2010: My.... what a year it's been. It's been a year where there have been alot of questions, alot of seeking direction, alot of finding direction, alot of facing the fears in the midst of that direction and taking the next step in the journey.
Not alot of health issues this year thankfully.
I am so thankful to know what God's voice sounds like and to be brave enough to take a step even though the step seems so insurmountable and frightening. I don't regret it. If one never takes a step, one remains where they were. I want to move forward to the next phase of life.
So, what does 2011 have in store? I really believe it is a year where God's Sheep need to really know His Voice and to believe and follow. I really believe it is a time to prepare our hearts and minds and souls for the next step of the journey.
Don't despise where you have been because you could never be where you are today had it not been for where you have been.
Take a hold of His Hand. Let Him take the first step and stay in line with Him.
Love God.
Love People.
Love yourself.
Allow yourself to meet new people.
The end of the year has brought on a new thing for me in the line of work. I am thankful for it. I pray for favor in the midst of it.
Love life.
Love conquers all.
Many blessings to all who read this and Happy New Year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
God, Life, and New Testament Thinking
God doesn't want to be just a part of your life......He wants to BE your Life.
I find this to be a vital statement. I look back on my life and realize just how much He has been my life. He wasn't just a part of what I've done....He was the reason I did what I did.
I love what this statement entails. In the midst of what I call nothingness, God was there. God was hovering, moving, breathing, having His way. He was creating.
He wants to be the center of our Universe. Our World. Our reality.
God wants to be and is bigger than our issues. We are an issue oriented creation. For whatever reason, we have a hard time to let things go. I think part of the reason is that we have been taught to be issue oriented. We have centered ourselves rather than centering God in ourselves.
Grace, love, mercy....these are idealogies of New Testament thinking.
Judgement, condemnation, fear.... these are idealogies of Old Testament thinking.
So many times I have been an Old Testament follower rather than a New Testament believer. When I forget that the nature of God is love...then I truly forget my own beginning. I was created out of love. Out of love was I formed. My beginning was from love.
God is more love than He is judgmental. God doesn't want to execute judgment? He has to sometimes but I don't think it makes Him pleased to do so. I believe judgment is the last resort.
Remember mercy.....
Remember love....
Remember....
I find this to be a vital statement. I look back on my life and realize just how much He has been my life. He wasn't just a part of what I've done....He was the reason I did what I did.
I love what this statement entails. In the midst of what I call nothingness, God was there. God was hovering, moving, breathing, having His way. He was creating.
He wants to be the center of our Universe. Our World. Our reality.
God wants to be and is bigger than our issues. We are an issue oriented creation. For whatever reason, we have a hard time to let things go. I think part of the reason is that we have been taught to be issue oriented. We have centered ourselves rather than centering God in ourselves.
Grace, love, mercy....these are idealogies of New Testament thinking.
Judgement, condemnation, fear.... these are idealogies of Old Testament thinking.
So many times I have been an Old Testament follower rather than a New Testament believer. When I forget that the nature of God is love...then I truly forget my own beginning. I was created out of love. Out of love was I formed. My beginning was from love.
God is more love than He is judgmental. God doesn't want to execute judgment? He has to sometimes but I don't think it makes Him pleased to do so. I believe judgment is the last resort.
Remember mercy.....
Remember love....
Remember....
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Biography, Scars, and Referring: One Doesn't Close Chapters in Theirs Lives Without Referring Back
As chapters to life close and open, we must always remember to refer back to some of those chapters. Remember the powerful times, the glorious hours, the friendships, the lessons learned from living life. We all are authors of our biographies. People read them every day. People partake of our lives everyday.
There have been times I have closed chapters of my life and haven't referred back to them because some were very painful. Yet those chapters in life are very important. As I talked about in the last blog, some of those chapters have scarred my heart. That is part of my biography. But people read those scars and can identify with my biography.
I identify with other biographers scars and lessons learned.
The greatest sign of healing is when one can refer back to previous chapters, feel a bit of the pain but not allow that pain to control them. I'm not there yet. I'm on my way there...I think that this is a lifelong experience.
There have been times I have closed chapters of my life and haven't referred back to them because some were very painful. Yet those chapters in life are very important. As I talked about in the last blog, some of those chapters have scarred my heart. That is part of my biography. But people read those scars and can identify with my biography.
I identify with other biographers scars and lessons learned.
The greatest sign of healing is when one can refer back to previous chapters, feel a bit of the pain but not allow that pain to control them. I'm not there yet. I'm on my way there...I think that this is a lifelong experience.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Less Like Scars: The Journey of Character
Less Like Scars: The Journey of Character
Introduction:
I want to begin by sharing two pieces of literature that has spoke so deeply to my heart over the years. I can identify with what the authors are saying and I truly think there are many others who can as well.
Less Like Scars- song by Sara Groves
It's been a hard year
But I'm climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle But every day it's
Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like Character
Less like a prison, more like my room
It's less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars
Just a little while ago
I couldn't feel the power or the hope I couldn't cope,
I couldn't feel a thing
Just a little while back I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping You would come
And I need you And I want you here And I feel you
And I know you're here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars
And more like Character
“When I say I’ve learned to be content with my disfigurement, I don’t mean to be flip or make trite statements such as Beauty lies within and Beauty is on skin deep. How I look is who I am. And I’m content with that. It brings me a real sense of joy when people approach me after they hear me speak, and they say, “When you stand up and start talking, I don’t see scars. They just seem to fade away.” I understand and appreciate what they are saying. But at the same time, there is part of me that wants to explain, If you can’t see my scars, then you don’t really see me. Because those scars are a big part of who I am.” – Joel Sonnenberg
These two writings are the basis of what I sense to share with you. We spend so much time trying to hide our scars. We put the masks on and hide behind what we think people want to see. We spend so much time trying to define our image apart from that which we know we want to be.
We know the talk. We know all about identity. We know all about being made into the image of God. We know we are children of God. We know so much yet we don’t understand how to apply that which we know.
Life happens. This has been a statement that has been on my mind and heart for a few years now. Life isn’t always neatly wrapped up in a nice package.
We find this throughout history: both biblical and natural proportions. We find life happening to people. You can’t avoid it no matter how many times you wish to. Life is what it is.
We find men and women of vulnerability. We find honest people who had to fight, to struggle, to face fear, to believe, to trust and to love. There is something to be said for vulnerability. I believe it is a great testimony of the grace of God in operation in our lives. There is strength in vulnerability and honesty although many view vulnerability as weakness.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Weakness isn’t something we should shy away from.
So what does this have to do with scars?
I truly believe that as we are honest with ourselves and others, we will come to a greater understanding of our scars.
Christ didn’t deny the scars. He embraced them. We don’t shy away from His scars. We embrace them.
When Peter tried to tell Him that He didn’t need to go through this, Jesus rebuked him.
Scars serve a purpose. They testify of where we’ve been. They tell a story. They tell of our history. They are there as a reminder.
I love the line in the song: Less like scars and more like character.
Character is developed from the lessons we learn through our pain. There are things we can learn that go deep to the depths of our spirit. There are things I can honestly say, “I don’t ever want to go through that again, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Like Joel said, “The scars have become a part of who I am.”
Jesus would say the same thing. There would have never been salvation, redemption, healing, deliverance, freedom without those scars.
We truly cannot know who we are without the identification of those scars. Those scars become more than scars. Those scars have birthed and are birthing something significant in our lives: character.
Character isn’t something that just is imparted. Character is developed. The word develop insinuates process, growth, change. Development means stretching.
We are all characters for sure but God is shaping those characters into something that He is pleased with.
Talent without the character to handle those talents is usually disastrous. Without character, life tends to bring more scars.
Introduction:
I want to begin by sharing two pieces of literature that has spoke so deeply to my heart over the years. I can identify with what the authors are saying and I truly think there are many others who can as well.
Less Like Scars- song by Sara Groves
It's been a hard year
But I'm climbing out of the rubble
These lessons are hard
Healing changes are subtle But every day it's
Less like tearing, more like building
Less like captive, more like willing
Less like breakdown, more like surrender
Less like haunting, more like remember
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars and more like Character
Less like a prison, more like my room
It's less like a casket, more like a womb
Less like dying, more like transcending
Less like fear, less like an ending
And I feel you here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars
Just a little while ago
I couldn't feel the power or the hope I couldn't cope,
I couldn't feel a thing
Just a little while back I was desperate, broken, laid out, hoping You would come
And I need you And I want you here And I feel you
And I know you're here
And you're picking up the pieces
Forever faithful
It seemed out of my hands, a bad, bad situation
But you are able
And in your hands the pain and hurt
Look less like scars
And more like Character
“When I say I’ve learned to be content with my disfigurement, I don’t mean to be flip or make trite statements such as Beauty lies within and Beauty is on skin deep. How I look is who I am. And I’m content with that. It brings me a real sense of joy when people approach me after they hear me speak, and they say, “When you stand up and start talking, I don’t see scars. They just seem to fade away.” I understand and appreciate what they are saying. But at the same time, there is part of me that wants to explain, If you can’t see my scars, then you don’t really see me. Because those scars are a big part of who I am.” – Joel Sonnenberg
These two writings are the basis of what I sense to share with you. We spend so much time trying to hide our scars. We put the masks on and hide behind what we think people want to see. We spend so much time trying to define our image apart from that which we know we want to be.
We know the talk. We know all about identity. We know all about being made into the image of God. We know we are children of God. We know so much yet we don’t understand how to apply that which we know.
Life happens. This has been a statement that has been on my mind and heart for a few years now. Life isn’t always neatly wrapped up in a nice package.
We find this throughout history: both biblical and natural proportions. We find life happening to people. You can’t avoid it no matter how many times you wish to. Life is what it is.
We find men and women of vulnerability. We find honest people who had to fight, to struggle, to face fear, to believe, to trust and to love. There is something to be said for vulnerability. I believe it is a great testimony of the grace of God in operation in our lives. There is strength in vulnerability and honesty although many view vulnerability as weakness.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Weakness isn’t something we should shy away from.
So what does this have to do with scars?
I truly believe that as we are honest with ourselves and others, we will come to a greater understanding of our scars.
Christ didn’t deny the scars. He embraced them. We don’t shy away from His scars. We embrace them.
When Peter tried to tell Him that He didn’t need to go through this, Jesus rebuked him.
Scars serve a purpose. They testify of where we’ve been. They tell a story. They tell of our history. They are there as a reminder.
I love the line in the song: Less like scars and more like character.
Character is developed from the lessons we learn through our pain. There are things we can learn that go deep to the depths of our spirit. There are things I can honestly say, “I don’t ever want to go through that again, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Like Joel said, “The scars have become a part of who I am.”
Jesus would say the same thing. There would have never been salvation, redemption, healing, deliverance, freedom without those scars.
We truly cannot know who we are without the identification of those scars. Those scars become more than scars. Those scars have birthed and are birthing something significant in our lives: character.
Character isn’t something that just is imparted. Character is developed. The word develop insinuates process, growth, change. Development means stretching.
We are all characters for sure but God is shaping those characters into something that He is pleased with.
