Anniversary

It is a cold day out on the prairie this 20th day of December. There is ice and snow on the ground and the temperature began in single digits and it is 11 degrees now. The temperature in Salinas, CA is 50 - I'm not sure what it was 34 years ago on our wedding day, but I know it was not cold and there sure was not ice and snow on the ground.

Everyone looks so young in the wedding pictures! We pulled the wedding album out of the nightstand drawer today - first time they had seen the light of day in years. I think we will leave the pictures out so the kids can have a good laugh when they are home for Christmas.

Christmas is probably not a good time to get married, but we sure didn't want to wait until college summer break, so Christmas time it was. The bridal party came in on O Holy Night and left on The Twelve Days of Christmas. I wonder what the guests thought about that? Didn't care then and it matters not now. Our colors were more traditional - the ladies in red, the guys in forest green tuxes; and don't forget about those ruffled shirts!

It was a beautiful wedding. Genelle was gorgeous, and she has become more beautiful every year! I am the most fortunate man on the planet - sorry guys, but it is true. She excels all others! For 34 years Genelle has ravished my heart.

God has graced us with His favor. Two lives have become one. A holy mystery. I am forever grateful that God brought Genelle to me in an Eden called Seattle; He was truly at work behind the scenes - a California chick and a Kansas hick brought together in Bible College. Oh the unsearchable greatness of God!

And so, if I had it all over to do again, I would without hesitation say, "Genelle, would you marry me?" But hopefully, this time, while on the bluff overlooking Shilshole Bay, I would not be so nervous and ask, while putting on the engagement ring, "Genelle, would you be my husband?!"

Happy thirty-fourth anniversary, Beautiful. I love you more...

Jamie

Experience at Mayo Clinic

We spent most of this week at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN seeing doctors and having tests to get a second opinion concerning the previous ALS diagnosis I had received. I do not have the words to be able to express how impressed Genelle and I are with Mayo's. If I were to attempt to describe Mayo's in one word it would be "excellence." They do everything with such excellence.

If we were to do church in the same manner they do medicine, the Kingdom of God would explode.

From the moment we walked into the Mayo Clinic we knew this was a different place. The atmosphere was different from any medical facility I had ever been in. It was more than the beautiful marble or the grand pianos that anyone was welcome to play or gather around and sing. It was the people: the volunteers who greeted us and answered questions; the staff who were courteous, friendly, knowledgeable and competent; and the physicians who work in teams and consult with each other.

Teamwork, excellence, finding solutions, helping, caring, offering hope and compassion, everyone taking ownership, healing people - sounds like what the Church is supposed to be like - but it was Mayo Clinic.

For those wondering what they had to say about me? They did not confirm ALS. They are leaning towards ALS, but did not diagnose me as such. We go back in six months and we are believing that there will not be any further progression or deterioration of the muscles any where in my body and that there will be total restoration of the muscles that have been damaged. We ask that you believe with us.

PrairieParson

Enjoyable Day

Our Thanksgiving Day was very enjoyable. Kael, Sara and Isaac came Wednesday evening and were here all day. Isaac, who is now three months old, "talked", smiled, and laughed; and we enjoyed every minute of it.

We had dinner at Dad's with my brother Ron and wife Lynn from Tuscon, and my sister Marthana and husband Byron, from Iowa. Byron and Lynn did most of the cooking, and we all ate too much.

We were able to talk to all the other kids except Ryan. He tried several times last night and again today, but the phone system he has to use was not functioning properly. Hopefully he will be able to get through in a day or so. We look forward to the day when our family is totally reunited. Amen!

Tomorrow a group of guys are going to help move Mom's grand piano from upstairs to a U-haul trailer so my sister can take it back to Iowa and have it restored. I will watch and pray while others do the work. It is heavy! This is not a baby grand. It is six and a half or seven feet long and was made back in Boston or New York in the early 1900's, I think. The folks bought it for her as a girl sight unseen, upon the recommendation of a piano tuner, and it was shipped out on a rail car from Denver. Marthana plays wonderfully and she will get great enjoyment out of it. It will be beautiful when it is all re-finished.

I trust your Thanksgiving Day was as enjoyable as ours.

PrairieParson

Thankful

Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving, therefore I want to pause and give thanks.

I am thankful for the beauty of God's creation and thankful that God loved the world He created so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to redeem it.

I am thankful that there is another King, Jesus, and that I am part of His kingdom and that my King and His government is my source of supply.

I am thankful for the privilege of being "pastor" for nearly 32 years; almost 20 of those at Gateway Fellowship - the greatest group of people on the prairie.

I am thankful for friends. I am also thankful for co-workers at the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center, where Genelle and I both work. I am thankful the Lord opened the door for us to work there when it became necessary for us to secure employment in the market place.

I am thankful that by His stripes I am healed and that Jesus heals all my disease.

And I am thankful for family: Genelle, the love of my life; our five children, Ryan, Kari, Kyle, Kael and Janae; our three daughter-in-laws, Jessica, Sara, and Brandi; and our three grandchildren, Cheyenne, Tyler and Isaac; Dad and Mom Githens and my Dad. Family, what an awesome idea from God; and the privilidge of being part of His family, awesome indeed.

And so, with a thankful heart, I say happy Thanksgiving to you.

PrairieParson

Election Selah

I encourage you to read an article entitled This is the Day the Lord has Made by Francis Frangipane. You can find it at http://frangipane.org/

The insight from Pastor Francis always amazes me, and this is certainly no exception.

Pause and think about this.

PrairieParson

There is Another King - Jesus

The elections have come to an end, and although the Presidential election did not turn out as I preferred, I am reminded: "There is another King - Jesus." (Act 17:7)

The Church is not the Republican nor Democratic party. The Church belongs to the King of God, and there is another President whose name is Jesus. The answers to our Nations problems are not found in political leaders: not in McCain, Palin nor in President elect Obama - but in Jesus Christ.

Therefore, on one hand, it matters not who our political leaders are. Why? Because there is another King whose name is Jesus; there is another King who is Lord forever.

Our call, first of all, as authentic Christians is to be untangled citizens of the Kingdom of heaven; to be unstoppable citizens of the Government of God who call people out of Babylon into the Kingdom of Light; int the Kingdom of God; and who seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Our prayer is to be: "Let your Kingdom come, let your Government come; let your will be done, let your policy be done; on earth as it is in heaven."

