I grew up in the CRC, and am still here, along with my family. I'm married to Daryl, who has a construction business. I had a CPA license for 10 or so years, then I added EX to the front, and MOM to the back, so now I'm an EX CPA, MOM =). I am MOM to Duncan, Ian and Samantha. Our family also owns a raspberry farm, and in the summers we get to work out there together.
Why is attendance important? It's one indicator of our heart's desire to love God with all our hearts, souls, mind and strength, it is one indicator of seeking His Kingdom first. That God and spending time with Him is our top priority. God tells us over and over again to seek His face, worshipping together is a key way.
Why are we not meeting daily like the early church? I would love to see this happen. Curious as to when and where did we lose this rhythm?
under the emotional investment... whatever we do is first unto the LORD! He is our audience of One! I help lead an extended time of worship, and it doesn't matter how many people are there, because we are there for Jesus! Because He is worthy of our praise. God takes the pain of poor attendance and lack of enthusiasm to spend time with Him far more "starkly" than we ever will.
thanks Phil, I agree that it is a key component for the health of our congregations... I'm hoping to watch the workshop you shared at the prayer summit on this... do you know if they are available for viewing yet?
I think I will work on encouraging believers in the use of the daily office, maybe through a website such as oremus, to use as one of their devotional times...
thanks John for your encouragement... Believe you me, I am "influencing" every opportunity the Spirit gives me =) and I'm very thankful for forums like the network that let us discuss and sharpen concepts with others that have a similar frame of reference regarding our faith, as well as thankful to be given numerous occasions to have face to face discussions... but I will say I do get frustrated when people are resistant/fearful of this particular gift of the Spirit. I believe there are many (and all do to some extent per Acts 2) in our denomination that have the gift of prophecy, but are basically unaware of it, because it has not been taught or identified; it seems it is not understood very well. I have discussed this with numerous people, and when i share with them how the gifting works, it's like an "aha" moment for them... then there are others that insist God doesn't "speak" to us anymore other than through scripture and its illumination by the Holy Spirit, or that such "listening" is dangerous.
No, it's more dangerous for us not to walk in this gifting (therefore quenching the Spirit), then to walk in it, even if we do make mistakes. Again, scripture says to "eagerly desire". Training and teaching on this gifting will hopefully eliminate many of the mistakes that can be made. That is one of the reasons why people are resistant, because they can point to examples where significant harm was done because someone said "thus saith the LORD" or "God told me..." .. that's why it's very important learning how to test, and test together whatever "prophetic" insight is shared. Otherwise it is a door for people to get off track into a cult and chaos to occur per John McArthur. Several keys for those operating in the prophetic are: to be much in the Word, to be much in prayer and worship, and to be in fellowship with and under the authority of a local church. If believers are not willing to honor and submit to the authority of the church, that is an indication of not being in alignment with the Spirit. I will say the Spirit really opened up this gifting for me as He worked on my prayer life, and I see this gifting stronger with those who spend significant amounts of time in prayer. Now is that a hard and fast rule, probably not, but the 2 do seem to have a pretty strong correlation.
So yes, I'll keep "influencing" ;)... but hopefully it's sharpening, because as Michael shared (oh yeah, that was in another thread =) so see PVK's thread on women and classis under the classis forum for that comment), everything must line up with scripture, we cannot go outside of scripture - that is dangerous, and that's why being in a body of believers is so important to keep us accountable.
hmmm. lots of thoughts, here's a few... not sure if you left this out on purpose or why it's you didn't mention it, but one of the areas I feel like the LORD is opening up to minister to us is through the gift of prophecy, which will use both creation and the Word. Is the Spirit in us a "3rd book" . The Word is one, creation or confirmation via the natural is one, and the Spirit in us ministers to us as well, all 3 will point us to God (which the Spirit is of course) and help us live our lives through daily leading and guidance.
