Saturday, July 5, 2008
Friday, July 4, 2008
PTP at ZHOP
Here is an EZ37 intern giving detail on a dream during ZHOP's Friday afternoon "Prophecy to Pray" meeting.
Just when you thought it was a holiday
Here is my to-do list (yes, I use Doomi). But first, since its a "day off" for me I get to go jump in on the 10AM intercession set at ZHOP.
Of blogs and men
Image via WikipediaYou know, I do my part to spice up the internet. I had selected mostly ZHOP friends to put on my blogroll but now I think I'll broaden the list because ZHOPers don't post very much. This is not a putdown, as I've been blogging too long to cast stones: there are definitely times when writing is easier and you want to document things or loop others in on interesting events. But I reformatted the site here and renewed my efforts to post daily with some content other than pictures... allowing an occasional glimpse into whats ticking in my mind. I think content selection is an interesting topic, in light of the current interest around my internet-connected friends with the Myers-Briggs personality test. Some people use their blog to process life, some use it as a sounding board for friends, some are simply fishing for the thrill of being heard. But many/most avoid blogging. But it can be done effectively while being simple. Leonard Jones over at Morningstar has a blog. He updates it 3-4 times a week, and usually each entry is simply 3-4 sentences where he makes an observation and some kind of statement from it. He's an interesting, eclectic guy so I keep going to read what he's posting. Its a good example of using the medium to stimulate others with similar interests.Anyone can be a good blogger, whats makes for "good content" are the things that interest you and provide you with those lessons you can share. Attempting to be profound is not helpful, just tell the story and offer your own response to it.
Some people are not writers. Many process verbally. Some are so reluctant to disclose personal thoughts and valuable things because there's a chance they will get overlooked or trampled upon. So you have to gain a vision of "how much of you" you put out there. Or how important it is to get feedback... because many read but only a fraction of a percent will likely comment. I think a big reason many stop blogging is because they don't grasp why they should do it. For me, if no one reads this post ever I'm OK with that. Its one means I can use to keep my thoughts in order, plus I'm an encourager by disposition so I like to throw out such kind of information anyway. I do want to keep this page interesting, so to get back to my initial point: I'm adding to the blogroll on the right to keep more fresh content on the page for people who come here (by whatever means) but I'm going to aim to have only people interested/committed to prayer on it.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Memory lane
Image via WikipediaIgot a userid and password to my college web site yesterday, going on to it last night brought back a bunch of memories. Some good, some painful. I worked on campus there for almost 2 years in the late 80s and as I perused the site I found that two guys who started work in the same department at the same time are still there. That was a 'whoah' moment... still there after 20 years! I don't find anything bad about that (necessarily) but when I think of all the journeys, all the miles, all the people since then it is pretty amazing. I loved working on campus, so the thought of being there still is not unattractive to me if that were how God led us. But I think one of the reasons many people don't see me as old as I am is because time has passed in largely 3-5 year seasons of professional work or ministry or an intense converging of both... and as I result I've kind of been tricked into thinking I'm still 'almost 30' in my mind. I've been marking the passage of time with these changes of scenery, so to speak, so to think of a 20 year setting rather boggles my mental framework. I have a perspective that life has been about times of preparation for release and fruitfulness, some of which I entered in to. And some that are yet before me. There are times to wait, and then the question of whether or not to step forward in faith. If I were to sit down with those guys I worked with 20 years ago and told them our story I don't think they would believe at least half of it. God is that amazing.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
VOM News and Prayer Update: July 1st, 2008
Image via Wikipedia"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you." (1 Corinthians 16:23) PAKISTAN
Christians Abducted at Gunpoint by Muslim Extremists - VOM Sources
