tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48174471820204988622024-03-18T20:39:57.813-07:00Mike Mawhinneys Musings... random musings from a young man working through his hopes and fears ...WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-70579395037579660222010-03-27T11:28:00.000-07:002010-03-27T11:35:24.417-07:00Rise Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.filemagazine.com/thecollection/archives/images/RiseUp!!!.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 700px; height: 473px;" src="http://www.filemagazine.com/thecollection/archives/images/RiseUp!!!.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, Arial;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Well, I was there when you were torn apart<br />Now a piece of you is gone<br />Somehow you wish that you could only find<br />A little strength to carry on<br /><br />You've tried so hard to make it on your own<br />That your heart has come undone<br />So I am here to prove that I alone<br />Have the power to overcome<br /><br />Don't let your heart be troubled<br />This world will never keep you down<br />It will never keep you down<br /><br />So rise up, my friend<br />No, this will never be the end<br />So rise up, my friend<br />And live again<br /><br />I didn't want you to feel this way<br />It's not what life was meant to be<br />And so for you, my friend, I'll take your shame<br />You can give it all to me<br /><br />'Cause you've wrestled demons every day<br />And they've dragged you to your knees<br />But in your weakness you will learn to find<br />That I will always be your strength<br /><br />In life or in death<br />Through joy or regret<br />And all of the secret things you have done<br />No matter what comes, my friend<br />Nothing can keep you from the love of God </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">These lyrics are from a song by Third Day called Rise Up. It's the song that has had the most influential impact on my life, not only years ago, but also again in present times. How often I fall into the trap of living life in the mindset that I can do it on my own - you just burn out. But thank the Lord for grace, and thank the Lord that despite his continual reminders he always says, "for you my friend, I'll take your shame, you can give it all to me ... no matter what comes ... nothing can keep you from the love of God"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The song is further complimented by a great tune! Check it out!!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsWaFBq8cm0</span></span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-18119438139107409972010-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:002010-03-14T10:26:12.423-07:00ReWiNd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_147/1178831791uW0bum.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 299px;" src="http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_147/1178831791uW0bum.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I wonder in life, if things ever really leave us? Recently, the same old things keep cropping up with me, the same frustrations, the same difficulties, the same struggles. It's not new stuff, it's not exciting stuff, it's not any more difficult than it was, but it's not any less easy - and I'm tired. So tired.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lay it down at the cross I hear you say ... that phrase, I know it so well, and not for its out-workings in my life, rather, the wrestling in trying to find out what it actually means! To say the least... </span></span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I still don't know</span></span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I'm getting burnt out and it worries me. Been there before. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) Are you tired? Worn out? Burnt 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. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I love that bit of scripture, well I used to anyway. It's so romantic, hopeful ... easy. But, does it really work out that way? I'm tired, I'm worn out and I'm getting burnt out. But, I pray, I sing, I talk, I read, in Christian world, I'm ticking all the boxes. I need a rest, and I aint getting it and not because of an active social life, or poor time management. Somewhere, I'm doing something wrong and somehow I'm missing out on the unforced rhythms of grace, and with a painful sigh, I confess ... I just don't know. Maybe, it's time to rewind.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Israelites screwed up so much because they forgot who they were and where they came from. Maybe I need to remember to. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">God had been pestering me for months, through his subtle convicting ways ... people, tv, books, dreams ... you know how he works. He finally got me through Take That, a song that literally changed my life. You may be laughing as you read that, but, let me show you some lyrics. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>But you're stuck in a hole and I want you to get out ...<br />But I know it's time for you to leave<br />We're all just pushing along<br />Trying to figure it out, out, out.<br /><br />All your anticipation pulls you down<br />When you can have it all, you can have it all.<br /><br />So come on, come on, get it on<br />Don't know what you're waiting for<br />Your time is coming don't be late, hey hey<br />So come on<br />See the light on your face<br />Let it shine<br />Just let it shine<br />Let it shine.<br /><br />Stop being so hard on yourself<br />It's not good for your health<br />I know that you can change<br />So clear your head and come round<br />You only have to open your eyes<br />You might just get a big surprise<br />And it may feel good and you might want to smile, smile, smile.<br /><br />Don't you let your demons pull you down<br />'Cause you can have it all, you can have it all.<br /><br />Hey let me know you<br />You're all that matters to me<br />Hey let me show you<br />You're all that matters to me.<br /><br />Hey let me love you<br />You're all that matters to me<br />Hey so come on yeah<br /></i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new', serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Shine all your light over me.