Those of you who have read my blog for awhile know that i am a graduate of Techno Dunce University. I have tried to post a blog entry all this week. Last wednesday I met with John & Bruce, two brothers with strategic vision, who are catalytic for this area & the world. It was a privilege to connect them together, the beginning of what I trust will be a fruitful relationship for the Kingdom of God. On Friday I got together with my friend Josh. God is preparing him for abundant fruitfulness in Him. I thank God for our relationship as he & his wife prepare to go to Asia for three weeks.
Most of this last week has been spent in preparing for M. T.'s wedding, culminating in our celebrating on Saturday. I had no idea how much work this would involve, including memorizing the wedding ceremony & reciting it about seventy times beforehand. But God was glorified as we prayed together, gave a brief message about His perspective on marriage, and celebrated with Him.
As I have said numerous times 99% of our time, money and energy goes into a ceremony and a reception, that while unique, will only last a few hours. Virtually no time, money or energy goes into preparing people to live for a lifetime in a God honoring way. Just about anyone can speak vows and plan a party. Far too few come to the end of their time on earth married to the same person, and having fulfilled the Ephesians 5 desire to have their relationship reflect that between Christ and the church.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Equipping Teams
The Lord has given me a vision for small teams of people, with various giftings, traveling at least regionally to encourage the saints.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Trigger words etc.
As I continue to interact with people, it seems that we all have "trigger words," ones that set off an adverse reaction in us, usually because of some experience in our past. The problem is that most of these are not readily apparent to the uninitiated speaker using the particular word. If only two people are interacting it seems much more feasible to work through these communication roadblocks; the greater the number the more difficult.
Traditions are another problematic area. When we do things over an extended period of time (generations, centuries) it is almost inevitable that we forget why we do them. Traditions will persist for a time after the reason is lost, eventually they come crashing down. Sadly, oftentimes the original reason that sparked the tradition is a good one.
Today, as i took my walk, I fell in with a man trekking in the same direction. I regret to say that my normal response would be to say hi & good-bye & continue on my way. (My exercising is more important than conversing with him) Today, by the grace of God, I adjusted to his pace, listened to him discourse on woodworking, civic responsibility, and the problems of the woman with whom he lives. As a result I now know his name, his residential & business locations, and can pray for and follow up on him with the hope of introducing him to Christ. We need to see people as the reason why God keeps us here, rather than as interruptions to our plans. I think of the analogy of a retail store whose employees are so busy stocking etc. that they don't respond to customer inquiries.
Traditions are another problematic area. When we do things over an extended period of time (generations, centuries) it is almost inevitable that we forget why we do them. Traditions will persist for a time after the reason is lost, eventually they come crashing down. Sadly, oftentimes the original reason that sparked the tradition is a good one.
Today, as i took my walk, I fell in with a man trekking in the same direction. I regret to say that my normal response would be to say hi & good-bye & continue on my way. (My exercising is more important than conversing with him) Today, by the grace of God, I adjusted to his pace, listened to him discourse on woodworking, civic responsibility, and the problems of the woman with whom he lives. As a result I now know his name, his residential & business locations, and can pray for and follow up on him with the hope of introducing him to Christ. We need to see people as the reason why God keeps us here, rather than as interruptions to our plans. I think of the analogy of a retail store whose employees are so busy stocking etc. that they don't respond to customer inquiries.
Two for One
I have been quite dilatory in posting so will give two for one, the first, more of an itinerary of people visited; the second a few thoughts on themes/questions that have arisen.
On Sunday, August 8th, had the privilege of visiting a group in S. Hadley, an offshoot of a group in Conn. I'm thankful for Wayne & Charlene's faithfulness over many years. Am praying for their group's outreach to the college campus next door. One young couple comes from Pittsfield, where I grew up.
On Wednesday evening had the privilege of dinner at the home of Steve & Donna, a couple I am getting to know. Donna worked very hard to prepare a delicious meal & Steve educated me on the theme of storm chasing. We discussed and prayed for their outreach to people in a housing project in the Worchester area. She has a gift in inspiring worship, and he has a rare serenity exuding from his spirit.
On Thursday visited Ben & Jill & their infant daughter April. Ben has a number of gifts & interests. Am thankful for our time together. That evening met with the support/accountability group- prayed and counseled together. Friday evening had dinner, fellowship & prayer with John, Danielle & their family. What a precious couple in God's sight. John displayed a rare responsiveness that gives me great encouragement for his walk with Christ in the future. We talked over many things, including outreach to his neighbors, with whom he enjoys good relationship.
Saturday spent much of the day driving to & back from the Cape, where we rehearsed M. T. & C's upcoming wedding, a beach affair, which requires me to project much more loudly than I am accustomed to doing. We worked through everything, pausing to ask God's help & grace at one point. Looking forward to celebrating with God on what He has done in bringing them together.
