please help me!"
I opened my Bible and starting asking Go to show me what to do"
They tell of how God started dealing with their disobedience and they experience a time of confession and repentence.
In that place of desperation the Lord comes and shows them His mercy. Something lifts and suddenly they see things in a completely different light!
Thy experience peace as they begin reconciling with those they have hurt through their compromise, and coming to peace with God."
In the coming days things begin to change and the people around them start asking what has happened to them? They seem different!
And at that point they know that no matter what come against them they are walking the rest of their days in relationship to Jesus.
It's a very common story for those who have been around Christians any length of time. I have probably heard this kind of story more times than I can count. But until yesterday, I had never connected these encounters to Jesus teaching on the blessed life (the Beatitude).
We have just spent the past 10 days studying the Sermon on the Mount. One of our teachers, Dr. Terri Terry (a 60 some year old woman with 5 degrees and looks like Liza Manelli) was absolutely amazing, and walked us through the beatitudes.
She showed us how they are not just a bunch of random blessings, but actually a perfect progression for emptying us of our sinful character while preparing us for the subsequent filling of God's character.
As I thought about this progression I realized that many of the testimonies that I have heard actually demonstrate this progression perfectly!
Blessed are the poor in spirit....My life was not going well and I was at the end of my rope.
Blessed are those who mourn...I began weeping before the Lord, asking Him to help me.
Blessed are the meek..."I'll do whatever you want Lord, just please help me!"
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst..."I opened my Bible and starting asking Go to show me what to do"
Blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy..."In that place of desperation the Lord comes and shows them His mercy. "
Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God..."suddenly they see things in a completely different light!
Blessed are the peace makers..."peace comes as they begin reconciling with those they have hurt through their compromise."
Blessed are you when you are persecuted..."no matter what come against them they are determined to walk the rest of their days in relationship to Jesus."
I don't know about you but I think that is pretty cool?
But I have will have to finish this idea later because apparently my kids are waiting at the CEC because nobody came to pick them up!!!
Jon
My life was not going well and I was at the end of my rope.
I got to a point where I didn't think I could go on and I simply began weeping before the Lord, asking Him to help me.
They then say something like "I'll do whatever you want Lord, just please help me!"
I opened my Bible and starting asking Go to show me what to do"
They tell of how God started dealing with their disobedience and they experience a time of confession and repentence.
In that place of desperation the Lord comes and shows them His mercy. Something lifts and suddenly they see things in a completely different light!
Thy experience peace as they begin reconciling with those they have hurt through their compromise, and coming to peace with God."
In the coming days things begin to change and the people around them start asking what has happened to them? They seem different!
And at that point they know that no matter what come against them they are walking the rest of their days in relationship to Jesus.
It's a very common story for those who have been around Christians any length of time. I have probably heard this kind of story more times than I can count. But until yesterday, I had never connected these encounters to Jesus teaching on the blessed life (the Beatitude).
We have just spent the past 10 days studying the Sermon on the Mount. One of our teachers, Dr. Terri Terry (a 60 some year old woman with 5 degrees and looks like Liza Manelli) was absolutely amazing, and walked us through the beatitudes.
She showed us how they are not just a bunch of random blessings, but actually a perfect progression for emptying us of our sinful character while preparing us for the subsequent filling of God's character.
As I thought about this progression I realized that many of the testimonies that I have heard actually demonstrate this progression perfectly!
Blessed are the poor in spirit....My life was not going well and I was at the end of my rope.
Blessed are those who mourn...I began weeping before the Lord, asking Him to help me.
Blessed are the meek..."I'll do whatever you want Lord, just please help me!"
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst..."I opened my Bible and starting asking Go to show me what to do"
Blessed are the merciful, they will be shown mercy..."In that place of desperation the Lord comes and shows them His mercy. "
Blessed are the pure in heart, they shall see God..."suddenly they see things in a completely different light!
Blessed are the peace makers..."peace comes as they begin reconciling with those they have hurt through their compromise."
Blessed are you when you are persecuted..."no matter what come against them they are determined to walk the rest of their days in relationship to Jesus."
I don't know about you but I think that is pretty cool?
But I have will have to finish this idea later because apparently my kids are waiting at the CEC because nobody came to pick them up!!!
Jon
My New Friend Phillip
So I met this guy in my class the other day from Ghana. He is my age and has been pastoring for the past 18 years. We got to talking about his heart and what brought him to KC? He started telling me about his vision to return home and start a missions base similar to IHOP back in Africa.
So I asked him what the prayer movement was like is Africa?
Now before I tell you his response, I want you to envision Don Cheatels (the actor from Hotel Rwanda) talking with a big smile on his face but with a very matter-of-fact tone in his voice.
So Phillip. What's the prayer movement like in Ghana?
Oh, we have to pray. We just moved into a territory formerly ruled by witches and spirit men and they are not very happy with us! We must pray otherwise they will kill us (by demonic power, not with guns & spears) but it has been really good. Because of our prayers the Lord has been doing miracles...you know, like raising the dead and....
