In with the New, Keeping the Old

As we scroll down to the last day of the decade, two themes continue their prominence in my life- the love of God & the Word of God. At the end of 1991, the worst year of my life, I came to a point of utter personal devastation. Or as Proverbs 5:14 puts it, "to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly." I had prayed a conversion prayer twenty years before, joined the Christian community & agreed with basic orthodox Christian doctrine. I heard a good sermon every week & went bible studies regularly. But I lived the Christian life the way i thought it should be lived. I learned the externals and successfully mimicked "Christian" behavior. I and the others around me thought I was a genuine believer.
When I finally crashed and burned- thank you for your mercy, Lord- God showed me two themes. He loved me personally, which I had never really believed, and He wanted me to do what His Word said, rather than just listen to others teach it. He led me through a prolonged season of confession and repentance. I quickly saw that I couldn't do what it said, because I didn't really know what it said- despite all those sermons and bible studies. He gave me a voracious hunger for His Word because I finally saw the Bible as a letter of love to me in which God wanted to reveal who He is, and His interaction with humanity.
It grieves me to observe, as I travel through the Body of Christ in America, that so many do not seem to have a relationship of love with Jesus, or do not dig into His Word, or both. As we begin the new decade I pray that everyone who has occasion to read this blog will receive the love of God in a deep, profound way, and will allow the Holy Spirit to minister the Word of God to you.

Reason for the Season

Drove from East Bay to Half Moon Bay, CA on the Pacific Coast & then south a little to San Gregorio State Beach, where I spent most of the day. Alternated between walks along the beach, reading in the car & sitting observing the waves come in. The latter were quite majestic, reminding me of some verses in Psalm 93. "The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty. (v.1a) Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty. (v.4)"
God asked me the following question recently. Was He enough for me? Could I find fulfillment, spiritual nourishment, relationship etc. in Him or did I think I needed something else. I respond that if I can't have a fulfilling relationship with the One who has infinite love, compassion, patience etc. for me, then i won't have it with a fallible human. I believe He yearns to have deep personal relationship with me, and you. So I don't feel badly about spending 12/25/09 with Him alone. Instead I thank Him for the privilege and joy.

Current Thoughts

A good friend and brother in Christ asked me the other day how he could know if he had genuinely forgiven people who had hurt him. I believe that if we can recall the incident or the individual without it producing anger, depression etc. then we have forgiven. Pray for God to destroy the ability of those memories to cause further harm.

Healing is another subject that has my attention. Many Christians believe that God no longer heals (miraculously) in the way that Jesus and the apostles did, so for them there is no issue. Many others will pray, but their prime reliance is on modern medicine. Typically they don't really expect healing. A few who claim to have a gift of healing prostitute it for money. Others, like myself, believe that God can and does heal but have prayed constantly for people with little results. Yet I continue to hear reports from other countries, and occasionally in this country of healing. Perhaps people receive healing, but for whatever reason, don't say anything about it. If this is the case I encourage you to say something. I am asking God for insight.

My friend Rob & his wife have an amazing ministry to outlaw bikers and are seeing genuine fruit. He told me a testimony of a former international vice president of a gang who could call and in an hour or two have twenty guys come willing to shoot holes in people yet didn't have a single friend. Rob became that friend, built trust and relationship, and was instrumental in the man's conversion to Christ. I now have the privilege of responding to his earnest Scriptural questions. This is only one of many testimonies that Rob has shared.

Joy in Christ

Our brother Doug wrote to encourage me to remind the readers of this blog of the joy we have in Christ. I don't often think about this. A different brother Doug prayed for me to receive the joy of Christ many times. As I consider all that Christ has done for me, and the wonderful truth that as His follower, I am in Him, the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22ff) does well up in me. I'm not the most expressive person but I have a divinely originated contentment.
Jesus says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:9-11 ESV) Wow! What exhilaration in those three verses. Jesus loves us as deeply as the Father loves Him. If we keep his commandments we'll abide in His love. (For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:3)Then His joy will be in us & ours will be full. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. (Heb. 12:2) I believe that joy is us- His bride.

Currently I have the privilege of ministering to some precious saints in Northern CA. I anticipate remaining here until the end of February.

Trust

As I continue walking with Christ I find that I understand less and need to trust Him more. He gives me sufficient grace for each day even as I don't know what the future holds. I thank Him for the opportunity to give something of what He has given to me. Currently I provide teaching for some precious saints on Tuesday nights and interact with others- in person, by phone or e-mail- during the week. Tomorrow I have the privilege of visiting a group of believers in Sacramento in the morning before returning to gather with another group in San Francisco in the evening.
Returning to the theme of trust, i know several believers who are struggling with very serious issues in their lives (health or otherwise). As I reflect on the hardships I have encountered in my own life, the Holy Spirit reminds me that trusting God was the key. Things may not have always worked out in the way that I wished, but He used it to make me more like Christ- more reflective of His love, compassion, truth etc. Trust is the foundation of any good relationship, whether with God, a spouse, a relative or a friend. "I will put my trust in him." (Hebrews 2:13)

Consumers or Participants?

Received a call this week from a good friend and brother in Christ concerned about the lack of participation in the house church he has started. He wondered whether I observed this in my travels. I said quite often. Did I have any thoughts? I reproduce my response below.
1. Are all of the people who attend your group, or any church, genuine believers in Christ? It is possible to mimic the external behavior of others and to say the right things. One can interact with the Christian community, listen to solid Biblical messages etc. & not know God. I did it for years. Think of 2 Corinthians 13:5 in this regard. "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith..."
2. If one does have a personal relationship with Christ, are they cultivating it? Think about the meaningful relationships that you have with other people. Don't they require time and effort and a desire to get together?
3. Teaching on the subject with the hope of changing the perspective that many of us have grown up in the faith with- a passive receiving of the gifts of a few people rather than the NT emphasis of encouraging one another.
A. Hebrews 10:24-25
B. 1 Corinthians 14:26
C. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
D. Hebrews 3:13
The above verses are a subset of at least fifty "one another" verses in the NT that exhort us to love one another, instruct one another, encourage one another etc.

I had the privilege of sharing this with some brethren last night. In recent days I have also written a short story, applied to join two writer's groups (with no response), gone last Saturday to hand out food to homeless people in Oakland, and corresponded or spoken to a number of people. God remains faithful & His love for me personal and intense. I'm also reading a commentary by a brother named David Pawson, who uses the macro/summary of themes approach instead of the micro/verse by verse method.

Approaching the Bible

Last night i had the privilege of teaching a group of precious saints from the Word of God. As a foundation prior to getting into my main topic, I listed some personal principles that I use when getting into the Bible- teaching, reading, studying etc. May they prove of benefit for you also
1. The Bible is the Word of God- inspired, inerrant (in the original manuscripts) and authoritative in the lives of followers of Christ
2. The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth (dual authorship) John 16:13 cf. 17:17
3. Themes and Patterns- If something is said once in the Bible I assume it is there for a reason, even if I don't know what the reason is. If something is said over and over,I believe we should take special note of it. This is one of the reasons why I advocate reading from Matthew to Revelation, or Genesis to Revelation.
4. There is an Old Covenant and a New Covenant, which is part of a larger theme of progressive revelation. I believe that we are in the New Covenant, and I see increasing importance in that.
5. Commands: Jesus associates our love for Him with obeying His commands. (John 14:15,21,23 i John 2:5) The greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God... Mark 12:30
6. Humility- I don't know everything
7. Seek Counsel- Peter tells us that the Scripture is not of private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20) Seek out what godly people teach and believe.
8. Be teachable/ you can glean something from anyone in whom the Holy Spirit dwells. (2 Timothy 2:7)
9. Trust is the foundation of any good relationship but the Bereans were commended for searching out the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15)
10. Over-Analyzing We live in an age of scientific precision. We have had centuries of scholars subjecting the Bible to practically microscopic analysis. I wonder whether the original human authors ever anticipated this type of scrutiny. Do we miss the forest for a centimeter's worth of bark on one tree?
11. Eisegesis- Bringing our own ideas into the text and looking for support rather than going to the Bible to see what it teaches. Very difficult to avoid but worth the effort.

Giving of Thanks

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
(Psalm 118:1 ESV)

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:15-16 ESV)

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world." (Romans 1:8 ESV)

"Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples." (1 Chronicles 16:8 ESV)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6 ESV)

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name." (Psalm 100:4 ESV)

"Saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." (Revelation 7:12 ESV)

Today I am thankful that God created me with the capacity to worship and give thanks. I thank Him that through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and through regeneration by the Holy Spirit, I have the desire to do so. Thank you Father God for your love for me.

