Wednesday, September 30, 2009
no fear
Psalm 48:8 There is no need to fear when times of trouble come; when enemies are surrounding me
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
scriptures for me & u
Psalm 48:14 He is our God forever & ever, & He will be our guide until we die.
Hebrews 2:11 Jesus & the ones He makes holy have the same Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them His brothers & sisters.
Hebrews 2:18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering & temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted.
I feel like these are for me today, but they're also for someone else - maybe you.
And the underlined parts are especially for me & for whomever these are for today.
I'd really like to hear back from you if they were.
These days, as I continue on this journey called "downtown" I need LOTS of guidance.
When I look at me sometimes & all the times I sin, it's hard to imagine Jesus not being ashamed of me - or at least exasperated!
And I don't have any excuses about the sinning - He's been there before me, understands, & will sustain me through it.
Hebrews 2:11 Jesus & the ones He makes holy have the same Father. That is why He is not ashamed to call them His brothers & sisters.
Hebrews 2:18 Since He Himself has gone through suffering & temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted.
I feel like these are for me today, but they're also for someone else - maybe you.
And the underlined parts are especially for me & for whomever these are for today.
I'd really like to hear back from you if they were.
These days, as I continue on this journey called "downtown" I need LOTS of guidance.
When I look at me sometimes & all the times I sin, it's hard to imagine Jesus not being ashamed of me - or at least exasperated!
And I don't have any excuses about the sinning - He's been there before me, understands, & will sustain me through it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
so...?
47 came to the kickoff of the Sunday Morning Gathering of Christ Chapel Downotwn.
I've thought about it since.
I think that's a pretty good number.
It's not too few for people to think that "nobody" is gonna be a part of this new gathering.
It's not too many for people to think that "there's so many people, they don't need me."
Anyway, we're off & running!
It's gonna be interesting what God has in store for us ;-)
I've thought about it since.
I think that's a pretty good number.
It's not too few for people to think that "nobody" is gonna be a part of this new gathering.
It's not too many for people to think that "there's so many people, they don't need me."
Anyway, we're off & running!
It's gonna be interesting what God has in store for us ;-)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
kickoff
Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
7 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."
11 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Today is the kickoff of the Sunday Morning Gathering by Christ Chapel Downtown at The Warehouse.
Almost 2 years ago, God started talking to me about a "presence" downtown. This is it's second addition. House of Grace was its first.
This is God's ministry downtown, not mine, not Christ Chapel's. It's gonna be interesting to see what He's up to whith this.
Abba, I'm SO thankful that You've trusted me to go on this journey called downtown with You. I'm still surrendered to the 'ever's - whatever, whenever, whoever, wherever, however. I don't know what today is gonna look like. For that matter, I don't know what any of the days ahead will look like. But I know You both precede & follow me (Ps 139:5), so whatever it is that's ahead for the Sunday Morning Gathering, BRING IT ON!
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
7 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."
11 The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Today is the kickoff of the Sunday Morning Gathering by Christ Chapel Downtown at The Warehouse.
Almost 2 years ago, God started talking to me about a "presence" downtown. This is it's second addition. House of Grace was its first.
This is God's ministry downtown, not mine, not Christ Chapel's. It's gonna be interesting to see what He's up to whith this.
Abba, I'm SO thankful that You've trusted me to go on this journey called downtown with You. I'm still surrendered to the 'ever's - whatever, whenever, whoever, wherever, however. I don't know what today is gonna look like. For that matter, I don't know what any of the days ahead will look like. But I know You both precede & follow me (Ps 139:5), so whatever it is that's ahead for the Sunday Morning Gathering, BRING IT ON!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
what it's all about
Titus 2: 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Friday, September 25, 2009
it's all Him
Psalm 44:3b It was not their own strength that gave them the victory. It was by Your mighty power that they succeeded. It was because You favored them & smiled on them.
For weeks now, when I get up in the mornings to read the Bible, God has been pointing out verses that have been about a simple but astonishing truth:
No matter what we do downtown, He's the One who makes it happen, not us.
Sunday Morning Gathering starts this Sunday. I'm really interested to see what He's gonna do.
For weeks now, when I get up in the mornings to read the Bible, God has been pointing out verses that have been about a simple but astonishing truth:
No matter what we do downtown, He's the One who makes it happen, not us.
