This is a test of the Ben Bowman Photo Uploading Ability...HahahaSunday, April 25, 2010
You Are Mine - 98
It is Sunday...the Lord's day! I am so excited about worship this morning...a friend of mine is coming to church with me! It is going to be a great day!
This morning, I woke up with the worrds of Isaiah 43:1 in my heart..."You are mine!" This is both comforting and humbling. It is comforting to know that I belong to God. No matter what this world says or does...no matter what hurts or pains I may face...no matter where I am in this world, I belong to God! My family taught this to me from the time I was a young boy, but it took some time for me to come to understand what this truth meant. I am a child of God who has been fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, and I am a citizen of Heaveen. This is also humbling because I am a sinner...how can I be worthy of being posessed by God? This too is something that has taken tiome for me to understand. Out of the rich love of God, Christ came to the cross and diedd for me to make me worthy...to make me His!
As my deeparture for Prague draws ever closer, I cling to those words. My friend Nicholas said to me the other day thatit was alright for me to be so emotional because I was leaving my family, my friends, everything I have known for almost three decades. While there are days I grieve this thought, I still remember that I am never alone. I am a part of the family of God...a family which spans borders and languages. I am His!
Are you His? Do feel those words of comfort rush through you? Trust me, there is nothing more comforting than to know you belong to God!
Father, I praise you for your mighty acts in creation and in my life! Help me to cling to being yours above all else...hold me in the palm of your hand. AMEN!
This morning, I woke up with the worrds of Isaiah 43:1 in my heart..."You are mine!" This is both comforting and humbling. It is comforting to know that I belong to God. No matter what this world says or does...no matter what hurts or pains I may face...no matter where I am in this world, I belong to God! My family taught this to me from the time I was a young boy, but it took some time for me to come to understand what this truth meant. I am a child of God who has been fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, and I am a citizen of Heaveen. This is also humbling because I am a sinner...how can I be worthy of being posessed by God? This too is something that has taken tiome for me to understand. Out of the rich love of God, Christ came to the cross and diedd for me to make me worthy...to make me His!
As my deeparture for Prague draws ever closer, I cling to those words. My friend Nicholas said to me the other day thatit was alright for me to be so emotional because I was leaving my family, my friends, everything I have known for almost three decades. While there are days I grieve this thought, I still remember that I am never alone. I am a part of the family of God...a family which spans borders and languages. I am His!
Are you His? Do feel those words of comfort rush through you? Trust me, there is nothing more comforting than to know you belong to God!
Father, I praise you for your mighty acts in creation and in my life! Help me to cling to being yours above all else...hold me in the palm of your hand. AMEN!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
99 - double digits
Yesterday was a milestone day for me! Not only was it the 100 day marker, but it was also the day all of my visa paperwork went to the Czech Embassy in D.C. WHEW...what a relief! This may seem a bit over-the-top, but that process was scary and nerve-wracking. As my mom said, it is in God's hands...it is His will that I serve and He will take care of all the little details. (THANKS MOM!!!)
This is a weekend that I have been looking forward to for quite some time now. I got to hang out with my friend Rebekah (the best seeing eye friend in the world!) and tomorrow I get to spend some time with one of my boys...all my boys are special, and I look forward to spending time with each one of them. Homework seems to be under control, and the weekend will be a relaxing and memorable one.
The last few days, God has been speaking to me about love. In John 21:15-17, I hear God reminding me of my call...a call to love Him. As the day for departure approaches, I hope and pray that my love for God will increase and grow deep because it will be that love which sustains all else I ddo. Something that strikes me as interesting is that the Great Commandment (to love) appears chronologically before the Great Commission (to go). This is something we all need to be aware of...that without a love relationship with God, all our efforts are for not. This scripture is so special to me because it exemplifies the way God called me. You see, God called me with love to Himself. He reminded me of the great love He had for me and grew me in love to the point of my calling into ministry..."Feed My Sheep!"