Several thoughts

Friday morning I had the privilege of meeting with a house church planter named Ross & our brother Robert, who graciously arranged the meeting. Along with a growing number of other people, Ross espouses the Luke 10 model of outreach. Of great encouragement for me to hear what God is doing in the midst of the saints with whom he is in fellowship.
Spent much of Saturday witnessing an outreach to the homeless in inner city Oakland. Several hundred people received a hefty Thanksgiving meal and choice of clothing and toiletries provided by brethren from a number of area churches. Someone from the local paper actually photographed and interviewed at this event. May Jesus receive the glory. This raises a question that has percolated in my heart for a while now. Why aren't HC folks doing some or more of this? We no longer tithe to purchase & maintain buildings or pay religious professionals. Even though we are few in numbers should we not have funds to minister to the poor- the primary purpose for giving as I read the NT?
Another thought that keeps returning: Both Jesus and Paul got kicked out of the churches of their day (synagogues) by the religious people who attended them. Would they fare any better today in our Christian churches? In our home churches? Who did Jesus hang out with? Tax collectors, sinners and prostitutes. Do we? I don't. I'm rethinking this. Jesus said He did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)
Sunday evening enjoyed fellowship with the Millbrae saints. We ate "hot pot", an Asian specialty and discussed the love of God. Do we know/receive/experience God's love for us personally? How do we know He does? I suspect we need to delve further into this. Consider asking yourself these questions.

Dividends

Staying in one place for a season is paying dividends. I have the opportunity to encourage the men in the house. ( 9 at the moment) I have finally gotten inspired to finish the first draft of an evangelistic novel. I'm almost done now that I have completed 2 more chapters. I'm also getting the opportunity to develop relationships in the Bay Area. On Tuesday I had lunch with a retired gentleman named Robert, who has a local itinerant ministry encouraging a number of small home groups. He expressed an interest in doing a small scale men's retreat, such as a number of us have done over the years, with me. We had a good time of prayer and fellowship and he has already arranged a meeting with he, I, and a third brother for Friday.
Tuesday evening I met with the brothers in the Millbrae group, and our brother Neil, who leads a house church in the next town. We prayed and worshiped together. I proposed that on some of the Tuesday evenings we bring the men and the women together and do some extended teachings on topics of interest or need to them. I prefer this to lengthy teachings on Sunday since this tends to quench others' participation. One brother, Marcus, also proposed a retreat for the beginning of February, which all agreed too.
Thursday I had lunch with Neil, and had several hours of fellowship and prayer. I believe this brother to brother (in my case) building of trust and relationship over a period of time, of the utmost importance in fulfilling what God has for His people in this season. Also received a call from Matt, my partner in ministry, detailing a potential opportunity in Ohio, and a breakthrough in a problematic situation in Massachusetts. Prayer remains essential for us as believers. I'm looking forward to more opportunities this weekend.

Southern CA foray

Had the privilege of attending a meeting of house church leaders east of Los Angeles on Saturday morning. These saints represent three HC groups with multiple locations. I found it encouraging to witness charismatic and evangelical brethren getting along and complementing one another. They are planning their first joint gathering for the end of January, and are also constructing a website to foster communication and interaction. In contrast to many HC groups that have an inward focus, these groups work hard at various forms of outreach.
Also had the blessing of fellowship with Steve & Dorah, the latter the daughter of another itinerant couple mentioned in these pages named Ross & Trina. Steve and Dorah have a bright future in the Lord.
Five hundred miles later I made it back to the Bay Area in time for a gathering of the saints in Millbrae. Very good participation by the brethren, something not easily achieved. They have also given me some good contacts to follow up on. I have a luncheon scheduled with one regional itinerant brother tomorrow.
The (alleged) joys of California include the highest state sales tax in the nation, the highest gas prices of any of the nineteen states I have visited thus far, and punitive income taxes. Despite this, and the eighth largest economy in the world (if the state were a separate country), they are bankrupt. Cal does have a splendid coastline though.

Settling In

Have settled into my west coast base in the Bay Area for the winter. Have finally resumed writing, an evangelistic novel tentatively titled "Librarium." I hope to finish the first full draft soon. Am now residing in a Christian men's house with my friend Dale and a number of other guys. Dale is a warm hearted brother who grows steadily in the Lord.
Had the privilege of intersecting with a home church group near the airport led by an English brother named Neil, who with his wife Takako, have hosted this gathering for eight years. A humble man with whom we had the opportunity to counsel and pray together last night. I am struck by the fact that in two of the four primary passages in the NT on leadership/elders, the theme of humility is prominent. In Paul's address to the Ephesian elders on the beach in Miletus he begins by saying "serving the Lord with all humility," (Acts 20:19). 1 Peter 5 instructs everyone, including the elders, to clothe themselves with humility (v.5) & to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God (v.6)
I am hoping to receive other contacts to interact with. This weekend I head down to LA for a meeting with HC leaders & contacts with other saints. Thank you for your prayers.
Also completed a book by Brian Anderson titled "Overwhelmed by Grace," a clear, Scriptural presentation of God's work in salvation.

Too Many Miles

A special note to my daughter- You're beautiful and I love you

A special appeal to tech wizards. My fairly new laptop has developed a problem in which the cursor (the little white arrow thing) starts to bounce up and down uncontrollably. Any thoughts?

Since the first of September when I began traveling I have driven 8,440 miles including almost fifteen hundred in the past three days. I tire of this and am thankful for God's provision of a logistical and relational base in the San Francisco area for the next three months. He has given me a place to stay at a Christian men's house and a band of saints with whom I already enjoy trust and relationship.

One of the things I encounter on a regular basis are impoverished Christian visionaries of all ages who have extremely detailed plans and dreams but who don't, as the old expression goes, have two nickels to rub together. Does this represent the fulfillment of the Proverb (28:19) that says He who works his fields will have plenty of bread but he who pursues fantasies will have his share of poverty, or a failure on the part of God's people to give to His work? One must discern in each individual case; sometimes it's hard to tell.

Last Saturday I went to Sacramento and enjoyed the hospitality and fellowship of Brian and his family. He has a strong teaching gift. On Sunday we went to their home gathering where I encountered another phenomenon I have been seeing more of lately, that of people already related (in a natural family) meeting together. This has the advantage of building on existing trust and relationship. As long as they are willing to welcome in those not part of their natural family I think it reflects God's heart.

On Monday I made the trek to Eureka, Ca where I lived for three years in the '70s. I left in '78 and have visited one other time in the interim. (Jan. '96) I guess the old adage that you can't go home again applies here. Eureka has changed and now sports the same franchise retail and restaurant places that you find everywhere else in the country. I did enjoy a fruitful afternoon with Jim Jr., a brother who is exploring the depths of God's grace. Drove to Crescent City in the dark- not something I want to do much more of. On Tuesday drove another 400+ miles to Portland. Things did not work out as I anticipated (poor planning on my end) and so I drove 650 miles on Wednesday back to the Bay Area.

Northern CA

After spending Sunday night with my daughter and son-in-law, I returned to Bill & Ileana's home in the "Inland Empire." God has knit our hearts together in an amazingly short time. Tuesday I trekked northeast to visit Jonathan Lindvall & family. We enjoyed good fellowship and worship together. Jonathan has a gift in facilitating praise to our King. Wednesday I drove to the San Jose area and met my brother Jeff for dinner. Then I went on to my western base, a Christian men's house near Oakland in which my good friend Dale has lived for several years. I have stayed there before and gotten to know Fred, the brother who owns the house. Thursday was a day of rest and doing odds and ends like laundry. That evening I went to my brother Jeff's big band practice. Seventeen musicians including 2 trombones- my brother's instrument. He started playing in elementary school. Also had the blessing of connecting via phone with Matt from Conn. I am greatly encouraged by what God is doing in his life. Friday night Dale and I enjoyed some good fellowship including a lengthy walk. Those who have read prior entries know that I like to take constitutionals. I don't often get the chance to do it with someone else. Saturday morning I left for Sacramento and met up with Brian and his family. Although we had barely met at a house church conference some years before we have enjoyed some edifying conversation. I believe God has a more expansive role for him to play in the future. Tomorrow I have the privilege of gathering with their group and to give a teaching i've been sitting on for awhile. "God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne." (Ps. 47:8 ESV)

An Emotional Subject

One of the predominant themes that I have observed as I near the end of my second month of full time itinerant ministry is that of financial bondage. Many of God's precious saints have been dragged down into considerable debt or other money related woes. Thirty years ago I gave my first seminar on the financial freedom that God desires us to walk in, and offered my services as a counselor. At that time I naively assumed that giving people technical information, like how to balance a checkbook, would solve the problem. Six couples later I realized that the real issue was not technical info but deep rooted attitudes planted in early childhood. Money was an emotional subject because it comprised significant portions of people's identity.
The typical answer in our society is that making more money will solve the problem. Yet I think of one individual whose income went up 50 % annually for a number of years but whose spending went up by a higher percentage. Some say, "If only I got a lump sum, then I'd be all right. Yet I think of two individuals, one who received $7-8,000 that paid off all his debts, and was in the same amount of debt a year and a half later, and a second who received several million dollars, and spent it all. Receiving a large lump sum didn't solve the underlying problem.

Again, I think it boils down to identity. Romans 12 tells us not to be conformed to this world. My true identity is who God says that I am, things like being a beloved son, or a king and priest. My identity need not be rooted in what I can purchase. God also provides principles that anyone can follow, Christian or not.
1. God owns everything/ we are stewards
2. Work hard
.3Live frugally- one of the best freedoms is that of not wanting to have whatever we see
4. Give to others in need
5. Invest wisely
6. Give it time
I had to learn these things that hard way. I am grateful that God allowed me to go thru hard times so I could.

