Good-bye, Mitch

I'm currently reading a book called "Good-bye, Mitch." It's by Rebecca Chepokas and Ronald M. Stanchfield, and it's the story of Mitchell Chepokas (Rebecca's son). In April 2001, Mitchell learned he was a victim of a genetic disorder called Marfans Syndrome, and in June 2002, he learned that he had cancer, which would take his life.

On pp. 56-57, an interesting scene takes place in a hospital room:

While I (Rebecca) slept, my mother came to her grandson's bedside. Responding to God's urging, she held Mitch's hand and began to pray. She thanked God for the gift of Mitchell in all of our lives. She thanked God for His grace and mercy, for His sovereign love, for the many friendships that brought great comfort, and for meeting each and every need during such a time of crisis.

'Thank you, Lord, for your ministering angels...' she prayed. Then she heard it -- the melodic chorus of harps. She looked about the room for the source. The music expanded over Mitchell's bed and soon filled the room. 'Do you hear the music, Mitch?'

He responded, 'Uh-huh.'

'I do, too,' she said, and asked, 'Isn't it beautiful?'

Again he said, 'Uh-huh.'

'Thank You that Your angels are here,' she prayed. Then, as quickly as it began, the music was gone. People soon began to enter the room.

It's amazing how fleeting yet powerful God's presence can be. Perhaps that makes it all the more special when He touches us.

Finally

Have you read "Beautiful Outlaw" by John Eldredge yet? It's an excellent book that reminds us of how bold, generous and humble Jesus was.

Eldredge recently shared in a letter how Jesus spoke to him about the launch of "Beautiful Outlaw" finally arriving:

In fact, 'Finally' is what Jesus said to me, in January, as I was praying about this beautiful book. I was asking Jesus for 'advance words,' words to guide me through the writing and through the launch of this fantastic message. I expected to hear things like, 'I am with you,' or, 'Lift up my holy name,' that sort of thing. Instead, Jesus says, 'Finally.' It cracks me up. I love his sense of humor. There was also a gentle rebuke in the word, because this should have happened a long time ago.

Eldredge mentioned in the Ransomed Heart podcast that his previous publisher did not want to publish a book about Jesus, saying that there wasn't enough appeal and interest. I'm glad that his new publisher understood that this new perspective on Jesus needed to be told.

Going into the darkness

I recently watched an intense documentary called "Furious Love." It's by the director of "Finger of God," Darren Wilson. Wilson described God's role in creating "Furious Love":

I started the journey to make 'Furious Love' when I was still filming my first movie, 'Finger of God.' I was in Istanbul, Turkey, and Heidi Baker began to pray for me. At the time, I was only worried about how I could possibly put this crazy movie about miracles together, and a sequel was the furthest thing from my mind. But when Heidi began praying, she immediately saw me filming the occult. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not! Then she said the words that started this epic journey: 'The Lord says you have to go into the darkness to show the light.'

In "Furious Love," Wilson travels the world to some of the darkest spiritual climates on the planet. I highly recommend it.

God never gives up on you

Last week at my church, one of the people from the congregation gave his testimony about how God had pursued him.

The man had drifted from God and had troubles with his wife. He recently heard a voice every morning for a week saying, "God loves you."

My fellow churchgoer repented of his sins, reconciled with his wife, and got baptized! Thank you, Lord, for pursuing us.

God loves people

My wife and I recently traveled up to Duluth, Minn., to attend the Cause Conference. The conference was very intriguing, with sessions including:

• "Do I Think Like Jesus?"
• "Peace in the Middle of the Storm"
• "How to Position Yourself to Participate in What God Is Doing"
• and more.

The senior pastor of the Duluth Vineyard church, Michael Gatlin, shared a fascinating story about how he wanted to become a pastor but it just wasn't happening after 10 years. While on a walk, he heard from God:

'No human being can keep you from accomplishing my plans for you,' said God.

          'Then why aren't you letting me be a pastor right now?' Michael replied. 

          'Because I love people,' God said.

Apparently Michael wasn't ready to be a pastor. He needed more time to have God work in him. That definitely worked, because the Duluth Vineyard church is changing lives throughout the Duluth area.

Movie review: 'The Mighty Macs'

To put it simply, "The Mighty Macs" is a feel-good movie. There's nothing wrong with that, but since the film is based on historical events, we already know how the story ends and are left to focus on other aspects of the film -- i.e., the acting.

The acting is excellent, particularly by Carla Gugino. She plays Cathy Rush, the new women's basketball coach at Immaculata College -- an all-female college in Pennsylvania founded and run by nuns. The facilities that Cathy gets to work with are atrocious. The team plays in an old activity center, which was being used as a storage room. Their home games are played at the local high school, and in one instance, the players have to use a ladies' room as their "locker room" for an away game.