next thought... a few weeks ago, was wrestling with "programs", and a conclusion I came to, was that God is an infinitely creative God. We (humans) tend to jump on something that worked a few times and then turn it into a program and market it and say how it will "grow" your church or whatever. What i believe is God wants us to spend time listening to Him every time. He is so creative and longs for us to spend time with Him. Sometimes I wonder if using "cut and dried" programs, gives us an out of spending time in "listening" communion with Him, but then we miss out on what He's got planned for us because we are using and "old word" so to speak.
and the last thought I'll share is a confirmation of this insight...
boq... Imagine a church filled with people whose every moment is attuned to the presence and glory of God. This would be attractive. This would be meaningful. This would grow God’s church. eoq eoqee
that reminded me of a statement for Mary Geegh's little book "God Guides" p10... "How wonderful the world will be when everyone is guided by God's Holy Spirit..." not saying we'll see perfection here on earth, but i think it is a key for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Blessings to you as you pursue the thoughts that the Spirit is stirring up =)..
that is exactly the reason God led me into healing prayer ministry. We get to see Him, when we minister to the poor, the struggling, those who are hurting. I got to see His face through one of those "underprivileged" just yesterday when He led me to a neighborhood of shacks in our area. I left in tears.
I was there for only a few moments, but during those moments, we rec'd this video via email... It was a beautiful confirmation of what is on God's heart. Based on Matthew West's song "My own little world"...
Bless your hearts... beautiful insights, I sense hearts/spirits being stirred with His Spirit...
When we share the good things, aka testimonies, of what He is doing in our lives, we are reflecting Him, His light...
I have found sharing His stories of what He's doing in my life does 2 things, one encourages those around me who are struggling themselves and hungry for more of Him, or gives me insight to pray on behalf of someone when they are "critical" in some way. It makes me double check myself as well, to make sure there isn't a valid concern.
I love Miss Martha, she's practical, industrious and diplomatic, and I can totally relate to her "plea" in Luke 10:40... she was distracted with much serving aka a lot of work, very busy... then says to Jesus... "don't You care... (that I'm doing all this work alone, no one's helping me)" classic pity party... the enemy loves to isolate us and make us feel like we are the only ones struggling with something or doing anything about some injustice or whatever it might be... so when we share our testimonies, it breaks that deception that we are the only ones who struggle with whatever issue it is, and instead connect on a deeper level. hope that makes sense..
let us draw near to Him with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebr. 10:22a)
argh.. looks like the video got pulled. probably for copyright stuff.. too bad... I'm sorry, I thought it was way better than the official one! It was done by Christ Church of Heartland, and at the beginning the "man in the mirror" had the writing "It's my time" on the mirror, and at the end, he erases the "my" and replaces it with "His"... It's His time... it was profound, and God used it as a powerful confirmation for me yesterday!! matthew west sings it, don't know if he wrote it...
here's the link to the official one... again, the other video was far more profound at least for me for a variety of reasons, including the timing, so I'm not near as excited about this one!! and btw, the Matthew scripture is one of the verses He's been putting on my heart as well...
I just read the testimony from Robin Mark, the musician who composed of Days of Elijah of how that song came to be (btw, "he" wrote/composed it in about 30 minutes-see link for full testimony). It confirmed the struggle that we can feel alone and isolated some times, as Elijah, who felt "alone and isolated" after his "battle" with the enemy on Mt. Carmel. This is a common attack from the enemy, particularly after we have experienced a powerful move of God. So let's continue to encourage each other as we follow His leading and guidance, through the testimonies of how He works through our obedience in response to His promptings... every glimpse we see of believers growing in their faith, in their relationship with Jesus, is very significant, and incredible encouragement to each other. It is food for our souls, and fire for our prayers.
from Robin's testimony:
I felt in my spirit that He replied to my prayer by saying that indeed He was very much in control and that the days we were living in were special times when He would require Christians to be filled with integrity and to stand upI for Him just like Elijah did, particularly with the prophets of Baal. “These are ‘Elijah’ days”. Elijah’s story is in the book of Kings and you can read how he felt isolated and alone in the culture in which he lived. But God told him to stand up and speak for Him.