Talent without the character to handle those talents is usually disastrous. Without character, life tends to bring more scars.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Twists and Turns - Part 3
In the journey of twists and turns on the road of life we find ourselves a part of the history of God. The thought came to mind the other day: boy, history would look a whole lot different without God in it.
I see God in the history of my life.
* being a christian from the age of 6 years old
* living a prophetic life
* going to Bible College
* becoming a teacher at the Bible College
* working at Day & Ross
God has been in the midst of it all.
I can't deny that God has led me every step of the journey. No, the journey hasn't been easy. There has been alot of change that has happened over the years and yet God has been in the midst of Change. God is Change.
I look back on my life and understand that God has opened my heart and poured it out. I hope that my life has somehow influenced someone else's history. I would like to think that somehow my history and story has influenced someone else's history and story.
I pray that my life is an open book and will help others with their twists and turns in their own journey.
My journey and history has been influenced by someone else's journey and history.
So on my journey, the question I have is this: When I move on to the next step of the journey will anyone notice?
Not that this really matters.
It's not like I'm leaving on bad terms. Far from that. I need to move forward in the journey. It's not like I won't return back to where I came from.
So the journey continues....
I see God in the history of my life.
* being a christian from the age of 6 years old
* living a prophetic life
* going to Bible College
* becoming a teacher at the Bible College
* working at Day & Ross
God has been in the midst of it all.
I can't deny that God has led me every step of the journey. No, the journey hasn't been easy. There has been alot of change that has happened over the years and yet God has been in the midst of Change. God is Change.
I look back on my life and understand that God has opened my heart and poured it out. I hope that my life has somehow influenced someone else's history. I would like to think that somehow my history and story has influenced someone else's history and story.
I pray that my life is an open book and will help others with their twists and turns in their own journey.
My journey and history has been influenced by someone else's journey and history.
So on my journey, the question I have is this: When I move on to the next step of the journey will anyone notice?
Not that this really matters.
It's not like I'm leaving on bad terms. Far from that. I need to move forward in the journey. It's not like I won't return back to where I came from.
So the journey continues....
Saturday, October 9, 2010
I find that in the midst of the twists and turns on the journey intriguing to be a part of. There is a word that has been on my mind the past few days. When I looked up the definition of it I thought it was very interesting and possibly prophetic for as to where I am right now in my journey. The word is proceed:
Proceed: Move forward, esp. after reaching a certain point
It is imperative for us to pay attention to the proceeding Word that comes from the heart and mind of the World where we came from. This is the way Jesus lived His life on earth. This was the whole reason as to why He came in the first place: to show us the way Adam was meant to live before he took a detour and ended up outside of where he was to live.
In the temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness, Jesus made a statement that I admire. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that PROCEEDS from the mouth of God."
As long as I rely on that which I can see, I am missing the whole point. The proceeding word governs our lives. Or at least it should.
I'm taking the turn in the road cause if I don't I might end up in a river and drown. The journey is meant to be lived knowing the Voice, following the Voice, being led by the Voice. Listen to the ever proceeding word that comes from His Heart.
We have been taught to be led by the Spirit. We need to take the opportunity when the Spirit leads. Life rarely looks the way we think it should. That's okay. As long as He's leading and speaking, follow the Voice.
Jesus said, "My sheep KNOW the Voice of the Shepherd. They know My Voice." If you know His Voice, then it be best to follow the Voice. It may not be understood by others but as long as you know in your heart that the Voice has spoke and is ever leading, that is what matters.
Proceed: Move forward, esp. after reaching a certain point
It is imperative for us to pay attention to the proceeding Word that comes from the heart and mind of the World where we came from. This is the way Jesus lived His life on earth. This was the whole reason as to why He came in the first place: to show us the way Adam was meant to live before he took a detour and ended up outside of where he was to live.
In the temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness, Jesus made a statement that I admire. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that PROCEEDS from the mouth of God."
As long as I rely on that which I can see, I am missing the whole point. The proceeding word governs our lives. Or at least it should.
I'm taking the turn in the road cause if I don't I might end up in a river and drown. The journey is meant to be lived knowing the Voice, following the Voice, being led by the Voice. Listen to the ever proceeding word that comes from His Heart.
We have been taught to be led by the Spirit. We need to take the opportunity when the Spirit leads. Life rarely looks the way we think it should. That's okay. As long as He's leading and speaking, follow the Voice.
Jesus said, "My sheep KNOW the Voice of the Shepherd. They know My Voice." If you know His Voice, then it be best to follow the Voice. It may not be understood by others but as long as you know in your heart that the Voice has spoke and is ever leading, that is what matters.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Turn in the Road - Part II
Change is a good thing. If we don't change then we're not growing. We need to grow and mature. I am not the same person I was 16 years ago. I don't even remotely want to be that same person. I look back and wonder, "Who was that guy?"
Over the course of those 16 years, the road was not straight. There have been many turns that have presented themselves. Some I took with great trepidation, while others I whipped around cause I knew that I knew where I'd end up.
I wish I could say that I have always gracefully handled every twist and turn that has come my way....but I haven't always done that. Sometimes rather than take the turn, I have kept going straight and ended up in the ditch for a while. Thankfully God has been there for me. That's the amazing thing about God. He is there when I take the turn as well as when I end up in the ditch.
That's what is amazing about love.
The only way to learn is to actually get out there and be a part of life. The only way to learn is actually get your hands dirty. Most people actually have to do the job themselves in order to grasp the concept.
I can be shown how to do it but it's not until I actually do it that I learn. I don't learn by someone telling me what to do. We learn by experience.
So as difficult change is to our minds, take the turn in the road. Be where God wants you to be. Listen to His Voice. Follow His leading. Look into His eyes and let His eyes do the talking.
Over the course of those 16 years, the road was not straight. There have been many turns that have presented themselves. Some I took with great trepidation, while others I whipped around cause I knew that I knew where I'd end up.
I wish I could say that I have always gracefully handled every twist and turn that has come my way....but I haven't always done that. Sometimes rather than take the turn, I have kept going straight and ended up in the ditch for a while. Thankfully God has been there for me. That's the amazing thing about God. He is there when I take the turn as well as when I end up in the ditch.
That's what is amazing about love.
The only way to learn is to actually get out there and be a part of life. The only way to learn is actually get your hands dirty. Most people actually have to do the job themselves in order to grasp the concept.
I can be shown how to do it but it's not until I actually do it that I learn. I don't learn by someone telling me what to do. We learn by experience.
So as difficult change is to our minds, take the turn in the road. Be where God wants you to be. Listen to His Voice. Follow His leading. Look into His eyes and let His eyes do the talking.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Journey - The Turns in the Road
The journey has many twists and turns which is important to understand. It is so easy to become so well acquainted with the familiar that when change comes knocking on the door we're not willing to embrace that change and follow our heart within that change. I've learned the road in the journey is not straight nor is it always black and white. There are alot of grey areas. We say we want change but in order for change to take place we have to allow that change to change us. Isn't that a lot of change?
It may seem unfortunate but it seems to be the case: the people who had the most influence in your life in the last season of your life more than likely won't be the ones to influence you in the next step of the journey. It's not that you don't put into practice what you've learned from them. They were your teachers of yesterday and those teachers of yesterday will be in place for the next group of people who need them in that season. I think this is God's wisdom in the journey.
As much as I would love for them to be a part of the next phase of life, it would be unrealistic for me to think that they will be.
In the natural, if I see a turn in a road, I won't keep driving straight because that would become a hazard. I could drive off into the river or cause someone else to be in an accident. I must follow the turns in the road.
I know this sounds so practical but it can be applied to every area of our lives. Don't become derailed because of misunderstanding. Trust the road. Trust the journey. Trust God as He leads.
It may seem unfortunate but it seems to be the case: the people who had the most influence in your life in the last season of your life more than likely won't be the ones to influence you in the next step of the journey. It's not that you don't put into practice what you've learned from them. They were your teachers of yesterday and those teachers of yesterday will be in place for the next group of people who need them in that season. I think this is God's wisdom in the journey.
As much as I would love for them to be a part of the next phase of life, it would be unrealistic for me to think that they will be.
In the natural, if I see a turn in a road, I won't keep driving straight because that would become a hazard. I could drive off into the river or cause someone else to be in an accident. I must follow the turns in the road.
I know this sounds so practical but it can be applied to every area of our lives. Don't become derailed because of misunderstanding. Trust the road. Trust the journey. Trust God as He leads.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Communal Intercession: A Call to the Field
Think for a moment of where you live? Where were you born? Where were you raised? Where do you live now? Where has the journey taken you?
These are very important questions that make up our history...our story of life.
Life sure has been a journey...one that I'm thankful to be a part.
I grew up in Nackawic. I lived there for around 22 years. When I left there for college, I embarked a new journey. I remember the last day of college before summer break, I felt God leading me to walk on every street in Nackawic and pray. So I did. It was my summer project. I will never forget that experience.
Looking back on that experience I realize now that I was seeding into the earth Word. I was taking what I heard from the world inwhich I came from and speaking it out into the airwaves. I haven't seen the results of those prayer walks but that doesn't mean that results haven't happened.
After 1997, when I left Nackawic for good, I moved to Florenceville/Oakland. I spent a good many year there. I would go for long walks and pray. Sometimes I would feel like I was in Europe speaking to churches. Sometimes I would feel like I was talking to one person. Sometimes I would get my next course to teach. Other times I would be praying and interceding over the community.
Over a year and a half ago, I moved to Woodstock. I have found myself once again walking and praying. Alot of times it has been for certain people while other times it has been for the community as a whole.
I share all of this to say this: wherever God has placed you be open and available to pray. There is a reason as to why you live where you do. God is anointing and calling His intercessors to the field. The time has come.
I really believe we are in a time where God is birthing an ache deep within. I really sense there is a season where tears are going to be shed. There is work ahead. There is sowing in tears in order to reap in joy. Be open. Let Him lead you through your communities. Wherever God has placed you be present there. Let Him lead you in communal intercession.
These are very important questions that make up our history...our story of life.
Life sure has been a journey...one that I'm thankful to be a part.
I grew up in Nackawic. I lived there for around 22 years. When I left there for college, I embarked a new journey. I remember the last day of college before summer break, I felt God leading me to walk on every street in Nackawic and pray. So I did. It was my summer project. I will never forget that experience.
Looking back on that experience I realize now that I was seeding into the earth Word. I was taking what I heard from the world inwhich I came from and speaking it out into the airwaves. I haven't seen the results of those prayer walks but that doesn't mean that results haven't happened.
After 1997, when I left Nackawic for good, I moved to Florenceville/Oakland. I spent a good many year there. I would go for long walks and pray. Sometimes I would feel like I was in Europe speaking to churches. Sometimes I would feel like I was talking to one person. Sometimes I would get my next course to teach. Other times I would be praying and interceding over the community.
Over a year and a half ago, I moved to Woodstock. I have found myself once again walking and praying. Alot of times it has been for certain people while other times it has been for the community as a whole.
I share all of this to say this: wherever God has placed you be open and available to pray. There is a reason as to why you live where you do. God is anointing and calling His intercessors to the field. The time has come.