Next, we are called to be good citizens of America (or whatever nation you are from); to be salt and light and to influence our culture. But we must keep first things first. If you are more passionate about being pro-life than you are Jesus, there is an imbalance in your life - you are out of alignment - you are being entangled. We cannot have more passion for our politics than we have for our King, Jesus!

As good citizens of the kingdom of heaven your political worldview should be shaped by President Jesus and His policies. There is another King, and His name is Jesus. He is the pattern for earthly kings, presidents, and prime ministers. His politics, His government, His policies transcend earthly politics, policies and governments. His policies and politics are to be emulated by earthly governments and by its citizens. And the government of God, the throne of God, the rule of God, the reign of God, the administration of God is built upon the foundation of justice and righteousness. Psalm 89:14 "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face."

So the main issues are not the economy or taxes or energy. They are righteousness and justice - including righteousness and justice for the unborn. There is a poverty of justice in our world today. Lets work at doing justice, loving mercy, and waking humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8). Let's pursue making wrongs right. Let's apply ourselves to restoring all of creation to God's original purpose and goodness. Let's turn garbage dumps into gardens. (Psalm 113:7 NLT)

If we do so, I believe Jesus will be well pleased and His government and policies will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

PrairieParson

Opportunity to Believe God for a Miracle

2 Corinthians 5:7 says: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." Amen! So I say, "I will walk by faith and by faith I will walk." Amen!

Genelle and I returned from Denver Friday, where I had an appointment with Dr. Quan, a neurologist at the University of Colorado Hospital. On Wednesday evening I had an MRI of my head, neck and entire back. She has not received the reports from those tests yet. On Thursday afternoon we had a consultation with her and Friday morning I had extensive nerve tests done.

Her diagnoses is that I have motor neuron disease and more specifically ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease.

It is possible that the MRI's will show something differently, but she does not think so. Her diagnosis came as a complete surprise as we had been told by the first neurologist (this is the third one I have seen) that Lou Gehrig's Disease was ruled out.

The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked and snake bit, but he made it on broken pieces and he shook the snake off and suffered no harm. And revival came to Malta. I am shaking off the viper, believing for a miracle and believing a revival will come to the prairie.

And so, we are believing God for a miracle, and we ask that you believe with us. So again I say, "I will walk by faith and by faith I will walk." Amen!

Shaking off the snake bite,

PrairieParson

Visiting Jesus

The power of the Gospel to change lives was very evident this past weekend. It was my great privilege to be part of the Kansas Kairos Prison ministry team that ministered Thursday through Sunday at a prison here in Kansas. I must say, my rookie outing was one of the most, if not the most, rewarding experiences I have ever had.

Matthew 25:36 came alive to me: "I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Many of the men never have a visitor, nor receive letters, and some have lost contact with their families. The letters each Kairos team member wrote to every participant brought tears to many eyes; participants, team members and mine. The table placemats children had drawn meant so much to the inmates - it reminded many of their children and grandchildren.

We sat at round tables as families; I was in the family of Paul. On my left was a young man from Cuba. He spoke no English and I spoke no Spanish. At the end of the weekend I saw a glimmer of hope replace the sadness that was so evident when the weekend began. To my right was a young father with two young daughters; he did not know where his wife or girls were. Across the table was a man who showed me a picture of his wife and six children. We were able to pray that God would restore his family.

For many of the men, their faith in Jesus Christ was strengthened; for others, seeds of the Gospel were planted; and all were impacted by the love of Jesus Christ.

I am looking forward to the next opportunity to visit Jesus in prison. I invite you to come with me. Check out the Kansas Kairos Prison Ministry website at http://kskairos.org/kskairos.

PrairieParson

Great Joy

Friday, Genelle and I got to see our two oldest grand kids, Cheyenne and Tyler. We are so grateful for the opportunity.

PrairieParson

Life is Good

Sunday we took my Dad to see Isaac. Dad really enjoyed the day. Here he is holding Isaac for the first time. Dad will be 87 in October. He works every day except Sunday. He is an auctioneer by trade, as was my grandfather. He continues to sell sheep and goats once a month. He may be not only the oldest active auctioneer in the USA, but he may hold the record of being an auctioneer for the longest time. He sold his first auction as a boy around 80 years ago. Rock on Dad!

Dad, Kael, Isaac and myself posed for a four generation picture. Hopefully in September there will be a five generation picture of Isaac, Sara, and her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.


PrairieParson

Imago Dei

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27

The biblical truth of humans being created in the Imago Dei, Latin for "Image of God", is astounding. Neither the animals, the entire rest of creation, nor the angels were created Imago Dei - only humans. Imago Dei sets us apart. The plan of God for you and me is to resemble Him. To resemble God is profound to say the least.

Wednesday afternoon God blessed our family with life. Isaac James Bloom was born Imago Dei by C-section. He resembles his Daddy, Kael. Sara is doing very well and Genelle is basking in being Grandma!

Life is so precious. New life is awesome. Being Created Imago Dei is profound.

I prophesy Isaac will resemble God all the days of his life; that he will bring laughter and joy; and that he will radiate Imago Dei to his generation.

PraireParson
(a proud grandpa)

Today's the Day

Before the day is done our new grandson will have arrived. We are at the hospital. Things are progressing nicely, or so I am told.

More to come, with pictures of course, as the day goes on.

PrairieParson

The Cry of Innocent Blood

"God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son..." (Jn. 3:16)

"Through Him (Jesus) God chose to reconcile the whole universe to Himself, making peace through the shedding of His blood upon the cross - to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, through Him alone." (Col. 1:20)

The Father loved His created universe to such a degree that He gave His only Son for its reconciliation. The whole of the universe was thrown, it would seem, into disarray when Adam sinned against God. God cursed the ground. Thorns and thistles began to grow -pure seed was defiled. Paul tells us in Romans 8 "all creation anticipates the day when it will be liberated from its bondage of decay". Just as believers in Christ who have fallen asleep in Jesus await a resurrection body, so all of creation awaits the promised new heaven and new earth. The blood of Christ Jesus was shed, for humans - to be sure, and for the rest of creation as well.

The blood of innocent Abel cries out - the blood of innocents through the generations that follow, do as well. Their blood cries out for justice: "How long, sovereign Lord, holy and true, must it be before You will vindicate us and avenge our blood on the inhabitants of the earth?"

In Western Kansas, the innocent blood of Native Americans, can be heard. Treaties of Peace were broken. Massacres took place. The buffalo were slaughtered so the Indians would starve. The land was defiled. Can you hear the cry of innocent blood?

