The Fellowship -- The "Craftsmen" are coming!

Again, prayer was awesome Tuesday morning. I was a little early, so I took the chance to read from my One Year Bible. The reading was 1 Chronicles 28:1-29:30. Basically, King David is coming to the end of his life. Solomon, his son is being made the new king of Israel. And David has prepared all the materials for the building of the Temple of the Lord. However, he is told by God that he cannot build, but Solomon will. Chapters 28 and 29 are basically David's prayer for Solomon and the people for the building of the Temple. That's a serious abbreviation of those chapters. Really, what is important, at least in regards to the prayer meeting and what touched me, came from verses 20-21 from chapter 28. It reads in the :

"And David said to his son Solomon, 'Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God--my God--will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. Here are the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and every willing craftsman will be with you for all manner of workmanship, for every kind of service; also the leaders and all the people will be completely at your command.'"

There are a number of truths here that struck me, relating to this kick-off in prayer for the College-aged ministry. First, God is with us! He will never forsake us, and He will be with us to the end. Second, in the New Living Translation, it reads, "Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task." That encouraged me, because, truly, this is a huge project, but God is in charge. He is the one making the plans, and bringing in the people. Thank God for that! And third, there will be people to work this vision, from the "Levites" (like the musicians, pastors, etc...) to the "willing craftsmen". This was a great encouragement to me. Often, at least it seems so to me, it is so hard to get people to help and to serve in the church or in some particular ministry. I don't know if it is that people are just lukewarm or they're all looking for that "podium" or "superstar" position. No one seems to want to do the dirty work, or the behind-the-scenes stuff.

At least, that's how it has seemed with the worship team at my church. For the last four and a half years, we've been renting, and so we have had to set-up and takedown our music equipment and sound system every week. And pretty much the only people doing it faithfully and regularly are the guys on the music team (and not all the guys, mind you). The ladies help us out with takedown. We've asked people. We've invited them to be part of the team. But, in general, they have not stuck with it or stuck with any noticeable consistency. OK... I've taken a tangent... Sorry.

The point... God is preparing and bringing in all the workers and craftsmen that will be needed. It so awesome to know that, at least, this part is taken care of!

Anyway, to the actual prayer time. I don't remember specifics of our prayer. A lot was based on the above Scripture; some about specific people to be part of this ministry; and some on praying in the entrepreneurial and artistic spirit of this ministry.

Another great point that came out of the prayer was the idea that for the people involved, that this dream, vision, and ministry would not be something we fit into our lives and schedule, or fit around our work and other activities. But rather, that it would be our life's work, and that our lives, our work, our activities would fit into this dream! Of course, this is based on Matthew 6:33. Too often we worry about our needs and wants to the point that we forget about doing God's work and God's calling on our lives... Oh, we still go to church and serve here and there, but we're missing that special thing/job/work/place God has for us, where all other things, basically, become unimportant and taken care of!

Some words that came out of the prayer, that I think will describe this group of people, this generation:

RISK-TAKERS
WATER-WALKERS

Finally, as we were praying, I felt as if God was just downloading ideas for businesses or maybe just all the types of businesses that will be represented in and through this ministry. I even sensed that there would be a warehouse-styled complex housing all these ideas. Here they are in no particular order:

• Coffeeshop (that one's mine :)
• Radio Station
• Music Store (CDs)
• internet Cafe
• Bookstore & Resource centre (Christian books)
• Skate Park
• Skate Store (Boards and clothes)
• 24/7 Prayer & Worship Centre
• Production Studio
• Recording/Sound Studio
• Snack Bar
• Art Studio
• graffiti Area
• Theatre (for plays and concerts and conferences and movies)
• Lighting Company
• Sound Tech Company
• Graphics design company

And there were just some random thoughts with all these business ideas:

• TV in the coffeeshop, which would show programs and movies we would produce
• Ministage in coffeeshop for concerts and "open" mic-styles worship times
• Comedy nights :)

That's it! It's a lot. But God is in control. Hallelujah!

The Fellowship--Prayer ... The day after!