Sunday Morning Gathering starts this Sunday. I'm really interested to see what He's gonna do.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
closing words, & deeds
2 Timothy 4:5
You should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at bringing others to Christ.
Complete the ministry God has for you.
Closing words from Paul to his friend, brother, & son. We don't know if Timothy "made it before winter" & saw his friend & spiritual father. These could have been Paul's last words to him.
What would you say to the people you love if you had been Paul?
A dear, sweet friend of mine was killed Saturday in a car accident. We had her funeral yesterday - a celebration of a life well lived for Jesus.
But we never know when we'll be snatched away - life is a very fragile & transitory thing.
If it needs to be said, say it.
If it needs to be done, do it.
Don't put off for tomorrow what needs to be said & done with the people more important to us.
You should keep a clear mind in every situation.
Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
Work at bringing others to Christ.
Complete the ministry God has for you.
Closing words from Paul to his friend, brother, & son. We don't know if Timothy "made it before winter" & saw his friend & spiritual father. These could have been Paul's last words to him.
What would you say to the people you love if you had been Paul?
A dear, sweet friend of mine was killed Saturday in a car accident. We had her funeral yesterday - a celebration of a life well lived for Jesus.
But we never know when we'll be snatched away - life is a very fragile & transitory thing.
If it needs to be said, say it.
If it needs to be done, do it.
Don't put off for tomorrow what needs to be said & done with the people more important to us.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
my hope
Psalm42: 1 As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
3 Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
"Where is this God of yours?"
4 My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!
5 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and6 my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
from the land of Mount Mizar.
7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas
as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
8 But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.
9 "O God my rock," I cry,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I wander around in grief,
oppressed by my enemies?"
10 Their taunts break my bones.
They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?"
11 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
so I long for you, O God.
2 I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
3 Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
"Where is this God of yours?"
4 My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!
5 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and6 my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged,
but I will remember you—
even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,
from the land of Mount Mizar.
7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas
as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
8 But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me,
and through each night I sing his songs,
praying to God who gives me life.
9 "O God my rock," I cry,
"Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I wander around in grief,
oppressed by my enemies?"
10 Their taunts break my bones.
They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?"
11 Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
woot
Psalm 41: 1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble.
2 The LORD protects them
and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity in the land
and rescues them from their enemies.
3 The LORD nurses them when they are sick
and restores them to health.
The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble.
2 The LORD protects them
and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity in the land
and rescues them from their enemies.
3 The LORD nurses them when they are sick
and restores them to health.
Monday, September 21, 2009
scriptures that came up off the page this a.m.
Psalm 40:17 I am poor & needy, & God is thinking about me right now.
2 Timothy 1:8b With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me (Paul) for the proclamation of the gospel.
vs 12b ...I know the One whom I trust, & I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.
vs 14 ...with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:8b With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me (Paul) for the proclamation of the gospel.
vs 12b ...I know the One whom I trust, & I am sure that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until the day of His return.
vs 14 ...with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sunday Morning Gathering
Matthew 6:25a ...don't worry about your life.
I've held on to that verse for over 20 months, 1 of 4 that God gave me at the end of 2007 & the beginning of 2008. I've held on to them as I've walked through all the stuff in regards to establishing a presence for God through Christ Chapel in downtown Macon.
One of many ideas God whispered to me, or dropped into my head, was a Sunday morning service that live-streamed all or part of the service at Christ Chapel SportsTowne - a true satellite congregation.
In my own self, I had no idea when this part of the plan would be implemented. I figured maybe a year or 2 from now that might happen, when we've established ourselves throug House of Grace & Open Doors (that's when we open our facility to the community during the daytme Monday - Friday). That seemed like a reasonable timeline, to me.
I think it was back in the spring when one day at SportsTowne while I was sitting in the front office talking to Melissa that Pastor John came & sat down next to me & started talking about this Sunday morning living-streaming thing. In the space of what was 2 or 3 minutes, he established that he thought it was time to move on it, what we might call it (Christ Chapel Downtown - CCD), what time-frame we might consider starting it (the fall), & that I should listen to God for the details. Then I think he got a phone call on his cell & went out into the upper lobby to take it.
Melissa & I were left looking at each other with this "wait a minute - what just happened here?!" look on our faces. And it was like we were in suspended animation for a few seconds. Then the church phone rang, Melissa answered it, & I got up to run off some stuff on the church copier. It was kinda like the world started spinning again.
