Pioneer Seer

Brokenness ~ Conclusions

2011-11-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

Some musings, offered up to contemplate upon. No definite answers other than like every thing else, it is a Journey of discovery, of healing and of "taking out the trash". In other words, I still am dealing with a boat-load of crap myself and expect to be 'til Papa consumes the transformation by transporting me to the final destination . . . ~ Selah ~

"None of us leave this stage scar-free. Not even Yeshua.
But the Good News is that the show is not over and you are not alone.
The Author and Finisher of your Faith has written Himself into your story . . . and you into His."
~ MLC ~

Shadow and Shadows . . .
Most of the crap we deal with is due to a listening problem. We fail to listen to our Shadow (Jungian Psychology nudge here) and listen to the wrong shadows; the shadows of hurt, angst, accusations. The shadows of lies, expectations, illusions and false assumptions. The Religious Matrix does little to help, if not most the time re-enforcing the lies and increasing the burdens through "accountability", obligation and performance. All of which GSF (Guilt Shame Fear) is the main tool. We get so caught-up in the vortex of "coulds-shoulds-oughts" that we miss the still, quiet voice who whispers to us of Unconditional Love and Acceptance.

Needed on this Journey are close, intimate journey-mates who know you well enough and love you enough that they can speak into your life. We all get out of sync and off-centered now and then. It is a blessing to have even one such friend who can step into your whirl-wind/hurricane to bring focus, "centered-ness" to you without "Collapsing the Quantum Wave Function" (I.E.: Judging you). Someone who is willing to come out into the depths of the water where you are even though they are scared of the deep water just as much as you are.

Along with this, is a growing awareness of Papa's Love, with which Truth and Light travel together in.
This simultaneously involves clearing the foundation of the clutter that the Religious Matrix has crapped upon and by "taking out the trash" we ourselves have collected through the years. Talking to Papa/Yeshua/Ruah Kodesh. Listening to our Shadow, learning it's language. Allowing access for Papa to walk with us through the "Interior Mansion" (Teresa de Avila nudge here) of our soul, our psyche.

Learning to look your fears, your failings, regrets, embarrassments and shames directly in the eyes and laugh.
Laugh at them and laugh at yourself. The greatest lie is that you are the only one who goes through this.
I highly recommend Dr. Brené Brown's book "I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't)

Truth in Strange Places
Don't be afraid to explore. One of the greatest guilt-trips and fears that the Religious Matrix (and just about any other organized institution/belief system) places upon us is that of questing . . . of questioning, of travelling and exploring the status-quo, the realms of psyche and spirit (the short-coming of the last part of that statement is that it makes it sound dualistic, which I don't believe in dualism. Body, Psyche and Spirit are not separate or divided. In the reading of scripture, you will see that the Original Intent and Final Outcome are the same; Life Incarnate).

Listen to other people's stories, even though they may be travelling a different path. Even Paul the Apostle was familiar with the sayings of "poets" of different cultures. ("For ‘In him we live and move and have our being', as even some of your poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’" Paul’s Speech at the Areopagus). Just always include Papa in your Journeys. Learn to hear His voice, trust His guidance and listen to what He may be saying to you through others.

Learn to question yourself . . . the "truths" you have believed and have been taught, both at home, in the family and in the larger arenas of life. Not out of defiance or rebelliousness. God does not mind questions. God is secure in who God is. You just might find that your daring to ask will reveal a "truth" you thought was once His really wasn't. Same goes for the "truths" your family of origin and the institutions told you to believe. You will be likely to discover His truth where you would least expect it. Ask the woman at the well or those who traveled on the road to Emmaus. Ask Cornelius who tried to follow the truth as best he knew it and was surprized to find it in clearer form come knocking upon his door!

Don't be surprized that the RM and it's adherents will warn of dangers and try scaring you away from pursuing that. Realize that most of them are sincere. And don't be naive . . . we all can be deceived and can walk empty paths. But that does not limit Papa from meeting us on any path. I am always amazed how Papa steers me back. I'm also amazed the places I encounter His voice and "nudgings" in. Learn to become aware of the nudges, winks and kisses of The Divine. The Divine truly conspires to bring you into Love, Light and Wholeness.
But it is a Journey that will take you the rest of your life . . . and into the next.

We all have trash that needs taking out. Rooms of the Interior Mansion that need a good thorough cleaning and arranging. Take it all in stride and realize that you are a human-in-training. As is everyone else.
Your scars just may turn out to be the healing someone else needs.
Breathe baby breathe.
Shalom on The Journey.

Directions

2011-09-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

"Have not posted here . . ." is how it usually starts. Too many things to go into to account for the lapse. Not that it is necessary to do so. I still plan on blogging here, but have been working on a new creative via wordpress. I have been thinking about doing such for a while.

"Pioneerseer" was a prophetic inspiration from my days in the Charismatic~ Pentecostal "Matrix/ICOR" structure. A LOT of "prophetic words" in those systems. Most of them hype, though well intended, being geared to assure service in and to the system. A few however, I believe to be the genuine article. And though I have journeyed beyond those institutional structures, I have no regrets nor bear any grudge.There was some good stuff from all that.

But "Journey", "Paradigm", and "Story" have whispered more and more strongly to me.
For it is a Journey of following Yeshua I am on. You never know where The Wild Goose may take you . . .

So keep an eye here but please visit my new "Coracle", which can be found floating about here

Shalom on The Journey . . .

Brokenness Part 3: Detox

2011-05-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

In the big disconnect, I find within myself a cynic-critic curmudgeon who kicks-in with all sorts of bile and gall when ever I think or interact with those still "involved with the system/Matrix".

The problem is not them; it is me. "Loving without agenda and judgement" sounds like such an ideal place to be. But I confess that there is crap within me that needs to be dealt with.

However, it is a process. I cannot wait until all the crap is "gone" before I set out.

For if I do wait then the Journey never starts.

So, though I do not care much for this thought, Detox is something that is a continuing process on The Journey.

Embracing our brokenness is a challenging thing. It is scary. Because to do so is to make ourselves vulnerable. Being vulnerable means the possibility of being hurt. Being misunderstood. And a portion of our brokenness comes from being hurt. Both by our own self and by others. In an attempt to avoid pain we close off, clam-up, shut-down or numb. But in doing so we rob ourselves and others of the very Light and Healing that we need.

In his book "Abba's Child: The Cry of the heart for Intimate Belonging", Brennan Manning shares;

"In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others."

And elsewhere in the same book;

"Accepting the reality of our sinfulness means accepting our authentic self. Judas could not face his shadow; Peter could. The latter befriended the impostor within; the former raged against him."

Accepting our shadow, embracing our brokenness; Such a hard, scary thing to do.

But since Yeshua accepts us exactly as we are and "not as we 'should' be", why not yield to that Divine Love and accept that acceptance?

Brené Brown puts it this way; "We are hard-wired for challenge (trouble). And we are flawed. But we are worthy of Love and Acceptance."

For we are God’s masterpiece (poema; work of art). He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation)

We are a poem in the making, a work of art in progress. Healing is found in the sharing of that process with others in The Journey.

Peregrinatio pro Christo Musings on "Easter" Sunday

2011-04-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

Easter being in quotation marks as , according to Christo-Pagan friend of mine Easter happened on March 20th this year. Today is Resurrection Day. And there-in lay the biggest truth and the greatest Gospel: Love Won!

"Hallelujah I'm a Heretic . . ."

(from a song I've started to write but haven't quite got around to finishing . . .)

Ah well, guess I missed the chance to join the heretic club back in 2008, just before the vote in California on Prop. 8

We had been invited to a friends b-day party. A ton of their friends were there. One couple were discussing the up-coming vote and their frustration over the "Christian-Right" political/propaganda backing of the bill. In their frustration a small amount of ire was directed our way (my wife & I) as we had just shortly come out of ministry school and they were aware of that fact.

Oh, the couple? A lesbian couple who had been in a monogamous relationship for 15+ years at the time (and are still together today). I understand their frustration and anger. A lot of which I believe is justified due to the actions of dispen-idiotical fundies (there's my inner-curmudgeon coming out . . .). They made some sort of comment as to not understanding the logic of those backing the bill unless it was due to some sort of "Religious Bent", with heavy emphasis on that last part with side-ways glances directed at my wife & I. Again, I wish to point out that their ire was mild, understandable and not violent at all. I ponted out that the only "religious" thing that I do is eat, sleep and go to the bathroom. My wife, Wise Sage that she is, had the better response.

"All I know is that Love Wins".

Gee, we could have beaten Mr. Bell to the punch way back then . . .

(which reminds me, I am delinquent on my Heretic Club dues . . . hence this post)

;-p

And Love DOES Win! Through scripture, Papa God tells us that the Holy Unity conspired before the beginning of time for this day. Literally that neither Hell nor high water (or anything else) would come between His Love and us. Including our brokenness (sin et al).

"For God so Loved the world" (part of it? Some of it? No, all the world . . .)

"namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them." (NASB)

Love Wins. Love has Won. Do we accept that Love as it is offered on His terms? His terms being Unconditional Love; accepting us as we are, not as we should be or could be. But just as we are, even sometimes fighting, kicking and screaming against that Love. A Love that holds us in it's arms in spite of all that kicking and screaming. A Love that is always Present, always with "arms wide open". A Love that understands all our fears, tears and anger. A Love that knows the wounds caused by religion, rules, regulations . . . wounds caused by our own brokenness, our own brutality towards each other.

Our own fear and misunderstanding of that Love.

My prayer is for a deeper understanding of that Love. Just not in the head, but in the heart.

In that deep secret place within us all.

As Deep calls unto Deep.

"Hallelujah I'm a Heretic,

Hallelujah I'm a Bum.

Hallelujah I'm Vagabond

and a Ragamuffin . . ."

He has Risen!

LOVE WINS.

Brokenness ~ Part 2

2011-03-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

"Letting go of all i am,

Loosing my life to gain it back again.

Not really sure of who I should have been . . ."

So many directions to go with this, it is difficult to decide where to start.

So I beg your forgiveness in my not going into in-depth detail at this point.

Just some musings . . .

Guilt, Shame & Fear (GSF for short) have been coming up a lot in the things I've been reading both in books and on blogs.

Since "There is now therefor no condemnation in Christ", why do so many Christians (and the Institutions) collaborate with GSF?

I believe as we embrace our brokenness we embrace what Papa God is doing right here, right now. This is contrary to what the world, the Matrix, the Institution and (yes) our Shadow tells us. They tell us to get our act together, to get the right info, the right opinion, the right knowledge and rules and regulations and law and . . .

Yuck, yuck, & puke.

What if we really got the revelation that Papa God Loves us, right where we are at?

Brokenness and all? I mean, beyond just having that in our cranium but having it as an abiding truth in our hearts?

What transformation would that affect? In us, around us?

God works within our brokenness.

That's a lot to meditate upon.

More to follow. But for right now, I invite you to watch this "secular" clip. It's a little over 20 minutes. See if you can find some resonance in it . . .

The Power of Vulnerability

Formed and Informed

2011-03-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

from my journal 21MAR2011

" . . . So I give up. I cannot manage or refute or change the opinions of all those who sling their own poisons as to 'this is right, this is wrong and if you don't agree then you are going to hell!'

I want Love to Inform me. I want Love to be the form of my Heart, Mind and Soul.

I want Love to resolve the real offenses and to dissolve the false ones.

I want Love to draw the poison of bitterness & cynicism from my heart.

I want Love to be the satisfaction of my Heart, Mind & Soul.

So today I repent. I turn from trying to solve it all on my own and I turn to Christ for healing; for making my heart right and forming me in Love.

I embrace the Mystery and the Unknowing.

Christ heal me. Christ forgive me.

Renew my mind, Reform my Heart and Refresh my Soul.

I rest in Your finished work.

I give up trying with all my faculties and Rest in the Truth that You are taking care of it all.

It's not about having right knowledge or right opinion or right info.

It's about being informed and formed by Love.

Enable me to live this daily.

Form me in Love.

Amen."

Brokenness ~ Part 1

2011-03-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

What is it about Brokenness that seems to be so much of The Journey?

Brokenness
Letting go of all that i am,
Loosing my life to gain it back again.
Not really sure of who i should have been,
But oh, so glad that i found You.
And in You, i find myself again.
Poured out for Christ.

~ by Shepherd Michael

The above is something I wrote several years ago.

About three years ago I posted that this was a subject I would blog about.

Since then, I have avoided it like the plague . . .

But too much has happened lately, both to myself and others, that I can no longer put this off.

For if healing is to occur, then brokenness is something that has got to be discussed

and embraced . . .

2011 . . . BE

2011-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

No prophetic insight for 2011. At least not from me. There is some unique perspectives out there. Please pay a visit to my friend Martin.

I d0, however, hear a "wooing". A call to intimacy, to simplifying, to letting go.
To just BE . . . in Him.

To BE in the Story. In the Journey.
Deeply.

"Right Here, Right Now" is something I think perhaps you will hear . . . a lot.
Let it become your "focus tuner". "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet": Ever go walking at night with just a lantern as light? You can only see so far. You have to focus on just what's in front of you. "Right Here, Right Now" . . .

Believe that things are unfolding as they are meant to. Know that THE Author and Finisher of your faith (and who has written Himself into your story and you into His) is moving things along.

NO FEAR
Perfect Love drives out all fear. Pay no attention to "Doom and Gloom" prophecies. I'm not saying crappy stuff won't happen. It will. We live in a broken world filled with broken people (that's all of us . . .). There are those who smack their lips and clap their hands, gloating over the current troubles as a sign that the "big escape" and parade of terror are just around the corner.

