Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The lion and the lamb


I've been thinking about the image in revelation of the lion laying down with the lamb.
recently my son and I watched the new disney production called 'earth' that follows around some animals in their attempts to survive the harsh realities of nature - particularly with global warming throwing off a natural rhythm. There were many sad parts in the film - and there was a tremendous beauty as well.
that said, the lions in this film were all too thrilled to attack prey and eat them - all because of their survival instinct.
Revelation suggests that this animosity - this natural inclination to attack and eat each other will be gone and there will be enough for everyone and everything... no more violence necessary.
But I was also thinking that the reality of that kind of world means a perfect mixture of justice and love. And that the lion in scripture often represents Jesus coming with Justice and the Lamb often represents Jesus coming and laying down his life in love. The image of the lion and the lamb lying down together struck me the other day as a representation of the perfection and completion of God's plan... righteousness and justice... a perfect picture of justice and redemption.
May justice and love unite and lay down together - creating a perfect world. Now that's something to roar about!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A great prayer...

"You asked for my hands
that you might use them for your purposes
I gave them for a moment then withdrew them
for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes
to see the pain of poverty.
I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life
that you might work through me .
I gave you a small part that I might not get 'too involved'.

Lord, forgive me for calculated efforts to serve you
only when it is convenient for me to do so, and
only in those places where it is safe to do so,
and only with those who make it easy to do so.

Father, forgive me
renew me
send me out
as a usable instrument,
that I may take seriously the meaning of your cross."
© Joe Seramane, South Africa, from Lifelines, Christian Aid, 1987

More helps to pray...

THE SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL POSITIONAL STATEMENT ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Statement of the Issue
Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Reliable reports show that millions of people around the world are subjected to it. The techniques used by traffickers and the forms in which trafficking is manifested are various, but what is common to them all is the exploitation of some people by other people. Those who are victimized include babies, children, teenagers, women and men.

The following statement created by the United Nations and adopted by many others, is both a definition of human trafficking and a clear call to action:

"The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs. "

Statement of Position
The Salvation Army is deeply committed to fighting human trafficking however it may be manifested. We seek to exercise care in restoring the freedom and dignity of those affected.

Principles
Human trafficking is contrary to the principles of freedom and dignity. The exploitation
of human beings dehumanizes the individuals who are trafficked, rewards the inhumanity of the traffickers, and weakens the moral and social fabric of society at large.

Restoring dignity to persons who have been exploited is not easy, and the danger of paternalizing trafficked victims in the name of aiding them must be kept in view.

Traffickers need to be stopped and held accountable, but they also need those who will help them to a transformation of heart and mind.

The Salvation Army is opposed to the corrupt abuse of power against other human beings that is inherent in trafficking for personal economic gain. We therefore have the responsibility, both individually and collectively, to work for the liberation of those who have been enslaved in this manner, and to establish the legal and social mechanisms by which human trafficking can be stopped.

Biblical and Theological Background
Humankind is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26 ). All people are valuable to
God, holding a special place in God’s creation (Psalm 8:5). The Bible teaches that nobody should be exploited or damaged. Psalm 10 describes the wickedness of those who entrap others and the Psalmist calls on God to intervene. This Psalm is as relevant now as it was when it was written many years before the birth of Jesus.

Isaiah 42:22 says, ‘But this is a people plundered and looted all of them trapped in pits or hidden away in prisons. They have become plunder, with no one to rescue them; they have been made loot, with no one to say, “Send them back.”’

Joel 3:3 says, ‘They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes; they sold girls for wine that they might drink.’

Jesus taught that no one should live in physical or spiritual bondage. He said, ‘The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, and to say, ‘This is the year the Lord has chosen.’’ (Luke 4: 18 – 19). He was quoting Isaiah 61: 1 – 2. Later in Isaiah 61 are these words, ‘I, the Lord, love justice! But I hate robbery and injustice.’ (v. 8).
Consequently, Christians are called upon to work for the elimination of all forms of human trafficking.

Practical Responses
Since its inception, The Salvation Army has sought to reduce the worldwide phenomenon of abuse of individuals or groups of people for personal gain, now defined by the United Nations as human trafficking. It has established places of refuge for victims, sought legal changes that would both prevent trafficking and punish those involved, and it has created alternatives for those vulnerable to trafficking. Through its constituent territories, corps, centres and individual members, The Salvation Army continues to plan and undertake culturally and biblically appropriate responses which will help to eliminate the development or continuation of any form of human trafficking.