I just wanted to update you on how the prayer time went on Wednesday morning. It was great... As if that is a surprise :)

Really, there were two words that came out of that prayer time that stirred something in my heart and spirit. One was that this college-aged ministry is anointed with an entrepreneurial spirit. What does this mean? I don't fully know yet... But certainly, this will not be a typical youth ministry that meets Friday evenings, does some worship and has a guest speaker... Not that we won't be doing that as well, but I believe that there are young people with dreams, looking for a place to dream and grow in faith to step out into those dreams!

Nuff said on that for now.

The second word was about the arts and creativity. I strongly feel that the arts will be a big part of this college-age ministry. I also saw a production studio, producing films, shows, music, etc... In this.

OK, so there's obviously a lot of "work" to be done. And as I have mentioned, we will not start anything without spending lots of time in prayer.

The Fellowship--Prayer

This is an edited excerpt from an email I sent out to a specific group of people, essentially kicking off our youth/college-aged ministry. We'll see where God is taking us!

As you may or may not know, I have a great passion to serve the College age and youth. I have been in this area (both in the secular and in ministry for the past 10 years, which does not include my own studies at CEGEP and university).

Also for the last two months, Cindy and I have started a cell with this age category in mind (about 18-25)... And I think it has been going very well. However, I know that this is not the final "product" (if I may use that term) of the college/youth ministry.

I don't know what is... It may revolve around some business ideas I have... Or it may revolve around some more traditional idea of a youth ministry. However, I do believe that worship will be involved greatly, as well as some form of 24/7 prayer.

Having said all this, why the email? Well, for any work of God, prayer must be its driving force. And in fact, often before any work of God is birth, it is through prayer that it is born. So I am calling a weekly morning prayer meeting.

I feel strongly that the prayer meeting needs to be a morning prayer meeting. This is going to require sacrifice. If for some of you this cuts too close to work, we can move it earlier (say 6:00 or 6:30am). But for the time being, I feel we need to stay away from the evening/night prayer meeting... That's "too easy" for this age group... Though I am not saying we may not have some all night prayer before the summer is over. :)

Ultimately, I am asking each one of you to go to God prayerfully, and find out if this is something He wants you to be a part of. And if it is, then be quick to obey. These morning prayers will help set the foundation for this ministry... A foundation of prayer, self-sacrifice, servanthood, faithfulness, love, and obedience.

I would just ask everyone to reply back to me... Let me know if you are interested, if this ministry is something that burns on your heart, if you feel called to this age group, or if none of this appeals to you.

I really want the next two months or so of prayer to help us establish a strong vision for this ministry, which will overflow onto the campuses, into the new neighbourhood our church is moving to and into our own congregation.

God bless you all.

Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat--I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. - Luke 9:23-24 (the Message)

Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. - Luke 9:23-24 (NKJV)

Church = the Body of Christ = Family

Cindy (my wife) and I have recently started a new cell (small group, Bible study, or whatever other word you want to use). We meet Monday evenings. It's a college-aged cell, which basically means it is geared towards people aged 18-30 or so, with the youthful mindset that they can still change the world and make a difference... And where family, family-life, and careers have not taken center stage, yet. At least, that's how I see this group of people. There are others that fit in that age category, but family and career take precedence over experiencing our youth... Hmmm!

I don't think I explained that very well... Anyway, I'm off topic... BIG surprise.

The point!

We're studying the Purpose Driven Life book by Rick Warren. Yesterday, we did a condensed study on purpose #2: "You were formed for God's family." I guess the fundamental idea is that we were created to be part of a family, and I do not mean a biological family, but a great community of believers. Now, there are many reasons why it is important to be part of a church and part of a specific group of believers, but one of my favorites (and really the signature sermon of my pastors) is Psalm 92:12-13:

"The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God."

We will NEVER accomplish the purpose of our lives, at least not the full purpose of God for our lives, unless we are part of a local church, or a local group of believers. I firmly believe this and the Bible does support it. Of course, some of us will have to change our mindset on what "the church" means... For one, it's not that building you go to on Sunday mornings.

Church is a community. Church is a family. And just like there are problems in any family or community, there will be problems in every local church. That is NO reason to leave your church.