The odds are stacked against Cathy, who is married to NBA referee Ed Rush (David Boreanaz). Immaculata College is in financial trouble, Ed doesn't support her efforts to turn around a losing team, and there is no funding for equipment.

By hard work, contagious enthusiasm and cleverness, Cathy and her team pick up steam. Instead of the once-a-day practices they had under their previous coach, the players now practice at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. A sister at the college joins as the assistant coach. After a humiliating loss, Cathy forces the team to practice drills in a tunnel sewer.

The school starts to rally around the team when it's invited to a regional tournament. Despite a disappointing loss, the team gets one of four at-large bids to the national tournament in Chicago. The only problem? No funding. So the team gets clever, raising money by selling hand lotion door to door and Cathy dressing up in a habit to fly free.

Remember how "The Mighty Macs" is a feel-good movie? Well, of course, they win the national championship, Ed comes around and the marriage is healed, and the administration supports the team. Now if only we get to know how their women's basketball facilities improved after that. . .

Courageous

I'm currently going through a Bible study with three other men related to the movie "Courageous," the latest film by Sherwood Pictures.

It's a quick, but deep, study designed to challenge men to live courageously for the sake of their families. Session topics include:

1. Courageous Call:  fighting for your family
2. Courageous Priorities:  valuing what matters most
3. Courageous Legacy:  impacting future generations
4. Courageous Faith:  standing for Christ.

I highly recommend this Bible study to fathers and husbands. One of the key lessons that I have learned through this Bible study about leaving a positive legacy is that you have to unpack and deal with the legacy left in your life first.

I love you, God

Last week I was at church and the worship leader said something that really hit me.

He started out by asking everyone in the congregation who had ever been in love to raise their hands. Most people did.

Then he said, "You know when you tell someone 'I love you'? It feels a lot better when they say something like 'I love you, too' instead of no response or 'ditto'."

He continued, "God is trying to love us in so many ways, and I bet that he wants us to say back, 'I love you, God.'"

The worship leader was right. I love you, God.

Peace.

Yesterday I was really anxious in advance of a new business meeting related to my consultancy. I prayed to God.

His response:  Peace.

At that moment I was clearly reminded how He has it all under control.

God wants His church back

John Wimber

The church that I attend is part of the Vineyard movement. One of the founding leaders of the Vineyard was John Wimber, who was inspired by God telling him, "I want my church back."

Todd Hunter shared a little more background on that story on his blog:

Do you know what made John Wimber so ruthlessly unmovable on the one hand yet so winsome on the other? After years of traveling around the country as a church growth consultant with Fuller Seminary, after years of consulting with denominational hierarchies and institutions, John found over and over again that the church was hardly ever in God’s hands. It was in the hands of bishops. It was in the hands of pastors, deacons, elders, boards. It was in the hands of almost anybody but God. John just simply said, 'I’m going to go home and I’m going to start a church in which the Holy Spirit is the leader.' In a 'Godward' church, in the church I would build, the Holy Spirit would be the leader, the administrator, and the architect. You may remember that John Wimber’s very first renewal messages in the early '80s in South Africa and England were entitled, 'I Want My Church Back.' That was his way of reflecting on what he had seen through his years of consulting. I don’t know how many times I heard both John and Carol (John's wife) say, privately and publicly, 'When does God get what he wants out of his church?' This is a driving question for me: How can I do everything possible to see that God gets what he wants out of the Vineyard?

It's inspiring, indeed.

Meet the beautiful outlaw

On Oct. 12, John Eldredge releases his new book, "Beautiful Outlaw:  Experiencing the Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality of Jesus."

It sounds like in his new book, Eldredge is focusing on aspects of Jesus that perhaps we have not considered -- his "beautiful, scandalous, utterly compelling personality."

Eldredge recently shared in a letter how Jesus spoke to him while writing "Beautiful Outlaw":

Back in January, when I was writing the book, Jesus spoke to me Isaiah 63:4: 'For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come.' I sensed that at this time, in this context, the 'year of his redemption' means the redeeming of how people see Jesus and what they know him to be like. Wouldn't that be awesome!!??

In "Beautiful Outlaw," Eldredge looks at Jesus' humanity, playfulness, extravagant generosity, fierce intention, cunning and humility. I'm looking forward to reading it and getting closer to Jesus.

California mayor says God told him to leave politics

Mayor Larry Guidi

Politics is not a field for the faint of heart. Just ask Larry Guidi, the mayor of Hawthorne, Calif. He has experienced a gunman shooting into his home in retaliation for opposing a proposal, investigations and a close political ally turning against him.