I really believe we are in a time where God is birthing an ache deep within. I really sense there is a season where tears are going to be shed. There is work ahead. There is sowing in tears in order to reap in joy. Be open. Let Him lead you through your communities. Wherever God has placed you be present there. Let Him lead you in communal intercession.
Monday, August 2, 2010
What's so Great About Christianity?
I know...this may seem like a strange question....especially coming from someone who grew up in this thing all my life. My thought this past weekend has been how big the community is within Christianity. So many times we tend to think that we've got a corner on God. God can move in our church setting. God can have His way in our church setting but what if God chooses to move in another church setting other than our own? Will we support it? Will we judge it? Will we look down on it?
I've come to realize that there is a global community that is so much greater than just our small groups here and there. I love the thought that there are groups of people gathering everywhere serving, loving, reaching out, evangelizing, ministering, blessing and any other adjective that one could ever imagine.
Church should be THE place where community is nurtured and encouraged. Church should be THE place where people can be open and vulnerable and be loved and accepted. Church should be THE place where fellowship is sweet. Church should be THE place where we fall in love with God and each other every time we get together.
This next statement may seem critical and judgemental but please hear my heart in this. I don't mean it to be. However; what I am finding is that the Modern Day Church is very far removed from the original. We have become a club, a clique. We don't embrace others. When new people come in, do they feel welcomed and loved?
Now I realize that there are churches and assemblies who are moving and loving and accepting of people. So this is just a general statement and not a condenmation or a lumping together of everyone.
The Bible says that they will know that we are His disciples because we have love for one another. My challenge is this: Pentecostals: don't just love Pentecostal people. Don't just love people within your assembly. Reach beyond.
Baptists: Don't just love Baptist people. Reach Beyond.
Weslyans: Don't just love Weslyan people. Reach Beyond.
There is a global community of believers who need loved. There is a global community of believers-to-be that need loved. Reach beyond.
So to answer the question posed here: What makes Christianity great SHOULD BE love. Where am I on the love meter?
You may say, Clay, I don't see Christianity as being great because I don't see love. I see in-fighting, people who hurt people, politics, etc.
I know.
And what about history? Alot of wars were fought on religious grounds? Is that love?
No.
So where is the love?
Why do people stop going to church? It's because they don't feel loved, appreciated, accepted, heard. So how can I say Christianity is great?
What's great about christianity is that we have the opportunity to change history. We have the opportunity to do something about it. It's up to this generation to change things. It's up to us to operate out of a love that is greater than our own. It's up to us to make people feel loved, accepted, appreciated and heard. It's up to us to be open and vulnerable and to allow each other the same privilege.
That's what's going to make Christianity great again. Taht's what is going to make church the Haven it was meant to be. I want to return to the original plan. The original purpose. We have love one for another.
This is a long blog. I hope I gave you something to think about. :)
I've come to realize that there is a global community that is so much greater than just our small groups here and there. I love the thought that there are groups of people gathering everywhere serving, loving, reaching out, evangelizing, ministering, blessing and any other adjective that one could ever imagine.
Church should be THE place where community is nurtured and encouraged. Church should be THE place where people can be open and vulnerable and be loved and accepted. Church should be THE place where fellowship is sweet. Church should be THE place where we fall in love with God and each other every time we get together.
This next statement may seem critical and judgemental but please hear my heart in this. I don't mean it to be. However; what I am finding is that the Modern Day Church is very far removed from the original. We have become a club, a clique. We don't embrace others. When new people come in, do they feel welcomed and loved?
Now I realize that there are churches and assemblies who are moving and loving and accepting of people. So this is just a general statement and not a condenmation or a lumping together of everyone.
The Bible says that they will know that we are His disciples because we have love for one another. My challenge is this: Pentecostals: don't just love Pentecostal people. Don't just love people within your assembly. Reach beyond.
Baptists: Don't just love Baptist people. Reach Beyond.
Weslyans: Don't just love Weslyan people. Reach Beyond.
There is a global community of believers who need loved. There is a global community of believers-to-be that need loved. Reach beyond.
So to answer the question posed here: What makes Christianity great SHOULD BE love. Where am I on the love meter?
You may say, Clay, I don't see Christianity as being great because I don't see love. I see in-fighting, people who hurt people, politics, etc.
I know.
And what about history? Alot of wars were fought on religious grounds? Is that love?
No.
So where is the love?
Why do people stop going to church? It's because they don't feel loved, appreciated, accepted, heard. So how can I say Christianity is great?
What's great about christianity is that we have the opportunity to change history. We have the opportunity to do something about it. It's up to this generation to change things. It's up to us to operate out of a love that is greater than our own. It's up to us to make people feel loved, accepted, appreciated and heard. It's up to us to be open and vulnerable and to allow each other the same privilege.
That's what's going to make Christianity great again. Taht's what is going to make church the Haven it was meant to be. I want to return to the original plan. The original purpose. We have love one for another.
This is a long blog. I hope I gave you something to think about. :)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Quest of Friendship - part of my story
Life is a gift. Relationship is a powerful thing. It's taken a number of years to come into the realization.
I grew up alone. My sister is ten years older than I am. She was married when I was 12 years old. So I spent alot of time alone. I had a few friends but for the most part I was alone. I could relate to senior citizens and younger kids but people my own age I couldn't understand at all. I grew up in church and enjoyed it very much. I hated to miss.
I had a strong faith relationship with God and my church.
Where I struggled was at school. I didn't really have alot of people to hang out with. I was shy. I was a bit eccentric. I felt...alone.
It's a terrible feeling. Yet sometimes it has been a comforting feeling in a strange way. Why do I say it was comforting? Sometimes I'm afraid of people. I'm afraid to be ridiculed and persecuted. People have been the best thing to happen to me and they've been the worst thing at some points in life.
We are strange creatures. We want friendship and relationship yet sometimes that which we want becomes the very thing we fear and resist the most. Sometimes it's easier to be alone.
I grew to the point for a long season where I didn't trust people. I shut people out of my world. Sure I was functioning in the church with a gift of prophecy. I was able to operate in that gifting but at the same time I had control as to how close people could come. The times I allowed people in was wonderful and dreadful at the same time. I loved the thought of having people around but I also had this need to pull away and be alone.
I craved relationship but because I had spent so much time alone I didn't know how to have relationship. I didn't know how to be a friend. I didn't know how to just be me. It was easier to be Clayton with the gift of prophecy.
Sometimes people would only want me for the gifting which became frustrating cause I wanted people to know me for more than my gifting yet at the same time I only portrayed that. It was easier to prophecy or share my gifting rather than to share the real me.
A lot of times it's easier to be Clayton, the teacher. I get my teacher hat on and share the deep things that I've been studying or analyzing.
It's been easier for me to be Clayton, the counselor. I love to help people with their problems.
There's nothing wrong with any of these things but these things are just that. Things. Giftings. Nouns.
So I'm on a journey of coming out of the cave of being alone and venture into the bright world of relationship...of friendship. In the last little while, I've come to embrace the light of friendship. It's been my quest for most of my life. I hope you'll join me on the same quest.
I grew up alone. My sister is ten years older than I am. She was married when I was 12 years old. So I spent alot of time alone. I had a few friends but for the most part I was alone. I could relate to senior citizens and younger kids but people my own age I couldn't understand at all. I grew up in church and enjoyed it very much. I hated to miss.
I had a strong faith relationship with God and my church.
Where I struggled was at school. I didn't really have alot of people to hang out with. I was shy. I was a bit eccentric. I felt...alone.
It's a terrible feeling. Yet sometimes it has been a comforting feeling in a strange way. Why do I say it was comforting? Sometimes I'm afraid of people. I'm afraid to be ridiculed and persecuted. People have been the best thing to happen to me and they've been the worst thing at some points in life.
We are strange creatures. We want friendship and relationship yet sometimes that which we want becomes the very thing we fear and resist the most. Sometimes it's easier to be alone.
I grew to the point for a long season where I didn't trust people. I shut people out of my world. Sure I was functioning in the church with a gift of prophecy. I was able to operate in that gifting but at the same time I had control as to how close people could come. The times I allowed people in was wonderful and dreadful at the same time. I loved the thought of having people around but I also had this need to pull away and be alone.
I craved relationship but because I had spent so much time alone I didn't know how to have relationship. I didn't know how to be a friend. I didn't know how to just be me. It was easier to be Clayton with the gift of prophecy.
Sometimes people would only want me for the gifting which became frustrating cause I wanted people to know me for more than my gifting yet at the same time I only portrayed that. It was easier to prophecy or share my gifting rather than to share the real me.
A lot of times it's easier to be Clayton, the teacher. I get my teacher hat on and share the deep things that I've been studying or analyzing.
It's been easier for me to be Clayton, the counselor. I love to help people with their problems.
There's nothing wrong with any of these things but these things are just that. Things. Giftings. Nouns.
So I'm on a journey of coming out of the cave of being alone and venture into the bright world of relationship...of friendship. In the last little while, I've come to embrace the light of friendship. It's been my quest for most of my life. I hope you'll join me on the same quest.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
From Grief to Optimistic Hope
My, how a year goes by quickly. It's been a year since I started expressing my heart and thought on here. Alot of changes have happened. Alot of life has been lived and the journey has had twists and turns: some expected, some not. That's the funny thing about life, we never know what it holds. Probably for the best we don't. I'm not sure we would embrace it as we should.
A year ago, I was still coming to terms with alot of things:
1) My health scare
2) Andrea's diagnosis
3) Sandi's passing
4) My Grandfather's/uncle's passing
Alot of grief....
I felt like Charlie Brown "Good Grief"...
Alot of emotional roller coaster rides. Alot of fear, joy, anxiety, tears, frustration, anger, feeling it wasn't fair, maybe it was fair, who knows....
Lots of love.
Lots of encouragement.
Lots of prayer, positive thoughts, positive energy.
Friday night, I had a wonderful opportunity and took it. I sang a couple of original songs for Relay for Life in Nackawic, my old stomping grounds. It was a great experience. I hadn't been back in at least 13-16 years. All the hurt and frustration I had felt...all the resentment, disappointment and anger had been replaced with a love. I sang my songs with a vulnerable confidence. I'm not a performer. But I do have something to say. That's not being cocky or thinking I'm all that and a bag of chips. I knew why I was there. I was there for one reason and one reason alone: these songs were Andrea's songs. They chronicle her journey.
I saw people I hadn't seen in a very very long time. The reception was pretty good. Who knows what may come out of it. Maybe nothing, That's okay. I'm alright. I'm honored. I'm blessed.
I had a chance to pray with a friend's mother. God's funny sometimes. I couldn't leave the event without obeying what I sensed. I know better.
I'm loved. I love. God loves in and through me. God loves me. That's the only way I can love because He first loved me.
So this year was so different than last year. Last year I was engulfed in my grief. This year I an engulfed in hopeful optimism. I think my friend would be pleased to hear that. That's not to say I won't have my moments of fear. I will. I know I will. And I will have to surround myself with these optimistic people who will listen to me and be me.
That's what I so appreciate: people who will let me be me. Let me be afraid. Let me be frustrated. Let me express my joy. Thank you.