I know in our western society it has become "normal" and ok to get a divorce or separate yourself from your blood family when problems arise that you do not want to or know how to fix. I also know that sometimes, even when you want to and know how to fix a problem, the other people involved have no desire to change. That, Scripturally speaking, still does not give us the ok to leave our family (biological, by marriage, or spiritual).

This is just the start... I'm going to expand on this some more later.

Tying loose ends... Not today :)

I just went through all my past posts and realized that I've left a lot of ideas unfinished. And some still stir something in me, so I know there's stuff to write about. So I will get back to each item, and reference it appropriately.

I used to be a huge comic book fan and collector, and one of my major pet peeves was when writers would seemingly just forget a story-line and never come back to it to finish it or explain it. So I don't want to do the same... Of course, when we speak of spiritual things, then we are talking life-long journeys (can you say "cop-out" )

So, having said all this, I'm going to start peeling away the layers of thought and emotions behind the "Stuff on my heart" post. Be ready to be offended :)

But not today... Be blessed!

Main Sanctuary... isn't it beautiful! 

St Vincent de Paul Cathedral 

I will give you the house... Reprise!

NOTE: I am not writing this to offend anyone or reveal financial issues from my church... It is totally, and simply to show how awesome God is... And that He DOES still speak to us and encourage us! Read on.

Since I've been "out of it" for a while, I was just backtracking through some of my old posts, and I realized that I've left a few ideas... Uhm... How shall I put it... Unfinished? Unanswered? Either way, I came across the one entitled "I will give you the house."

Well, here's an update to that one. We've been looking at a cathedral (anyone who knows Pastor Curtis and Marney, knows that God gave them the mandate to "Take the cathedrals"... ) just east of Papineau on St Catherine called St Vincent de Paul.

Anyway, this church is just absolutely beautiful. It has gorgeous stained-glass windows; amazing artwork on the walls; marble and granite all over... It's just gorgeous.

The main sanctuary seats from 1000-1500, but that's REALLY comfortable seating. You can definitely fit more. There's a small chapel for 100-150 people. Both have similar sized halls underneath them, and there's a presbytery right beside the main sanctuary with some 30 rooms/offices (may even be bigger than that. It has 4 floors of office space).

Anyway, we've been in negotiations with them for a while. The original price was $1.8 million. We countered with a three year rental option, with the rent going as a downpayment toward a final cost of $750,000 for the whole building. They (The archdiocese!!!) countered with $840,000, with a $350,000 downpayment, we would have ownership, and the rest would be paid over three years.

At that point, we've been getting the church congregation behind this to raise $100,000 as quick as possible to go back with another counter-offer. In less than 2 months, we've raised nearly $70,000!!! So the pastors went out to lunch with the two priests who take care of the place. And here's what they offered $25,000 right now, and (I forgot some of the details) $75,000 by September 1st (I think). Then over the next 10 years, interest free, we would make lump-sum payments of $74,000 each year.

Here's what the priests said, "But you'll take possession and ownership right away, right."

We are now writing up the proposal, so they can officially present it to the archdiocese.

God is so faithful to His promises! Isn't He amazing! Simple steps of faith and obedience to His Word... That's all it takes!

OK, It's been a while

So... I've been pretty quiet for a while, eh :)

Just going through some stuff... Trying to figure out some things... Been asking God to clarify that which I don't understand...

Pretty vague... I know.

I guess it comes down to maturity. I read this posting (The Urgency for Maturity, and a Reconciled Mind) on the Elijah List (www.elijahlist.com). I know there's something there, and I realize that our immaturity keeps us from fully understanding God's ways and God's thoughts. In our immature state, our emotions get the best of us, and we walk by sight not by faith.

Maybe the most interesting thought in the article is that we can even walk by sight, seemingly doing what is right and what God's Word says, yet not be walking by faith and in the true reality of what is God's Will according to His Word. I know that's a mouthful, and I'm not sure I understand it.

I guess some more hmmmm-time is needed...

I promise, I'll try to write more often :)

That's as uncommitted as one can be, eh!

