In Christ, Of Christ, For Christ

 

Reconciled in Christ

¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, ²⁰ and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
²¹ And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled ²² in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Sacrificial Service for Christ

²⁴ I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, ²⁵ of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, ²⁶ the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. ²⁷ To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which^[d] is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily

Readers are Leaders

A list of good books.

1. 52 Little Lessons from It's a Wonderful Life...Bob Welch
2. Axiom...Bill Hybels
3. Holy Ambition...Chip Ingram
4. Dying for Change....Anderson
5. The Evangelist...Billy Graham
6. Christ Based Leadership...Stark
7. Simple Church... Thom Rainer
8. Preaching and Teaching with Imagination...Weirsbe
9. Between Two Worlds...Stott
10.The Power of Loving Your Church...Hansen

Christmas with ..The Slobz family.

(to be read with an English accent)

It was a few days before Christmas, the Slobz came for a visit.  Antwerp and Sally Slobz and their children Ima and Ura Slobz.  My heart dropped, as Sally hung her coat on the three foot tall glass Nativity scene by the door. Ima just threw his coat and boots under the tree.  "He's so cute." Said Antwerp.

"What's for supper?" asked Ura, as she came through the door.
"I'm hungry again!"  Demanded Ima.
"Here's three banana's, on the table." Sally gladly said, knowing they both would throw tantrums if they didn't eat every five minutes.
"Those were for my food for work."  My wife said.  "But you eat up."

"We were hoping you'd have those Christmas cookies you had last year." Antwerp said looking around the kitchen.
"Maybe she can make them tonight, and you can eat them here in the morning." Sally comforted him.
"In the morning?" My wife and I said together.
"Surprise!   We decided...look Ima has taken all of the Christmas ornaments off the tree."
"What" I said with heart dropping.
"He's so smart...Ima put all the blue ones together and pile the angels over in this pile."
"I'll stack the green bulbs on the fire place!" Shouted Ima.
"Okay but move all the other decorations to the side. ..He knows his colors."
"Where's Antwerp?" I asked worried.

Feeling right at home, Antwerp and Sally laid across the couches, while my wife sat in the chair from the kitchen, already worried about the morning.

"Ima stop shaking the Christmas tree!" Yelled Sally, as she handed Ura to my wife.
"I want to see the angel at the top." He moaned
"Well I'll get it for you!" She accommodated.
"Hurry, Hurry." He demanded.
"They just love Christmas." said Antwerp
My heart dropped again, when there was a knocking at the door.  I hoped it wasn't anyone that I knew.
It wasn't.

"We called and told the Messes, we'd be here. We thought we would play a game!  Isn't Christmas fun? Are you going to play?
"The radio just said there may be a blizzard.!!" Antwerp rejoiced.
"No. I'll not play.  I better go to bed."
                                                                           
To be continued;   Have a Merry Christmas!

Good News!

Born of a virgin, a Holy baby in a barn and feeding trough. Arriving into a dark dusty world. Born in the smells of sheep and donkeys.  No room for Him, then and none now.

Day after day, year after year, schooling, family, and the nation under the rule of another, this child grows and matures.  This is more than a teacher, Rabbi, or prophet, this is Holy God to man. A Holy God living in "submission" to His creation, in order to reveal Himself to them.....

....In order to save them and reconcile them to Himself.  His Holy birth made it a Holy life and a Holy cross. The Holiness made it a terrible cross.  Others had died on crosses.  But this was as the Roman soldier said;
"This is truly the Son of God!"

"But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 
Romans 5:8

He said "IT IS FINISHED!"  He died, was buried and rose again.

"For if we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
Romans 5: 10

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."-Jesus

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1.

See If I Care!

Go ahead, walk on by like you don't see him hurting here.  See if I care!
You see their house blown away on the news. Go ahead go to the fridge during the commercial.  See if I care!

You don't go see/call  them on the Holidays. See if I care!
You didn't bring any food for your church community thanksgiving dinner.  See if I care!

You wouldn't  vote. See if I care!
You weren't heart broken about the school shooting.  See if I care.

