Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Ro 8:26)
I was very blessed to be in a great prayer meeting last night. It was full of life and faith and the dynamic presence of the Holy Spirit. We felt the presence of God, heard him speak to us through the prophetic word, and spoke out words into the heavens that will make a difference on the earth. I love meetings like that!
I hope it's not too controversial, though, to say that over the years I have been in many prayer meetings that I have not loved. Ones that have done more to stir a yawn than a prayer of faith!
I was thinking about this a couple of days ago, and it occurred to me: We need instruction to guide us how to pray; we need the Spirit to guide us what to pray. This is how is laid out in the Scriptures. When the disciples wanted to know how they should pray, they went to Jesus for instruction. When it comes to what we should pray for, Paul tells us that we need the Holy Spirit's help.
I believe the reason why many prayer meetings fall short of the mark is that they try to do things the other way round! The only instruction that comes is a list of what should be prayed for (sometimes this takes the majority of the meeting!) Very little guidance is given on how prayers will be ordered or made most effective; that is left to the Spirit.
I know that some direction on what to pray for is required. I'm not disputing that. But I don't want to go to a meeting just so I can say I've ticked all the boxes in the to-pray-for list. That has more to do with religion than faith. I'd rather leave a meeting with most of my boxes unticked, but knowing that that there had been a genuine encounter with the presence of God, and those things that did get prayed for made an impact in the heavens that will change the earth.
Showing posts with label church life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church life. Show all posts
7.9.09
Preaching Audio: Ruth - Part 5
Living Rock Church, Coventry, have just set up a podbean site to host and stream audio from the preached word. I'm very honoured that the first message to be posted up there is one of mine. It's the final part of a five-part series I did on the book of Ruth. I'll post links to the first four as they become available.
Many thanks to Dave Palmer for all his hard work in getting this all set up.
Ruth - Part 5
Many thanks to Dave Palmer for all his hard work in getting this all set up.
Ruth - Part 5
Text: Ruth 4
Synopsis: Ruth's redemption by Boaz is a parallel to our own redemption by Christ. The purpose of our redemption is to bring forth the king.
14.10.08
God speaks; God heals - part 3
About three or four weeks ago, I had my last [to date - I trust there will be more!] experience in moving in a word of knowledge.
It was in one of our Sunday-morning meetings again. I got a similar stirring as the previous two times - and this time I recognised it for what it was! So I was pretty confident that I had heard from God. What I sensed was that someone had a pain in their throat and down the sides of their neck. I could almost feel the pain, and it felt like when you have a sore throat and swollen glands.
While I was waiting for an opportune moment to share the word, I looked around the room. I couldn't help but wonder who it was. I saw some of the ladies with scarves round their necks, and someone else blowing into a hanky. Maybe it was one of these that the Lord wanted to heal. I also wondered why God would chose to heal a virus that is usually short-lived anyway - but I figured that it was to show us that he wanted us to live in perfect health and that nothing is too big or small for him.
The opportunity came, as it did the previous times, when the preacher had finished his message and there was a time of ministry. I went forward and shared that there was someone with a pain in their throat and sides of their neck, and even though it was caused by a virus that would go away in due course, God wanted to heal them now to demonstrate his abundant goodness and grace.
I waited at the front, during the whole ministry time. [Prayed for someone else then went back to waiting for the person to come forward.] The ministry time ended; the meeting concluded, but still no one came. Now I wasn't phased by this - I was still confident I had heard God, and I knew that people can be reluctant to come forward, especially if they are visitors, when everyone is watching. So I stayed my ground, and hung around at the front.
Sure enough, as soon as people started getting out of their chairs and milling around, a young girl, one of the visiting students that morning, made a path straight towards me. She explained that it wasn't caused by a virus, but she had the same pain in her throat and sides of her neck that I had described, but caused by strain. I prayed for her, and asked if the pain had gone. She said, "Yes, it's better."
Now this may not seem like a dramatic healing. And I don't have any follow up information like with the other two cases to confirm that a lasting healing took place, but I'm confident that God did a work. And again, what really struck me, is that he did it. I messed up! I confused and muddled up what God had told me with what I deduced must be the case as a result. I got the bit about the virus completely wrong... yet God still moved. Despite my failings and my mistakes, he still spoke and he still healed. Thank you, Jesus. He is so full of grace.
Some people are of the opinion that to move in the Holy Spirit you have to be 100% right 100% of the time. Some may be of the opinion that this makes me a false prophet who should have been dragged out of the room and stoned for daring to speak presumptuous words on behalf of the Lord. Some may see this as further evidence that modern day manifestations are not up to the apostolic standard in the New Testament.
But do you know what? When I read the New Testament, I've noticed something: the apostles got it wrong all the time! In fact the apostle who seemed to make the most mistakes (Peter) also seemed to be the one who was most used by God in the supernatural. What it shows to me is this: God is bigger than our mistakes! If you want to step out in the Holy Spirit you have to be prepared to make mistakes and to look foolish. God is not concerned with our reputation but with his. The gifts of the Spirit are there to make him look good not us. They are there to prove what a gracious heavenly father we have, not to demonstrate how accurately we can hear God.
I made a decision some time ago, that I would rather get it wrong and look foolish than to miss an opportunity to see God move in power. What this event showed me is that, in the abundant grace of God, getting it wrong an seeing God move are not incompatible!
It was in one of our Sunday-morning meetings again. I got a similar stirring as the previous two times - and this time I recognised it for what it was! So I was pretty confident that I had heard from God. What I sensed was that someone had a pain in their throat and down the sides of their neck. I could almost feel the pain, and it felt like when you have a sore throat and swollen glands.
While I was waiting for an opportune moment to share the word, I looked around the room. I couldn't help but wonder who it was. I saw some of the ladies with scarves round their necks, and someone else blowing into a hanky. Maybe it was one of these that the Lord wanted to heal. I also wondered why God would chose to heal a virus that is usually short-lived anyway - but I figured that it was to show us that he wanted us to live in perfect health and that nothing is too big or small for him.
The opportunity came, as it did the previous times, when the preacher had finished his message and there was a time of ministry. I went forward and shared that there was someone with a pain in their throat and sides of their neck, and even though it was caused by a virus that would go away in due course, God wanted to heal them now to demonstrate his abundant goodness and grace.