Spiritual Parenting

God keeps flooding me with the theme of spiritual parenting (mentoring, discipleship). I spent the last few days in the company of men transitioning out of prison, and those seeking to minister to them. Many had embraced Christ. I found them respectful, courteous, hospitable, generous, eager to help and express the love of Christ. One evening i went with the founder of this ministry and two former inmates i'll call M & M to a "diversion" meeting, a program set up for minors who have been arrested for violating the city curfew. They pay a fine of $350 or attend a series of meetings designed to persuade them not to take up a life of dope, crime, gangs & prison. M, a black, and M, a Hispanic, eloquently and forcefully argued against this lifestyle, using their own lives to illustrate.
In the next few days, I lived in the company of ex-cons. I stood out like a sore thumb since I never was a street guy nor am i "inked." (tattooed) They are no different than anyone else. They desire what I call the three A's (affection/attention/approval) that everyone else wants. If you treat them with respect you have no problems. This opened the door for one on one ministry.
As I talked and listened to people one constant was present, the absence of a positive male role model. The men had grown up without a dad. He was dead, or in prison, or disappeared or whatever. In searching for adult male approval they had turned to the gang, a surrogate family.

On Sunday I had the oppty. to visit a home church in an affluent suburb and make an appeal to the saints there to give of their wisdom, perspective, experience in the role of spiritual parents. These brethren welcomed me, a veritable stranger, into their midst, allowed me to share, exercised hospitality and referred me to other saints with whom they are in relationship. May our Lord Jesus bless them with the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. (2 Thess 3:5)

Hospitality

The saints continue to show me exemplary hospitality. I had the joy & privilege of meeting Steve & Dorah, the latter the daughter of friends of mine, for the first time Sunday evening. I practiced for being a grandpa with their two sons, Nathan 2 1/2 & Adam 1. Listened to what was on their hearts, eventually suggested prayer, and then embarked on a discussion of the "one another" verses. Dorah asked an important question, which led to an extended excursus in the Letter. Throughly enjoyed my time with them, and hope to repeat it.

On Monday went back to San Diego, where Kerry & Terri Smith extended more wonderful hospitality. We climbed Cowles Mt. together. Quite a view from the peak & good exercise. Returned to their home, and enjoyed a nice healthy meal. As I explored their tastefully landscaped backyard, with its extensive variety of trees, plants and shrubs, I reflected that you can do things in the San Diego climate that you just can't do in Boston. The next morning Kerry took me to the top of Mt. Helix, which is surmounted by a cross visible from the freeway below. We sat in what looked like a replica of a Greek or Roman stone amphitheater. I explained more clearly what I believe God wants me to do, and we had a good time of prayer.

Tuesday saw me up in what the locals call the "Inland Empire," east of LA with Bill & Ileana. Their heart for people is as big as Canada. Bill took me into the Angeles National Forest & we hiked up a little trail. They crossed over into NT patterns of gathering some years ago & I had the privilege of fellowship with the brethren they know. Felt like God knit our hearts together in an amazingly short time. Good times of prayer and mutual encouragement together.

Wednesday returned to San Diego where my friend Larry is involved in prison ministry. God has blessed him with a large facility for prisoners transitioning out of incarceration to full civilian life. They operate Biblically & see many conversions. Larry is an evangelist with a powerful gifting. In the evening we went to a meeting of people preparing for a big outreach on Saturday. Many were young, some former gang members, mostly Hispanic, who have seen their lives transformed by the love of Christ. Instructive to see school principals, police, pastors, and others working together to give Christ to those who are perishing in their neighborhoods.

Today (Thursday) I'm getting caught up on logistical things & spending time with the One who loves me more than anyone else ever could.

Odds & Ends

As I interact with those who attend regular, traditional churches, the same questions keep popping up in my head. Are the people in any way prepared for the possibility that the government may take away the tax exemption for giving as they search for more revenue for their insatiable expenses? What would the people do if their pastoral staff is arrested for "hate" speech, or simply praying in the name of Jesus? What about locked church doors with a policeman preventing entry? Impossible?

I've spent the last week in San Diego. My daughter & son-in-law blessed me with dinner at a Mexican restaurant. The next morning i walked in refreshingly cool air in their beachfront town. I spent Monday with my friend Ron, a commercial artist and Christian visionary. God has worked similar hearts in us in such things as the unity of the body of Christ, and the crucial need for Christian parenting, me on the E. Coast and Ron on the West. Also enjoyed fellowship with Ross & Wendy, Chris, Johnny & Lynn.
Starting Wednesday i've enjoyed the hospitality of John & Venita, and Gary & Seija. Gary & John really have the joy of the Lord- they crack each other, and me up. Both possess wonderful gifts in facilitating worship. The three of us worshipped our Lord for over an hour one morning, one of the richest experiences I've had thus far.
People keep asking me if I miss my work. Went with Gary & John to a restaurant job one evening. No, I don't miss it a bit. One morning I got together with Joseph & Johnny & went down to Ocean Beach, where I lived for almost three years. They reiterated a theme I have heard continually all the way across the country, a grave concern for the future of the U. S. We ate at a Mexican place for lunch- do I detect a theme here?
Some very good conversations with John B. Also saw John R. at the City of Refuge & enjoyed a time of strong prayer together. Today was blessed with time with my daughter & her husband. Also visited Perris, CA, a town that has quintupled in size since i lived there about 35 years ago. Couldn't find the place where I had lived. May not be there anymore.
Good phone conversations with my friends Steve, Stephen, and Ed. Am praying that I will see the doors God has opened. Blazing hot here. 97 one day. Too hot for a Boston boy like me.

Festival of the Son

Had the privilege and joy of fellowshiping with a number of saints, most of whom I had not seen for over thirty years, and of honoring my "mother" in the Lord, a woman named Dacie, who had just turned ninety. I am amazed at the instant rapport I had with these brethren. Back in the Jesus People movement of the early 1970's we had lived communally, worked together in ministry businesses, worshiped and evangelized together. Later we had scattered to the ends of the earth. Now the Holy Spirit was drawing us back together. Although our organizational unity had shattered long ago, our relational unity had deepened. I found it rewarding and refreshing to have conversations with people whom i had only known from a distance.

At the same time i ran into people who are struggling with various things in their lives, whether financial, or needing to return to their first love (Jesus), or caught in difficult "church" situations. May we all seek the One who loves us more than anyone else ever could because of our human limitations. Jesus delights in His Bride; we need only please Him.

I hope that God uses what we experienced in this time as a catalyst to foster deeper relational unity, not just with those who were part of GO, but with many other saints whom we know. Several have suggested to me the possibility of a E. Coast version.

As one who has explored the original apostolic practices for almost a decade, the interactive/informal/bottom up rather than top down approach to the Festival encouraged me to believe that the Holy Spirit is restoring what He revealed in NT times.

Walking with God

Christians speak often of the need to "walk with God." This Thursday morning in Arizona, as I continued my practice of taking regular physical walks, I reflected on this theme. In the last month or so I've had the privilege of walking on logging roads, mountain trails, a college track while their football team practiced, past numerous fields of corn and soybeans in different states, on the streets of Chicago, with a friend down a bike path and another around his housing development. 1 Timothy 4:8 says that "while bodily training (physical exercise) is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." (ESV) I seek to use these times to cultivate my personal relationship with Jesus. He reminded me today that He cares for me more than anyone else ever could, and that if I receive from Him I have something to give to others rather than seeking to drain what they have for myself.

In recent days i have driven from a small town in western Iowa through hundreds of miles of grain in Nebraska- the 75 MPH speed limit in the west facilitates travel- through drier country in eastern Colorado, to 8,000 feet near Denver, with spectacular views, through the deserts of New Mexico to Tucson. The availability of water determines human habitatation, and its relative lack means long stretches without it. Tomorrow i head to southern California.

Providential Encounter

As I have a number of all day drives this coming week, I thought i'd make a blog entry today. Enjoyed my stay in SW Missouri and the hospitality of my sister and brother-in-law. Wednesday evening went to football games with 3rd & 4th, and 5th & 6th graders complete with an announcer, a professional looking field, bleachers, linesmen, referees and coaches, uniforms and a sizeable attendance. They take football very seriously. No public funds involved; all done through volunteers. Too bad we can't run the whole country that way. I found everyone in this small town friendly and helpful.

Thursday night I called my friends Ross & Trina, whom I have written of in these pages as fellow itinerant workers. I had not spoken to them for the better part of a month, and had no idea of their location. It turned out they were about a hundred miles west en route from CA to the Boston area. God blessed us all in fellowship, counsel and prayer as they stayed the night and the next morning before continuing their travel. Unlike so many in the body of Christ, they have a genuine heart for evangelism. We need more saints like them.

Saturday I drove up to western Iowa to visit my nephew Kyle. This morning we spoke on a topic that a number of others have broached as I have traveled west. Many people hold deep concerns about the current state and future of the country, particularly with regard to its political and economic systems. I believe their concerns are valid; I also believe we have gone over the edge of no return with both. The words of Jesus, "Watch and pray," keep returning to me in this context. Believers in Christ can place no ultimate hope in either politics or the economy but in Him alone.

Missouri Meanderings

Enjoyed the rare privilege of some one on one time with my adult married daughter in the most unlikely place, Chicago's O'Hare airport as she waited for a plane to the coast. Among other things, we discussed the importance of our identity in Christ. I believe our insecurities originate in believing things about ourselves contrary to what God says we are in Christ. For example, He says we are "beloved children. (Ephesians 5 in the first several verses) Many people, including myself for many years, don't believe He loves His children.