The Church of Kansas has heard and responded to the cry of innocent blood. This past weekend a reconciliation summit was held at Gateway Fellowship to respond to the innocent blood shed in western Kansas. Apostle Jay Swallow from Oklahoma, along with Sandy Newman and DeeAnn Ward of Destiny Ministries, joined together with like-minded believers to repent, reconcile and believe God for transformation of hearts and transformation of the land.

The reconciliation service was powerful, moving and emotional. Repentance and forgiveness flowed. Gifts were exchanged. Prophetic decrees were made. The cry for vengeance and judgment has been satisfied; mercy triumphs over judgment! The retained sins have been remitted.

I believe our land in Western Kansas will respond with new fruitfulness and prosperity due to the new found freedom from a deep wound of affliction. There is an open heaven over us. How awesome is this place; this is none other than the gate of heaven."

Amen!

PrairieParson

Vacationing in California

Monterrey Bay and the Salinas Valley is a beautiful part of God's creation in central California. Genelle and I spent 10 glorious days with her parents, their goats, and Dad's honeybees. It had been way too long since we had been out to see them and the first vacation in 30+ years without children! Who said being "empty-nesters" was such a bad thing?

In addition to the goats and honeybees, we saw deer and a gray fox on their property; they are regular visitors, along with an occasional bobcat and coyote. Dad raises some of the best honey in the world. He has quart and gallons for sale. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing some.

Dad continually receives calls to come and retrieve a swarm of bees. I had the privilege of going with him on a bee call. This time Dad used his vacuum to retrieve the swarm. The bees were not harmed, nor was Dad or the guy taking the picture.

Genelle and her Mom enjoyed the abundance of shopping - it was a good thing we purchased our airline tickets before they began charging for the second checked bag! All four suitcases were full, but under the 50 pounds. PTL!

I am so proud of Genelle! She faced the giant of flying square in the face and slew it.

We were able to celebrate Father's Day and Dad's 78th birthday while there. It was the first time in possibly 35+ years that Genelle had been present for those two events. The steak and lobster in Santa Cruz was delicious!

I hope your vacation this summer is as relaxing as ours was.

PrairieParson

Time

I'm thinking about time today.

Time. What is time? Is it merely a picosecond, one millionth of one millionth of a second, or one minute or 24 hours or a year? No, it must be more.

It is measurable to be sure, but is it not immeasurable, also? How can eternity past be measured? And eternity future? Can it be simply defined in terms of months and years? I think not.

"In the beginning God." He divided the light from the darkness. He created the sun and moon to divide the day from the night and established seasons, days, and years.

There is no beginning with God. He is "I Am." He is not defined nor restricted by time. He is the "Ancient of Days" and "Everlasting God" but He is not gray-haired or in need of Botox. He is my God, but He is also the God of generations past and future.

God works in time and out of time: "In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son"; "Suddenly, a voice came from heaven saying..." and "Suddenly there came a sound from heaven" on the day of Pentecost.

God is never out of rhythm, so He is always in time.

I'm not always in time. Many times I am late. Innumerable times I have said to Genelle, "I'll be home in a minute" or "I'll be home shortly", but my minute or my shortly are greatly elongated and after 33 years she has adjusted, more or less, to my definition of time.

I do however, want to be in time with God and His timing. I do not want to miss the day of His visitation!

The airlines and Amtrak have timetables, but rarely do they meet them. They don't seem to be bound by time.

For the most part we are bound by time and space. Though we may loose track of time, time has not lost track. The sun did stand still for Joshua, but, I doubt if time dragged for him on that day of battle.

For a year now Mom has not been bound by time as we know it. She is in heaven's time zone. 365 days have gone so quickly, but some days and nights have been so long for Dad.

I wonder, how long has this year seemed for Mom?

But even in heaven Mom is waiting - waiting for the resurrection of her body on that glorious day of Christ's appearing and waiting for a new heaven and new earth in which to dwell. She graced earth for 86 years, and my life for over half of those years, but there is no end to her participating in the plans of God.

And so, on this day, the 1st anniversary of Mom's death, I'm thinking about time, and heaven, and God, and eternity, and daily life, and redeeming the time, and living life well...and about Mom.

Florence Bloom

March 16, 1921 - May 31, 2007

Crossing Over and Commissioned

Last Sunday we crossed over from Community Church to Gateway Fellowship. We believe our new name is prophetic of who God has called us to be. In April, Sandy and DeeAnn hosted InSync 2 in Wichita where Chuck Pierce prophesied there would be eight gateway cities in Kansas. Since they were unnamed, and due to our location, we prophetically decree that Oakley is one of those cities. Amen!



Genelle and I were also commissioned by Apostles Sandy and DeeAnn. If you look closely in the picture you can see Sandy holding a beautiful sword that she and DeeAnn gave to us. A new anointing was released and old mindsets were cut off.

What a glorious time we had in the presence of the Lord Jesus.


Gateway Fellowship is, by faith, going to a new level in God. We invite you to come along with us in this wonderful journey of impacting our 55 mile area, and the nations, with the life-transforming, life-giving good news of Jesus Christ.


PrairieParson
JB

Spiritual Warfare and the Commissioning of Gateway Fellowship

Sunday, May 4 and Monday the 5th are very significant, history making days in the life of Gateway Fellowship. Gateway Fellowship will be commissioned. For 63 years we have been known as Community Church. But this is the dawn of a new day, a time of crossing over; a time of crossing from the old into the new.

In addition to Gateway Fellowship being commissioned, Genelle and I will be commissioned as well. Personally and corporately, we are aligning with Sandy Newman and DeeAnn Ward and PowerGrid Network. It is an honor to be spiritually aligned with this apostolic/prophetic team and network. We have known Sandy and DeeAnn for 15-20 years.

You are invited to walk through this new door with us. The schedule is Sunday at 10:15 AM and Monday at 7 PM. We are located in Oakley, KS at the corner of 2nd & Sunrise.

I have compiled a list of ten spiritual strongholds that I believe need bound and displaced. Monday night I believe the Lord would have us bind the strongman, in the Name of the Man who is Stronger, and in His authority, so that the Kingdom of God can powerfully advance in our 55 mile area.