Uh, excuse me . . . the last time I checked; "Mercy triumphs over judegement". "The times are in the Father's hand" . . . "For God so loved" . . . "not willing that any should perish . . ."
Really tough resisting my inner-curmudgeon to not tell the hyper-dispen-idiots what to go do with themselves . . . ( forgive me. sigh. I just had to get that out . . .)

Right Hear. Right Now. Follow the Peace. Pray, breathe Shalom. Where ever you walk, where ever you are. Just BE. In Him. Go Deep.

Be available to the moment. Open to what ever He brings along to you to do.
Don't sweat it if you miss it. The Author knows how to get you to where you belong in the story.

Shalom on The Journey for 2011.

Do you hear that still, soft voice calling . . . wooing . . . you?
Right where you're at. Right now.
BE
Breathe
Believe . . .

The Interchange

2010-12-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

From the Dream-World 03DEC2010

I was travelling. I was trying to get on a road that I knew of and wanted to travel.

I was at the interchange but could not seem to find the correct ramp.

Frustrating.

Am I at an interchange in my life? Am I stuck going in circles because I cannot find the correct ramp?

I know that at times I feel stuck. But that is just a feeling. It is just a matter of perspective and perhaps of expectation.

The expectation? The longing, the yearning for Paradise. Nirvana. The Garden of Eden.

That magical, mystical, peaceful place where there is no toil, no striving . . . no frustration.

Only peace, fulfillment and Bliss. I believe that deep down inside that we all want that. We strive for it here in this world but the sobering reality is that it cannot be obtained in this world. Oh, we can get small snipettes of it. That special place in the woods or the hills or by the ocean. The smile and laughter of a child at play. Perhaps in many ways and places one can find those "Thin Places" that let us get a breath of paradise. But it is only momentary.

We cause ourselves sorrow and pain when we vainly try to capture, control and maintain forever that visit to paradise. Because those visits are exactly that which they were meant to be; Visits.

Temporal. Something meant to inspire us, give us hope. Not only for this world, but of the next. For this world, this life, is broken just as we are broken. Those momentary visits through the veil can be enjoyed. And we can bring back that hope we see, carry it in us and and share it with others. Help them along the way. Helping one another, showing and sharing the Hope, the Healing and Strength that can be found.

But on this side of Glory, there are trials and tribulations along The Journey.

Again, I find myself at:

"Accepting hardship as the pathway to Peace". So perhaps my dream was just to remind me of that.

Someday, I will make that interchange.

'Til then, I Journey on.

Wol's Story

2010-12-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

My name is Wol Ulchabhan.

You may call me Wol.

I have journeyed the waking-world nearly three and fifty years.

The Owl and the Turtle are my sign.

Hawk and eagle are my friends.

I am Céle Dé, also known as The Order of the Culdees.

Jesu is my Rock of Salvation.

Ruah Kodesh is the Wind in my sail.

Papa's Love is the Consuming Fire in my heart.

Living Water flows through me from the Three in One.

My Journey . . . my pilgrimage . . . is both in the Waking-World and in the Unseen Realms

at the same time.

These are my stories . . .

Light for The Journey

2010-12-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet
And whither then? I cannot say.
--- J. R. R. Tolkien

"Whence from here?" is a question we often ask as we consider the wide and wild "Open Range" of Organic Ekklesia. This usually happens sometime within the first couple of years right after disconnecting from the Matrix. It can be a little daunting. And scary.

First piece of advice: Follow the Peace.

Secondly, Papa God knows our angst and worries. He sends us "winks & kisses" along the way that hint as to the next adventure. Keep an eye open for those. They are a great draft of encouragement. While we do not know what may lay around the next turn, we do know our final destination. And even when we loose our focus and go astray, His Love never leaves us nor forsakes us. And He gently woo's us back on His path.

At times, there are shadows on the road. Things eerily call out from the shadows in an attempt to frighten us so as to turn us back from our journey. But we must remember: We are not alone. We bear a light within us that no darkness can truly snuff out.

"Greater is He who is in us . . ."

So, when you encounter shadows, remember ("re"+"member"= putting it all together) the things He has shown you in His Light . . . and have no fear. (Anybody hear a Joshua call in that?)

I remember a line from the book "Byzantium" by Stephen Lawhead. The main character Aidan is meeting with his Anamchara. Aidan confesses some apprehension about an up-coming journey he must make. His Anamchara tells him:

"Do not fear when in the dark what God has shown you in the Light" . . .

The enemy fears the light you have and tries the hardest to convince you that it's either insignificant or is gone. But he's a liar . . . and a thief. The enemy has come to steal, kill and destroy. But Christ is with you, and In HIM you have life abundantly.
So, let the Light shine.

And the road goes on . . . Shalom on The Journey.

Carry It Forward

2010-11-19T14:26:00.000-08:00

Submitted for your consideration.

Filed under "S" for Selah . . .

I is a "Weigen" (WEIrd GEeky Nerd); which means I am a research-hound and info nut, I tend to accumulate a lot of essays, papers, posts, etc on Ekklesia and things related. Some of it is actually really good, the rest mediocre at best.

But having a ton of info at one's fingertips, whether computerized or in the "old fashion" of books does not make for enlightenment. (And it just adds to all the other junk, uh er, I mean, stuff that I gotta tote around anyway . . .)

What does is this: Carrying what's important on the inside. You know, like the heart?

On one occasion I was having a conversation with an acquaintance of mine about Ekklesia outside the box and about it all being about relationship and not religion. He wasn't quite ready for this conversation, but in my exuberance I ignored the tell-tale signs and pressed on. Finally the conversation reached the limit of his Matrix-bound mind-set and he blurted out "But what about Accountability!!!!????!!!!". (Which is a topic for a whole other conversation).

At that point, my "inner-observer" had been eves-dropping in on the whole thing and I began to realize that my friend wasn't "getting it". At that point I began to internally wonder "Well, what would so and so say?" and then it hit me: I hadn't really "gotten it" either. I was still relying on gathered info, books read, etc. I may have been carrying it around in my head but it hadn't quite transversed those all important 18 inches to the Heart.

The Good News? Papa has given you some really good stuff to carry forward. You might not think so, but it . . . Rather HE is there. And He has been showing you some really cool stuff.

Things that could be put in a book or a letter, but are way better delivered in person.

By You!

What was it that someone said about others being a living epistle?

Knock, knock Neo.

Mails in.

Carry It Forward.

~ Selah ~

Done Lost It

2010-10-27T22:19:00.001-07:00

Loosing my religion?

Done lost it. Quite a while back, actually.

But not my Faith. Not Hope. And am actually increasing in Love because of "Done Lost my Religion".

Free from the obligation of Religious Performance, Guilt Trips and having to "do, do, do" (and never ever achieving that illusive goal of "making the mark" in order to be in the "inner circle").

It is very freeing. And just a little scary as now there is no institutional safety net. No "Accountability Partner" or "Covering" (apart from Jesus) to fall back on. Every choice . . . and the responsibility . . . is mine and mine alone. As implied in the movie "Kingdom of Heaven";

The Kingdom of Heaven is a matter of the conscience and of the heart.

The great thing about The Journey is that you are never alone. He is always there, speaking to your mind. Speaking to your heart. His breath brings Life. And it brings Freedom.

Dare to Live Free for Him.

Shalom on The Journey.

Stories of The Journey

2010-09-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

New label/category: Story

For part and parcel of The Journey are the stories lived. Lessons learned. Just not for knowledge or entertainment. But stories to inspire, to encourage. Stories that impart Life, Hope, Faith . . . and Love.

Stories of the champions Papa God brings into our lives.

So today, I remember two of the first champions (spiritual mentors both) that Papa God blessed me with.

Jerry Nelson; Guitar Teacher, Spanish Teacher, Soccer Coach. He listened, he encouraged. He was a "gentle-rebel" for Christ. In a way, he taught by "appreciative inquiry". Never saying "do this because I told you so" but more to ask "What if . . . ?".

Don Klippert: A good friend. He was the one who introduced me to A.W. Tozer's "Pursuit of God". Taught me how to cook a mean medium-rare newyork strip steak. He was a gentle giant.

Both of these guys had a great impact on me and I am thankful for the gift of their lives.

They both are in a much better place now and I look forward to seeing them again one, new day.

Give thought to those who make up part of your story and the part they shared on The Journey.

~ Shalom ~

Mercy Triumphant

2010-09-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

“But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance . . ."

". . .and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. But they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?' But He turned and rebuked them, and said, 'You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them.' "

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

So; Whose book would Jesus burn?

As a follower of Jesus, I can expect persecution for standing up for His Kingdom Ways.
But His Way is not the ways of this world; the ways of the world are hate, ignorance and violence. Violence only begets violence. Death does no one honor. If I am to be persecuted, let it be for standing up for His Way, not for being stupid, ignorant and violent.

Lord have Mercy.
Help us to walk in Love, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness. Help us to walk, live and breathe in all Your Kingdom Ways. For Mercy triumphs over Judegement.

Always, ALWAYS

Shalom on The Journey.

Kythe

2010-09-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Christ Kythe in me

Christ Kythe through me

Your Grace

Your Love

Your Hope

Your Faith

Your Shalom

Lead me, guide me on Your path that is different than the paths of this world

and yet a path that brings healing to this world and all of it's brokenness . . .

What if we simply sought to be in Him and Kythe where ever we are planted?

What if . . .?

You, dear reader and fellow pilgrim, finish this prayer and thought.

Go and Kythe Christ.

Be not surprised where the Journey may lead.

Nor be surprised how He chooses to Kythe in you, through . . . and in other people, placesd and circumstances that you would not suspect . . .

~ Selah ~

Sign & Symbol

2010-08-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Filed under "R" for Reformation as we need to re-think this.

Tempted am I also to perhaps file it under "R" for "Rant" as I have personally encountered what I am about to describe.

This also could be categorized under "Too Christian Too Pagan" (kudos to Dick Staub).

Reasons forthwith coming . . .

Pre-Amble (Sort of an intro to the main topic . . .)

This post having been inspired by a recent dream that I had. And without going into all the details of dream-work (maybe an idea for later posts) and the meaning of the symbology, part of the encounter I had in the dream was a confrontation over the necklace I was wearing. Now, in real life I do have such a necklace. It is a three-stranded inter-woven cord (two black, one deep forest green) with silver hasp. It has four ebony beads, two on each side of the main ornamentation:

A Celtic Knot Trefoil . . .

Both in the dream and in real-life I have had encounters with with other followers of Jesus over this symbol (I also currently wear a Celtic Knot Trefoil stud earring in my left ear). Both in the dream and in one real-life encounter the brother was focused upon "bringing me to correction" because, in their paradigm, I was wearing a "Pagan" symbol. Now the real-life encounter happened a couple of years ago and I have not really given it much thought, so that had no influence as for the reason for the dream, as far as I can discern. And the meaning of the dream is really not the focus here, but the musing that came to me right after I awoke from the dream is.

And it was this thought: Isn't the Cross a "pagan" symbol? The Romans had "borrowed" the Cross from the Greeks as an instrument of ultimate torture/punishment and death. For those of that age, the Cross had absolutely no positive meaning or connotation. So how is it that it (the Cross) does not get the same reaction from (most) followers of Jesus?

Of course the answer is within the paradigm of the spiritual meaning and implications of the Cross for we followers of Jesus. Within that main paradigm, there are variations. Some I find very negative and a twist on scripture (Penal Substitution). Others I find very positive (Christus Victor). (As an alternative to the "Christus Victor" reading, I highly recommend Wayne Jacobsen's "Transition" series. If you do not have the time to download the whole series, at least download Disc #4; "The Cross: Cure, not Punishment").

THE MAIN POINT

Is the trefoil a "pagan" symbol? Yes, it has been used by those of other paths/beliefs. So has about every other symbol been used by about every group that ever was or will be. For me, being of Scot-Irish decent and a student of Celtic Christianity, it symbolizes the "complex simplicity of unity" of the Godhead (others would use the term "Trinity" but I do not prefer that term. However, I must admit that "Trinity" is less of a mouthful to use . . .).

It is also interesting to note that with all of the conversations I have had with others about my necklace and earring that there has been some (heavy emphasis on "some", meaning that most have been very gracious . . .) brothers and sisters in the Lord that the encounter was antagonistically confrontational on their part. To which I have much grace and understanding because I was once there myself. At one point i my journey, I would have not thought to wear any other symbol save that of The Cross. Nor am I adverse to wearing one now.

But I have noticed an interesting thing; While the wearing of The Cross gets you "in" with certain people (which doesn't really mean a whole lot given the agendas that some carry . . .) I find with most folks I get more of a suspicious, wary and/or "deer in the head-lights" look. Indeed I have found that the wearing of the Celtic-Knot Trefoil has opened the door for genuine conversation with folks from all walks of life. Something to ponder . . .

Another pondering is how is it that the Cross has come to be our main symbology? I am not ashamed of the Cross for I cherish the spiritual significance of it. But what of those who are outside our faith-paradigm? Would not some see it as some sort of death-cult symbol? Perhaps. I am well aware that Paul preached The Cross and Christ Crucified. The Cross being a stumbling block for some and foolishness for others. I realize and understand all of that. But it is also interesting to ponder that the earlier people "of The Way" used the symbol of the fish.

And I have also wondered why is it that we have not used a symbol perhaps more be-fitting of the Hope we have and the victory Jesus gained: That of an empty tomb . . .

The Reformation Re-Think? I have some ideas . . . sort of in the mode of Paul's Areopagus encounter. But, you tell me what Papa whispers to you . . .

Shalom on The Journey . . .

Curmudgeon-hood

2010-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

A while back, we were having a chat with some friends who had come over. We had sort of a weekly thing going where we got together and shared our stories of triumph and woe concerning The Journey of following Jesus (outside the box/ sans Matrix).