Enjoyed the hospitality of my friends Tom & Diane that night. Thanks guys. Long drive (640 miles) to SW Missouri the next day. Southern Illinois has crops whereas southern MO has grazing animals. Crossed the Mississippi River about midday and called my friend Gary, who grew up in the area. (St. Louis)

I'm now immersed in small town America. Although I sometimes feel like a visitor from another planet, after having lived in major metropolitan areas most of my adult life, I find the change refreshing. Everyone is friendly and helpful- one gentleman stopped to offer me a ride as I did my morning constitutional-and the pace of life provides serenity. Family ties have meaning. Getting a driver's license, with private contract rather than government employees, was a pleasant experience instead of the usual stress.

If things go according to plan I intend to visit people in western Iowa, and the Denver and Tucson areas before heading out to a big gathering in southern CA. May the Lord Jesus reveal Himself to you in a deeper way.

On the Passing of a Mother

Last Sunday, while in Milwaukee, I received a call from my youngest brother informing me that my mother had passed away. After fulfilling my commitments in Chicago I flew back to Boston on Wednesday and traveled to Connecticut on Thursday. My sister and brother-in-law had preceded me, and we were eventually joined by my nephew, my other brother and my daughter. Friday we made an expedition to the primary residences we had lived in as a family, located near Albany, NY and in Berkshire Co. MA. Had the oppty. to tell my adult nephew, who grew up in the Midwest, about his grandfather, who had died prior to his birth.
Saturday morning we met my younger brother and his family for a Memorial service in my mother's local church. My niece played and sang "Songbird" beautifully. My sister and younger brother shared remembrances of our mother to the assembly. Both spoke well. Afterward we formed a line and spoke with extended family, and members of the Woman's Club, P.E.O., and the church, the three primary associations with which my mother was involved.
The family held a private graveside service in which I read some Scripture including Ps. 116:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:7, John 11:25-26 & Ephesians 2:1-10. We then prayed together and entrusted our mother into the hands of God.
In the evening, per my mother's prior request, the whole family went out to eat. We reminisced about the impact she had in our lives. One major legacy for me was her love of reading, which she passed on to me. Most of what i have learned, and much of the pleasure I have experienced in life has come from reading.

As we went our separate ways (we are scattered throughout the country) I wondered if the eleven of us would ever come together again at one time in one place.

Today I fly back to Chicago, pick up my car, and resume my journey, heading tomorrow to MO.

Last weekend I drove up to Milwaukee to visit Jim, Jake Barnett's dad. Jake had fellowshipped with our home group in Cambridge for a season. I continue to marvel at the hospitality of the saints including those, like Jim, whom I had met only once. We had good rapport, counseling and praying together about a number of things. Sunday morning he took me to the home group with whom he gathers. and we experienced a powerful time of worship. A brother David has a wonderful gift in that area. In the past I have taught on the idea of the Holy Spirit as "The Invisible Conductor," as with a symphony orchestra. Each of us has received some gift or talent which, when we respond to the Holy Spirit's leading produces a spiritual harmony that glorifies God. In this case musicians (electric guitar, electric piano, violin, and hand drum) and non-musicians produced a heavenly sonata interspersed with prayer. David saw a picture of me as a bumblebee pollinating flowers that serves as a physical illustration of what God has called me to do spiritually.
Monday returned to Chicago for further fellowship with Lewie and his friend Ricky, a brother from Arkansas. On Tuesday we visited a professor named Trevor who teaches at a local Bible school regarding a book he had written about adoption into God's family. I confess a bias against academics but this gentleman proved remarkably personable, eager to usher the Holy Spirit into his teaching and ministry, and open to other's input. His emphasis on the relational aspects of the NT refreshed all of us.
That evening my friends Tom & Diane joined me with about ten individuals in the discipleship community. We ate together at a big table, encouraged one another in a general discussion and then had conversations with one or two others. Quite a rewarding time.

Wednesday returned to the Boston area, had a meal with my friends Matt & M. T. The latter has aspirations of marriage to a sister in another state. Among other things, I appreciate his sense of humor. i'm serious most of the time so people treat me that way. M. T. doesn't hesitate to "pull my leg." Later Matt & I met with Josh, who had a great testimony of how God is using an unpleasant work situation to deepen his faith.
Today I met with my friend Gary, whom I've known for four years. We talked a lot about our personal relationship with Christ. For those who follow Christ, why don't we do this more often? Isn't this the essence of the Christian life? Naturally speaking, Gary & I don't have a lot in common. For one, he is "wicked smart" as American slang says it, a grad student at Harvard working on a Ph.D. Yet we have developed one of the deepest friendships I have because of Christ. At one point I spoke about trees. God could have made just one kind of tree. All trees will be willow trees. I think willows are cool but I like all the others too, not to mention the fruit we receive from some of them. The same God who made thousands of kinds of trees yearns for us to know him personally the way He knows us.

Finally as Matt drove me down to Conn. the Lord opened my eyes to an physical illustration of His love for us. In the same way as a couple engaged to be married can't spend enough time together because of their love for another, our Lord Jesus, the heavenly Bridegroom, yearns for His Bride. As a human couple can't wait for all the preparations to conclude and for the day of their marriage to finally arrive, so Jesus longs for us to be presented "blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy." (Jude 1:24b) "May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." (2 Thessalonians 3:5ESV)

The Windy City

Traveled with a brother George to the Indiana turnpike, stopping for fellowship with a brother named Keith on the way. Keith had served as a missionary to Haiti. I appreciate his seriousness about walking with the Lord. The night before enjoyed the hospitality of Charlie and Shelley and had a good discussion with them, people I had just met them the day before. It amazes me how God can establish instant rapport between members of His family. A young lad treated us to a good rendition of a nocturne by Chopin.

George traveled east, stopping for the night with a brother Miller, while I continued west. One of the joys that God gives me is connecting brethren who don't know one another. Both George and Miller have since contacted me to say that they enjoyed their time together. Wednesday afternoon I arrived at the home of old friends Tom & Diane whom I had not since for over thirty years. We had gotten to know one another in the Jesus People movement of the early 70-s in California. We enjoyed instant rapport. They now have seven children, most of whom have left the nest. Explored the idea of NT apostolic traditions and provided mutual encouragement to one another.

Thursday morning met with Tom & a number of brothers whom he hosts every week for fellowship and explained what God is doing with me. Spent the day with a brother Greg, also a friend from the Jesus People days, shadowing him as he did upholstery repair, my old trade. His business is much more profitable and less stressful than mine. Upholstery repairmen work alone, as they don't require a helper like most trades, and I think he found our fellowship fruitful.

Friday met with a brother Lewie whom the Lord has given a burden for the city of Chicago. He has established several discipleship communities in the city and beyond by following Jesus' model of making disciples- personal example and mentoring. Astonished by the unity we, two brothers who had not met before, had on every subject we discussed. Looking forward to meeting with the whole group Tuesday evening.

God is doing something in my heart with regard to Chicago, a city I have no prior knowledge of. May He continue to reveal it to me.

Clarifying Priorities

As I took an hour constitutional along a bucolic Indiana road earlier today, God ministered to me about clarifying my priorities. Traveling every 2-3 days, and interacting with new people all the time can produce a passive, TV watching approach to situations instead of responding to the Holy Spirit and giving what He has given to me. Since another purpose of this blog is to provide an introduction for those who either don't know me or don't know me well, I hope the exercise of delineating the priorities God has given me proves helpful.

A. To point people, believers and unbelievers to Jesus, not myself. "Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2) That we may love, obey, follow, worship, glorify and abide in Him.
B. To work for the unity that Jesus prays for in John 17, specifically "That they may be one, even as we are one." v.22 I believe the NT emphasis of God as Father, Jesus as the Son, and believers as brothers or sisters of Jesus expresses relational unity
C. To minister the Word of God in a Holy Spirit led balance of truth and love. This includes but is not limited to teaching on our identity in Christ, the Bride of Christ, our membership in God's eternal family etc.
D. Spiritual parenting- to serve as the mentor, primarily to younger men, that I never had in the Lord. This encompasses discipleship in all its many facets.
E. To promote both the doctrine and the practice of the early apostles, the latter as a viable alternative in fulfilling A-F
F. To encourage individuals, families, and home gatherings in any way that God leads. To give anything of what He has so painstakingly worked in me.
As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:9 "We make it our aim to please Him."

Riding the wave

Pace has intensified since my last post. Had the privilege of attending my first writer's group on Thursday evening. After writing off and on for four decades, I received an opportunity to do a semi-dramatic reading of part of the first chapter of an evangelistic novel I am writing. Am praying for a door to open to publish it, and a prior completed work with the same theme.
Enjoyed good fellowship with my friend Miller. We took nature walks, heard Bach organ music, and counseled together. God has given him a ministry with many people around the world and used him to impact and encourage many.
Saturday morning drove to Toledo and met a young man Jake, formerly of my sending ekklesia in Cambridge. God has blessed him with fervency, self discipline, and a willingness to receive that I find rare. We encouraged one another in the Lord. On Sunday he introduced me to his new fellowship, started by a couple named David and Margo. I have deep respect for their willingness to open their home to students and provide the spiritual parenting that so many, including myself, never received. David led worship and taught from Daniel. Margo cooked a great meal and contributed to our discussion. David and I spoke to and prayed for one another afterwards. They just started their second year of home based fellowship. I regretted having to leave so soon and desire to return. As we look at the church planting strategy of Paul the apostle we find that he concentrated on cities in the eastern Roman Empire. I believe urban areas are the future of the church, and especially of home gatherings.