</i> </span></span> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't know how to lay my life down at the cross, I don't know how to 'trust' God and I don't know when I'm going to be free. I don't know.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But, God got me, he poked at me and he saved me. I'll never understand, apart from one thing - I got hope.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-32032003493569240832010-03-04T09:56:00.000-08:002010-03-04T10:01:01.365-08:00Unspoken Prayers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jsutkCY9tJI/So6p2iyU6BI/AAAAAAAABZw/co0WVg45VDI/s400/praying-hands-bathing-light.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 263px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jsutkCY9tJI/So6p2iyU6BI/AAAAAAAABZw/co0WVg45VDI/s400/praying-hands-bathing-light.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';">I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I asked for health, that I might do great things,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I asked for riches, that I might be happy,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I was given poverty, that I might be wise.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I got nothing that I asked for,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">But <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">everything that I hoped for</span></i>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">Almost despite myself, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>my unspoken prayers were answered</b></span>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">I am, among all men, most richly blessed. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;">(A soldiers prayer from the 1860's American Civil War)</span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-12374553741672646992010-02-24T03:33:00.001-08:002010-02-24T03:36:25.321-08:00I'm small, but you're big<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://exclusiveaccess.net/main/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/girl-crying.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 482px;" src="http://exclusiveaccess.net/main/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/girl-crying.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">25,000 people die everyday because of poverty … one person … every 3.5 seconds.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What’s your response? <i>What’s your heart cry</i>?</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Does it make your eyes gloss over? Does it make your heart break? If you’re like me, then no it doesn’t. It’s something you grew up with, something you always knew about, something we are so familiar with, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">it’s really just too easy to be sympathetic and not empathetic</span></b>. Every 3.5 seconds someone dies, not because of a car crash, not because of a cancer, but because, they just didn’t have enough, because they couldn’t get access to food, because there was an injustice, <i>dare I suggest, because someone didn’t act on their behalf?</i> This leads me to ask why? A dangerous question, a question moving me from the comfort of my life to uncomfortable reality.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But global poverty … wow … its huge … justice … it’s just huge, it’s over my head, I’m small and to be honest, I don’t understand it, I haven’t got the political insight or wisdom to suggest new management plans, I haven’t got £1000’s to give away to those in need, I haven’t got the freedom to jump on a plane and romantically go and spend a couple of days planting some grain for the farmers … I don’t know what I can do, other than one thing … <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">pray</span></b>.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A cop-out? No I don’t think so … it was through prayer Moses parted the Red Sea … it was through prayer Jesus endured the cross … it was through prayer that all the miraculous and awe inspiring events of the bible took place – </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it’s through prayer, God changes things</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. A recent 24-7 product so aptly described 24-7 as an army of people on their knee’s – so are we really? Or are we too busy looking inward, too busy with our own distractive personal hurts, our own short comings, too busy seeking personal development that we forget </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jesus calls us to look to him, not to ourselves</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, and when we do that, we find ourselves? </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Stanford-Le-Hope Boiler room has another week of prayer coming up … this time, we focus on various world issues, but one of them being global poverty. A huge topic, but a huge God. A scary topic, but a scary God – how often do we forget God hears the cries of the oppressed, or perhaps, how little do our spiritual eyes see of that? My prayer for this prayer week, is that in this time, as I somehow, focus my attention on prayer for global poverty, God will break my heart, that God will move me from familiarity to reality but that also, as much as I do not understand much about this, that God will use my availability and press upon me prayer topics, press upon me opportunities to assist in various ways. I don’t really know how I can help other than small financial contribution and some prayer … but I do say, God here I am, use me and further, I trust the Holy Spirit can direct me where he wills as long as I stay in touch with him. </span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-87331062846460602302010-01-21T09:49:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:52:22.620-08:00reaching<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/2058198168_fac0e21ee1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/2058198168_fac0e21ee1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I love this photo.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Modern art eh?</div><div style="text-align: center;">This one I like. I relate to it I guess.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-36867723008831952162010-01-02T17:40:00.000-08:002010-01-02T17:43:38.564-08:00Christian - Open your eyes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dontgo.co.uk/openyoureyes/openyoureyesfront.