But in a few minutes Pastor John put into motion some big stuff. ;-)
Well! So much for starting a Sunday morning congregation a year or two from now... ;-)
So, we started walking toward it.
2 months ago, we started inviting people to "warm-up" services down at The Warehouse - times for people to come & experience downtown, The Warehouse, & watching a live-streamed service there - just to check it out & see if this was something God wanted them to be a part of.
One of my guys from HOG came from the very beginning & has come each week. The second week, he brought a friend who lives downtown. That friend got 2 of his friends to come the next week. They've all 3 come each week. They in turn brought a guy with them 3 weeks ago.
As a result, we have 4 guys who have identified themselves as "members" at Christ Chapel Downtown. As others have come to check out the service, these 4 guys have welcomed everyone like anyone would who has buy in with a place.
So, unless Jesus comes back, next Sunday, the 27th, Christ Chapel Downtown will kick-off the Sunday Morning Gathering at The Warehouse (that's located at the corner of Poplar & 5th Streets).
2 years ago if you'd have said to me that we'd be where we are with a Sunday morning congregation in a downtown Macon location & that I'd be the team leader for it, I would only have laughed, but would have rolled around on the floor with laughter. I would have been completely confident that something like that would never happen. In my mind, the likelihood of that was about as probable as me being asked to coach the Pittsburgh Steelers!
God can be very creative at times.
So, pray for me as we continue to walk toward this new expression. I'm fighting the urge to "make it happen." As a guy who was a music minister in the Methodist church for 27 years, I learned how to "make it happen." But in the 20 months God's led me in this downtown Macon adventure, I've been gently shown that I'm just supposed to walk with my Lord & let Him "make it happen."
Who will come next week for the kick-off? Don't know.
What's this Sunday morning thing all gonna look like? Well, Tucker Ellis is leading worship live, with a band. We've got some folks who have indicated they're gonna be a part of SMG for a while. Other than that, who knows what it will look like, other than God Himself?
God continues to tell me to not just think outside the box with stuff downtown, but to throw away my box.
So, here we go. Come join us Sunday, the 27th, at 10:45a.m. for the Sunday Morning Gathering.
Come watch what God's gonna do. ;-D
I've held on to that verse for over 20 months, 1 of 4 that God gave me at the end of 2007 & the beginning of 2008. I've held on to them as I've walked through all the stuff in regards to establishing a presence for God through Christ Chapel in downtown Macon.
One of many ideas God whispered to me, or dropped into my head, was a Sunday morning service that live-streamed all or part of the service at Christ Chapel SportsTowne - a true satellite congregation.
In my own self, I had no idea when this part of the plan would be implemented. I figured maybe a year or 2 from now that might happen, when we've established ourselves throug House of Grace & Open Doors (that's when we open our facility to the community during the daytme Monday - Friday). That seemed like a reasonable timeline, to me.
I think it was back in the spring when one day at SportsTowne while I was sitting in the front office talking to Melissa that Pastor John came & sat down next to me & started talking about this Sunday morning living-streaming thing. In the space of what was 2 or 3 minutes, he established that he thought it was time to move on it, what we might call it (Christ Chapel Downtown - CCD), what time-frame we might consider starting it (the fall), & that I should listen to God for the details. Then I think he got a phone call on his cell & went out into the upper lobby to take it.
Melissa & I were left looking at each other with this "wait a minute - what just happened here?!" look on our faces. And it was like we were in suspended animation for a few seconds. Then the church phone rang, Melissa answered it, & I got up to run off some stuff on the church copier. It was kinda like the world started spinning again.
But in a few minutes Pastor John put into motion some big stuff. ;-)
Well! So much for starting a Sunday morning congregation a year or two from now... ;-)
So, we started walking toward it.
2 months ago, we started inviting people to "warm-up" services down at The Warehouse - times for people to come & experience downtown, The Warehouse, & watching a live-streamed service there - just to check it out & see if this was something God wanted them to be a part of.
One of my guys from HOG came from the very beginning & has come each week. The second week, he brought a friend who lives downtown. That friend got 2 of his friends to come the next week. They've all 3 come each week. They in turn brought a guy with them 3 weeks ago.
As a result, we have 4 guys who have identified themselves as "members" at Christ Chapel Downtown. As others have come to check out the service, these 4 guys have welcomed everyone like anyone would who has buy in with a place.