The list is not all-inclusive, it is just a list I have felt led to name and come against. Some are regional in scope, and some are listed with our local church in mind. The ten are:

1. The spirit of addiction
2. The spirit of poverty
3. The spirit of immorality
4. The spirit of small mindedness
5. The spirit of mediocrity
6. The spirit of failure. (This is the spirit that manifests itself in our church as "1 step forward and 2 steps back")
7. The spirit of disappointment. (This spirit manifests itself in unfulfilled and broken dreams. It is closly related to the spirit of failure.)
8. The spirit of spiritual apathy and slumbering
9. The spirit of consumerism. (Society and the body of Christ has been infiltrated by this powerful principality.)
10. The spirit of cultural Christianity. (I personally believe this is the strongman over the prairie. Everyone is a "Christian" because they were born here on the prairie.)

Your prayer of agreement that these spirits are bound and that the opposite Spirit of the Lord is released is greatly desired.

PrairieParson
JB

Nice N' Icee

This profitable family business, owned by Genelle and myself, is for sale. Our Icee's are delicious. Some call them snow cones, but any one of our 47 flavors are much more delicious than a regular, plain old snow cone. Make no mistake, they are good and this business can make you money!

Everything you need is included:

• 8' x16' dual axle air conditioned concession trailer with four sinks; hot water heater; mini-refrigerator; small chest freezer and much more
• Two ice shavers
• Sno_Block ice maker that makes 20, 12# blocks of solid ice at a time
• Water purification system with 80 gallon holding tank
• Large chest freezer full of ice
• 100+ glass fifth bottles
• 32 oz. concentrate dispenser containers
• 10 gallon mixing tank for syrup
• 2 very large ice chests
• 47 flavor concentrates
  
• Cups; ice bags; spoons; gloves; ticket books
• Pourers; night caps; ice picks and more

Contact me for more information.

PrairieParson
JB

Some Thoughts On Ten Questions

A few days ago in a blog I asked ten questions inspired by Pastor Brian Zahnd. Below are a few thoughts concerning some of those questions.

• Salvation is more than walking the isle, saying a prayer, or getting your ticket to heaven. It is a personal experience, but it is not private. Our salvation is a shared salvation. Therefore, this journey called the Christian life was never designed by God to be done alone.
  
• Spiritual formation, being conformed to image of Christ, is to be our goal, and it cannot be done alone.
  
• Christianity is a journey, not merely a destination.
• We are saved into the Kingdom of God and saved out of the kingdom of darkness. Therefore, we are saved from something and into something. Believers were added to the church; the community of saints. The church is not a take-it-or-leave-it proposition.
  
• I am coming to the conclusion that it is more important to know how to live; to be ready to live, than being ready to die. Jesus' offer is one of life, not just escaping to heaven when we die. I think we have missed it. We have been so enamored with trying to get people ready to die, we have forgotten that people want to know how to live their life. I think we need a paradigm shift in our thinking concerning evangelism.
  

PrairieParson
JB

I Love Fridays

Our son Kyle blogged that he loves Tuesday's because that's when he goes to his favorite coffee shop with his laptop and works.

Why do I love Fridays? I am a bi-vocational pastor and I don't work most Fridays at my "tent-making" job. I get to come into my office, drink a cup of coffee - albeit Floggers, not Starbucks, study, catch-up on e-mails, and do a myriad of other things.

I love Fridays! and Sundays when the called out ones of Gateway Fellowship gather to worship on the prairie.

PrairieParson
JB

Gateway to the Supernatural

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come... suddenly there came a sound from heaven... then there appeared flames of fire... and they all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in languages they had never learned." Acts 2:1-4

Unusual events, to be sure, these were. The wind and fire were never repeated in the book of Acts, but the same cannot be said of speaking in tongues. It has not ceased like some would believe. Throughout Acts, the Epistles, and today, people continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in a language - earthly or heavenly - that is unlearned.

Tongues was first introduced, prophetically, by the prophet Isaiah. (Isa. 28:11) We know that because Paul quotes Isaiah in 1 Corinthians 14:21 in reference to speaking in tongues.

Today, like in Acts 2, tongues can be perplexing, confusing, or even mocked. Now, I would not do that if I were you!
"Now therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong." (Isa. 28:22)

Peter said, "We're not drunk! This is what Joel prophesied." Think with me for a minute. Can you imagine Mary, the mother of our Lord, being drunk? I can't! She was there you know. In the upper room. On Pentecost. She was one of the 120. Mary was not Roman Catholic, she was a Pentecostal! Hey, if this tongues thing is good enough and necessary for Mary, Peter, James, John, and Paul - it is necessary for me, and you.

Since the Azusa Street outpouring of the Holy Spirit 102 years ago in Los Angeles - the "later rain" as prophesied by Joel - the Pentecostal experience has became a global outpouring. It is so great that without a doubt it has become the largest spiritual movement in history. Truly, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on all flesh." I am so privileged to be a participant in what God is doing on the earth today!

Have you been filled with Holy Spirit in Acts 2 fashion? If not, you can be. Ask. You will receive, and a whole new dimension will opened to you; for being baptized in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is the gateway to the supernatural.

PrairieParson
JB

All In The Family

I reported that Kael recently began a blog. His older brother, Kyle, thinks he is influencing lives because his brother wants to be just like him, and that is why Kael began blogging.

Well, the truth has come out. Kael started blogging after his wife Sara did. So she is the real influencer in his life. (Sorry Kyle) So check out Sara's blog at http://bloominglives.blogspot.com

Janae, Kari, Brandi and Genelle - when are you going to start blogging - so I can say you just want to be like me?

PrairieParson
JB

Another Blogger in the Family

It is all Kyle's fault. He began blogging, which got me to blogging, and that has now provoked our youngest son, Kael to begin blogging as well. So our family is turning into bloggers. Do you suppose we can talk Mom into blogging, too?

Check out Tidbits of Thought at http://kaelbloom.wordpress.com

Kael leads worship at Celebration Community Church in Hays, KS. www.celebratejesus.org

He and Sara are expecting Isaac in August. (See my blog Fearfully and Wonderfully Made)

Great picture, Kael!

PrairieParson

Ten Questions

Almost a daily routine for me is to listen to podcasts from Pastor Brian Zahnd www.brianzahnd.com

The latest messages I have listened to have either asked, or I have turned his thoughts into the following questions.

1. Why do you want to be Christian?
2. What is the goal of the Christian life?
3. Is Christianity a destination or a journey?
4. Is there salvation outside the Church?
5. Are you saved into something or from something?
6. Is it more important to be ready to die or ready to live?
7. Is your salvation private?
8. Is your attitude toward Gateway Fellowship (formally Community Church) or your local church in accord how David felt about, Jerusalem in Psalm 122?
9. Christianity: Is it a status to be obtained or life-long pursuit of transformation?
10. Can spiritual formation be accomplished alone?

