There was a ditch

There was a Ditch.

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There was a ditch. It was my canyon. I did not own it. But it was mine and ours. It was surrounded by devil walking sticks and wild roots. When we covered it with a board a bunker it became. When we jumped over it we landed in a foreign land. When we were chased by ghosts of wild creatures we knew we were in a protected land. We had wild beasts, electric fortress and gazing castle keepers. The path for our land was hidden from the outside world. The endless summer seems years ago. I remember when the land was cleared and the house was built. I miss that ditch. I wonder what happened to the devil walking sticks. I have yet to see a devil walking stick in 22 years. The memories and scars of battles remain. One day when I dig a ditch for my child I'm sure they are going to look at me and wonder. Why did dad dig a ditch for me? And then I will tell them the story of the fortress and gazing creatures, of the devil walking sticks and canyon jumping. Of the flying twins, and the jiffy trail. As I drive by the land today the whispers of the wild remain and they welcome me home.

A call to be set apart.

Mark chapter 9 came to mind this morning.

Our church is in an infant stage of a revolution I believe. We have been here before, but in the past it fizzles out. We are on the verge I believe through God in bringing new souls into the kingdom. For this to happen Old ways have to change. We can not be afraid of having the "Samaritans" of the world with us. If you notice most of our growth has been transfer growth. We need new growth. We need to bring new souls into Gods kingdom. When we reach (By the Holy Sprit) (Through the Father) John Non Believer we are fulfilling Gods commission.

So, what will it take to go into the next level? I believe the key is Sacrifice. I'm terrible at it. I want things my way. So this leading is personal. I am preaching to myself. I do believe there is a lesson for the greater good. It has been some time since the idea of a fast has come to mind . But I do now believe it has come again. Last night while driving to the church board meeting I had a moment. I was looking at the pine trees on the side of HWY 67. The verse "even the rocks cry out" came to mind. I imagined the trees lifting their limbs to praise God. They were reaching to heaven calling out Holy Holy Holy. They are reaching to heaven in Awe.

We need to do the same.

Mark 9:23

Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."

29 So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."

It is on my spirit to pray and seek guidance for a fast / setting apart "consecration" of myself and of the church. I felt led to share this with you. I hope it speaks to you.

Peace

JasonM.

Sanctuary

There is a small church on HWY 17 between Brunswick and Darien. It is a sanctuary

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There was a Chapel on the ABAC Campus. It is a sanctuary

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There is a ride share on hwy 280 near the interstate. It is a sancturary

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The island behind my parents house, bird pond, Oliver WMA, The benches next to the lake on campus. Theese are sanctuaries.

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Find an area to walk in. A secluded path is preferred. Unplug yourself. Walk for an undetermined timne

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We all need a sanctuary. A place to seperate ourself too and let our mind and spirit take a deep breath in. Sometimes daily, weekly, monthly I go to theese places and unplug. I sit, watch but more importantly listen. I listen to myself, and to the voice of the creator.

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Sometimes if for a moment or a day. Whenever life gets hectic i go to the sanctuary. I would enourage you to do also.

Notes from the old me

When I first experienced the Reckless Raging fury that they call the love of God. I was a junior / senior in high school. I knew all the church for a lifetime but I did not have an emotional connection with the lord. I had been on mission trips, church choir, Sunday school. People thought i was a great believer. I had Jesus tattooed on my face (not really) but I did play a good game.

The transformation happened and the cleanup began. I was led astray by some and developed some bad spiritual habits. But it was part of the journey. The following are exerts from my earliest journal.

Victorious Living: Written on the front.

"The devil accuses us as I was. But we are I Am's !

"Love my Dad" - During this time I had a lot of problems with my dad. 2 years later the lord broke my pride and this pride. This phrase became more true. This is for another story and time

"The Heart that hasn't been tested is the heart that can't be trusted."

"I don't see it as very Spirt Led , "Need holiness" -comments on a church I visited. Part of the cleanup process and going astray was a false sense of my extra spiritual mind.

"Preaching by sinners, God reaches sinners through sinners" -I like this To preach you've got to Keep it real.

"In the process of being refined"

"Shut up brain" -The mind isn't Bad. But I used to think every voice again'st god and God was bad. Now I have learned how to deal with dissenting voices.

My early journals are full of know it all statements. They are full of false teachings of "do this and get that" (prosperity) Gospel. There isn't much grace. If I would have met my old Self I would have kicked him in the butt and he would have called me the Devil for persecuting him.

I'm Still being refined. I knew back then there was something greater than me I needed. I was looking for it. Like the song Looking for love in all the wrong places. I looked for God in a lot of weird places. He was there with me. I thank him daily for not giving up on me.

History in the making

Job 8:8 KJV. For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

I learned today that my great grandmother "granny mcnicoll" Held church in her house and sold various things including popcorn balls to help build the new church in town.