This is the point were Rhonda bursts in with a super loud "NO WAY?!?!"
Phillip continues on with his story as if "raising the dead" has the equivalent weight as saying "I saw a great movie last night"; and Rhonda and I just stand there smiling, thinking to ourselves...boy do we have a lot to learn and experience!
Jon
So I asked him what the prayer movement was like is Africa?
Now before I tell you his response, I want you to envision Don Cheatels (the actor from Hotel Rwanda) talking with a big smile on his face but with a very matter-of-fact tone in his voice.
So Phillip. What's the prayer movement like in Ghana?
Oh, we have to pray. We just moved into a territory formerly ruled by witches and spirit men and they are not very happy with us! We must pray otherwise they will kill us (by demonic power, not with guns & spears) but it has been really good. Because of our prayers the Lord has been doing miracles...you know, like raising the dead and....
This is the point were Rhonda bursts in with a super loud "NO WAY?!?!"
Phillip continues on with his story as if "raising the dead" has the equivalent weight as saying "I saw a great movie last night"; and Rhonda and I just stand there smiling, thinking to ourselves...boy do we have a lot to learn and experience!
Jon
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Meeting my mysterious stranger
So here goes the rest of the story...
I happen to be sitting 2 rows behind my mysterious stranger yesterday evening.
I also happen to notice him get up to leave the room.
I leave the prayer room waiting patiently, waiting non-chalantly for him to get out of the bathroom (I know this is kinda sounding spooky)
I see him walking towards me and he's just about to go back into the prayer room so i interrupt him and ask if I can ask him some questions.
In my bumbling way I ask "why are you here?" And he shows me his staff badge.
So there goes my theory of his average, ordinary, 9-5 job...
Anyway, this is also when I realize he's not so comfortable with talking about himself.
I bumble through a bit more waiting for him to give me more understanding and he just smiled and said "so have I answered all your questions"
I say yes, meaning no.
And realize horrifically he may have thought I was coming on to him...
what did I say... "i've been watching you..." "I notice you're not married..."
Now instead of watching, I will be more concerned with hiding.
Rhonda
I happen to be sitting 2 rows behind my mysterious stranger yesterday evening.
I also happen to notice him get up to leave the room.
I leave the prayer room waiting patiently, waiting non-chalantly for him to get out of the bathroom (I know this is kinda sounding spooky)
I see him walking towards me and he's just about to go back into the prayer room so i interrupt him and ask if I can ask him some questions.
In my bumbling way I ask "why are you here?" And he shows me his staff badge.
So there goes my theory of his average, ordinary, 9-5 job...
Anyway, this is also when I realize he's not so comfortable with talking about himself.
I bumble through a bit more waiting for him to give me more understanding and he just smiled and said "so have I answered all your questions"
I say yes, meaning no.
And realize horrifically he may have thought I was coming on to him...
what did I say... "i've been watching you..." "I notice you're not married..."
Now instead of watching, I will be more concerned with hiding.
Rhonda
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
There's this guy...
There's this guy in the prayer room I keep seeing. He's kinda a non descript kinda guy. Nothing special that he should stand out from anyone else. Except for the fact that I've seen him before.
I've seen him here over the last 4 years I've been coming to visit IHOP. And I've seen him here fairly regularly during the last 6 weeks as he comes to the prayer room the same time I do, every evening. Then I see him in church during the fri/sat/sun services. And a few things have stood out to me.
It may seem like I'm stalking him but rather he has caught my attention and is causing me to ask some questions.
1. Why is he always alone?
I've never seen him sit with anyone in the prayer room. I've never seen him with any kids.
2. Is he single?
He doesn't wear a wedding ring so I'm assuming he's single. He's like maybe mid 40's american-asian average guy.
3. Is he on staff?
Usually the people here who are on full time staff are seen as "missionaries". There's various positions between involvement with the university, teaching courses, leading worship and being a full time intercessor in the prayer room. But you know they are on staff because they are required to wear their "staff" badges while in the prayer room. As accountability I assume.
No badge. Ever.
4. He's here every night. Praying. Worshipping.
Why? Doesn't he have a life?
So this is the conclusion I have drawn about my mysterious stranger. I think he has a day job and has a fairly mundane routine life. I think he spends his evenings and weekends praying in the prayer room. And I think he is happy. I think he enjoys this life.
It may sound weird to you that someone would sincerely choose this lifestyle in this day and age. To live a regular life in the working world and spend their "free time" in the house of the lord.
There's a very small mention only once, of this lady in the bible who happened to be one in the temple who called the baby Jesus "the redemption of Israel" when he was presented to the priests per custom.
the actual scripture is Luke 2:36-37
"And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having
lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,
and then as a widow until she was eight-four. She did not
depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer
night and day.
So my assumptions from this verse is that when she lived with her husband she did not live in the temple. She probably got married at 16 years (at the latest) so was widowed at 23 ish. And then lived the rest of her days in the temple. 60 ish years of living in the temple worshiping and praying night and day. No kids as her heritage. No wealth to donate to charity. What exactly did she contribute to "society" so much so that she even made it into the bible?