Back to writing

It's been almost two full weeks since I've written anything on any of my blogs... And I ask myself, "Why?" Too busy? That's as lame an excuse as it gets. Truth be told... As if I can hide anything from You my Father in Heaven... I've been angry and upset and hurt... By a lot of stuff and a lot of people. I've just not wanted to talk about it. I've left it in Your (GOD) more than capable hands. But I need an outlet. Worship is one... And I just love worshipping my LORD (yesterday, was particularly awesome). Writing is another, because it helps me think and express my emotions, which I "normally" keep bottled up inside, at least the really deep and wounded ones. I'm know for baring my emotions on my sleeve--joy, happiness, unhappiness, anger, frustration, love for someone (actually, the emotions that go with loving someone)--I can't hide these. These show up on my face immediately. But there are deeper emotions... I guess you can call them "true" emotions. It's not that I fake the others. I'm just more comfortable and know how to express them. But when someone or something wounds me deeply or even touches my heart in a loving and beautiful way, I don't always know how to express that. So they stay inside. It's the negative emotions that can hurt me though. Those emotions led me down a dark path of depression for 13+ years. I fantasied about either killing myself or being killed (Thank God for my Catholic upbringing though, because I believed I would NEVER get to heaven if I committed suicide, so I never actually attempted suicide... Though I suppose, I had committed emotionally and even spiritual suicide at multiple times during the dark years of my life. Even though I was physically alive, I was not emotionally or spiritually alive).

I will never go to that dark place again. So, I continue to worship, and I will continue to write.

Stuff on my heart

I'm just meditating on some things that have happened recently, which seem to be a repeat of past events as well. It has to do with the church, in general, but more specifically about the church in Quebec.

I love my city and my province and my country, but there's stuff that really bothers me, especially in the church. Now, this is not an attack or judgment on the church... Because I love and believe in the church. It is Christ's body! And so, that's why I want to be very careful what I write... And that's why for the moment all I want to post is the following Scripture passages, and when I have the words I'll write what's on my heart.

"Therefore, brethren, since we have full freedom and confidence to enter into the [Holy of] Holies [by the power and virtue] in the blood of Jesus, By this fresh (new) and living way which He initiated and dedicated and opened for us through the separating curtain (veil of the Holy of Holies), that is, through His flesh, And since we have [such] a great and wonderful and noble Priest [Who rules] over the house of God, Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water. So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching." - Hebrews 10:19-25

"The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]." - Psalm 92:12-14

Be blessed!

Prisoners of Hope

I just read this article by Victoria Boyson. Man, it was awesome. Read it here! I will share my thoughts a little later.

Morning Prayer... A Sacred Cow?

I am not--usually--a morning person. I have gone through seasons in my live where I have been. There was a period of about 6 months from November 2000 to about March or April 2001, where I would go to bed, earliest, midnight, but more often than not, I got to bed around 2:00 am. At the same time, I was waking up at 5:00 am without an alarm. I would then get up and go prayer walking for about 30 minutes to an hour, and come back to our fellowship centre for our morning prayer at 6:30 am. And then I'd be off to work. THAT WAS OF GOD!

Normally, I can get up early with the help of my alarm, but I'm usually very groggy. I can focus and concentrate for a short period, like for prayer, but then all I want to do is go back to bed.

Normally, I have trouble eating soon after I wake up. I prefer eating an hour, even two hours, after I have finally woken up--fully and completely (Tragically Hip reference ;) .

Normally, I seem to be more productive in the evenings, and I'll go as far as to say, I'm more productive late at night. At least, looking back at my experiences, this seems to be true. I tried the "waking-up-early-to-get-more-things-done" thing, and it really did not work for me. The reality is that the afternoon or late morning is my MOST productive times, but if I wake up too early, I'm tired and want a nap during the afternoon.

OK, all this to say that I'm not a morning person (man, I can be long-winded sometimes). So what brought this on. Well, it's that whole "waking-up-early-to-spend-time-with-God doctrine" the church seems to advocate in whatever way: by clubbing you over the head with it or in some more subtle ways. But, can we say it really is a doctrine? Do we have Scriptural references that defend this notion?