Praise the LORD! this link to this video of Matthew west's song, my own little world, by Christ Church of the Heartland in Texas is working again. It is such a powerful video and it was profound timing when I first watched it...
hmmm... I think of it as a treasure hunt... letting the Holy Spirit give you guidance/ "clues" to find the treasure aka songs, scriptures, message, etc. He wants you to use to create a new masterpiece of worship, so that when it's all together, it's a beautiful "crown" to offer to Jesus, that also ministers at some level to everyone worshipping, no matter where they are at spiritually.
Henry, you mention that we ignore the bodily resurrection of the Man Jesus - I would submit that we have missed spiritual intimacy with Him, which that concept seems to make us very uncomfortable, but my perception on that could be wrong. I would also submit we have to some degree ignored and quenched the power of the Holy Spirit, and been in contempt of some of His gifts, particularly those gifts we can't explain...
I struggle with when someone thinks someone else has spiritual "superiority", maybe they are sensing pride in some - but let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater on this. I would suggest these "dymanic experiences" are the prompting and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and not something to be disdained... everything we are, including our spiritual experiences are a gift of God, through His Holy Spirit, we can do nothing without Jesus... the concept of spiritual superiority shuts down every testimony of what God is doing in our lives, here and now... Yes, none of this has any meaning without salvation and we can not do it on our own, but as a loving and generous Father, He gives us fresh encounters with His goodness and love daily, and I hope we would want to share those testimonies, but when those hearing the testimonies receive them with skepticism or criticism or contempt, instead of joy and thankfulness, then we are quenching the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives... if we don't share those testimonies, we are quenching Him as well... It is all for His glory, and our good... I would hope the response to testimonies of what God is doing in our lives, would be met with joy and excitement, and be encouraging to others... instead of threatening.
I also think we need to recognize that there are different levels of maturity of believers, in our faith..
If we are not "experiencing" the Holy Spirit, then we need to look at our attitude toward the Holy Spirit.. are we quenching Him, through contempt of His gifts, through skepticism/criticisim, through unbelief that He still speaks to us in various ways (which includes making scripture living and active)?
having grown up in the crc, and still a part of it, I have noticed a significant resistance to how the Holy Spirit works via some giftings, for a variety of reasons, which is an entire discussion in itself...
unfortunately the new age stuff is the enemy's counterfeit of the working of the Holy Spirit, and so there will be things that look the same, but are oh so very different because of where it is coming from (Holy Spirit vs enemy spirit), with good fruit from the Holy Spirit and bad fruit from the enemy... this is where testing of the spirits (I John 4:1/1 Thess. 5:19-22), and discernment comes in...
When we love God with all our hearts, souls, strength and mind... that will overflow to loving our neighbors... and we will desire to be with Him via the Word, worship and prayer, to share about Him, to trust Him, and to obey Him... He will consume us, and we will be obsessed with Him and serving His Kingdom
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
Why is attendance important? It's one indicator of our heart's desire to love God with all our hearts, souls, mind and strength, it is one indicator of seeking His Kingdom first. That God and spending time with Him is our top priority. God tells us over and over again to seek His face, worshipping together is a key way.
Why are we not meeting daily like the early church? I would love to see this happen. Curious as to when and where did we lose this rhythm?
under the emotional investment... whatever we do is first unto the LORD! He is our audience of One! I help lead an extended time of worship, and it doesn't matter how many people are there, because we are there for Jesus! Because He is worthy of our praise. God takes the pain of poor attendance and lack of enthusiasm to spend time with Him far more "starkly" than we ever will.
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
John, your posts make me think of Isaiah 58:13-14...
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
thanks Phil, I agree that it is a key component for the health of our congregations... I'm hoping to watch the workshop you shared at the prayer summit on this... do you know if they are available for viewing yet?