Sunday evening drove to north central Indiana and met up with my friend George, a man faithful to the Lord for many decades. At 77 he has just completed a Book of Psalms devotional. He introduced me to a group of saints with whom he fellowships. They are transitioning from a traditional approach to one home based. Sadly I missed their time of prayer but enjoyed fellowship with a handful of them afterwards.

New England possesses very few fields devoted to agriculture; the land is cramped and hilly. On my way west I have driven for hundreds of miles with fields on either side on ground flat as a board with fringes of trees rather than forests. I have belatedly learned that the short crops are soybeans, the tall ones corn. Our Lord keeps speaking to me about the importance of cultivating my personal relationship with Him in a similar manner as a farmer does his crops. (After the over abundance of rainfall that NE experienced this summer, it surprised me to see giant irrigation machines splashing water onto crops in northern Indiana.) If we receive from Him we have something to give, if not we drain others with our needs.

Wednesday morning I head for Chicago, and Milwaukee this weekend. I thank God for these opportunities. He has shown me that this initial foray is a scouting trip to see what doors will open, and who desires to receive what He can give through me. This will aid in returning for longer visits in the future.

Trekked almost five hundred miles on Tuesday, from the Albany, NY area to my friend Miller's abode north of Pittsburgh. Passed by sections of the Erie Canal, a Beechnut factory, and lots of cornfields, and other agricultural products that I, an ignorant city type, could not identify. Miller has a home in a village that contains a number of old order Amish, complete with brimmed hats and beards for the men, bonnets and long dresses for the women, and horses and buggies for all. It also has a college that he taught at for forty years. We wandered around the college today, I did my constitutional on the track, and we went to a prayer meeting with mostly elderly saints in the evening. I did my best to honor them as people who have proven faithful over many decades. May the Lord bring them safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory for ever and ever. (2 Tim 4:18)

Had my own private concert this morning, courtesy of my friend Miller and our friend Mary. They played piano solos and duos in a variety of styles- ragtime, Christian, classical, including a fascinating variation on the Happy Birthday theme featuring about ten different composer's motifs. An enlightening discussion ensued in which Miller drew a parallel between God's sovereignty and our freedom, and a pianist playing two melodies (counterpoint?) at the same time, which Mary illustrated with a Bach piece.

Spiritual Warfare

Had an opportunity to hike a trail up Vroman's Nose with a genuine woodsman (hunter/fisherman/trapper) named Ed. Saw clear panoramas of Schoharie Creek Valley, a floodplain that grows hay, corn, apples, blueberries, pumpkins etc. Good exercise.

As I travel, I find many people concerned about eating in a healthy manner. While I believe that diet is the number one factor in maintaining or promoting good health, I hope it doesn't become yet another idol in our lives. God has not created our present bodies to last, no matter how much time, effort or money that we employ. Many of our brothers and sisters around the planet face the reality of insufficient food, rather than the luxury of organic or other specialized cuisine.

Am delighting in the fellowship of saints in the Albany, NY area, a region that I lived in while in high school but not thereafter. I find a genuine care for one another, generosity, and willingness to travel an hour to gather. Many of these saints are experiencing anguish in their personal lives. Although I do not believe that the devil has responsibility for anything and everything bad that occurs in our lives, nor do I believe that we can find a natural explanation for everything. I believe the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In 1 Peter 5:8-9 the apostle writes, "Be sober-minded, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Sounds serious to me. We are told in the next verse to, "Resist him, firm in your faith..."
Ephesians 6, in the famous 'armor of God' passage, verse 12 says "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." This passage speaks of a spiritual warfare that many Christians seem unable to wage. "For though we walk according to the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2Cor. 10:3-4 ESV) We need to combat lies with the truth of the Word of God, and to pray in the Holy Spirit against the influence of our enemy.

As I travel I hear original songs written by saints, or ones I've not heard before. Since I have no musical ability, I am praying God will raise up an itinerant musician to travel and compile new songs and share them with other fellowships.

Launched!

Praise God. After two months of transition in Conn. in which our Lord blessed me with good fellowship with a number of saints, some R & R, and many opportunities to visit my ailing mother, I drove away at 10am Tuesday morning with a small car loaded to the gills with stuff, and a heart of rejoicing. Driving through a slice of Conn., up the Pioneer Valley in Mass. & through the rural ambiance of Vermont provided the pleasure of some one on one time with my heavenly Father.

Along the way, I observed numerous sites replete with orange cones and the orange and white striped barrels denoting construction activity, any number of men talking to one another or walking around, but no discernible work. Arrived in upstate NY near Lake Champlain to my first destination. Hardy & Katrine live in a little hobbit house they made themselves, on forty mostly forested acres on the side of a mountain. They are very hospitable people who serve others constantly. Their extensive garden and organic food purchases provide an excellent, healthy diet. We had the delight of taking a number of jaunts through the countryside, at night, in the daytime, observing streams, beaver ponds, horses.

One of the products of a beaver pond, in striking contrast to its environs, is the dead, ash gray, branchless trees standing like dead sentinels in the midst of it. The stagnant waters have drowned the root systems and slain the trees. It strikes me that our lives as Christians can resemble those forlorn stems if we do not allow the living waters to flow through our lives. "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38ESV) We cannot rely on past experience, or anything else to replace the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Thursday afternoon traveled down to the Albany, NY area. The GPS worked well (thank you Allen & Marie)& I got to my second destination. I am ever more convinced of the necessity of itinerant ministry. I pray that God will raise up many saints to give themselves to this. Enjoying wonderful hospitality from David & Kathy. We discussed many things including a business venture they hope to start, prayed, worshipped together. David shared a number of songs he had written. They hope to make a CD.
Today (Friday) am trying to respond to all the Facebook inquiries, other e-mails, write up this blog entry, study the Word, and enjoy the Lord Jesus. Tonight i'm off to another part of the Albany area to meet up with other brothers.
"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ." (2 Thess 3:5)

Prayer etc.

As I ready for a Tues AM departure on Sept. 1, I thank God for a season of transition these last two months. I thank Him for His provision of a restful place to lodge, and for the opportunity to visit my declining mother many times. I am grateful for all the individuals, families and groups I have had the privilege and joy of interacting with this summer. Today marked one last hurrah until I return (God willing) to NE in the spring. Our Lord brought saints together from four different home groups in the greater Boston area to a park in Cambridge, MA. Most had not met previously but our membership in God's family as brothers or sisters of Christ provided a quick rapport. I am encouraged by this beginning and pray that it will lead to closer relational bonds between these saints.

If I may request anything from you, it is your prayers. In many ways this represents uncharted territory for me. In other ways I feel like God has created me for this specific ministry. Pray I will fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. (Heb. 12:2) and point others towards Him. Pray that I am responsive to the Holy Spirit, speaking when I should, listening when I should, praying often. May I glean from those I encounter so that I can pass that on to others. May I walk in the balance of love and truth with humility of heart and mind.
May our God bless all of you abundantly in His love and grace.

Crest of the Wave

Having just returned from three days of visiting saints in Rhode Island, Maine and Mass. I feel like i am on the crest of a huge wave of God's anointing. What incredible fulfillment to sense that one is right where God wants one, doing those good works He has prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) Instead of trying to make things happen, I am experiencing God doing it, such a natural flow of sensing when to listen, when to speak, what to say, what not to say. As I interacted with individuals, families and groups, I had a stronger sense than ever before of how precious God's family is to Him. What makes this more amazing is the fact that I had not met most of these brethren before, or had only met them once.
Some highlights: Listening to the testimony of a young woman who was going to receive baptism the next day- watching the wonder & delight of people receiving revelation from God- seeing the Holy Spirit stirring up people's hearts- hearing a brother tell me that he had grown two years in the Lord in the last two months. I am reminded of a family whose son had grown up in Florida and then moved to Maine when he was six or seven, and the wonder that he expressed on seeing and feeling snow for the first time. That's how I feel as i watch Jesus working in people's lives.

God yearns for us to know Him as He knows us. I believe that our personal relationship with God is the essence of true Christianity. Like everything else in the Christian life, it is appropriated by faith. Three major things hinder or block our relationship with God. If we don't truly believe that God loves us personally then we will have no incentive to even try to know Him. Why would we want a relationship with anyone if we don't believe that they care for us? The second problem is sin/disobedience. In essence, by sinning, we are saying to God that we really don't want the relationship, that we would rather go it alone. The third is ignorance of God's revelation of Himself in the Scripture. Although God can and does reveal Himself to us in many ways, the Bible is the most reliable and comprehensive. (Your word is truth in John 17:17) He has given us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. (John 16:13) It is through reading and study of the Word that God convinced me, after many years, that He did love me more than I can comprehend or imagine.