One friend was sharing that while she was sojourning in Europe (I think it was Spain, I cannot remember for sure) that she was in part of the culture that still embraced the positive ideals of the "crone". Of course, in our culture that term has taken on a negative connotation (not quite fair, I think . . .). Anyway, she was encouraged to "acknowledge her inner-crone", so to speak.

Being somewhat of a rogue philologist ("word-geek" for those of you who are not as nerdy as I),

I bemused the question of since the word "crone" is for the feminine, I wondered what the equivalent for a man was.

Without missing a beat, my friend glibly and sardonically answered as she looked straight at me:

"Curmudgeon".

We all had a good laugh at that and I more so. But . . .

The next day I looked up the definition of "Curmudgeon" . . .

I still laugh, though there is a slight sting to it now. To be honest, it smacks close to home. Perhaps too close. I have to admit that where I am at in The Journey I find that I am not without my share of bitterness and cynicism over the things experienced in ICOR/The Matrix.

At first, this was a challenge for me to admit. After all, having left "the system" one gets tagged unfairly with a lot of labels: "Oh, he's just hurt" or "He's just bitter" or "He's just back-slidden/in rebellion/ not submitted . . ." yada-yada-yada. Blah-ba-blah-blah . . . blek. Yuck!

And I have to be honest: I do have some of that. In our brokenness, who does not? But, that crap does not define me. Nor does it define The Journey. IT just happens. Along the path of our journey we cannot help but at times to step in IT. One doesn't let that make them quit the journey. One simply pauses, wipes IT from the bottom of their shoes and goes on. Perhaps a bit more wary of watching out for more of IT along the way . . .

And perhaps for us men, acknowledging our inner-curmudgeon is a necessary thing. For sure, part of it is linked to the shadow. But what was it Jung said about the failure to acknowledge the shadow? So, I acknowledge my inner-curmudgeon (though I don't think embracing it would be a healthy thing . . . maybe an occasional hug???).

The one thing I do know for sure is this: There is always Hope. A Hope not dependent on where I am at or what ontological state that I happen to be at. But a Hope, Faith & Love that takes me as I am and transforms me, slowly un-twisting me from the knots within, some caused by outside forces. And some tied by me.

Leaving me a grateful vagabond and ragamuffin on The Journey.

Though at times I still get pissed at the ICOR/Matrix.

But that's just my inner-curmudgeon coming out. And that's cool . . .

Deal with it . . .

;-P

Shake, Rattle & Roll . . . on The Journey

2010-08-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those moments where someone comes along and says something that skakes you . . . that rattles your cage . . . that makes you roll your eyes in astonishment (or roll on the floor with joyful laughter)?????

That is how it has been with me lately. Papa God has blessed me with many a friend, without which I would flounder save for those insightful, profound and sometimes silly things that they say that speaks life and brings light into my life.

Thank you Papa.

One such person is a friend of mine, Martin Scott. Or, in homage to Johnny Weissmuller of "Tarzan" would say: "Martin, my friend".

Recently Martin did a post title "Compromise on a journey" (I think it would be more aptly named "Compromise on The Journey", but alas Martin just doesn't check with me on everything {sigh}). You can check it out here.

That post really challenged me in that I had let the demands of my job (which is extremely insane and busy) keep me from what I love doing best . . . a part of which is the reason for this blog: To see and speak of the wonders of Papa God, Yeshua, Holy Spirit and this Journey we are called to. To inspire, encourage and paint a picture for those sharing The Journey. (And even for those who may not be yet or are on a slightly different journey).

But no more. Thanks to likes of Martin and a host of others of whom I mention only their first names to honor their privacy and not engage in too much un-abashed name-dropping . . . (Wayne, Paul, Shannon, Louise and Brian, April & Ron, Jim, Em & Shell . . . there are many more . . .) I have been blessed, inspired, and encouraged to not let the challenges of this broken world impede the joy and discovery of Live, Love and Light on The Journey.

A friend of my wife gave her a book titled "The Artist's Way". It looked interesting so I picked it up and started to read. Good Stuff! Another gentle nudge by Papa. That too has fed this passion (or maybe re-kindled it to a certain degree).

(Don't overlook or ignore those small prophetic nudges . . . they contain powerful sparks with which one can blaze a trail with . . .).

In the book, the author encourages the reader to make a date . . . an artist's date . . . and do that which evokes creativity. So my "artist's date" is to blog here at least once a week. I had believed the lie that I had to have plenty of "down time" so as to "deep think" so as to come up with something "profound" . . . . blah, blah BLAH . . .

Papa God is always speaking. Always whispering something to us all. You just got to stop and be still long enough to let it come in. So, no more excuses. I'm not listening to the lie anymore.

So, from now on, I write something here once a week. It may not be profound, it may not be prophetic. It may not be serious. Whatever form it takes shape, it will be a sharing from the story of this Pioneer Seer on The Journey (of following Jesus).

So that's it for now.

See ya on The Journey.

Shalom, y'all.

Creating as Worship

2010-06-30T21:58:00.000-07:00

As I was reading the chapter titled "Artists, Mystics and Clowns" in Brennan Manning's book "Ruthless Trust" a thought occurred to me. Worship has many aspects. But one you do not hear mentioned a lot in I.C.O.R. (Institutional Church/Organized religion) is that the simple act of creating something can be an act of worship. Too often worship is tied to just singing songs & hymns (and nothing wrong with songs or hymns). But there is more to worship than that. Unfortunately, there is often a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) message that service & sacrifice (or performance) for the system/program is a "higher" form of worship.

But what about the artist who creates a work that testifies to the beauty of God's creation or one of the wonders of Life; such as a child's smile or tender embrace?

What about the mystic's prophetic bent that stirs us to seek The Creator?

What about the clown's antics that makes us laugh at ourselves or the absurdities of Life, there-by releasing a very necessary medicine into our hearts?

So here's to the Artists, Mystics & Clowns . . . and all the rest who strive to create beauty in the midst of chaos.

May we all join in on the worship . . .

May Shalom Reign.

~Selah~

2010-06-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

Quote of the day from Naked Pastor (click here for link)

You Must

You must go find your own path. The path that that is walked is worn.
You must drink the new wine. The old wine has turned.
You must build your own house. The house of your birth confines you.
You must find your own lands. The land of your origin can’t sustain you.
You must climb your own mountain. The air you now breathe is stale.
You must find your own eyes. The eyes of others are blind for you.
There is a table set for you. But you must go into the midst of animosity to be enjoy it.
There is peace of mind waiting for you. But you must wander into the wilderness to acquire it.
There are friends you’ve never known who long for your love. But you must forsake all to embrace them.
There is new life just ahead, but you must die to find it.

Shalom on The Journey . . .

Points to Ponder # 1

2010-05-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

"The greatest menace to our civilization is the conflict between giant organized systems of self-righteousness - each only too delighted to find that the other is wicked - each only too glad that the sins of the other give it pretext for still deeper hatred." ~ Sir Herbert Butterfield (7 October 1900 – 20 July 1979)

The above quote has captured the essence of what I have been seeing.

For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out--in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? (Galatians 5:14-15 MSG)

~ Selah ~

Insane

2010-05-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

"This is insane. Why is this happening to me? What did I do? I'm nobody. I didn't do anything. I'm gonna die. Sh*T. I can't do this." (Neo in "The Matrix")

A little over ten years ago the movie "The Matrix" touched something deep within many from all different walks of life. For some it fed their paranoia and conspiracy theories. Perhaps for a few it was either absurd or irrelevant. But for some, it had spiritual significance.

Lately, in our little gathering of fellow journey-mates, we have discussed this and other movies that have touched upon a basic element of following Jesus *out side the box* . . . a not-so-minor theme (if you please) is the annoying fact that one is not in control. That the basic reference system, "the grid" that one operates by . . . one's "world view" . . . what ever . . . has been ripped-away. Turned upside-down and inside-out.

"And I'm Free . . . Free Falling . . "

Be it "The Lord of the Rings", "Off the Map" or the latest re-creation of "Alice in Wonderland", the opening quote captures that main feeling very well.

And for some strange reason, we feel compelled to answer those questions of Neo. But that itself is a vain thing to do . . . because you can't. There is no ultimate catechism that can encapsulate the Way of Faith that grows our trust in Him and frees us from ourselves.

It is . . . a Journey

The Woman's Voice

2010-05-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

In recent conversations along The Journey, the discussion has brought up this:

In blogdom and pod-cast haven alike, most of those who are leading the conversation of and about The Journey are men. Men who have at one time or another been in the position of leadership within various forms of traditional ministry. In our conversation it has been acknowledged that we are thankful for what these guys have brought to the table. But the women I have been privileged to meet locally have raised this very valid point:

Where is the voice of the women?

It is of utmost importance for the Woman's Voice to be heard, for the women bring a perspective into the conversation that is desperately needed on The Journey. There are a few women out there in the blog-o-verse who are contributing, but there needs to be more. One reason is that most of the conversation that has gone on is from the man's perspective of escaping from the Matrix . . . from unplugging from the system/structure and living outside the box of religion. Along with that topic, there has been quite the discussion of the misuse and abuse that has occurred within those areas. But again, it has been predominantly the man's perspective that has been discussed. We need to hear, on an EQUAL basis, the women's voice on this. For they have suffered at least the same, IF NOT MORE, at the hands of ICOR (Institutionalized Church, Organized Religion).

There is ascent to this, but most of it, again. has come from the male side of things. And even in that ascent, there is in some cases a very subtle undertone of "Well, we will listen but it's not really that important or relevant" . . .

That, my friends, has got to get rooted out or we who are on this journey are doomed to re-create the same errors/strong-holds . . . Matrix . . . that we have so touted of being free from.

~Selah~

So here is a prayer that the woman's voice is not only heard, but listened to very carefully and heeded in The Journey. Let their voice rise up both locally and nationally. May all of us who are followers of Jesus realize that both men and women are created in Papa God's image.

"In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. "(Galatians 3:28 MSG)

Shalom on The Journey . . .

. . . and to my sisters who are on this journey . . . Sing Out!!!

Agenda, Ambition and Kung Fu

2010-04-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

"You have learned discipline and acquired many new abilities. however never forget that a priest's life is a simple one and must remain free of ambition." ~ Master Po to the disciple Caine

"Have you no ambition, Master Po?" ~ Kwai Chang Caine

"Only one. Five years hence, it is my wish to make a pilgrimage to the Forbidden City. It is a place where even priests receive no special status. There in the Temple of Heaven, will be a festival The full moon of May. It will be the thirteenth day of the fifth month in the Year of the Dog." ~ Master Po

"That is not such a great ambition." ~ Kwai Chang Caine

"But it is ambition, nonetheless. Who among us is without flaw?"-Master Po

The conversation that has come up as of late has been in regards to this:

"How does one (learn to) Love without Agenda?"

Having had this thought flowing through the back-waters of my mind, my sight shifted to that of the above scene from the old TV series Kung-Fu. The part about ambition is what resonated. For Agenda and Ambition are fairly much the same, or at least they are the 2 sides of the same coin. The ambition/agenda may be somewhat different for each person, but the effect is still the same: Angst of trying to "do" instead of Peace of just "Being".

I love the way Eugene Peterson worded it in the following passage of "The Message":

What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:31-34 MSG)

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

In this Journey, may we learn to relax and flow with the unforced rhythms of His Grace.

Don't get so caught in "doing". Just be, in Him. Papa God has ways of bringing things about that are marvelous.

~ Selah ~

Organic Relational Accountability

2010-04-16T15:49:00.001-07:00

About 2 months ago I woke up in the wee-hours of the morning with the phrase "What about accountability? What about accountability???" echoing through my mind. It has been a question that has been asked of me and others on this Journey of Following Jesus sans The Matrix/ICOR (Institutionalized Church/Organized Religion).

Kingdom Accountability = RELATIONSHIP

As the accountability question slowly faded it's echo in my head, a mental vision came to me of a rectangular swimming pool. Out where the water was getting deep stood a person who was "out of their comfort zone" by being "in, almost over their head". Relational accountability is going out to the same place in the water and coming alongside the person in need. Even if that place in the water is uncomfortable for the one coming alongside.

Then a memory came to mind of when I was young. I could not have been more than 7 or 8 years of age. It was summer and my mom had signed me up for swimming lessons. I was ok in the pool if I could stand on the bottom and still have my head above water. I would swim in that end of the pool where I could do that. But I was totally terrified of going in water where I could not stand on the bottom and keep my head above water. We are talking totally freak-out here.

My instructor, a young lady perhaps no older than 20, wanted me to come out where it was deeper so she could teach me some things. I refused to come. She understood my fear and wanted to help. She had me put my arms around her neck as she carried me out to where it was deeper. She tried to coax me into letting go. She assured me that she would be right there to help.

I refused to let go. The more she tried to persuade me, the more I freaked. She gently tried to pry me off, but I changed my grip and grabbed onto the straps of her top (she had a "2 piece" bathing suit on). As much as she tried persuading me and assuring me, I still would not let go.

Finally, in the pool with other kids, instructors, and adults standing near-by, she calmly called for one of her co-workers to come over and undo the straps of her top.

She was willing to be "exposed" (transparent and embarrassed) in order to help me overcome my fears.

Leadership/Relational Accountability that "comes under" and "comes alongside" instead of "coming over".

~ Selah ~

Organic Discipleship

2009-12-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

Let's face it.
Most of what has been touted as "Discipleship" (in the "Christian" realm) has ultimately been a failure. For sure, some of it was successful for a while. Mostly due to the fact that most new programs will have an initial attractiveness to them.
But that is also where the failure stems from in that they are programs. And the main focus is to disciple into doctrine. Or duty. Or program. Or obedience . . .

Why is it that when someone comes to Faith in Jesus that they are then taken and put in "program" and "indoctrinated"????