I think I will work on encouraging believers in the use of the daily office, maybe through a website such as oremus, to use as one of their devotional times...
http://oremus.org/
blessings as the Spirit gives you insight to build up and edify the Bride of Christ...
Posted in: Twice (a Month) - the New Normal?
thanks John for your encouragement... Believe you me, I am "influencing" every opportunity the Spirit gives me =) and I'm very thankful for forums like the network that let us discuss and sharpen concepts with others that have a similar frame of reference regarding our faith, as well as thankful to be given numerous occasions to have face to face discussions... but I will say I do get frustrated when people are resistant/fearful of this particular gift of the Spirit. I believe there are many (and all do to some extent per Acts 2) in our denomination that have the gift of prophecy, but are basically unaware of it, because it has not been taught or identified; it seems it is not understood very well. I have discussed this with numerous people, and when i share with them how the gifting works, it's like an "aha" moment for them... then there are others that insist God doesn't "speak" to us anymore other than through scripture and its illumination by the Holy Spirit, or that such "listening" is dangerous.
No, it's more dangerous for us not to walk in this gifting (therefore quenching the Spirit), then to walk in it, even if we do make mistakes. Again, scripture says to "eagerly desire". Training and teaching on this gifting will hopefully eliminate many of the mistakes that can be made. That is one of the reasons why people are resistant, because they can point to examples where significant harm was done because someone said "thus saith the LORD" or "God told me..." .. that's why it's very important learning how to test, and test together whatever "prophetic" insight is shared. Otherwise it is a door for people to get off track into a cult and chaos to occur per John McArthur. Several keys for those operating in the prophetic are: to be much in the Word, to be much in prayer and worship, and to be in fellowship with and under the authority of a local church. If believers are not willing to honor and submit to the authority of the church, that is an indication of not being in alignment with the Spirit. I will say the Spirit really opened up this gifting for me as He worked on my prayer life, and I see this gifting stronger with those who spend significant amounts of time in prayer. Now is that a hard and fast rule, probably not, but the 2 do seem to have a pretty strong correlation.
So yes, I'll keep "influencing" ;)... but hopefully it's sharpening, because as Michael shared (oh yeah, that was in another thread =) so see PVK's thread on women and classis under the classis forum for that comment), everything must line up with scripture, we cannot go outside of scripture - that is dangerous, and that's why being in a body of believers is so important to keep us accountable.
Posted in: My Dream for the Christian Reformed Church
hmmm. lots of thoughts, here's a few... not sure if you left this out on purpose or why it's you didn't mention it, but one of the areas I feel like the LORD is opening up to minister to us is through the gift of prophecy, which will use both creation and the Word. Is the Spirit in us a "3rd book" . The Word is one, creation or confirmation via the natural is one, and the Spirit in us ministers to us as well, all 3 will point us to God (which the Spirit is of course) and help us live our lives through daily leading and guidance.
next thought... a few weeks ago, was wrestling with "programs", and a conclusion I came to, was that God is an infinitely creative God. We (humans) tend to jump on something that worked a few times and then turn it into a program and market it and say how it will "grow" your church or whatever. What i believe is God wants us to spend time listening to Him every time. He is so creative and longs for us to spend time with Him. Sometimes I wonder if using "cut and dried" programs, gives us an out of spending time in "listening" communion with Him, but then we miss out on what He's got planned for us because we are using and "old word" so to speak.
and the last thought I'll share is a confirmation of this insight...
boq... Imagine a church filled with people whose every moment is attuned to the presence and glory of God. This would be attractive. This would be meaningful. This would grow God’s church. eoq eoqee
that reminded me of a statement for Mary Geegh's little book "God Guides" p10... "How wonderful the world will be when everyone is guided by God's Holy Spirit..." not saying we'll see perfection here on earth, but i think it is a key for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Blessings to you as you pursue the thoughts that the Spirit is stirring up =)..