Those are some pretty heavy questions. Think on these things!

Selah

PrairieParson

It's Official

In a recent post I mentioned that Community Church was in the process of changing names.

It is now official. Our new name is Gateway Fellowship.

We will have a commissioning service for the new name on May 4th in conjunction with our alignment with Destiny Ministries.

We would love to have everyone join us on Sunday, May 4 at 10:15 am.

For more information about why Gateway Fellowship was chosen you can go to
http://sites.google.com/e/st-tel.net/gateway-fellowship.

PrairieParson
JB

Expecting the Unexpected

We are on a journey. We walked with Jesus through the Gospels for 40 days. Now we are on a voyage through the book of Acts. Acts connects the earthy and heavenly ministry of Jesus. Acts is the continuation of the ministry of Jesus on earth through the Body of Christ, the Church.

During the 40 days following Christ's resurrection, Jesus spoke to His disciples "of things pertaining to the kingdom of God". It was natural for them to then ask, "Will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" The 120 were still looking for the Messiah to establish His earthly Kingdom and rule with a rod of iron. They connected their instructions to "wait" with the restoration of the kingdom of Israel.

But, of course, Jesus had something else in mind. They were to expect the unexpected. It is so easy, isn't it, to get into a spiritual rut; to look back to yesteryear, because that is what we are familiar with. God, though He is the Ancient of Days, is not old nor out of date. He is the God of today; the God of fresh expression. We are to thank Him for yesterday's "move", but we must embrace what He is doing now and what He will do tomorrow.

We must expect the unexpected and embrace the unknown. God, because He is God, is still greatly unknown. We do not have Him figured out. Therefore, if we are going to embrace God, we must embrace the unknown.

I want to be part of what God is doing now. I thank Him for the moves of His Spirit I have been part of in the past, but I want to be open to, and recognize what God is doing right now, and go with it, and flow with it, and embrace it, and be a part of it.

Amen!

PrairieParson
JB

It Came to Pass

We have concluded our 40 day journey of reading through the Gospels together. This blog got its start as a forum to record our thoughts from reading through the Gospels with fresh eyes and open hearts. It will continue. We are going to continue into the book of Acts, believing God for a supernatural Spring and Summer. You're invited. Come on the journey with us.

For the past seven weeks we have seen Jesus as:

• The Champion over temptation
• The Leader of the church and we are heading His call to deny self, take up our cross, and follow Him
• The Messiah who was crowned King
• The slain Lamb from the foundation of the world
• The resurrected Christ who turns our sorrows into rejoicing
• The ascended Lord of glory who dispenses His glory to the earth
  
• The returning King. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
  

We have seen Jesus in a broader, deeper, holier light. To Him be all the praise, for He is worthy.

In John 21 Jesus restored Peter. What a beautiful scene. And how beautiful it is to see Jesus restore broken lives today.

Following Christ's ascension the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. What a difference a few days make. Remember this, beloved, the trial you are facing will not last forever and joy awaits you.

Jesus is with you. Go. Impact your world, your zip code, with the life-changing, life-giving good news of the Kingdom of God.

Amen!

PrairieParson
JB

New Name? Not Yet

Our goal was to announce the new name for Community Church today. But it did not happen. Why? We, the leadership team, simply came the conclusion that we did have have the correct name yet. So, back to the "prayer board". Actually, an alternative name is under consideration, so stay tuned.

PrairieParson
JB

The Glory of the Lord

Jesus said, "I brought glory to You here on earth by doing everything You told me to do." (Jn. 17:4 NLT)

I think those of us who are of the Pentecostal, Charismatic persuasion have looked for "glory bumps" or glowing hallos or have waited for the mystical cloud of glory to descend upon us similar to what Moses experienced; and then we would know that God has been among us. We are waiting for the glory to fall, while God is waiting for us bring Him glory by obedience. We are waiting to glow while Jesus has called us to penetrate darkness with light.

Is it not possible that if we will do what He says, we will see His glory and bring Him glory?

Kierkegaard, the Danish theologian, had this to say about obedience: "When it comes to doing what we know to be God's will, we do not dare to say: I will not! So we say: I cannot. Is this any less rebellious? If it is God's will that you do it, how is it possible that you cannot?" Then he pointedly said: "Today's Christianity ... is now used to hearing everything without having the remotest notion of doing something."

Pretty heavy stuff!

PrairieParson
JB

Spring Storm

Thanks be unto God for the wonderful moisture we have received out here on the prairie - both rain and snow! It is wonderful!!

And may the thirsty, fractured souls of the prairie be flooded with the Spirit of God.

Amen!

PrairieParson
JB

Friend of God?

The song writer wrote: "I am a friend of God. He calls me friend. God Almighty, Lord of Glory You have called me friend." Jesus: "You are my friends if you do whatever I command you." Friendship with God is based on more than the love of God and Him thinking of me. Jesus said we're friends if I obey. Friendship with God is not automatic. Selah

Without the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit would not have been poured out upon all flesh and that is incomprehensible. To my dismay, I don't think I had ever devoted an entire sermon on the ascension of Christ in my 30 plus years of ministry until a couple weeks ago. May other preachers not cheat their congregations of this timeless truth and essential doctrine like I have.

The disciples just could not grasp Jesus leaving them. How could the Messiah rule and not be present? It was a mystery. To eliminate the mysteries of the Gospel leads to bad theology. Sometimes the only honest and correct answer is "I don't know."

Life is full of overcoming opportunities. Jesus has overcome the world. Therefore,be of good cheer and take heart!

PrairieParson
JB

Awesome Win

The KU win last night in overtime was incredible - unless you were a Memphis Tiger fan!

From our Gospel reading:

Thank God for the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees didn't get it, but billions are looking forward to it!

Religion is cruel, cold, callus, and condemning. Jesus is just the opposite.

Those who teach and adhere to not tithing somehow have missed Jesus' words: "You should tithe." Are you? I'm not talking about a generic "tithe", but a Bible tithe - 10% of all your increase.

Greed and self-indulgence. Two powerful enemies of the authentic Christian life.

Jesus, help me not to be a hypocrite!

PrairieParson
JB

Tribute

I simply want to pay tribute today to the love of my life - my wife Genelle.

She is amazingly Christlike. Her wit and intelligence are enviable. Her love and devotion to her family is unsurpassed. Her sacrifice, to be away from her parents in California for 30 plus years, to obey the call of God on the prairie does not go unnoticed in heaven.

The enemy has fired his best shot, but she stands. Life has thrown her some very mean curve balls the last two years, but through Christ, she continues to overcome.

