Note:
I wish I hadn’t changed it. I tried making some modifications to my database, and down she went. For a month. I finally decided to delete everything and start from scratch. So, if you notice anything missing that used to be here, drop me a line. And, sorry for the extended leave.
-Jon
Prayer meetings at the church have been increasingly fun. There’s nothing like spending time with God, but lately it seems we’re making headway toward something. Monday night was especially successful, and I came out of there a changed person. I’m not trying to belittle corporate prayer to the likes of a fast-food joint; it’s just that being in God’s presence—with a sole intent to pray out some things—garners personal change as well. And this night was no exception.
Three different people had an inspired word for the group Monday night, and I was thrilled to be one of them. I’ve always loved being used by God in speaking. I don’t know what it is about the vocal gifts that so intrigues me, but I have a longing for inspired utterance more than any other spiritual gift. And I suppose that’s scriptural; Paul told the Corinthians: “…Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
” (I Corinthians 14:1 WEB)
The neat thing is that all three of us spoke what God had put in our hearts at an earlier part of the meeting, yet everything said flowed together as if it were being said by the same person. There’s lots of scripture I could put here to back this up, but no one likes drudging through all that to get to the meat of the story. :o) So, moving on…
What I had was something that fell into my heart toward the beginning of the service about the totality of true servanthood, something I’d never seen before, and something I thought was just for me. But at the end of the service I felt the gentle nudge of the Spirit to share it with the group; it just seemed right to do so. I knew that when I spoke to them what I had written down, other words would flow. So, after waiting for the right place in the service (you don’t just start blurting out when you have something to say; that’s rude), I asked if I could share what I had on my heart.
Continue Reading This Story
August 12th, 2007 · Permalink · Back to Top · Comments (0) · Tagged: Articles, Relationships
Feeling skippy, I took the bus downtown to spend the afternoon in the park. I decided to bring my Bible along; I wanted to read in Revelation under the shade of my favorite Oak tree and observe the ocean of people, each minding his own business and simply trying get through the day. The bench under that Oak is the kind made of wooden slats and no back, perfect for a five-minute rest, but slightly uncomfortable for any further lounging.
Finding my book of choice, I began reading. I didn’t hesitate, I didn’t pause, I didn’t even look up. I read through the entire book in one fell swoop. I often consume entire books like that, but never before had I done so with part of the Bible, nor in a public park. I was surprised when I reached the end; the words of the book had gripped me like they never have before, sucking me into the storyline completely. I momentarily forgot where I was, for two seconds maybe. Then I heard someone call my name. I looked over to my right toward the voice. A huddled mass had just crossed the street and were now making their way to their respective destinations, and amidst the crowd stood my father.
My heart pounded; could this be real? Are my eyes deceiving me? Every ounce of sanity told me it wasn’t true, but my eyes and ears confirmed it: yes, he was real. He had to be real. But how did he find me? How did he know? It’s impossible … he couldn’t have … could he? And as I questioned, he faded and disappeared. I was torn with grief. I had been going through anxiety already because of our separation; at that time, I had been in Brazil for two months. But this pushed me over the top. I began to cry as I walked down the street, searching for something, anything. I need an Açaí.
Continue Reading This Story
March 12th, 2007 · Permalink · Back to Top · Comments (15) · Tagged: Articles, Brazil, Missions, Relationships
It came to me the other day while thinking about my relationships with God and with my parents that these three are not the only people with whom I have a close link. First of all, though, here’s how it started. Have you ever asked yourself why we choose the word “closeness” to define the strength of a relationship? Your physical adjacency actually has nothing to do with it. We “feel” close to a person with whom we have a strong relationship, regardless of their location.
It’s a very accurate expression. Two friends can be separated by a span of many miles, and yet feel close. And a husband and a wife can be separated by a single stride and yet feel as distant as those two friends. It’s not about proximity. In the spirit realm there is no distance. At least, not distance as we’re accustomed.
Continue Reading This Story
March 6th, 2007 · Permalink · Back to Top · Comments (4) · Tagged: Articles, Relationships
Burn this feed.