We will be dedicating Emmaline to the church just as Jesus was dedicated to the temple. I hope for she to understand she is part of a history of faith.

I like to think we are history in the making. We don't realize whats going on it seems until it has passed.

Jesus had a family and forefathers. Its important to remember where we've come from and where we are going.

Day Two

Part of the problem with church. Majority have forgotten the Lordship of Jesus. We want to follow Jesus and keep our Jumbo Buffet of a life. That doesn't work.

Bob Briner said don't present a problem without presenting a solution

The solution

Bring Back the Following words that have become out of fashion: Holiness, Sanctification, City on a Hill, In the World but not of the World, Living Sacrifice, Law, Do the Right thing. And Be Like Jesus.

Teachers need to teach that Jesus wants to transform us. Students need to listen and begin the transformation process. Lent is a good time for this. I"m far from holy, perfect, sanctified. But I want to be. I want people to look at me and wonder how what why I'm better than I should be.

This is for God's Glory not mine. My definition of sanctification the other day was. God taking something in your life and turning it into something good for God.

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:13-16

In other thoughts I have a hecka caffeine headache.

Day One

Yesterday became Day one of Lent. Ash Wednesday. The day for me although working was devoted to prayer, and thinking about sacrifice.

You are the mighty one

Elohim

I'm going to try and blog more as we go.

to be frank: a message about Frank and Albert

Ok world here we go. This is my opinion about "Don't ask don't tell"

If Frank and Albert want to join the military and kill people than they should be able to.  Is it worse them being gay in the military or killing innocent people?

 

The Military has killed innocent people under the "cost of war" countless times.  There is nothing smart about a bomb. 

 

Therefore it is my logic that a "moral" code of not allowing open homosexuals in the military (an immoral organization) is that you can not morally regulate the immoral.  I've never been in the military, I generally think the military is wrong.

 

What I do care about is this.  I have a friend who is gay, he has lived with his partner for many years. If we are supposed to love everyone we should not discriminate against those because of who they choose to love.   Who said that? Jesus.  

 

I'd rather be friends with an honest gay man than a backstabbing christian. And honestly I've met a lot more Pharisees in 2010 than evil gay people.

 

 

what if i stumble when the building crumbles

What if i stumble when the building crumbles, when the road calls up yonder I'll be there.

Psalm 13. Is the unsure verse. Its for the weak, or as Brennan manning used to say the ragamuffins. I appreciate the humanity of it. Its for those of us who do not have everything together. If you know me, you know I don't have everything together. Later times are better. but most of my Christian walk I have said over and over

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

David was unsure. I am unsure. One line David says "how long o lord will you forget me?" How can God's king, a man after God's own heart, the chosen one for the promised people, feel that the Lord has forgotten him? People, especially those who have seen or heard from God seem to have a stronger longing for the lord. We know what is there but our sin, and humanity separates us from God. Our self wants for the lord.

When things look the bleakest. The refrain is set.

I will sing the LORD’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

Its not a sin to ask Where are you God, or what am I doing. I think God wants us to do that. But he also wants us to have faith in the greater cause. The ending. The fact that God is there for us. and he has been good to us.

trust in your unfailing love". It shows that we don't have to have it all together and be perfect in our faith. If stuff is falling apart, Let it crumble, and when its in ruins, Rebuild. It takes a building to be demolished to be rebuilt.

I heart popcorn
JasonM

The message of the Lords Prayer pt 3

You're in charge!

You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.

The Message

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.

KJV

The conclusion of the Lords prayer is an acknowledgement of the Authority of God. Jesus did not have to proclaim the authority of God. He never said I am in charge. He said God is in charge. The greatest commandment is to Love others. All else falls under Love. A definition of ablaze is brightly illuminated. Everything about God is good. Yes. Its like Jesus is saying Agree! Agree! Agree! Amen is a word of agreement. Next time somebody says or does something good say Amen.

One definition of the word Amen is So be it. I think the most important thing about this prayer is that right before it was spoken Jesus said God knows what you need before you ask him. Prayer is a conversation. It is possible the people who heard this had never prayed before. Their God was not personable. They were afraid to even say his name. Jesus shows us we have a God who is in reach for ever Amen.

No time to Wait

 How long O Lord?

Will you forget me forever?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts?

Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in Death

But I will trust in your love.  My heart rejoices in your salvation.