Now, after 18 years in office, Guidi told the Contra Costa Times that he's being led to do something else:

'I'm leaving on top. God spoke to me, and he is going to choose my path, and it's not to be in politics,' he said. 'Now it's sinking in to people that the big, bad mayor isn't going to be here to make the tough decisions. This will be Hawthorne's second-most important election in 20 years.'

Best wishes to Mayor Guidi on the next phase of his life.

What love is

At my church this past Sunday, the speaker made an interesting point. He said that 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (the 'love is patient, love is kind' verse) has been used so much at weddings that people have glossed over what love really is.

He argued that a better approach to love can be found in Romans 12:9-21:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.


Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.


Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord. On the contrary:


'If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'


Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Leading our hearts in love by following Romans 12:9-21 definitely seems challenging, but it is what we are called to do.

Wise mothers listen when God says to go get the umbrella

Humorist Lucy Adams recently wrote a really funny column about hearing from God on a sunny day at a ballpark. His command:

He said, 'Go back to the car and get your umbrella.'

I looked up into the dizzying glare of the sun. I glanced toward the distant parking lot, having just returned from a second trip there already. I scanned the ballpark, spotting other parents wrapping their lips around relish dogs, scolding little-boy third basemen for not getting in front of grounders, casually competing via comparing their children's batting averages. No one else had an umbrella. Momentarily I settled on the idea that this was a suggestion rather than a command.

Then in the middle of my balk, I thought of Noah. God did not say, with a dismissive shrug, 'Noah, if you should feel so inclined and it doesn't put you out any, I think, if you want to, you might ought to build an ark.'

Turns out that God was right; read the rest of the column in The McDuffie Mirror.

Embrace the rain

Last night I attended the outdoor U2 concert in Minneapolis. After about three songs, it started pouring rain. Instead of ending the show, Bono and crew relished the moment. The downpour added a certain excitement to the concert, and the rain looked amazing on the video screens.

There's something that can be learned from these talented Irishmen and applied to our lives:  embrace the rain. I have been feeling the rain during these last 11 months of being unemployed, and it's really challenging to embrace it.

But you know what? God shines through broken people -- not perfect ones.

Husbands: listen to your wives

Every marriage encounters challenges. My wife and I were talking recently about the issues affecting our marriage when I decided to pray.

Heavenly Father, please come into this situation, solve our differences and heal our wounds. Show me what I need to do to make this marriage successful.

His response:  Listen.

When I mentioned to my wife my prayer and God's response, she was deeply touched. I'm listening to her and it is making all the difference.

Bring clean water to Africa

The following devotional is reprinted with permission from Lutheran World Relief.

Isaiah 41:17-20 -- When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive. I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, that they may see and know, may consider and understand together, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.

Prayer

God of overflowing promise,
You call for justice to run over like living streams,
And made water a sign of your ultimate righteousness.

Reborn through the bath of your grace,
We hear with new ears the cries of our neighbors;
Parched hearts and arid earth plead for reprieve.

Move us in our response to all who thirst,
That we and they might receive your water,
Poured out for all, that none would be forsaken.

Amen.

In search of perfect fatherhood

I often beat myself up over my parenting of my son. I try to be an excellent father to him, but I fail. Sometimes it's my temper. Sometimes it's feeling guilty about saying "no" to jumping on the trampoline with him and his buddies. Sometimes I just wonder if I'm being the best example I can be to him.

It probably comes as no surprise to you on this Father's Day that being a dad is very challenging. There's really no human blueprint for perfect fatherhood, as all men have faults. I have come to realize that the only perfect father is God. He is a father who loves us completely, listens to us and is always there for us.

There is hope and encouragement for fathers who want to take the initiative in becoming a better father, though. Consider reading "Raising a Modern-Day Knight" for a suggested blueprint on how to take your son on the journey to manhood. For daughters, "What a Daughter Needs From Her Dad" provides insight into exactly what its title suggests.

One aspect of being a better father is to know yourself better. Many of us weren't taught what it means to be a man. That's why I just started reading "Stepping Up" by Dennis Rainey, a book that identifies five stages of a man's journey through life — boyhood, adolescence, manhood, mentor, and patriarch — and examines a man's responsibilities at each step. (Here is a 16-page PDF preview of "Stepping Up.")

So, on this Father's Day, if you're feeling that you're not the best father, don't beat yourself up over it. No one is the best father except for God. Just give it your best shot. And go tell your son that you love him -- now.

Hearing God in times of stress

I regularly pray to God. About big things. About little things. When I lost my job nine months ago, I prayed about really big things -- like my family's finances and me finding a new job. But there was no response. I still don't have a job, and I was feeling abandoned by God.

That was, until I listened to a recent podcast by John Eldredge. He said that it's really difficult to hear God in times of stress, because there is so much noise attacking us. I know what he's talking about -- everybody from my wife to my parents to former coworkers were telling me what to do after I lost my job.