How about discipleship in 2 major realms. Not in a linear sense, as in "Step 1" and then "Step 2"
(as is often the mode of program) but more in a "spherical" sense (not circular, as a circle is still a 2 dimensional object). Spherical being that it is 3 dimensional (perhaps more?).

Oh . . . the 2 major realms? (Sorry for the digression . . .)
Disciple one another in the Love of Papa God
and
Disciple one another in following Jesus.

The "spherical"? This is not something we say to them "Do" but is rather something we walk with them together in. Not in the sense of "I am the obi-wan and you are the padawan" but more in line of exploring together and learning from each other in the Journey.

Some will ask; "What about accountability? What about principles, precepts and . . .????"

In return, I answer by asking:
"Don't you think that those things will flow naturally when one understands the Love and The Relationship?"

Which do you believe will take us further:
Rules, Doctrine, Regulations, Precepts & Principles
OR
His Love & Relationship
????

One way offers the appearance of safety in that it offers borders (marked by fences)(or bars . . .)
The other way appears the more dangerous. But as one person observed, taking the road less traveled has made all the difference . . .
~Selah~

Visioneering 2010

2009-12-30T12:46:00.000-08:00

It has become quite the thing for those who embrace the prophetic paradigm to put forth their prophetic perspectives for the coming new year. A few have I found to be worth the read. The rest have either been confusing, angst-and-anger laced or just plain silly.

I do believe prophetic perspective is important and necessary. But I also believe it is time for all to see for themselves. Thus I offer no perceptions of my own, but do invite you to this:

What is it that you want?
AND
Where do you go from here?

Papa God moves in BIG ways . . .
and He is also in the small things as well.
Yes, there will be major, world-stage happenings. (There always are . . .)
And He is moving and speaking in those (read the first part of Luke chapter 3)
But what do you see Him doing in your neck of the woods?
What is it that you want? Where do you go from here?
Don't get so caught-up in looking for the "big things" that you miss what He is doing in your own backyard . . .
And, as my warrior-bride has spoken forth;
"Don't get so caught-up in the 'doing' that you miss out in 'being' . . ."
~Selah~

So . . . what do you wish to "visioneer" for 2010 . . . right where you are at?

Without forcing the organic rhythm of things, what are you going to do?
Breathe, flow, TRUST in that He is there with you. This is where FAITH kicks in . . . that in the midst of what seems like chaos that He is really, truly in control (even though you and everyone else isn't) (and YES, I include myself in that too).
Perhaps it is time to stop pondering "What kind of story have I landed in?" and start looking and listening for our queues in this part of The Story of The Journey . . .

Shalom, y'all.

Keeping "Organic" Organic

2009-10-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

A while ago I was listening to a God Journey podcast by Wayne Jacobsen & Brad Cummings.

Wayne was reading an e-mail from listener who stated that she had just come out of a "movement" she had been involved in for the last 10 years. Her summary of the whole experience was that she had suffered more wounds in that "movement" than she had during her time in the "traditional, institutionalized structure" . . .

The "movement" she had come out of?
Organic . . .

What do we make of this? We can come away cynical. We can get defensive. We can "go on the attack" . . .
Or we can step back and ask some interpretive questions.
What are we looking for? Too often we take something that Papa God is doing and try to "put it in a box". Give it a label. Turn it into a "movement" . . create a structure which then turns into a monument which then we build an institution around . . . an empire founded upon . . . a denomination . . .

What are we looking for? A quick fix? Something to which find our identity in, our purpose . . . our ontological substantiation? Something to "belong to . . ."?

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" (Romans 8:15 ESV)

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?"
(Romans 8:15 MSG)

The Good News: You already belong. You have an identity.

The best way to join in is to daily focus outside of yourself and ask:

"What's next, Papa?"

That way you will always find yourself involved in exactly what He is doing . . . in you, in others and in many surprising ways and places.

And that will always be very organic . . .

just don't look for a label.

Fuzzy, Invisible Leadership: Starfish & Nant'ans

2009-09-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Early on in the book The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power Of Leaderless Organizations (by Ori Brafman & Rod A. Beckstrom) we are given a brief history of how the Apache resisted and fought-off being conquered by (first) the Spanish, then the Mexicans and then (later) the U.S. Army. A key point of the book is that while the Apache did have an organization (of sorts) and leaders (the Nant’an to be specific) theirs was a decentralized organization. The Nant’an (a spiritual leader) embodied the “bio-pneuma paradigm” (life/spiritual point-of-view) of the Apache people. The Nant’an was not central to the group, but a part of the whole. If a Nant’an was killed, another would become Nant’an. The tribe did not fall apart due to the loss, as their way of life was decentralized. (pg. 17~21).

This fits with an analogy that I thought of a while back. I call it my “Mercury Analogy”. Ever have a single "glob" of mercury? Ever try "squishing" that glob? What happens? The single glob breaks up into a whole bunch of smaller globs of mercury. You just can’t squish them out of existence! And notice how they reform together quite quickly! Not to mention mercury readily adapts to fit what ever structure it finds itself in. I asked my friend/brother/son-in-law about the properties of Mercury (it’s his Alchemy symbol of choice). Here is what he stated:

“Mercury is fascinating stuff. I can't think of another metal that's liquid at room temperature. I hope you won't be disappointed to read that my thinking regarding Mercury as a clan symbol for Holly and I had more to do with history than present science. My introduction to the ideas I find most interesting regarding Mercury came as a result of my study of the life of Sir Isaac Newton. He is regarded now as a scientist, the father of mechanics, but he regarded himself as a natural philosopher, a sort of cross between scientist and witch doctor. One of his fields of research was alchemy, whereupon we meet Mercury. The alchemist used Mercury, aka "quicksilver", to facilitate transformations (as a catalyst, as we say today) in pursuit of that eternally elusive goal, the philosopher's stone. While the stone itself would have been powerful (in concept only, of course, as it was a fantasy), the highest goal of the alchemist was, ultimately, the transformation of the self into a higher state. This is a powerful symbolic change, one I think we all seek, whether consciously or not. Mercury, that most malleable metal, represents the potential to change, to reshape, and to transform. Thus, I argued for our selection of Mercury as a family crest on the grounds that it represents insight, knowledge and wisdom.

The various factual physical properties of the element Mercury are recorded in a number of sources, but I think they miss the point, unless the point is a particular chemical reaction. In any case, I was glad to read that you understand the organic nature of human society. Yes, our gatherings, in any genre, will and must constantly reform themselves around the social topography they encounter. Recognition of this fact allows us to surf the changes, rather than fighting them.”

What did eventually lead to assimilation of the Apache was when those within the “command-and-control” framework of the U.S. decided that the persuasion of resource-control might work (pg. 151~152). So a Nant’an was given some cattle (resource) to do with as he saw fit (control). Unique as the Apache were, human nature is human nature. Having solo-control over an important resource basically put the Nant’an into our modern equivalent role of CEO. Thus a decentralized system became a very centralized one. Their “potential to change, to reshape, and to transform “ was lost. Once this happens, then a large, coercive, “command-n-control” system can very easily conquer, control and dominate any such (smaller) centralized system.

In keeping with the essence of my name (which is best pronounced in the mode of a rhetorical question), my goal is not bring this to a final, centralized, conclusion. My goal is to provoke you to deep contemplation and think/wonder
“Hhhhmmmm . . .”

Shalom on The Journey. Let Jesus be your Centre. Seek to be invisible . . . and Fuzzy.

Fuzzy Leadership: Invisibility

2009-07-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

It really needs to be mentioned here that:
Whether you agree with the concept of Fuzzy Leadership or not (I readily confess that I ain't got all the answers and am on journey through this myself)
Or whatever your paradigm on leadership is . . .

Abiding in Christ and leaning on His guidance is the only way forward.

Invisibility

We have in scripture examples of Jesus sending His disciples out on their own. He outlines the mission to them, gives them some initial guidelines . . . and then releases them.

When talking about His soon-to-come leaving, Jesus says (speaking of the Holy Spirit):
"However, I am telling you the truth. It is for your advantage that I am going away, for if I do not go away the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."
(Joh 16:7 ISV)

Then we have Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians:
"That's why I decided not to make another visit that could only be painful to both of us. If by merely showing up I would put you in an embarrassingly painful position, how would you then be free to cheer and refresh me? That was my reason for writing a letter instead of coming--so I wouldn't have to spend a miserable time disappointing the very friends I had looked forward to cheering me up. I was convinced at the time I wrote it that what was best for me was also best for you. As it turned out, there was pain enough just in writing that letter, more tears than ink on the parchment. But I didn't write it to cause pain; I wrote it so you would know how much I care--oh, more than care--love you! Now, regarding the one who started all this--the person in question who caused all this pain--I want you to know that I am not the one injured in this as much as, with a few exceptions, all of you. So I don't want to come down too hard. What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it. My counsel now is to pour on the love. The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church. So if you forgive him, I forgive him. Don't think I'm carrying around a list of personal grudges. The fact is that I'm joining in with your forgiveness, as Christ is with us, guiding us." (2Co 2:1-10 MSG)

Being available is the key; giving input but giving the other freedom to discover and learn in the Journey.

Choices, Invitations and Invisibility

2009-07-11T22:17:00.000-07:00

In Fuzzy Leadership, there is room provided for all (at whatever the stage of the Journey they are in) to make choices. There is no coercement; there is exhortation. There can be confrontation.
But the confrontation that Jesus presented His disciples left room for them to make choices.

In John's Gospel account, Jesus is talking about how His flesh is true food and His blood true drink and to get eternal life one would have to partake of them. At this point several of those who had been following Him left. This was too much for them. At this point Jesus turns to the remaining disciples and asks:

"Do you also want to go away"?

Notice no where does He deride those who have left. Nor is His question rhetorical or manipulative.
It is simple and direct. And it is inviting . . . for not to go away is to come closer. Peter sees the invite and, responding from the heart (though his intellect was involved, what Jesus had just spoken previously of was "a hard (offensive) thing") says:
"Who can we go to? You have (hold) the word (Rhema: Living, Breathing) of eternal life".

It has been said that God offends the mind to reveal the heart.
I also believe that He offends the mind to free the heart.

For true relationship, for true Love to happen, there has to be freedom.

Next up: Invisible (but present) leadership. Or, in other words, how "not being there" can be of real benefit to others.

Fuzzy Leadership & The Grand Disconnect

2009-06-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

The Grand Disconnect

I believe that one of the major obstacles for getting the proper paradigm for leadership the way Jesus modeled it is getting rid of the Grand Disconnect. What is the Grand Disconnect?
Simply this: When we read and see what Jesus did, we have this tendency to see it as something that it was just Jesus. But in reality it was (and is) God doing it . . .

So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.
(Joh 5:19 ESV)

Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
(Joh 14:9 ESV)

So here we have THE Creator of everything seen & unseen, (HE who has ALL Power; He who can just speak and what was not now is . . . ) Moving and Breathing among us.

And He doesn't make us do anything. Instead, He invites. He shows us the Way but doesn't make us walk it or force it on us. He may choose to rattle our cage (thinking of Saul soon-to-be-Paul here . . .) but choice is still our option.

So when we read of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, we are seeing God Almighty washing the feet of ordinary, messed-up, mistake-prone folks like you and me. This is HE who could (with all Just & Rightness & Authority) point His finger at us and say "DO IT!" and we would because He has the Might and the Power.

Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
(Zec 4:6 ESV)

If there was anyone who had the right (AND the Power) to be a control-freak it would be Jesus.
But we don't see Him being that or doing that. He invites us in, opens up the way in for us, but doesn't force. I want to say that He models but somehow that doesn't feel right (has a shadow of disconnect in it). It is more of a healthy enabling; an empowering . . . or at least a "potential-ing" (gee, new word there! May my English and Grammar teachers forgive me . . .) of empowering.

And in the reading of John 13:1-14, I see God "potential-ing" the disciples in the way of leadership that is of the Kingdom. Not a leadership that controls, manipulates nor coerces.
But a leadership that truly enables, empowers and invites.

"But what about confrontation?"
Yes, He does challenge us. He shakes and rattles us. But always from the core of Love.
This is something we shall explore later . . .

Fuzzy Accountability

2009-05-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have had some conversations as of late in regards to "Loving others without agend" and walking in the Freedom that Jesus gives us . . . and allowing others to do the same.
Inevitably the person I am talking to asks:
"But what about Accountability???"
As in: " . . . if we don't "keep" someone "on track" (I.E. "Command & Control") then terrible things are going to happen . . . "
(The reality being that the only person I can really "control" is myself {and that's on a good day}. Influence is another subject . . .)

The last I checked, the only accounting a follower of Jesus has to do is that to Papa with what has been done with the life they have been given.

I am quite sure that discipline/accountability exists in the Kingdom, but I have a funny feeling that they have a totally different paradigm . . . a totally different "mode of being".

Discipline/Accountability in the Kingdom is based on & flows from a deep Love that is relational to the core; It is always available and never abandons (but does let go at times).

In fact, any real authority or influence I have with another person is that which they give to me.
(Barring any type of domineering, "command & control" or "Lording it over" dysfunction).
Reflect upon this: Think about the people that Papa has put in your life; the ones who really influenced you and/or impacted you in a positive way in regards to Papa, Jesus, Holy Spirit and the Kingdom. What was it that opened that door of influence, leadership or authority???

Genuine Relationship. And that cannot be forced, coerced or manipulated (else it will mutate and eventually die . . .)

Of course, we will make mistakes and get things messed-up. But Jesus doesn't leave us there when that happens. He beckons us "Arise!", woo's us to follow and teaches us His way of leading.

Fuzzy Confessions . . .

2009-04-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

As things begin to unfold in "Fuzzy Leadership" one may begin to feel as if the tale is a form of deconstruction. Which it is not. It is intended solely for construction. Perhaps along the line of reformation (which is greatly needed).