Well, of course, there is the famous Mark 1:35 passage: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." We tend to focus on the very early part, but the fact is that never again does Scripture mention Jesus going to pray early in the morning. It does however mention Jesus praying at pretty much any time before performing certain miracles, and a couple of "all-nighters" (one of them being the night in Gethsemane). Also, from Mark 1:35, I believe the main issue or lesson was the whole idea that Jesus went to pray in a solitary place. I absolutely believe and agree with the need for personal one-on-one time with God in prayer. If you are living a "Christian" life, yet you have little or no solitary prayer time, let me be so bold and say, you are then far from where God wants you to be. But I digress.

The reason for this little "rant", besides getting others to think and ruffle a few feathers, is to say that all this is really a moot point with the 24/7 movement happening all around the world. Prayer and worship is no longer to be just for a few minutes or hours in the morning and that's all. No God is looking for an army of warriors who will keep watch and fight 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. That's why we have people who LOVE waking up at the (excuse the expression) God-awful hours of the early morning, and others, like me, who are not bothered by going to bed at 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 in the morning! God needs us all. The people of this land need us. I know that this is stirring something in some people. I know that there is something in your vision that includes this vision of prayer and worship going on 24 hours a day... Even when half the world is sleeping (hey, they can't fight it then, right?).

I'd love to hear from you. Let's mobilize this army. I especially looking for you Canadians out there. We seem to always be a few steps behind. BUT no more. We will be frontrunners. There will be a sound out of Canada that the world has never heard. Rise up warriors and cry out to your King! ... Any time of the day ;) Had to slip that in! Down with the sacred cow!

Be blessed.

I will give you the House!

While we were worshipping on Sunday at church, this is what I heard from GOD:

"I will give you the house."

The first thoughts through my head were, "Thank you, Father, for the house you are giving me and Cindy." But then I got this strong sense that it was not just a house for me and Cindy, but also the House of the LORD... i.e. our very own church building! Then I sensed that it also was referring to the International House of Prayer & Worship. God was saying He would give these to us... Of course, that always accompanies or requires some kind of action from us. We have to take some steps of faith and start doing things, as if, we are going to get these things.

I'm glad to say, we took our first step as a church towards getting our own church building. We went to see a Franciscan church. The main sanctuary has not been used in 20 years. But the problem was that we have no kitchen, no fellowship room, no classrooms. So we go on and take step number two!

Stay Tuned!

Been sick...

It's crazy... I've been through this sine wave of illness for the past 2 months! I get quite sick, then I recover 80%, and then--WHAM--I'm sick again! I haven't been able to fully recover my strength... And the fact that I am fasting does not make it better. Though I did read somewhere that when you fast, you body focuses on other matters in the body other than digesting food. And so, in theory, fasting should help when you're sick.

It hasn't helped me!

Anyway, it's also made it hard to spend time with God... Real quality time. But He's always talking... It's just these darn clogged ears! :)

I know that the LORD is the God of Healing. By Jesus' stripes I am healed. I know. So I know that this is just a distraction to keep me from God... Which I will not allow to happen. I will press on! I will push forward! I will see God's goals for my life for 2005 fulfilled! AMEN!

Plans for our cathedral/church

I'm sick and tired of the building we're in. What a pain it is when you are trying to serve and worship God, and do His will, but you are not allowed to fully use the building you are in. The days of renting are over. The days of having non-believers dictating what, where, when and how we worship God is over! AMEN! HALLELUJAH! Last night at our prayer meeting, GOD brought a few thoughts back to mind. I've been thinking about these things for the last couple of months, but the idea and vision as a whole came together last night. You'll notice that I use the pronoun "we". The reason is that this is a decision and a plan that needs to be executed by my church, led by my pastors. And I am more than willing to do more than my share to see this come to pass. Anyway, here is the plan.

1. We need to decide exactly what we need out of a cathedral... And we should not minimize it!

a) We need parking for at least 100 cars (even if it is on the street)
b) We need classrooms
c) We need a sanctuary that seats at least 500
d) We need a sanctuary that is heated
e) We need a kitchen that can serve a meal for 200 people
f) We need an area that can be converted into a coffee shop/lounge
g) We need a fellowship room for after services by the coffee shop
h) We need a gymnasium where kids can run around, with basketball nets!
i) etc... This is still in the works with the pastors.