As I sit here, on day 99, I am in deep prayer that I have been faithful to this call...it is a humble and awe-filled call, and I have approached it in a like manner. I am not perfect...and I pray that God sanctifies all my imperfections and makes me perfect in love. It is my earnest desire to be an ambassador of love! So let me say, "I LOVE YOU!" Whether I have known you for a day, a month, a year, or years...I love you so much! This may be hard to understand, but it is out of the abundant love of God from which this love flows. Over the next 99 days, I hope that we may fellowship in this love. I always remember, God loves you and so do I!
Lord, on this the 99th day, may I be an ambassador of your love! Help me to always seek your will and share your love. O Heavenly Father, thank you for your almighty and everlasting love! Keep me bound by thy love and may we all come to know your love for us! AMEN!
This is a weekend that I have been looking forward to for quite some time now. I got to hang out with my friend Rebekah (the best seeing eye friend in the world!) and tomorrow I get to spend some time with one of my boys...all my boys are special, and I look forward to spending time with each one of them. Homework seems to be under control, and the weekend will be a relaxing and memorable one.
The last few days, God has been speaking to me about love. In John 21:15-17, I hear God reminding me of my call...a call to love Him. As the day for departure approaches, I hope and pray that my love for God will increase and grow deep because it will be that love which sustains all else I ddo. Something that strikes me as interesting is that the Great Commandment (to love) appears chronologically before the Great Commission (to go). This is something we all need to be aware of...that without a love relationship with God, all our efforts are for not. This scripture is so special to me because it exemplifies the way God called me. You see, God called me with love to Himself. He reminded me of the great love He had for me and grew me in love to the point of my calling into ministry..."Feed My Sheep!"
As I sit here, on day 99, I am in deep prayer that I have been faithful to this call...it is a humble and awe-filled call, and I have approached it in a like manner. I am not perfect...and I pray that God sanctifies all my imperfections and makes me perfect in love. It is my earnest desire to be an ambassador of love! So let me say, "I LOVE YOU!" Whether I have known you for a day, a month, a year, or years...I love you so much! This may be hard to understand, but it is out of the abundant love of God from which this love flows. Over the next 99 days, I hope that we may fellowship in this love. I always remember, God loves you and so do I!
Lord, on this the 99th day, may I be an ambassador of your love! Help me to always seek your will and share your love. O Heavenly Father, thank you for your almighty and everlasting love! Keep me bound by thy love and may we all come to know your love for us! AMEN!
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Last 100 days
100 day til Prague!
It is hard to believe that I am at the 100 day mark before leaving to serve my Heavenly Father as a missionary in Prague. 100 days left...typically we use this designation to measure the effectiveness of a president or political leader. In these 100 days, it is my earnest prayer that God will continue to use me for the effective proclamation of His love and glory to all those I know. It is also my prayer that, in these 100 days, God will prepare me to meet the task of making disciples in Prague.
It is so hard to believe that time has flown so quickly. It seems like yesterday that I got the phone call from Juli (Teachbeyond) in November and then the email from Melodee (CISP) informing me of the marvelous opportunity God had prepared for me. As I sit here this morning, I am trimbling at the thought of the speed of time. I am thinking about how, over the course of time, God has brought me to this point...from thinking I would be a lawyer to training to be a teacher to mentoring young men to preaching and training to be a pastor and finally seeing how all of these pieces fit together in God's plan to bring me to the point of being willing to serve overseas.
Amidst all the paperwork, visa hoops, packing support envelops, I have seen the Hand of God at work...in the kind words of friends (even when I may not seem so sane because of emotions), the help from love ones, the support from my boys, the love of my family, and all the understanding during these busy and emotional times. I am excited to be in the midst of God's plan, but I am also spending a lot of time reflecting on what God has done and what each person I know means to me. I love the time I have spent, and will spend, with each of you and look forward to growing together whether near or far (in physical distance terms).
Time is precious; this is something we all must learn. And God's time is much more precious...it is something I do not quite understand. But I do know this...in these 100 days, I will approach things with the words of Ester 4:14b in my heart..."And who knows but that you have come to (this) position for such a time as this?" (my interpretation). There is a song which sums up what I am trying to say...here are the lyrics.
It is hard to believe that I am at the 100 day mark before leaving to serve my Heavenly Father as a missionary in Prague. 100 days left...typically we use this designation to measure the effectiveness of a president or political leader. In these 100 days, it is my earnest prayer that God will continue to use me for the effective proclamation of His love and glory to all those I know. It is also my prayer that, in these 100 days, God will prepare me to meet the task of making disciples in Prague.