A year ago, I was still coming to terms with alot of things:
1) My health scare
2) Andrea's diagnosis
3) Sandi's passing
4) My Grandfather's/uncle's passing
Alot of grief....
I felt like Charlie Brown "Good Grief"...
Alot of emotional roller coaster rides. Alot of fear, joy, anxiety, tears, frustration, anger, feeling it wasn't fair, maybe it was fair, who knows....
Lots of love.
Lots of encouragement.
Lots of prayer, positive thoughts, positive energy.
Friday night, I had a wonderful opportunity and took it. I sang a couple of original songs for Relay for Life in Nackawic, my old stomping grounds. It was a great experience. I hadn't been back in at least 13-16 years. All the hurt and frustration I had felt...all the resentment, disappointment and anger had been replaced with a love. I sang my songs with a vulnerable confidence. I'm not a performer. But I do have something to say. That's not being cocky or thinking I'm all that and a bag of chips. I knew why I was there. I was there for one reason and one reason alone: these songs were Andrea's songs. They chronicle her journey.
I saw people I hadn't seen in a very very long time. The reception was pretty good. Who knows what may come out of it. Maybe nothing, That's okay. I'm alright. I'm honored. I'm blessed.
I had a chance to pray with a friend's mother. God's funny sometimes. I couldn't leave the event without obeying what I sensed. I know better.
I'm loved. I love. God loves in and through me. God loves me. That's the only way I can love because He first loved me.
So this year was so different than last year. Last year I was engulfed in my grief. This year I an engulfed in hopeful optimism. I think my friend would be pleased to hear that. That's not to say I won't have my moments of fear. I will. I know I will. And I will have to surround myself with these optimistic people who will listen to me and be me.
That's what I so appreciate: people who will let me be me. Let me be afraid. Let me be frustrated. Let me express my joy. Thank you.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Our Only Resort
My mind today is on the woman who came to Jesus with the issue of blood. In culture, she was known as unclean. She had exhausted all her resources. She was broke. She was in pain. She had been to every doctor and none had been able to cure her. No one was able to deal with the issue.
She came to Jesus. She didn't come to Jesus as a last resort. She came to Jesus because He was the Only Resort.
Have we exhausted all our resources, our strength, our pride, our emotions, our fears, our faith?
Are we spent from having exhausted all our resources?
Jesus isn't our last resort..... He's our Only Resort.
Do we have enough strength, even just a small measure of strength, to reach out and touch the hem of His garment?
Do we feel as if our issue is so big that we're not even sure that Jesus can take care of it?
Do we feel we are so far gone that there's no help for us?
He's our Only Resort.
There's something prophetic here today....
What have we got to lose?
Haven't we lost pretty near everything?
Haven't we come to the end of ourselves?
Reach out.... He's passing by. This is your opportunity. It's not going to hurt to reach out. You just might walk away with your issue dealt with.
She came to Jesus. She didn't come to Jesus as a last resort. She came to Jesus because He was the Only Resort.
Have we exhausted all our resources, our strength, our pride, our emotions, our fears, our faith?
Are we spent from having exhausted all our resources?
Jesus isn't our last resort..... He's our Only Resort.
Do we have enough strength, even just a small measure of strength, to reach out and touch the hem of His garment?
Do we feel as if our issue is so big that we're not even sure that Jesus can take care of it?
Do we feel we are so far gone that there's no help for us?
He's our Only Resort.
There's something prophetic here today....
What have we got to lose?
Haven't we lost pretty near everything?
Haven't we come to the end of ourselves?
Reach out.... He's passing by. This is your opportunity. It's not going to hurt to reach out. You just might walk away with your issue dealt with.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Living In Context
I heard a phrase in my mind's ear the other day: Living in Context.
Context is the surroundings, circumstances, environment, background, or settings which determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event.
What a definition! In the midst of life happening, we find ourselves in and through the context of the bigger picture. We can't simply take one of life's happenings and make it the whole. It is only part of the context of life.
The people I surround myself with are a part of that context. I am blessed. Thanks for the coffee and chat. Thanks for letting me email you, facebook you, to vent, to cry, to laugh, to joke around. Thank you for being part of the context of my life for this time and season.
Context is the surroundings, circumstances, environment, background, or settings which determine, specify, or clarify the meaning of an event.
What a definition! In the midst of life happening, we find ourselves in and through the context of the bigger picture. We can't simply take one of life's happenings and make it the whole. It is only part of the context of life.
The people I surround myself with are a part of that context. I am blessed. Thanks for the coffee and chat. Thanks for letting me email you, facebook you, to vent, to cry, to laugh, to joke around. Thank you for being part of the context of my life for this time and season.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
When Silence is Beautiful...
It's been a quiet time the last little while in many senses of the word. The prophetic world has been a bit silent. The thought world has been quiet in a sense. Silence can be frightening in some ways. Silence doesn't mean there isn't activity happening around you. It may not even mean that you're not listening. It could mean that there isn't anything happening that pertains to you at the time so you can rest assured in that.
I tend to become concerned in these times of silence. If a friend becomes silent I tend to personalize and internalize this and wonder if I may have said or done something that may have alienate that person. This more than like is not the case at all. Usually this is due to insecurity on my part. Silence is a hard thing for someone who loves words. I love how they are formed, how they are read/expressed.
Silence isn't a bad thing at all. Silence is something that should be embraced rather than rejected.
It seems kind of strange that I am writing a blog using words to describe silence. Silence is....beautiful.
I tend to become concerned in these times of silence. If a friend becomes silent I tend to personalize and internalize this and wonder if I may have said or done something that may have alienate that person. This more than like is not the case at all. Usually this is due to insecurity on my part. Silence is a hard thing for someone who loves words. I love how they are formed, how they are read/expressed.
Silence isn't a bad thing at all. Silence is something that should be embraced rather than rejected.
It seems kind of strange that I am writing a blog using words to describe silence. Silence is....beautiful.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Why Do I Want A Move of God In Corporate Setting?
In examining my heart as to the reason why I want a move of God in the church, is not to have a show. I'm tired of the show. I want people to have an experience with God in a corporate setting. I want people to see the Dynamic God that we serve. I want people to see and understand The Abundant God that we serve. I want people to experience Spirit.
My greatest fear is that we are raising up a generation that have no concept of Spirit, no concept of the importance the altar. If we don't teach a generation that balance between Word and Spirit we will have a full generation that will not know how to let what they have inside out.
It's not about manifestations. It's not about what we see on the outward. However it is about what is on the inside will come out.
A move of God within each person should cause a move of God in a corporate setting.
If we want to see miracles we need to be a miracle.
My greatest fear is that we are raising up a generation that have no concept of Spirit, no concept of the importance the altar. If we don't teach a generation that balance between Word and Spirit we will have a full generation that will not know how to let what they have inside out.
It's not about manifestations. It's not about what we see on the outward. However it is about what is on the inside will come out.
A move of God within each person should cause a move of God in a corporate setting.
If we want to see miracles we need to be a miracle.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Easter - The Reminder of Love & Laying Down Life for Others
Easter is a wonderful time to remember just how loved we are. In our faith, it was the day that Love was expressed beyond measure. Love sacrificed. Love gave. Love still gives. Love gave before time began.
Jesus said that no greater love has a man than this: that he lay down his life for his friend.
I know what that means to each of us. I want to express this thought in a different light.
Are we willing to lay aside our agenda and take the time to listen to a friend who is facing a difficulty? Are we willing to lay down our "life" for a few minutes and be a friend in the truest sense of the word?
I have been on the receiving end of this recently. I have had a friend lay down their "lives" and be a great support, listener, and offer their thoughts concerning some of the circumstances I was facing. They took the time out of their day to be there. That's love.
I notice that for some people this comes naturally. For others, they struggle with this. Those that have a natural care and concern for others have cultivated this in their lives or maybe they didn't cultivate themselves. Maybe they were taught it from their parents. Or maybe it was something they were born with. Maybe they have a sensitive side. Whatever the case may be, they exude the nature of Christ.
Maybe they don't even realize that they reveal the nature of Christ. Maybe they don't "serve" Christ. Maybe they once did but they don't anymore. Maybe they have never been a Christian persay. The only way I can explain this is that as they breathe, they breathe the nature of Christ. They came from Spirit so they are simply acting from Spirit.
Isn't that what Jesus did the day "He had need to go to Samaria"?
Sometimes Samaria comes to us. Sometimes we go to Samaria. Sometimes we are Samaria.
So today, as we celebrate Easter, much like we did a few months ago with Christmas, I feel loved. Not only do I feel loved...I am loved. And as I have been blessed with the gift of love from my friends, so I desire to be in that position to return the favor. To lay down my "life" for a few minutes for a friend.
Jesus said that no greater love has a man than this: that he lay down his life for his friend.
I know what that means to each of us. I want to express this thought in a different light.
Are we willing to lay aside our agenda and take the time to listen to a friend who is facing a difficulty? Are we willing to lay down our "life" for a few minutes and be a friend in the truest sense of the word?
I have been on the receiving end of this recently. I have had a friend lay down their "lives" and be a great support, listener, and offer their thoughts concerning some of the circumstances I was facing. They took the time out of their day to be there. That's love.
I notice that for some people this comes naturally. For others, they struggle with this. Those that have a natural care and concern for others have cultivated this in their lives or maybe they didn't cultivate themselves. Maybe they were taught it from their parents. Or maybe it was something they were born with. Maybe they have a sensitive side. Whatever the case may be, they exude the nature of Christ.
Maybe they don't even realize that they reveal the nature of Christ. Maybe they don't "serve" Christ. Maybe they once did but they don't anymore. Maybe they have never been a Christian persay. The only way I can explain this is that as they breathe, they breathe the nature of Christ. They came from Spirit so they are simply acting from Spirit.
Isn't that what Jesus did the day "He had need to go to Samaria"?
Sometimes Samaria comes to us. Sometimes we go to Samaria. Sometimes we are Samaria.
So today, as we celebrate Easter, much like we did a few months ago with Christmas, I feel loved. Not only do I feel loved...I am loved. And as I have been blessed with the gift of love from my friends, so I desire to be in that position to return the favor. To lay down my "life" for a few minutes for a friend.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Real Clay
I realize how blessed I am. Sometimes it takes going through a loss to make you realize that. Sometimes loss is the way God opens our eyes so to speak. I lost another uncle last week to cancer. Every time that this happens, it takes me back to the time I lost a dear friend of mine. It takes me back to the time when I lost my grandfather and my uncle. It makes me confront my fears, my hurts, my loneliness, my longings.
I went to work the other night. I had mentioned to my supervisor that I had lost an uncle the night prior. At about 10pm, I was given a card signed by my co-workers. Tears filled my eyes that I had to get up and leave the room. That small kind gesture meant alot to me.
I had a friend ask me if I was okay and that if I needed someone to talk to that they would be online after work. I took them up on that....kind of. I emailed them a long email. I talked with them about my fears. I shared with them what I had felt when I lost my dear friend. I shared things that I've never shared with a living soul. I opened up and revealed my heart to them. It was a long email.