Because people continue to ask me about it, I have expanded my response to the question, "How is your ministry supported," the third in the section Frequently Asked Questions, found elsewhere in this blog. God has provided a means for people to give anonymously if they desire.

Your prayers are needed and appreciated. When one becomes fruitful, it attracts our adversary's attention. i anticipate attack, but "The Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Jesus and His people

I believe that those who are adopted into the family of God have three primary relationships. The first is a personal relationship with God. The second is with the believers with whom we fellowship on any regular basis (spouse/family/friends/local church etc.). The third is with the Body of Christ as a whole. When we move from theory to practice I find that the second one usually outweighs the other two by a considerable margin. This results in severe problems. As I continue in my walk I discover that most believers have had what I call the "inevitable bad church experience." Let me hasten to say that this can happen just as easily in a house church as in a traditional one. Some people have had multiple bad church encounters in which they felt, rightly or wrongly, that they had suffered marginalization, mistreatment or even abuse. Many people's faith does not survive. They may reject Christ outright, they may have private interaction with Him that no one else really knows about, or they may travel from one setting to the next searching for a "good" church.
Drawing from my own lengthy experience in this, and observation of many others over the decades, may I suggest the following. We will never have a healthy relationship with anyone if we don't have one with God first. Instead of expecting individuals or groups to fulfill our needs, heal our wounds, and help us live fruitful, blessed lives, we need to abide in Christ first. People will always disappoint us. In the last ten years or so, I have made it a practice to say to people with whom I am becoming friends, that i won't meet their expectations. that I will offend them or do or say something I shouldn't simply because of my humanity. In contrast, God, if properly understood, will never disappoint although we may not get what we desire.
If we cultivate a relationship with Jesus, then we will desire to share that with others who know Him. We will want to give (in a multitude of ways) what God has given to us. Sadly, most Christians attempt to receive from God's people what only He can give. I did it for a long time.

Two Weeks Away

In two weeks, God willing, I hit the road for full time itinerant ministry. Jesus has blessed me with a two month transitional period, an opportunity to recharge spiritually, receive physical rest, and handle logistical details. In addition to fellowship with a number of individuals and families, I have had the blessing of gathering with groups of saints in Manchester, Enfield, Stafford Springs, Waterford, Willimantic, and Lebanon Connecticut; Monson, Boxborough, Whitinsville, Sutton, Cambridge and Medford, Massachusetts, and in Rhode Island. Future anticipated stops before I depart include home gatherings in R. I. and Maine.
I am truly appreciative of all the help and encouragement I have received from numerous people in this time. From Bible studies to meals to help with technology, and much else, the saints have stepped forward to minister to my needs. I am particularly thankful for all the encouragement you have given me with regard to this blog. A number of brethren have indicated that God has used it to minister to you.
Looking to the future, the best way to help is through prayer. I won't bear good fruit without it. The major ongoing problem resides in my technological illiteracy. For example, I seem to have lost 2 computer documents that I access on a regular basis. The other major request is that i hear and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Let me know your prayer needs as well. I believe that will comprise a significant portion of the ministry. Abiding in Christ, rick

The Prayers of Paul

One of the most fruitful studies I have ever done explored Paul's recorded NT prayers. I find it instructive to reflect on the differences between how we pray and how he did. One strength of a participatory gathering comes from praying for one another. The saints that I visit make it a point to discover the needs and intercede to God for them. However, the majority of these focus on health issues or other personal needs. While I believe this valid- the apostles prayed for people and saw them healed- I think it incomplete. Even granting that most of Paul's epistles were written to groups of saints. I think a perusal of his prayers yields a different perspective.
For example, in Romans 1: 8-12 we see him writing that he thanks God for their faith, proclaimed throughout the world. He asks that he may impart spiritual gifts to them, and for mutual encouragement. Romans 15:5-6 asks God that the Romans might live in harmony with one another, so that they may glorify Him together. In 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 Paul thanks God that the Corinthians were enriched in all speech and knowledge. 2 Cor. 13:7-9 expresses the hope that the Corinthians will do what they should.
An expanded prayer beginning in Ephesians 1:15 asks that God may give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the Ephesians may know the hope to which they are called, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of his power towards those who believe. In Ephesians 3:14ff Paul prays that the saints may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in their inner being, and may have strength to comprehend the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and be filled with all the fullness of God.
These and other recorded prayers (e.g. Phil 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9ff, Colossians 4:12, 1 Thess 1:2-3, 1 Thess 3:9ff, 2 Thess 1:3, 2 Thess 1:11-12, 2 Thess 3:5) paint a different picture than we are accustomed to see. A quick synopsis of themes includes the following: faith proclaimed, faith in Jesus, growth in faith, mutual encouragement, harmony, glorification of God, thanksgiving, restoration, love for the saints, wisdom,revelation,power, spiritual strength, approve what is excellent, knowledge of His will, pleasing Him, bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge, maturity and assurance, faith, hope and love, blameless in holiness.
Brethren, let us expand our horizons beyond our physical and material needs to the true spiritual riches, which are eternal.

Gleanings

One of the convictions i hold is that anyone in whom the Holy Spirit dwells (1 John 4:13) has something to offer other saints. While i may not agree with everything a person may assert, I hope i am hearing what the Spirit is saying through that person. I call this gleaning.
One recent gleaning i received I have never heard before. A brother Matt in Ct. expressed a parallel between the tablets of the testimony (10 Commandments) lodging within the ark of the covenant as opposed to being written on its sides, and the Word of God written on our hearts. "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Ps. 119:11) Obvious and profound, yet I don't remember anyone ever having said it in almost forty years.

Also had the privilege of attending a wedding of a young brother and friend named Rob. God continues to fascinate me. As an unmarried brother, I sometimes find it odd that He has given me any number of young men to interact with on the subject of marriage. In fact, praying for young men and occasionally young women, to find godly spouses comprises a growing part of the ministry He has granted me. For those whom God has not yet given a mate let me offer a few reflections.

Develop a friendship first. This is the soil from which a healthy marriage can grow. The powerful romantic fantasy that our entire culture fabricates leads to disillusionment and myriad woes. Do group activities before doing anything as a pair.
You will marry a person, but marry into a family. In most cases they have provided both the genetic and the environmental inheritance for your spouse. They have developed an unwritten way of relating that they know better than you. Spend as much time with them as possible to understand how they have influenced your prospective mate.
If possible get to know your prospective spouse's parents. They are the best guide to what your spouse will be like in thirty years or so. Do you like what you see?
If you want a godly mate, then you need to cultivate godliness in your own life.
Speaking of cultivating, a pleasant speaking voice is a plus. You will want your spouse to listen to you for a long time.
Most important of all: Receive God's love for you personally. Most people have difficulty with this. Human love is too weak to cope with the onslaughts of the pagan society in which we live, one hostile to God and His ways.
Opposites attract. I question whether they stay attracted. I advocate finding someone with as many similarities as possible.
Once married, it is imperative that both husband and wife establish godly friendships with other people. Far too many men count their wife as their only real friend. If problems occur, they have no one to provide encouragement.
God's heart is lifelong, monogamous marriage between a man and a woman for those who marry. As a single man, i don't believe everyone needs to get married, and I think i'm in the best company with Jesus and Paul.

Musings on Sin... and Grace

As I enter the second, and last, month of my transition before hitting the road on September 1st, i am thankful for the opportunity to spend time with Jesus. My mother's condo has a enclosed sun porch that lends itself to one on one time with Him. As I come to Him, each day differs but one theme repeats itself. I have hesitated to mention it but will give it a try.
The Bible speaks with utter clarity that before we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit Titus 3:5NKJV) we are sinners. (disobedient to God) "But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
As I enter the presence of an infinitely Holy God, I desire cleansing of my current sin. We are told to confess our sins (which requires humility and attacks our pride) and He will cleanse us. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9) Often times I wonder if I have anything else to offer Him but my sin. I think we can be oblivious to our own rebellion and depravity. It is when we draw closer to God, and He to us that our sin is highlighted in contrast to His perfection. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8) Pondering the reality that my usual offering to God is the sin that I am asking Him to remove leads me to the staggering wonder of grace.
His grace redeemed me decades ago but He continues to extend it to me. My mother lives in a nursing home, unable to bathe herself. People are paid to do it for her but God bathes me in His grace without charge. I need to forsake my pride, confess and turn from my sin, and receive His washing in humility. Father God, I ask that you will give me further revelation of your heart in this.