I waited at the front, during the whole ministry time. [Prayed for someone else then went back to waiting for the person to come forward.] The ministry time ended; the meeting concluded, but still no one came. Now I wasn't phased by this - I was still confident I had heard God, and I knew that people can be reluctant to come forward, especially if they are visitors, when everyone is watching. So I stayed my ground, and hung around at the front.
Sure enough, as soon as people started getting out of their chairs and milling around, a young girl, one of the visiting students that morning, made a path straight towards me. She explained that it wasn't caused by a virus, but she had the same pain in her throat and sides of her neck that I had described, but caused by strain. I prayed for her, and asked if the pain had gone. She said, "Yes, it's better."
Now this may not seem like a dramatic healing. And I don't have any follow up information like with the other two cases to confirm that a lasting healing took place, but I'm confident that God did a work. And again, what really struck me, is that he did it. I messed up! I confused and muddled up what God had told me with what I deduced must be the case as a result. I got the bit about the virus completely wrong... yet God still moved. Despite my failings and my mistakes, he still spoke and he still healed. Thank you, Jesus. He is so full of grace.
Some people are of the opinion that to move in the Holy Spirit you have to be 100% right 100% of the time. Some may be of the opinion that this makes me a false prophet who should have been dragged out of the room and stoned for daring to speak presumptuous words on behalf of the Lord. Some may see this as further evidence that modern day manifestations are not up to the apostolic standard in the New Testament.
But do you know what? When I read the New Testament, I've noticed something: the apostles got it wrong all the time! In fact the apostle who seemed to make the most mistakes (Peter) also seemed to be the one who was most used by God in the supernatural. What it shows to me is this: God is bigger than our mistakes! If you want to step out in the Holy Spirit you have to be prepared to make mistakes and to look foolish. God is not concerned with our reputation but with his. The gifts of the Spirit are there to make him look good not us. They are there to prove what a gracious heavenly father we have, not to demonstrate how accurately we can hear God.
I made a decision some time ago, that I would rather get it wrong and look foolish than to miss an opportunity to see God move in power. What this event showed me is that, in the abundant grace of God, getting it wrong an seeing God move are not incompatible!
10.10.08
God speaks; God heals - part 2
A few months after the events of my previous post, and a few months ago, I took another baby-step in the gift of the word of knowledge.
It was in another Sunday-morning meeting. During the time of worship I got an impression that someone had a pain in their back. You would have thought after the previous incident I would have had more faith to move in this gift and more confidence in recognising it - but I have to confess, I struggled again. I thought back pain has got to be one of the most common complaints. It's likely someone in the room has some kind of back pain just by statistics! People will think I'm just making it up... maybe I am making it up.
Then I felt a pain in my back, right at the base of the spine. Not general back pain, but a very specific and localised pain. I still struggled: on the one hand maybe this was God telling me the specifics of the person's pain, but on the other hand maybe I just thought someone else had back-pain when really it was just my own pain. I wasn't sure enough to step out during the time of worship, so again I did nothing.
Then the preacher began his message. He spoke about how you have to take risks if you want to step out in the supernatural, and he finished with the story of Peter and John and the beggar who was healed. The exact same scriptures that had convinced me to step out in the word of knowledge the fist time! [God is so gracious!] I must be better at hearing God though the preached word, because I finally got the message!
So after the preacher finished, I stood up and shared that there was someone in the room with a back pain at the base of their spine, and that I believed God wanted to heal them. I waited around at the front of the meeting, but no one came forward. But afterwards, as I made my way to the back of the hall to get a much-needed coffee I saw one of the visitors trying to catch my eye. I walked over to him and discovered that he was the father of one of the students attending our congregation. He told me that he thought he might be the one I was talking about as he had a back pain in exactly the place I had described.
I prayed for him. I can't remember what I prayed, but I remember I wasn't too impressed with myself. I thought, come on Chris, you can pray better than that! I was just about to offer to pray for him again, when he arched his back, rotated his arms and said, "I think... yes... the pain is gone!" I was taken aback! [Keri recently shared on the importance of having faith during a miracle, not just before - that men can give away thier lack of faith by how they respond when God actually does what they asked of him! I think this was one of those moments!]
This happened just before the students left for their summer holiday. This student and his father were from the Netherlands. He returned about three months later, and told me that his father had been trying to get hold of my email address. Apparently he used to suffer a lot with that back pain, but for the past three months he had been completely free of pain!
Thank you, Jesus! God is so good.
Again, I could have so easily missed this opportunity. Again, it showed me that it had nothing to do with me. It wasn't my faith that healed him - the way I reacted showed I had very little! Jesus healed this man out of the abundance of his grace and by his mighty power. The gifts of the Spirit are just that - gifts - we don't earn them, we don't deserve them, they don't communicate how spiritual the one who uses them is - they are unmerited expressions of the grace of God poured out on his church. We just need to learn to use them!
It was in another Sunday-morning meeting. During the time of worship I got an impression that someone had a pain in their back. You would have thought after the previous incident I would have had more faith to move in this gift and more confidence in recognising it - but I have to confess, I struggled again. I thought back pain has got to be one of the most common complaints. It's likely someone in the room has some kind of back pain just by statistics! People will think I'm just making it up... maybe I am making it up.
Then I felt a pain in my back, right at the base of the spine. Not general back pain, but a very specific and localised pain. I still struggled: on the one hand maybe this was God telling me the specifics of the person's pain, but on the other hand maybe I just thought someone else had back-pain when really it was just my own pain. I wasn't sure enough to step out during the time of worship, so again I did nothing.
Then the preacher began his message. He spoke about how you have to take risks if you want to step out in the supernatural, and he finished with the story of Peter and John and the beggar who was healed. The exact same scriptures that had convinced me to step out in the word of knowledge the fist time! [God is so gracious!] I must be better at hearing God though the preached word, because I finally got the message!