To have their input meant alot to me. They saw a different perspective.
I shared with a friend at supper last night after church: I've struggled all my life with being a friend. This statement came out: You can't be what you've never had. Strange statement maybe. I mean I've had friends. They were alot older than I was. I treasured those times but to have people my own age...to have people younger than me.... I don't know how to be a friend. I realized that last night. It's not that I don't want to be a friend. I don't know how. Sometimes I come across a bit rough around the edges. Sometimes I feel like a camelion. I feel like I have to try and impress. People would say just be yourself. Great: and that's true: but who are you? Who am I?
This may be a really different blog than I've ever written before. But this is me on my way to being real. I want to be real.
So today, I ask the Father, the Son, The Spirit, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace to reveal to me how to be a friend.
I emailed a friend today and told them that my goal was not to convince them that there was a God. My goal was to be a friend. Not your typical religious response I know. Can I save people? Not the last time I checked. My duty and job as a believer is to be who I am in Christ: in spirit and in truth: reality. Let's be real folks. That's my prayer.
The woman at the well didn't need another man: she needed reality.
Peter didn't need to be condemned (he had done that enough himself): he needed reality of the love of God.
If I want people to be real with me: then I have to be real with them. Now, this takes us back to the very beginning of these blogs 9 months ago: If I want people to be vulnerable with me: then I have to be vulnerable with them. That's the gospel I want to preach: That's the gospel of Christ: He brought out the vulnerable side in each of the people He ministered to. He even revealed His own vulnerability in Gathesemane, on the Cross....
If Jesus was real, and He's our Great Example: then it's time people see...the Real Clay.
I went to work the other night. I had mentioned to my supervisor that I had lost an uncle the night prior. At about 10pm, I was given a card signed by my co-workers. Tears filled my eyes that I had to get up and leave the room. That small kind gesture meant alot to me.
I had a friend ask me if I was okay and that if I needed someone to talk to that they would be online after work. I took them up on that....kind of. I emailed them a long email. I talked with them about my fears. I shared with them what I had felt when I lost my dear friend. I shared things that I've never shared with a living soul. I opened up and revealed my heart to them. It was a long email.
To have their input meant alot to me. They saw a different perspective.
I shared with a friend at supper last night after church: I've struggled all my life with being a friend. This statement came out: You can't be what you've never had. Strange statement maybe. I mean I've had friends. They were alot older than I was. I treasured those times but to have people my own age...to have people younger than me.... I don't know how to be a friend. I realized that last night. It's not that I don't want to be a friend. I don't know how. Sometimes I come across a bit rough around the edges. Sometimes I feel like a camelion. I feel like I have to try and impress. People would say just be yourself. Great: and that's true: but who are you? Who am I?
This may be a really different blog than I've ever written before. But this is me on my way to being real. I want to be real.
So today, I ask the Father, the Son, The Spirit, the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace to reveal to me how to be a friend.
I emailed a friend today and told them that my goal was not to convince them that there was a God. My goal was to be a friend. Not your typical religious response I know. Can I save people? Not the last time I checked. My duty and job as a believer is to be who I am in Christ: in spirit and in truth: reality. Let's be real folks. That's my prayer.
The woman at the well didn't need another man: she needed reality.
Peter didn't need to be condemned (he had done that enough himself): he needed reality of the love of God.
If I want people to be real with me: then I have to be real with them. Now, this takes us back to the very beginning of these blogs 9 months ago: If I want people to be vulnerable with me: then I have to be vulnerable with them. That's the gospel I want to preach: That's the gospel of Christ: He brought out the vulnerable side in each of the people He ministered to. He even revealed His own vulnerability in Gathesemane, on the Cross....
If Jesus was real, and He's our Great Example: then it's time people see...the Real Clay.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Failure of Organized Religion
Today's blog has me thinking. What a way to start this out, right? I hope that it causes you to think as well. Someone posted on my facebook this statement: I am a fan of prayer,,,however i am not a fan of organized religion,,,
I totally can understand where this person is coming from. I see where organized religion has failed us. So many rules and regulations, legalistic, non-relational. Kind of reminds me of Jesus' day.
"I have no problem with Jesus - it is His followers that perplex me." Ghandi
Let's bring this on home....how have I failed people in my organized religion? Have been offish, cruel, mean, hurtful, unrevealing of the true nature of Christ?
Have I tried so hard to make a point that I've made myself out a fool?
Have I tried so hard to debate the theology of the church that I've forgot that the church is about people rather than dogmas?
Have I tried so hard to have all the answers when talking to a friend rather than just sit there, shut up and listen for a change and allow them to spill their hearts out with their tears?
I know these are sobering thoughts but I think we need to take a look at our lives and realize that religion isn't relationship. We base our life on relationship with God and others. We have to understand that you can't separate the two. I can't have a relationship with God without having a relationship with others. And if I have a relationship with God I will want to have a relationship with others.
I don't want to be a hypocrite. I don't want to be a Pharisee. I don't want to be one that spouts off trite little Christianise wordings. I want to be one who is listening.
Like in one of the earlier blogs a few weeks ago: I want to be real.
I totally can understand where this person is coming from. I see where organized religion has failed us. So many rules and regulations, legalistic, non-relational. Kind of reminds me of Jesus' day.
"I have no problem with Jesus - it is His followers that perplex me." Ghandi
Let's bring this on home....how have I failed people in my organized religion? Have been offish, cruel, mean, hurtful, unrevealing of the true nature of Christ?
Have I tried so hard to make a point that I've made myself out a fool?
Have I tried so hard to debate the theology of the church that I've forgot that the church is about people rather than dogmas?
Have I tried so hard to have all the answers when talking to a friend rather than just sit there, shut up and listen for a change and allow them to spill their hearts out with their tears?
I know these are sobering thoughts but I think we need to take a look at our lives and realize that religion isn't relationship. We base our life on relationship with God and others. We have to understand that you can't separate the two. I can't have a relationship with God without having a relationship with others. And if I have a relationship with God I will want to have a relationship with others.
I don't want to be a hypocrite. I don't want to be a Pharisee. I don't want to be one that spouts off trite little Christianise wordings. I want to be one who is listening.
Like in one of the earlier blogs a few weeks ago: I want to be real.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
My New Prayer, "God be a show off!"
My prayer at this point of the end of February is this: God, please show off Your power, Your Presence, Your Glory, Your Purpose, Your Desire.
There is such a great need for the world to see God show off. There is so much sickness. There are alot of discouraged people. There are alot people who question if God even exists. This is a great opportunity for people to see the majesty of God. These circumstances and events are a great place for people to be at.
To question is a great thing, To doubt, is okay, especially for people who don't confess or believe in God. Why do I say that? God comes inspite of the doubt. God isn't put out because people doubt. God just shows up and shows off. God isn't put off by negative realities. He comes in the midst of negative realities so that He can prove Himself. He steps into negative realities SO THAT He can shed light and illuminate and bring revelation. He will step into that negative reality and be who He always desires to be!
So that's why I pray this prayer: God, please be a show off!
There is such a great need for the world to see God show off. There is so much sickness. There are alot of discouraged people. There are alot people who question if God even exists. This is a great opportunity for people to see the majesty of God. These circumstances and events are a great place for people to be at.
To question is a great thing, To doubt, is okay, especially for people who don't confess or believe in God. Why do I say that? God comes inspite of the doubt. God isn't put out because people doubt. God just shows up and shows off. God isn't put off by negative realities. He comes in the midst of negative realities so that He can prove Himself. He steps into negative realities SO THAT He can shed light and illuminate and bring revelation. He will step into that negative reality and be who He always desires to be!
So that's why I pray this prayer: God, please be a show off!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Looking For Yourself
This lyric is a different kind of song in some senses. The more I lose the more I seem to gain in essence of what life is really meant to be. My promise land looks a whole lot different than what I've been taught in the church. This song may not be that well received in church circles...I hope they can find my heart in the lyric. :)
Looking for Yourself
I’m losing more all the time
What I thought should have been in my possession
My promiseland looks different than I ever imagined
Somehow it feels right and I know I’ll be alright
Chorus;
Strip me bare
Till all that is left is what You started out with
Cause I have to believe that all that I’ve added
Just can’t be the real part of who You’ve made me to begin with
I say all I want is You
But when it comes to the breaking I begin to question
Oh I’m slowly learning that this is as much love
As the blessing that I’ve heard about all my life
Bridge
All that’s gonna matter in the end
Is not what I’ve done, what I’ve said
It’s who I’ve been all along
You’re looking for Yourself in me
Chorus
No I don’t believe I’ve been cursed
Simply cause I don’t have material things
Somehow I’m more blessed
Than I’ve ever been in my life
Material things will fade and whither
But You will remain when those things fall to the wayside
Clayton A Stairs, February 23, 2010
Looking for Yourself
I’m losing more all the time
What I thought should have been in my possession
My promiseland looks different than I ever imagined
Somehow it feels right and I know I’ll be alright
Chorus;
Strip me bare
Till all that is left is what You started out with
Cause I have to believe that all that I’ve added
Just can’t be the real part of who You’ve made me to begin with
I say all I want is You
But when it comes to the breaking I begin to question
Oh I’m slowly learning that this is as much love
As the blessing that I’ve heard about all my life
Bridge
All that’s gonna matter in the end
Is not what I’ve done, what I’ve said
It’s who I’ve been all along
You’re looking for Yourself in me
Chorus
No I don’t believe I’ve been cursed
Simply cause I don’t have material things
Somehow I’m more blessed
Than I’ve ever been in my life
Material things will fade and whither
But You will remain when those things fall to the wayside
Clayton A Stairs, February 23, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
I Know What I Want...
I love how the Spirit world works. I love how a group of people who are united in heart and mind with a common goal can come together and share their hearts with one another and by the end of the gathering, you leave knowing that God said something so profound to cause us to think in a refreshed way. I love how each piece is important in creating the dynamic picture of what God wants to get across.
I truly believe that in these times, we need to celebrate each piece. We need to focus on that. Worship from that. Be led in that. Love in that. Revel in that. His presence is what we're after. We want to know His heart and in knowing His heart we will live our lives out of His Heart. That's all I want.
I don't want things to be the way they've always been. I want God. I desire His movement. I crave His Presence. I crave His love for this generation. This generation needs to experience His Heart, His Love, His Mercy, His Grace, His Power. I want God outside of the box....that's not a cliche....it has to become reality. I know what I want... I want Him.
I truly believe that in these times, we need to celebrate each piece. We need to focus on that. Worship from that. Be led in that. Love in that. Revel in that. His presence is what we're after. We want to know His heart and in knowing His heart we will live our lives out of His Heart. That's all I want.
I don't want things to be the way they've always been. I want God. I desire His movement. I crave His Presence. I crave His love for this generation. This generation needs to experience His Heart, His Love, His Mercy, His Grace, His Power. I want God outside of the box....that's not a cliche....it has to become reality. I know what I want... I want Him.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Faith that is Real
Two posts in one day.... hope this doesn't become a habit. :D
I have this thought I want to convey. It goes along with some of the earlier posts in this past couple of weeks. We've talked about our Story. A very huge part of my story is my faith. My spirituality is a large part of what makes up who I am. I grew up in the church since I was 6 years old. In alot of cases, I am very thankful for that. In other ways, I tend to think about the disadvantage that can be. By that, I mean that there are alot of hangups that I have to get passed. There are alot of religious ways and religious thinking that can keep alot of people at bay.