Eldredge's advice is to start with small prayers, like "God, do you love me?" We know that the answer to that is a resounding "Yes!" Eldredge said that there's so many factors that go into the big decisions, that it helps to simplify.

I also think that it makes sense to get away from distractions to focus on God. Just like you can see so many more stars in the country than in the city because of all the lights, it's easier to hear God when one gets away from all of the noise and distractions.

Lord, I yield to you.

The assurance of Jesus

My wife recently read a book about the church's responsibility to environmental stewardship called "Saving God's Green Earth" by Tri Robinson.

On pp. 40-41 in the book, Robinson describes an encounter he had in nature that demonstrated the existence of God. The story starts out with Robinson at a musical at a church:

During the musical, there was a multimedia presentation that made a lasting impact on me. Now, you must realize that this was in the mid 1970s, and the cutting edge of media in those days were two slide projects that faded in and out simultaneously. During the presentation, the choir performed a song taken from Psalm 42 where David was crying out to the Lord, 'As the deer pants for water, so my soul longs for you.' As they were singing this song, the slide projectors would fade in and out images of nature. However, the projector kept returning often to this one picture of a doe with this deep penetrating gaze. For me, the deer representated Jesus -- and that image grabbed me like no other. I was so taken by that picture, realizing that the longing in my heart was to come to know God and know for sure that Jesus was God. I wanted to know it was really true.

Upon returning to our ranch that evening, I was so bothered by that picture that I was unable to sleep. I just wanted to spend some time and think. So, I returned to the same knoll on the mountain where I had sat when I was 16. As I approached the knoll, I noticed there was a log there in a clearing. After I sat on the log, I began praying, 'God, if you're real and Jesus is your son, would you reveal yourself to me?' At that point in my life, I did not question the assurance of God, but I was still wondering about Jesus.

As I was sitting on the log praying, I heard footsteps behind me. I was terrified. I had lived in the mountains most of my life and it wasn't unusual for me to take walks in the night and hear strange noises. But on this particular night, I was terrified. Never mind the lions and tigers and bears. I was asking God to come and reveal Himself to me -- and in my heart and my mind, I felt like God was walking up behind me, so much so that I was afraid to turn around.

With this paralyzing fear keeping me firmly seated on the log, I hardly moved when a deer stepped within an arm's reach over the log I was sitting on. She walked over the log, moved around in front of me and turned, looking me square in the eyes, just the same way the deer had stared at me throughout that multimedia presentation. It was in that moment that Jesus was really revealed to me. It was as if He was saying, 'I'm here and I'm real -- and I'm answering your prayer.' I no longer needed any more assurance that Jesus was God's Son. I knew it deep in my soul.

Keep praying...

40 days of prayer: a time for thanksgiving!

Tonight's the Jason Gray concert! Please keep God's Children in Haiti in your prayers. . .

40 days of prayer: Bianca

Please pray for Bianca, a strong little girl at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Anel

The Jason Gray concert is in just two days!  Today, please remember to pray for Anel at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Daphline

As we lead up to this Friday's Jason Gray concert, please remember to pray for Daphline at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: the new president

Please pray for the new president of Haiti. . .and remember the children at God's Children in Haiti too.

40 days of prayer: the church in Haiti

Please pray for the church in Haiti, which has grown tremendously since the earthquake. Visit the God's Children in Haiti website for photos.

40 days of prayer: Jeanel

Meet and pray for Jeanel at God's Children in Haiti, a man who has a huge heart for the children.

40 days of prayer: Enose

Please prayer for Enose at God's Children in Haiti today. The Jason Gray concert is one week from tonight -- remember to register!

40 days of prayer: Lyns

Please pray for Lyns at God's Children in Haiti today.

40 days of prayer: the school

Today please pray for the school in Haiti. Each day, seven of the children from God's Children in Haiti walk to school. Less than one percent of school-aged children in Haiti are able to attend school.

40 days of prayer: Kimberly

Kimberly at God's Children in Haiti has "a waddle in her step and a giggle on her lips." Please pray for her today!

40 days of prayer: Jeon Kenson

Please pray today for Jeon Kenson at God's Children in Haiti. . .

40 days of prayer: Achlie

Please pray for Achlie at God's Children in Haiti. She has "a giggle that reaches down to her toes!"

40 days of prayer: Daniel

Daniel at God's Children in Haiti is "full of spunk and little boy things." Please pray for Daniel today!

40 days of prayer: Dorlens

In just two weeks, Jason Gray will be performing a free benefit concert for Haitian orphans. Remember to register if you have not done so yet.

Today's child at God's Children in Haiti is Dorlens. . .please pray.