Her outward beauty is only surpassed by the beauty of her soul. I am blessed beyond measure!

Happy birthday, beautiful.

I love you, more...

Jamie

Tax Time

Paying taxes is not new. Neither is giving. Jesus said to do both. Our son Kyle went fishing last week. I don't think the fish had a coin in its mouth, but it was a big fish - 65 pounds and 5' long!

Power is seductive. Servitude is required for biblical authority.

The crowd, often times will discourage you from reaching Jesus, your desire, your miracle, your vision. The crowd preferred that the blind men remain blind - in the presence of the Giver of sight. Interestingly, Jesus did not presume they wanted to receive their sight.

I wonder how Judas felt when Jesus washed his feet?

Jesus has left us a gift - the gift of peace of mind and heart. (Jn. 14.27 NLT)

The path of blessing is doing the will of God.

Jesus loved. May we each demonstrate our discipleship by our love.

PrairieParson
JB

Back to the Gospels

We are continuing to read through the Gospels, even though I have not written a blog concerning our reading schedule for a long time.

The issue of divorce continues to plague society and the church. It is a heart-wrenching problem that virtually every family has experienced to one degree or other. Jesus simply said the cause for divorce is not incompatibility, but hardness of heart. Do you suppose anyone has ever filed a divorce and said the reason is my hard heart?

Jesus never advocated the idea that children are to be seen and not heard. In fact, I think just the opposite was true.

The love of money still is the root of all evil. Consumerism in America is a mighty stronghold. The desire to become rich causes many to stumble. May the Lord help us have a proper, biblical view of money and prosperity.

Most TV preachers, when preaching about the 100 fold return, leave out, "with persecution."

PrairieParson
JB

Food For Thought

J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma always has an excellent blog - Fire In My Bones. I encourage you to read it regularly. The link is http://www.fireinmybones.com/.

PrairieParson
JB

Easter Joy for Today's Sorrow

Today I want to encourage the sorrowful. A couple comments will follow, then take hold of the prophetic promises.

The first words Jesus spoke following His great sorrow of the Cross was "rejoice!" Jesus’ deep sorrow was turned into rejoicing. His sorrow was transformed into joy. The joy of Easter is produced by the sorrow of Good Friday. When you go through sorrow, know this, it won’t last forever, you are not alone, it’s going to be all right. Hope in the Lord. Your sorrow will be turned into “Rejoice”!

Take hope, the deeper your sorrow, the greater your capacity is for joy. When sorrow carves a deep cavity into your soul, take hope, God can transform that cavity into a reservoir of greater joy.

Hear the prophetic promise of the Lord, to you, on this resurrection day:

• Weeping may endure for a night, but [a shout of] joy comes in the morning. (Ps 30:5)

• Today is not a day of sorrow, but a day of celebration and feasting. Celebrate with a feast of food, sweet drinks, and sharing your abundance with those who are less fortunate. (Neh. 8:10)

• According to Esther 9:22 I decree, “This is the month for you to get relief from your enemies; and a month where your sorrow is turned to gladness and your mourning into joy.”

• “As the Lord brings you out of sorrow, your mouth will be filled with laughter and singing. Those around you will say, ‘The Lord has done great things for you’ and you will respond, ‘The Lord has done great things for me.’ You shall have a harvest of joy and rejoicing from the seeds of tears that you have sown.” (Ps. 126)

• Today is a day to draw water from the wells of salvation with joy. (Isa. 12:3)

• To those who are fearful-hearted and sorrowful I declare: “Be strong and do not fear! Your God will come and save you. He will destroy your enemies! You have been in a desert place, but I the Lord shall cause your wilderness and wasteland to blossom as the rose; there will be abundance of flowers and rejoicing; even with singing and joy. The Lord Himself will display in your life His glory and splendor.

Therefore, let your tired hands be lifted up towards Me and let your weak knees be strengthened. For the Lord of Hosts will open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf.

The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will shout and sing! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the desert.

The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.

A highway of holiness shall run through your life. The Living Lion of the tribe of Judah shall roar and the enemy that walks about as a roaring lion shall flee.

You are the ransomed of the Lord. Come to Me by faith singing songs of everlasting joy. Your sorrow and mourning will flee away and you will be overcome with joy and gladness! (Isa. 35)

• "Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness and hope for deliverance - You who seek the LORD. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and consider the quarry from which you were mined!

Consider Abraham your father, and Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him." The Lord will comfort you and all your waste places will blossom. He will make your barren wilderness as beautiful as Eden – the garden of the Lord. And in that garden there will be joy and gladness, and thanksgiving and the voice of melody will fill the air.

My (God's) salvation and deliverance will continue from generation to generation. Therefore, robe yourself with strength. I made a way for My people through the Red Sea; a path of escape; and I will do the same for you. I have ransomed you. Sing songs of everlasting joy. Your sorrow and mourning will disappear and you will be overcome with joy and gladness. (Isa 51)

• You will find grace in your wilderness. I love you with an everlasting love and My lovingkindness is without end. You will again be joyful and dance.

This is what the risen Lord says: Sing with joy and shout. Shout out with praise and joy “save me! Deliver me!”

I declare that your tears of sorrow will be transformed into tears of joy. You will sing songs of joy. You will be radiant because of the many gifts I will give you – good crops of wheat, wine, and oil, and healthy flocks and herds. Your life will be like a watered garden and all your sorrows will depart.

Young women, dance for joy. Young and old men, join in the celebration. For I am turning your mourning into joy; I am comforting you; and there is a great exchange: sorrow for rejoicing.

I will supply you with abundance and satisfy you with bounty.

The Lord says: “I have heard your anguish, mourning and weeping. But do not weep any longer, for I will reward you. Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy.

• There is hope for your future," says the LORD. (Jer. 31)

Is your heart breaking? Are you discouraged and sad? Hear the word of the Lord: “Go to the altar of God, to God — the source of all your joy” making this your prayer: "Tune me in to foot-tapping songs, set these once-broken bones to dancing and restore to me the joy of Your salvation." Today is a day for your ashes to be turned into beauty.
Amen!

PrairieParson
JB

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

In my blog titled August Rush I mentioned that in August Kael and Sara would be having a baby. Here's the first picture of Isaac James.

He will bring much laughter in our lives.

PrairieParson
JB

Don't Be Offended

Our reading in the Gospels for yesterday was Matthew 11-13.