So, unless Jesus comes back, next Sunday, the 27th, Christ Chapel Downtown will kick-off the Sunday Morning Gathering at The Warehouse (that's located at the corner of Poplar & 5th Streets).
2 years ago if you'd have said to me that we'd be where we are with a Sunday morning congregation in a downtown Macon location & that I'd be the team leader for it, I would only have laughed, but would have rolled around on the floor with laughter. I would have been completely confident that something like that would never happen. In my mind, the likelihood of that was about as probable as me being asked to coach the Pittsburgh Steelers!
God can be very creative at times.
So, pray for me as we continue to walk toward this new expression. I'm fighting the urge to "make it happen." As a guy who was a music minister in the Methodist church for 27 years, I learned how to "make it happen." But in the 20 months God's led me in this downtown Macon adventure, I've been gently shown that I'm just supposed to walk with my Lord & let Him "make it happen."
Who will come next week for the kick-off? Don't know.
What's this Sunday morning thing all gonna look like? Well, Tucker Ellis is leading worship live, with a band. We've got some folks who have indicated they're gonna be a part of SMG for a while. Other than that, who knows what it will look like, other than God Himself?
God continues to tell me to not just think outside the box with stuff downtown, but to throw away my box.
So, here we go. Come join us Sunday, the 27th, at 10:45a.m. for the Sunday Morning Gathering.
Come watch what God's gonna do. ;-D
Friday, September 18, 2009
more faithfulness
God's been front loading me with verses like these for a couple of months.
The next season must gonna be a doozie!
Psalm 37: 1 Don't worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
11 The lowly will possess the land
and will live in peace and prosperity.
16 It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.
17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the LORD takes care of the godly.
18 Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent,
and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.
23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
25 Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act!
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land.
You will see the wicked destroyed.
35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people
flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
36 But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
37 Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
38 But the rebellious will be destroyed;
they have no future.
39 The LORD rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.
The next season must gonna be a doozie!
Psalm 37: 1 Don't worry about the wicked
or envy those who do wrong.
2 For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like spring flowers, they soon wither.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
7 Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
11 The lowly will possess the land
and will live in peace and prosperity.
16 It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and rich.
17 For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the LORD takes care of the godly.
18 Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent,
and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever.
19 They will not be disgraced in hard times;
even in famine they will have more than enough.
23 The LORD directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the LORD holds them by the hand.
25 Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act!
Travel steadily along his path.
He will honor you by giving you the land.
You will see the wicked destroyed.
35 I have seen wicked and ruthless people
flourishing like a tree in its native soil.
36 But when I looked again, they were gone!
Though I searched for them, I could not find them!
37 Look at those who are honest and good,
for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.
38 But the rebellious will be destroyed;
they have no future.
39 The LORD rescues the godly;
he is their fortress in times of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them,
rescuing them from the wicked.
He saves them,
and they find shelter in him.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
faithfulness & mightiness
Psalm 36: 5 Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O LORD.
7 How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
9 For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Way
1 Timothy 2: 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
take heart
Psalm 34
vs 2 - I will boast only in the Lord; Let all who are discouraged take heart.
vs 4 - I prayed to the Lord & He answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
vs 5a - Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy.
vs 8 - Taste & see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust Him.
vs 2 - I will boast only in the Lord; Let all who are discouraged take heart.
vs 4 - I prayed to the Lord & He answered me, freeing me from all my fears.
vs 5a - Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy.
vs 8 - Taste & see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust Him.
Monday, September 14, 2009
promises
Psalm 33: 11 But the LORD's plans stand firm forever;
His intentions can never be shaken.
15 He made their hearts,
so He understands everything they do.
18 But the LORD watches over those who fear Him,
those who rely on His unfailing love.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
His intentions can never be shaken.
15 He made their hearts,
so He understands everything they do.
18 But the LORD watches over those who fear Him,
those who rely on His unfailing love.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
support
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you & watch over you.
Psalm 32:10b ...unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
God continues to load me up with verses like these. I must be needing these for the days ahead.
And maybe you need them, too?
Psalm 32:10b ...unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
God continues to load me up with verses like these. I must be needing these for the days ahead.
And maybe you need them, too?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
and read this in regards to downtown, too
Isaiah 65:17-25"Pay close attention now:
I'm creating new heavens and a new earth.
All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain
are things of the past, to be forgotten.
Look ahead with joy.