Brings me back to my stranger. Should we feel sorry for him that he "doesn't have a life" and thus chooses to live this lifestyle. Or should we marvel at him that he CHOOSES to have this lifestyle and therefore ...doesn't have a life. Or much of a life in this world. Maybe an amazing life in God. And maybe 30-40 more years of this sort of life "living in the temple worshiping and praying night and day"
He fascinates me. And I'd like to ask him so I know.
Why? why do you do this?
and then I think... I'll write a book about all these insignificant ones whose names are only known to the king of creation.
wouldn't you love to read it?
Rhonda
I've seen him here over the last 4 years I've been coming to visit IHOP. And I've seen him here fairly regularly during the last 6 weeks as he comes to the prayer room the same time I do, every evening. Then I see him in church during the fri/sat/sun services. And a few things have stood out to me.
It may seem like I'm stalking him but rather he has caught my attention and is causing me to ask some questions.
1. Why is he always alone?
I've never seen him sit with anyone in the prayer room. I've never seen him with any kids.
2. Is he single?
He doesn't wear a wedding ring so I'm assuming he's single. He's like maybe mid 40's american-asian average guy.
3. Is he on staff?
Usually the people here who are on full time staff are seen as "missionaries". There's various positions between involvement with the university, teaching courses, leading worship and being a full time intercessor in the prayer room. But you know they are on staff because they are required to wear their "staff" badges while in the prayer room. As accountability I assume.
No badge. Ever.
4. He's here every night. Praying. Worshipping.
Why? Doesn't he have a life?
So this is the conclusion I have drawn about my mysterious stranger. I think he has a day job and has a fairly mundane routine life. I think he spends his evenings and weekends praying in the prayer room. And I think he is happy. I think he enjoys this life.
It may sound weird to you that someone would sincerely choose this lifestyle in this day and age. To live a regular life in the working world and spend their "free time" in the house of the lord.
There's a very small mention only once, of this lady in the bible who happened to be one in the temple who called the baby Jesus "the redemption of Israel" when he was presented to the priests per custom.
the actual scripture is Luke 2:36-37
"And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having
lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,
and then as a widow until she was eight-four. She did not
depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer
night and day.
So my assumptions from this verse is that when she lived with her husband she did not live in the temple. She probably got married at 16 years (at the latest) so was widowed at 23 ish. And then lived the rest of her days in the temple. 60 ish years of living in the temple worshiping and praying night and day. No kids as her heritage. No wealth to donate to charity. What exactly did she contribute to "society" so much so that she even made it into the bible?
Brings me back to my stranger. Should we feel sorry for him that he "doesn't have a life" and thus chooses to live this lifestyle. Or should we marvel at him that he CHOOSES to have this lifestyle and therefore ...doesn't have a life. Or much of a life in this world. Maybe an amazing life in God. And maybe 30-40 more years of this sort of life "living in the temple worshiping and praying night and day"
He fascinates me. And I'd like to ask him so I know.
Why? why do you do this?
and then I think... I'll write a book about all these insignificant ones whose names are only known to the king of creation.
wouldn't you love to read it?
Rhonda
Sunday, 11 October 2009
My Korean friend
O.K. this is officially my last post today...
I just remembered this incident I wanted to share.
Like I've mentioned before there are alot of Korean speaking people in our class. They don't speak English and need translation for the classes.
One day a few weeks ago, one of our classmates felt like he should pray for the Canadians in the group. So we went up to the front and he prayed for us. Then they asked the Koreans to pray for us. The woman who prayed for me was the mother of Emma's 3 classmates. It was the coolest thing. She started praying for me in Korean as did the crowd of other Koreans around us. But whatever she was praying was somehow touching my heart. I started to cry. And I started to feel the spirit of God on me. It was beautiful that I don't need to understand her to be ministered to.
I kinda smiled because her Korean kinda sounded like she was speaking in tongues. But then she did start speaking in tongues and it was wild that I could tell. But I could tell. I wonder if that was the holy spirit in me connecting with the holy spirit in her. I smiled thinking how cool it would be if one of the Koreans started speaking "English" as their tongue. Makes me want to travel to prove this one!!!!
Love you all.
Rhonda
I just remembered this incident I wanted to share.
Like I've mentioned before there are alot of Korean speaking people in our class. They don't speak English and need translation for the classes.
One day a few weeks ago, one of our classmates felt like he should pray for the Canadians in the group. So we went up to the front and he prayed for us. Then they asked the Koreans to pray for us. The woman who prayed for me was the mother of Emma's 3 classmates. It was the coolest thing. She started praying for me in Korean as did the crowd of other Koreans around us. But whatever she was praying was somehow touching my heart. I started to cry. And I started to feel the spirit of God on me. It was beautiful that I don't need to understand her to be ministered to.