Three thousand churches die every year and you go occasionally.  See if I care!
You're laying there trying to breathe in a hospital room, dieing yourself.. See if I care!

                                                                                   Yours always.
                                                                                                   Satan   a.k.a. De Devil

Let's Do Life Together

Let's not do life alone. Or, Let's just hang out together from time to time!  If needed, we can encourage each other, be an welcome addition  You pray for me and I will pray for you!

We all live far away from one another so, I'll meet you here! 

                                                                                                     Tim

p.s You Rock!

Pray for one Another!

     We have those looking in today from; U.S. France, Ukraine, Brazil, Czech Republic, Israel and India.  Let's pray for each other right now.  "For God so loved the world..."

Biblical worldview

You may live in a different city, even continent than I do. We can agree we both live in a crazy, selfish, Godless world.  Knowing the Word of God and looking at this world in light of eternity, we are aware those attitudes and behaviors are not surprising.

As believers in Christ, as disciples empowered with His power and love, we are to live in the culture with a Biblical worldview.  You can know who you are, based on God's Word and principles.  You and I then, receive our direction from the Bible. Those with a secular worldview will be rolling their eyes about now. Yet we can stand on the truth with confidence and like Daniel of the Old Testament, we remain faithful to God, realizing true peace and righteousness. (promoted or Lions den).

Religious habit has nothing to do with it.  There has to be that love relationship. That we spend time conversing with God, while listening to His direction from His Word. This culture will attempt identity theft and indoctrinate you with their ideas. We read in Daniel, that he had "purposed in His heart" not to defile himself with the culture of the Babylonian empire.

This week, believer look into the word of God,  let it define who you are and what you have; in Christ! and it will direct us as we walk this society as Christian ambassadors,  in this foreign land. We can live with Biblical conviction based on Biblical principles.

Whether we leave for work, the family reunion, or the University, we can return home with our Biblical worldview intact.

At your first opportunity read the Letter to the Ephesians, written by Paul.

In Christ!

What a miracle being; in Christ is. At one point you are dead in sin, realizing the call/draw of His Holy Spirit.
you hear: "Follow Me." You do.  You then are born again.  Your sin is covered by the blood of Jesus. The believer walks now in Spirit and in truth. Now I'm dead to this world but alive unto God.

When it comes to God, your ; "Do I have to?" turns into "I love to." Religion turns into a relationship!   That person now knows what it means to have old things passed away, all things are made new.  Paul wrote that, His Spirit and Word,  assures us we are the Children of God.  John said that those who received Him, to them, He gave power to become the children of God.!

 "But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love, with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses,  made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been sasved), and raised us up together, in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus."  Ephesians 2:4-6.

Welcome Home

  Another great man  is absent from the body, and now present with the Lord.  Through Church, I have known Carl Stokes since I was an elementary school student. I knew even then, he was in charge.  From the beginning he was a friend to our family and a great example to me as well.

 Carl was among some good men in our church body.  That might have added to his strength, not having  to go it alone.  Being a man among men, this was a  man of  God, family, and others.  He was the conduit through whom Gods' blessings would flow, as he shared his resources of;  time, finances, effort, and love.

I remember, in my young teenage years, announcing I was a follower of Christ. Soon I began going on church visits with  pastor or mostly Carl, visiting those who were;  faithful, shut-in and the indifferent.  We went to the homes of the flock, sheep, and some goats, as well.  Carl could engage with both.  I have seen him at the altar, both repenting and praising.

I'll always have great memories of him,  as  the coach of our church softball team.  Many that were teenagers and young men then, are now grandfathers themselves.  Men and women in the body of Christ, some still involved in Church work,  because of that church having a team and Carl as our leader. He did what good coaches do and attempted to develop us for life and disciples of Christ.

Now, his family are my friends and family as well.  They know he loved them. We all do not grieve, as those without hope. We shall meet again! 

The other day He gave Jesus a very firm hand shake, and when they broke from their hug, Jesus looked him in the eyes and said:  "Well done."      

Dear God;

Lord I pray now, interceding for the weeks readers in the;  U.S., France, Ukraine, United Kingdom,
Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, and Iraq.  Give them peace, strength and your grace.  May they find a relationship with You and live as lights in a dark world.
                                                                                           Amen

Sunday Morning prayertime

Please God,
     Don't send me far away from home...or the nursery dept.