John the Baptizer had announced, "Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world." More often than not, I think, prophets prophecy more than they realize or understand. They are a mouthpiece for the Holy Spirit. They obey. They prophesy, but often they do not fully realize what they have just declared.

I believe this is true with John. He knew his cousin, of course. But at Jesus' baptism it was revealed to John that Jesus was the Lamb. John, like all of Israel, was looking for their Messiah: the One who would deliver them from occupation and oppression; who would set up a political Kingdom upon the throne of David; they were looking for another David.

John, now in prison, sends his disciples to inquire of Jesus, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" John is saying, "If you are the real deal, would you please get on with it! I'm in prison and things don't look too good. I need Messiah to come and deliver me from Herod and the Romans!"

Immediately there was an awesome display of Jesus' power: the blind saw; the lame walked; lepers were made whole; the deaf heard; and demons were dismissed. Jesus said, "Go tell John what you have just heard and seen. And by the way, remind him about the poor having the gospel preached to them and that the dead have been raised. And tell him not to be offended." Jesus was the real deal, but John's theology was a bit off. Jesus did not want John to be offended that He was not meeting his expectations.

A lot of offense happens when expectations are not met. And so I say, "blessed is he who is not offended because of me."

PrairieParson
JB

Jesus Thinned Out the Crowd

I'm trying to get a bigger crowd. I have a dislike for empty chairs. The disciples didn't like the fact that Jesus reduced the crowd size. In fact, they were offended. I think it possible that Jesus would be offended by much of the gimmickry being used in the Western Church to draw a crowd. Having said that, my prayer is still that God will build a great church on the prairie, and that includes numbers - hundreds of people.

Speaking of being offended - the hometown folks of Nazareth were offended at Jesus because He was exactly that; the hometown boy. Jesus' faith was "offended" at their lack of faith resulting in very little Kingdom activity.

Herod was a wimp and politician. There are a lot of wimpy politicians. Herod pleased the crowd instead of doing what was right. Herodias and Jezebeel were two of a kind; but so was Ahab and Herod.

The word of promise to the fearful remains: "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."

Amen!

PrairieParson
JB

Hope to see you Friday night at our Good Friday service. I will be speaking on Jesus: Our Slain Lamb.

Holy Week

Holy Week began, of course, Sunday as we celebrated the Triumphant Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Sunday I spoke on Jesus: The Coronated Messiah. I know "coronated" is not a word, but it fit with the message titles before and to come. Jesus was:

1. Proclaimed King by the crowd.
2. Anointed King by Mary. Judas thought it wasteful. Jesus said it was a beautiful thing.
3. Prophesied as King by Caiaphas.
4. Declared King of the Jews by Pilate.
5. Crowned King by the soldiers.
6. Embraced as King by the believing thief who was also being crucified.

Jesus taught marvelous truths while on the move from one location to another. The disciples "saw" the dried up fig tree after Jesus talked to it. Jesus talked to trees, and mountains. Do you suppose He would have been tagged as a "hyper-faith" type of guy?

Zacchaeus: A seeker, a tree climber, a receiver, a restorer, and a transformed man.

It is true - the world is going after Jesus! (Jn. 12:19) Hallelujah!

PrairieParson
JB

August Rush

Kyle and Brandi, Kari and Janae - some of our kids - have raved about August Rush, the movie. The are right. August Rush is an awesome movie. Genelle, my beautiful wife of 33 years, and I purchased the DVD the other day and watched it Saturday night with Janae, who is home on Spring break. At the end Janae asked, "Dad, are you crying?" Sure enough. We plan on watching it again before long.

Music is a wonderful art that God created and designed. Worship opens a portal where heaven and earth interact. God blessed us with five children who are musically talented. The two left handed ones, both lead worship.

Well, enough of that. O.K. You are probably not reading this to find out about my family. However, just wait until August when baby pictures start showing up on this blog. Way to go Kael and Sara!

PrairieParson
JB

Shaking in His Boots

We have arrived at Holy Week. Let the Word of God dwell in you richly this week.

I'm really behind now, so this will be major catch-up. The chapters are Mt. 9-10; Lk. 8-9; and Jn. 5. A few nuggets from a rich mine and a deep well of the water of life.

• The New Living says Jesus ate dinner with notorious sinners and scum. The Pharisees sure didn't like that.
• Have you ever blessed someone and then wanted to take it back? I've not blessed people and then was reminded Jesus said to "bless your enemies" so I have had to. Interestingly Jesus said, "take your blessing back if you are not received." You can not predict what Jesus is going to say.
• Jesus said, "when you are persecuted" not if you are. A positive confession won't keep persecution from happening. Being a secret Christian might, however.
• Jesus' ministry, like ministries today, require partners. Luke records the names of the women who financially supported His ministry. God designed for God's people to support God's work. I bet Jesus never resorted to the fund raising schemes we see some involved in today.
• Three enemies of the Word: The devil; testing; cares, riches and pleasures of life. The seed in good soil is faced with the same enemies. The good soil perseveres.
• The mission of the Church has not changed: Tell all about the Kingdom and heal the sick.
• Impossibility meets possibility in Jesus and looses, every time.
• Do you suppose the disciples were embarrassed when the couldn't cast the demon out? I've been embarrassed. I think Jesus said something like: "Faithless!" Ouch!
• God's Kingdom is bigger than our little group.
• Like James and John, I've wanted to call fire down out of heaven. I could justify doing it, too!
• Can you hear the consternation in the man's voice who was healed after 38 years: "Illegal to carry my mat? This is the first time for me to walk in 38 years!" Religion is really, really cruel.
• Our blessed hope - the resurrection. Mom celebrated her first birthday in the presence of the Lord, yesterday, Palm Sunday. She and we await that glorious day.

And my last thought for today - Herod was shaking in his boots. I'm sure he was relieved to find out it wasn't John.

PrairieParson
JB

Go KU and KSU in the big dance!

Impact

In an effort to get caught up we will briefly look at Matthew 8, Mark 5 and Luke 6 & 7.

I wonder: Did the centurion and Jesus eventually meet? Did the servant who was healed ever get to introduce himself to Jesus? How many people are part of the Kingdom because of the centurion?

The story of the demonic is one of my favorites. I also wonder how many people are in the Kingdom because of the impact the former tomb dweller made. Some of the saddest words of Scripture to me are found in this story, too - "They began to plead with Jesus to depart." On a side note, I also wonder, how noisy must it have been when the legion of demons possessed that herd of pigs? It gives new meaning to "screaming like a pig under a gate!" (To those in the city, just remember, this is Prairie Parson.)