I kinda smiled because her Korean kinda sounded like she was speaking in tongues. But then she did start speaking in tongues and it was wild that I could tell. But I could tell. I wonder if that was the holy spirit in me connecting with the holy spirit in her. I smiled thinking how cool it would be if one of the Koreans started speaking "English" as their tongue. Makes me want to travel to prove this one!!!!
Love you all.
Rhonda
What do you smell like?
A few weeks ago we were studying Song of Solomon in the bible (it's a book of the bible) And there is alot of visual imagery in it. About how things look and smell specifically. One of the comments that caught my attention was this...
"Our thoughts are the scent of our inner life"
I'm not sure which verse this comment was inspired by but it really got my wheels turning.
That being the whole concept of "frangrance" or "scent".
For example why is it that people with bad breath or body odour can't notice it themselves. You'd think because they were closest to it they'd be the first to notice.
I put on a body mist everyday (Bath and Bodyworks if you must know) I love the smell but after I spray it on I'm fairly oblivious to it. Can't smell it at all. I'm only reminded of it once Jon tells me I smell nice.
So the principle would be that we as humans are somehow unable to smell our own smells. Both good and bad. Probably because we get used to them and they become part of our "normal"
But what about the belief that "dogs can smell your fear"
Fear is an emotion, not a scent on our skin. But I would really attest to this as I don't like larger dogs and they always seem to pick up on this even though I go thru my mantra in my head "I'm not afraid of you". And if they truly do have a very strong sense of smell quite possibly they can smell our fear.
So this concept has just left me wondering...
What exactly is my inner life like?
What is it those around me smell?
I could totally stink and I'd be the last one to know.
"Our thoughts are the scent of our inner life"
I'm not sure which verse this comment was inspired by but it really got my wheels turning.
That being the whole concept of "frangrance" or "scent".
For example why is it that people with bad breath or body odour can't notice it themselves. You'd think because they were closest to it they'd be the first to notice.
I put on a body mist everyday (Bath and Bodyworks if you must know) I love the smell but after I spray it on I'm fairly oblivious to it. Can't smell it at all. I'm only reminded of it once Jon tells me I smell nice.
So the principle would be that we as humans are somehow unable to smell our own smells. Both good and bad. Probably because we get used to them and they become part of our "normal"
But what about the belief that "dogs can smell your fear"
Fear is an emotion, not a scent on our skin. But I would really attest to this as I don't like larger dogs and they always seem to pick up on this even though I go thru my mantra in my head "I'm not afraid of you". And if they truly do have a very strong sense of smell quite possibly they can smell our fear.
So this concept has just left me wondering...
What exactly is my inner life like?
What is it those around me smell?
I could totally stink and I'd be the last one to know.
Our girls
I'll update you on the girls. Everyone is doing great. We are still having fun and surprisingly have transitioned easily to our 1 bedroom apartment. Since granny and grandpa have left though, the twins have been asking if they can go to Canada to visit. They don't get the concept of distance unfortunately. They are aware that they are NOT in Canada though. They both have red fleece zip hoodies and pants. They have both started calling them their "Canada sweaters".
They are all making my heart delight. To see Madison in the corner singing to herself and as I hear what she is saying realize she is singing "Lord direct my heart, direct my heart. I love you Jesus Christ" How can you not delight.
Kate takes after me in many areas. Unfortunately she has picked up my "clumsy" side. So as she kicks me in the head, or jumps on Jon's groin, or spills her milk she has taken to saying "sewry, sewry, sewry, sewry"(SORRY) consistently 4 times. Kinda cute. However I'm a little concerned she's going to get a bit of a complex and become a people pleaser. Is that something you can prevent?
And Emma. We continue to do "home schooling" with her. She's mastered her written large and small alphabets. She's really good at math adding numbers up to 12. And she's started reading. I was at a bookstore looking for a beginner reading book and the salesperson pointed me to the "BOB" reading set. It is 12 books of increasing difficulty. We bought it last Monday and she just finished reading the 7th book today. (that's 6 days) Of course they are easy. Sam sat. Mat sat. O.K. Sam. O.k. Mat. Sam sat on Mat. Mat sat on Sam. However it's still reading!!! She's really excited. I guess the best part is that it builds self esteem. And the books build on each other incorporating the words she's previously learned into the later books. I guess which make it easier to read "12" books. Rather than 2 books that have totally unrelated words. So apparently I'm a fabulous teacher.
Emma told me one day "Mom I'd really like a pair of high heels. Not too high just this high... (she motioned with her fingers to show 2 inches.) Have I mentioned she is 6? We just happened to be in the shoe department at target and Emma found "the ones". They are black with rhinestones. We had to go to a few locations to find her size (apparently they are a hot item among the 6 year olds). And she is faithfully wearing them around the apartment. This morning she had them on with her pajamas. She is such a sweetheart. And she's getting to be so old. Makes me thankful to have 3 year olds cause I'm not ready to be done with this stage quite yet.
Anyway, onto another post.