2. We need to put together a professional fund-raising campaign and presentation.

The reason for this is that, right now, we don't have many people with deep pockets in our church. However, I believe that there are many wealthy people and companies just waiting for us to present to them our vision, and they would be more than happy to support and fund us to buy our new cathedral.

3. We need to decide on an amount that would be "sufficient" to buy our cathedral.

$1,000,000?

4. We need to make a huge fund-raiser poster to put in the sanctuary on Sunday.

This would give everyone a visual of how our campaign is going and to encourage everyone to own the vision and to do their part.

5. Last, we need to declare, promote, and display our vision of our cathedral.

When we see it with our eyes of faith... Then we will be able to conceive it in the natural as well!

Feeling Depressed

I'm not having a good day at work... I'm really frustrated... I'm not a computer technician, but that's been the bulk of my work. I'm also sick and tired of not knowing how long I'll be here. I'm sick and tired of not having any definite direction for my career. I'M ALL OVER THE PLACE!

I'm tired of working in technology.

I want to get planted in the career/ministry I'll be working in for the rest of my life!

I'm tired of not knowing where I'm going. I'm tired of doing crap I don't like. I'm tired of working just for a paycheck!!!!

What's my dream job... It involves music (playing, listening)... It involves writing (on the web, blogging, screenplays, movies, maybe a book)... It involves teaching... Being with people... Talking to people about Jesus... It has to be creative in nature... And it pays well!

Is there a job like that out there? I don't know!!

But I refuse to allow depression to enter my life ever again. Even though I may not like where I am... It is GOD's will for my life right now. I just pray for some breakthrough for me and my wife.

My Future, My Prospering, My Goals - 2005

Isaiah 40:1-5; Isaiah 55:12-13; Isaiah 49:8-9

I have a LOT of ideas. I want to do so much. But invariably, I get overwhelmed or frustrated that I barely get anything done. Maybe it's also been because I have never felt like I knew what was really my purpose and my reason for being on this earth. 2005, I believe, is a very different year. And so I am focusing on 10 things I want to accomplish or see come to pass in my life this year. I know that each one is part of a bigger picture for my life, but at the same time are all interconnected in some way I have yet to fully see or understand. I just humbly and prayerfully lay them at my LORD's feet and leave many of the details into His care.

1. Put together a fund-raising campaign, and buy our cathedral!!!
2. Baby - Cindy and I are actively praying and "working" at this one... And a number of people have said we'd have twins... We'll see :)
3. Have a family income of $100,000/year - This is Cindy's, but I am agreeing and believing with her. Once she gets a full-time position, we will basically be there.
4. Buy a single-family home - this again is Cindy's, but I am agreeing with her and riding her faith on this one. With the market the way it is, and our finances the way they are, it WILL require a miracle from GOD. But He's more than able!
5. Put together business plan for the 24/7 House of Prayer & Praise - it will be a non-profit organization, so I need to get some info of how they are run.
6. Put together business plan for my coffee shop idea - incorporate the name.
7. Put together business plan for the traffic/driving awareness program.
8. Establish Project Revelation as a real, viable, working company - look into incorporating it.
9. Be consumer debt free
10. Go to Kansas City to visit their International House of Prayer.

Setting Priorities

There's a lot I want to write about -- nothing new -- and with three separate blogs and a church web-site, I've got the space and place, just not the time. However, I read something today that I received in my email from one of those daily "God's Promises" emails. (If you want to get that email just click here and subscribe to the "God's Daily Promises". Be careful, there's other ones there too. Make sure you read carefully before you click anything. That's how spamming starts!) So that's where I want to start.

__________________________________________

Seeking God's will first brings perspective

How do I set priorities?

". . .And He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. "

Matthew 6:33

Be intentional about priorities. Set them and tend to them first. Only then will your life have its fullest meaning.
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That's a new way of putting Matthew 6:33. The more traditional translations sound more like this: "But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I know this. I know it's good. I know it's true. And if you've been a Christian for some time, you know this as well.