In the conversation, I will by necessity cover some of the misuses and abuses of leadership within Ekklesia. However it may seem that I am "pointing the finger" as such. Be it known however that I am well aware that anytime I point a finger that there are three other fingers of that same hand pointing back at myself.

I.E.: I know of the misuses and abuses of leadership in Ekklesia because of my own failings in that very area.

"Mia Culpa" . . .

In this Journey we suffer bumps, bruises and wounding. And it is inevitable that we inflict our own share of that upon others. God grant us the grace to ask and offer forgiveness to one another for that.

But it must not end there. A realization of the Ephesian 4:13 calling includes a Kingdom perspective of leadership.

Without a paradigm shift in that realm, we will only re-create the same problems in a variant form of the Matrix ~ box ~ stronghold ~ prison ~ grave.

Not so with you . . .

2009-04-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Is what Jesus told His disciples when talking about the exercising of authority in Matthew 20:25.
And so commences my exploration of what I have come to call "Fuzzy Leadership".

The of way Jesus interacted with others, indeed with everything, was always radically different than the "normal" (I.E.: The world's) way. So the Kingdom ways of authority, "ruling", "obeying" and "submitting" must have radically different paradigms and methods than those of the various world "systems". But it seems that "the church" has, for the last 1800 or-so years has pretty much operated much in the same manner as those "worldly systems".

"Command & Control" has been thoroughly adopted as the "motis operandi" of ICOR (Institutionalized Church/Organized Religion) christianity.
The small "c" is on purpose, for I am a follower of Jesus and consider myself a Christian, but not part of ICOR (or at least, like Neo, I have begun the Journey of seeing the Matrix for what it is.
Suffice it to say I am a recovering "tight-ass church dude" . . .)

So, what could have Jesus possibly meant when He said " . . . not so with you"? (Heavy on the rhetorical there . . .). I think it is pretty clear; we ain't supposed to "exercise authority" and "lord it over one another" as the world does. In fact, we are not to "lord it over" anyone, and the authority thing has totally different paradigms, as we shall explore.

The misuse and abuse of authority in the "command & control" ideology of ICOR is probably the foremost reason why Followers of Jesus are leaving the (matrix) institution and seeking intimacy with Him. "Equip, Train and Release" has been mutated by ICOR into something else, and the "release" part has been removed.

But Jesus has other ideas . . . and the matrix shakes as more and more folks become "unplugged".

Fasten your seat belts . . .

The 4 R's: Final Thoughts and Things to Come

2009-03-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

Final Thoughts . . .

As in all things that matter (and if anything matters, then everything matters!) it is a process and a journey. In the path of reconciliation, nothing (and no one) is ever abandoned. But sometimes it will require letting go . . .

There is wisdom to be had in remembering the Serenity Prayer:

“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.” -- Reinhold Niebuhr

Though there be hardships on the Journey, we are never alone.

Coming sometime (as opposed to coming soon . . . my work schedule is crazy . . .) I will visit the following "Rhema-nations" . . .

Fuzzy Leadership

Brokenness

"Loosing my Religion"

& "Expectancy vs. Expectation"

Until then . . .

~ Shalom

Reconciliation ~ Part 2

2009-02-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Does the Past Count?

Not dealing with the offense will hinder forward movement. At the personal level, key scriptures are Matthew 5.21~24, 1 Cor. 10.32, & Col. 3.8~15 (there are probably more but these will suffice). On the larger scale, you can look to 1^st Samuel chapter 21. Thanks be to God that because of the work of the Cross that there be no need for the offending party be slain. The Law of Reaping & Sowing has been supplanted by the ways of Grace, which means that the curses outlined in Deut. 28.16~68 are dealt with. But there still remain consequences for past actions (or non-actions). We still live in a broken world and all things have not been healed. And in those places of brokenness where offense has not been dealt with, there perhaps remains some level of curse still active.

Part of the challenge is to find open doors that will lead to reconciliation. Without an openness/willingness of all the parties involved, then there will be little chance of the process happening. Still, opening gestures must be made. Perhaps that itself will be the seed of change that is needed for further healing and growth.

Conversational Resonance

2009-02-16T09:56:00.000-08:00

Many great conversations happening out there in the Ekklesia-verse.
I am encouraged when I see different parts of ekklesia touching upon similar themes.
To me this speaks of whisperings from Papa God to His children. My prayer is that we would have ears to hear . . .

For Christian Mysticism, check out Carl McColman's blog here.

For Atonement talk, check out Zoecarnate here.

and some more on Atonement by Derek Flood here.

and some paradigm shifting on Eschatology by Martin Scott here (the podcasts can be found on his blog here . . .)

Reconciliation ~ Part 1

2009-01-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

Reconciliation: Where we, as followers of Jesus, bring healing to all who Papa God puts in our path and, where we can and as much as it lay within our power to do so, bring healing, unity and reconciliation to those (both within and outside the church) who have been wounded, giving diligent care to those who have been wounded by the past errors of the church.

“And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; whereas God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and putting the word of reconciliation in us. Then we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as God exhorting through us, we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

(2 Corinthians 5:18-21 MKJV)

Reconciliation; Jesus being the example, the model manifestation of God’s ultimate act of reconciliation.

And, if we are willing to yield our hearts to His will . . . our guide on the Journey, of which reconciliation is a major part. Be it grand in scale or small is not important. It is what we are called to bring that counts.

You may have noticed I have changed the wording a bit from “ . . . have been wounded by the past errors of the church.” to “ . . .who have been wounded, giving diligent care to those who have been wounded by the past errors of the church.” This was done to clarify the fact that reconciliation takes on different aspects depending on the circumstances.

But what shapes might reconciliation take? What is our part in it all?

Are there different levels involved? Do past wrongs done by those who represent Jesus really matter? These are but a few of the questions that I will attempt to address. And by no means is my revelation in this area complete and final. Like I said, it is a journey.

Before Reconciliation, Repentance! . . . ~ Selah ~

An imperative first step. Not only must there be recognition of the injustice done but there must also be a turning away from the former mind set/point of view/bias and a turning towards that which is righteous, just and true. It is always easy to see the wrong done by someone else (or another culture) than it is to see within oneself. The dark nature of ourselves sees it as a weakness to admit our failings.

But indeed it is not a weakness but a door to strength and healing to do so.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” must then also include inviting Holy Spirit to bring God’s light into old paradigms. Cultural mind-sets must give way to God’s Kingdom culture. We must even let our paradigms of what “God’s Kingdom Culture” be challenged for at one time “Manifest Destiny” and the Templar saying of “God Wills it” were touted (in their own way) as being “of His Kingdom”. The ripples from the carnage, destruction and slavery that have resulted from those twisted views still carry on. That is as it is. But it does not mean that it has to stay that way.

Jesus has cleared the path and has shown the way. He invites us to follow.

How can we possibly say that reconciliation is not important?

Journey 2009

2009-01-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year . . .???
For some yes. For others no. Praying for Shalom is always good . . .

I will be wrapping-up "The 4 R's" with Reconcilliation later this month. I have started on it but I want to give it due, in-depth thought as the subject touches many aspects of the Journey. Some of those aspects will make some uncomfortable. All of the apsects bring their own challenges.

Forgetting what lay behind (but not the lessons learned or wisdom gained), I press on . . .

For 2009:

Something that resonates with me is what my friend Martin Scott brought to a small group of us about 2 years ago. And it is something I belive very revelant for this time:

Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Caesar Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, and Annas and Caiaphas high priests, the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. John went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "He is a voice calling out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way for the Lord! Make his paths straight! Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled. The crooked ways will be made straight, and the rough roads will be made smooth. Everyone will see the salvation that God has provided.'"
(Luk 3:1-6)

Things may seem to be out of control. Doubt and uncertainty around every corner. The shadow of fear seems to obscure all that is light and casts a cold, deathly pall of gloom upon everything.
Most who are in power either flaunt their corruptness or show little concern for the oppressed.
"Religious" leaders show more concern for keeping the 'status quo'; maintaining their "castles" (and keeping the "peasants" in their place) rather than developing a Kingdom vision/mission and equipping (and freeing) the body of believers.

BUT . . . All of the above is not the last word. For The Word has come. To those in the wilderness (the secret places, the hidden places. Places that are scorned, disdained or deemed "not important" by those of the world). To those who are seeking and listening, they know that the things happening are not the final "say so". No matter how crooked the path may seem, no matter how deep the valley or how high the mountain . . . The Word is in control and there is nothing impossible for The Word. "The Word" has a name . . . Emmanuel . . . Yeshua . . . Jesus.
His word shook all that could be shaken and broke all that could be broken.
The shaking and the breaking continues for 2009 . . . but do not fear. Lo, raise up your heads and look high. Your redemption draws nigh.

Imma . . .

2008-11-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

And now, from the department of the Ministry of Silly . . .

Imma . . .

Charisabapticostal Evangelical Methodical Presbeterian Reformed Catholic Mystical Calvinist Episcopal Anglican-Celt Pagan . . .
& Weigen.

What's a Weigen?
Weigen [pron. "Wee-gan"]
Weird, Geeky Nerd.

Thank you. We now return you to the regularly scheduled program.
If this bothers you, take the Blue pill . . . everything will be just fine.
If this doesn't bother you, then you must have already taken the Red pill and have joined the Journey . . .

Part 2; Markers on the Reformation Road

2008-11-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Disciple others to follow Jesus, not a denominational/doctrinal package.

Defining Points of Ekklesia:
Ekklesia (The "Church") We don't "go to church" or "do church"; We are the Church! Core to the definition are the following:

Romans 12; 1st Cor. chapters 12 ~ 14; Ephesians 4:11~13 & Hebrews 10:19~25. Followers of Jesus exist not as consumers but as servants and ministers. How the “serving and ministering” play out may be subtle and variable. Reformational paradigms of “home” church/simple church, marketplace ministry and apostolic/prophetic are shifting! “Resting on ones laurels” will not carry the day.

Complete, utter dependency on Holy Spirit (ala John 3:8) will inspire followers to say “Come and see” . . . and then point to Jesus who says “Pick up your cross and follow”.

The 4 R's: Reformation, Part 1

2008-10-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Reformation: A refining, transformational process of more fully and rightfully representing Jesus, the Kingdom of God and the whole Word of God in service, worship and doctrine.

Within the realm of our Faith, Reformation is probably the most needed and the most resisted. It is needed continuously as every move, awakening, revival/renewal (what have you) that I have studied has brought forth certain truths that had been obscured, neglected or twisted by previous generations.

But then those who pioneered the movement seek to become firmly established (based on these illuminations), a rigidity then sets in ("fluidity" stops and the desire for continuing the quest for reformation stops as well), and thus institutions (and "organized religion") are established. Desire to maintain the power-base, the denomination/structure and hierarchy (most often subtly) causes a resistance to any form of reformation to develop. This has lead to a distortion to the recovered illuminations and/or the obscuring of others.

I am thoroughly convinced that we are in the beginnings of a fresh reformation that is shaking everything to its core. This Reformation contains elements of transformation and transition (as all reformations inevitably will). With that being said, perhaps I should change my original wording on Reformation???

One MAJOR marker for this Reformation is this:

Papa God is clearing away all that is obscuring the Foundation (and as I have said elsewhere, that Foundation is a Person; His name is Jesus).

Empire, nationalism, patriotism, religion, doctrine, sacred-cows, ICOR (Institutionalized Church, Organized Religion), politics, economics . . . even Monday Night Football (GASP! I had to throw that one in there just to lighten this a wee-bit) are being shaken . . . ANYTHING that sets itself up as an obstacle, “obscurence”, or substitute to what God has done for us through Jesus and His Love for us that calls us to Relationship with Him.

In Part 2 of Reformation I will attempt to list some of the other road-markers that are appearing on this Journey . . .

Living & Loving without Agenda

2008-10-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

In the 12th chapter of the book titled The Shack, Jesus is talking to Mack and at the end of an interesting discussion, Jesus says:
"Remember, the people who know me are the ones who are free to live and love without any agenda."

Since Papa God is the One & only who can truly heal and transform people; shifting their paradigms without manipulation, guilt, shame, condemnation or control . . . why don't we let Him do what He does best? That way we can simply witness His love to all by freely living and loving all we meet without agenda. It's not our job to change others (look at all the messes that has gotten us into!).

Really, we don't even have a job, per se, as this walk of faith goes. As a follower of Jesus, I am invited into narrative and journey in relationship with Him. To know Him more and make Him more known is the invitation . . . the wooing . . .

So for me the challenge is to "let go and let God"; Living Free and Loving without agenda.
Could it be that the invitation and wooing can be more clearly heard when we walk in such freedom and love?

~ Selah ~

Renewal: Spiritual Disciplines and a cup of Chai with Jesus.

2008-09-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Faith, not formula. Relationship, not religion.

Spiritual Disciplines: Not a set of tools but more akin to markers/road signs on the map. They are not the destination but rather point to the destination and position us for the journey.

Since there are a plethora of sites on the internet that contain detailed information/variations, I will skip going in-depth. Instead I shall list the common “road signs” that help us stay aligned on the journey.

Prayer, Fasting, Study, Meditation, Worship, Fellowship, Solitude, Service.

The Journey is living this life following Jesus, with the whole of our being.

Physically, intellectually and spiritually. Justification (by Faith) is immediate. Sanctification is a process. And it is a process that is walked out in journey.

And this is where having a cup of Chai with Jesus (my way of saying “intimate relationship”) comes in.

First Love

Hopefully everyone who is reading this is familiar with the letter to the Ephesian Church in the book of Revelations. They had a lot going for them, but they had lost the “Main Thing”; First Love. And this First Love is not a concept, a principle, a set of rules, a doctrine or a religion. This First Love is a Person. His name is Jesus. He calls us friend and invites us to open all the rooms in our heart to him.