                                                                             Your servant,  Tim

Let's Pray right now!

This is to the people that have read so far, today from; The U.S., Ukraine, United Kingdom, China, Denmark, France, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, and Singapore.

LET'S PRAY FOR EACH OTHER RIGHT NOW!

How did I get here?

You ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, you will get a list of careers, some you never heard of.  We might be surprised in fifteen years when that young boy or girl has created that business, service or ministry we didn't have the imagination to achieve.

The young girl wasn't born a Doctor, or have all the needed.skills and knowledge at three years old.  There would be daycare, she would attend elementary school.  The parents had to drop her off at High school. She might be top of the class, yet not be ready to do surgery in the local operating room.

Policemen, lawyer, doctor, Pastor, soldier, CEO, fireman, truck driver, NBA/NFL star. all require steps of growth and training.

"Yeah, we know that!"  Then why do some students have to be class clown or sleep in class. (that only works for comedians).

No matter the age of a person, you will become tomorrow, what you are making of yourself today! Some men and women during prosperous times, sat in unemployment offices with their head in their hands. Why?!
That is what they trained themselves to do while in school, as they sat their looking at the clock with their head in their hands.

Teenager to senior citizen if you wish to accomplish some dream or career, begin now to develop yourself.  Those in school, have a great time!  Also study and  receive an education, not just a letter grade.  We might be an adult.  Read, read ,read and get those Cd's maybe those old cassettes,take a leadership course or get a coach and teach and motivate yourself.  You and I might be surprised at the dreams and accomplishments!  Others will be surprised at the business, service or ministry they didn't have the imagination to achieve.

"Lord, You are the Potter.  I am the clay."

What have I been up to?

Have I been sharing the love of God?

Have I been aggressive?
Have I been blessing the Lord?
Have I been celebrating Gods' creation?
Have I been dedicated to God?
Have I been encouraging God's people?
Have I been faithful to God?
Have I been guiding others to God?
Have I been hearing God speak?
Have I been Interceding for others?
Have I been justified by God?
Have I been kind?
Have I been learning God's ways?
Have I been making disciples?
Have I been near to God's word?
Have I been others minded?
Have I been pursuing God?
Have I been quiet in His presence?
Have I been resting in Christ?
Have I been serving God?
Have I been teaching others God's ways?
Have I been united to His Church?
Have I been victorious in Christ?
Have I been worshiping Him?
Have I been xpecially giving? huh?
Have I been zealous for God?

Flannelgraph and Puppets.

This is the age of  the "phone so smart"; babysitter, teacher, and short attention span getter. Resulting in the year "2525", song from the 1960's, making appearances at a house, day care, or church near you!

If you can hear me over the screaming and  bossy monster you've created Mr. and Mrs Frankenstein..."By all means throw that kid an I phone."  (just kidding).

From teaching, training, to entertaining, we think this technology is all there is.  I know without a doubt it has to be, and should be used,  but the Zombies we are destroying are not only on the kid's phone games.

Let's use the relationship of; Prayer, Gods' Word, Human leadership/interaction coupled with today and tomorrows technology.

I've got a mission

Queen Esther of the Old Testament  chose to come to the aid of her people. Her uncle said that she may have been "born for such a time as this".

Jesus went out early before Sunrise and prayed. They found Him, saying "Everyone is looking for you." They may have supposed that their ministry would be in that city.  Jesus said; no, let's move on and preach in other towns, "For this reason I have come."

You and I have reasons and callings for our lives and to the lives of others, He sends us.  Jesus said: "Go into all the world." Sharing the good news of His life, death for the world, and resurrection!I believe He desires us to go across the street and across the globe.

We have been reconciled, and given the ministry of reconciliation.  Are we being and doing His will?
My new mission statement is:  "To connect people; with Christ, His Church and the Community."