So after the preacher finished, I stood up and shared that there was someone in the room with a back pain at the base of their spine, and that I believed God wanted to heal them. I waited around at the front of the meeting, but no one came forward. But afterwards, as I made my way to the back of the hall to get a much-needed coffee I saw one of the visitors trying to catch my eye. I walked over to him and discovered that he was the father of one of the students attending our congregation. He told me that he thought he might be the one I was talking about as he had a back pain in exactly the place I had described.
I prayed for him. I can't remember what I prayed, but I remember I wasn't too impressed with myself. I thought, come on Chris, you can pray better than that! I was just about to offer to pray for him again, when he arched his back, rotated his arms and said, "I think... yes... the pain is gone!" I was taken aback! [Keri recently shared on the importance of having faith during a miracle, not just before - that men can give away thier lack of faith by how they respond when God actually does what they asked of him! I think this was one of those moments!]
This happened just before the students left for their summer holiday. This student and his father were from the Netherlands. He returned about three months later, and told me that his father had been trying to get hold of my email address. Apparently he used to suffer a lot with that back pain, but for the past three months he had been completely free of pain!
Thank you, Jesus! God is so good.
Again, I could have so easily missed this opportunity. Again, it showed me that it had nothing to do with me. It wasn't my faith that healed him - the way I reacted showed I had very little! Jesus healed this man out of the abundance of his grace and by his mighty power. The gifts of the Spirit are just that - gifts - we don't earn them, we don't deserve them, they don't communicate how spiritual the one who uses them is - they are unmerited expressions of the grace of God poured out on his church. We just need to learn to use them!
9.10.08
God speaks; God heals
I want to write this post to give Jesus thanks and honour for his faithfulness and goodness. He still speaks and he still heals. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The things we read about him doing in the gospels are the same things he longs to do today through his people if they will obey the promptings of his Spirit.
Recently I have taken my first few baby-steps in the word of knowledge. This is a gift of the Spirit where God reveals a piece of information (knowledge) about a person or situation. Good examples of this gift would be where Jesus says to Nathaniel that he saw him under the tree, or when he tells the Samarian woman about her marital history. In both cases a little piece of knowledge has a dramatic impact.
Now, I had tried to move in this gift before. I remember a prayer meeting where I got a strong impression that the name "Tom" was significant. I shared it, but as far as I'm aware, to this day, there was no significance. No one had a friend or colleague called Tom; no one met a Tom; no Tom turned up to our meetings; nothing. I guess I got it wrong!
So you can imagine my reluctance when during a Sunday-morning meeting I got the same kind of impression about someone who had pain in their joints. I thought, I've had this kind of impression before and it was wrong, so it's likely to be wrong again. So I did nothing. However as the meeting went on, the preacher was talking about how God wanted to heal. He spoke about Peter and John who had no money to offer, but had something better to give, and Jesus brought a complete healing to the beggar through their obedience. At this point I felt a nudge in my spirit; I had forgotten my cheque book that morning, so had not been able to give my normal offering - so silver or gold I did not have, but I did have something, and as unsure about it as I was, I knew I needed to share it.
So sure enough, the preacher gave a call forward for those who were sick to be prayed for, and I knew that was the moment. As soon as I stepped forward to bring the word I felt a confidence that I had not felt before. [Isn't that often the way? I believe the hardest part of moving in a gift of the Spirit is the decision to get out of your chair!] What's more, I got more information. It was a pain the the elbows and wrists and the person who had it had had it for a long time and just got used to it. I believed that God wanted to confirm the word of the preacher by bringing a complete healing.
So I shared this word and joined the preacher and some others in praying for those who came forward. As I came to one man, a visitor that Sunday, I asked him what I could pray for. He said that since I had shared his joints felt like they were on fire, and that he had had a long standing condition in his elbows and wrists that gave him a low level of pain that he had just got used to. I was astonished and thrilled! I prayed for him, and straight away he said that the symptoms had cleared. This man has a manual job, so he said the real test would be when he went back to work. He came back again the next Sunday, and his first words to me were: "I'm healed!"
Thank you, Jesus! It was all of him and nothing of me. He used me despite my doubts and reluctance and brought relief from suffering to one of his precious children.
I have two other examples that I want to give thanks for, but I'll share them in separate posts.
Recently I have taken my first few baby-steps in the word of knowledge. This is a gift of the Spirit where God reveals a piece of information (knowledge) about a person or situation. Good examples of this gift would be where Jesus says to Nathaniel that he saw him under the tree, or when he tells the Samarian woman about her marital history. In both cases a little piece of knowledge has a dramatic impact.
Now, I had tried to move in this gift before. I remember a prayer meeting where I got a strong impression that the name "Tom" was significant. I shared it, but as far as I'm aware, to this day, there was no significance. No one had a friend or colleague called Tom; no one met a Tom; no Tom turned up to our meetings; nothing. I guess I got it wrong!
So you can imagine my reluctance when during a Sunday-morning meeting I got the same kind of impression about someone who had pain in their joints. I thought, I've had this kind of impression before and it was wrong, so it's likely to be wrong again. So I did nothing. However as the meeting went on, the preacher was talking about how God wanted to heal. He spoke about Peter and John who had no money to offer, but had something better to give, and Jesus brought a complete healing to the beggar through their obedience. At this point I felt a nudge in my spirit; I had forgotten my cheque book that morning, so had not been able to give my normal offering - so silver or gold I did not have, but I did have something, and as unsure about it as I was, I knew I needed to share it.
So sure enough, the preacher gave a call forward for those who were sick to be prayed for, and I knew that was the moment. As soon as I stepped forward to bring the word I felt a confidence that I had not felt before. [Isn't that often the way? I believe the hardest part of moving in a gift of the Spirit is the decision to get out of your chair!] What's more, I got more information. It was a pain the the elbows and wrists and the person who had it had had it for a long time and just got used to it. I believed that God wanted to confirm the word of the preacher by bringing a complete healing.
So I shared this word and joined the preacher and some others in praying for those who came forward. As I came to one man, a visitor that Sunday, I asked him what I could pray for. He said that since I had shared his joints felt like they were on fire, and that he had had a long standing condition in his elbows and wrists that gave him a low level of pain that he had just got used to. I was astonished and thrilled! I prayed for him, and straight away he said that the symptoms had cleared. This man has a manual job, so he said the real test would be when he went back to work. He came back again the next Sunday, and his first words to me were: "I'm healed!"