40 days of prayer: Garbens

Garbens is described as having "a smile that you can't refuse." Please pray for God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Jeraldine

Please pray for Jeraldine, a sweet child at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: the nannies

As you pray for the kids at God's Children in Haiti, please also remember to pray for the nannies who take care of them.

40 days of prayer: Joseph and Estalina

Today features profiles of two kids at God's Children in Haiti:  Joseph and Estalina.

40 days of prayer: Lourdes Mia

Lourdes Mia loves cookies. You can see pictures of this beautiful little girl at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Lovelie

Lovelie, a girl at God's Children in Haiti, is the big sister of Daniel. Please pray for her today.

40 days of prayer: Bedia

Meet Bedia, a girl at God's Children in Haiti who is soft-spoken and reserved -- and wants to become a nurse when she grows up.

40 days of prayer: Elange

Meet Elange. She's at God's Children in Haiti and wants to become a doctor.

40 days of prayer: Medjina

Medjina at God's Children in Haiti has come a long way, becoming smart, strong and independent!

40 days of prayer: Jeanel Morin

Today's prayer request is for Jeanel Morin, the person behind God's Children in Haiti. Please pray for health, safety and God's continued blessings for this ministry.

40 days of prayer: Mina

Today please pray for Mina at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Miranda

Miranda is the third of three sisters profiled during 40 Days of Prayer for God's Children in Haiti. She's described as "graceful, sweet and soft-spirited."

40 days of prayer: Richlande

Meet Richlande, a little girl who loves soccer, at the God's Children in Haiti website.

40 days of prayer: Rose Berline

Please pray for Rose Berline, little sister of Rose Bertha, at God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Rose Bertha

Rose Bertha is the featured child on the God's Children in Haiti website today. Please pray for her.

40 days of prayer: Rose Geurlande

Today God's Children in Haiti has photos of Rose Geurlande, who apparently is only serious in photos. Please pray for her.

40 days of prayer: Nadia-Rose Milove

Today meet Nadia-Rose Milove at God's Children in Haiti. As you can see in the photos, she's a caring big sister!

40 days of prayer: Samuel

Here's a smiley boy at God's Children in Haiti. His name is Samuel.

40 days of prayer: Sanel

As your weekend comes to a close, please keep Sanel at God's Children in Haiti in your heart.

40 days of prayer: Sebastian

As you enjoy your weekend, think of Sebastian at God's Children in Haiti and pray for him. . .

40 days of prayer: Sherley

Today meet Sherley, the beautiful little girl in the spotlight from God's Children in Haiti.

40 days of prayer: Stevenson

Today God Children in Haiti features a cute little guy named Stevenson. Please pray for him. . .

40 days of prayer: Wagline

Today God's Children in Haiti is asking your prayers for Wagline. She's described as "soft spirited and graceful, with a song in her heart."

40 days of prayer: Wolson

Today's child in "40 Days of Prayer" is Wolson. See photos of him, and please pray.

40 days of prayer

Leading up to the April 29 Jason Gray concert in Lakeville, God's Children in Haiti will be hosting "40 Days of Prayer" on its website. Each day there will be a post about a particular child at the orphanage. Website visitors are encouraged to pray for that child and the ministry in Haiti.

Today's child is Woodley -- see photos of him here.

Learning to listen to Jesus

Earlier this month at the "Connected:  Keeping the Work of the Holy Spirit Active in Your Life and Community" conference, I attended a workshop on learning to listen to Jesus.

Here's what I learned from the leaders of the workshop, Burt Casey and Brian Pedersen.

1. Biblical guidelines for the use of prophecy
1. Prophecy is to be eagerly desired (1 Cor 14:1), however the Holy Spirit dispenses spiritual gifts as he desires, to whomever he wishes (1 Cor 12:11)
2. Prophecy should be exercised in love (1 Cor 13:2)
3. Prophecy is not to be despised (1 Thes 5:19-22)
4. Prophecy is to be orderly (1 Cor 14:32-40)
1. Prophecies are controllable
2. Prophecies are to be given in turn
3. Prophecies are to be given under the leadership of the church, to assist the governmental leadership rather than usurp it
5. Prophecy should be weighed and evaluated (1 Cor 14:29-32; Acts 21:10-15)
2. How prophecy might come
1. Scripture, as text or reference
2. Pictures in mind's eye, moving or still
3. Seeing words or ticker tape superimposed over natural vision
4. Phrase pops into your head
5. Impressions
6. Sympathetic sensations in your body
7. Dreams
8. Emotions
9. Smells
10. Tastes
3. I think I have a prophecy, now what?
1. Is it consistent with scripture?
2. Is it consistent with the character of God?
3. Ask God if it is from him; this should be a two-way conversation. Don't rely on physical sensations, for these may dissipate over time.
4. Ask God for interpretation
5. Ask God for his heart on the matter
6. Ask God what to do with it
1. Pray it
2. Deliver it
3. Shelf it
4. How to deliver a prophecy
1. Is now the time?
1. Should a pastor/leader hear it first?
2. Is it appropriate in this setting?
3. Do I have peace about this word?
2. Speak simply, don't dress it up
1. Speak with love. Make sure it is encouraging, edifying or comforting.
2. Usually third person. Not "thus says the Lord..." Don't use King James language, but speak as you normally would
3. Don't let your pet peeves affect the delivery
4. Occasionally first person in small contexts where emotional/relational content is primary
5. Speak revelation and interpretation
3. Leave room to be wrong
4. Protect individual's dignity
5. Write it down, even if spoken