On June 21, 16 Christians were abducted by Muslim extremists when they gathered to pray in Academy Town, Peshawar, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Pakistan, "Salamat Masih and 30 of his family and close friends were gathered to pray and celebrate the birth of his daughter, when 12 Taliban [members] of the Lashka-e-Islam group broke into his house yelling and shouting. They held the believers at gunpoint. The Muslim house-owner, Haji Muhammad Saraj, was also present at the time to collect rent." VOM contacts added, "With machine and automatic guns, they forcibly separated the men from the women and children. Slapping the Christian men, they commanded all 16 men, including Pastor Zulifqar and Haji Muhammad Saraj, to get into the five waiting vehicles." The 16 Christian men were held captive for an hour. "They were beaten and abused, and had all their money and mobile phones stolen from them. During this time, the Taliban attempted to persuade Pastor Zulifqar to convert to Islam, which he unquestionably refused. After sunset the Taliban took them to another place where they were kept in a cave until their release 10 hours later," VOM contacts reported. Pray for believers in Pakistan. Pray God protects them and provides for all their needs. Also pray their courageous testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Psalm 91:1-2
EGYPT
Christian Homes and Businesses Attacked - VOM Sources
On June 19, a mob of local Muslims attacked businesses and homes belonging to Coptic Christians in the village of Al Nazla, Fayoum province. According to VOM contacts, "When a convert from Christianity to Islam left that day on a three-day trip to Cairo, local Muslims concluded that she had gone missing. Rumors circulated that she had been abducted by her Christian family members. A mob of Muslims then went on a rampage in the village, beating and injuring Christians and destroying property." Ask God to strengthen those affected by the mob violence and for them to remain steadfast as they suffer. Pray that the perpetrators of this attack will come to repentance and salvation. Revelation 2:10
INDONESIA
Church Closed Again - VOM Sources
Recently, Muslims closed a church and blocked Christians from entering and holding services in Jatimula, Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts in Indonesia, "Muslims blocked the alley leading to the church building. Pastor Anna and Huta Julu had to lead worship outside their church building and believers had to sit in the dirty alley to pray outside their church." VOM contacts added, "The sign outside the church building stated, ‘This church building is sealed,’ and it was written on a letterhead belonging to the Tambun Selatan district of Bekasi local government." This is the second time Muslims have closed the church in Bekasi. The church was first closed on September 10, 2005, when a mob of 100 Muslims nailed boards over doors and windows and prohibited believers from entering the building. Praise God for the unwavering faith of believers in Indonesia. Ask God to watch over Pastor Anna and Huta Julu as they continue to lead other believers in Indonesia. Pray for protection for believers as they courageously live for Christ in the midst of hardships. John 15: 18-21
AZERBAIJAN
Pastor Arrested - Forum 18 News
On June 20, Pastor Hamid Shabanov was arrested after police claimed to find an illegal weapon while searching his home in Aliabad. According to Forum 18 News, "Pastor Shabanov's family and congregation insist that police planted the gun they claimed to discover. Shabanov's brother sees the arrest as a direct attack on the pastor's Baptist church and an attempt to halt Christian activity in the area. Shabanov's home was among those searched when another local pastor arrested on fabricated charges, Pastor Zaur Balaev, was detained in May 2007." Pray that the truth of this situation will be made known and that Pastor Shabanov will be released. Pray that Christians in Azerbaijan will be emboldened to follow in their Savior’s footsteps. 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Dropcaps
Drop caps. Yeah, I've added dropcaps. Not finished tweaking on 'em, but feel free to comment.
Public speaking
Image via WikipediaLate last night I cued up a message I gave at ZHOP a few weeks back and listened to it with the intention of critiquing myself. At the time I gave it, I thought the message was pretty good. Above average for myself. But hearing it in the quiet of my living room it was clear I need to work on my presentation skills. I can make excuses (and have some, to be sure) but the bottom line is that I need to do better. I'm aiming for excellence, so that when people come to ZHOP they might go away with the most impact God would allow me to have... whether its a dozen at a seminar or 250 in the room. All this is to say: pray for me. Thank you.