Amen.
                                                                                   

From the book "Thirty one Days to Becoming a Blessing" by Tim Flener

two pages from forty page help and devotional.  Amazon.com

                       DAY SIX

  The Apostle Paul prayed for open doors and the boldness, to go through them.  He could have been satisfied with the way his life was going; at home in his recliner getting his education under Gamaliel, online.  But he had a holy desire to be a blessing and come what may,  he was just that.

  “And why?  Because I do not love you-do not have a preference for you, wish you well and regard your welfare?  God perceives and knows that I do!”  -Paul/ 2 Cor. 11:11. (Amplified) 

  You can read that tenth and eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians, to investigate what lengths he would go to be a blessing to the people and cities he came in contact with.

  Stop again and begin to talk with God.  Praise Him then ask for an open door and the love and power, and resources,  to enter and speak and act as you are guided to.

                       DAY SEVEN

  Time and again the first four gospels tell us that Jesus had compassion.  He saw people as, sheep without a shepherd.  They might have been, but we who believe, can say;  “The Lord is my shepherd.”

  There are those that wander aimlessly. Many are following the devil and his followers to their destruction. What is worse they do not desire that the Lord, be their shepherd.  The Bible says we are sheep that have gone astray and going our own way.

  That breaks the heart of God and it should ours as well.  If we do have the Holy Spirit of God in ourselves, we should also have compassion on those that appear  to be going places. They are heading to the cliff and soon will need rescuing!

  Do you and I love enough to Share the truth, show the truth, so help us God?

“For Christ's love compels us...”

(Either in a dictionary or on line look for a good definition on the word; Compelled.

Praying for one another.

Today so far, people from the Ukraine, Thailand, Germany, and the U.S. have read  this blog and I'm sure, looked into others,.  I pray for you all. I ask you pray for me!

Nothing is so wide or deep, that it can stop our intercessory prayer from being heard by God.  Be praying and watching!

We salute You!

Red and yellow back and white, Recruit, Veteran, Private, General, Presidents George Washington to Obama. From battles fought in Boston to Afghanistan. A Salute is more than ceremonial !

Who is my Neighbor?

Depending on where you live, your neighbors can be in the next apartment, the house twelve feet away, or three miles down the road.

It might be the whole city attitude, but those with far away neighbors seem to know names and addresses, and if needed, will go out of their way to help the other.

There are those neighbors that sit and stare out the window all day, but it's "I didn't see anything. "  When asked about the violence today, at the street curb.

Church buildings may be sitting on a beautiful campus, or in the middle of the block. The large steeple rising above the rows and rows of houses.

Some Church groups send money to Africa, but don't acknowledge the African-American families down the street.  They had testimonies last Sunday from the young kids that went on a mission trip to Mexico.  That morning, on the way to worship, they drove by the  Hispanic kids, sitting on the steps of their apartment building.

Try to enter a few churches, of a different race, or style of worship and dress. If looks could kill, you'd be dead at the greeters post.  In these places the only church, is the building!

Good news!  There are those, that know no racial, economic (rich or poor), or educational barriers.  Many  followers of Christ that be of like doctrine, but different appearance and needs, worship together and welcome "Whosoever Will!"  I personally have attended churches, that celebrate; unity of Biblical principles with a diverse congregation. We used to say the U.S. is the melting pot of the world. If that's true, the local body of Christ, can be the melting pot of the community.  That being said, to me it is alright to attend the worship service of  whatever like affinity group you wish, yet ministering to those outside the four walls or rodeo grounds you might worship at.  "Yee Haww!"  I mean; "Praise the Lord!"


² Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. ³ For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”^{[a] 4} For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. ⁵ Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                                    Romans 15: 2-6

Pages from the book: "Back to School"

From the book,   Back to school -the chapter: "Project Nehemiah."

   Soon the project began looking for volunteers to sweep and clean park areas. Car washes at a local store with kids wearing the tee shirts, were done in a few areas.

“Mothers for Development,” began to have bake sales, sending their little cute children door to door. “Who can turn down these little kids.”

  On Monday through Thursday, students were able to fill a coffee can that had the names of there favorite player on the football team., The amount of money would be your vote. The player with the most money wins. The money would be donated to the project. It all was seen as a win, win.