Thank you, Jesus! It was all of him and nothing of me. He used me despite my doubts and reluctance and brought relief from suffering to one of his precious children.
I have two other examples that I want to give thanks for, but I'll share them in separate posts.
29.9.08
World Watch
I had the great privilege of attending the recent World Watch Conference. Speakers from the UK, Cuba, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Philippines spoke about how the kingdom of God is advancing in this world. Despite the crises; despite persecutions; despite natural disasters - God's church is growing and his people are a voice to their nations.
There is so much that inspired and stirred; it would be impossible to summarise it all. I hope at some point the video from the DRC will be made available online, as that was one of the highlights - as soon as it is, I'll post a link to it. It was a great example of the church not just growing but transforming the nation. Not only have 200 new churches been planted, but thousands of children who would otherwise have had no education are being schooled by the church. People from the church have also gone on to obtain high positions in local and national government. It truly is a church that is bringing the kingdom to that nation. What makes it all the more remarkable is that all of this work has been led by a man who started his walk with God as a boy in an English class taught by a man from our churches in the UK. Dave Emmett sowed his time into this boy - teaching him English, then leading him to the Lord, and discipling him in his ways - and as a result a whole nation is being reached.
It was also a conference of great teaching. Here are a few sound-bites [these are taken from my notes so word-for-word accuracy is not guaranteed!]:
Keri Jones
* One thing that will damage the people of God is smallness of vision.
* You need to go to the watchtower, not to see the world, but to see what the God of this world will say.
* Men of God are not echoes of the past, but voices for the present.
* All idols have clay feet; make God not preachers central.
* We live in covenant. When someone falls we are not to be like sharks circling to take a bite, but brothers there to pick them up.
* Our prayers must be based on what we know the will of God is.
* The cry from the cross, "Why have you forsaken me," was so that no child of God would ever have to say that again!
* You don't have to understand a miracle!
* Nations are shaking because a kingdom is emerging.
* Don't get ready - be ready. It's not coming - I'm living in it.
Tony Ling
* Most of a nations problems come down to a wrong relationship with God.
* Be very careful upon whom you lean.
* There is a rise of militant atheism.
* There is hope, because there is a prophet in the city!
* What good is a prophet in a cave?
* Hold the door against everything that does not bear the truth of Jesus.
* What we need are words, not just about the future, but about tomorrow. Now words.
Dr. Lemon
* If there is revelation there will be things said that you have not heard before.
* We need anointed brothers not just good brothers
* We have kept God locked up in the church!
* The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of excellence.
* Never rob anyone of their ministry [re. tendency of leaders to do too much]
* When the Spirit moves - participate don't spectate.
Miguel [from Cuba]
* If you think you are defeated - you are!
* Key to destruction: try to be fine with everyone.
* "Here comes the dreamer" - what God has put inside you comes out.
* You do not have to run after the blessings of God - they will follow you.
* In the darkest moment, is when the light shines the brightest [re. the church in Cuba distributing food and clothing immediately the hurricane ceased]
[Bullet points don't do the passion and vision of the speakers any justice, but may jog a few memories for those of us who were there.]
There is so much that inspired and stirred; it would be impossible to summarise it all. I hope at some point the video from the DRC will be made available online, as that was one of the highlights - as soon as it is, I'll post a link to it. It was a great example of the church not just growing but transforming the nation. Not only have 200 new churches been planted, but thousands of children who would otherwise have had no education are being schooled by the church. People from the church have also gone on to obtain high positions in local and national government. It truly is a church that is bringing the kingdom to that nation. What makes it all the more remarkable is that all of this work has been led by a man who started his walk with God as a boy in an English class taught by a man from our churches in the UK. Dave Emmett sowed his time into this boy - teaching him English, then leading him to the Lord, and discipling him in his ways - and as a result a whole nation is being reached.
It was also a conference of great teaching. Here are a few sound-bites [these are taken from my notes so word-for-word accuracy is not guaranteed!]:
Keri Jones
* One thing that will damage the people of God is smallness of vision.
* You need to go to the watchtower, not to see the world, but to see what the God of this world will say.
* Men of God are not echoes of the past, but voices for the present.
* All idols have clay feet; make God not preachers central.
* We live in covenant. When someone falls we are not to be like sharks circling to take a bite, but brothers there to pick them up.
* Our prayers must be based on what we know the will of God is.
* The cry from the cross, "Why have you forsaken me," was so that no child of God would ever have to say that again!
* You don't have to understand a miracle!
* Nations are shaking because a kingdom is emerging.
* Don't get ready - be ready. It's not coming - I'm living in it.
Tony Ling
* Most of a nations problems come down to a wrong relationship with God.
* Be very careful upon whom you lean.
* There is a rise of militant atheism.
* There is hope, because there is a prophet in the city!
* What good is a prophet in a cave?
* Hold the door against everything that does not bear the truth of Jesus.
* What we need are words, not just about the future, but about tomorrow. Now words.
Dr. Lemon
* If there is revelation there will be things said that you have not heard before.
* We need anointed brothers not just good brothers
* We have kept God locked up in the church!
* The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of excellence.
* Never rob anyone of their ministry [re. tendency of leaders to do too much]
* When the Spirit moves - participate don't spectate.
Miguel [from Cuba]
* If you think you are defeated - you are!
* Key to destruction: try to be fine with everyone.
* "Here comes the dreamer" - what God has put inside you comes out.
* You do not have to run after the blessings of God - they will follow you.
* In the darkest moment, is when the light shines the brightest [re. the church in Cuba distributing food and clothing immediately the hurricane ceased]
[Bullet points don't do the passion and vision of the speakers any justice, but may jog a few memories for those of us who were there.]
23.7.08
Michael's Baptism
Today was a great day. I baptised Michael my five-year-old son. It was his second attempt. The first time he didn't go through with it because the water was too cold. This time, despite his enthusiasm, nerves nearly got the better of him - but I'm delighted to say that he overcame his apprehension and was one of about ten children baptised at the Without Borders Bible Week today. Praise God!