The Salvation Army recognises that there is a great deal of sex trafficking, and that the majority of those trafficked for sex are women and girls. It rejects this commodification of women in any circumstance – including pornography, prostitution and sex tourism - and works both to eliminate human trafficking for this purpose and to create alternatives for women who would otherwise be forced into prostitution.

The Salvation Army will work against any activity that trafficks people for the sale of human organs.
The Salvation Army seeks to develop strategies and methods which assist trafficked people
to re-enter and make a home in their chosen place of residence.

Often the incidence of human trafficking is hidden within a society. The Salvation Army
takes an active role in researching where human trafficking is occurring and aims to raise public awareness as a result.

The Salvation Army calls upon all legislators in local, national or international jurisdictions to create laws and enforcement mechanisms which criminalize trafficking and which will punish those engaged in such activities.
The Salvation Army also encourages all law enforcement agencies to actively prosecute
perpetrators of human trafficking and to work with other government and community
organizations to free people from any present or future coercion or threat.

Human trafficking flourishes because there is a demand for the services trafficked people are forced to provide. The Salvation Army therefore undertakes education and awareness raising activities so that those who use products or services supplied by trafficked people are confronted with
the human misery, suffering and injustice created by their continuing use of these services or
products.

The Salvation Army recognizes that there are a number of credible organizations
working locally and globally on the issues of human trafficking. The Salvation Army encourages cooperation and networking with these agencies to achieve the elimination of human trafficking and to provide support to trafficked people.

The Salvation Army calls upon Salvationists and other Christians worldwide to seek God’s face and pray.

Reference Documents
United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Definition of “human trafficking”, at Annex II, Article 3, paragraph (a) (http://www.unodc.org/pdf/crime/a_res_55/res5525e.pdf)
humantrafficking.org: A web resource for fighting human trafficking (www.humantrafficking.org)
United Nations Global Initiative To Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) (http://www.ungift.org/)
The Salvation Army, ‘Opposing and Preventing Global Sexual Trafficking’ (www.salvationarmy.org/ihq)

The views expressed in this international positional statement constitute the official position of The Salvation Army on the issue addressed, and they may not be modified or adapted in any way without the express written permission of International Headquarters.
(Approved Draft: 14 September 2009)

Friday, September 25, 2009

Surrender10 conference promo Surrender 10 Surrender:10

features Perri Winter from Aus... great video to promo a great event. If you can - plan to be there. March 2010 - Melbourne.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

From the funk to the funk


Cornel West is featured a few times in the Call and Response rockumentary - which you really ought to check out and ask your local theatre to host a screening and invite some friends - it has the potential to help change the world and empower a generation. Cornel explains that the black artists that emerged out of slavery in and morphed into blues and have so influenced and shaped the rock n roll genre were a people who understood about 'the funk'. What is the funk? Cornel suggests it's the muck and the mire of life... we are born in a mess and we go to a mess when we die... that's the 'funk' - but the real gift of the African American experience is that instead of avoiding the funk and never talking about it and pretending not to know about it etc... there is an embracing of the beauty within the funk... that in the muck and the mire or hardship, struggle and injustice is a glimpse of beauty, truth and justice. I think I get it. I'd like to get it more - I'd like to (like Mother Theresa) be able to spot God and His grace in even disturbing disguises... to get to the funk in order to emerge dirty but broken and changed. To find the beauty in the broken (also a solid worship song by Starfield).
Anyway, if you haven't checked out Call and response - do it... it's a great tool for urging people forward to change the circumstances of the current slave trade... why not check out the website and then PRAY this weekend for the abolition of sex-trafficking - then be the answer to the prayer... you may just find beauty in the funk.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

START FREEDOM Trailer

check it out and get involved...

Start Freedom

Take Part in START FREEDOM
A campaign for young people
A global campaign for schools and young people who will become aware of the issues surrounding human trafficking and realise the power to make a difference.