Anticipate what I'm creating:
I'll create Jerusalem (read: downtown) as sheer joy,
create my people as pure delight.
I'll take joy in Jerusalem,
take delight in my people:
No more sounds of weeping in the city,
no cries of anguish;
No more babies dying in the cradle,
or old people who don't enjoy a full lifetime;
One-hundredth birthdays will be considered normal—
anything less will seem like a cheat.
They'll build houses
and move in.
They'll plant fields
and eat what they grow.
No more building a house
that some outsider takes over,
No more planting fields
that some enemy confiscates,
For my people will be as long-lived as trees,
my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work.
They won't work and have nothing come of it,
they won't have children snatched out from under them.
For they themselves are plantings blessed by God,
with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed.
Before they call out, I'll answer.
Before they've finished speaking, I'll have heard.
Wolf and lamb will graze the same meadow,
lion and ox eat straw from the same trough,
but snakes—they'll get a diet of dirt!
Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill
anywhere on my Holy Mountain," says God.
I'm creating new heavens and a new earth.
All the earlier troubles, chaos, and pain
are things of the past, to be forgotten.
Look ahead with joy.
Anticipate what I'm creating:
I'll create Jerusalem (read: downtown) as sheer joy,
create my people as pure delight.
I'll take joy in Jerusalem,
take delight in my people:
No more sounds of weeping in the city,
no cries of anguish;
No more babies dying in the cradle,
or old people who don't enjoy a full lifetime;
One-hundredth birthdays will be considered normal—
anything less will seem like a cheat.
They'll build houses
and move in.
They'll plant fields
and eat what they grow.
No more building a house
that some outsider takes over,
No more planting fields
that some enemy confiscates,
For my people will be as long-lived as trees,
my chosen ones will have satisfaction in their work.
They won't work and have nothing come of it,
they won't have children snatched out from under them.
For they themselves are plantings blessed by God,
with their children and grandchildren likewise God-blessed.
Before they call out, I'll answer.
Before they've finished speaking, I'll have heard.
Wolf and lamb will graze the same meadow,
lion and ox eat straw from the same trough,
but snakes—they'll get a diet of dirt!
Neither animal nor human will hurt or kill
anywhere on my Holy Mountain," says God.
read this & think about downtown...
Matthew 10:1-4 The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. This is the list of the twelve he sent:
Simon (they called him Peter, or "Rock"),
Andrew, his brother,
James, Zebedee's son,
John, his brother,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew, the tax man,
James, son of Alphaeus,
Thaddaeus,
Simon, the Canaanite,
Judas Iscariot (who later turned on him).
Simon (they called him Peter, or "Rock"),
Andrew, his brother,
James, Zebedee's son,
John, his brother,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew, the tax man,
James, son of Alphaeus,
Thaddaeus,
Simon, the Canaanite,
Judas Iscariot (who later turned on him).
5-8Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
9-10"Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
11"When you enter a town or village, don't insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave.
12-15"When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don't welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don't make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they'll be mighty sorry—but it's no concern of yours now.
16"Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.
17-20"Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation — just because you believe in me. Don't be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they've done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
21-23"When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
24-25"A student doesn't get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn't make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, 'Dungface,' what can the workers expect?
26-27"Don't be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don't hesitate to go public now.
28"Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
Forget About Yourself
29-31"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.32-33"Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?
34-37"Don't think I've come to make life cozy. I've come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don't deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don't deserve me.
38-39"If you don't go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don't deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me.
40-42"We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God's messenger. Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing."
here we go...
As you may or may not know, Christ Chapel is starting a 6th campus in downtown Macon. We're kicking off our Sunday Morning Gathering on Sunday, Sept. 27 @ 10:45a.m. (shameless plug!)
That's pretty close.
I can feel the stress mounting.
I have to remind myself that this whole thing is God's idea. I'm not the one who is gonna make this happen - He's the One who gonna make it happen.
I went to my Bible reading this morning needing some words of reassurance. Here's what came up off the page...
Ps 28:7 The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in Him w/ all my heart. He helps me, & my heart is filled w/ joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Ps 29:11 The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them w/ peace.
1 Thess 5:24 God, who calls you, is faithful.
And then He reminded me to flip over to 2 Thessalonians & read this...
2 Thess 1:11 God will make you worthy of the life to which He called you.
So, I'm gonna hold on to those scriptures today as I continue to walk toward whatever it is He has in mind for downtown.
btw, here's a press release I'm working on. If you're a part of my middle GA friends, will you tell you friends about this? Thanks!