Rhonda
Emma's teacher gave Emma a homework assignment while she is gone. It was to make a scrap book of her trip. So we've faithfully been taking pictures and taping them into her scrap book with interesting stickers etc. Of course the twins are making their own book as well. It's quite cute actually and will be a great memory for them. I think I'll have to laminate the twins ones though or they won't make it thru the end of our trip. The are fairly hard on them. So I stash them up high.
It'll be a great way of showing you all our adventures, our friends and our surroundings.
By the way, we were invited to a birthday party for baby Lydia. She turned 2 months last weekend. The invitation was "PRINCESS DRESS REQUIRED FOR ALL AGED 7 AND YOUNGER". The girls of course had a blast. She continues to gain weight, she's about 5 1/2 pounds. Janelle (the mom) has respite coming in for 2 overnights a week, meals almost everyday, and students 6 days a week helping clean, do laundry and shop. It's kinda cool as the students from the university have a course on "Mercy and Justice" and part of their course requirement is practical hands on service. They have so many required hours a week (2 or 4 I'm not sure)
They are all making my heart delight. To see Madison in the corner singing to herself and as I hear what she is saying realize she is singing "Lord direct my heart, direct my heart. I love you Jesus Christ" How can you not delight.
Kate takes after me in many areas. Unfortunately she has picked up my "clumsy" side. So as she kicks me in the head, or jumps on Jon's groin, or spills her milk she has taken to saying "sewry, sewry, sewry, sewry"(SORRY) consistently 4 times. Kinda cute. However I'm a little concerned she's going to get a bit of a complex and become a people pleaser. Is that something you can prevent?
And Emma. We continue to do "home schooling" with her. She's mastered her written large and small alphabets. She's really good at math adding numbers up to 12. And she's started reading. I was at a bookstore looking for a beginner reading book and the salesperson pointed me to the "BOB" reading set. It is 12 books of increasing difficulty. We bought it last Monday and she just finished reading the 7th book today. (that's 6 days) Of course they are easy. Sam sat. Mat sat. O.K. Sam. O.k. Mat. Sam sat on Mat. Mat sat on Sam. However it's still reading!!! She's really excited. I guess the best part is that it builds self esteem. And the books build on each other incorporating the words she's previously learned into the later books. I guess which make it easier to read "12" books. Rather than 2 books that have totally unrelated words. So apparently I'm a fabulous teacher.
Emma told me one day "Mom I'd really like a pair of high heels. Not too high just this high... (she motioned with her fingers to show 2 inches.) Have I mentioned she is 6? We just happened to be in the shoe department at target and Emma found "the ones". They are black with rhinestones. We had to go to a few locations to find her size (apparently they are a hot item among the 6 year olds). And she is faithfully wearing them around the apartment. This morning she had them on with her pajamas. She is such a sweetheart. And she's getting to be so old. Makes me thankful to have 3 year olds cause I'm not ready to be done with this stage quite yet.
Anyway, onto another post.
Rhonda
Emma's teacher gave Emma a homework assignment while she is gone. It was to make a scrap book of her trip. So we've faithfully been taking pictures and taping them into her scrap book with interesting stickers etc. Of course the twins are making their own book as well. It's quite cute actually and will be a great memory for them. I think I'll have to laminate the twins ones though or they won't make it thru the end of our trip. The are fairly hard on them. So I stash them up high.
It'll be a great way of showing you all our adventures, our friends and our surroundings.
By the way, we were invited to a birthday party for baby Lydia. She turned 2 months last weekend. The invitation was "PRINCESS DRESS REQUIRED FOR ALL AGED 7 AND YOUNGER". The girls of course had a blast. She continues to gain weight, she's about 5 1/2 pounds. Janelle (the mom) has respite coming in for 2 overnights a week, meals almost everyday, and students 6 days a week helping clean, do laundry and shop. It's kinda cool as the students from the university have a course on "Mercy and Justice" and part of their course requirement is practical hands on service. They have so many required hours a week (2 or 4 I'm not sure)
Emma's Evangelism
So Emma's learning about God and about salvation and about evangelism.
However, apparently she needs to work on her delivery...
(OVERHEARD AT THE DINNER TABLE)
EMMA: "Kate do you have Jesus in your heart?"
KATE: **oblivous** "no"
EMMA: **VERY SHOCKED** "Kate...You don't want to go to HELL do you?"
Like I said, some work needed on the delivery!!!
Rhonda
However, apparently she needs to work on her delivery...
(OVERHEARD AT THE DINNER TABLE)
EMMA: "Kate do you have Jesus in your heart?"
KATE: **oblivous** "no"
EMMA: **VERY SHOCKED** "Kate...You don't want to go to HELL do you?"
Like I said, some work needed on the delivery!!!
Rhonda
Updates
Heh guys, finally internet access. Heavenly. Jon has taken the girls to Target to allow me some much needed non-children time. Sweetheart.
So here I am at the coffee shop right beside the prayer room with internet access, a warm coffee and my new IPOD. Jon bought it for me for my birthday. Of course it has more features than I know what to do with but I'm getting used to using it. It has the ability to record sound as well as video. I think also to take pictures but of course I don't know how to do this yet.