START FREEDOM - Young people campaigning to combat trafficking

Sunday, September 20, 2009

SHALOM, Peace and the everday


I was with someone who got a tattoo of SHALOM (like the picture above) on their lower back. SHALOM is the hebrew word for PEACE... as I've been praying this morning with the rest of the Army world... I've been thinking about that tattoo... I mean - imagine that our whole lives were rooted in shalom - which is more than the absence of conflict but the presence of the fullness of God in all things... we'd be so full we wouldn't have room for violence. Fullness is what Peace looks like in the end... violence comes through war and through inaction, poverty - it looks like assault and withdrawal.. we can perpetuate violence by doing nothing at all... I'd like to live a life marked by SHALOM... not just in ink (although that does cross my mind!) but on my heart, on my actions, in my everyday. SHALOM for everyday.
Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers... that is an action term (ironically we understand it better when we say troublemakers)... makers of peace are those who actively pursuing bringing peace to the world. Jesus would know - that was the announcement of His coming - the good news that Christ was born was deeply connected to Peace On Earth. I want to see the fullness of that angelic proclamation. He is the prince of Peace... peace with God, peace with others - the recipe for peace making is found in the greatest commandments.. to love God and to love others... that recipe is peace in the making.
Today, as you join us in personal and corporate prayer - perhaps that's a decent question: are you a peace maker?
SHALOM.

Peace on earth



Today is the day that the General of The Salvation Army has declared a global day of prayer for peace. War is a major cause of global poverty and it's effects are felt most intensely by women and children. Jesus had a bunch of stuff to say and social reformers through-out history have also stood for radical change.
One of those reformers is young but has a great take on the early church's resistance to fight for the state, in honor of a much higher goal (allegiance to Christ). It's worth checking out Jesus for President (has a strong American perspective - but is still important).
Another brand new book - a study on Gandhi's methods regarding non-violence and the effectiveness of that route of change in the world is also worth a peek. Gandhi and Beyond

SONG: Jesus Christ is Waiting

Jesus Christ is waiting, waiting in the streets;
no one is his neighbour, all alone he eats.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I am lonely too.
Make me, friend or stranger,
fit to wait on you.

Jesus Christ is raging, raging in the streets,
where injustice spirals
and real hope retreats.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I am angry too.
In the Kingdom’s causes
Let me rage with you.

Jesus Christ is healing,
healing in the streets;
Curing those who suffer,
touching those he greets.
Listen, Lord Jesus, I have passion too.
Let my care be active, healing just like you.

Jesus Christ is dancing, dancing in the streets,
where each sign of hatred
He, with love, defeats.
Listen, Lord Jesus, we should triumph too.
On suspicion’s graveyard
let us dance with you.

Jesus Christ is calling, calling in the streets,
‘Who will join my journey?
I will guide their feet.’
Listen, Lord Jesus, let my fears be few.
Walk one step before me; I will follow you.
(Text: John Bell, alt. Tune: Now the Green Blade Rises
Iona Community, Scotland GIA publications)


Prayer for the Peace:
One: We have chosen to be here, forming one body out of many.
All: We are one in the Spirit; we are one in Christ.
One: With us are those we see and those who share our vision
but are scattered across creation.
All: We are one in the Spirit; we are one in Christ.
One: We share a vision arising from differing experiences—men and women, gay and straight, rich and poor, of many races, creeds and cultures that are one with us in this moment.
All: We are one in the Spirit; we are one in Christ.

One: We have chosen to be here in a time of war when we have called for peace.
All: We have chosen to be here in a time of injustice when we have called for liberation.
One: We have chosen to be here in a time of fear when we have called for hope.
All: We have chosen to be here in a time of action as a sign of faith.

One: We have chosen to be here in a time of darkness as a sign of light.

All: We are one in the Spirit; we are one in Christ.

One: Creating and healing and transforming God,
God who makes one of all those
sharing in the hope of faith,
remind us that we are more
than the people in this room
and more than the present time
that we may be your instrument
for peace and justice
in the present time and for all time.
All: Amen.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Inclusive Love