Monday, June 30, 2008
ZHOP is in
ZHOP is responding to the called fast to the global prayer movement. It begins today and is 40 days long. There are varied expressions of this but the same focus: a humbling to seek God's breakthrough in our nation and in the prayer movement around the world.
GAFCON in Jerusalem
Got an encouraging report from a friend who was recently a delegate in Jerusalem at GAFCON. A new, biblically-grounded, missions-focused Anglican structure is in formation for those local churches who are no longer in association with the leadership over segments of the Episcopal/Anglican movement in the church at large (especially the US). You can find some video of the keynote presentations here. These delegates represented 35 millions of the world's Anglican Christians. Interesting times, for sure.
The 626 story (for this year)
OK, I blogged on Friday that I had another 626 story, here goes:
On Thursday morning, early (emphasize early) we had the fire/smoke alarm in our bedroom go berserk. The battery died and it, by design, should chirp and notify you of the battery need. But it screamed like a little baby demanding "Feed me!!!" I was deep asleep until that moment - happily so I should add. Caryn bounds out of our closet (she was already up) and begins addressing the alarm. She gets a battery and ultimately evicts the troublesome spirit (so to speak).
At that point I wondered about the peculiarity as its only the second time in our two years in the new house that an alarm went off. As I rolled over, I decided to turn on the radio to find the weather report. Immediately when I hit the snooze bar to activate the radio, it blared out a commerical jingle, a radio ad for a home security company. I was instantly confronted by a loud singing chorus stating:
"A-LARM FORCE!"
I was amazed. You cannot make this stuff up and it be as good as the real thing. Its clear: blow the trumpet, sound the alarm (Joel 2). We are entering days of great challenge and opportunity. The Spirit of the Lord is visiting the outcast, the church is birthing those not like them/us. The fish are about to jump into the boat. And while they may need to be cleaned up, they are yet "fearfully and wonderfully made".
In writing this and your finding your way to these words I am fulfilling my role of 626 (Isaiah 62:6) even as Thursday was 6/26:
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the LORD,
give yourselves no rest.
Put your face to the Lord's face. Raise your voice, its time to pray for the harvest. For those coming and for the laborers.
On Thursday morning, early (emphasize early) we had the fire/smoke alarm in our bedroom go berserk. The battery died and it, by design, should chirp and notify you of the battery need. But it screamed like a little baby demanding "Feed me!!!" I was deep asleep until that moment - happily so I should add. Caryn bounds out of our closet (she was already up) and begins addressing the alarm. She gets a battery and ultimately evicts the troublesome spirit (so to speak).
At that point I wondered about the peculiarity as its only the second time in our two years in the new house that an alarm went off. As I rolled over, I decided to turn on the radio to find the weather report. Immediately when I hit the snooze bar to activate the radio, it blared out a commerical jingle, a radio ad for a home security company. I was instantly confronted by a loud singing chorus stating:
"A-LARM FORCE!"
I was amazed. You cannot make this stuff up and it be as good as the real thing. Its clear: blow the trumpet, sound the alarm (Joel 2). We are entering days of great challenge and opportunity. The Spirit of the Lord is visiting the outcast, the church is birthing those not like them/us. The fish are about to jump into the boat. And while they may need to be cleaned up, they are yet "fearfully and wonderfully made".
In writing this and your finding your way to these words I am fulfilling my role of 626 (Isaiah 62:6) even as Thursday was 6/26:
I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;
they will never be silent day or night.
You who call on the LORD,
give yourselves no rest.
Put your face to the Lord's face. Raise your voice, its time to pray for the harvest. For those coming and for the laborers.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Been a long weekend
Sunday night, almost 10PM. Been teaching, counselling, parenting, husbanding. Plus its been David the delightful's 9th birthday. Swimming, cake and Bionicles. Caryn made him an icecream cake that was delectible.
I'm considering the book 'Secrets of the Secret Place' for the internship reading list at ZHOP. Am I alone in this, or shouldn't a book with this title have all blank pages? Just sayin' ...
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