It was a great surprise. Jon took me to the "Apple" store where they have only Apple technology for sale. So I have to walk from the car to this mystery store with my eyes closed and covered. Then he gets me to stand directly infront of this IPOD display where plastic "Nano IPOD's" the size of Emma are hanging from the ceiling, one in every color possible.
So he tells me to open my eyes and when I finally figure out what they are he asks me which color I would like. It was a fabulous surprise and since I absolutely LOVE surprises it made it that much more awesome.
So I chose the dark pink. I joke that this way Jon will remember WHOSE IPOD it is and be a bit more hesitant to be seen in public with it!!
My birthday weekend was shared with my in-laws treating us to two nights in a great hotel with a water park for the girls. We had a FABULOUS TIME!!! It was so special to see people from back home. Unfortunately it made me homesick for the first time.
We also went to the Hallmark Head office as they have a visitor center with a play area for the kids. Unfortunately it was booked with school groups so the girls couldn't go in. However we did get to go to the visitor center that was full of Hallmark history, memorabilia, and cards from all over the world. My favorite was this station where you could hear the same card read in 10 different languages. Of course my other favorite memory was the 15 minute movie about how the cards come together. The photographs, the paintings, the personalized handwriting inside. Quite cool.
October apparently is breast cancer awareness month and it's obvious here in the states. There is this beautiful fountain we went to at one of the tourist attractions that we'd been to before. So on taking my in-laws there it was obvious that the water was now colored pink. It was quite cool. Pink water shooting out of all the fountains. The girls got a kick out of it. Also Jon was able to watch some NFL at the hotel and it was crazy seeing all these players wearing bright pink running shoes, pink gloves and pink bands all over their uniforms. And then it lead me to wonder, is there any other color attached to other forms of cancer?
For example, colon cancer could be "brown". Prostate cancer could be "red" (for ouch).
Nose cancer could be "green". Skin cancer could be "peach".
Now I'm probably walking a thin line between kinda humorous to unfunny. So sorry if I've offended anyone. ( And if you can think of any other creative ones let me know)
I want to attach some pictures of the weekend and then do a few more blogs.
Love you all. Rhonda
So here I am at the coffee shop right beside the prayer room with internet access, a warm coffee and my new IPOD. Jon bought it for me for my birthday. Of course it has more features than I know what to do with but I'm getting used to using it. It has the ability to record sound as well as video. I think also to take pictures but of course I don't know how to do this yet.
It was a great surprise. Jon took me to the "Apple" store where they have only Apple technology for sale. So I have to walk from the car to this mystery store with my eyes closed and covered. Then he gets me to stand directly infront of this IPOD display where plastic "Nano IPOD's" the size of Emma are hanging from the ceiling, one in every color possible.
So he tells me to open my eyes and when I finally figure out what they are he asks me which color I would like. It was a fabulous surprise and since I absolutely LOVE surprises it made it that much more awesome.
So I chose the dark pink. I joke that this way Jon will remember WHOSE IPOD it is and be a bit more hesitant to be seen in public with it!!
My birthday weekend was shared with my in-laws treating us to two nights in a great hotel with a water park for the girls. We had a FABULOUS TIME!!! It was so special to see people from back home. Unfortunately it made me homesick for the first time.
We also went to the Hallmark Head office as they have a visitor center with a play area for the kids. Unfortunately it was booked with school groups so the girls couldn't go in. However we did get to go to the visitor center that was full of Hallmark history, memorabilia, and cards from all over the world. My favorite was this station where you could hear the same card read in 10 different languages. Of course my other favorite memory was the 15 minute movie about how the cards come together. The photographs, the paintings, the personalized handwriting inside. Quite cool.
October apparently is breast cancer awareness month and it's obvious here in the states. There is this beautiful fountain we went to at one of the tourist attractions that we'd been to before. So on taking my in-laws there it was obvious that the water was now colored pink. It was quite cool. Pink water shooting out of all the fountains. The girls got a kick out of it. Also Jon was able to watch some NFL at the hotel and it was crazy seeing all these players wearing bright pink running shoes, pink gloves and pink bands all over their uniforms. And then it lead me to wonder, is there any other color attached to other forms of cancer?
For example, colon cancer could be "brown". Prostate cancer could be "red" (for ouch).
Nose cancer could be "green". Skin cancer could be "peach".
Now I'm probably walking a thin line between kinda humorous to unfunny. So sorry if I've offended anyone. ( And if you can think of any other creative ones let me know)
I want to attach some pictures of the weekend and then do a few more blogs.
Love you all. Rhonda
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Perfected In Weakness
They just finished singing this amazing chorus in the prayer room...
"I won't despise in my life
That which makes me lean upon Christ
Your strength's perfected in my weakness"
"So I say 'Yes'..."
"I won't despise in my life
That which makes me lean upon Christ
Your strength's perfected in my weakness"
"So I say 'Yes'..."
Healing - Part 2
Rhonda and I were talking this weekend about my last post entitled "Healing". Asking ourselves the question "Did God create us with the ability to fight off disease?".