I guess I am full of wonderment today. I wonder, how did the woman who touched Jesus come up with that faith idea? She said and then she felt. Jesus wondered too, "Who touched Me?" What an impact her testimony must have had as well as the impact of Jairus' daughter's testimony: "I was dead, but Jesus brought me back to life." I'm sure many Jews in that synagogue believed.

Speaking of impact. The funeral procession was stopped. Jesus put his hand on the coffin and the young man comes out of the coffin! I bet the casket bearers dropped it! I would have!

Jesus impacted the former prostitute. May the young lady in the news this week be impacted, as well, with the life-giving, life-transforming good news of Jesus Christ. And may she hear Jesus say to her, "Your sins, which are many, are forgiven. Go and impact your world for Me."

Desiring to impact the prairie and the nations,

PrairieParson
JB

New Definition of Thinking Outside the Box

I am behind on my "daily" blogging, so I wonder if that makes me a "slogger"; a combination of blogger and sluggard?

I just finished reading three great quotes, all from Mr. Warren Buffet, Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. and the richest man in the world.

The context of the first quote relates to the home mortgage crises. He insightfully says, "As house prices fall, a huge amount of financial folly is being exposed. You only learn who has been swimming naked when the tides goes out - and what we are witnessing at some of our largest financial institutions is an ugly sight."

The second statement is more biblical: "The biblical command to 'be fruitful and multiply' is one we take seriously at Berkshire." I would suppose so. The gain in net worth at Berkshire in 2007 was $12.3 billion!

I believe Mr. Buffett is 84 years old. Keep that in mind as you read the last quote: "I've reluctantly discarded the notion of my continuing to manage the portfolio after my death - abandoning my hope to give new meaning to the term 'thinking outside the box.'"

My next blog will get back on track - the Gospels, and putting myself in the story. I hope you are daily reading along with me through the Gospels.

PrairieParson
JB

The Kingdom of God is Like

Jesus remained somewhat vague about the Kingdom of God. He would say, "Well, it is like," or "Let Me illustrate it in this manner". I bet that frustrated a lot of people, don't you think? I think there were plenty of conversations at home that went like this: "What in the world was He talking about? Did you understand anything He had to say?" Do you ever go away from reading the Scriptures with more questions than answers? I believe God designed it that way. It's called the mystery of the Gospel.

The Kingdom of God greatly expanded because of Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well in John 4.

Have you noticed in John how the word "believe" or "believed" is used over and over again? Father, help my unbelief!

Until tomorrow or the next blog,

Blessings!

PrairieParson
JB

Rejected and Despised

Jesus suffered great amounts of rejection. The Pharisees were always hanging around to criticize, judge and try to catch Him making a mistake. His hometown friends were a hard bunch to preach to. After His first sermon they tried to throw Him off a cliff. His brothers did not believe in Him until after the resurrection, and Mark 3 says His family thought He was out of His mind. Others said He was demon possessed, some said he was a drunk, and others accused Him of being a glutton. On numerous occasions he was considered a blasphemer and then there were those who whispered that He was born illegitimately. Isaiah prophesied accurately: "He is despised and rejected by men."

If you have suffered rejection, remember, Jesus has already been there ahead of you, for you!

Feel like a failure? Jesus' word to you is "try again."

Luke helps answer the question I raised in my blog titled "Too Old To Spank." I asked: "Would you just up and leave your business at the invitation to follow a man you did not know?" They may not have known Him, but they saw a demonstration of His power when they had such a huge catch of fish that they were awestruck.

I need to be more like Jesus. (See Luke 5:16)

I like the way the New Living Translation puts Lk. 5:17 - "...And the Lord's healing power was strongly with Jesus."

Jesus referred to Himself as the "Son of Man" 83 times. He was fully human.

Religious folks are always complainers. God help me not be one - religious or a complainer.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, we are reading the 4th chapter of Mark and John.

PrairieParson
JB

You've Never Heard It Like This Before

Matthew 5-7 are amazingly powerful Scriptures. Jesus just continues to amaze me. He consistently raises the bar.

Nine times Jesus says: "God blesses those who are..." God is always in the blessing business, even when it seems just the opposite.

Jesus blew all the religious cobwebs out of the crowds thinking by saying: "You have heard it said, but I say to you." Who had said? Moses. The guy who went up on the Mountain of God, and brought back stone tablets in which the finger of God had written. And here's Jesus saying, "Moses said such and such, but listen to Me. This is what I say." Radical! Revolutionary!

I fall short of the standard Jesus has put in place.

I pray that the Father's name will be honored through my life, and the church He has called Genelle and I to pastor. And I pray that His name will be honored; that His Kingdom will come with power; and His will accomplished on the prairie. Oh how I long for Jesus to build a great church on the prairie! It consumes me and my soul is troubled because I have yet to see it.

In thirty years of ministry on the prairie I have seen people come and go - true prophets and false; sheep, goats, and pretenders. I have observed those who "stay with the stuff" and those who don't realize the faith life is a life, not a 40 yard sprint. God is looking for fruit, not flashes in the sky that quickly fade.

I have also seen super-spiritual types who do not build their life on acting upon the Word. But when the wind comes, and when the storms of life come - and they will come (I used to just believe that in theory, but now in reality) - they collapse under the pressure. Jesus' call to "follow Him" is a lifelong journey and a continual positive response is required. Our lives must be built upon acting out the Word of Christ. The result: we are left standing to the praise of Christ's glory.

PrairieParson
JB

Who Do You Think You Are?

I was out of town Friday afternoon and Saturday, so I will get caught up. A few thoughts from Mark 2 and John 2 and 3:

• Faith looks like work. Faith is observable.
  
• I pray that it is reported on the prairie "We've never seen anything like this before."
• Jesus is so unpredictable. He calls a tax collector, not a respected banker or stock broker, to be a disciple.
  
• The Pharisees were always hanging around criticizing, trying to catch Jesus make a slip, and hoping for His downfall. In 30 years of ministry I've known some people like that.
• Mary, evidently had heard from God before Jesus did. She told the servants, "Do whatever He tells you to do" even though Jesus had just said, "My time has not come yet." Moms are amazingly wonderful!I miss my Mom's support, insight and prayer.
• Jesus' first miracle was a miracle of abundance. He kept the party going.
• Certain people are always looking for a sign. Other people get the job done.
• John was not jealous of Jesus, nor of His ministry, nor was he attempting to build a name for himself. Truly, he was a great prophet and a powerful example for preachers in our culture.

PrairieParson
JB