17.9.07
A chapter a day...
Here at Living Rock Church we are just starting a new Bible reading programme together as a whole church. Over the next 89 days we will be reading a chapter of the Gospels every day. Starting today in Matthew 1 and finishing on 14 December in John 21.
What excites me, is not so much the reading programme, but its purpose: to meet with Jesus. To encounter the Jesus of the gospels and allow him to transform our lives again, as he always does whenever we truly meet with him.
To help members of the church, and anyone else who would like to join us on this "short but significant journey." I have adapted my old "Ephesians Every Month Reader" into a shiny new "GospelReader."
I have written it to work on a rolling 89 day cycle. So if you get blessed by reading through a chapter of the gospels every day, you can carry on doing so indefinitely, and incorporate it into your existing reading disciplines and devotions.
GospelReader 1.02 requires Java Runtime Environment(JRE)
What excites me, is not so much the reading programme, but its purpose: to meet with Jesus. To encounter the Jesus of the gospels and allow him to transform our lives again, as he always does whenever we truly meet with him.
To help members of the church, and anyone else who would like to join us on this "short but significant journey." I have adapted my old "Ephesians Every Month Reader" into a shiny new "GospelReader."I have written it to work on a rolling 89 day cycle. So if you get blessed by reading through a chapter of the gospels every day, you can carry on doing so indefinitely, and incorporate it into your existing reading disciplines and devotions.
GospelReader 1.02 requires Java Runtime Environment(JRE)
24.10.06
Without Borders Google Search
Google have just released a service that allows you to create your own custom Google searches. Jumping on the waggon early, I have knocked together one for all things Ministries Without Borders related. The search is done on the Without Borders website, all related church sites, Covenant School of Ministries sites, and all related blogs (that I currently have in my Band of Bloggers list). I'm sure the list is incomplete, but it's a start. Give it a go.
Without Borders Search
If you would like to add the search to your site/blog, insert the following code:
If you would like to offer to help keep the service upto date, visit the new homepage for this search, where you should see a link to volunteer.
Without Borders Search
If you would like to add the search to your site/blog, insert the following code:
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1.8.06
Nothing Less...
Here's another simple phrase from the Without Borders '06 Bible Week that has stuck with me.
"Never settle for anything less than the manifest presence of God in every meeting."
Keri said this on the opening night, when he shared that he had considered what the point was of another conference, another week away, another set of meetings. Like Moses, he came to the point where he said "If your presence is not going to be there, I don't want to go." Then as a declaration of purpose and faith he stated, "I am here!" He then shared on how God was not at the beginning, but in the beginning. God is never a spectator, he always desires to the main participator, the centre and source of all activity.
This is something that is resonating strongly with my spirit at the moment, and has been since the elders and leaders' conference last year when Keri again shared his vision for the Church, where God's manifest presence is always evident.
Since then I have felt an anointing accompanied by a sense of an imperative from the Lord concerning the spiritual gifts. They are not optional extras. They are not fringe benefits. They are the manifestations of the Spirit of God. The mark of God's presence amongst his people.
I was privileged to speak to Keri one-to-one after that first meeting, and he again looked me in the eye and said, "Never settle for anything less!" I am increasingly finding that I'm not just unwilling but unable to do so! (I'm finding myself at the front quite a lot these days) I can do without many things, but I cannot do without God's manifest presence. It is this, and only this, that makes us different from anyone else on the planet.
"Never settle for anything less than the manifest presence of God in every meeting."
Keri said this on the opening night, when he shared that he had considered what the point was of another conference, another week away, another set of meetings. Like Moses, he came to the point where he said "If your presence is not going to be there, I don't want to go." Then as a declaration of purpose and faith he stated, "I am here!" He then shared on how God was not at the beginning, but in the beginning. God is never a spectator, he always desires to the main participator, the centre and source of all activity.
This is something that is resonating strongly with my spirit at the moment, and has been since the elders and leaders' conference last year when Keri again shared his vision for the Church, where God's manifest presence is always evident.
Since then I have felt an anointing accompanied by a sense of an imperative from the Lord concerning the spiritual gifts. They are not optional extras. They are not fringe benefits. They are the manifestations of the Spirit of God. The mark of God's presence amongst his people.
I was privileged to speak to Keri one-to-one after that first meeting, and he again looked me in the eye and said, "Never settle for anything less!" I am increasingly finding that I'm not just unwilling but unable to do so! (I'm finding myself at the front quite a lot these days) I can do without many things, but I cannot do without God's manifest presence. It is this, and only this, that makes us different from anyone else on the planet.
31.7.06
Generous Eyes
"If your Eye is generous, the whole of your body will be illumined." (Mtt 6:22 Moffat Translation)
I'm back from a fantastic week at Without Borders '06. There is so much I could say, but not enough time to say it! So I thought I'd first focus on one of the small details that really spoke to me. I received so much fantastic teaching, it would take weeks to summarise it all, but this one phrase has stuck with me and already become part of me.
Have generous eyes
Jesus himself said "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And we had plenty of teaching on the importance of giving and many opportunities to give.
What struck me afresh is that giving is not something we should do because it is good, or because it is a command, or because we will reap a reward, though all those things are true. We should be givers by nature, because God himself is a giver, and generously gives to us freely and continually. As we give generously on all occasions, we are not just fulfilling the command of God, but reflecting the very nature of God himself.
Keri exhorted us to have generous eyes. To look out for opportunities to be generous. This is the reason why God wants to prosper us, not so we can have a lot, but so that we will always have something to give. So we can be generous on every occasion and so become more like the ultimate giver - God himself.
Noralv also showed us from the scriptures how "Remembering the poor" is central to the gospel. The gospel of salvation and good news to the poor are synonymous in the scriptures, and wherever in the book of Acts you see the disciples caring for the poor you also see a great harvest of salvation.
Giving is not an ancillary activity to us reaching the world with the glory of God, it is an integral part of the means!
I'm learning again to view the world, my workplace, my neighbors, the man in the street, with God's generous eyes.
I'm back from a fantastic week at Without Borders '06. There is so much I could say, but not enough time to say it! So I thought I'd first focus on one of the small details that really spoke to me. I received so much fantastic teaching, it would take weeks to summarise it all, but this one phrase has stuck with me and already become part of me.