I've recently read the old book (last published in 1940's) Social Evils The Army has Challenged... each chapter has a specific story and strategy around some campaigns that changed the world. It's incredible. STAY TUNED FOR A REPUBLISHED VERSION!!
The story that has captured me (all of them are challenging) is the Japanese Brothel Invasions (early 1900's). Basically, short story version is that the army organised in 'bands' of Salvationists would burst through the doors of brothels where women were kept involuntarily (debt bondage) and they would make an announcement that any woman who wanted to leave could enter the center of the circle of Salvationists. Women who wanted out would get in the centre of the circle and the salvationists would leave... on their way out of course they would be attacked and beaten by the brothel owners and hired goons. Because the women were in the centre of the circle - the 'bad guys' had to get through all the Salvationists first - in order to get to them. They rescued 70 women in the space of a few months in that fashion... a few months later they changed the laws and 15,000 women walked out themselves. In the first week of the campaign business dropped by estimates of 2000 less 'sex buyers' a night... truly we delivered a blow to the darkness.
This inclusive circle of aggressive love is still the way of rescue, support and sacrificial love that represents God so well... it's still the way that God works on the earth - who have you invited into your sphere of protection lately? What blows have you taken for those who have already had far to many to bear themselves? How 'bout a new venture of light invading dark places this week?

Monday, September 14, 2009

consistent grace

I've been contemplating God's consistent grace in the everyday of life. Sometimes it's so easy to see the things that are wrong or difficult or unjust - and it is important to have our eyes open to those things so that we are equipped and prepared and ready to fight... but on the flip side it is also apparent if you have eyes to see that God's grace is literally everywhere... all around us and working all the time. Even before we recognize Him - already He is drawing us to Himself. This morning I was looking out the window and enjoying the marks of spring... the real tangible, physical, evidence of God's grace in nature... and then in people, and then in strategies and on and on it goes.
Everyday, if we have eyes and ears we will sense and see and hear that God is full of love... poured out. Hope you can experience all of what God has for you today.

Friday, September 11, 2009

The Call to WAR...

Words from Lisa Thompson that bear repeating after the posting of an assault against the Salvation Army in Canada for campaigning against human trafficking and the links between prostitution and sexual oppression - by the way, I have just returned from brothel visits this afternoon and I'm ready for a fight... I hate prostitution and what it does to women. I hate that brothel are full of women who lack other choices, I'm sick of there not being any way out, I'm tired of sitting around in comfort while other women are forced into oppressive conditions and told that's what they deserve... I'm really getting tired of the endless rhetoric from women who have bought into selling themselves (AND OTHER WOMEN) in order to simply make a profit at the expense of their own lives and girls after us... anyway, don't get me started today... but hear Lisa (who offers a very refreshing take) and read these articles and PLEASE join us in prayer (check out justsalvos.com for resources including a prayer directive and an mp3 song recorded just for the occasion) and join in some public prayer!!

Also check out the truth isn't sexy campaign for a glimpse of the amazing work of the human trafficking taskforce in British Columbia - congrats guys!!
Dear Friends:

Here is some exciting news from Canada! Why do I think it's exciting that a pro-prostitution lobby in Vancouver is making a public protest about The Salvation Army's anti-trafficking campaign and that they plan to protest our International Weekend of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sexual Trafficking being held later this month? Because I take this as a sure sign that by prayer & fasting we are unleashing the forces of God engaged in the unseen battle "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12)."

We must be doing something right to be getting this type of response! So, with all the more sincerity and passion let's pray and fast, even now, for the victims of sexual trafficking and the commercial sex industry, as well as for The Salvation Army in Canada and their efforts. Please also lift up those who are protesting, in particular Ms. Davis.

Lastly, please keep in mind that sex trafficking doesn't exist in a vacuum. There is a normalized sex industry that generates the demand for females (and some males) for sexual use. Moreover, countless numbers of women in prostitution are victims of sexual trafficking -- just because they may not appear to be forced on the surface does not mean that they are not victims of extreme psychological coercion and physical brutality. Moreover, I think we can all agree that the sex industry is harmful to all persons who come within it's radius -- prostituting persons, pimps & madams, and sex buyers. They all need our prayers, and most especially our love as modeled by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Abolition!
Lisa

Pro-prostitution lobby wages war on Salvation Army
Protesters will target prayer vigils
Mark Hasiuk
Vancouver Courier
Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Name the greatest threat to Vancouver prostitutes toiling on street corners and in storefront brothels:
A) pimps B) abusive, disease-carrying johns C) an apathetic public D) the Salvation Army

According to Vancouver's pro-prostitution lobby, the answer is D, the Salvation Army.
Tell them what they've won, Regis...

The Salvation Army launched its local anti-human trafficking campaign last September after working on global sex trade issues for years. The charitable organization joins a growing movement of feminist and church groups who fear a spike in trafficking as the 2010 Winter Olympics draw near.

