Interview with Bobby Sparks, Masterlogger [post 48]

Using a Nano Gen5 we got to interview Bobby Sparks at The Waffle House. Look under our Blogs section to visit Bobby's Spiritual Journey Blog Site.

The True KING [post 47]

I spoke from I Samuel 12 today. I was thinking about how the true KING doesn't need to flex His KINGly muscles. He doesn't get involved with expressing his personal glory like the kings of the earth. No gold statutes, no bridges, no roads, no buildings named for him. Little human men look around and say He's not there as if they think that would do anything. They shoot their words up into the air but never notice their words have fallen to the ground and are lying all around them like so many dead flies. The true KING goes on about His chosen business. Such otherly greatness and mystery.


The Holy Spirit came today while we worshipped through song. There was power and passion that became an awesome stillness like distant heat lightning. It felt like flashes with no sound. Just stillness. A deep stillness. Then someone erupted in praise and thanksgiving. A screaming single voice proclaiming His greatness.


It was electric.

- Jim Bentley

La Liberte' de L'Interieur (Freedom Within) [post 46]

This is a short little film that I think you will like. Enjoy!

http://bcove.me/1ommso8g

- submitted by Clay

Michael Bynum On Worship Leading [post 45]

Michael Bynum long time Vineyard pastor, worship leader and song writer talks about worship leading.

Hope & Despair - From Adoption Revolution [post 44]

From http://louxfamilyblog.com:

“Hope and despair are not opposites. They are cut from the very same cloth, made from the very same material, shaped from the very same circumstances. Most of all, every life finds itself forced to choose one from the other, one day at a time, one circumstance after another. The only difference between the two is that despair shapes an attitude of mind; hope creates a quality of soul. Despair colors the way we look at things, makes us suspicious of the future, makes us negative about the present. Hope, on the other hand, takes life on its own terms, knows that whatever happens God lives in it, and expects that, whatever its twists and turns, it will ultimately yield its good to those who live it well. When tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints us, we stand at the crossroads beween hope and despair, torn and hurting. Despair cements us in the present; hope sends us dancing around dark corners trusting in a tomorrow we cannot see. Despair says that there is no place to go but here. Hope says that God is waiting for us someplace else. Begin again.”

The Loux Family Blog
Living out an "Adoption Revolution" fueled by night and day prayer

Thanks to Laura Catoe for the above quote.

Michael Bynum In Person [post 43]

Michael Bynum as interviewed at the Waffle House:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimbentley/4501434356/

Grouting completed! [post 42]

The fine work of Tim and Phillip Nesbitt, tile contractors.

- Jim Bentley

Greater Reality [post 41]

It seems to me that God is awakening people all over the world to the greater reality of the spirit realm. This realm is all around us. It is outside of the laws of time and space - yet somehow it is intermingled with our existence here on planet earth. Jesus spent a lot of time working with his disciples, trying to point their vision higher than their natural circumstances and surroundings. While speaking with Nicodemus about the subject of being 'born again' he asked him this question:


"I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" John 3:12


I am convinced that all of our circumstances are perfectly designed by God to teach us about this greater realm of the Spirit. Take for example the instance where the disciples were in the boat with Jesus when suddenly a great storm came upon them. The disciples were scared for their life while Jesus was enjoying his daily siesta. When they wake him - he rebukes them and then he speaks to the storm and tells it to be still. "Where is your faith?", He asks them.


Here is my point. We are all seen in a much different way in the Spirit than we realize. We have an identity in heaven with a lot of authority that has been given to us. The problem is, all of our lives we have been taught a much different reality in the natural realm. We think we are subject to all of the laws and politics of the natural realm. But Jesus consistently defied them at every given opportunity - even beating death and walking on water and through walls. I believe that he was trying to point us to the greater reality of the spirit realm. When we come into our true identity as not only children of God but as joint-heirs with Jesus we realize that we have the same authority that Jesus had. Also, we realize that no matter what our circumstances look like - that we are never alone and God is always with us and for us. (Not to mention all of the angels that surround us!) All things truly are possible with God and things that once appeared impossible suddenly become fun challenges that we go after with glee.


Our tribulations are really opportunities to learn to trust God and rest in His perfect love. Let your circumstances become opportunities to fix your eyes on heaven. You will never be the same!