It is so hard to believe that time has flown so quickly. It seems like yesterday that I got the phone call from Juli (Teachbeyond) in November and then the email from Melodee (CISP) informing me of the marvelous opportunity God had prepared for me. As I sit here this morning, I am trimbling at the thought of the speed of time. I am thinking about how, over the course of time, God has brought me to this point...from thinking I would be a lawyer to training to be a teacher to mentoring young men to preaching and training to be a pastor and finally seeing how all of these pieces fit together in God's plan to bring me to the point of being willing to serve overseas.
Amidst all the paperwork, visa hoops, packing support envelops, I have seen the Hand of God at work...in the kind words of friends (even when I may not seem so sane because of emotions), the help from love ones, the support from my boys, the love of my family, and all the understanding during these busy and emotional times. I am excited to be in the midst of God's plan, but I am also spending a lot of time reflecting on what God has done and what each person I know means to me. I love the time I have spent, and will spend, with each of you and look forward to growing together whether near or far (in physical distance terms).
Time is precious; this is something we all must learn. And God's time is much more precious...it is something I do not quite understand. But I do know this...in these 100 days, I will approach things with the words of Ester 4:14b in my heart..."And who knows but that you have come to (this) position for such a time as this?" (my interpretation). There is a song which sums up what I am trying to say...here are the lyrics.
Now, all I have is nowTo be faithfulTo be holyAnd to shineLighting up the darknessRight now, I really have no choiceBut to voice the truth to the nationsA generation looking for GodChorusFor such a time as thisI was placed upon the earthTo hear the voice of God And do His willWhatever it isFor such a time as thisFor now and all the days He givesI am here, I am hereAnd I am HisFor such a time as thisYou - Do you ever wonder whySeems like the grass is always greenerUnder everybody else's skyBut right here, right here for this time and placeYou can live a mirror of His mercyA forgiven image of graceRepeat ChorusCan't change what's happened till nowBut we can change what will beBy living in holinessThat the world will see JesusRepeat Chorus
(video of song posted)
Lord, may I be faithful in these 100 days! May all I say and do bring glory to you. May I not take for granted the blessings of friends, family, and time! Prepare me to be the best for you and your service! All glory belongs to you! AMEN!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Top Ten of Wesley
Ten things you will love about John Wesley
1. He had an egalitarian spirit – at least some times. Men and women were created equally in the image of God, This is seen in is notes on the Old Testament and is important to the understanding of women in the ministry. The Christian faith transcends tribalism and race. The Christian faith is a universal faith.
2. He was a true contemplative. Wesley was ever trying to win an insight…perceive the presence of God in te mundane activities of life. (read the Practice of the Presence of God – Bro. Lawrence and read Jeremy Taylor)
3. He loved the poor and was generous. He urged his ministers to be among the poor so tat the bonds of love and compassion would arise.
4. He affirmed the reality of spirit and placed a great emphasis of the Holy Spirit. This included the idea of assurance that we are the children of God.
5. He rejected “cheap grace.” He was hard on those ministers who simply polished the chains of sin. The minister should bring a message of liberty…real liberty. He stressed the forgiveness of sins and the transformation of nature (part of the new birth)…justification and the beginning of sanctification.
6. He spoke plain truth for plain people. He spoke and wrote to be understood. He wanted to earnestly communicate the good news
7. He was diligent in spreading the gospel. He had a remarkable record of activity. He did not want his marriage to interfere with his ministry.
8. He was a sensitive man. Wesley understood that the worship of God entails the heart and mind. Te heart is composed of many dispensations…various things the heart loves.
9. He was socially and politically concerned. He believed that the rich were fleecing the poor by their excess consumption. (“The use of money”) One should gain all one can, save all one can, and give all you can. If the Methodists became rich, they would have the form of religion but lack the power.He loved God with all his heart.
10. He never professed sanctification even on his death bed (March 1791). He was likely pure of heart by this time. Wesley was a saint and a prophet (a prophet speaks plain truth to plain people).