Posted in: Christ’s Face in a Street Person
thank you for sharing!
that is exactly the reason God led me into healing prayer ministry. We get to see Him, when we minister to the poor, the struggling, those who are hurting. I got to see His face through one of those "underprivileged" just yesterday when He led me to a neighborhood of shacks in our area. I left in tears.
I was there for only a few moments, but during those moments, we rec'd this video via email... It was a beautiful confirmation of what is on God's heart. Based on Matthew West's song "My own little world"...
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJ2F91NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01/04/2012
Posted in: Weight Loss is a Lot Like Sanctification
Bless your hearts... beautiful insights, I sense hearts/spirits being stirred with His Spirit...
When we share the good things, aka testimonies, of what He is doing in our lives, we are reflecting Him, His light...
I have found sharing His stories of what He's doing in my life does 2 things, one encourages those around me who are struggling themselves and hungry for more of Him, or gives me insight to pray on behalf of someone when they are "critical" in some way. It makes me double check myself as well, to make sure there isn't a valid concern.
I love Miss Martha, she's practical, industrious and diplomatic, and I can totally relate to her "plea" in Luke 10:40... she was distracted with much serving aka a lot of work, very busy... then says to Jesus... "don't You care... (that I'm doing all this work alone, no one's helping me)" classic pity party... the enemy loves to isolate us and make us feel like we are the only ones struggling with something or doing anything about some injustice or whatever it might be... so when we share our testimonies, it breaks that deception that we are the only ones who struggle with whatever issue it is, and instead connect on a deeper level. hope that makes sense..
let us draw near to Him with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebr. 10:22a)
Posted in: Christ’s Face in a Street Person
argh.. looks like the video got pulled. probably for copyright stuff.. too bad... I'm sorry, I thought it was way better than the official one! It was done by Christ Church of Heartland, and at the beginning the "man in the mirror" had the writing "It's my time" on the mirror, and at the end, he erases the "my" and replaces it with "His"... It's His time... it was profound, and God used it as a powerful confirmation for me yesterday!! matthew west sings it, don't know if he wrote it...
here's the link to the official one... again, the other video was far more profound at least for me for a variety of reasons, including the timing, so I'm not near as excited about this one!! and btw, the Matthew scripture is one of the verses He's been putting on my heart as well...
http://www.vevo.com/watch/matthew-west/my-own-little-world/US82Y1000065
my own little world it hardly ever rains
I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet
In my own little world
population me
I try to stay awake during Sunday morning Church
I throw a twenty in the plate, but I never give ’til it hurts
And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see
Yeah, it’s easy to do when it’s
Population: me
What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose
I could be living right now?
Outside my own little world oooh
Stopped at a red light, looked out my window
I saw a cardboard sign, said “Help this homeless widow”
And just above that sign was the face of a human
I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”
So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye
Oh how many times have I just passed her by?
I gave her some money then I drove on through
And my own little world reached
Population two
Oh
What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose
That I could be living right now
Outside my own little world oooh, ooh
My own little world oooh
Wooah woooah woooah
yeeah yeeah
Father break my heart for what breaks Yours
Give me open hands and open doors
Put Your Light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me
What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose
That I could be living right now
I don't want to miss what matters
I wanna be reaching out
Show me the greater purpose
So I can start living right now
Outside my own little world yeeeaah yeeeah
My own little world ooooh
Woooaah
Wooah
Wooah
http://www.sweetslyrics.com/789128.Matthew%20West%20-%20My%20Own%20Little%20World.html
Posted in: Weight Loss is a Lot Like Sanctification
I just read the testimony from Robin Mark, the musician who composed of Days of Elijah of how that song came to be (btw, "he" wrote/composed it in about 30 minutes-see link for full testimony). It confirmed the struggle that we can feel alone and isolated some times, as Elijah, who felt "alone and isolated" after his "battle" with the enemy on Mt. Carmel. This is a common attack from the enemy, particularly after we have experienced a powerful move of God. So let's continue to encourage each other as we follow His leading and guidance, through the testimonies of how He works through our obedience in response to His promptings... every glimpse we see of believers growing in their faith, in their relationship with Jesus, is very significant, and incredible encouragement to each other. It is food for our souls, and fire for our prayers.