My thought that I have tonight is that I want my faith to be real. I want my faith to be genuine. I want my faith to be something that doesn't intimidate people. I want my faith to be accessible if people want to take the time to explore. I want people to find my faith a little bit mysterious. I want people to look at me and wonder about what I believe.
Reality is this: I struggle. Christians aren't supposed to struggle...or so we're taught. If we don't admit the struggle then how on earth are we going to be able to reach out to the world who does struggle?
Reality is this: I have an emotional roller coaster. Christians aren't supposed to admit that they struggle with their emtions. Most people do struggle with emotions. If I let people know that, mayybe it will help them better understand the war that goes on in their emotions.
Reality is this: I struggle to trust. Christians are supposed to simply trust. However, trust isn't easy or come natural for most of us.
I want people to be able to say: this guy is spiritual yet non-threatening. This guy is spiritual without being religious. This guy is spiritual without the baggage of always having the trite answer.
I hope people will ultimately say: This guy is spiritual and his faith is real.
I have this thought I want to convey. It goes along with some of the earlier posts in this past couple of weeks. We've talked about our Story. A very huge part of my story is my faith. My spirituality is a large part of what makes up who I am. I grew up in the church since I was 6 years old. In alot of cases, I am very thankful for that. In other ways, I tend to think about the disadvantage that can be. By that, I mean that there are alot of hangups that I have to get passed. There are alot of religious ways and religious thinking that can keep alot of people at bay.
My thought that I have tonight is that I want my faith to be real. I want my faith to be genuine. I want my faith to be something that doesn't intimidate people. I want my faith to be accessible if people want to take the time to explore. I want people to find my faith a little bit mysterious. I want people to look at me and wonder about what I believe.
Reality is this: I struggle. Christians aren't supposed to struggle...or so we're taught. If we don't admit the struggle then how on earth are we going to be able to reach out to the world who does struggle?
Reality is this: I have an emotional roller coaster. Christians aren't supposed to admit that they struggle with their emtions. Most people do struggle with emotions. If I let people know that, mayybe it will help them better understand the war that goes on in their emotions.
Reality is this: I struggle to trust. Christians are supposed to simply trust. However, trust isn't easy or come natural for most of us.
I want people to be able to say: this guy is spiritual yet non-threatening. This guy is spiritual without being religious. This guy is spiritual without the baggage of always having the trite answer.
I hope people will ultimately say: This guy is spiritual and his faith is real.
If I gain the whole world and lose...
Okay... here's an interesting thought...I'll have to add this to my notes for my course:
What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul....
Hmmm... We've taught this as the importance of keeping the world at bay. I'm not sure that this is what Jesus was trying to say.
Soul - mind, will and emotion...
Soul - love....
My thought at this point seems to be this: Let's look at that statement again:
What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his love for people.
My my... I know what is like. I've been there. I thought my world was crashing down around me 14 years ago. The world as I thought God had intended for me crashed. The economic of how I viewed ministry was totally different back then. My dream was to be in ministry at my local assembly however God had other plans. I thought I had the world by the tail then the "cat" got away from my grip. When my world crashed, I lost love for people. I lost my desire for what ministry is all about: people. I struggled for years with that. I wanted to be in ministry but I so easily forgot that ministry is about people...love for people. I loved God...but I didn't love people because of hurt.
I sense in my heart a restoration of love for people. I pray that I don't lose sight of that. The econmics is love. When I have love for people then I have the whole world. But if I seek only the whole world and not the people who live in that world, then I'm missing out.
A different thought... I'm not sure I totally have it altogether..maybe I should have let it simmer on the stove for a little longer...It just caused me to think...hope it causes you to think too.
What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul....
Hmmm... We've taught this as the importance of keeping the world at bay. I'm not sure that this is what Jesus was trying to say.
Soul - mind, will and emotion...
Soul - love....
My thought at this point seems to be this: Let's look at that statement again:
What good does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his love for people.
My my... I know what is like. I've been there. I thought my world was crashing down around me 14 years ago. The world as I thought God had intended for me crashed. The economic of how I viewed ministry was totally different back then. My dream was to be in ministry at my local assembly however God had other plans. I thought I had the world by the tail then the "cat" got away from my grip. When my world crashed, I lost love for people. I lost my desire for what ministry is all about: people. I struggled for years with that. I wanted to be in ministry but I so easily forgot that ministry is about people...love for people. I loved God...but I didn't love people because of hurt.
I sense in my heart a restoration of love for people. I pray that I don't lose sight of that. The econmics is love. When I have love for people then I have the whole world. But if I seek only the whole world and not the people who live in that world, then I'm missing out.
A different thought... I'm not sure I totally have it altogether..maybe I should have let it simmer on the stove for a little longer...It just caused me to think...hope it causes you to think too.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Prayer of Identification -- Breaking up the Fallow Ground
I find it so interesting how God moves and works in and through our lives. I had an experience this past Thursday night at work that was overwhelming and difficult to process in a sense. At about 6:30 pm, I had this strong sense within me of feeling really down, discouraged, very very sad. By 7:00 pm, I was on the verge of tears. I knew that I was fine....that I wasn't discouraged, depressed or sad. I knew then that it must be what I was picking up in the atmosphere around me. This is what I call the prayer of Identification. It is something that one must be very careful in operating because there is such a fine line that can be crossed. It would have been easy for me to interpret these feelings and emotions as my own. If I would have done that, I would have claimed something that wasn't mine and then I would have been discouraged, depressed and sad.
In these times, you MUST be covered in prayer as you pray through this kind of prayer. I emailed a couple of friends of mine and asked them to pray with me that this would lift. I knew who I was interceding for. After four hours, I started to feel this thing lift off of me.
This kind of prayer is exhausting. It takes every ounce of strength to walk through this. Deep within me, I knew that this was a form of intercession however my internal conversation was so heavy and mean that I told God that I wasn't sure that I was capable to handle this. Yet I knew within my heart that God was saying, "Yes, you can."
Now, this isn't something that I operate in a lot, thankfully. I can't remember the last time I may have operated under this unction.
Friday came and I was feeling quite a bit better however there was still a bit of residue of the effects from the night before. Traveling home alone on Friday night, I prayed and had an interesting talk with God concerning this. In the end, I came to a place where I trust Him in this.
Saturday night, I got together with a few friends and we had a time of fellowship, worship and ministry time. We blessed one another through speaking what God was saying to us. The words I received were such life and confirmation of the season I have found myself in. I feel tanked up and ready for what may come this week. God is good. I look forward to today's service.
So, I've come to this final conclusion....as I told a friend this week, I won't give up praying for them. I won't give up praying...no matter how uncomfortable it may place me. I believe that in this season of prayer that we are breaking up the fallow ground in order for the seed to be planted. Every prayer removes a rock. Every prayer breaks up and softens the ground of people's hearts. That is, every prayer that is prayed of the Spirit of God...that is led by the Spirit.
Let's us pray with the understanding and pray without the understanding. There is a breakthrough that is coming. We must not try an interpret what that breakthrough is going to look like. Let God determine that. I just want to be a part of that.
In these times, you MUST be covered in prayer as you pray through this kind of prayer. I emailed a couple of friends of mine and asked them to pray with me that this would lift. I knew who I was interceding for. After four hours, I started to feel this thing lift off of me.
This kind of prayer is exhausting. It takes every ounce of strength to walk through this. Deep within me, I knew that this was a form of intercession however my internal conversation was so heavy and mean that I told God that I wasn't sure that I was capable to handle this. Yet I knew within my heart that God was saying, "Yes, you can."
Now, this isn't something that I operate in a lot, thankfully. I can't remember the last time I may have operated under this unction.
Friday came and I was feeling quite a bit better however there was still a bit of residue of the effects from the night before. Traveling home alone on Friday night, I prayed and had an interesting talk with God concerning this. In the end, I came to a place where I trust Him in this.
Saturday night, I got together with a few friends and we had a time of fellowship, worship and ministry time. We blessed one another through speaking what God was saying to us. The words I received were such life and confirmation of the season I have found myself in. I feel tanked up and ready for what may come this week. God is good. I look forward to today's service.
So, I've come to this final conclusion....as I told a friend this week, I won't give up praying for them. I won't give up praying...no matter how uncomfortable it may place me. I believe that in this season of prayer that we are breaking up the fallow ground in order for the seed to be planted. Every prayer removes a rock. Every prayer breaks up and softens the ground of people's hearts. That is, every prayer that is prayed of the Spirit of God...that is led by the Spirit.
Let's us pray with the understanding and pray without the understanding. There is a breakthrough that is coming. We must not try an interpret what that breakthrough is going to look like. Let God determine that. I just want to be a part of that.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Our Story
Life is a story that is written throughout our lifetime. The circumstances, situations, emotions, and such make up the story. Alot of times we wouldn't have chose what we've had to face. The hurt, the anxiety, the fears, the pain, the broken heart, the depression. Or the sicknesses. Yet as we walk through these situations, we may find out in the end just how they've been a blessing. They helped carve us into who we are. Of course it's human nature to wish for an easier journey. But we haven't been given that. That's not to say that life is always tough. Rough and tumble. There are some bright points....blessings...joy...peace...love...
Our life story is read by many people. Though circumstances be different, yet there is the familiarity of some things that people can identify with cause it helps mirror back to them the reality of their story. Maybe they can gleam something you've learned through the living of your story.
Maybe this is the reason we go through what we do through our story. Our story isn't meant for us alone. It is meant for others who read it. Maybe somehow we can reconcile that thought to our story. If our story can help someone else and they help someone else with their story and use a bit of your story along the way...wow...what a blessing.
Again this brings up the issue that we've talked about in times past....the risk. Are we willing to risk opening the book on our story of life and allow people to read and let their reaction be what it may? Some may not be willing to venture any further than the first sentence. Some may not be willing to go beyond the first paragraph. However, some will be willing to read to the end of the story and allow themselves to expand the way the think about their story.
Our life story is read by many people. Though circumstances be different, yet there is the familiarity of some things that people can identify with cause it helps mirror back to them the reality of their story. Maybe they can gleam something you've learned through the living of your story.
Maybe this is the reason we go through what we do through our story. Our story isn't meant for us alone. It is meant for others who read it. Maybe somehow we can reconcile that thought to our story. If our story can help someone else and they help someone else with their story and use a bit of your story along the way...wow...what a blessing.
Again this brings up the issue that we've talked about in times past....the risk. Are we willing to risk opening the book on our story of life and allow people to read and let their reaction be what it may? Some may not be willing to venture any further than the first sentence. Some may not be willing to go beyond the first paragraph. However, some will be willing to read to the end of the story and allow themselves to expand the way the think about their story.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Prayer of Mercy
I find it very interesting that God would feel the need not to hide what He was doing from Abraham. I think God sets up intercession. God is always looking for a man to stand in the gap. Abraham had a reason to intercede. His nephew was in Sodom. His nephew was more like a son to him.