When God orchestrates things

Just received an apt and timely reminder from a brother whom the Lord has called into itinerant ministry like He has me. Ross said to listen and wait on the Lord, that what we do will not be random but purposeful. I've just experienced His leading in a way only He does.
When I lived in Boston I developed a friendship with a Christian brother named Jake, who had his own auto mechanic shop. He worked on my car for several years. What a rare jewel a trustworthy, competent Christian auto mechanic is. Now that i live two hours from Boston, i needed to find someone local. I contacted a brother who lives near me for his advice. He suggested a brother named Sanford, whom I had met a couple times in years past. I had no idea that he was a auto mechanic by trade. Contacted him, went to his place, and discovered that the Lord had just moved him out of a situation in which he would not have had any time to work on my car to one in which he could. Although we really didn't know each other we had good fellowship. It turned out that he facilitated a home group down the street. I asked if I could visit. He said sure & asked if I could share something from the Word. Two themes have been percolating in my heart for a long time. I've reflected on, prayed about, spoken to others, and taught parts of it but never together.
So last night I had the opportunity to worship & have fellowship with these saints, plus a nice healthy dinner. Those who teach know that sometimes it just flows, and it really poured out. When the Spirit takes over, and we are just the vessel, it's an awesome experience. I shared on the related themes of the Bride of Christ, and the Lord's Supper as a preview of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
The opportunity to get to develop some trust and relationship with this group opens the door for me to pray for them, and interact via e-mail, phone, or in person in the future. I got to do what God wants me to do, they expressed their appreciation, and all because i needed an oil change and a tire rotation.
Their heart of hospitality ("Welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you, to the glory of God Romans 15:7) opened the door for a relative stranger. This is crucial for small, often isolated home groups.

The Three C's

Looking at the world system I see three primary pillars, capital, connections, and credentials. I define capital as the money one has or controls, connections as the family you were born in and the people you know, and credentials as the places one has gone to school and the degrees attained. Possession of one tends to lead to the others. When we examine the people who control the world system or have major influence in it, i think you will find that they have one or more of the 3 C's.
Sadly, i observe that the 3 C's are alive and well in the Church. I have never attended a regular church (small or large, evangelical or charismatic, East Coast or West Coast etc.) that did not have at least one person with greater wealth that enjoyed disproportionate influence as a result. It seems 95% of churches believe in the necessity of having a pastor with a Bible college or seminary degree. And if you desire to get something done in any organization, it helps to know the decision makers.
What do we see in the NT? A decided lack of emphasis on wealth. Jesus had no place to lay his head and became poor for our sake. (2 Cor. 8:9) Paul hungered and endured privation. (2 Cor 12:27) Nor did Jesus or the apostles establish anything resembling our seminary system even though the Pharisees and the Greek philosophers had their schools. "The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied." (John 7:15)
Peter & John were regarded as uneducated, common men (Acts 4:13) by the ruling Sanhedrin (who possessed all of the 3 C's). Even Paul, who earlier in his life had the 3 C's counted it all as excrement. (Phil 3:7-8)

I believe the most important thing I do, now that the Lord has opened the door for me to practice full time itinerant ministry, is to pray for missionaries from the church in China to go to the rest of the world to fulfill the Great Commission. God has forged the faith of these saints in a furnace of persecution that has prepared them for what they will face in the Islamic world. Sometimes I hear the criticism that the Chinese church has major doctrinal issues. Perhaps. I wonder if our incessant wrangling over secondary and tertiary issues qualifies us to make that assessment. When I look at the fruit that they produce compared to ours in North America, it's hard to overlook our irrelevance. So I continue to pray that they will complete the work.

Ability or Availability

One of the passages i have camped out in is 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, which expresses that "not many wise, not many powerful, not many of noble birth" were called into God's family. He has chosen the foolish, weak, and despised "to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (ESV) As I have had the privilege of embarking on itinerant ministry, I find the truth of that passage resonating within me more than ever. I am reminded of all the years that Moses spent out in the wilderness with the sheep. God can use long apprenticeships for slow learners like me. What a joy to have the faucet of my life opened wider so that the rivers of living water can flow out. I am convinced that God does not need our ability (He has infinite ability) but that he desires our availability. Sometimes it is something as simple and rare as listening sympathetically to someone.

Had a fruitful weekend. Arose at 5 Saturday morning, drove through fog two hours to Boston, and had breakfast with a brother named Stephen. What amazing growth I have had the joy to witness in his life over the last several years. By midmorning I was breakfasting again with five brothers from three different house groups in the Boston area. One of the things God has called me to do is build relational unity between different home churches. After a few errands had the blessing of fellowshipping with a true elder and godly brother named Tom. We had a good conversation about how to induce spiritual growth in people. He felt that teaching apologetics was an integral part of any saint's foundation. Then off to central Mass. & my long time friends John & Debra. Their wonderful hospitality reminds me of the Shunammite woman spoken of in 2 Kings 4:10 "Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there." We had true fellowship & fruitful times of prayer.
They sent me off in the morning with a delicious breakfast and more prayer to Sutton, Ma. God has blessed me with the opportunity to fellowship with these saints on a number of occasions. They have built slowly and well in the Spirit, rather than throwing up things that don't last. God has added saints to them and given them an admirable unity. Our brother Ken taught on Isaiah 30, esp. v. 15 "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, in returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." Delighted to see many of the saints in my sending church in E. Cambridge, albeit for too short a time. Then off to Medford, to a group I have just discovered. They are embarking on a momentous journey of defining themselves from scratch after six years of gathering. They are asking things like "What do we believe? What does God have for us? How do we fulfill our calling as a discipleship community?
I am excited for them because they are doing this in an atmosphere of love and respect rather than rancor and division.

I am thankful to God for the opportunity to glean from all of these, and other people, so that I can give to others that I meet in the course of my travels.

Melange

Had the opportunity to go to a Bible study with some saints in Enfield, CT last night. Some highlights were as follows:
A. Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." From my earliest days as a believer almost forty years ago I have heard this interpreted to mean that God will give us whatever we want. I have questioned this for awhile. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, isn't He the desire of our heart? I mentioned this to the group & was astonished to have them all agree that this verse wasn't saying that we could have whatever we wanted.
B. One of the primary themes of those flowing in the house church river (if you will) is the fifty or so "one another" verses found in the NT, telling us to love one another, encourage one another etc. One we don't talk about, brought up by a brother named Gary, is found in James 5:16 "Confess your sins to one another." He mentioned that we don't do this. This is an essential ingredient of true Biblical friendship/brotherhood. This verse provides a telling indicator of how deep our relationship with a person truly is. It's causing me to make a reassessment.
C. As I look forward to constant travel in the future I have had occasion to explore the idea of a GPS system for the vehicle. I'm a techno-dunce so I resisted for awhile. Then people began showing them to me & it seemed like I could use them. Then I started looking into the expense. (About $150 for a good one on the Internet) I happened to mention the subject at this Bible study with the idea of seeing whether a consensus might develop on the best brand. To my astonishment, a brother I was meeting for the second time offered to give me a practically brand new one of the brand that most people favor. I continue to be blown away by the generosity of God's people. This is a new thing for me. I am accustomed to being able to get things that I really need, but only thru hard work and frugality, or as I used to call it- perpetual austerity budget.
"Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap..." (Luke 6:38 ESV)

Big Things in the Little State

God gave me the opportunity of visiting Rhode Island yesterday. Except for driving thru on I-95, I don't think i've been there for decades. I'm glad I did. Gathered with a number of families and young adults and learned of any number of people who are exploring apostolic practice of NT church life. Our Lord continues to encourage me by showing the need for what He has called me to do. Heard a wonderful testimony about her salvation from a young woman who just graduated from college. Her enthusiasm was a joy to experience. She is preparing for a year long stint in Germany to work among university students there under the auspices of Campus Crusade. Again i was reminded that we need to put our efforts towards presenting the good news of the gospel to those who don't know him rather than attempting to pull people out of traditional churches. If the Holy Spirit wants them out, He will lead them. Let's not just shuffle the deck.

Also visited my sending church in Cambridge, MA. The hospitality of these saints is wonderful. We had as many visitors as we did regulars but no problem. Among the visitors were a couple, Ross & Trina, whom the Lord has also called into full time itinerant ministry. I warmly recommend them. God wants to raise up a number of saints who are willing to live simply in order to encourage, mentor and bless the body on a full time basis.

Biblical Friendship

For much of my life I was a classic loner. I really didn't like people; my favorite activity was reading books. Some years ago, as God captured my heart, He made it clear that He wanted me to befriend others. I had no idea how to do this. I assumed that everyone else had a handle on it that I lacked. To my astonishment I discovered that a lot of guys had trouble with this. They might converse about their work, or coffee or the NFL but anything deeper made them squirmy. There followed years of attempting to follow the Lord's heart in this area. Today i am blessed with an ever increasing number of Biblical friendships.
What does Biblical friendship look like? You need availability, which in our frenetic society means intentionally making time for it. You need trust, which takes time to develop. I think you look for those who can offer godly counsel based on their receptivity to the Holy Spirit, ongoing study and application of the Word of God, and life experience. You need not have gray hair. I had breakfast this morning with a young brother who exemplifies the humility, heart for God, ability to give godly advice and willingness to consider viewpoints with which he may not agree that provides the foundation for true Biblical friendship.
The Proverbs contain much wisdom on this subject.
A. "The sweetness of a man's friend comes from his earnest counsel." 27:9b
B. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."11:14
C. "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed." 15:22
D. "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war." 20:18
E. "By wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." 24:6
Paul exemplifies the process i'm discussing in Romans 1:11-12. "For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." I think this idea of mutual encouragement in the faith the essence of Biblical friendship and true brotherhood in Christ.