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 512px; height: 747px;" src="http://www.dontgo.co.uk/openyoureyes/openyoureyesfront.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Us Christians, so comfortable with church, so comfortable with our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do we really see?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Do you really see others or do you just see yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">I challenge you to see past your tradition and your cultural norms; I challenge you to see with Jesus’ eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Do you see the girl who smokes and wonder how she calls herself a Christian, or do you see an opportunity to love, a chance to encourage, inspire? A chance to welcome her with open arms and remind her how powerful God is and how he can overcome anything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe you’re right, being 2 stone overweight is no where near as sinful as a 10 a day smoker. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Do you see the guy in church who has his hands up and claps? Do you see the guy who is so passionate and going for it with God and think ‘he’s got is sussed he does?’ … Or can you see past that? Can you, in reality, see the guy who can’t go to bed at night without some form of sedative because self-harm and depression has just to strong a hold over him? Do you see his heart wrenched cries to God for help, or do you just see the guy who comes to church and really ‘engages in worship?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>… Maybe he only does it, because, that’s his only hope – how far would a little encouragement go? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Do you see the girl who comes to church in fear of not impressing? Can you see past her well groomed hair, new clothes and flawless makeup and see that she feels she has to look her best because she knows, that behind the scenes, when the leaders aren’t about the guys in church rate her out of 10?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">What about the guy who comes to church who is gay? His effeminate voice and out there trendy clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do you see a guy wounded by life and the churches judging, or can you see past that and realise that sex with another man is just as bad as sex outside of marriage, or, are you going to be like his parents and throw him out on the street too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How far would a welcoming hug and a smile of acceptance go?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">What about the newest young couple in town? Do you longingly wait for an engagement ring, so excited as you reminisce of young love? Are you even aware that their putting off such an engagement because behind the scenes they’re still struggling with sexual sin, too scared, too intimidated to ask for help for fear their reputation might take a blow? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Or what about our dear old 80-year-old friend, the one woman who could pray you through anything? You may see her as an inspiration, but she’s still human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe her husbands died, maybe her kids are far away, she’s too sore to walk far and really its not safe for her to drive, but bless her, she still gets to church and pops out the odd passionate prayer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She inspires you, encourages you, but is it all about you? Do you see that besides your new inspired feelings of motivation that she’s actually feeling alone? How far would a phone call go? A quick cup of tea? An invite where you know she can’t go but, hey, it’s nice to be involved? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Maybe it’s time we started to pray for eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe its time we realised that this church we so love to go to for a catch up and a song is truly as Casting Crowns put it “A Stained Glass Masquerade”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">What’s the reality? Behind that smoker there’s a story, a reason for her rebellion, behind that guy there’s pain, his passion is just an outworking of his desperation and that other girl? Well she’s chained to image and that guy who’s gay, he can’t break free from something he’s not even aware of, and that young couple, their marriage might be doomed before it’s even started and what if our dear old 80 year-old-friend has a pleasant death and ends up in heaven, but her final few years on this place were spent … alone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Jesus is the best, Jesus is the healer, Jesus sees, Jesus knows, Jesus truly is God in man - but maybe it’s time we prayed for his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe it’s time we opened our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Maybe it’s time where we’re the ones that need to break free.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Pray for eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Be ready to see.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dontgo.co.uk/openyoureyes/openyoureyesfront.gif"></a>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-16242491943799146232010-01-02T13:05:00.000-08:002010-01-02T13:08:53.026-08:00Insantiy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.insanity1.com/insanity%20logo%202008.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 800px; height: 402px;" src="http://www.insanity1.com/insanity%20logo%202008.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's funny how the smallest thing can drive you to the point of madness. I normally love the airport wait ... I love the book reading, the people watching, the exciting prospect of travel thousands of feet in the air, the acceleration, the scary but secretly enjoyable turbulence and even my own personal battles not to open the emergency exit door when mid-flight - I normally love all this.<br /><br />But right now I am loosing my mind, seriously, I posted my status on facebook that I felt like evil hamsters were slowly and surely eating my brain. I have had coffee, chocolate, I'm now on Strongbow, paying for internet, have talked to the locals, read a paper, written in my journal, read my bible, read a secular book, and you know what, i'm cracking up!