The prayer of the Spirit is always about finding the righteous. The prayer of the Spirit is always about mercy. The prayer of the Spirit is always about love for people. You can’t pray effectively if you don’t love people. Love is the central core of our faith. There can be no faith without love.
The prayer of mercy is always right. You can’t go wrong with that. I sense we are in a time when mercy is needed more than anything.
Let me share some definitions with you... I love the study of words:
Mercy:
to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior
to favor
bestow;
to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):--beseech
fair, (be, find, shew)
be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful
have (shew) mercy (on, upon)
have pity upon
pray
make supplication
Beseech
1: to beg for urgently or anxiously
2 : to request earnestly : implore
Implore
1 : to call upon in supplication : beseech
2 : to call or pray for earnestly : entreat
Entreat
1 obsolete a : negotiate b : intercede
2 : to make an earnest request : plead
transitive verb 1 : to plead with especially in order to persuade : ask urgently
2 archaic : to deal with : treat
Praying in the Spirit isn’t praying what you know from outward circumstances. Outward circumstances have to be laid down so that you can allow the Spirit of God to flow through you in a pure flow. It doesn’t matter what the outward circumstance is speaking….what it God speaking? Mercy should come easier than judgment.
Abraham was willing to go to the ends of the earth so that God would redeem not only Lot but the righteous souls of Sodom. There was no judgment in Abraham’s prayer.
May we enter into the prayer of mercy.
The prayer of the Spirit is always about finding the righteous. The prayer of the Spirit is always about mercy. The prayer of the Spirit is always about love for people. You can’t pray effectively if you don’t love people. Love is the central core of our faith. There can be no faith without love.
The prayer of mercy is always right. You can’t go wrong with that. I sense we are in a time when mercy is needed more than anything.
Let me share some definitions with you... I love the study of words:
Mercy:
to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior
to favor
bestow;
to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):--beseech
fair, (be, find, shew)
be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful
have (shew) mercy (on, upon)
have pity upon
pray
make supplication
Beseech
1: to beg for urgently or anxiously
2 : to request earnestly : implore
Implore
1 : to call upon in supplication : beseech
2 : to call or pray for earnestly : entreat
Entreat
1 obsolete a : negotiate b : intercede
2 : to make an earnest request : plead
transitive verb 1 : to plead with especially in order to persuade : ask urgently
2 archaic : to deal with : treat
Praying in the Spirit isn’t praying what you know from outward circumstances. Outward circumstances have to be laid down so that you can allow the Spirit of God to flow through you in a pure flow. It doesn’t matter what the outward circumstance is speaking….what it God speaking? Mercy should come easier than judgment.
Abraham was willing to go to the ends of the earth so that God would redeem not only Lot but the righteous souls of Sodom. There was no judgment in Abraham’s prayer.
May we enter into the prayer of mercy.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Are There Abraham's, Jeremiah's, Esther's, Daniel's still in the land?
Over the years, I have had to deal with some thoughts toward where I grew up. I have had to deal with some resentment, anger, frustration, misunderstanding, offense. It hasn't always been easy. Emotional issues never are.
I went for a walk today as I have been doing for some time now. I heard in my heart a word for my community I grew up. I won't share that here. But what I want to say is this: God is looking for Abraham...someone who will contend with Him on behalf of a community. Are there 10 righteous? What about 5?
Where are the Abrahams who had a love for the people; not the sin; but the people?
I pray that there is a generation of people who will not just be intercessors; not just warriors; not just people who pray.... we need people who love. We need people who will weep. We need people who will seed prayer into the soil of the situation. We need people who won't pray what they think or what they desire or what they want to see happen. We need people who hear the Voice of the Heart of God. We need people who will rely on and trust the Spirit within. We need people who will stand at the cornerstone of a town, village, city and declare what God is saying. We need people who will be the trumpet. We need people who will sound the alarm of the Spirit. People who will pray mercy like Abraham.
Today I sensed a weariness in the tone of the Word of the Lord. Why are towns rejecting Him? Why are towns fighting Him? Why are towns saying, "God, stand back!" So God stands back. But for how long?
This is a heavy word today. I felt it while I walked. I felt my spirit weeping. We need people who will stand on the parking lot of town hall and speak the Word only...not our interpretation of the Word....just the Word is enough. Is Jeremiah in the house? What about Esther? What about Daniel?
I went for a walk today as I have been doing for some time now. I heard in my heart a word for my community I grew up. I won't share that here. But what I want to say is this: God is looking for Abraham...someone who will contend with Him on behalf of a community. Are there 10 righteous? What about 5?
Where are the Abrahams who had a love for the people; not the sin; but the people?
I pray that there is a generation of people who will not just be intercessors; not just warriors; not just people who pray.... we need people who love. We need people who will weep. We need people who will seed prayer into the soil of the situation. We need people who won't pray what they think or what they desire or what they want to see happen. We need people who hear the Voice of the Heart of God. We need people who will rely on and trust the Spirit within. We need people who will stand at the cornerstone of a town, village, city and declare what God is saying. We need people who will be the trumpet. We need people who will sound the alarm of the Spirit. People who will pray mercy like Abraham.
Today I sensed a weariness in the tone of the Word of the Lord. Why are towns rejecting Him? Why are towns fighting Him? Why are towns saying, "God, stand back!" So God stands back. But for how long?
This is a heavy word today. I felt it while I walked. I felt my spirit weeping. We need people who will stand on the parking lot of town hall and speak the Word only...not our interpretation of the Word....just the Word is enough. Is Jeremiah in the house? What about Esther? What about Daniel?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Is There Room In Your Heart?
I heard in my heart this week as I was out for my walk that God wants to expand the capacity of my heart to love more. I remember growing up how I loved people. I loved to share my heart with them. I loved to minister to them. I just believed that love was the key.
After having lived some life, pain came along. Rejection. Hurt. Frustration. Fear. Man I just lost faith in people either preceived or real. I felt my pain was real but now looking back I wonder if it wasn't just preceived.
That day on my walk, I not only heard that but I felt it. I felt as if something had been restored. I felt as if something that I had lost was returned to me. Restoration is more than gaining back what may have been lost. Restoration is the expanding of the capacity to hold above and beyond what had been lost. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation: a greater capacity to love people for who they are. Let's begin to stir up the desire, the craving for it. Not to just have things return to "normal" but to have the expansion of our hearts to be the encouragement to one another that we were designed to be.
This song I wrote is what I believe God is saying to us, His church, His people...I pray it challenges us to think a bit outside of the box.
Is There Room In Your Heart
Is there room in your heart for more
Is there room in your heart for Me to move
Is there room in your heart to love
Is there room in your heart
Do you love only those who love you in return?
Do you love only those who believe like you?
Do you love only those who are easy to love?
Do you love only those who are in the fold?
I long to expand the capacity of your heart
To embrace those I have a desire to see in My Kingdom
I long to expand the way you think
And love those who are longing for a home a place where they belong
Will you love those whose hearts are broken beyond repair
Will you love those who don't know what they do
Will you love those who curse My name
Will you love those who won't darken the door of a church
What about those who are so alone and depressed
Who have nothing positive to say or think or feel
Will you love them without a word spoken
Just let it be shown and known by what's in your heart
Clayton A Stairs, January 15th, 2010
After having lived some life, pain came along. Rejection. Hurt. Frustration. Fear. Man I just lost faith in people either preceived or real. I felt my pain was real but now looking back I wonder if it wasn't just preceived.
That day on my walk, I not only heard that but I felt it. I felt as if something had been restored. I felt as if something that I had lost was returned to me. Restoration is more than gaining back what may have been lost. Restoration is the expanding of the capacity to hold above and beyond what had been lost. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation: a greater capacity to love people for who they are. Let's begin to stir up the desire, the craving for it. Not to just have things return to "normal" but to have the expansion of our hearts to be the encouragement to one another that we were designed to be.
This song I wrote is what I believe God is saying to us, His church, His people...I pray it challenges us to think a bit outside of the box.
Is There Room In Your Heart
Is there room in your heart for more
Is there room in your heart for Me to move
Is there room in your heart to love
Is there room in your heart
Do you love only those who love you in return?
Do you love only those who believe like you?
Do you love only those who are easy to love?
Do you love only those who are in the fold?
I long to expand the capacity of your heart
To embrace those I have a desire to see in My Kingdom
I long to expand the way you think
And love those who are longing for a home a place where they belong
Will you love those whose hearts are broken beyond repair
Will you love those who don't know what they do
Will you love those who curse My name
Will you love those who won't darken the door of a church
What about those who are so alone and depressed
Who have nothing positive to say or think or feel
Will you love them without a word spoken
Just let it be shown and known by what's in your heart
Clayton A Stairs, January 15th, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
My Generation: Please Forgive Me
I pray this blog will challenge us all...
Last night coming home from work, I was overwhelmed in prayer. This travail came over me. There was a brokenness that was so deep. My prayer was for forgiveness from the church to a generation. We've lost a generation of people. They have no desire to be in the church. My age group 30-40 years old has been lost. The people I went to youth group with don't go to church anymore.
I look back and wonder: we've been so foolish, petty, doing crazy things, not caring about others, getting caught up in feuds, gossip, judgements, condemnations. No wonder we've lost a generation. Nobody wants to be a part of that. Not in the business world, not in the church world. Lord, forgive us. Let us learn from our mistakes.
Forgive us of our pride.
Somehow please redeem a generation.
I remember when my friend Victor took his life back in 1993, this same feeling was present. I wasn't able to reach him...the real him.
There's a younger generation that we need to be conscious of. Let's not lose them.
The Bible says that in the last days the love of many will grow cold. Here's a thought to consider: is the reason that the love of many grows cold is because our love for them has grown cold? People need love. People want love. They want to know what love is. If I don't have love for them, then the fire of love within them grows cold and the light dims. Oh, Let's not let the light dim. Not in us but more importantly, not in this young generation.
This may seem like a different blog as of late... but can we as the body of Christ take this as a matter of prayer? I really believe that 2010 is a year of prayer and I think that God through the Holy Spirit is going to put His finger on areas that we are lacking in and help us grow and fulfill these areas.
The Great Commission can only be accomplished when we begin to fill in the grey areas with the Love and Mercy of God.
Last night coming home from work, I was overwhelmed in prayer. This travail came over me. There was a brokenness that was so deep. My prayer was for forgiveness from the church to a generation. We've lost a generation of people. They have no desire to be in the church. My age group 30-40 years old has been lost. The people I went to youth group with don't go to church anymore.
I look back and wonder: we've been so foolish, petty, doing crazy things, not caring about others, getting caught up in feuds, gossip, judgements, condemnations. No wonder we've lost a generation. Nobody wants to be a part of that. Not in the business world, not in the church world. Lord, forgive us. Let us learn from our mistakes.
Forgive us of our pride.
Somehow please redeem a generation.
I remember when my friend Victor took his life back in 1993, this same feeling was present. I wasn't able to reach him...the real him.
There's a younger generation that we need to be conscious of. Let's not lose them.