God's family (continued)

B. I believe the Holy Spirit residing (indwelling) in a person will induce him to become more like Christ. (Conformed to his image Romans 8:29 cf Genesis 1:26) This will manifest in a person desiring to pray, read the Bible, talk to others about Jesus, interacting with other believers etc.
C. Increasing obedience and practical every day yielding to Jesus as Lord. (John 14:15, 21, 23)
D. Belief in foundational doctrine. For example, many today believe that there are many ways to God (or salvation) Jesus expressly says that He is the only way to God (John 14:6) or salvation. (Acts 4:12) We either believe Him or we don't.
The above gives an overview. Sometimes we expect godly behavior from those who don't have God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, living in them. Sometimes we offer false hope to those who are not truly part of God's family by acting as if they are. Sadly the theme expressed above is blithely ignored by some who need to receive it, but becomes a source of self-condemnation for some of a introspective nature. "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20ESV)

How do we know if we are in God's family

To tackle a subject as complex and controversial as this in a short blog post probably indicates a lack of wisdom more than anything else but I believe God has put this on my heart, particularly in light of recent experiences. Romans 8:9 states "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." (ESV) How do we know whether the (Holy) Spirit indwells a person? Jesus says "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8 ESV) So we can't see the Holy Spirit within a person but we can see His effects on that person. For many years i thought that a person prayed a "salvation" prayer, believed in certain essential doctrines like the Deity of Christ, His resurrection from the dead etc. and began to interact with the Christian community. Further study has expanded my understanding of this question because I saw in my own life that I had done those things yet i remained enmeshed in sin. I was conforming externally to the "culture" around me but inside I really wasn't changed (redeemed) I wasn't examing myself to see if i was in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
My current understanding is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit manifests itself in at least the following ways.
A. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) being expressed in my life. The most important of these is love. We must receive God's love for us personally before we can truly love others. (1 John 4:19) Jesus says that to love God and our neighbor is the greatest commandment. (Mark 12:30) (I'm sorry I have run out of time & will have to continue this later)

Recurring Themes

Had a blessed day visiting the saints. In the morning I went to Waterford, Ct, spent part of an idyllic afternoon with my friends Chris & Carolyn in E. CT & visited some saints in Boxborough, MA in the evening. A long day for a middle aged geezer. Give me more. As I reflect on everything that God did I am reminded of several themes that He keeps ministering to me.
1. The absolute indispensability of genuine, deep friendships. They require availability, trust, forbearance and perseverance but they are worth everything we invest in them. Sadly, they seem much harder to gain than to lose. May I encourage you to persevere. I know many will say that it is too painful, they have made many efforts in vain. So have I. Don't give up.
2. The importance of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is the spiritual equivalent of cancer. It will eat away at your inner being the same way cancer eats away at a physical body. God forgave you and me. We need to forgive others. "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against one another, forgiving one another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Col. 3:13
3. Relational Unity: When Jesus prays in John 17: 20-23 for unity what kind of unity is He praying for? Throughout the ages the Church has said either organizational or doctrinal unity or some combination of the two. Has this worked? Have we not had incessant battles over these things? I am not opposed to either organization (of the true NT model) or apostolic doctrine yet I believe Jesus refers to something else here. He prays that we might be one as He and the Father are one. How are they one? Organizationally? In doctrine? That's not an issue for them. I think we find a clue in the continual reference to God as Father in the NT, and Jesus as the Son and us as brothers (over 200x) or sisters as the case may be. This is relational, familial language. Does God want an organization or a family? Consider the continually reiterated command to love another. We probably will never be in the same local church with one another, and it is hard to imagine that we will ever agree on every nuance of doctrine absent divine intervention yet we can love one another, receive each other as brothers or sisters, respect and care for each other. In short, we can walk as the family of God in relational unity.

Lead me to the Rock

Last night I received an invitation to go to a Independence Day barbecue at the home of Nathaniel & Eden. In the course of a great time that included praise to the King, excellent and abundant food, creative games and fellowship, we also shot off a lot of fireworks. Among those present was a two year old boy named Aaron. He had impressed me earlier in the evening with his athleticism, exploring, and all boyness. When the fireworks began most of us were standing on a back porch. As soon as they commenced he ran for the biggest person he could find (me) got behind my legs and clung to me for all he was worth. Fireworks were too much for little Aaron.
This morning as I ate breakfast the Lord reminded me of this, and of a Scripture from Psalm 61.
"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." (Ps. 61:1-3 ESV)
Do we instinctively look for the rock that is higher than we are, a strong tower, as little Aaron did? Or do we try to do things on our own strength and abilities? The Rock is Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)

An update for those of you who know that i am an aspiring novelist. I started writing fiction in what we then called junior high on an old Royal manual typewriter my mother gave me. I continued writing off and on for many years, until I became serious in following Jesus in 1991. Since that time I kept what i had written in a box. About twenty months ago I received a go ahead from the Lord to write again, something that I call evangelistic novels. To date, I have finished one to the best of my current ability, titled "Realm", and written 12 chapters of a rough draft of a second, tentatively titled "Librarium." My most recent project is transcribing a full length novel I wrote in the 80's to the computer. I do this for two reasons. One is to get added experience in revision and self editing. The other is as a gift to one of the two people who have most encouraged me in this pursuit since I know it is written in a genre that he appreciates.
Unfortunately writing and marketing/publishing are two different skill sets. I hope to use some of the transition time in Connecticut to explore getting published.

God at Work

In John 15:5 Jesus says, "Apart from me you can do nothing." I appreciate the corollary in Luke 1:37 "But nothing will be impossible with God." After a several year hiatus God blessed me with the opportunity to spend two days with our brother Doug . This man has prayed at least a hundred times over many years for me to receive the joy of the Lord. Brother, i've got it now. God has shown me repeatedly over the past weeks the importance of patience and perseverance. Doug and i hit a rough spot in our relationship and it took time to work out. "God is faithful, who has called us into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Cor. 1:9)

In the past two days I had fellowship with two brothers in separate settings. Both of these men have served the Lord Jesus with utter devotion for decades, continually giving, serving, discipling. Yet one told me that he had no close friend and the other confided that no one encouraged him. This struck me like a knife in the heart. Our relationships as brothers, or sisters is the essence of genuine Christianity. We must make ourselves available to encourage and befriend one another. Our God desires a family, not an organization. Our brotherhood in Christ is an eternal reality, not a temporary phenomenon limited to this life.

Has anyone considered the implications of Hebrews 10:34 lately? "You joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one." Having lost a four figure sum through injustice in recent days, I had occasion to recall that verse. More accurately, the Holy Spirit brought it to my remembrance. While i'm not pleased with the situation, I am very thankful to God that He brought me through it.

God continues to confirm the path of itinerant ministry to me. The recent NorthEast Regional House Church gathering in Sutton, MA produced amazing fruit. Our Lord Jesus gave me the opportunity to connect with a number of saints including some for the first time. I look forward to opportunities to visit and encourage the various groups they represent.

The generosity of the saints continues to amaze me. People , some of whom I barely know or meet for the first time, offer lodging, meals, financial resources. I am humbled by their desire to give.

Generosity of the Saints

June 24, 2009
One of the things I wrestled with prior to embarking on itinerant ministry was the reality of flushing away a viable business in which i had worked for over 27 years. Although God had blessed me with some personal savings, I did not have the funds to retire. It took a long season of wrestling with the issue of God's provision to trust that He would provide for my needs. Friday, June 19th, I hung up my heat gun. Sunday the Lord overwhelmed me with tangible demonstrations of his love for me through the saints. The small house church that sent me out, aided by brethren from our equally small west coast sister church, gave me a princely sum. None of these people have great wealth. I write this as testimony of their voluntary obedience (I didn't ask for the funds nor do I feel led to do so in the future) As Paul writes in 2 Cor. 9:12, "For the ministry of this service is not onlymeeting the needs of the saints but is overflowing in many thanksgivings to God." I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to share this testimony as i begin my travels.

Our Lord Jesus also blessed me with a phone call from our brother Ross, who with his wife Trina, has also received a calling to itinerant ministry. We shared for over an hour and discovered that God had spoken virtually identical things to both of us. We talked about the possibility of "cross-pollinating", ministering to one another's contacts to give a double dose of encouragement. Jesus had previously given me a vision of a number of saints with different gifts and ministries (1 Cor. 12:11) traveling between the different ekklesias to encourage the saints. I'm excited about the future.

Encouragement of the Saints

Fascinating how God works through technology despite my Luddite tendencies. Received a call from a brother Doug from North Carolina, whom I've not seen for over thirty years. The Internet allows us to connect in a way not possible before. We had almost two hours of good fellowship. He brought up several things from the Scripture that i hadn't considered. I look forward to spending some time with him in the future.

God also used my brother, and co-laborer in ministry, Matt Whelan to encourage me to do something I didn't want to do, and I'm thankful he did. The Lord Jesus has used Matt in many ways in my life. I recommend him highly.

Also received an encouraging phone call from a brother Steve, who told me of meeting a Korean brother. This young man is involved in a church whose people meet daily, early in the morning, for prayer. Revival comes from this.

Finally, God showed me again the power of expressing contrition and apologizing to people for what we have done. I had occasion to apologize to a young believer at the event that I hadn't wanted to attend, and witnessed the healing that God did as a result. His ways are higher than our ways. (Isa 55:9)

God showed me once again the imperative necessity of spiritual fathers and mothers. I appeal to those of my generation that are walking with Christ to make yourself available to the younger generations, many of whom do not have natural parents, let alone spiritual ones. If the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you have something to offer.