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />General vent.<br /><br />I apologise.WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-49118449956366153862009-12-16T16:42:00.000-08:002009-12-16T17:02:19.899-08:00The two go hand in hand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://davidputmanlive.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/prayfast1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://davidputmanlive.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/prayfast1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">'(Asceticism) ... <i>releases the soul from bondage to the body, permitting union with the divine</i>.'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This week, as part of our Transit Course with 24-7 Prayer, we had assignments to do - we each had a 10 minute slot which was to be filled (in any way we wanted) by exploring something we have learned in order to teach the rest of the group.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">One thing (alongisde hundreds others) that I have really been challenged about thus far is this topic of 'fasting'. Now anyone who knows me will know that I am quite a fan of food, anything from a 14oz rare steak to raw fish, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>I love it</b></span> (exceptions naturally being mushrooms and tomato soup) so this whole concept of 'giving up food for God' really got my wee mind ticking.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">In order to do my 10 minute power point presentation I had alot of reading to do, largely into asceticism and its practice, fasting and its routes, biblical examples of fasting and a couple of christian books on the topic, I further did some interviews with members within the community here who fast. I can now positively say I am well versed in this topic. Which again in itself presents a further challenge - I have not found one bad thing that comes from fasting, we can all put up with headaches and grumpiness, yet all comments and readings were positive - folks testified to how blown away they were by God, how in tune with God they were -<b> I</b><b> may love my food but am I missing out on something here???</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">The answer is obviously yes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Matthew 6:16</span></i> 'and WHEN you fast ...'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Luke 5:34-35</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span>'Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not! But someday the groom will be taken from them, and then they will fast.'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Acts 14:23</span></i> 'With prayer and fasting they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord.'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Luke 2:37</span></i> ' ... there she worshipped God with prayer and fasting.'</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Clear biblical commands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Not debatable.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b>Fact</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Confidently, I feel its possible to say, that as Jesus interested folk, we should be fasting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Fasting as Jesus talked about it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Fasting on behalf of others.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Fasting to get to know God more.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Fasting to worship him.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Commitment.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Sacrifice.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Empty words can't feature here.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Action.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It's pretty simple really, pray and fast, the two go hand in hand, the troubling bit is us, are we really willing?</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Corbel, serif;font-size:7;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 43px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-73263159048958072482009-12-12T05:31:00.000-08:002009-12-12T05:32:56.292-08:00Run the race<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/~sirinuch/images/perseverance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 399px;" src="http://www2.sis.pitt.edu/~sirinuch/images/perseverance.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><i>No reserve.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><i>No retreat.</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><b><i>No regret.</i></b></span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-36866396481567956702009-12-05T16:05:00.000-08:002009-12-05T16:22:38.315-08:00You're not blue cuz you haven't got a clue!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg_k4AOax33TtreYBSOgTW1vzopRHmYYpxLJp7arI0aDx4AFk43mqSC9hrgmIhQhhpsEmtAI-FfFGDRQMbPi2hzQS1skGFljwd2LBJ85HltM0mYakE2ZnVBSrIDJpaU5p5GNHq1mcj1s/s1600-h/DSCN2507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg_k4AOax33TtreYBSOgTW1vzopRHmYYpxLJp7arI0aDx4AFk43mqSC9hrgmIhQhhpsEmtAI-FfFGDRQMbPi2hzQS1skGFljwd2LBJ85HltM0mYakE2ZnVBSrIDJpaU5p5GNHq1mcj1s/s320/DSCN2507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411907772691014226" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>I'm blue, I'm blue ... why aren't you? </i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>You're not blue cuz you haven't got a clue!!!</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This was our chant that echoed through the streets of London as our team of 6 marched from the train station to the subway - let me tell you, some funny looks we got to the point where Andy was commonly stopped by strangers for a 30 second photo shoot. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Pondering the day has lead to much reflective conviction. Climate change is really quite a big issue when you come to think of it, and it's my generation that's going to be effected, so really I should be concerned about such issues - this has heightened my awareness of it all - I'm now actually alot more concerned ... </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The main motivation for the protest (I think this is right) was to encourage our government to back supporting other countires who can't afford to pay for protective modifications such like water barriers - hence the protest/demo being called 'The Wave.'