The hour-long session was a condensed version of a six-week course at Evanston Vineyard.

John Marquez launches Follow Me Ministries

John Marquez, the original author of The Christ-Life Solution material, has left Christ-Life Ministries to launch Follow Me Ministries.

According to an e-mail, Marquez felt a calling from God to start Follow Me Ministries:

The Lord’s wisdom seems to be saying, ‘If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! Allow Christ-Life to do what it does so well. Don’t change the chemistry and structure that are established and working so well. Instead follow Me to a quiet place so you can abide with Me without any interruptions. Then I will show you what I’m going to do next.'

The purpose of Follow Me Ministries is to enhance the training that the risen Lord Jesus Christ gives to His personal disciples. John Marquez and Follow Me Ministries can be reached at Follow Me Ministries, Inc. P.O. Box 540826, Omaha, NE 68154-0826.

Connected

Steve Nicholson

This weekend I'm attending the 2011 Area Vineyard Conference at my church. The conference is called "Connected:  Keeping the Work of the Holy Spirit Active in Your Life & Community."

At tonight's session, we heard from Steve Nicholson, senior pastor of Evanston Vineyard. He shared a really moving story about starting a church in Humboldt Park, Chicago. The church wasn't gaining any traction, and he was very disappointed. Nicholson was about ready to close down the church and even had a meeting scheduled with his staff to inform them of the church closing. But God worked in His amazing fashion, and brought a prominent neighborhood person to Christ -- the day before Nicholson was going to have the meeting with his staff.

The church stayed open -- and flourished. What Nicholson learned from that experience, he said, is that "God needs to do something to us before He can do something through us."

Eulogy for John Brian Becker

Here is the text of the eulogy that I delivered today at John Brian Becker's funeral. It's a great collection of stories that highlight the various aspects of his life. I miss him.

John Brian Becker

John Brian Becker Eulogy – February 11, 2011

Hi. My name is Brant Skogrand, and I’m a brother-in-law of John Brian. More specifically, I’m married to his sister Patty, also known as "five of nine." Today I’m going to share stories about John Brian from his parents, siblings and a couple of in-laws. You’ll hear in their own words their favorite memories of John Brian, how he touched people’s lives and more. While you’ll hear how missed he is, you’ll also realize that this is a celebration of his rich life.

LEONARD AUSTIN, JOHN BRIAN’S BROTHER-IN-LAW:  One of my memories of John was how good of a host he was.  When we traveled to Europe to visit John and Jason it felt like he dropped everything to meet us at airports, help us around town, participate in kid-oriented events like time at the park, and help us navigate the train system.
            I will always remember watching John, Jason, Susan and the kids painting pictures on the floor of their apartment in Groningen.

JENNIFER PROBST, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER-IN-LAW:  John Brian was wonderful at making me feel that I was part of the Becker family.  He and Jason literally gave Tom and me a home for a year when we moved back to Minneapolis.  Sharing the daily rhythms of life with them allowed us to know him and feel a part of JB's life in a special way that we both value greatly.

ME/BRANT SKOGRAND:  For me, I always appreciated John Brian’s sense of artistry. When he directed the Minnesota Fringe Festival play “Will the Real Superman Please Stand Up?” he let me audition for a role. Now most people don’t think of “fringe” when they look at me, but John Brian was open to giving me a shot. I didn’t get the part, though.

TOM BECKER, JOHN BRIAN’S BROTHER:  In thinking about how John Brian influenced me, he was a tangible example for me that a person could fall outside the norms and expectations set for them by society and yet be tremendously virtuous.  More than that, he showed me that often it is the very act of refusing to submit to the yoke of convention that marks the virtuous person.  He was a living testament that honesty with others, but even more importantly with oneself, is worth striving and fighting for.  The courageous honesty he embodied is fundamental in how I try to live and so I'll be able to carry that part of him with me always.