The Bible says that in the last days the love of many will grow cold. Here's a thought to consider: is the reason that the love of many grows cold is because our love for them has grown cold? People need love. People want love. They want to know what love is. If I don't have love for them, then the fire of love within them grows cold and the light dims. Oh, Let's not let the light dim. Not in us but more importantly, not in this young generation.
This may seem like a different blog as of late... but can we as the body of Christ take this as a matter of prayer? I really believe that 2010 is a year of prayer and I think that God through the Holy Spirit is going to put His finger on areas that we are lacking in and help us grow and fulfill these areas.
The Great Commission can only be accomplished when we begin to fill in the grey areas with the Love and Mercy of God.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Trust The Christ Within - the Mystery
8 days within the new year.... my thought is to trust the Christ within. Trust the Holy Spirit that speaks deep within our spirit. He knows all things and transmits that to us through the avenue of prayer and intercession. Trust the Spirit within even when there isn't any visible signs of what He's saying to you because at some point what He has shared with you will come into view.
I posted this on my status on Facebook the other day:
wonders who can explain the mystery... Christ in us the hope of glory.... without explaining the mystery away? That's the problem with organized religion...we try to explain the mystery and wonder out of our faith... why is it that we don't give them something to think about?
Let's keep the mystery in our prayer life, in our spiritual life, in our emotional life, in our mental life.
1 Corinthians 2:7 (King James Version)
7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Ephesians 3:9 (King James Version)
9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:27To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
I posted this on my status on Facebook the other day:
wonders who can explain the mystery... Christ in us the hope of glory.... without explaining the mystery away? That's the problem with organized religion...we try to explain the mystery and wonder out of our faith... why is it that we don't give them something to think about?
Let's keep the mystery in our prayer life, in our spiritual life, in our emotional life, in our mental life.
1 Corinthians 2:7 (King James Version)
7But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Ephesians 3:9 (King James Version)
9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:27To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Lyrics to "Love In The Key of Mercy"
Posting lyrics to my first new song of 2010:
Love In The Key of Mercy
Sometimes all you’ve got left to hold onto is love and it’s enough
Somehow mercy’s the gift we’re given to reach higher heights
I’ve heard it said when it all comes down to it in the end
All we’re gonna have left is our faith and that’s when it’s said well done
Chorus:
Oh mercy
Oh sweet mercy
Oh love in the key of mercy
Sometimes it takes a few hard knocks to make one realize what they have
Somehow mercy’s there to shine its glorious light in the darkness
I’ve heard it said when it all comes down to it in the end
We don’t need faith when everything’s right, but in the darkness soul
Chorus again
Love’s got to go deeper than what we’ve made it out to be
More than trivial word that escapes the lips and we turn our back away
Where there’s love there’s got to be mercy lurking in the background
Where there’s love there’s got to be mercy knocking on the door
Let Him in…Let Him in…
Chorus again
Clayton A Stairs, January 3, 2010
Love In The Key of Mercy
Sometimes all you’ve got left to hold onto is love and it’s enough
Somehow mercy’s the gift we’re given to reach higher heights
I’ve heard it said when it all comes down to it in the end
All we’re gonna have left is our faith and that’s when it’s said well done
Chorus:
Oh mercy
Oh sweet mercy
Oh love in the key of mercy
Sometimes it takes a few hard knocks to make one realize what they have
Somehow mercy’s there to shine its glorious light in the darkness
I’ve heard it said when it all comes down to it in the end
We don’t need faith when everything’s right, but in the darkness soul
Chorus again
Love’s got to go deeper than what we’ve made it out to be
More than trivial word that escapes the lips and we turn our back away
Where there’s love there’s got to be mercy lurking in the background
Where there’s love there’s got to be mercy knocking on the door
Let Him in…Let Him in…
Chorus again
Clayton A Stairs, January 3, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Mystery & Prayer
Mystery. That’s a word to think about. It’s easy to forget that this whole thing started as a mystery…the invisible coming into visible. The intangible become tangible. The wonder of it all.
Mystery
1 a : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand
2 a : something not understood or beyond understanding : enigma b obsolete : a private secret c : the secret or specialized practices or ritual peculiar to an occupation or a body of people
3 : profound, inexplicable, or secretive quality or character
In our society today, it is so easy to lose sight of the mystery. We are in an age where we must
explain everything.
One of the frustrating things for Christian Artists in the 80’s was they felt they had to write a 3 minute song that expressed all the answers to life. Some of these artists left the Christian Music fold in order to have creative freedom to express themselves in such ways that would honor the fact that life is full of mystery. Because they did this, they were ostracized. They were called unbelievers.
We have been taught through religious systems, whether verbally or by actions that to be thinkers is wrong. To question the system was heresy. I believe that this is a great disservice. I believe it’s time to allow God out of the box we’ve tried to put Him in.
The Apostle Paul described for us that there is a mystery. He even told us what the mystery is. He didn’t bother to go any further in that thought. The mystery is simply “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” How can we explain this thought? Christ in us.
The first thought that comes to me is, “why”?
Why did Christ come to fallen man as a Man Himself?
Why did He die on a wooden cross?
Why did He take our sin upon Himself who knew no sin himself?
Why did God breath into man and he became a living soul?
Now, this simple question of why, causes the church to go into a frenzy. You’re never to ask why. That thought is absolutely absurd. Some have said that to ask why is to doubt. I don’t see it that way at all.
The word why is a mystery question. Why should be a question that we need to learn to embrace rather than shun.
Christ in us. Isn’t that what the purpose was? Christ was and is known as Immanuel… God with us. Not only is God with us. He is within us. His Spirit was left to dwell in us. Jesus called Him the comforter.
So how does this mystery play out in context to our subject of prayer? I find prayer to be very mysterious. I don’t fully understand its operations. You can be going along in your day when all of a sudden this drive and desire rises up within you to pray for a particular person.
As quickly as that desire rises up, it leaves and you carry on with your day as if nothing happened.
What does one say in prayer? What happens when you don’t know anything about the person or the situation? How do you pray?
This is where we must learn to trust the Holy Spirit within us. Christ within. The Word within.
Then there is the thought that the Apostle Paul made: pray always in the Spirit. How is that even possible?
I realize that there have been times that deep within my heart and spirit I’ve been praying and didn’t realize it. There is a deeper form of prayer than our mere words. Silence can be the deepest form of prayer of all. In the quiet, our spirit is able to pray in ways that words just won’t do.
There is a higher form of word. That is thought. When our thoughts are centered and zeroed in on a situation, we will find ourselves in a state of prayer that only Spirit can understand. Spirit is word. It’s Thought. Word comes from thought. Word is formed through thought.
Being a person who loves to talk, it is very difficult for me to quiet myself and allow my thoughts to come into a unity with my spirit so I can pray effectively.
Words…my words…tend to clutter up the Spirit world. God isn’t asking for my words of intelligence (or lack thereof). He’s not asking for my intellect. He’s asking for me to listen so I can catch the wave of His Words, His heart, His mind, His emotion, and His tone.
The question in prayer then becomes this: What is God’s intention in having me pray? What direction does He have in mind? When I find that direction, then what is His heart concerning the situation? What is it that He wants to speak into that situation?
Jesus said, “I only speak what I hear the Father is saying.” I certainly need to take the time and learn this. When I take the time to speak what is in His heart, I will be able to effectively minister to the situation. Before I can get to this point, I need to learn to listen first.
A lot less speaking…and a whole lot of listening. If this is what we need to do in the natural when ministering to people, how much more do we need to do the same in the Spirit.
Mysterious isn’t it?
Mystery
1 a : a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand
2 a : something not understood or beyond understanding : enigma b obsolete : a private secret c : the secret or specialized practices or ritual peculiar to an occupation or a body of people
3 : profound, inexplicable, or secretive quality or character
In our society today, it is so easy to lose sight of the mystery. We are in an age where we must
explain everything.
One of the frustrating things for Christian Artists in the 80’s was they felt they had to write a 3 minute song that expressed all the answers to life. Some of these artists left the Christian Music fold in order to have creative freedom to express themselves in such ways that would honor the fact that life is full of mystery. Because they did this, they were ostracized. They were called unbelievers.
We have been taught through religious systems, whether verbally or by actions that to be thinkers is wrong. To question the system was heresy. I believe that this is a great disservice. I believe it’s time to allow God out of the box we’ve tried to put Him in.
The Apostle Paul described for us that there is a mystery. He even told us what the mystery is. He didn’t bother to go any further in that thought. The mystery is simply “Christ in us, the hope of glory.” How can we explain this thought? Christ in us.
The first thought that comes to me is, “why”?
Why did Christ come to fallen man as a Man Himself?
Why did He die on a wooden cross?
Why did He take our sin upon Himself who knew no sin himself?
Why did God breath into man and he became a living soul?
Now, this simple question of why, causes the church to go into a frenzy. You’re never to ask why. That thought is absolutely absurd. Some have said that to ask why is to doubt. I don’t see it that way at all.
The word why is a mystery question. Why should be a question that we need to learn to embrace rather than shun.
Christ in us. Isn’t that what the purpose was? Christ was and is known as Immanuel… God with us. Not only is God with us. He is within us. His Spirit was left to dwell in us. Jesus called Him the comforter.
So how does this mystery play out in context to our subject of prayer? I find prayer to be very mysterious. I don’t fully understand its operations. You can be going along in your day when all of a sudden this drive and desire rises up within you to pray for a particular person.
As quickly as that desire rises up, it leaves and you carry on with your day as if nothing happened.
What does one say in prayer? What happens when you don’t know anything about the person or the situation? How do you pray?
This is where we must learn to trust the Holy Spirit within us. Christ within. The Word within.
Then there is the thought that the Apostle Paul made: pray always in the Spirit. How is that even possible?
I realize that there have been times that deep within my heart and spirit I’ve been praying and didn’t realize it. There is a deeper form of prayer than our mere words. Silence can be the deepest form of prayer of all. In the quiet, our spirit is able to pray in ways that words just won’t do.
There is a higher form of word. That is thought. When our thoughts are centered and zeroed in on a situation, we will find ourselves in a state of prayer that only Spirit can understand. Spirit is word. It’s Thought. Word comes from thought. Word is formed through thought.
Being a person who loves to talk, it is very difficult for me to quiet myself and allow my thoughts to come into a unity with my spirit so I can pray effectively.
Words…my words…tend to clutter up the Spirit world. God isn’t asking for my words of intelligence (or lack thereof). He’s not asking for my intellect. He’s asking for me to listen so I can catch the wave of His Words, His heart, His mind, His emotion, and His tone.
The question in prayer then becomes this: What is God’s intention in having me pray? What direction does He have in mind? When I find that direction, then what is His heart concerning the situation? What is it that He wants to speak into that situation?
Jesus said, “I only speak what I hear the Father is saying.” I certainly need to take the time and learn this. When I take the time to speak what is in His heart, I will be able to effectively minister to the situation. Before I can get to this point, I need to learn to listen first.
A lot less speaking…and a whole lot of listening. If this is what we need to do in the natural when ministering to people, how much more do we need to do the same in the Spirit.
Mysterious isn’t it?
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