</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So as you all know I'm part of this on going wave also known as 24-7 prayer, and part of their core values is this theme of justice, which if I'm honest has always seemed, to me, a bit vague and my understanding of it was limited - but events like today have helped me realise that as Jesus followers we have a responsability concerning justice, it is our requirement almost, to stand up for causes and ongoing political and worldly issues, today we acted as advocates for the poorer, on behalf of tearfund we stood to encourage support for the poorer and raise awareness, to me, this is what Jesus would do, this is what he would advocate - therefore to ignorantly overlook these things, in my opinion, is foolish and arguably counter-christianity.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">God's widening my perspective and my maturity. I'm growing up.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> I like it. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How true that chant that started off as a flippant joke rings true ... you're not blue cuz you haven't got a clue ... I didn't have a clue, I don't have a clue, but I'm getting there, that's the challenge, that's the fun in living. </span></span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-83590602546068052009-11-19T16:59:00.000-08:002009-11-19T17:01:41.408-08:00Letting go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/947511170_dea998692f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 428px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1020/947511170_dea998692f.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">My current challenge ...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How</b></span> do you let go of the things of the past, in order that you may live, <i>ye</i>t, how do you let go of the things that shaped you into who you are?</span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-38043349827552244402009-11-18T11:25:00.001-08:002009-11-18T16:25:49.381-08:00Seedy bread, wine and love hearts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHyjucJOZwkyh-idv5xE9Yo8kD2iYPCPHSjjJx6KH4cHWAhHNcMkQB5eDPXvAo9PuDyLIRYHKTSBjqcJ64Q_0u6n_CqbVHoBAmi8nZtgViFXR-HcJfrOVFTBmDTTNSjEPHTAivu9FOP0/s1600/DSCN2354.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHyjucJOZwkyh-idv5xE9Yo8kD2iYPCPHSjjJx6KH4cHWAhHNcMkQB5eDPXvAo9PuDyLIRYHKTSBjqcJ64Q_0u6n_CqbVHoBAmi8nZtgViFXR-HcJfrOVFTBmDTTNSjEPHTAivu9FOP0/s320/DSCN2354.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405527375064191346"></a><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><br /></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><br /></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Transit head off to Reading for the weekend, having finished schools work on the friday we jet off in the Robb and Sally automobile machine with the assistance of the SatNav (no comment needed other than ridiculous). We're going to stay with Charl, one of the Transits of last year, to see how she's doing post transit, to question her about transit, basically grab some mutual support and see the world of Reading where 24/7 kicked off nearly 10 years ago now. We got there a bit later than expected (thanks SatNav) but arrived to a prayer meeting, about 15 people from about 18 to 40 in age, passionate about God, another beautiful scene, some worship time, some prayer time, some communion time, but not with just any bread may I add, some fancy white/brown bread with seeds in, chewy and everything, I think it did the same job though even if it had lots of bits in it. Bread ... Wine ... Vision ... Passion ... Jesus. I can't describe anything more beautiful than relationship with Jesus in these places, to see people in love, to see people truly alive. To be part of such a prayer meeting was a blessing in itself. Following the meeting, we finished off the communion wine in a respectful manner complimented only by a multitude of Greys Anatomy season 4 and simply enjoyed being together. Saturday was lovely, a nice lie in and a cooked breakfast with a latte, (James Butler you rock my world!) then a quick trek into Reading to see the sites and Hotel Chocolate. We bought some red paper in preperation for the evenings adventure, inspired by the lovely Charl who has such a heart and vision for an estate in her local community.</span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Picture this scene.</span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A council estate. Pretty bleak, intimidating, especially at night, the atmosphere, soaked in its painful memories of things gone down, of the rough stuff, the 'unspoken' stuff. Its busy, its populated. Happy people ... Sad people ... Busy people ... Bored people. But people all the same. How easy it is to walk into somewhere thats that bit out of your comfort zone and out comes the judgement. But we've boxed that away, left that at the entrance, we're here in Jesus name, he doesn't come to condemn, he loves, we're in this estate to give some love. </span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We all gather in the local community christian cafe, wrapped up warm with hats, gloves, scarves and caffeine and we pray. We pray God will bless this community, we pray we could be salt and light, we pray that God will follow our steps, that we'll be a presence here tonight, a softer presence, a gentle presence, a Jesus presence. Humbly we pray over some pound shop paper cut out hearts, a small token - but with potentially immeasurable effects. We pray they'll touch hearts, they'll be a spot of hope in the darkness, a spot of Holy Spirit conviction, a touch of divine warmth for this estate. Utterings of Jesus continue, and it's time to mobilize.</span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We're all obviously a bit apprehensive, internally each one reminding themselves they are here in Jesus name and they are safe, we set off. It's dark, it's quiet and we pray walk. The double sided sticky tape is at the ready (troublesome as it is) and we stick these simple hearts all over this estate, on wheelie bins, on walls, on children's slides, on fences, on salt bins ... anything we feel lead to. </span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't know the effect it had. I don't know if anyone even saw a love heart. I do know that God can use anything though, I know he desires to lavish his love on people, I do know he won't waste an opportunity ... and I do know, they were still there the next day. The hearts weren't in your face. They weren't hidden. They're just there. Like us, not in your face, not hidden, just there. That's all that matters eh? Ready and available.