"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." James 1:2

- A. J. Nichols

More from Donald Miller, [post 40]

My friend who owns the coffee shops told us... "Nobody that he knows who is successful gambles; rather they work hard, they accept the facts of reality, they enjoy life as it is." "But the facts of reality stink," I told him. "Reality is like a fine wine," he told me. "It will not appeal to children." - Donald Miller -  from "Searching... for God Knows What"

- Bruce Cornutt

Blue Like Jazz [post 39]

Blue Like Jazz Quote:
“For me, the beginning of sharing my faith with people began by throwing out Christianity and embracing Christian spirituality, a nonpolitical mysterious system that can be experienced but not explained. Christianity, unlike Christian spirituality, was not a term that excited me. And I could not in good conscious tell a friend about a faith that didn’t excite me. I couldn’t share something I wasn’t experiencing. And I wasn’t experiencing Christianity. It didn’t do anything for me at all. It felt like math, like a system of rights and wrongs and political beliefs, but it wasn’t mysterious; it wasn’t God reaching of heaven to do wonderful things in my life. And if I would have shared Christianity with somebody, it would have felt mostly like I was trying to get somebody to agree with me rather than meet God. I could no longer share anything about Christianity, but I loved talking about Jesus and the spirituality that goes along with a relationship with Him.” – Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz, 2003


I started reading Blue Like Jazz back in 2007. I laid it down somewhere with a pencil still inside. Bruce told me the other day that he was reading it and that the middle to the end of the book was really good. I started back and he was so right. It was good, for me, to be reading right now. Don reminds me of trying to explain Christianity the Religion and Christianity the Relationship. I heard an Italian writer the other day explain that the word Religion means to have a bond to something. I have a bond with our heavenly Father, Jesus the Son of God/Son of Man, and the Holy Spirit. It feels real, is real. Any bond I have with Christianity comes about because of my bond (relationship) with the Trinity (Father, Son and Spirit).


I hate that Good Friday was necessary to get a Resurrection Sunday. But since we can't have one without the other we say, "Bless your holy Name and what a profound expression of LOVE from our one and only LORD. PRAISE BE TO GOD."

- Jim Bentley

Building FACELIFT!!! [post 38]

A video of the new slate front of Gadsden Vineyard from my FACEBOOK videos. Or go to my FLICKR video and click (or paste in this line): http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimbentley/4462742886/

Change in the Wind [post 37]

Wow! I am convinced that GOD is adding the visual arts to our worship sets. It has been coming for two years with the beginning of historic icons being added to our walls, one at a time. An icon can be powerful when it comes to emotional experience. Icons have been seen as Windows into Heaven down through the centuries. Would this be true for us? We would have to say, "Yes." Yes, for many. Yes, to keep moving with the visual. Spring color has come outside.


Hey, have you seen the slate design on the front of our 419 Broad building? When the Laverty family built our building it was a music store also known as The Temple of Music.

- Jim Bentley

The Gospel of Luke [post 36]

Let's take a stroll through Luke. This is what we are studying on Sunday afternoons, and I wanted to share this. This is from my perspective so you may see it differently or disagree completely. That's fine. I'm not too concerned with whether or not you agree with me, but more focused on making you think. 


Here's my objective: To break down the Word so that we can better understand all of it. This means reading the scripture in whole and in sequence; asking ourselves what we think it means; and sometimes really asking ourselves what we believe and why. If we do these things, we should grow. Not just in knowledge, but in understanding, and yes there is a difference. So, with that in mind here we go.


Because of time and space, I'm not typing in all the scripture, but assuming you'll read it. I also can't cover all the points, so if you want the whole thing, you have an open invitation on Sunday 4pm.


Luke ch 1:1-25
There is a lot to cover here, but I want to look at a few of the things that I find interesting. First, Luke has a slightly different perspective than does Matthew or Mark. I must confess that Luke is my favorite book. Here in the beginning, I like the viewpoint. It is though he is explaining this as the fulfillment of all God has planned and promised. I like that.


1:5-6) Enter Zach and Liz. It says they are righteous. This is key because, like Noah, they have a heart for God's heart. Living in a way that is pleasing to God.


1:7) Luke tells us that Liz was advanced in the years, beyond natural child bearing ability.


1:8-12) Zach is in the tent performing his duties when he meets the Angel of the Lord. Here is something to look at. Luke tells us that Zach was troubled and afraid. Why? I mean, he was likely startled, right. I think there was more to it than that though. I think there was some reverential fear. Either way, the question I would have is this: What is our response to the presence of God?


1:14-17) The AOL tells Zach what will happen. This is part of God's plan and it WILL happen.