Have generous eyes
Jesus himself said "It is more blessed to give than to receive." And we had plenty of teaching on the importance of giving and many opportunities to give.
What struck me afresh is that giving is not something we should do because it is good, or because it is a command, or because we will reap a reward, though all those things are true. We should be givers by nature, because God himself is a giver, and generously gives to us freely and continually. As we give generously on all occasions, we are not just fulfilling the command of God, but reflecting the very nature of God himself.
Keri exhorted us to have generous eyes. To look out for opportunities to be generous. This is the reason why God wants to prosper us, not so we can have a lot, but so that we will always have something to give. So we can be generous on every occasion and so become more like the ultimate giver - God himself.
Noralv also showed us from the scriptures how "Remembering the poor" is central to the gospel. The gospel of salvation and good news to the poor are synonymous in the scriptures, and wherever in the book of Acts you see the disciples caring for the poor you also see a great harvest of salvation.
Giving is not an ancillary activity to us reaching the world with the glory of God, it is an integral part of the means!
I'm learning again to view the world, my workplace, my neighbors, the man in the street, with God's generous eyes.
17.7.06
Countdown to Bible Week
Only 5 days to go now until the 2006 Ministries Without Borders Bible Week: "See Above and Beyond." [SAAB for short? - I'm already driving the car! ;-)]
Jacqueline, Michael and I are really looking forward to it. It is going to be a significant time of fellowship, instruction, encounter, impartation and commissioning. We draw aside to meet with each other and the Lord, and to go out again, full of the Spirit, inspired with the apostolic vision, and equipped to work together to get the job done. Reflecting the glory of Jesus to our neighborhoods and to the ends of the earth.
See you there?
Jacqueline, Michael and I are really looking forward to it. It is going to be a significant time of fellowship, instruction, encounter, impartation and commissioning. We draw aside to meet with each other and the Lord, and to go out again, full of the Spirit, inspired with the apostolic vision, and equipped to work together to get the job done. Reflecting the glory of Jesus to our neighborhoods and to the ends of the earth.
See you there?
28.6.06
...to the ends of the earth
May he have dominion from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth!
~ Psalm 72:8 ESV
As disciples of Christ we are called to the world. There is nothing parochial in our mission or our mandate. We may not all be international travelers or missionaries, but we can all have a global vision and impact by sowing into and supporting people and projects who go on our behalf, and represent the church of Jesus Christ, especially our local expression of it, in different nations around this world. The world that belongs to God and is destined to be filled with his glory.
The mission statement of Living Rock Church, the local expression of Christ's one universal body that I am proud to be a part of, is "From the heart of the nation to the ends of the earth." We currently have members of our church who are making that statement a reality. We have a team of folks who have gone to the Phillippines with YWAM to minister to the poor and preach the gospel in the "garbage city" near Cagayan De Oro.
Also check out a new blog aptly named "...to the ends of the earth" It belongs to another member of our church. A great woman of God, and a good friend: Linda Mezulis. She is off to Africa this Saturday to start a year's charity work in the needy nations of Uganda, Sierra Leone and Cambodia. She will be organising teams to do such things as the building of school rooms and dormitories for AIDS orphans. This is the love of Christ in action in our world. Visit her blog and give her your support in encouraging comments.
Update 29/06/06:
Kev C informed me that the Phillippines team have their own blog too! Mega Outreach. It's great to be able to keep up with what is going on the other side of the world through the wonders of modern technology. Makes you feel even more a part of the work. Thanks Kev
and from the River to the ends of the earth!
~ Psalm 72:8 ESV
As disciples of Christ we are called to the world. There is nothing parochial in our mission or our mandate. We may not all be international travelers or missionaries, but we can all have a global vision and impact by sowing into and supporting people and projects who go on our behalf, and represent the church of Jesus Christ, especially our local expression of it, in different nations around this world. The world that belongs to God and is destined to be filled with his glory.
The mission statement of Living Rock Church, the local expression of Christ's one universal body that I am proud to be a part of, is "From the heart of the nation to the ends of the earth." We currently have members of our church who are making that statement a reality. We have a team of folks who have gone to the Phillippines with YWAM to minister to the poor and preach the gospel in the "garbage city" near Cagayan De Oro.
Also check out a new blog aptly named "...to the ends of the earth" It belongs to another member of our church. A great woman of God, and a good friend: Linda Mezulis. She is off to Africa this Saturday to start a year's charity work in the needy nations of Uganda, Sierra Leone and Cambodia. She will be organising teams to do such things as the building of school rooms and dormitories for AIDS orphans. This is the love of Christ in action in our world. Visit her blog and give her your support in encouraging comments.
Update 29/06/06:
Kev C informed me that the Phillippines team have their own blog too! Mega Outreach. It's great to be able to keep up with what is going on the other side of the world through the wonders of modern technology. Makes you feel even more a part of the work. Thanks Kev
19.6.06
Great weekend
Praise God for a great weekend. On Saturday Jacqueline, Michael and I travelled down to attend the graduation of Covenant School of Ministries, School of the Word, Class of 2006. It was a great honour for us to be the invited guests of Anna Sacha. She is a great woman of God who has become like an extra member of the family this year. She goes back to India shortly in the plan and purpose of God to work along side Chandrakant to be a part of the wonderful work God is doing in that great nation.
As an alumnus of the college its always inspiring to attend the graduation ceremony (we have only missed one in the nine years since we graduated) their commission and calling always reminds me of my own, and the powerful way God took hold of my life back then. Richard Anniss did an excellent job in addressing the students, and in words that spoke to all the alumni present as well as the graduating class, said that in the years to come, just having attended the college will not be sufficient; his words and his ministry are a great inspiration for us all to take hold of all that God has called us to.
While we were en-route to the ceremony other members of the Coventry congregation were involved with a Saturday children's club that reaches out to the children of Coventry and their parents. During that meeting 5 children gave their lives to Jesus.
Sunday, we had a great time of fellowship and the word. The presence of God was with us, manifest through prophetic word, and we had the privilege to hear Tony Ling minister the word. An even greater joy was that another man gave his life to Jesus in the meeting.
