California, say you will

Coming in on the 101 a short while ago was quite the moment.  When I looked over and saw the "Ventura County" sign by the highway something hit me like a ton of bricks.  I realized that I am quite the idiot.  To return to this place while I am working through the emotional vortex of closing down ZHOP is something like adding broken glass to the wind blowing in the hurricane around you.

I am looking forward to visiting friends the next couple of days, and this is my first time back west since we moved to Charlotte 11 years ago.  I was stunned by the strength of emotions I still have towards this region, though circumstances and relational breakdowns were roadblocks to our mission getting traction back in those days.  I'll deal with it, what a surprise.

In our journey, we have touched something precious to God during our years in California when we experienced the beginnings of real-world city reaching as grounded in focused intercession.  Then we were led to Charlotte, waited for the go-ahead to start small prayer meetings that fore-ran the conception of ZHOP that began when Kirk Bennett led a team to Charlotte from IHOP-KC.  Then the zeal of the Lord accomplished a prayer meeting that started in January, 2006 and ended in June, 2009.  In other words, God Himself led us in a prayer meeting that lasted for 3 and 1/2 years.

Selah.

The sun is going down now... a new year is just beginning (according to the Jewish calendar).  I commit here in print before God and His angels that I will yet wait and pray for night and day prayer to be integrated together with evangelism to bring in the great harvest before Jesus returns.  I bear witness to this "divine chemistry" that is in the fullness of God's heart and hand to give to His Church in our day.  The nations will be shaking but in the midst of such trouble...  Jesus' Name will be poured out as the most pleasant fragrance the world can know through both God's Spirit and His bride's earnest, lovesick witness.

Its coming, its coming, its coming.  I am resolute, my heart is fixed O God.  My heart is fixed.

Michael Jordan HOF speech

Kids, do not watch this video: the one of Michael Jordan accepting his induction into the basketball hall of fame.  Its not a pleasant sight, something of a train wreck.  What used to be perceived as his "competitiveness" and "drive" to excel on the basketball court when filtered through the sports media and marketing agencies is now more clearly seen as bitterness that is tempered with a bloated sense of self-importance.  You can google for the video, its now in internet posterity.  To use that context to belittle others you have disagreed with along the road of life is sad to see.  Michael referred to the chiding of one of the coaches in Chicago who (attempted to) direct him away from selfish play on the court:  “Tex said there was no I in team. Well, that’s true. But there is an I in win. So however you want it.”  He literally addressed his children in his speech and said (in light of his accomplishments) "You guys have a heavy burden.  I wouldn't want to be you."  I've interacted with some pretty arrogant, aloof people along the way, and at the end of the day I can't help but think that while they feel clever in the moment or triumphant in what they accomplished (which was largely then at the expense of others) there is yet the final assessment of a life well-lived.  Its not being the loudest person in the room, or most effectively gathering others to yourself.  The world is rampant with those "heroes" and we even wink at it and at times tacitly approve of it in the Body of Christ.  Jesus said the greatest among us were those who were serving others in the most giving, assertive way...  not to be seen nor applauded but to make the lives of others better.  Consider John Bunyan and David Brainerd, of Jim Elliott and his companions.  And most of all, consider Jesus.  He came into the world, His own did not receive Him, yet He did not hesitate to lay down His life.

Related articles 

• Jordan's parting shots ruthless as ever (cbssports.com)
• “Unknown hero” Norman Borlaug dies (pc.blogspot.com)