There is nothing there that is a surprise to him. And there is nothing too big, too broken nor too dark for him either. He does not bring shame, guilt or condemnation. His desire is to heal, restore and renew us. His passion is to do this through a living relationship of intimacy. An intimacy that starts within and at the same time seeks to flow outward to others; to the whole world. To all of creation. “For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” (Romans 8:19. NLT)

It’s not about destruction. It’s about all things being set right.

It's about Renewal . . .

Papa God is in the business of redemption and restoration. His son Jesus is the expression of that desire and invites us to journey with Him in this story of Love.

Renewal

2008-08-27T21:10:00.000-07:00

Renewal: The church, the followers of Jesus are renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated in their personal relationship with Jesus and passionately pursue Him.

“Be Transformed by the renewing of your mind”; “Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit” are the first things that rise up within me. And they are not just one time events. They are meant to be continuous companions on the journey.

And in this day and age of hyper-info-onslaught, their priority should be high.

The goal is “un-obscuring”; Getting our paradigm shifted (a favorite phrase of mine) so that our hearts and minds can better perceive the Truth & Love that Jesus brings us. The revelation has to be more than just intellectual. Allowing Jesus total access to the rooms of the heart is necessary (and scary, at least to the flesh . . .)

The lie fosters fear to get us to cringe in the darkness. But the Word brings light, love and healing.

As the reality of His Truth and Love sink further into our hearts, the way we respond to all that we encounter on the journey begins to shift. We have a greater awareness of His presence. Indeed, we begin to hear and see with the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth.

So, just how does one begin the journey of renewal? Jesus is the one who has cleared the path for us. Holy Spirit enables us. And tools have been provided to align us so that we can perceive and receive . . .

Next Up: Renewal, Spiritual Disciplines and a cup of Chai with Jesus.

Organic Church . . . More Ponderings

2008-08-16T16:23:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to add that Organic Church might just better described as Organic . . . as we, the followers of Jesus, are the church. When Papa God creates . . . it is organic. Sometimes in very interesting ways . . .

We tend to muck things up when we think we can improve upon the original design . . .
Which is not a knock against creativity/imagination/discovery . . . many things have been hidden for our sheer joy of discovery. Prayer for wisdom and discernment of what we discover (and what to do with it) is a good thing.

The Quest is not to come up with a dazzling catch-phrase for marketing purposes (Ech!!! Danger, Danger Will Robinson! Run!).

The Quest is to be authentic foundationally (and that foundation is a Person: Jesus), first in relationship vertically and then taking that relationship horizontally into the market place . . . and the work place and where-ever else the Wild Goose leads us.

Organic Church Ponderings

2008-08-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

Organic Church.
I have started writing down some things on this. My first approach was to define what organic is in light of it's increased usage in our everyday lives (in regards to food-stuffs).

Wholesomely natural healthy ingredients. As opposed to just natural ingredients as not all natural organic matter is necessarily healthy. Arsenic, cyanide and radium are all "natural" products but are hardly conducive to healthy living or a long life.

Organic food means it has not been artificially enhanced, tampered with, molecularly modified, radiated, chemically fertilized, and sprayed with chemical insecticide (there are other qualifiers too, but these will suffice). Even what goes into the soil and water that the plant comes from must be free of the above. (Of which I see a analogy to the things discussed in "Gaining Ground" . . .)

At this point I want to say that care must be taken in that some would jump on the "organic bandwagon" without truly being so. The same can be said with emerging/emergent.
Or home churches. Just because one slaps up a sign that says Emergent/Organic/Home Church doesn't mean they really are. Remember the the flap over juice-drink makers labeling their products "100% (apple, orange, what-ever) juice" when in fact their product maybe had only 10% real fruit juice?

On the other side of the same coin, I also realize that care must be taken to not develope a rigid "This is Organic" and "This isn't Organic" structure/protocol that stifles, impedes or intimidates pioneers who are seeking new ways to connect the Gospel to their regions in a meaningful way.

I would add to the developing definition of OC (Organic Church) would be Martin's use of the word Pneumatic. While my wife Adele and I were in ministry school last year, Martin was a guest speaker and used Pneumatic as emergent from pentecostal/charismatic.
Scripture reference is John 3:8 where it is used to describe those born of the Spirit.
I see a need for OC to be dynamic and not static. What may fit well for OC in one region may not work for another somewhere else. I see this also tying in with what Jesus said about only doing and saying what He saw The Father doing and saying. (John 5:19 ~)
There may be a million-and-one good things one can be doing, but it is better to be doing what God has revealed as concerns one's city, neighborhood and region.
This protects against hype and burn-out. Too often church X begins something that has positive impact and experiences breakthrough. Then other fellowships see this and then try to duplicate the same thing into their frame/program. and they fall flat. Perhaps it is better to bless (and give praise for) the breakthrough of church X, as breakthrough for a part of the body is breakthrough for all of the body.

Dynamic Fit
What may flow well in a rural setting may not do so in an urban one. And samething in reverse.
It is not a market driven/demographic approach but a one that seeks Holy Spirit for revelation as what to pray and what to do for a specific area. Which means some prep-work in mapping and prayer walking. Building relationships with those in the area, bringing encouragement in a 1st Cor. 14 way (prophecy) and a James 2:15 way (practical).
Apostolic in seeking to nurture, pour into, train, power and release disciples . . .
(Which may require some healing ground-work as well ~ as there will be some who have been wounded by misuse/abuse from those in authority/leadership).

As a part of being (or one analogy/paradigm of) "Free Range/Organic Church", I find resonance with the principle of catalyst as given in "The Starfish and the Spider" book. A catalyst is an element that brings about change in combination with other elements, producing a new element/compound. But at the end of the process no trace of the catalyst can be found in the new element/compound (my paraphrase. I may not have gotten the exact scientific verbiage correct).

This analogy is incomplete and not perfect as we are dealing (in a Kingdom/Gospel/Christo-Centric way) with people and not elements/compounds. So it could be said it is to build relationship in order to foster growth without building dependency; When I walk out the door there is no trace of "me" left in the equation, just increased life of "people of the way". But there will still be relationship. Again not perfect analogy for we all leave an influence and leave our "finger-prints" upon one another. We share and shape dna. But it is the quest, the desire and the passion to see His fingerprints cover all . . . to see our dna transformed to His dna . . .

Revival: Covert & Overt

2008-08-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

I would suggest that revival can take place at different levels with the end result always being that the Gospel is conveyed (notice I didn’t say “preached”, although that is one form of conveyance), that people come into salvation (which is more than just being “saved”) and God’s Kingdom become manifest.

I will use two examples from the New Testament to unpack this a little more.

The first example I will use I see as being in the covert class of revival.

In John 4:4 ~ 43 Jesus meets the woman at the well. It is “covert” in the sense that there is no “Flash/Bang” manifestation of the miraculous (signs & wonders). It is instead a personal encounter, a truth encounter, with a touch of the prophetic which culminates in the woman becoming an impromptu evangelist and her entire town/village becoming believers.

Next as an example of what I believe to be in the “overt” class is the account we have in Acts 2:1 ~ 41. Plenty of “flash/bang” in this. Very much in public during a special celebration. Tongues of Fire, utterance of tongues not learned . . . Peter saying “This is That” (in reference to the prophesy in Joel 2:28 ~ 29) . . . and at least 3000 come into salvation.

So, revival can come quietly . . . and sometimes not so quietly. (And probably in all the possibilities in-between). In each scenario people come to faith in Christ.

In the two listed above, the people were previously “non-believers”, so it makes the goal of revival appear to be that of reaching the unsaved.

But is it only that? What about 2^nd Chronicles 7:14? Could it also be a form of revival when those who have gone astray or lost focus or back-slid or what-ever get back on track, start praying and get refocused?

Revial, Part 1

2008-07-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

Revival: The church impacting our communities in such a way that people repent and come to faith in Jesus.

Part 1

Does Revival come first or does Renewal? And is the goal of Revival primarily for us or the community? Or Both?

I would say “both” for all of the above. Revival and Renewal come together, hand in hand. And in that, I would say that Reconciliation and Reformation are a continuous part of the process. The process not being a linear thing, but more of a circular one.

But what does Revival really mean? Opponents point out that the word is not “biblical”. I.E. that in the context of its most common use, we do not see any sort of supporting parallel in scripture. Depending on the translation used, one will come across the word “revive” (Isaiah 57:15 MKJV, Hosea 6:2 ASV & Psalms 138:7 ASV). In the context of those verses, the reviving that takes place is that of the Holy One coming to revive the heart & spirit of His people in times of persecution, trial and adversity. So, in one sense, you could call that “Revival”.

I would say that you could also call it “transformative” and “awakening” as well

(in a holistic or “all encompassing” way). Those of The Way are transformed and awakened, which then spills out upon those in the local community who then become awakened and transformed, thus becoming followers of The Way.

Ecclesial history supports this as we see several “Great Awakenings” (and I suggest that the words “Revivals” and “Transformations” could be used just as well) occurring. Some occurring with “signs and wonders” and others that did not. None were “tidy”; there were problems, messes and mistakes. (Welcome to the human race. In one sense I can see that all had “wonders” associated with them in that it’s a great wonder that Papa God chooses to work with flawed vessels in the way that He does. But that’s what is so amazing about His Grace.)

All revivals/awakenings/transformations had their opponents and met with resistance. In some cases, violently (and fatally) so.

So in this I see that Revival comes to effect transformation at several different levels. The impact being that change first takes place spiritually (vertically between God and humankind) and then (horizontally) the community as a whole goes through a transformative process that then impacts the “gates” (justice, economy, education, science, arts, etc.) of the community.

Next Up: Revival; Covert & Overt

The Four "R's"

2008-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I would unpack a bit what I call “The Four R’s”, which are part of my profile.

Over the next week or so I will take each of the elements one at a time a do a little further unpacking as I believe the 4 “R’s” are an essential part of The Journey.

But first, here are the Four “R’s” in their entirety:

Revival: The church impacting our communities in such a way that people repent and come to faith in Jesus.

Renewal: The church, the followers of Jesus are renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated in their personal relationship with Jesus and passionately pursue Him.

Reconciliation: Where we, as followers of Jesus, bring healing to all who Papa God puts in our path and, where we can and as much as it lay within our power to do so, bring healing, unity and reconciliation to those (both within and outside the church) who have been wounded by the past errors of the church.

Reformation: A refining, transformational process of more fully and rightfully representing Jesus, the Kingdom of God and the whole Word of God in service, worship and doctrine.

Unity in Ekklesia: Final Thoughts

2008-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

The stream (Ezekiel 47) is One. It is not “many streams” but one stream that grows deep and wide, bringing healing (and Life!) where ever it flows.

The body (1^st Corinthians 12) is One, but has a diversity expressed in the function of it’s parts.

Unity is a gift that must be nurtured and guarded.

Breakthrough for one is breakthrough for all.

Unity in Ekklesia: Agreeing to Disagree

2008-07-13T15:11:00.000-07:00

Can we agree to disagree and not sacrifice relationship?

I think so. I believe that it was Augustine who said;

“In Essentials: Unity

In Non-Essentials: Liberty

In All Things: CHARITY”

There has to be some pioneers stepping up to the platform, calling for an increase of Unity.

Martin Scott said in regards to Unity of the body:

“When church leaders come together across the divides that is a great starting point. When they lay down their own agendas for their ‘personal’ church to grow we will have movement. The unity though has to move beyond unity gatherings, and church pastors.”

Too much time and energy has been spent on pointing out what’s wrong with our brothers and sisters in Christ. “Rightly dividing the Word” has mutated into division, destruction and hacking each other to bits. Christ does not want a dismembered bride!

I would rather spend my time finding and encouraging believers in other settings/paradigms in what they are doing right and blessing them in that. Because where they excel just might be the tipping point that brings breakthrough for all of us.

The “Big Fear” is that if we do the above, then others of “our flock” will get deceived and/or “stolen”. But my God is a lot bigger than that. I have found that as I

1) Focus on loving my Jesus and His Love for me AND

2) Focus on loving my neighbor THAT

it’s amazing how Papa God just seems to work all things out. He IS really in control. And my Faith is that He, just like the Good Shepherd that He is, will lovingly guide us into His Truth. Love Wins Out.

So there are some common denominators that 100% of us can journey together on.

And there may be some things that maybe only 65% or 45% or maybe just even 15% that we can agree to journey on. But at whatever level we meet, let us do it in Love. Let us agree to disagree and not sacrifice relationship.

Because whatever else we have, if we don’t have Love . . .

Unity in Ekklesia: Discerning the Body

2008-07-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

Consider the following:
When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 ESV)

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29 ESV)

So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another-- if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home--so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.
(1 Corinthians 11:33-34 ESV)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
(Galatians 5:13-15 ESV)

For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:11-13 ESV)

And all of Isaiah 58.

Considering all of the above, how then shall we discern the body, which is the body of Christ, His church . . . our fellow brothers and sisters in Him? Is it any wonder that “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” ? (1 Corinthians 11:30 ESV)

Next Up: Agreeing to Disagree . . .

Unity in Ekklesia. Part 1

2008-06-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

The foundation for unity is in Christ: What He did on the cross (the finished work), that we are in Him, that we have His Righteousness. And since you are in Christ and I am in Christ, then we are one; we are in unity. Ergo, our call is to encourage one another and seek ways to build one another up . . . regardless of denominational/doctrinal bent. How this “all comes to ground” (in a broad sense) is walked out in journey of Love & Grace.

I see as a “first point” (maybe) that Unity ≠ Conformity in the (erroneous) sense of conformity being that we have to be “clones” of one another . . . I.E. “Cookie Cutter Christians”. That is not unity! (It is robotics . . .)