As you probably know, we're starting a Sunday morning gathering down at The Warehouse. Below is a press release I'm working on about it. Would you just tell your friends about this - just as a fyi kinda thing? (thanks!)
Here's the info...
Christ Chapel Downtown is starting something totally new in Macon - a “Sunday Morning Gathering,” starting Sunday, September 27, at 10:45 a.m. at The Warehouse, located at the corner of Poplar & 5th Streets, across the street from WMGT-TV.
How is it different?
• live worship begins the service, led by Tucker Ellis & the worship team,
• a live streamed sermon follows by Pastor John Wood via the Internet from Christ Chapel at SportsTowne.
This Sunday Morning Gathering will be held in The Warehouse’s 5000 sq feet of laid back, casual, coffee house atmosphere of tables & chairs scattered around the room, with free coffee, water, & donuts.
There’s nothing quite like it in Macon.
Who can come to Christ Chapel Downtown’s Sunday Morning Gathering.
Anyone.
Christ Chapel Downtown is a ministry location of Christ Chapel at SportsTowne, on Starcadia Circle, just off Bass Road.
Christ Chapel Downtown - Sunday Morning Gathering – @ The Warehouse – corner of Poplar & 5th Streets - come check it out.
Child care will not be offered – yet!
That's pretty close.
I can feel the stress mounting.
I have to remind myself that this whole thing is God's idea. I'm not the one who is gonna make this happen - He's the One who gonna make it happen.
I went to my Bible reading this morning needing some words of reassurance. Here's what came up off the page...
Ps 28:7 The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in Him w/ all my heart. He helps me, & my heart is filled w/ joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Ps 29:11 The Lord gives His people strength. The Lord blesses them w/ peace.
1 Thess 5:24 God, who calls you, is faithful.
And then He reminded me to flip over to 2 Thessalonians & read this...
2 Thess 1:11 God will make you worthy of the life to which He called you.
So, I'm gonna hold on to those scriptures today as I continue to walk toward whatever it is He has in mind for downtown.
btw, here's a press release I'm working on. If you're a part of my middle GA friends, will you tell you friends about this? Thanks!
As you probably know, we're starting a Sunday morning gathering down at The Warehouse. Below is a press release I'm working on about it. Would you just tell your friends about this - just as a fyi kinda thing? (thanks!)
Here's the info...
Christ Chapel Downtown is starting something totally new in Macon - a “Sunday Morning Gathering,” starting Sunday, September 27, at 10:45 a.m. at The Warehouse, located at the corner of Poplar & 5th Streets, across the street from WMGT-TV.
How is it different?
• live worship begins the service, led by Tucker Ellis & the worship team,
• a live streamed sermon follows by Pastor John Wood via the Internet from Christ Chapel at SportsTowne.
This Sunday Morning Gathering will be held in The Warehouse’s 5000 sq feet of laid back, casual, coffee house atmosphere of tables & chairs scattered around the room, with free coffee, water, & donuts.
There’s nothing quite like it in Macon.
Who can come to Christ Chapel Downtown’s Sunday Morning Gathering.
Anyone.
Christ Chapel Downtown is a ministry location of Christ Chapel at SportsTowne, on Starcadia Circle, just off Bass Road.
Christ Chapel Downtown - Sunday Morning Gathering – @ The Warehouse – corner of Poplar & 5th Streets - come check it out.
Child care will not be offered – yet!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
God is our rock
(King David wrote these verses toward the end of his life.)
2 Samuel 22: 31 "God's way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the LORD?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress,
and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory;
your help has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
Recently, like in the last few days to maybe a week, there's been more verses than usual that have seemed to stand out that talk about how God is my rock, my fortress, my stronghold, the One who gives me strength, Who keeps me in times of trouble - stuff like that.
It's of note because I read all over the place. I'm in 2 Samuel, Psalms (me & Billy Graham ;-), & in the last week I've finished reading Acts & moved to 1st Thessalonians.
It's just curious that I seem to be getting a similar theme with the verses that have stood out in very different books in the Bible.
I'm not sure what all this means. Most of the time it's for me. Sometimes it's verses I need to pull out in a situation with someone(s) else.
I don't know. I'm just gonna keep rocking along & see what unfolds.