  It seemed like to Paul, there was a test every Tuesday in one of his classes. He was getting to busy with the friends and back packs. He was finding it more difficult to get an "A"  these days, but he managed to do it.When he arrived home his cell phone's ring tone blasted the “Batman” TV theme song. It was the owner of J.T. 's grocery store.

 “Hello Mr. Thompson.”

 “Remember, you can call me Jack. Anyway, I was wondering where you wanted the backpacks delivered. My son usually takes care of these things. But I said I wanted this one personally.”

 “You can have them delivered to Franklin elementary school over on Walnut St. School's started, I imagine they need those as soon as possible. Mr. eh, Jack, you have been a great help to us and the people that are in need.”

   “When I hear the name Paul Anderson or Project: Nehemiah I want to be a part of it.”

“Thank you sir. It's been God doing this just like in the book of Nehemiah. I'll let people down but God is there in everyone's mess. I pray that He will let us be a part of what He is doing.”

“That's right. Tell that youth pastor of yours, the ice cream will be there for the Back to school rally.”

“Okay, thanks again and keep praying.”

  In case he forgot, Paul sent a text to pastor Will, right then about the ice cream. He was thinking there was so much to be involved in and a large list of items to coordinate. Why God had given it to him was a mystery. He knew from the Bible and the youth group Bible study of the Book of Acts, that God uses normal people and empowers them to do the tasks and mission. He went over to his Bible and opened it to;  Acts and wrote: “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things through the Holy Spirit!”

  Another Monday at school rolled around and there were fliers everywhere about the need of back packs and ski caps. Mr. Johnson had added that they would be giving caps and gloves away even to their own students, made available through the community club and project: Nehemiah.

  Paul went to look for his coffee can, but he was not winning for Mr. Football, but there was a large amount of money; change and dollars in each can.

Paul joked within himself thinking: “I guess you have to be the quarterback to win anything around here.”

  “Paul Anderson .Please report to the office. Paul Anderson, report to the office.”

He didn't like to have much attention drawn to himself. The school loud speaker was not helping.

“What you do now Anderson? Cheat on a test?” some one yelled. Shrugging his shoulders, Paul headed to the office.

“Who wrote this?”

“One of the teachers, Paul. He is against the school participating with your Project: Nehemiah.”

“But it's helping so many people. Kids for that matter. Isn't that what we are supposed to do, love other people?  He is against that?!”

“Well, not so much the help, as it is the school and The Bible, Nehemiah and everything.

He told me that he might be getting a lawyer, if we don't stop this immediately.”

Paul and the Principal both felt like crying. It was frustrating that someone and so far only one person could stop so much good. What could you do? Do you feel angry or throw up your hands and quit. “That's it.” Paul thought. “It's over, there is no use trying to help people if people are going to slap you right in the face. Why is there so much hatred in the world? After practice, I'll just go home today, watch TV and live my own life. What's the use."

“I suppose that's it then." He said aloud. 

"I know these things drag out and win or lose, we are the ones that look like the haters. I'll let the others know and......”

WORLDVIEW

 looking at this blog so far today from: U.S. China, Italy, Slovenia, Ukraine, France, Germany, Russia!

Prayer?

We like the verse in the Bible that says,  we can come boldly or confidently to the throne of grace. I tend to rub my Bible like a genie's lamp and forget the Awesome Holiness of prayer to "Our Father which art in heaven."

We are told to pray specifically for the little red corvette.  James says you ask amiss for your own lusts.  You have not because you ask not is yes, for our daily bread, it is also the things we pray for that His will might be done.

What a great avenue of the relationship of the Holy Spirit that is within us, to praise and communicate with and listen to,God,  the creator of everything.  Keep praying!

1	Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.   Many are weary and sad; Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,   Making the sorrowing glad.
	Make me a blessing, make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,   Make me a blessing to someone today.
2	Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,   Tell of His pow’r to forgive; Others will trust Him if only you prove   True, every moment you live.
3	Give as ’twas given to you in your need,   Love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed,   Unto your mission be true.

Even more from "Back to School" by Tim Flener

A portion of a chapter titled The Call  From the book:  "Back to School" by Tim Flener available at Amazon.com.