Human trafficking is among the world's fastest growing criminal industries, rivalling the illegal arms industry and drug trade in scope and impact. According to the U.S. State Department, approximately 800,000 victims are trafficked annually across international borders. Victims include women and children from Asia, South America and Eastern Europe.

In Vancouver, where brothels bloom like dandelions in some neighbourhoods, the magnitude of the problem is unknown. Due to a lack of law enforcement, Vancouver's sex trade industry--fuelled by domestic and international trafficking--remains a mystery.

Like most other anti-trafficking campaigns, the Salvation Army campaign targets the demand side of prostitution--pimps and johns. Last month the Salvation Army hung posters, depicting young women being beaten and abused, above urinals in downtown bars.

"This is a bold step for the Salvation Army," says Brian Venables, a Salvation Army spokesperson and chief architect of the campaign. "We've stepped out of the shadows and said this isn't going to happen anymore, and we're going to do what we can to stop it."

The pro-prostitution lobby is not amused.

The Salvation Army received several threatening emails about the campaign, but Venables says the criticism is misguided. "Our campaign is not against or about prostitution, it's about people who are forced into sex slavery," he says. "The issue is about those who don't have a choice."

But according to Susan Davis, a vocal member of Vancouver's pro-prostitution lobby, anti-trafficking campaigns are dangerous. Such campaigns, she says, prompt law enforcement to raid massage parlours--which she describes as "safe work places"--and drive the industry underground.

However, according to the city's licensing department, no massage parlours have been shut down this year.

Davis, a 41-year-old career prostitute, also claims that "Vancouver police are raiding Asian massage parlours" in a "racist and anti-immigrant" assault on the industry.

While the VPD cited "ongoing investigations," no massage parlours have been raided this year.

In fact, more than 50 de facto brothels--officially known as health enhancement centres--operate in Vancouver. Countless other unlicensed establishments operate with tacit approval from city hall.

Davis also attacked UBC law professor Ben Perrin, Canada's foremost expert on human trafficking. (The Salvation Army crafts its campaign on information complied by Perrin and others. The Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada and the U.S. State Department have confirmed Perrin's findings.) Perrin, she says, uses "fear mongering" and "demonization" to promote his anti-trafficking agenda.

Perrin dismisses the attack, noting Davis unsuccessfully lobbied in 2007 for legalized brothels in Vancouver. "This a pro-brothel lobby group," he says, "whose business is threatened by individuals who try to help people exit the sex trade and who try to confront exploitive pimps and traffickers."

Davis plans to mobilize other pro-prostitution activists and protest the Salvation Army's upcoming day of prayer, scheduled at churches and Salvation Army sites for Sept. 27.

She also targets Salvation Army volunteers who will visit Downtown Eastside street corners to pray for the anguished and abused. Davis plans to produce pamphlets warning street prostitutes about the Salvation Army threat. The pamphlets, she says, will be distributed by the publicly funded Mobile Access Project--also known as the MAP van. MAP van spokesperson Kate Gibson says she was unaware of Davis's plans but didn't rule out distributing the pamphlets.

"There's potential for a violent clash between sex workers and Salvation Army people, who have no comprehension of the way that we live," says Davis. "They assume we need rescue when in fact what we need is rights."

Davis may not need rescue. The vocal members of Vancouver's pro-prostitution lobby claim to live charmed lives.

But considering the widespread misery and abuse associated with the sex trade, her opposition to the Salvation Army campaign is desperate and her intentions are small.

Nevertheless, when she waves her placard in protest outside a Salvation Army church, she'll be included in those prayers--whether she likes it or not. (Amen to that! - Lisa)

© Vancouver Courier 2009

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Courage


I spent the day with several people who exhibit a lot of courage. Courage is a place of strength that often we don't even find till we visit a place of weakness. It struck me today as I reviewed the events that people who make great decisions, even when they are hard and not the 'easy way' but the 'best way' are exhibiting signs of God's presence. I was testifying to one friend that I couldn't have made the life changes in my life without the strength of God - who filled me with courage to face the things I needed to and to keep walking forward... even sometimes falling forward. That's the power of God which is much greater than me. Just to say I was very thankful to God today for the signs of courage in ordinary people: courage to make good decisions, stop bad behaviours, challenge existing prejudices, choose life, search for God, tell the truth, start again, and many more. I'm so thankful that we don't journey alone. And I'm praying for more courage to live a bold life of fullness every day.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Jordan Belfort


I heard Jordan Belfort, known as "the wolf of wall street" at 614 today.

