Ankle Biters

Ankle Biter: any breed of dog that has the appearance of a dog but lacks the size of a real dog. i.e "dogs" that have a 5 year old girl screech instead of a bark and "must" have real meat from the freezer of a human being or "will die" from starvation.

Moments of Reflection

I was working on the format of this page today. While looking through pictures to put here i was refreshed by the breeze of the Amazon river once again. I was blessed to be able to travel their with several others from my home town church for a construction project. While we were there we experienced God in many ways many times throughout the day. From hospitality, language barriers, crowded street malls, pizza with capers and mayo, to walking in on the prayer time of a group of young adults wailing before The LORD. Fervency is something that we need in the church today. We have a lot of people who talk (a lot) about all that it should be and could be. Where are the people that are doing it? I am pleased to say that the number is growing each and every day. The realities of The Kingdom are being expressed in the hearts of those who truly hunger for the things of God. I'm talking about a hunger that hurts and forces one to their knees in intercession and dedication. Ones who will take the Kingdom of God by force and violence as the word tells us.

While on a boat lazily moving through the dark piranha infested waters of the Amazon all of these thoughts came rushing in. Even amidst propped up feet and cool water in my hands to drink. What was it about that place? Isolation with God.

We all need it. Time alone. With Him. Take that time today and be refreshed while you allow Him to pull up a chair next to you and talk about all the things He has for you to dream about and see come to pass in your life.

The many ways of Royalty

In regards to a welcome comment on my last post entitled " He still does it...?" What king and his family would be note worthy in history if they were not out for the betterment of their land as well as the far reaches of their influence? It frustrates me to think that in the eyes of some staying within the walls of their fortified city passing out bread and alms to their poor relatives is the depths and reach of their kingdom. What a sad reality that must be. Is it not the desire of a powerful king to expand the kingdom as far and properly as his time will allow? The prophesy in Isaiah about Christ and His kingdom tells me that to the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. How dare me to sit comfortably (and not all comfort is bad by the way) and count paper-clips while there is a world around me that doesn't just need "changed and reformed" but needs Christ at its core. That in and of it self does the transformation. I would deem all work on my part unguided by the Holy Spirit as wasted time and efforts to grow something out of personal vendetta or religious duty rather than from a living breathing dynamic relationship that involves dialog with The One to whom I belong and love. For instance; I have had the privilege over the last several weeks to watch a young man be transformed by the power and presence of my Mighty God. Not because of some sermon on world reform, but because of taking the place that God has placed me in seriously to impact the life of one lost in the routine of running, and set before him the realities of Kingdom Living. It was not my words but rather The Spirit of The Living God that pierced His heart and confirmed the reality he already knew within himself. This my friends is what will transform our societies. And leave us in a place of perfect peace.

He still does it...?

For those of you who are struggling to find your place in "The Kingdom" may i offer a place of entry for you? I love the fact that i struggled with and still do to a small point of the poverty stricken mind set of some (not all) Christians. No this is not about money, it is about knowing who we are in Christ. Has it passed us by the fact that in Christ we are children of God; and being that He is The King of Kings would that not make us princes and princesses in His Kingdom? And therefore Royalty. In my heart and Soul knowing this reality what is my objective, purpose, ability as royalty to influence or rather change the world around me to reflect the prayer of Christ, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth just as it is in Heaven." Does this not go beyond social justice and global reform and into very core of who we are as His children?

Life in a known world

Recently my wife and I moved our family to a far away land to follow the voice of God. We got here with great anticipation of what was to come and dont get me wrong there is still great anticipation. We have had a time adjusting to the new setting of rural Ohio over our roots of citified living with its fancy wal-marts and CVS drug stores on every corner. Here we have come to appreciate the simple all while more fully embracing our roots. No not the stores and high pased life, but the solidity we have in Christ to know that He is the same God who ministers to the fancy folk as well as the simple. In this blog you will hear and hopefully dialogue with me about the ministry The LORD has given to us and deemed us responsible enough or should I say trustworthy enough to be a part of.

To all of you in blogger world... Welcome to "Random thoughts on Reality."