                                                                   The Call

  Paul, Mike, JoJo and John picked up Tom Jackson and went to the mall. They were going to walk around, then eat at the Chinese restaurant there.

When they arrived Tom discovered he had left his money at home. “I have money.” “Don't worry Tom, I've got you covered. This time.”

“Thanks Paul.”

“I hate going to the mall with JoJo” said John.

“Why?”

“Look".

   As they were riding the escalator to the second floor,  JoJo was running up the down escalator, running around the older ladies who were giving him mean looks, while girls screamed, surprised someone was going up the wrong way.

“That's a teacher of the future.” Mike said.

Paul added: “Education is in trouble. I hope he doesn't teach around here.”

Though they were laughing, they pretended not to know him when they reached the top. When he arrived to the top. He acted as if nothing happened.

    They all chose their food from the buffet and sat down at a long table.

“Did you hear Robin Williams passed away?”

“Yeah, he was funny.”

“He was hilarious”

“It seemed like he was always on, you know?”

“He'll be missed.”

“Yep.”

    There was a time of silence as they pondered in their minds, important issues of life being short. A deep conversation followed of the importance of living for others. Mike said it seemed important to spend quiet time alone with God, letting it overflow to the rest of the circle of life, God had placed you in. Nodding their heads, they all agreed.

    “John.” Paul said “How can you eat all that. You had it piled a mile high.”

“I pile it on so I don't have to go right up for seconds, like you guys. I already have it.”

“That seems wrong in so many ways. Besides, you finished your plate of first and seconds the same time we finished our first.”

“I didn't say it was a perfect plan, Whose going back with me? I don't want to look “piggish” you know, in case someone saw my first plate when I walked by them.”

“To late for that, oinker. I don't know how he stays so thin.”

   JoJo said”I don't know how either of John or Paul did so well much less made the football team.”

“Coach Brown had the same question.” Paul answered. “I believe he told me: “Anderson you made the team. just lucky, I guess.” .. I'm like yeah, thanks coach.”

    Paul looked over to JoJo seriously; “You still going To Indiana University?”

“Yeah. It will be weird being away from here but I'm hoping once things get rolling, I'll be to busy to get home sick. What about you?”

“I haven't talked it over with anyone in the family, but I sense a calling to go into the ministry.”Mike's eyes widened. “You mean like Pastor Will?”

   “Have you talked with Jasmine? Is the question.”

“No and John, don't say anything. I thought Friday night, I might discuss it with her. Then I'll talk with Will.”

“Yeah, you'll have to talk with him.” JoJo said, nodding his head. “Well praise the Lord and keep praying about it. Things and direction from God sometimes become clearer when you do. You've always told me, we walk by faith.”

    “I know you'd do great if you did.” Tom said, shaking Paul's hand. You ministered to me and dad in many times and ways.”

    “Now with football and losing sectionals we can concentrate on school.” Paul said.

“And girlfriends.”

“Project: Nehemiah”

“Don't forget to concentrate on gas money for my car, you know.”

Laughing, they each threw five dollars in front of him on the table.

“Let's get out of here before John goes back for fourth's.”

From the book "Prayer of Nehemiah" by Tim Flener

"The Prayer of Nehemiah" book by Tim Flener.  From the chapter: "Casting the vision" pg. 34  Also read; Nehemiah 1 and 2.

Nehemiah type leader may have been given direction about:

-A new system for church growth.

-Kick off a new Bible study.

-outreach to homeless.

-missions overseas.

-prayer group.

-plant a new church.

-church prayer.

  The list could go on forever, with some items having not even being thought of yet. This is all divine in nature and is not to be limited by my finite mind!

  God through Jeremiah the prophet, said there were false prophets with false dreams and visions. These visions were giving false hope and false direction. Of course their message was just what the people of the nation wanted to hear. The message and instruction of Jeremiah only brought ridicule from the phony preacher and their congregation. God took notice and voiced His displeasure and the consequences for these “prophets.” God had said; "They might have a had a dream but it wasn't from Me!"

  One must be in a place ready to pray and share God's vision. Like I said earlier Divine appointments maybe a surprise (to you anyway, God sat it up). God wants to use you. There is a good chance, you can't accomplish it on your own. God never intended for you to.