     From Psalm 13

 

I like the word "Now" a lot more than the words "Not Yet".   My wife, and I have been waiting for something that seems out of reach.  To have a child.  As the time of waiting comes closer to a conclusion we will either had a really good answer or the answer that we do not desire.   I do feel like this time of waiting has brought H and Me to a stronger faith in the lord.   It has also helped me become more of a spiritual leader.  Waiting causes you to lean on the Lord.   His clock has it on rhythm.  I do feel like King David. Give me light or I will die / I will trust in your love. One side of the heart says I cannot take it anymore and the other side says I will praise your name O God. Some would have ran away by now. Trust me the old me sometimes wants to run into the woods and never return. God does not want me to be a cave dweller. My life is to be in the world, not hiding from the world. Some would have given up by now. H's desire has increased mine. Quitting is not an option.  H has wanted this for a very long time. Its less of a want and more like a longing. It's as if her being is in part until she has this. The closer it gets the more I want it. So we do not run away, we press on and will finish well. The glory of the lord will be revealed through this. Faith is trusting the "Not Yet" and knowing that God has a "Now" in his plan.

 

The Message of the Lords Prayer pt 2

Keep is Alive with 3 Square meals

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving ourselves

Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.

 

 

Most of us love to go out to eat. Food is a pleasure and a basic need. Not all have this luxury.   925 million people in the world do not have enough to eat.  This is more than the U.S. population.  65% of the worlds hungry live in 7 countries:   India, China, Congo, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Ethiopia.  1 in 4 Children in developing countries are underweight. 

This section of the prayer is asking God to provide for us. God is here to provide for our most basic needs.

Which is worse? Murder or Outbursts of Anger? Galatians 5:19 says that both of these are works of the flesh and those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. All of us have sinned. We need God's forgiveness.

We are are own worst enemy. The only person who can keep you from God is You.

There are 2 things to know about the devil. 1. God is in control of the devil. 2. His power is allowed.

The more influence you give him the more he has. Personally I'd rather not waste my time on the devil. I have more important things to think about.

The message of Lords Prayer 1.

Last week marked the start of Christmas Play Practice. Heather is the director. Its called Nativity Idol. The New devotion series is based on the 3 parts of the Lords Prayer from The Message Bible.

2 Inspirations for this are 1. Derek webb's new record feedback, 2 The Lords Prayer by Shane and Shane on their work Everything is different.


The Lords Prayer – The Message
Our Father in heaven
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.


Our is the most important word in this Verse. Jesus came to bring us a Living God. Not a Golden cow Our God is reachable. Jesus asked God to reveal him to us. We are funy, Creative, smart, cool creatures. God is the same. When we look at ourselves we see images of God. There are many problems in the world today. Jesus came to become God to us. God wants the world to be right. Jesus came to bring Heaven to earth.

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.. (which means “God with us”)

We live in a divided land.

We live in a divided land.

In 2010 I can not see how there are still racists in the world today. You would think the church would be different. Spencer used to say Sunday 11am is the most segregated hour in America. So this is my story and why I am not racist.

I don't remember many times where my parents showed me negative actions towards those of other races. One time in elementary school I got in trouble for saying something racist. Ended up getting in a tussle over it. I remember my mom's disappointment in me after hearing what I said. My grandfather fraught to bring integration to south Georgia in the 50's. My my other grandparents housed boarders. So I have a family history of being accepting of others. But also the cone forefathers in Bulloch owned slaves. I had others in my line fight for the Confederacy.

During high school I was basically paranoid of other races. I was worried what they would do or say. I didn't really have any non white friends. At my 1^st school there were very few non whites there. It was pretty segregated.

FLAC helped me find a heart for people. It helped me take the idea of respecting everybody everybody, and grow it to love people. I also changed when I came to Statesboro. I met my my Turkish friends Y and K. They thought me that Muslims in America are generally very smart and friendly. I enjoy today talking to immigrants and people from other countries.

I who was one of the biggest influences in my life as a christian was of mixed race. I think a lot of people are racist because they lack exposure. Going to spirit and truth church was the 1^st time I felt love from a black person because we were both brothers in Christ. Every time D gave me a hug I felt like he was going to squeeze me to death. We were an odd pair. He was tall, and big. I was short. But we have great conversations. I do think he was placed in my life to Show me something. Which he did. There was L. He helped me see that being "Illegal" didn't really matter He was a Mexican who's parents came here for a better life. There have been more recently. C, M and J.

When it comes down to it. There are good people and bad people. In 2010 I don't have time to not see the best in somebody because they are different. This is an old story even in the church we are segregated

Moses married an Ethiopian woman.

Numbers 12:1

And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married.

How I became less racist

Help people who are different because they are human beings

Find people who you connect with who are different and break bread with them. You learn more about somebody when you eat with them

Don't let the cycle of racism continue. Try not to talk bad about people or generalize about races

Love people because God loved you.

Breaking the Rurals

Transforming Church in Rural America

By Shannon O’Dell
Published by New Leaf

Shannon O'dell went from a mainstream modern church to a rural church in Arkansas. This books follows his journey from his decision making process to the way he brought this new church to a multi campus international congregation. This book was a very good inspiration. It shared a lot about his journey. It also presented a lot of tangible things we can use to improve the Church.