1:18) Ah, the mind of man. Zach asks "How will I know for sure?" He was working on natural perceptions, not faith. This is a good time to point out that greater understanding should increase our faith. However, let's cut the guy some slack. How many times have we done the same thing? I tell you I am ashamed to admit that it's been more than I can count. So, what do we learn from this? There is a difference in what God can do and will do. However, we aren't capable of grasping either. But when God tells us He will do something, let's try not to let our own natural thinking get in the way.


1:20-25) The AOL makes his point. This not only is a demonstration God's power and authority to Zach, but for others as well. Then, God makes good on His word, and Liz becomes with child. Good stuff.


How do we relate to Zach?
1) How about being blessed with God's favor because we walk in His will and ways?
2) We pray for something believing that God could do it, but then doubt that He would.


Food for thought.


Peace and Blessings,
DTB

- Todd Bagley

Something from Graham Cooke [post 35]

"If we get confused by our identity, the circumstances of life may overwhelm us, and we compromise our response to Jesus. Instead of it being a true and powerful expression of who we are, we show a different face. If we do that enough times, that face becomes a Christian mask. We display a veneer of Christ, but it covers an inferior material. A religious mask is a specious outward appearance of good quality that overlays an unsurrendered life. We are a hypocrite. In less controlled situations we manifest our carnality, and we conceal our Christlikeness." - Manifesting Your Spirit by Graham Cooke, p. 172.

-Debbie Handy

Debbie's Mom's 75th B'day [post 34]

Good News

My mom's 75th birthday was mid-February. What a blessing she has been and continues to be to us and almost everyone she knows. My sister, emphasis on sister, and I surprised her with a party and a tiara (my sister's idea) to wear on her special day. "Well, I'm just glad to still be here and be able to enjoy all this."
No, Mom. We are the glad ones, glad that you ARE.



As I get older, birthdays remind me of God's mercy and His goodness, of those wonderful "second" chances He provides. Birthdays are the beginning of something new. The old has gone; the new begins. Is this not a reason to celebrate? This is definitely GOOD NEWS!



This idea is central to the Gospel. Jesus came to do something NEW, to make us NEW, to eventually make everything NEW, hence the good NEWS! Each moment is pregnant with the possibility of new life. His mercies are new every morning and filled with promises for the day. Henri Nouwen says that this good news is like "listening to a voice saying to us, I HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU AND CAN'T WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE IT!"



Of course, there is the other voice which often speaks very loudly that great lie: THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN. However, this idea is contrary to the central message of the gospel. God's whole plan is the beginning of making EVERYTHING new. Eye has not seen, ear has not heard what He has planned for those who love Him. There IS something new under the sun, and we've been invited to participate and await its coming.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,

for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,

and the sea was no more.

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem,

coming down out of heaven from God,

prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [a new life together].

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.

He will dwell with them, and they will be His people,

and God himself will be with them as their God.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,

and death shall be no more,

neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore,

for the former things have passed away.

And He who was seated on the throne said,

"Behold, I am making all things new."

Also, He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

And He said to me, "It is done!" Rev. 21:1-6

I really like "these words are trustworthy and true" and "it is done." This is really, really good news. God's done His part; the rest is up to us. Who are we going to believe - the cynic sitting on one shoulder or God?

On July 8, 2007, Ron Catoe spoke at the morning service and had a really good word for our fellowship. He said that the last six months of 2007 would be like a brand new year for us and that by the end of the year, we would not be able to recognize the church in this area.

Our fellowship has undergone many transformations since that time. There is a lot of "new" going on. The Toronto folks have visited us twice, our worship has gone up a notch or two, the worship leaders are writing new songs, we have new worship leaders, our youth are meeting, the women are meeting, new babies are on the way, the men are meeting and have been working to clean up the upstairs section of our big building, we've had kinship training, there are many new faces in the fellowship, there seems to be more power, more healings, and on and on and on. In the near future, a team from Bill Johnson's fellowship will be here with us for awhile. Wow! I'm excited, but there is so much more than this in our future. EYE HAS NOT SEEN, EAR HAS NOT HEARD . . .

Let us always remember the good news - HE IS COME TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW. Let us not get trapped looking at the past or worrying about the future. To borrow a phrase from Ron Catoe: "The windshield is much bigger than the rearview mirror." Let's look forward with anticipation and believe the good news and get involved in what God is doing. Let's hear His voice saying, "I have a gift for you and can't wait for you to see it!"

Yes, Lord! Thank you. We can't wait to open it.

- Debbie Handy