  You may need to prepare a 30 minute presentation adequate for your personal church, or one on one, that is interested in supporting your ministry etc.

  You can often receive a request to give an impromptu speech as part of a class or business meeting,

  There is the elevator ride, where someone asks “What are you up to these days” Aren't you glad "Nehemiah," that you're ready to share what direction God has instructed you to build?  Miraculously a person asks, as an answer to your prayer. But what if you hadn't prepared, or had never prayed?

  What if Nehemiah was apathetic, unperceptive, even not enough to pray. All the while complaining about God. Hating the Empires that had him and his countrymen in captivity away from home. Do your part and watch God; coordinate, orchestrate and facilitate.

  I personally have witnessed the hardest of hearts; that even I had given up on, melt and follow Christ, and have a heart transformation and a life transformation. This resulting from a; spouse, class/group or Church, praying specifically on their behalf!

  Time after time, a modest praying small group of believers, that started with prayer, develops into a thriving praying Church,  that is now making a difference; mentally, physically and most important spiritually. Because they had a burdened heart for those around them. They were armed with the mind of Christ. God gave them direction and vision for their community and they prayed and planned all the while casting and recasting that vision to those that joined or merely wanted to help with resources of any kind. We often consider it advertising, and because of charlatans, we withdraw from talking or asking for financial help.

  We sit on the bedside or kneeling by the pulpit and expect God to do it all. We pray for money to fall from the sky or beam into the mailbox (I believe that can happen as well)...  As a result there are many leaders and pastors who are speaking on Sunday morning only to a congregation consisting of their wife and kids. The rest are driving a truck from Newark to San Diego, wondering where God was.  As we pray we can intentionally, make the “big ask” and constantly casting that vision and recasting that vision.

  We would be amazed how many others have been given the same God given vision and heart cry. We are not only individuals as the body of Christ, but parts of community that need one another. There will be those that will pray big time, those that will help with office work or children and some Christians are ready to supply financially in a huge way. It is that persons opportunity again as well as yours, to be part of what God is doing!

 https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Nehemiah-Praying-mend-Broken/dp/1499582803/ref=sr_1_13?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1491220102&sr=1-13&refinements=p_27%3ATim+A+Flener

From the Book: "Friend or Foe." by Tim Flener

A book by Tim Flener - "Friend Or Foe."   Small chapters for each day or when needed. 

NOT WORTH THE EFFORT       pg16

“WHATEVER”  IS THE ANTHEM OF THE DAY.  WE CAN AND DO, “TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT.” MANY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT FRIENDS, WHETHER IT'S  HAVING ONE OR BEING ONE.  “IT'S JUST NOT WORTH THE EFFORT.” I CONFESS I'VE BEEN LIKE OUR NEIGHBORS.  WE PULL UP TO THE GARAGE, OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE, DRIVE IN, SHUT THE DOOR.  NEVER TO BE SEEN UNTIL MORNING, AS WE LEAVE.

I READ THE OTHER DAY OF A WOMAN WHO HAD BEEN DEAD FOR YEARS, IN HER KITCHEN!  HER NEIGHBORS, EVEN HER DISTANT FAMILY THOUGHT SHE HAD BEEN ELSEWHERE. WHEN THE NEIGHBORS NEXT DOOR FOUND OUT, THEY SAID: “SHE DIDN'T WANT TO BE BOTHERED ANYWAY.”

DOES THAT DESCRIBE YOU AND I?  NO ONE WOULD MISS ME OR NOTICE I WAS GONE.. FOR YEARS?

YOU THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS A WASTE OF TIME.  I'VE CROSSED YOUR PATH TO ENCOURAGE AND CHALLENGE, YOU BELIEVERS ESPECIALLY, TO BE CHRISTLIKE. MAKING AN EFFORT IN OUR RELATIONSHIPS!

“HEY JESUS. WHAT'S THE GREATEST          pg 17

COMMANDMENT?”

WE ARE TO LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS.

GOD IS A RELATIONAL GOD. WHEN ADAM SINNED AND REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED, HE HID FROM GOD. GOD CAME LOOKING .