Finally on Sunday, did a doubleheader, visiting with a group in NH in the morning, and with my home HC in E. Cambridge in the evening. I had fellowshipped with the NH group for a full year, some years ago, and it was a particular pleasure to do so again. Kids are growing up, teenagers are becoming young adults, and God is sparking more of an outward focus. Our brother Ross visited as well- a pleasure to see & have interaction with him. Am very encouraged by Kent, Rick & Larissa.
Delighted to worship with the saints in E. Cambridge again. God is faithful & I am delighted that they have thrived in my absence. Thanked them for sending me out, which enabled me to bear fruit in the Kingdom.
On Sunday, August 8th, had the privilege of visiting a group in S. Hadley, an offshoot of a group in Conn. I'm thankful for Wayne & Charlene's faithfulness over many years. Am praying for their group's outreach to the college campus next door. One young couple comes from Pittsfield, where I grew up.
On Wednesday evening had the privilege of dinner at the home of Steve & Donna, a couple I am getting to know. Donna worked very hard to prepare a delicious meal & Steve educated me on the theme of storm chasing. We discussed and prayed for their outreach to people in a housing project in the Worchester area. She has a gift in inspiring worship, and he has a rare serenity exuding from his spirit.
On Thursday visited Ben & Jill & their infant daughter April. Ben has a number of gifts & interests. Am thankful for our time together. That evening met with the support/accountability group- prayed and counseled together. Friday evening had dinner, fellowship & prayer with John, Danielle & their family. What a precious couple in God's sight. John displayed a rare responsiveness that gives me great encouragement for his walk with Christ in the future. We talked over many things, including outreach to his neighbors, with whom he enjoys good relationship.
Saturday spent much of the day driving to & back from the Cape, where we rehearsed M. T. & C's upcoming wedding, a beach affair, which requires me to project much more loudly than I am accustomed to doing. We worked through everything, pausing to ask God's help & grace at one point. Looking forward to celebrating with God on what He has done in bringing them together.
Finally on Sunday, did a doubleheader, visiting with a group in NH in the morning, and with my home HC in E. Cambridge in the evening. I had fellowshipped with the NH group for a full year, some years ago, and it was a particular pleasure to do so again. Kids are growing up, teenagers are becoming young adults, and God is sparking more of an outward focus. Our brother Ross visited as well- a pleasure to see & have interaction with him. Am very encouraged by Kent, Rick & Larissa.
Delighted to worship with the saints in E. Cambridge again. God is faithful & I am delighted that they have thrived in my absence. Thanked them for sending me out, which enabled me to bear fruit in the Kingdom.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Honor
dear saints,
this past week has gone by in a blur. I'm e-mailing, editing, visiting & trying to encourage the saints. Wednesday had me getting up at 5:40, to drive to Cambridge by eight, to meet with my brother Gary. Discussed the continually controversial question of the belief that many Christians have in restricting participation in the Lord's Supper (communion) to baptized believers. In a nutshell, I find no Biblical evidence to support that view point. Then off to have lunch & fellowship with Chris from Quincy. I hope to visit this group soon. Met up with my potential Timothy, a brother named Josh in mid afternoon. We will see what develops as he & his wife pray about an intentional leadership mentoring season. Then off in late afternoon to send out our brother Anthony to the D. R. A number of us gathered together to pray for him. Finally that evening got together with M. T. & C. Rex to work on wedding prep & to discuss Biblical financial principles.
Thursday met with our brother John to explore direction for an incipient regional leaders group that has met twice thus far. I am praying that God will raise up a regional itinerant team to minister to the house churches in New England.
I had not previously studied the theme of honor Biblically. While I knew it lodged in the Scripture I had no idea of the theme's prevalence. The "honor" word group is mentioned almost two hundred times, Old and New Testaments, including eight different places in which children are told to honor their parents. ( I think this is life long, in contrast to obeying parents, which I interpret as ceasing at adulthood.) Romans 12:10b "In honor giving preference to one another."
this past week has gone by in a blur. I'm e-mailing, editing, visiting & trying to encourage the saints. Wednesday had me getting up at 5:40, to drive to Cambridge by eight, to meet with my brother Gary. Discussed the continually controversial question of the belief that many Christians have in restricting participation in the Lord's Supper (communion) to baptized believers. In a nutshell, I find no Biblical evidence to support that view point. Then off to have lunch & fellowship with Chris from Quincy. I hope to visit this group soon. Met up with my potential Timothy, a brother named Josh in mid afternoon. We will see what develops as he & his wife pray about an intentional leadership mentoring season. Then off in late afternoon to send out our brother Anthony to the D. R. A number of us gathered together to pray for him. Finally that evening got together with M. T. & C. Rex to work on wedding prep & to discuss Biblical financial principles.
Thursday met with our brother John to explore direction for an incipient regional leaders group that has met twice thus far. I am praying that God will raise up a regional itinerant team to minister to the house churches in New England.