His bio: Over the last twenty years, Belfort has soared to the highest financial heights, earning over $50 million a year as the notorious Wolf of Wall Street—and then sunk to the lowest societal-lows, succumbing to a massive drug addiction and doing twenty-two months in a Federal prison camp, for stock-fraud.
Today, his life represents the ultimate redemption story. After barely surviving his rise and fall as an American Entrepreneurial Icon, he is now twelve-years-sober and a world-renowned motivational speaker, who assists both people and organizations in breaking through whatever barriers hold them back from achieving success.
Jordan Belfort’s two bestselling books have been published in forty-three countries and translated into eighteen different languages. He is a frequent guest-commentator on CNN, CNBC, Headlines News and the BBC. His life-story is currently being turned into a major motion picture by Warner Brothers, with Leonardo Dicaprio set to play Belfort and Martin Scorsese set to direct. Filming is to begin in 2010.

He's a very interesting and inspiring communicator - although not like I'm used too... he's not for the faint-hearted or for the overly religious... he tends to tell it like it is in graphic Jersey boy speak. There were many things he spoke about that are true... not completely whole (because Jesus is the only way to get to the wholeness part) but true none the less. One thing that stuck out were the beliefs that we carry around about ourselves. These can often be negative beliefs... like 'I'm ugly'. He suggested that the belief can't be broken from the top (like a table) you have to look at the situations that informed those beliefs... and you have to deal with those (in other words - attack the legs that hold up the belief). This is true. I believe Jesus can dismantle the legs of our beliefs when they aren't true and likewise we can build new beliefs based on the truth of who Jesus is and who He says we are. 'I am a child of God' is one strong belief that is essential for success.

Bottom line is that all truth comes from God. But Jesus is not just truth but the fulfillment of all Truth. So as much as Jordan is fantastic - I'm hip to know and love the God who can cross Jordan and bring me into the promise land! Bring it on.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Revelation



spent a couple of hours last night with fellow worshippers pondering the book of revelation as Rich Swingle (guest from new York) unpacked the whole of the book in a dramatic one person play. Incredible performance and a great spirit of worship on the whole crowd. Revelation has always been a difficult book for me... but the themes of God's love, ultimate justice and accountability mixed with Jesus' invitation in the gospel to pray and seek God's kingdom COME now as it is in heaven is amazing to think about. A bunch of us took the opportunity to symbolically accept the sign of the cross on our forheads in oil as a testimony that we were absolutely submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. Instead of fear - that awesome book should inspire true believers to love. Perfect love drives out all fear. Do you have this revelation??

Thursday, September 3, 2009

the Glory of God


I've been hanging with some people over these last couple of weeks who have been studying the glory of God.
Interesting stuff actually.
The theophanies are occasions where God has been seen - notable examples in Scripture are Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Joshua, Isaiah, technically anyone who encountered Christ, and Saul and John on Patmos in revelation.
years ago I started a habit called Praying The Bible which was taking these scriptures and praying them out loud to God - actually using them as ways of training myself to picture God and address Him. It's a powerful way to pray - and if I am honest it also helps to infuse my prayer life with energy - the Word gives life... even to my feeble attempts to pray. I like that.
Tonight we are going to try it in a small group - should be fun! And we are also going to contemplate Christ some more. Christ is the image of the invisible God (John 1) - He is the longest theophany ever... 2 Corinthians 4:6 says it like this, "For God who said, 'let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." Ravi Zacharius broke it down not only in scripture but in culture... the romans loved glory, the hebrews loved light and the greeks loved knowledge... all of the hunger of every civilization in the world can be met by the face of Christ.
That's some good news. Why not take some time to contemplate Christ today... I marked a youtube video of Heidi Baker (well worth googling) speaking of having a theophany of the Christ and seeing into His eyes - as she saw Him and all the love He had in His eyes she realised that she could reflect that light to the orphans of Mozambique. Now she is 'the mother' of thousands of unwanted children who have all been touched by His love. Worth a bit of reflection I'd say.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Ordinary Radicals - Trailer

if you lie in america - well worth watching/hosting a screening near you? give it a go and join the revolution...