“ADAM. WHERE ARE YOU ADAM?”  WE KNOW GOD KNEW WHERE ADAM WAS. HE WANTED ADAM TO KNOW WHERE ADAM WAS. THERE WAS A DISCONNECT THEN, AND NOW, IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD. BUT GOD IS STILL LOOKING TODAY, AND HE COMMANDS HIS FOLLOWERS, TO GO LOOKING, COMPELLED BY THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

ABOUT JESUS HE SAID HE CAME TO SEEK! AND SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST.

GOD IS A GOD OF RELATIONSHIP AND COMMUNITY.

MAN BEING MADE IN HIS IMAGE, REALIZES THE DISCOMFORT AND DISCONNECT, AND IS MISERABLE, LEFT ALONE FOR TO LONG.

SO, WE ARE TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR AS WE LOVE OURSELVES.

THEY NEVER CROSS MY MINE     pg18

HAVE YOU EVER TALKED TO SOMEONE THAT HAS MOVED AWAY FROM THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY, SAYING, THEY'VE MOVED ON AND THEY HAVE ANOTHER LIFE NOW.

OF COURSE THERE ARE THOSE THAT NEVER LEAVE THE NEST. “ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER”,  NEVER COMES INTO PLAY BECAUSE THEY ARE NEVER ABSENT!

YET CHRISTIANS, CAN LOVE PEOPLE THEY HAVE NEVER KNOWN, OR SEEN BEFORE.

WHETHER IT IS;  A STRANGER, FAMILY, FRIEND, OR FOE, WE ARE ABLE AND SHOULD SAY:  “THEY NEVER CROSS MY MIND,  BECAUSE THEY'RE ALWAYS THERE!”

 http://ltflener.wix.com/yourock

More from the book: "Back to school" by Tim Flener

Tim Flener   pg.30

The score was still tied in the fourth quarter. The players on both teams, could now see the reasoning for the conditioning during the two a day practices, before the season began. Uniforms were dirty and their minds were clear.
   “Okay, play action with Miller faking up the middle. Johnson you go down and out. Anderson, run a post. We'll see who's open.”
    Paul's heart started beating fast. Until this time in all the games, he had been used as a blocking tight end. They were looking for something different, sending him out on a post pattern.
    “Ready. Set! Hut Hut! The players leaped into action colliding on the line. The plan for play action worked as he pretended to carry the ball and ran into a wall of defense, including the fooled linebackers. leaving Paul with a one on one with the opposing safety. Paul acted as if he was going on a fly route and cut into an angled path towards middle field. The safety had continued a step or two down field realizing to late he had been duped!
    When Paul looked up as he cut, The ball was already in the air. It was the prettiest spiral he had ever seen. He felt no negativity. The play was working perfectly. The ball landed in his cradled arms as if the quarterback had handed it to him. Catching in stride he ran untouched running into the end zone.
The fans had already been standing while the ball was in the air. When Paul crossed the goal line you could hear the cheers and shouts, all the way back to Paul's neighborhood. But most of them were at the game
.
Tim Flener    pg.31

    “TOUCHDOWN!” Shouted the referee as he raised his hands in the air. The band played the school song and confetti flew in the air covering the students and family in the bleachers.  The team met Paul and the quarterback as they ran to the sideline. John ran out and gave Paul a high five.  “Way to go man! Pretty good for a straight A student!”
     To the relief of their team the score remained the same and they had won again.
John, Jojo, Rachael, Jasmine and Paul headed to Paul's house to meet Mike and his girlfriend, Becky. The Anderson's, who invited some other players and their parents, were getting pizza. They were all arriving about the same time. Jasmine and Paul were the last ones to walk up to the door, when she jerked his hand he turned and she kissed him.
   JoJo yelled to them through the screen door  “C'mon sausage and mushroom. There's nothing better then sausage and mushroom. Pastor Will's going to pray for the food!”
   Paul turned to Jasmine and said: “Your kiss was better than sausage and mushroom."
“I bet you say that, to all the girls.”

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from the quick and easy read meant to help in a Jr.Sr. high school student's spiritual maturity and the glory of God.   Amazon.com