</span></font></div><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, serif"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Seedy bread, wine and love hearts. A weekend to remember.</span></font></div></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-58218525116780981672009-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:002009-10-28T18:14:38.156-07:00Hospitality, 60p and a prayer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/admin/Uploads/media/35/prayer-form-image.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/admin/Uploads/media/35/prayer-form-image.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s Wednesday and today is challenge day! We get given £5, £2.40 of which is for our return train fare to Leeds, the remainder is for our day in Leeds.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The aim is to learn what it’s like to be very poor/homeless and to have to spend a day in the big city.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Its now 1030am, only an hour and half in.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The weather is nice, chilly enough for morning time but the sun pops out occasionally and its dry so one should not complain, weatherwise, it’s a good day to be on the streets.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">With my free metro paper from the train station and internally suppressing the need for coffee I ascertain my midday meeting point and I’m off. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Having wandered aimlessly for a bit I select one of many benches and plop down with my metro.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Your typical free newspaper, some politics, some finances, some murders, some gang problems, some celeb gossip</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">(and a ridiculously difficult Suduko puzzle which didn’t take me too long to give up on)– the normal stuff.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Then I’m interrupted.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I see a man making a B line for me.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Not realllly the kind of man you want to see making a B line for you.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My middle class, healthy, clean 21 year old self was about to be challenged</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He gets closer and continues his approach.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Making eye contact I break from the norm of quickly/awkwardly looking away and reading the paper to just simply returning a warm glance trying to be open and approachable.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He continues the approach, alarmingly with a bit more gusto :s all flipping 6ft 2inches of him with his red unshavened face, army jacket and general rough/ganster man.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For a skinny feeble boy like me, this is quite an intimidating scene! Having run through some self-defense moves (unrealistic matrix moves naturally) in my head and ascertained my ‘if necessary’ escape route I maintain my aimed at open pretense.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">With a pungent smell of stale alcohol combined with urine and sweet smelling body odour the man makes his way right into my personal space and bluntly asks for some money.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s at this point I suddenly realize I only have £2.60 to last me a day (me who eats like a horse) and I’m sitting on a bench with a bag round me and he’s towering over me, the escape plan is not going to work AND I hardly have any money to give this man.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This is it.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The boy who jokes about Belfast and stabbings, is ironically, going to get stabbed himself! So I politely apologise, turn on the good old Irish wit and explain that I don’t actually have much on me, and the reasons why.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He lets out a disappointed (but unexpected on my part) smile and begins to make a move.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">However, I’m challenged.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Something pulls me for more.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I do have £2.60 so I ask him to have a seat and have a chat with me, honestly my aim being to decipher whether this man is going to use this money for booze or for food, I wouldn’t mind sharing a sandwich, well I would mind, but it’s a sacrifice I’d be willing to make.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I decided however to give him 60p.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Embarrassed about how little I had given the man now seated next to me, I went on to explain where I was from, what I was about and how via 24-7 prayer I had ended up in Leeds spending the day in town with only £2.60.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The atmosphere’s changed though.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s not so coldly intimidating anymore, warmer, more open, feels like 2 friends sitting on a bench having a chat as opposed to the little rich kid scared of getting stabbed scenario.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I offer him my paper, he declines and keen to help him out in some other way I notice has hands.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Yellow, blotchy, cold, dirty, dry, calloused, hands that have known some difficulty over the recent months.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We shake hands and exchange names, noticing how cold his hands are I offer my gloves, again he politely declines.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It would appear, he’s not interested in getting anymore, but was now here for the chat. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">And so we chat.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For the sake of this blog we shall refer to this guy as Dan.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Dan know’s all about Northern Ireland, its troubles, political struggles and current difficulties, a knowledgeable and interesting man to talk to.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I don’t like talking about me to much, namely transit is taxing to explain and difficult so I turned it onto him, turns out he has been homeless for six months, he once had a house, car, job, mortgage, a wife and 2 kids.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He starts to cry.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There’s a painful silence.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So I ask him what he does all day to try and assuage the awkwardness.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He walks the streets looking for food and money and when he’s got some he gets cheap kebab meat and he honestly admits, a bottle of white lightning.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He keeps talking, appearing to enjoy it, painful as it may be.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He recounts how his drink problem lead to him leaving his home as he was being bad to his wife and children, I’m not sure if Dan was chucked out of house, or voluntarily left, but either way, you can see the pain in his tear-filled eyes.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Conversation continues and he talks a bit about his daughter who is 10, he obviously loves his children and his wife which lead me to question how he can just ‘accept’ this street life, I don’t mean that judgmentally, life has obviously dealt this man a bad hand but you wonder is he trying to sort it out or just accepting this is it, as some kind of self-punishment for the maltreatment of his family?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s getting a bit too difficult, he’s beginning to realize he has a tear stricken face and is divulging a lot of information to a stranger so he begins to make a move.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Not wanting to push it too far but wanting to shed a little bit more ‘God-Light’ on the situation I tell him I’ll pray for him.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Getting up, he’s stopped in his tracks, looks up at me, thinks for a minute and then asks can we pray together.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I was like HAHAHA love it :)</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">praise God</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So he sits back down, grabs my hand, puts his head down and to my surprise and dismay he starts praying.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s a strange scene to be sure, an obvious homeless guy holding the hand of a 21 year old who are both praying together in the middle of the busy high street.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I had a personal triumph here however, evidence that God is actually doing something in my life.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For the first time, in life, I really didn’t care what I looked like, at all, I was sitting in a public place, holding hands with a homeless guy, praying, it was just beautiful.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">He prayed for food, for money, for his family and then for me, simple, short and beautiful, a prayer not tainted with the stain of ostentatious religion but dripping with the painful realities and truth of life</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I followed with praying for a couple of things, namely blessing I think, nothing exciting if memory serves well but concluded in the name of Jesus.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We both smile.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">You can tell he’s thankful.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We shared a little moment of heaven on the street as two equals.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We close up our conversations and putting his hand on my knee he smiles once more, tears back again and says thanks.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Hospitality, 60p and a pray. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">To me it was beautiful, I’m reminded </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I’m alive</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/admin/Uploads/media/35/prayer-form-image.png"></a>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-76236479048079435652009-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:002009-10-25T07:22:00.351-07:00Terrifying Holiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tvparty.com/bgifs11/fear-record.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 503px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.tvparty.com/bgifs11/fear-record.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Having been reading through God story and praying about personal development in my faith, one of the main themes standing out thus far has been the fear of god. The old testament god is the same today and as he was back then, he is never changing and yet I still so flippantly push my boundaries. I haven’t been a God fearing man. I often prayed about this fear that I knew I should have, but how did I get it? I was left unaware. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A common prayer theme for this 24-7 prayer week was the presence of God. It was highlighted at the eurogathering and was raised again in Exodus 33 in God story when Moses did not want to continue without the presence of God. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">If there is one thing this gap year has taught me thus far is that praying big is a dangerous sport</span></i></b>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It’s a Tuesday evening. Firey bellied, a group of young, passionate and able-bodied Christian’s set out for an 11pm worship slot. For some reason, God pressed upon me to hold back and walk down with Angelique and Sara missing out on the first ride in my friends car as she just passed her test. So breaking off from the banter and busyness I so commonly surround myself in, I held back and walked down. The walk was lovely, 3 young people, passionate about God, passionate about getting to know him and fearlessly seeking his face. We discussed ‘depth’ and coincidentally (nothing is ever coincidental when God is involved) we all felt more open and prepared to be vulnerable, so we decided to hold back after the worship with the view to some more openness and personal story telling. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The worship was electric and God-filled. Incredible. How breath-takingly beautiful it is to be in a room with about 10 different nationalities, a large age range and an acoustic guitar. Beautiful. Intimate. Romantic. Real. By about 1am the worship was over and we concluded with some personal bondage breaking healing prayer over one of our transits. This is such a hurt nation, but such a big God. Seeing this girls pain stirred me, stirring me all the more to get to grips with this Jesus who is so gentle, kind, warm and loving. We turned off the worship music so our focus wouldn’t be distracted and after a late night caffeine fix we re-entered the prayer room. Only this time with a different approach. Inspired by old testament readings God pressed upon us to bring some water and oil. Keen to discover more, we approached the cross. Back to where it all begins. With a strange and never been experienced intensity we began to pray. Driven by our hope of freedom from the desperately painful state of this world we started on our knees. We prayed the holy spirit would search us, try us, convict us of un-confessed sin, to purify us. We bowed to that cross and confessed Jesus as both Lord and Saviour. We pleaded for forgiveness and begged for purification. By 2am we individually washed our hands as a symbol of leaving our filth and mire at the cross, washed by the blood of Jesus. We remained on our knees, heads up, eyes closed, praising the name of Jesus. It’s a still, gentle atmosphere, the complex classical piano harmonies remind us of how beautiful, lovely and gentle our Jesus is but also how unworthy and distracted we are. With thanksgiving and praise we pray boldly, expectantly and with faith. Claiming ground for Christ. Proclaiming Christ’s victory. Surrendering more and more. How gentle and beautiful this was. But we wanted more. More of this lovely Jesus, so gently and repeatedly we prayed “jesus come … we invite you here … open up the heavens and let your glory descend” In this gentleness and stillness we wait. Something struck me. That shiver. That tingle. That knowledge of something ‘more’ going on. I spoke outloud “God … you are here”. At once something changed. I dropped my face to the ground in literal trembling fear, Sara screamed falling face down and Angelique the same. Silence. Heavy breathing. Shudders. A breeze from an open door. I felt Jesus in the room. I knew he was there. 2m away to my right, walking slowly around the room. Too scared to cry, gripped with fear I couldn’t move. My spine. Literally pinned to that floor face down on my knees, the only utterable word ‘worthy’. Coming from the naïve young and cocky 21year old who so longed to physically see the holy side of the supernatural, to be stuck face down to the ground, eyes closed as hard as they could, this was a big deal. I couldn’t move. I literally couldn’t move, could even barely speak. Unaware of Angelique and Sara I felt Jesus walk around. But … this was not the Jesus I knew. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><b><i>This was the real Jesus</i></b></span>. A new revelation of what it means to really be a God-fearing man. This Jesus was powerful. This Jesus was victorious. This Jesus was terrifying holy. This Jesus was love. Gripped with fear but also love, I had the revelation that has since revolutionalized my life, I knew Jesus was powerful, victorious, I knew all this. Now, I know this. Now I know what it means to fear God. This Jesus loves me, how unworthy I am. A new revelation of grace and Gods goodness. As the physicality’s faded these revelations of grace and goodness lead us to worship, to dance, to praise, to scream, to cry, to lie down, to stand up, to jump. We eventually took it all out on the wall with a paint box. As speech and conversation returned, we shared our individual experiences. Each one exactly the same. The son of God truly was in the room. Words can’t do this experience justice. It’s changed my life. It’s kept me from indulging myself. Its lead me to pursue holiness, to really pursue God. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">My only prayer is now that I’ll never forget. That I’ll never lose the wonder.</span><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817447182020498862.post-5861027041085218272009-10-23T19:18:00.000-07:002009-10-23T19:28:52.212-07:00Young man working through his hopes and fears<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.troublebound.net/Assorted_Musings.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.troublebound.net/Assorted_Musings.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">So I've eventually caved and given into the blogging culture. Over here on the outskirts of London and life with Jesus, alot goes down. Many joys are had, many struggles are had and naturally, many lessons are learned. So i thought why not jot it down online, I got my journal but if I'm honest I'm too lazy when it comes to re-telling all the stories over again to multiple friends and family, so they'll be here hopefully (and it also gives the boiler room leaders a chance to spy on what's going on and what lessons have been learnt, or lack there of).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Life here is pretty immense. It has its highs and the occasional low but at the end of the day, I'm living for the creator and he's got it all planned out, I get the blessing of going along for the ride.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">I haven't many wise words, creative expressions or talented bloggings. I'm just a young man working through his hopes and fears. Feel free to comment, criticize, challenge or encourage. And enjoy ;)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">So where to begin? for now ... bed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Over and out</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;">Mike </span></div>WarpedAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06333169565126452720noreply@blogger.com0