from Robin's testimony:
I felt in my spirit that He replied to my prayer by saying that indeed He was very much in control and that the days we were living in were special times when He would require Christians to be filled with integrity and to stand upI for Him just like Elijah did, particularly with the prophets of Baal. “These are ‘Elijah’ days”. Elijah’s story is in the book of Kings and you can read how he felt isolated and alone in the culture in which he lived. But God told him to stand up and speak for Him.
http://psalm2004.com/2009/04/24/days-of-elijah/
and as our pastor shared this morning," if you are moving in His Spirit, you are desperate for encouragement"...
Posted in: Christ’s Face in a Street Person
Praise the LORD! this link to this video of Matthew west's song, my own little world, by Christ Church of the Heartland in Texas is working again. It is such a powerful video and it was profound timing when I first watched it...
I encourage you to watch this... It's HIS time!!!
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJ2F91NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=01/04/2012
Posted in: Worship Glue: Sticking the Pieces Together
hmmm... I think of it as a treasure hunt... letting the Holy Spirit give you guidance/ "clues" to find the treasure aka songs, scriptures, message, etc. He wants you to use to create a new masterpiece of worship, so that when it's all together, it's a beautiful "crown" to offer to Jesus, that also ministers at some level to everyone worshipping, no matter where they are at spiritually.
Posted in: Why Are Believers Not Declaring the Gospel?
Henry, you mention that we ignore the bodily resurrection of the Man Jesus - I would submit that we have missed spiritual intimacy with Him, which that concept seems to make us very uncomfortable, but my perception on that could be wrong. I would also submit we have to some degree ignored and quenched the power of the Holy Spirit, and been in contempt of some of His gifts, particularly those gifts we can't explain...
I struggle with when someone thinks someone else has spiritual "superiority", maybe they are sensing pride in some - but let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater on this. I would suggest these "dymanic experiences" are the prompting and work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and not something to be disdained... everything we are, including our spiritual experiences are a gift of God, through His Holy Spirit, we can do nothing without Jesus... the concept of spiritual superiority shuts down every testimony of what God is doing in our lives, here and now... Yes, none of this has any meaning without salvation and we can not do it on our own, but as a loving and generous Father, He gives us fresh encounters with His goodness and love daily, and I hope we would want to share those testimonies, but when those hearing the testimonies receive them with skepticism or criticism or contempt, instead of joy and thankfulness, then we are quenching the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives... if we don't share those testimonies, we are quenching Him as well... It is all for His glory, and our good... I would hope the response to testimonies of what God is doing in our lives, would be met with joy and excitement, and be encouraging to others... instead of threatening.
I also think we need to recognize that there are different levels of maturity of believers, in our faith..
If we are not "experiencing" the Holy Spirit, then we need to look at our attitude toward the Holy Spirit.. are we quenching Him, through contempt of His gifts, through skepticism/criticisim, through unbelief that He still speaks to us in various ways (which includes making scripture living and active)?
having grown up in the crc, and still a part of it, I have noticed a significant resistance to how the Holy Spirit works via some giftings, for a variety of reasons, which is an entire discussion in itself...
unfortunately the new age stuff is the enemy's counterfeit of the working of the Holy Spirit, and so there will be things that look the same, but are oh so very different because of where it is coming from (Holy Spirit vs enemy spirit), with good fruit from the Holy Spirit and bad fruit from the enemy... this is where testing of the spirits (I John 4:1/1 Thess. 5:19-22), and discernment comes in...
When we love God with all our hearts, souls, strength and mind... that will overflow to loving our neighbors... and we will desire to be with Him via the Word, worship and prayer, to share about Him, to trust Him, and to obey Him... He will consume us, and we will be obsessed with Him and serving His Kingdom