The chapters flowed easily. It was easy to read. I really liked the part about how we are supposed to get rid of our golden idols. Shannon's method is unique. His foundation is biblical. He gave a lot of ministry tips and resources. If you are looking for a book to give you some ideas for your church, or a book to encourage you as a leader than this is it. I would also recommend this for any pastor. I liked his v.a.l.u.e. ideas.

Vision, Attitude, Leadership, Understanding, and Excellence.

His best quote, which goes throughout the book is that small big does not mean great. Weather we are small or large. God wants us to be excellent.

This book was both theologically challenging and entertaining.

This books inspired me to be a better leader. I would recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Welcome Latvia

Somebody visited me from Latvia. Welcome!

Fair yesterday
Heather birthday tomorrow
Revival and homecoming this week

Busy week

The trees raise their limbs to praise the most high God

PC & PJ Visionaries

I have been to a lot of churches. Simply Put. Preached to, at, around, and ignored. I've been put to sleep, encouraged, made so mad I walked out, deceived, and taught a lot of valuable lessons. The only constant factor in my church journey is me.

I've had 2 pastors. (shepherds).

Both of these are Visionaries. I met Both Pastor Chris - Family Life Church and Pastor Johnson- Spirit and Truth Worship Center because of friends. Evangelism is most effective when you bring somebody to church with you. I was there for a season, and now I am in a new place. My faith has a stronger foundation because of their vision.

So what does it take to be a visionary pastor?  Where do I go from here.

Love your congregation.

Be there for them. If they resist, require scheduled meetings for all servant leaders. Have times avail for counseling. Do stuff with your church outside of Church.  Each of my visionaries made time for me and had leaders around them who did the same.  Each of my pastors let their ministers minister to others. They both put the rule down and were in charge but also allowed those under them to lead.

A Visionary is an out of the box person

When I met Pastor Chris at Family Life, I wasn't sure what to think. FLAC had more TV's in their church than I had in my house. He exemplified the phrase be Odd For God.

They worshiped in downtown Brunswick, this was before downtown was as cool as it now, it was half empty in those days. They were in an old store. They had a blue bus, they went to the housing projects weekly, and had a multi-ethnic soul saving congregation. Normal Churches do not love people. They love their status. FLAC / Spirit and Truth love people because the visionaries lead them to.

 

Welcome to the Family was their mantra. We had addicts, mental health patients, poor people, rich people.   We had people who knew Jesus well and those were were not even introduced to him yet.

Pastor Paul started Radicals in Christ bible study on the Georgia southern campus. Then they transformed to spirit and truth worship center. Pastor Paul's Vision of God was an endless God. We had people get cars, houses, jobs. Lives were transformed, God was revealed as being much much bigger than we thought.  He led everyday joes into becoming disciples. He led us into believing that we served a transforming God who could take anything and make it grand.

A Visionary knows where they are going

Ask PC or PJ, where are you going in your ministry. I am confident that they would give many many answers. A visionary pastor observes everything he can. He lets people lead, helps the wandering believers, and looks for new people to join the fold.

 

Where do I go from here.

It is my turn to set forth vision. Me and Heather have about 10 youth every Wednesday.  Thats the good part.  We have had basically the same numbers for 3 years. We need a fresh vision on where to take it. We are part of a church that lacks a strong vision. My friend Doug who is a pastor said. I need to support my Pastor. Pastor Jim has been there for almost 3 years. I am a church member, deacon, so until the lord calls me somewhere else or home he is my guy. All I can do is take what I've learned and use it. As we used to say "You Caan Doo It"

Shannon O'Dell said to find something I can do for for Pastor Jim and do it for him. Basically Serve the leader.

I was was willing to do anything for Pastor Chis or Pastor Johnson. If I am a believer I need to believe that God wants me to have the same attitude with pastor Jim.

When young Jews were schooled they hoped to be under the authority of a Rabbi. That was one of their greatest desires. But as time went by you either continued under the rabbi by his choice, or went home to work. Only the select few were chosen to be taught directly by the rabbi.

 

Jesus wasn't. He went home to work. Neither were the disciples. They wanted a Rabbi. When Jesus started his ministry his followers called him Rabbi. So, he was both devine, and as a rabbi in their eyes he was also the authority of God to them. Pastor Jim was either appointed by God or our church is a lie. Those are the 2 options. Wise men decided he was the right minister for us. Men who I respect. So If I deny the authority of Pastor Jim I am also denying the authority of God. The more obedient I am to God the more obedient I will be to the Visionary in my life today.

Pastor Jim visited the hospital during Heather's Surgery last month: A visionary loves their congregation

Visionaries inspire Followers to come closer to God. The Vision is Emanuel. God With Us!

 

E-mail test one

Email Blog Test 1

 

Can you Hear Me Major Tom?

 

JMC