But how hard is it to do in such a society as ours?! How hard is it to put God as our top priority every day?! I'm not making excuses and I'm not shirking my responsibility, but honestly, with work, family, friends, church (!?! Yeah, church responsibilities CAN be devoid of any service/worship to GOD) and your own needs/wants, how do you practically make God your priority?

Well, every day, we make something our priority based on many factors: ease of doing it, brings joy or happiness, brings money, get instant or fairly quick results/fruit from it, etc. So, we do prioritize. Where your heart is, that is where you will put your priorities.

Let's not kid ourselves. The reason you don't take part in more things with the church or do more things for God is that, deep down inside, you have other priorities. But the reality is, as God's children, He is our number one priority... At least He should be. And the great thing about it, when we do make Him our number one priority, then ALL the other stuff will be taken care of. Boy, THAT is where, I believe most of us get hung up. We don't really believe everything else will be taken care of. And I think I have the reason why. We separate the two!

Serving God and make Him a priority is one thing. Prayer, worship time, service, that is all separate and for God. BUT, my work, my family, my needs are a whole other entity that require my attention and time as well. NO.

When we change the way we view what service and worship to God is, then we can see that it is all part of the same thing. Why are we so dualistic (I don't know if that's the right word here) in the west. We need a more holistic approach to life. WHATEVER we do, we must do it as if we are doing it for the LORD. Heard that one before? (1 Corinthians 10:31)

I think too many Christians take Matthew 6:33, and say, "OK, I'll give God my morning devotion time." What? That's 10 minutes? 30 minutes? Maybe 1 hour? Don't get me wrong that's great... But then what about the rest of the day? God doesn't want us all to become monks and "worship" Him 24/7 (though there may be some of us out there). But He does want us to put Him at the forefront of everything we do. In that way, we do put Him first in all things!

I remember a few years back when I was a TA at Condordia University. I was administrating a lab exam. And there was this Indian student (from India, not native), and before every question, I saw him put his hands together, bow his head, and mutter something under his breath. He was praying (to some hindu god). I was amazed at how he was giving each question to his god before he even attempted it. Now, maybe it was because he wasn't prepared and he did not know what he was doing (he failed the exam). Nevertheless, the point was that even in such a small, seemingly insignificant thing, his god was made a priority.

How often do we do that? How often do we recognize the our God, the True and Living God, the One and Only God, has given us everything we have: family, friends, work, church, clothes, food. How often do we thank and praise Him for all that. You know, I am so thankful to God for the first two and a half years of marriage with Cindy, during which we went through some real tough financial times. Once we went two weeks eating instant noodles because we could not buy anything else. But it taught us to trust God for all our needs. The amazing thing was that even though we were VERY tight on cash, working part-time only (unable to find full-time work), we never lacked. We never missed a mortgage payment. We never missed a car payment. We never missed a meal, for a reason other than fasting... And trust me, we did not fast all that much in those first couple of years.

So how do we put God first, practically. I think, again, the Apostle Paul gives us the clue. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Be blessed!

Obeying God brings great joy

Obeying God brings great joy

How can I be happy in the midst of difficult circumstances?

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through. . . . Instead, be very glad—because . . . You will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory. "

1 Peter 4: 12-13 NLT

As 2005 has started, I am on fire for God. I am so happy. I am so full of joy. But 2004 was a tough year. I was "joking" last year in January, saying "it's been a tough year!" And the year was only a couple of weeks old. But it was: Financially, relationally, career-wise, family-wise, church-wise. I was unsure of who I was, where I was going or even what I wanted to do. I went through many fiery trials.

But, now as those trials have ended I can look back and see that they were for my good. They made me strong. They "forced" me to grow. So don't be alarmed or freaked out by trials. Yes, they are tough at the moment, but you will come out of them, and when you do you will see the great and positive change. So learn to be glad, because the joy that comes is so great! Thank you, LORD!

Father, thank you so much that I could share in your glory on this earth and at this time. May Your light in me shine bright in 2005 for others to see You and come to You!