There was no sickness in the garden, no disease, no strife - so our conclusion was that there probably wasn't anything originally built into our bodies for the purpose of fighting off disease. As we talked a bit more, there was this sudden connection in my mind... that's AIDS!
Not having the ability to fight off an infection - something our bodies probably weren't created to do originally - is manifested in the disease we know as auto-immune disorder. What a horrible way to live! Can you imagine the entire human race being permanently afflicted with this inability?
God is truly gracious and compassionate!
Jon
There was no sickness in the garden, no disease, no strife - so our conclusion was that there probably wasn't anything originally built into our bodies for the purpose of fighting off disease. As we talked a bit more, there was this sudden connection in my mind... that's AIDS!
Not having the ability to fight off an infection - something our bodies probably weren't created to do originally - is manifested in the disease we know as auto-immune disorder. What a horrible way to live! Can you imagine the entire human race being permanently afflicted with this inability?
God is truly gracious and compassionate!
Jon
Sunday, 4 October 2009
Healing
Emma and I were just having our breakfast and she made a comment about how Jesus had healed her teachers cold this past week, to which she concluded..."it's a miracle!".
We started talking about the fact that every time we overcome sickness it is a miracle - the miracle of God's design for our bodies. Well that got me thinking...I think it's more of a miracle then I really thought.
Was Adam created with the ability to fight of sickness?
If I say "Yes", then it would mean that God assumed that we would sin and need the ability to fight of the sickness that would enter His creation through our sin.
If I say "No", then it would mean that God is making provision for our healing on a daily basis.
Over 6 billion people daily experience God's desire to heal through the miracles of antibodies, regenerative skin, blood clotting enzymes and a myriad of other microscopic warriors that now exist in the human body!
I think that's pretty cool!!
Gotta run. My folks are in town and we are taking them to church this morning.
Jon
We started talking about the fact that every time we overcome sickness it is a miracle - the miracle of God's design for our bodies. Well that got me thinking...I think it's more of a miracle then I really thought.
Was Adam created with the ability to fight of sickness?
If I say "Yes", then it would mean that God assumed that we would sin and need the ability to fight of the sickness that would enter His creation through our sin.
If I say "No", then it would mean that God is making provision for our healing on a daily basis.
Over 6 billion people daily experience God's desire to heal through the miracles of antibodies, regenerative skin, blood clotting enzymes and a myriad of other microscopic warriors that now exist in the human body!
I think that's pretty cool!!
Gotta run. My folks are in town and we are taking them to church this morning.
Jon
Friday, 2 October 2009
The Gift of Intercession
This morning I felt the Lord come and tenderly speak to me;
"Intercession is not a gift - it's a gift"
Intercession is not an ability - it is a present. A well chosen present, wrapped up in the form of God's nearness to us. The gift of sharing in the emotions of His heart on an issue or situation. Although it may feel burdensome at the onset of revelation, as we give it back into His almighty hands, the burden becomes the oil of joy in our lives - the joy of being considered a dear friend to whom God has chosen to share His heart.
It a blessing made available to all of us through the simple invitation; "draw near to Me and I will draw near to you."
There is one unique feature of those who are marked for intercession.
It is not their personality
It is not their purity
It is not their spiritual maturity
It is simply this; that they are human - formed in the image of God for the express purpose of sharing in His divine nature of Compassion and Justice.
When we feel the burden of God's heart, we encounter His compassion. When we response with a cry of "Abba!", we demonstrate our agreement with God's heart for justice - crying out to our Sovereign King for the release of His kingdom upon the earth as it is in heaven.
This is the gift of intercession...the present of His presence.
Jon
"Intercession is not a gift - it's a gift"
Intercession is not an ability - it is a present. A well chosen present, wrapped up in the form of God's nearness to us. The gift of sharing in the emotions of His heart on an issue or situation. Although it may feel burdensome at the onset of revelation, as we give it back into His almighty hands, the burden becomes the oil of joy in our lives - the joy of being considered a dear friend to whom God has chosen to share His heart.
It a blessing made available to all of us through the simple invitation; "draw near to Me and I will draw near to you."
There is one unique feature of those who are marked for intercession.
It is not their personality
It is not their purity
It is not their spiritual maturity
It is simply this; that they are human - formed in the image of God for the express purpose of sharing in His divine nature of Compassion and Justice.
When we feel the burden of God's heart, we encounter His compassion. When we response with a cry of "Abba!", we demonstrate our agreement with God's heart for justice - crying out to our Sovereign King for the release of His kingdom upon the earth as it is in heaven.
This is the gift of intercession...the present of His presence.
Jon
Video - Apostolic Prayers
The other the kids came home from school singing one of the Apostolic Prayers they had learned at the CEC (Childrens Equipping Center). This is Madisons version of the song:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=174651827164
Jon
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=174651827164
Jon
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Prayer
One of the big reasons I was into taking this time out to spend at the "House of Prayer" was to hopefully get a better idea of exactly what prayer is and how to do it.