I had not previously studied the theme of honor Biblically. While I knew it lodged in the Scripture I had no idea of the theme's prevalence. The "honor" word group is mentioned almost two hundred times, Old and New Testaments, including eight different places in which children are told to honor their parents. ( I think this is life long, in contrast to obeying parents, which I interpret as ceasing at adulthood.) Romans 12:10b "In honor giving preference to one another."
Monday, August 2, 2010
Body of Christ
Saturday celebrated the wedding of Jose & Ashley, a young couple from the E. Cambridge house church. How the Body of Christ needs the example of godly married couples who persevere, by the grace of God, to the ends of their days in God honoring relationship. So many people contributed their various gifts and talents for free to bless the newlyweds. Musicians, cooks, a sound engineer, videographer, and a clean-up crew of at least twenty who worked for hours taking everything down and restoring the church to its original condition. Along the way the Holy Spirit ministered to many.
On Sunday went to the Sutton house church. They've grown since my last visit but retain their relaxed living room atmosphere. Spoke a little about my travels and the recurring themes. Although this group does not have a musician to facilitate worship they don't let that bother him but praise God in song anyway. I thank Ken & Anne for their ongoing hospitality.
Sunday evening saw me in Bolton, Ma fellowshipping with a group of young brethren. More nice hospitality & a fascinating skit in which our brother Ben played a reporter from the "Roman Times," and our brother Matt B portrayed a Pharisee based on the traditions of men passage in Mark 7 and the authority question in Mark 11.
Today I was blessed again with fellowship, prayer, and a walk with our brother Steve. He and his wife Donna have ministered in the Worchester projects for several years and are seeing good fruit. I look forward with great anticipation to what God will do with them in the future.
On Sunday went to the Sutton house church. They've grown since my last visit but retain their relaxed living room atmosphere. Spoke a little about my travels and the recurring themes. Although this group does not have a musician to facilitate worship they don't let that bother him but praise God in song anyway. I thank Ken & Anne for their ongoing hospitality.
Sunday evening saw me in Bolton, Ma fellowshipping with a group of young brethren. More nice hospitality & a fascinating skit in which our brother Ben played a reporter from the "Roman Times," and our brother Matt B portrayed a Pharisee based on the traditions of men passage in Mark 7 and the authority question in Mark 11.
Today I was blessed again with fellowship, prayer, and a walk with our brother Steve. He and his wife Donna have ministered in the Worchester projects for several years and are seeing good fruit. I look forward with great anticipation to what God will do with them in the future.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Kingdom Building
One of the building blocks in the kingdom of God involves developing trust and relationship between individuals and groups. This past Tuesday participated in a meeting of house church leaders from different parts of New England, discussing characteristics of a godly leader, and vision for the various groups represented. We also spent time in prayer.
On wednesday met with Matt W & Josh from the E.Cambridge HC. We prayed together and I gave them a sense of what I believe God's marching orders are for me -to spend far more time with those who don't know Christ, praying for a man of peace (Luke 10)to begin a new ekklesia. As I review the past ten years pursuing the apostolic tradition model of N. T. patterns, and the past year visiting thirty different house churches throughout the U. S., and the reality that, except for one, they are not growing via new converts, I needed to reassess, and go back to God in prayer.
This does not mean i plan to abandon the friends God has given me, or stop visiting house churches to encourage them. It does mean a different time/energy allocation for those things. Wednesday evening had dinner with our brother Bill. Thursday had lunch with Steve, a new friend, one whose fellowship, as my brother John mentioned, is addicting. I look forward to praying with Steve again soon.
On Friday met with our brother Jason for lunch and our sister Judith after wards. Both are experiencing their youthful ideals and hopes pressured by the realities of the world we live in. May we all trust God- that He sees everything, cares immensely, is still on the throne, and will work out everything for His own purposes, to the praise of His glory.
On wednesday met with Matt W & Josh from the E.Cambridge HC. We prayed together and I gave them a sense of what I believe God's marching orders are for me -to spend far more time with those who don't know Christ, praying for a man of peace (Luke 10)to begin a new ekklesia. As I review the past ten years pursuing the apostolic tradition model of N. T. patterns, and the past year visiting thirty different house churches throughout the U. S., and the reality that, except for one, they are not growing via new converts, I needed to reassess, and go back to God in prayer.
This does not mean i plan to abandon the friends God has given me, or stop visiting house churches to encourage them. It does mean a different time/energy allocation for those things. Wednesday evening had dinner with our brother Bill. Thursday had lunch with Steve, a new friend, one whose fellowship, as my brother John mentioned, is addicting. I look forward to praying with Steve again soon.
On Friday met with our brother Jason for lunch and our sister Judith after wards. Both are experiencing their youthful ideals and hopes pressured by the realities of the world we live in. May we all trust God- that He sees everything, cares immensely, is still on the throne, and will work out everything for His own purposes, to the praise of His glory.
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