There is too much diversity in God’s creation and at least an equal amount (if not more) in pneumatikos (look at the variety you see when reading Ezekiel, Revelations, etc) that stands against such conformity. And then you have 1 Cor. 12 as the exclamation point for diversity.

In this diversity there is no chaos, for just as the human brain sends signals to the body in order to regulate and co-ordinate action, so too does Christ (as head) for us (the body). And there is no confusion here; the signals are clear. At least from His end. How well we are open to reception of the signals may be another matter . . .

Next Up: Discerning the Body.

John Crowder & Ben Dunn in Humboldt

2008-06-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Had the chance to see John Crowder and Ben Dunn “up close & personal” this last Sunday and Monday nights (June 22^nd & June 23^rd). Crowder & Dunn were in our area for a total of three days as part of the “Regional Hunger Gathering & School of Reformers” conference. I was not able to attend the school portion nor the 3^rd night as I had other commitments.

I like the way Papa God works things because about a week before I had read a commentary on Crowder at NextReformation. A few days later, there was a series of posts on the zoecarnate blog that entailed a conversation between the host (Mike Morrell) and John. (Many thanks to Mike for sharing that on his blog!) Having not heard of Crowder before that, I felt a little more “dialed-in” on all the hoopla. I plan on blogging soon on “Unity in Ekklesia” and what I’ve seen in the wild give-and-take over Crowder seems to me to be a great way to segue into that.

The first night was fairly moderate. The second night (Monday) was a little wilder. But nothing to get yer knickers in a knot over . . .

Their main focus on both the nights that I was able to attend was the Finished Work of the Cross; that it's a done deal. We don’t have to strive & strain (ala Galatians) to obtain the things of Heaven because of what Christ did on the cross. We have His Righteousness (it’s a gift!) and that Joy is on the menu of "Fruit of the Spirit" . . .

and depression/sour-grapes are not (my paraphrase).

While their style and method may not be everybody's "cup of tea", I do see a method in their (not so subtle) madness. (Being Scot-Irish myself, I would prefer an analogy to “being continuously being filled with the (Holy) Spirit” along the lines of a good stout or maybe a wee-dram of GlenFiddich as opposed to Crowder’s “Jehovah-Juana” or "Godka" . . .). But I digress . . .

Crowder very pointedly stated that he was against drug abuse (illicit and otherwise) and was not advocating smoking pot when he talked about “Token the Ghost”. His point is that being high on Papa God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is much more preferable than the use of any illicit drug. Which was a very pertinent point to make as Humboldt County is known (unfortunately) world-wide for the pot grown here.

(why can't we be known for the fact that we have more artists per capita here than the rest of California combined???)

The bent of their “madness” I perceive in the following observations. These are my take on what I observed and your mileage may vary:

1) That maybe, just maybe Joy is to be a very real part of our journey of following Jesus. Crowder & Dunn’s choice of words (“Whacked”, “Blissed-Out”, “Token the Ghost”, etc) may tilt at a few paradigms, but so what? Jesus said “My flesh is meat indeed and My Blood is Drink indeed” (John 6:55) . . . and few other things along the way that pushed a few buttons for folks. Perhaps we’ve gotten so used to “established biblical jargon” that we’ve lost our sensitivity/appreciation for what Joy really means.

2) In their wild, zany celebration of “bliss” and getting “whacked” in the Holy Spirit (what the old school would call “Joy in His Presence”) they make it a point to state that it’s because of what Jesus did on the cross that one can have right standing with God. That God is in a good mood and really, really loves us. Righteousness, Peace & Joy are a very real part of His Kingdom. All of which attracts those who would otherwise never “darken the door of a church” to take a closer look at this guy named Jesus and what He has done for us.

3) It’s a lot more fun doing things whilst filled with the Spirit. (and maybe a wee-bit more productive too . . .)

4) And (major point here) that all of the above is not just for personal hoarding (or perhaps “stash” would be more appropo . . .) but is to be taken outside:

I.E. Mission. As in making disciples of all nations. As in taking the Gospel . . . The Good News . . . to the streets.

I will close (for now) with this:

Whatever analogy one would prefer for “be ye continuously filled with the Spirit” it is just as important to remember our call is also to walk in love and grace towards one another. We are called to be a people of Blessing, not cursing.

Changes

2008-06-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

To celebrate transitions, I have made some cosmetic and organizational (a little) changes to this blog, of which I hope is an encouragement to all whose journey brings to here.

I hope you like the new look.

Not that "here" is the final destination. For I journey as well, seeking to discern the leading of the Wild Goose (Celtic Christian for Holy Spirit) where ever this adventure of following Jesus leads.

As such, it is my desire to encourage fellow travelers, and soon-to-be travelers in The Journey.
And if I can help clarify or establish a few sign-posts along the way; Praise Be!

Unity ≠Conformity

2008-06-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

Unity (in the body of Christ, the church) has long been a passion of mine.
It has been a frustration at times because of the mistrust and suspicion I have observed and encountered in others from different parts of the stream of ekklesia. And to be transparent here: I have oft found the same feelings rising up within me. Not a pleasant revelation. But still, just proof that brokenness is common to all, including myself.

But I earnestly believe for we the church to make significant strides forward in our communities that there must be a greater effort towards unity. But, as the title of this post says:

"Unity ≠ Conformity"

Which I could unpack more . . . but I believe the following has said it best:

In Essentials: Unity
In Non-Essentials: Liberty
In ALL things: Charity

The Quest is to foster and encourage one another in their part of the body (1st Cor. 12) and to find ways of bringing that body into all areas of our community to bring healing and life.

Humboldt Happenings . . .

2008-06-15T14:09:00.000-07:00

Had the privilege of getting together the other night with 12 others (all from other denoms and a few who have no current congregation affiliation) in a narrative of unity (since you're in Christ and since 'm in Christ, then we are one in unity, regardless of denom/doctrine).

There was much dialog on "we don't go to church, we ARE the Church" and our call to encourage and build one another up, to see Ephesians 4:13 become a reality in our area.
I knew we had come into a significant thing when I heard several of my favorite words:
Journey, Story, Paradigm-Shift . . . and talk that generally pointed to transition.

Definitely got some major "winks" from Papa God in our time there. While still in a "Dusk/Dawn" scenario (see Martin Scott's blog on "Transitions") Adele & I got another piece of the puzzle that night that has us giddy with excitement combined with an "Ah-Ha!' moment and a greater Shalom.

The group is headed-up by Emil & Michele Swift, who are River Pastors and connected with Bethel Redding/Global Legacy. This was our first time there, but we look forward in partnering as much as we can. With just this first visit, Adele & I saw a lot of resonance with the other Reformation/Kingdom/Mission endeavors happening around the world.
Exciting Times!

Good Courage

2008-06-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

In these times of shaking . . .
Do not be shaken. Stand Fast.

I hear a call arise:
Good Courage!
Be of Good Courage!

Peace I give to you. My Peace I give to you.
Not as the worlds gives . . .
But My Peace give I to you.

For those who do not know me, their hearts melt like wax.
But I have told you; Be of Good Courage!
For I Love you with a perfect Love. And Perfect Love casts out all fear.
This is the hour to Stand Fast and shine!
Tell all you meet;
Shalom! Be not afraid. Be of Good Courage.

For such a time as this . . .

Faith for the Journey

2008-05-21T12:26:00.001-07:00

I've been reflecting upon the passage from James 4:13 ~ 15. James admonishes the reader to refrain from arrogant boasting in "we will do this and that" and, instead, to say "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

Which is wise; Arrogance and presumption are a quick ticket to a face-plant on the road.
But it is not to imply "doing nothing" or "waiting until everything is lined-up". In the passage I see an invitation to Faith.

While we cannot see how everything will turn out and we cannot say with 100% certainty that we will do this or that or that such and such will happen . . . we CAN start with the foundation that God is 100% Good, 100% of the time.
And from that foundation we humbly step out in Journey, trusting and learning to trust that He is in control. That it is ok to ask and keep asking; to knock and keep knocking. To seek and keep seeking. That the right door (or window) will open (eventually) . . . and in the meantime to check
every door and window . . . rattling or not. (But then again, a door or window that rattles is an indication that the wind is blowing against it . . .)

Free Range ~ Organic Church

2008-05-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yes . . . for those of you into acronyms and anagrams . . . this spells FROC.
You read it here first, folks. Though I make no copyright claim. (That would be anathema to the whole point . . . though I am willing to accept free-will love offerings to the Shepherd Michael Maui Retirement Fund . . .)
;-p

Releasing the body to be the body . . . building for the Kingdom . . . in all venues.
Being people of The Way on the way . . . bringing healing, reconcilliation . . . announcing the Good News as we go along the way. Proclaiming "Jesus is Lord!" . . . and then manifesting this where ever our feet tread . . .

We are in the midst of reformation . . . of transition. It is an exciting time to be alive . . . and a scary time as well.
A good analogy would be that of childbirth.
It is beautiful because of the new life coming into the world.
It is also very messy and (often) painful.

But we cannot hold back just because of the potential messes and subsequent pains.
Missing a handle? Not on the grid? Not meant to be . . . it's paradox on the Journey.
Don't wait 'til you "get it all" . . . ain't gonna happen.
Like the songs says;
"I dare you to move . . ."

Find a way to "be the church" outside the 4 walls;
in your community
where you work
where you go to school
where you play
where you rest
in an authentic way . . . in a relevant way.
No agendas! Just be in Christ and let Him breathe through you . . ..
Dream Big. Think Big. Move . . . act . . . in small, humble ways.
"You! Mighty warrior of God!"
"Who, me?"
"But i am of poor speech . . ."
"But i am too young . . ."
"But i am too old, a dried-up tree . . ."

I dare you to move . . .

Organic ~ Pneumatic

2008-02-21T13:06:00.000-08:00

A piece of conversation that I posted on Martin's site . . .

nature of church - not based sacramentally nor word but Spirit-centred (Newbiggin’s Pentecostal reference)
Pneumatic, as you have said. Reading through this and pondering what you said about organic. It brought to heart the account of Saint Aidan, Oswald and Lindisfarne. I cannot help but feel that part of the correct picture of the puzzle lay within that story. (Though I confess that my Scot-Irish roots and romantic side of me may have influence on that view).

I look at the accounts of Aidan, the Célé Dé and read in the book of Acts and I begin to see a pattern emerge. Communions that are house-to-house but also have a tie to a spiritual centre (see, I’m learning to speak English) but said spiritual centre flows out to the community/market-place. The followers of Jesus flow with the Holy Spirit in, out and through community. Hence being Pneumatic. While all followers do come into the spiritual centre for coporate reasons, it is not to establish a “safe haven” from which to retreat from the world. It instead becomes a point of instruction and refreshing that exists to release back into the community the agents (the Royal Priesthood) that then effect Kingdom change where ever they go. As “pre-christians” then see Kingdom realities they then get attracted to “the communion”. Perhaps(?) first in the market place and then into the “house-to-house” paradigm.
At some point the spiritual centre (in Aidan’s story it would be Lindisfarne. In modern context a centralized worship/equipping/training AND releasing centre). The final goal being to bring all into communion that is within Kingdom that then goes into community to effect transformation.

The challenge in our day is how does this work when our “communities” are isolated by geographical distance (and specially here in the USA) the still-present effects of indiviualism, “my space” mentality and the subsequent “castle vision” that exists within western “churches”? I desire to see a flow of followers of Jesus coming together from different denominational backgrounds to pool resources in seeking Kingdom.
The line of lyrics from “I dare you to move” (Switchfoot) echo at this point . . . “Welcome to resistance . . .” a lot of fear and suspicion needs to be overcome. But I digress.

Perhaps again looking to Aidan holds part of the answer. At one point King Oswald offered a horse to Aidan with the idea that Aidan would be able to get around more and go further. But Aidan elected to remain on foot, as a horse was a symbol of presitge; a class/caste that was separate and out of touch with the common folk. Perhaps it would be better to go to the “highways and by-ways” and seek those who are to brought to the wedding feast.
Just some thoughts . . .

Shifting, Transitions and New Beginnings

2008-01-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
May God's Righteousness roll across the lands as the New Year dawns.
Rise up! Rise up you Royal Priesthood, children of the "Aird Righ" (the High King), manifest His Kingdom where-ever your foot treads . . .

2007 marked the beginnings of transitions, of shifting.

2008 marks New Beginnings.

Shifting will continue. Reformation continues. The Apostolic will refine in definition.

Don't take a posture of "Wait and See". The plowman who regards the clouds will never reap a harvest. Step out and follow His voice.
You are not alone . . .

All of creation awaits with eager expectation . . .

Praying the Way

2007-10-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to do?

How 'bout just praying along the way? I.E.: While moving. You know, as in ambulatory? Walking, breathing prayer. In and around where you live. And then, expand the circle.

What to pray?

Well, for starters, how about peace? Not the world's kind of peace, but the Shalom kind of peace.
You know; Health, Prosperity, Contentment, Soundness, Tranquility, Peace, Completeness, Welfare, Friendship.
Just not for yourself, but for your community.
We are supposed to be a people of Blessing . . . not cursing.
Could it be that you . . . (Yes, you!) are the connection where
"Heaven meets Earth"?
~ Selah ~

The Father's Heart

2007-09-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

A few months back, during an evening worship time, I heard in the Spirit;

"Neither of the two sons really understood their Father's Heart".

This, of course, is in reference to the account of the "Prodigal Son" and his elder brother.
(Luke 15:11~32)
Neither of them really did understand the heart of their father.
And it is the same with us. It has been since the fall. We do not understand the Heart of Papa God.