JULIE BECKER TOTO, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  JB was wise beyond his years. He built people up. He brought people together to enjoy life.  We had our share of sibling rivalry... I wanted "Sesame Street," he wanted "Woody Woodpecker."  I wanted to tag along with JB and the older neighborhood kids. He didn't want his sister coming along to ruin his adventures and threaten, "I'm telling Mom.” 

There was a pivotal moment for us that changed our relationship forever. I was 11.  JB was 13. He explained he was sorry for all the times he teased and excluded me.  He said he wanted to start fresh and be friends.  I believe I skeptically replied, "Do you need money?" 

He spent the next 22 years proving his sincerity.  I was an insecure, awkward preteen with zits and hair that was never quite big enough, but JB didn't seem to notice.  He complimented me on my talents, encouraged me to try new things, made time to know my friends and told me that I was beautiful.  He built my self-esteem at a time when I needed it the most. 

BRENDA GERARD, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  I always enjoyed talking food and gardening with John.  Once I mentioned how I wished I could make sushi at home; and so a couple days later he hosted a sushi making gathering and taught me how to make my own sushi. 

John was also a great gardener.  Last summer, John gave me six strawberry plants from his ever-spreading patch.  I planted them in my garden, and by last fall they had spread into many more plants.  This spring they should produce lots of sweet red strawberries. I'm sure I will be thinking of you, John, each time I pick one of those strawberries.

PATTY SKOGRAND, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  John was fun and encouraging. One summer, when he was in high school and I was home from college, he helped me learn how to do a front flip on the trampoline.

I was very fearful of getting the height and throwing my body forward and upside down, but I really wanted to be able to do it. John was patient and encouraging and wanted me to be able to succeed. He spent the time that was necessary to help me achieve something that I wanted.

Even in the last months of his life, when I visited he was strong and loving and caring enough to let me grieve and cry. He said, “You don’t have to protect me from your feelings. It’s okay to be sad.” I remember how beautiful he was inside and out.

DIANN BRASSEUR, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  After John was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma, I was intentional about getting together with him more. I wanted to get to know my brother better and just show him love. We had many long, good conversations about all kinds of things.   

One time John said to me, "I hate this cancer, but if it weren't for the cancer, I don't think we would be spending this time together and growing closer to one another."  I agreed.  I will always cherish these last three years with John, and hope that my love for him was a reflection of God's love for him. I love you John and I will miss you.

LYNDA HURT, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  Although he was my little brother, I want to thank John for all the things HE taught ME:

•   To appreciate good dark chocolate and spinach pizzas,

•   To embrace the diversity in the world instead of fear it,

•   To communicate to family and friends that you love and appreciate them,

•   And how to live and die with dignity.

John, I will miss you and love you forever, Lynda.

SUSAN AUSTIN, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  One of my first memories of John Brian is rocking him and sitting with him, holding him when he was a baby. Recently, I was caring for him again – it was déjà vu.

One of the days when I visited him recently, I had been up all night. When I came downstairs in the morning, there were six girls around. John Brian grew up with a bunch of girls, and it just hit me – he was surrounded by women again that loved him. He really loved people.

I also remember how, when John Brian was a teenager, I would take him with me on some road trips. I took him with on a trip to Milwaukee and Chicago. He said, “That was the first time I realized we could get in a car and be somewhere in four hours.” It really was an awakening for him.

FROM BARB BLACK, JOHN BRIAN’S SISTER:  John was determined and strong and tender at the same time.  Definitely a free spirit.  When we went to Chicago, he had to go back a couple of days later. I said, “John, don’t you think that you should book a flight?”  He said, “Barb, the problem with you is that you don’t live in the moment.”  He really enjoyed doing what he was doing when he was doing it.

He could be prickly, and he was so darn stubborn. He was so resistant to any talk of God, but was OK with me praying over him.  One time recently when I was at his house praying over him, mom saw a big tear running down his face, so somewhere in there was God’s love.

FROM OLIVER BECKER, JOHN BRIAN’S FATHER:  John was my guardian angel after my hunting accident in 2004.  He was my voice when I could not talk, he was my advocate for all my needs.  John came back from Philadelphia to sit by my side in the hospital for 40 days.  There is no better feeling than to awake from an induced sleep and see someone you love that cares about you sitting by your side and wanting to help you with your every need.  I will love you and miss you forever my son.

FROM ELOISE BECKER, JOHN BRIAN’S MOTHER:  I loved John even before he was born.  I lost my grandfather named John about four months before John was born and at that point his dad and I started calling the baby John-John.  The day he was born a huge rainbow appeared in the eastern sky.  Barbara captured it in a photo.  John taught us many things with his view of life.  I remember shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer someone he knew came up to him and said, “John I heard you have cancer, is it terminal?”  He thought just a moment and said, “Aren’t we all?” 