Praise God! Thank you Jesus, for all you have done and for all you are yet to do!
As an alumnus of the college its always inspiring to attend the graduation ceremony (we have only missed one in the nine years since we graduated) their commission and calling always reminds me of my own, and the powerful way God took hold of my life back then. Richard Anniss did an excellent job in addressing the students, and in words that spoke to all the alumni present as well as the graduating class, said that in the years to come, just having attended the college will not be sufficient; his words and his ministry are a great inspiration for us all to take hold of all that God has called us to.
While we were en-route to the ceremony other members of the Coventry congregation were involved with a Saturday children's club that reaches out to the children of Coventry and their parents. During that meeting 5 children gave their lives to Jesus.
Sunday, we had a great time of fellowship and the word. The presence of God was with us, manifest through prophetic word, and we had the privilege to hear Tony Ling minister the word. An even greater joy was that another man gave his life to Jesus in the meeting.
Praise God! Thank you Jesus, for all you have done and for all you are yet to do!
5.6.06
Increase
It's always wonderful to see increase; it's part of the nature of God's kingdom that it is always increasing.
It was a thrill for me this Saturday to spend some time with the folks who are desiring to become added to us as members of Living Rock Church. They already displayed the necessary commitment by giving up the most part of a glorious Saturday to listen to instruction from the word of God in what is foundational doctrine for us as a church. I was with them for the afternoon to teach them on worship, gifts of the Spirit, the laying on of hands, prayer, breaking of bread, head covering and to answer any questions(all in three half-hour sessions!).
On Sunday it was a great pleasure to see increase again in our eldership; Richard Jones and Christopher Alton (my fellow teachers on Saturday) were set into eldership. They are great men of God with a clear call and anointing from God on their lives. We will be greatly blessed as a body by their ministry.
Finally, I have just received permission from Jacqueline to broadcast to the world our own news of increase! Yes, we are expecting again! God is so good. Praise God for increase.
It was a thrill for me this Saturday to spend some time with the folks who are desiring to become added to us as members of Living Rock Church. They already displayed the necessary commitment by giving up the most part of a glorious Saturday to listen to instruction from the word of God in what is foundational doctrine for us as a church. I was with them for the afternoon to teach them on worship, gifts of the Spirit, the laying on of hands, prayer, breaking of bread, head covering and to answer any questions(all in three half-hour sessions!).
On Sunday it was a great pleasure to see increase again in our eldership; Richard Jones and Christopher Alton (my fellow teachers on Saturday) were set into eldership. They are great men of God with a clear call and anointing from God on their lives. We will be greatly blessed as a body by their ministry.
Finally, I have just received permission from Jacqueline to broadcast to the world our own news of increase! Yes, we are expecting again! God is so good. Praise God for increase.
25.5.06
Collected research on the Da Vinci Code
Tonight, 8pm (prompt!) at Elmesthorpe Village hall, Living Rock Church is running a "Da Vinci Code Evening" to discuss the the phenomenon the book has caused, to separate fact from fiction, and to equip us to make the most of the opportunities that interest in the book and the film give us to share our faith. Anyone from Living Rock Church, and any readers in the area are warmly invited.
I'm leading the section separating the fact from the fiction. As part of the preparation for this, I did quite a bit of research on the internet and collated my findings into a Google Notebook. I have now made this public for anyone who is interested:
My Da Vinci Code Notebook
Another great place to look is Hugh's blog. Many of the first links in my notebook are from his blog. Thanks Hugh.
Update 26/05/06
Here is the powerpoint presentation I used on the night: da_vinci.ppt
The video clips I make reference to can be purchased here.
I'm leading the section separating the fact from the fiction. As part of the preparation for this, I did quite a bit of research on the internet and collated my findings into a Google Notebook. I have now made this public for anyone who is interested:
My Da Vinci Code Notebook
Another great place to look is Hugh's blog. Many of the first links in my notebook are from his blog. Thanks Hugh.
Update 26/05/06
Here is the powerpoint presentation I used on the night: da_vinci.ppt
The video clips I make reference to can be purchased here.
10.4.06
Seeing what we have heard.
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. (Ac 2:2 ESV)
As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah (Ps 48:8 ESV)
It was wonderful to have Roger Aubrey with us this weekend. We had an exciting and stirring time in the presence of God. We are in a time at the moment where God is speaking to us very clearly, and the words that come are building upon each other in a way that is unmistakably God.
When we met as the Coventry congregation on Saturday evening, Roger shared with us that God wants to manifest his glory through his people. God's glory is the visible display of the majesty of God. He challenged us to describe what this would mean in terms of what would happen in our midst on the Sunday morning. We mentioned message in tongues, interpretation, hearing the voice of God and healings. Roger then challenged us again, not to wait for the morning, but to see these things now. Some brought a message in tongues for the first time, and clear words came about God confirming his word over us, displaying his glory through us, and that we would see that which we have heard first.
It was so encouraging that on Sunday we did see that which we had heard. There was a message in tongues, an interpretation, prophetic words and at least two people were healed from pain and injury in the presence of God. One of whom was not a believer. I say at least, because several others were prayed for, and I have an expectancy that God will confirm his word in their lives too - we just haven't seen it yet.
Matthew then shared on being the city in the city. The people of God, in the city of Coventry. God's plan to transform a geographic city, through the glory that shines forth from his people. One of the verses he shared was Ps 48:8
"As we have heard, so have we seen"
God is so faithful. What we had this Sunday was just a demonstration, a first-fruit, of what God desires to do amongst us: confirm his word, and display his glory. What we have already seen, gives us confidence to believe for what we have not yet seen. If God has said it, then we shall certainly see it!
"I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts." (Hag 2:7)
As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God, which God will establish forever. Selah (Ps 48:8 ESV)
It was wonderful to have Roger Aubrey with us this weekend. We had an exciting and stirring time in the presence of God. We are in a time at the moment where God is speaking to us very clearly, and the words that come are building upon each other in a way that is unmistakably God.