It's interesting, as well as comforting, how God will give us stuff before we need it, so that when we get in the middle of something He can remind us what He's been saying to us along & along.
God's very creative.
He's also so very interested in minute details of each of our lives.
2 Samuel 22: 31 "God's way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the LORD?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress,
and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory;
your help has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
Recently, like in the last few days to maybe a week, there's been more verses than usual that have seemed to stand out that talk about how God is my rock, my fortress, my stronghold, the One who gives me strength, Who keeps me in times of trouble - stuff like that.
It's of note because I read all over the place. I'm in 2 Samuel, Psalms (me & Billy Graham ;-), & in the last week I've finished reading Acts & moved to 1st Thessalonians.
It's just curious that I seem to be getting a similar theme with the verses that have stood out in very different books in the Bible.
I'm not sure what all this means. Most of the time it's for me. Sometimes it's verses I need to pull out in a situation with someone(s) else.
I don't know. I'm just gonna keep rocking along & see what unfolds.
It's interesting, as well as comforting, how God will give us stuff before we need it, so that when we get in the middle of something He can remind us what He's been saying to us along & along.
God's very creative.
He's also so very interested in minute details of each of our lives.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
not afraid
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— | |
Monday, September 7, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
direction
Psalm 25:3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in You.
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O LORD;
point out the road for me to follow.
5 Lead me by Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in You.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
clinging
Matthew 10:39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for Me, you'll find it.
Yesterday, I had the same conversation it seems I've had countless times in the last 20+ months since God gave this verse to me as I've walked thru this season called downtown.
And once again I talked to this person about how we try to create a life to our liking when all we have to do is let go of our life because then God is able to establish in our lives the life paradigm that He dreamed up for each one of us.
I asked this dear, sweet person which makes better sense...
1) to cling to a life that we've created thru our own preferences & the preferences of our friends
(because we all allow our friends opinions of what our lives should be like to sway us)
2) let loose of our lives & let the God of the universes create in us this life He created for us to live
(& since we're allowing the One who created everything in the universes & cares for it all effortlessly, it would stand to reason that He would be very, very creative in the kind & quality of life He dreamed up for us)
I've found that as I quit clinging to what I think my life should look like, the more creative God becomes with what my life is & becomes.
don't cling to your life...
just a thought, I'm your friend
Yesterday, I had the same conversation it seems I've had countless times in the last 20+ months since God gave this verse to me as I've walked thru this season called downtown.
And once again I talked to this person about how we try to create a life to our liking when all we have to do is let go of our life because then God is able to establish in our lives the life paradigm that He dreamed up for each one of us.
I asked this dear, sweet person which makes better sense...
1) to cling to a life that we've created thru our own preferences & the preferences of our friends
(because we all allow our friends opinions of what our lives should be like to sway us)
2) let loose of our lives & let the God of the universes create in us this life He created for us to live
(& since we're allowing the One who created everything in the universes & cares for it all effortlessly, it would stand to reason that He would be very, very creative in the kind & quality of life He dreamed up for us)
I've found that as I quit clinging to what I think my life should look like, the more creative God becomes with what my life is & becomes.
don't cling to your life...
just a thought, I'm your friend
Friday, September 4, 2009
worry
Matthew 6:25a ...don't worry about your life. (NIV)
I can't tell you how many times in the last 20 months God has reminded me to not worry about my life.
When I first entertained the thought that the things I was hearing in my head about downtown Macon, I asked "how, how, how?"
don't worry about your life
What will my life look like?
don't worry about your life
How can someone life me pull something like this off?
don't worry about your life
What will people think?
don't worry about your life
What if I don't succeed?
don't worry about your life
What if I can't get anyone to show up?
don't worry about your life
What if...?
don't worry about your life
So, I continue to walk away from the Land of the Familiar into this new land God has been leading me to. I'm not nearly as scared as I was 20 months ago, but I'm still a little clueless. I have enough light on this journey to move ahead, slowly. And all along the way, our Abba Father keeps saying...
don't worry about your life
I can't tell you how many times in the last 20 months God has reminded me to not worry about my life.