I know that everyone that knew him has stories they could tell about John and why they loved him.  I thank God for lending him to us for 35 years, and I ask God to give him His Eternal Rest.

In closing, on behalf of John Brian’s family, I want to thank everyone who has come today to share in the celebration of John’s life.  Also, thank you to everyone who has supported us by giving your love and kindness to John during his journey.  Thanks to Jason Patzlaff, John Brian’s best friend for 10 years and the one who did an amazing job of caring for him during John Brian’s courageous battle with melanoma. Thank you too, friends and family for your prayer support.  I know there are many people who are not here today who cared about us and let us know that in so many meaningful ways.  Sharing our love and grief has lightened our load.  Thank you.

Jason Gray to perform free benefit concert in Lakeville for Haitian orphans

Jason Gray

Jason Gray, the singer/songwriter known for hits including "More Like Falling in Love" and "I Am New," will be performing a free benefit concert on April 29 at LivingWaters Church in Lakeville. The concert, which starts at 7 p.m., will be a benefit for God's Children in Haiti.

There is no charge to attend. A love offering will be taken to benefit God's Children in Haiti.

To reserve your seat, send an e-mail to ROCK@livingwaterslakeville.com.

Obituary for John Brian Becker

Becker, John Brian

 (JayBee) Age 35

After a long and courageous battle with melanoma, John passed away on February 3, 2011. He is survived by parents Oliver and Eloise Becker, sisters Barbara (David) Black, Susan (Leonard) Austin, Lynda Hurt, Diann (Steve) Brasseur, Patty (Brant) Skogrand, Brenda (Charles) Gerard, Julie (Christian) Toto, and brother Thomas (Jennifer Probst) and best friend, caregiver and partner Jason Patzlaff and 16 nieces and nephews.   

Special thanks to the many “Forever Friends” who were always there to support and love him through his long journey. Special thanks also to his colleagues, friends and doctors at the University of Minnesota. He loved going to work. 

A Celebration of John’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 11, 2011 at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm Street, Lino Lakes, Minn. Visitation one hour prior to Mass (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.) at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Home, 2076 St. Anthony Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

In memoriam: JB Becker

JB Becker

Today my brother-in-law, JB Becker, passed away. He had been fighting a long battle with cancer. His melanoma was first discovered in 1998, but doctors were able to perform surgery to remove the cancer. The cancer metastasized in 2007, and JB put up a valiant fight.

He was only 35 years old, but he packed a lot of life into those 35 years. In addition to living in Minneapolis, JB also lived in the Netherlands and Philadelphia. He loved playing soccer, gardening, acting, and talking about politics and religion. JB directed a play that was part of the Minnesota Fringe Festival one year called "Will the Real Superman Please Stand Up?" I auditioned for the play, but didn't get the part.

JB even let me beat him at tennis a couple of times.

He is missed. So long, JB. We love you.

A taste of home from New Orleans

In 2003, Sheri Stephens was sending care packages to her son who was serving overseas. When she realized that most of the other members of his platoon weren't receiving packages, she decided to do something about it.

Stephens started a nonprofit, Operation We Care. Since the charity's inception, Operation We Care has sent more than 14,500 care packages.

King cake

This year, in cooperation with Randazzo’s Bakery in Slidell, La., 1,000 king cakes are being shipped to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stephens shared insight into her charity with The Times-Picayune:

While king cakes have always been an important part of Operation We Care’s efforts, this year will be the largest shipment. 'In the past, we have sent 500, 200, 300. This year, God spoke to me, and I felt like we needed to do 1,000,' Stephens said. 'I spoke with Randazzo’s and they agreed to donate the 500. They have always played a big part in what we do, and it has been great.'

To help out Operation We Care by volunteering or making a donation, visit the nonprofit's website.

Wrapping up Phase 3 of The Ultimate Journey

Last night I completed the final phase (Phase Three) of The Ultimate Journey/Christ-Life Solution. I highly recommend all three phases of The Ultimate Journey program to anyone.

Since starting Phase One in January 2009, I have changed quite a bit. The main ways that I have changed are in my thinking:  I now focus more on God being in control and I try to look at people through His eyes. Knowing that God is in control has helped a lot during this unemployment phase of my life.

Of course, this is only the beginning. Turns out that The Ultimate Journey is a lifelong journey. . .

One of the benefits of social justice

Last week at church we had a guest speaker, a pastor from River Heights Vineyard Church. He was talking about caring for the poor, and particularly highlighted Isaiah 58:10-11:

A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places
9-12"If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other people's sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
firm muscles, strong bones.
You'll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You'll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
make the community livable again.

What I find interesting about this passage from The Message is that not only are we called to serve the poor, but there's a benefit to us as well. That benefit is God's guidance and a full life.