Just thought you would like to know! I think that more pastors need to understand most of these!!!
1. He had an egalitarian spirit – at least some times. Men and women were created equally in the image of God, This is seen in is notes on the Old Testament and is important to the understanding of women in the ministry. The Christian faith transcends tribalism and race. The Christian faith is a universal faith.
2. He was a true contemplative. Wesley was ever trying to win an insight…perceive the presence of God in te mundane activities of life. (read the Practice of the Presence of God – Bro. Lawrence and read Jeremy Taylor)
3. He loved the poor and was generous. He urged his ministers to be among the poor so tat the bonds of love and compassion would arise.
4. He affirmed the reality of spirit and placed a great emphasis of the Holy Spirit. This included the idea of assurance that we are the children of God.
5. He rejected “cheap grace.” He was hard on those ministers who simply polished the chains of sin. The minister should bring a message of liberty…real liberty. He stressed the forgiveness of sins and the transformation of nature (part of the new birth)…justification and the beginning of sanctification.
6. He spoke plain truth for plain people. He spoke and wrote to be understood. He wanted to earnestly communicate the good news
7. He was diligent in spreading the gospel. He had a remarkable record of activity. He did not want his marriage to interfere with his ministry.
8. He was a sensitive man. Wesley understood that the worship of God entails the heart and mind. Te heart is composed of many dispensations…various things the heart loves.
9. He was socially and politically concerned. He believed that the rich were fleecing the poor by their excess consumption. (“The use of money”) One should gain all one can, save all one can, and give all you can. If the Methodists became rich, they would have the form of religion but lack the power.He loved God with all his heart.
10. He never professed sanctification even on his death bed (March 1791). He was likely pure of heart by this time. Wesley was a saint and a prophet (a prophet speaks plain truth to plain people).
Just thought you would like to know! I think that more pastors need to understand most of these!!!
Where Is Jesus?
Since my return from the Walk to Emmaus, I have been pondering the question...where is Jesus? My thoughts are on the state of our economy, the pending election and the deteriorating state of the church. Where can one find Jesus in the midst of all of this?
It is painfully obvious to me that many men and women have become afraid of speaking the name of Jesus and some even find it offensive! I was speaking with a friend wo told me that his mentor said that he used the word...JESUS...too much and it might be seen as offensive. OFFENSIVE! The only people who might find the name of Jesus offensive are those who do not know Him, refuse to know Him, or do not love Him.
What is sad is that this person is supposed to be a "guardian" of the church. It seems to me that Satan as gained more than a foothold in the church..sometimes I wonder if we invite him in! We invite him in when we surrender to the ways and words of the world. Some of these things are political correctness, making people feel good, and refusing to speak truth no matter what.
I refuse to not speak the truth...and political corectness as no place in my vocabulary. SIN is SIN, and if we choose not to point out to our brothers and sisters where they are falling, we are helping them to pave their road to hell! We need men and women to stand up...put on the armor of Christianity, and FIGHT for the truth. We must make a stand...for if we do not stand for something, we will fall for anything. God help us...we have begun to slip and will fall if we don't fix our eyes on Jesus...if we can find Him?!
It is painfully obvious to me that many men and women have become afraid of speaking the name of Jesus and some even find it offensive! I was speaking with a friend wo told me that his mentor said that he used the word...JESUS...too much and it might be seen as offensive. OFFENSIVE! The only people who might find the name of Jesus offensive are those who do not know Him, refuse to know Him, or do not love Him.
What is sad is that this person is supposed to be a "guardian" of the church. It seems to me that Satan as gained more than a foothold in the church..sometimes I wonder if we invite him in! We invite him in when we surrender to the ways and words of the world. Some of these things are political correctness, making people feel good, and refusing to speak truth no matter what.
I refuse to not speak the truth...and political corectness as no place in my vocabulary. SIN is SIN, and if we choose not to point out to our brothers and sisters where they are falling, we are helping them to pave their road to hell! We need men and women to stand up...put on the armor of Christianity, and FIGHT for the truth. We must make a stand...for if we do not stand for something, we will fall for anything. God help us...we have begun to slip and will fall if we don't fix our eyes on Jesus...if we can find Him?!
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