When I first entertained the thought that the things I was hearing in my head about downtown Macon, I asked "how, how, how?"
don't worry about your life
What will my life look like?
don't worry about your life
How can someone life me pull something like this off?
don't worry about your life
What will people think?
don't worry about your life
What if I don't succeed?
don't worry about your life
What if I can't get anyone to show up?
don't worry about your life
What if...?
don't worry about your life
So, I continue to walk away from the Land of the Familiar into this new land God has been leading me to. I'm not nearly as scared as I was 20 months ago, but I'm still a little clueless. I have enough light on this journey to move ahead, slowly. And all along the way, our Abba Father keeps saying...
don't worry about your life
Thursday, September 3, 2009
one day at a time
Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.
(One Day at a Time - Marijohn Wilkins / Kris Kristofferson)
I'm only human, I'm just a man.
Help me believe in what I could be
And all that I am.
Show me the stairway, I have to climb.
Lord for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.
(One Day at a Time - Marijohn Wilkins / Kris Kristofferson)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
putting it off
Acts 24: 24 A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus.25 As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again."
I wonder what Felix is doing right now? I wonder if there ever was a more convenient time for Felix to become a Christ follower? I wonder what he would say to us if he could speak to us right now?
Before we are too hard on Felix, maybe we should consider that we put off addressing things in our lives. We just don't want to face some things, because it will be painful, or we'll have to change, or we're just plain lazy.
One of the greatest tricks of the devil is to tell us that there's plenty of time & that we don't have to deal with whatever is at hand right then.
I hope that as I've grown older I less prone to put things off, but deal with them when our Abba Father wants to address them.
I wonder what Felix is doing right now? I wonder if there ever was a more convenient time for Felix to become a Christ follower? I wonder what he would say to us if he could speak to us right now?
Before we are too hard on Felix, maybe we should consider that we put off addressing things in our lives. We just don't want to face some things, because it will be painful, or we'll have to change, or we're just plain lazy.
One of the greatest tricks of the devil is to tell us that there's plenty of time & that we don't have to deal with whatever is at hand right then.
I hope that as I've grown older I less prone to put things off, but deal with them when our Abba Father wants to address them.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
something I'm trying
Psalm 20:1 In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry. May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
I joined Twitter about a year, before it became the mega-giant it is now. I figured I had nothing to lose - if it didn't catch on, I could always delete my account.
Well, I think it's caught on ;-)
Anyway, because I've been on so long, certain girls & businesses have found me & are now following me. These are girls with webcams or Youtube vids. And the businesses seem to think that what they're selling is something I would want.
I'd just been arbitrarily deleting & blocking them as I got the emails telling me they're now following me. But after thinking about it, I decided not to. Here' why...
These people are following me, not me following them. I didn't ask or choose them - they chose me.
So, everyday, at least once a day, I tweet a scripture verse. I figure it's a long shot, but ya never know.
So all these young ladies with webcams & vids as well as these eager businesses are getting scripture reminders like:
Acts 20:24a my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus...
Psalm 16: 8 I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Acts 15: 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus
Psalm 6:2 Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my body is in agony. 3 I am sick at heart.
I haven't a clue if this will reach any of the people I'm targeting. I'm not responsible for that. I'm just doing what I believe God wants me to do in this case. We'll see what happens. We may never know if or how this affected people till we get to heaven.
So, if you're on Twitter & you start to get these people following you, maybe you should keep them & drop some scripture into their accounts, too. Just a thought...
I joined Twitter about a year, before it became the mega-giant it is now. I figured I had nothing to lose - if it didn't catch on, I could always delete my account.
Well, I think it's caught on ;-)
Anyway, because I've been on so long, certain girls & businesses have found me & are now following me. These are girls with webcams or Youtube vids. And the businesses seem to think that what they're selling is something I would want.
I'd just been arbitrarily deleting & blocking them as I got the emails telling me they're now following me. But after thinking about it, I decided not to. Here' why...
These people are following me, not me following them. I didn't ask or choose them - they chose me.
So, everyday, at least once a day, I tweet a scripture verse. I figure it's a long shot, but ya never know.
So all these young ladies with webcams & vids as well as these eager businesses are getting scripture reminders like:
Acts 20:24a my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus...
Psalm 16: 8 I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Acts 15: 11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus
Psalm 6:2 Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my body is in agony. 3 I am sick at heart.
I haven't a clue if this will reach any of the people I'm targeting. I'm not responsible for that. I'm just doing what I believe God wants me to do in this case. We'll see what happens. We may never know if or how this affected people till we get to heaven.
So, if you're on Twitter & you start to get these people following you, maybe you should keep them & drop some scripture into their accounts, too. Just a thought...
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