Lots of people DO different stuff when they pray here. Lots of variety and very distracting for someone like me who enjoys watching people.
But some of the things we've been learning and that I've been reading about prayer have jumped out at me.
This one is by C.H. Spurgeon:
" Prayer itself is an art only the Holy Spirit can teach us.
Pray for prayer.
Pray until you can really pray. "
I loved that it isn't necessarily something taught by reading the right book or listening to the people who pray the way that i'll connect to... etc.
It's intrisically taught to us by the Holy Spirit. I guess thinking of the parenting analogy...
How do we learn how to speak if we don't speak with someone who speaks that language?
My girls speak English to me and have come along way in the last 3 years (for the twins) Initially it was just "yesh" and "whoa" and now most people in the western hemisphere will be able to understand them. But they learned thru speaking it not just thru hearing it.
Makes me think prayer is like this. We have to practice it. And it doesn't just look like one thing.
Also the prayer room has alot of "prayer time" which you'd be used to. Praying for other countries, cities and specific people groups.
However, as I'm coming to learn here, or as I'm coming to a deeper understanding of is that first and primarily prayer is about me and God. About MY inside. Not about your "outside"
So prayer for me is alot of silence lately. Just speaking to God about my day. About my concerns and frustrations. About who he is and the places I find difficult to accept about him.
One of our teachers said "God will never forget a single thing you ask, even though you forget your own prayers" It was wild because he was joking that everyday, we are living thru answers to prayer and we are oblivious to it.
Makes me think of my now curly hair. It only became curly after my first pregnancy, when I was 28. When I was 10 and younger, I used to ferverntly pray for curly hair. I thought it was so luxurious and beautiful. And my poker straight hair with its cowlicks just didn't do.
I stopped praying those prayers after my mom introduced me to the "home permanent"
AKA the perm. But now however many years later, my hair mysteriously turns curly. And a beautiful curly I might add. Is that an answer to a little girls prayer? Maybe, maybe not.
However you look at it, only me and God know of this prayer so only us find this a delightful happenstance.
Rhonda
Lots of people DO different stuff when they pray here. Lots of variety and very distracting for someone like me who enjoys watching people.
But some of the things we've been learning and that I've been reading about prayer have jumped out at me.
This one is by C.H. Spurgeon:
" Prayer itself is an art only the Holy Spirit can teach us.
Pray for prayer.
Pray until you can really pray. "
I loved that it isn't necessarily something taught by reading the right book or listening to the people who pray the way that i'll connect to... etc.
It's intrisically taught to us by the Holy Spirit. I guess thinking of the parenting analogy...
How do we learn how to speak if we don't speak with someone who speaks that language?
My girls speak English to me and have come along way in the last 3 years (for the twins) Initially it was just "yesh" and "whoa" and now most people in the western hemisphere will be able to understand them. But they learned thru speaking it not just thru hearing it.
Makes me think prayer is like this. We have to practice it. And it doesn't just look like one thing.
Also the prayer room has alot of "prayer time" which you'd be used to. Praying for other countries, cities and specific people groups.
However, as I'm coming to learn here, or as I'm coming to a deeper understanding of is that first and primarily prayer is about me and God. About MY inside. Not about your "outside"
So prayer for me is alot of silence lately. Just speaking to God about my day. About my concerns and frustrations. About who he is and the places I find difficult to accept about him.
One of our teachers said "God will never forget a single thing you ask, even though you forget your own prayers" It was wild because he was joking that everyday, we are living thru answers to prayer and we are oblivious to it.
Makes me think of my now curly hair. It only became curly after my first pregnancy, when I was 28. When I was 10 and younger, I used to ferverntly pray for curly hair. I thought it was so luxurious and beautiful. And my poker straight hair with its cowlicks just didn't do.
I stopped praying those prayers after my mom introduced me to the "home permanent"
AKA the perm. But now however many years later, my hair mysteriously turns curly. And a beautiful curly I might add. Is that an answer to a little girls prayer? Maybe, maybe not.
However you look at it, only me and God know of this prayer so only us find this a delightful happenstance.
Rhonda
Frosted Lucky Charms
We have this great couple in our class who are from Ireland. Every time I hear them pray I have a hard time not morphing into my Irish accent!
So the other day we were doing some prophetic ministry together and once again I had to fight back the urge to speak in my Irish tongue! On the bus ride home I told Sharon about their infectious accent and in the process began speaking with me we Irish accent...to which Sharon reached out her hand in approval.
So as silly as it my sound in light of all of our deep revelation, it brought a smile to me face to be welcomed into the international house of the want to be Irish!
Jon
So the other day we were doing some prophetic ministry together and once again I had to fight back the urge to speak in my Irish tongue! On the bus ride home I told Sharon about their infectious accent and in the process began speaking with me we Irish accent...to which Sharon reached out her hand in approval.
So as silly as it my sound in light of all of our deep revelation, it brought a smile to me face to be welcomed into the international house of the want to be Irish!
Jon
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