When we met as the Coventry congregation on Saturday evening, Roger shared with us that God wants to manifest his glory through his people. God's glory is the visible display of the majesty of God. He challenged us to describe what this would mean in terms of what would happen in our midst on the Sunday morning. We mentioned message in tongues, interpretation, hearing the voice of God and healings. Roger then challenged us again, not to wait for the morning, but to see these things now. Some brought a message in tongues for the first time, and clear words came about God confirming his word over us, displaying his glory through us, and that we would see that which we have heard first.
It was so encouraging that on Sunday we did see that which we had heard. There was a message in tongues, an interpretation, prophetic words and at least two people were healed from pain and injury in the presence of God. One of whom was not a believer. I say at least, because several others were prayed for, and I have an expectancy that God will confirm his word in their lives too - we just haven't seen it yet.
Matthew then shared on being the city in the city. The people of God, in the city of Coventry. God's plan to transform a geographic city, through the glory that shines forth from his people. One of the verses he shared was Ps 48:8
"As we have heard, so have we seen"
God is so faithful. What we had this Sunday was just a demonstration, a first-fruit, of what God desires to do amongst us: confirm his word, and display his glory. What we have already seen, gives us confidence to believe for what we have not yet seen. If God has said it, then we shall certainly see it!
"I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts." (Hag 2:7)
20.3.06
The Corporate Anointing
 | "It is like the dew of Hermon, which flows down upon Zion" |
Exciting news. As a cellgroup, we are joining the congregation in Coventry for the rest of 2006, to help the work get established in that great city. It's good for the Coventry folks, as we come along side to support them. It's good for the Nuneaton folks, because all sowing in faith leads to reaping, and the smaller setting will provide many with more opportunity to exercise the gifts that God is stirring in the group at the moment. It's good, I believe for the Kingdom, as together we work as one for the forwarding of God's purpose for the honour of Christ. An exciting time all round.
Yesterday was our first meeting together, and I had the privilege of bringing the word of God. I spoke on the corporate anointing; how God does not just want us as individuals to be full of the Holy Spirit, but his purpose is to bring together a people who will corporately be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:22).
God is seeking to anoint a people to impact a multitude! (Numbers 11, Joel 2, Acts 2, Acts 4)
For my vision of what the church should be like, the bar is set by 1Co 14:24-25. That the corporate anointing of the Holy Spirit should be so present amongst us that not only are all involved in manifesting spiritual gifts, but unbelievers who enter will be struck and convicted by the powerful sense of the presence of God and exclaim "Surely God is among you!" We are not there yet, but it is good to know your destination when you set out. Not just individually but corporately. Just as Abraham when he set out, was not just responding to the personal call on his life, but he was drawn by his corporate vision of the city. A people where God is truly manifest.
That's my heart for what God wants to do amongst us in Coventry, and I'm excited to be a part of it!
15.3.06
Out of the Ark(ive)
I rediscovered a great website today that lets you go back in time! Well, not literally of course, but it will let you browse a website as it appeared at a given moment in recent history. www.archive.org is the site and the "Wayback" machine is the device; check it out!
It's particularly useful for browsing websites that no longer exist! Like our old church website www.covlifechurch.freeserve.co.uk that we had for Covenant Life Church Hinckley, before we merged with Rock of Life Church to become Living Rock. Most of the site is antiquated and no longer relevant, but it was the Preaching Notes section I was really interested in.
It was a bit disappointing to see that many of the messages were not archived; although the notes we made were terse, there were some great messages recorded there! Then it dawned on me, that since I was the webmaster of this site, I had an archive of my own of all these messages that I could make available to the world again through the medium of my blog.
So here is my very own "Wayback" machine to the Covenant Life Church Preaching notes of 2000-2001. Enjoy!
It's particularly useful for browsing websites that no longer exist! Like our old church website www.covlifechurch.freeserve.co.uk that we had for Covenant Life Church Hinckley, before we merged with Rock of Life Church to become Living Rock. Most of the site is antiquated and no longer relevant, but it was the Preaching Notes section I was really interested in.
It was a bit disappointing to see that many of the messages were not archived; although the notes we made were terse, there were some great messages recorded there! Then it dawned on me, that since I was the webmaster of this site, I had an archive of my own of all these messages that I could make available to the world again through the medium of my blog.
So here is my very own "Wayback" machine to the Covenant Life Church Preaching notes of 2000-2001. Enjoy!
10.3.06
The Abiding Presence
We had another great time in our cellgroup last night. We had one of our "waiting on God" evenings where we give the whole time over to worshipping God, pressing in to his presence, responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and stepping out in the gifts. Our group is really growing well in this area, and we are coming with a sense of expectancy and faith each time for what God will do amongst us — we are never disappointed. Last time we met like this everyone prophesied. This time everyone received a personal word from God.
What struck me most about the evening though was how it ended. We reached the end, or so I thought. I had nothing left to bring and no further instruction or direction for the meeting... yet the tangible sense of the presence of God was still very much present. No one wanted to move or say anything. We enjoyed more precious time in God's presence in silence, but nothing further came. I asked if anyone had anything further to bring, but no one did. Finally I felt some direction. God was teaching us something. He wanted us to learn that it's good to come with an expectation that we will encounter the presence of God when we meet, but it's not good to have an expectation that his presence is just for meetings, and we can put him back in a box when we are done. God wants us to live in a continual abiding sense of his presence with us. He wants us to go out still full of his presence, a people marked out as those who have stood in the presence of the Lord.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. (Ex 34:29)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Ac 4:13)
What struck me most about the evening though was how it ended. We reached the end, or so I thought. I had nothing left to bring and no further instruction or direction for the meeting... yet the tangible sense of the presence of God was still very much present. No one wanted to move or say anything. We enjoyed more precious time in God's presence in silence, but nothing further came. I asked if anyone had anything further to bring, but no one did. Finally I felt some direction. God was teaching us something. He wanted us to learn that it's good to come with an expectation that we will encounter the presence of God when we meet, but it's not good to have an expectation that his presence is just for meetings, and we can put him back in a box when we are done. God wants us to live in a continual abiding sense of his presence with us. He wants us to go out still full of his presence, a people marked out as those who have stood in the presence of the Lord.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. (Ex 34:29)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Ac 4:13)
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