The First Assault
If you read the account of it all, back in the beginning (re: Genesis 3) the very first assault was not on mankind, but on Papa God. For the enemy's first attack was to call into question the Will, Intent, Desire and Purpose of Almighty God. In other words, the enemy called into question Papa God's heart toward us. Our first parents fell for it. And since that fall, we have perpetuated the lie . . . the deception. That Papa God doesn't really have our best interests in mind.
That He doesn't care, that we don't count. It is the biggest lie that ever came from the pit of hell and we have fallen for it; Hook, Line & "Stinker" . . .

Be Transformed
Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind". In this instance I prefer the Latin over the Greek translation. The Greek word for "mind" is "νοῦς" (nous) which means . . . (what else?) "mind". As in the intellect. The Latin word is "sensus" which is where we get the word "senses", which involves all of us. Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste, Thought . . . Heart . . . Soul . . .

But the mind is a good place to start as it is where all the input comes together and forms cognitive thought. We need to get "the Stinker" out of the "Thinker".

How? That is in itself a journey of transformation . . . of sanctification.
I believe the first step is to pick a scripture that highlights Papa God's Heart for us and then meditate upon it everyday. Praying the verse as "breathing prayer" where it becomes a decree . . . a proclamation. A good scripture to start with would be Jeremiah 29:11.
And then add to your prayers a request for discernment . . . ask for a "stink alarm". For the enemy (and the flesh) will subtley steal in with lies . . . doubt . . . guilt . . . shame. When your "stink alarm" goes off, just reject whatever the assault was. If you find yourself having first fallen for the old ploy, just kick it out when you realize it for what it is. Don't own it. Don't beat yourself up. That's what the enemy wants you to do. Don't play the enemy's game . . .

And here's a thought; Since we are to Love Papa God with everything we are, with everything we have . . . doesn't it kind of go with the flow that our transformation is to involve all the "senses"? What would that look like? "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good" . . .
"The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing. It is the heart which perceives God and not the reason. That is what faith is: God perceived by the heart, not by the reason."
("PENSÉES" by Blaise Pascal;1623-1662)
While God is first perceived by the heart, when I read scripture I get the distinct impression that it's just not supposed to stop there. Nor with the mind. Nor should it stop with any part of us. Papa God wants all of us. He paid a very dear price for us and He should get all what He paid for.

It will probably really bother some folks to read the following. Maybe even get a few really, really mad. But . . .
Could a possible alternative translation of:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."
be rendered thus:
"You shall experience the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (and with everything else)" ? ? ?

Jesus did. Shouldn't we???

Because Papa God really, really does Love you. He even really likes you! Messes and all.
His Heart is for you, not against you.
Amazing Grace, Indeed!

Hands off the Wheel

2007-07-22T18:08:00.000-07:00

Just some rhema~pneuma inspired by a fellow traveller today whilst in fellowship.

"Hands off the Wheel"; Steering wheel, that is.
We've all heard countless sermons about getting in the backseat and letting Jesus drive.

Hey; how 'bout we give Him the keys and get in the trunk? So as not to become a back-seat driver? It's easy to say "Okay, I'll go with You" when we know that we will be able to sit there and see the sights. Even peek ahead to see where we are a-goin'. Maybe even offer directions.
I mean, c'mon! He's got so much on His hands to do. Maybe He needs a rest.

"Hey Jesus! Why don't You pull over and let me drive for a while? Ya know, there was a place I wanted to turn off back there a bit ago. I really wanted to take that scenic route. Why don't You get some shut-eye while I drive, eh?"

Sheesh . . . how 'bout we shut our trap, climb in the trunk and let Him surprize us?
I mean, c'mon! We say we trust Him . . . but do we really?

The Good News is that even when we grab the wheel, He never lets go.
Thank God!

"Breathe"

2007-06-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

"Breathe baby breathe.
Everything's going be alright, everything.
And Breathe baby breathe; everthing's going to be so fine. Everthing . . .

And lay it down . . . give your fear away.
Lay it down . . . give your hurt away.
Lay it down . . ."

~ from "Tall Angels" by Anthony Skinner. (listen to here)

It's time to breathe.
For all who have felt "out of breath";
either due to all the prophetic "busy-ness" that we can get wrapped-up in
or because of energy expended in warfare . . .
Breathe . . . and rest. In Him.
I don't mean "rest" as in "do nothing"; I mean get back up and into what He has called you to.
But at the same time, change the way you have been doing things. "Do" by "Being" . . . in Him.
Resting in Him as you move.
And Remember:

Breathe . . .

"Fruity"

2007-06-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

Having been recently inspired by what a friend posted about people calling into question the "fruits" of what she is doing and how she is living . . .
Aaarrrggghhhhh! Really got my "ire" up.

Who are we to judge a brother or sister in regards to their "fruit"? What is "fruit" anyway?
(Yes I know that one part of the context is from Galatians 5:22)
As far as the individual's walk with the Lord, as to what God has called them to and how each responds to that call: It is between them and God.

None of which excludes making mistakes. Who of us can cast the first stone? Not one of us can say we have walked the journey thus far without having made mistake or two. And yes, we need counsel, guidance and correction. But from those who have relationship with us . . .

And in further rumination; What about our "focus"? What are we looking for?
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. "
(Philippians 4:8 MSG)

Papa God and His Word determine my "fruitiness"; For it is He and He alone that sees all of me and my life. He sees "behind the curtain" . . . those things which others cannot see.

"Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back--a trumpet-blast shout! Tell my people what's wrong with their lives, face my family Jacob with their sins! They're busy, busy, busy at worship, and love studying all about me. To all appearances they're a nation of right-living people-- law-abiding, God-honoring. They ask me, 'What's the right thing to do?' and love having me on their side. But they also complain, 'Why do we fast and you don't look our way? Why do we humble ourselves and you don't even notice?' "Well, here's why: "The bottom line on your 'fast days' is profit. You drive your employees much too hard. You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight. You fast, but you swing a mean fist. The kind of fasting you do won't get your prayers off the ground. Do you think this is the kind of fast day I'm after: a day to show off humility? To put on a pious long face and parade around solemnly in black? Do you call that fasting, a fast day that I, GOD, would like? "This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families. Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The GOD of glory will secure your passage. Then when you pray, GOD will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.' "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. "If you watch your step on the Sabbath and don't use my holy day for personal advantage, If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, GOD's holy day as a celebration, If you honor it by refusing 'business as usual,' making money, running here and there-- Then you'll be free to enjoy GOD! Oh, I'll make you ride high and soar above it all. I'll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob." Yes! GOD says so!
(Isaiah 58:1-14 MSG)

Intercession, Repentance & Kingdom Power

2007-04-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

During prayer and worship this morning (4/17/2007) at RCSSM
(River City School of Supernatural Ministry)
the Holy Spirit guided us into a time of intercession and repentance for what happened.

Intercession for healing for the family, friends and loved ones of the victims at Virginia Tech.

And repentance that we, His children, have not walked fully in the Power of His Kingdom.

Please hear my heart on this; It is not to bring guilt, shame or condemnation.

But; What could have been had there been a manifestation of His Love, of His Power, of His Kingdom there on campus?

I'm sure there was, and still is. But the question begs to be asked; Was it manifest? Out in the open? Was it challenging the status-quo?

I think it is time for some revelation and some power . . .

"For the eager expectation of creation awaits for the revelation of the children of God"

(Romans 8:19)

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of Power" (1 Cor. 4:20)

Can you join me in raising our voices together in prayer? To pray that we, His children, begin to manifest His Kingdom Love and Power where-ever it is that we find ourselves? Be it at work, at home, at school or in the market place; We must endeavor to walk as His Royal Priests. Let us encourage every follower of Jesus, no matter whether they are Baptist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Methodist, Catholic . . . no matter the denomination . . .
to encourage them to pray, to speak out and to seek His Kingdom, His Will in
"On earth as it is in Heaven."

It is time for the culture of death to come to an end.

It is time for His Culture of Life to begin.

Let this be the turning point in America where the children of God say "Enough!".

Let the children of God arise and speak "Life!" in Jesus' Name.

And let His children walk in Kingdom Love . . . & Power.

The same Power that raised Jesus from the dead. The same Power that can Transform Lives.

The same Power that brings Life . . . His Life. Abundantly.

Cry Arising

2007-03-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

"For the creation is eagerly waiting for God to reveal his children . . . "(Romans 8:19 ISV)

A groan starts within
and turns to a flame
I fall to my knees
as I call out Your Name.
Joining with creation,
I raise my voice to the sky.
With Holy Desperation
I Cry . . . .
Arise! Arise!
Children of God
take your rightful place.
Arise! Arise!
Manifest His Kingdom
in this place.
Arise!

The above is part of a song that began to blaze within me a couple of years ago.
Can you join the cry arising? Seems to me that one can hear the whole of creation groaning for the children of God to realize who they are . . . and start walking in it.

Could it be that breakthrough will happen when your voice joins the chorus?
~ Selah ~

"It is FINISHED"

2007-02-21T18:03:00.000-08:00

Lest anyone think that I am trying to create something from nothing with all this talk of walking in Kingdom Power . . .
I'm not.
It's already been done. By Jesus, on the Cross.
Our part begins with repentance. Repentance can mean "to turn from"
But it can also mean "to turn to . . ."
Crazy thing that The One who said "Let there be . . ." and everything both visible and invisible was created. What's so crazy about that? That El Shaddai, who with one word can create or destroy, who needs no one to accomplish what He wants . . . that He chooses to include us in on His plans.
"Go you therefor . . ."
Wow.
No, we His children don't really create or establish anything on our own. But we have been called into the work that He has established. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. But with Him?
Selah!
Three times in the book of Joshua, El Shaddai tells Joshua to be strong and courageous.
The third time, I believe, is the most powerful, the most moving and worth MUCH contemplation:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:9 ESV)
Amazing Grace, indeed!
The Work has already been done, by Jesus. As He said; "It is finished."
Now all that remains is for us to walk in that finished work.
The Good News is that you are not alone on the journey.
~ Selah ~

Resonate

2006-12-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

Current Flow
Some words that have been resonating within me and that I've been hearing in the Realms and the Seen Unseen . . .

Kingdom ~ We carry the Kingdom in us. Where ever we go, there the Kingdom is because it's in our hearts. Jesus talked alot about the Kingdom of Heaven. Do you think that He might have been trying to get our focus on something? Can we walk with Kingdom Focus (and not castle focus)?
What does that look like?

Today ["Now" Time] ~ Today is the day of Salvation (Saving, Healing, Deliverance).
Hebrews 3:15 ESV
(15) As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
It's the "now" time. It's Today that we live, not tomorrow. Today, TODAY choose to walk in His Kingdom . . . as His Child . . . as a Royal Priest that you are (because He said so!). I'm not talking about giving up plans for tomorrow . . . not talking about giving up structure or acting irresponsible . . . I'm talking about Today Living, Today Being in and of and from His Kingdom. It's not hanging in there 'til tomorrow so that He comes and rescues us and takes us out of here . . . "Oh, hold the fort! Bar the gates! We need keep the fort safe 'til the Jesus Cavalry comes a-ridin' over the hill to rescue us!!!" Pah! No, No NO! Today is the day . . . have you ever thought "For such a time as this . . ."? ~ Selah ~

Encounter ~ Psalms 27:8 ESV
(8) You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
Telescopic vision that zooms through the fog to focus on Him. There's an old song that has deep truth to it: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face . . . and the things of earth will grow strangely dim . . . in the Light of His Glory and Grace" His voice is calling to us
"Seek My Face!" God wants . . . desires . . . yearns to meet with us. Today. And when we encounter the King of Heaven, then the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand . . . 'cause it's in our hearts and we walk this world with a purpose.

Acts Chapter . . . 29 ?!?

2006-10-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was priviledged to hear and see Martin Scott.
He said: "We need to be 1st century authentic and 21st century relevant".
Hoo Ya! So, can we walk and live like we are creating/writing Acts chapter 29?
Do you believe, do you have faith that it can be so?
Can we endeavor to walk around and take The Kingdom to where it needs to go, with the authority and power to back it up? And how about helping firm-up The Kingdom where it already is?
Instead of pointing out what's wrong with this church and what's dead about that church . . . how about if we try to catch them doing something right? Can you pray for the fellowship across town that doesn't exactly flow like yours does?
Think about this; Their breakthrough is your breakthrough . . .
~ Selah ~

2006.10.16 What if???

2006-10-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

What if . . .
What if we started to walk like the Royal Priests that we are?
What if . . .

October Quips; Fuel for thought . . . & Fire

2006-10-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

It's good to learn to agree on the important things and to agreet to disagree without sacrificing relationship.

What if . . .
We all got back to The Story of the Gospel and lived it out in relationship?
What if. . .

"Is He safe? No, He's not safe! He's a Lion! But, He is Good."

I would rather be in an unsure place and maintain relationship with the Lord than be secure & have no relationship with Him. Such "security" is hollow and a lie.

In all things, it is of the Greatest Importance to get back to the main thing: The Love of God and the revelation of His unfailing, unconditional Love for us. When we grasp the latter, we will more passionately pursue the former.

What if . . .
There was no right way to "do church"? Structured, non-structured, in the bos, out of the box . . . doesn't matter. Liturgical, Charismatic, Emergent . . , doesn't matter. Being Jesus to all peoples, everywhere. Ministering in a traditional setting one day and declaring the good news to a bunch of naked folks that are worshipping all sort of strange stuff the next day.
Here's a noodle-baker question for ya: We all know to love and help the poor and the impoverished. Can you love and serve the well-to-do and affluent the same way?
What if . . .

My .02 on Emergent/Convergent. Pneumatic

2006-10-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

My .02 cents worth on my paradigm (undoubtedly colored by the spectacles that I wear and the various biases I have) on the whole Emergent/Convergent thing. And with Kudos and acknowledgement to Martin Scott for the phrase. . . being Pneumatic for such a time as this.
Y'all better buckle-up, it's going to get bumpy . . .