Over the past few years, Trinity Church has offered a special activity during the transition from one year to the next . . . a PRAYER LABYRINTH. The concept of a labyrinth is not a new thing; they have been used by the church for hundreds, if not thousands of years as a method of prayer and meditation for those seeking to deepen their communion with God.

The Fusion Labyrinth is a prayer experience focused on the synthesis of our FREEDOM FROM unhealthy patterns of thought and behavior and the FREEDOM TO engage with God in the dreams, desires, and plans He has deposited in our lives. The labyrinth path is a spiral inward and then back out again. Along the way, activities and meditations are offered to help focus our hearts, minds, and bodies on God's greatness, goodness, and glory!

The path inward emphasizes our union with Christ and the freedoms that He is releasing in our lives. As we offer God all the good, bad, ugly, and beautiful in our lives, He gives us priceless treasure in return. The journey outward explores the unity we share with others. The deposits of God in our lives are meant to be shared. The outward spiral of the labyrinth focuses our hearts and minds on releasing what Holy Spirit has given. We embrace a mystery of God's Kingdom: what we cling to often slips away, but what we give away is multiplied.

The Fusion Labyrinth is open to anyone on December 30th (Saturday) and December 31st (Sunday) from 1-11 PM both days. Click this link to sign up: https://tinyurl.com/fusion2024

Here is a preview of a station from the labyrinth:

FUSION Station 3: FREEDOM FROM DARKNESS . . . TO LIGHT
Scripture: Ephesians 1:17-18

Meditation: Lord, may your Spirit give me eyes to see the Truth of Jesus even when everything else is dark and uncertain.

Activity: Mirrors and Light

Jesus is the light of the world, and His light that reveals the truth. We need our eyes to be enlightened to know the hope, riches, and power He has for those who believe. Do you have seemingly hopeless circumstances or situations in your life? Are aspects of your life shrouded in uncertainty and darkness? Ask God’s Spirit of wisdom and revelation to enlighten areas in your life where you feel confused, lost, or hopeless.

When you have a word or phrase which represents that area/circumstance/aspect in your life, take a piece of aluminum foil and pray that God’s Word - Jesus - would light your path. Write the word or phrase on the foil, then crumble it and drop it in the jar. See how it reflects the light in beautiful, new ways? When we expose these areas of our life to the LIGHT we reflect the glory of God! How does this feel?

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27

“¹¹ In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:11-12

Mankind was created (male and female together) as an image of God’s glory. We were chosen for that purpose! But what does it mean to be the “image” of God? Are we a copy of the divine, a source of light in and of ourselves? Or are we a mirror, casting an impression of God’s goodness into the world around us? Which are we? Or are we not quite either one?

• Reflection – the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
• Copy - a thing made to be similar or identical to another.

God created us to be “one” with Him - not to BE Him. Consider the difference between a recording of your image (in a photograph or video), and a reflection. The copy (or recording) captures only a single moment of who you are. It is completely disconnected from your CURRENT reality. A reflection, on the other hand, reveals who you are and what you are doing RIGHT NOW. It cannot be separated from your current reality, or it ceases to reflect and becomes only an incomplete facsimile. Just as my reflection cannot be separated from me . . . as God’s image, we cannot be separated from Him!

Our lives should become reflections of:

• God’s character – Ephesians 5:22-23; 1 John 4:19
• God’s power – 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
• God’s mission – Matthew 28:18-20
• God’s ministry – 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

Imagine a mirror ball in a dance hall or roller rink: the light shines on the many mirrored facets and illuminates it, but also bounces off the ball to illuminate other spaces. At first, you might think the mirror is the origin of light, but you soon realize it is a reflection . . . and you turn your attention to the true source.  Each of us is a facet of that mirror ball.

We are called as a PEOPLE (not just a person) to reveal God’s nature, character, personality, etc. in our own lives . . . He is a creator, so we are creative . . . He is love, so we love others . . . He is kind, so we show kindness to others . . . Our lives carry the light of Christ into every corner of our world!

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

Facing your fears is about first acknowledging you are afraid of something . . . and then realizing that your fear is – often and/or usually – based in a lie. God wants you to understand the TRUTH (His perspective) and He will be with you as you face those fears and overcome them . . . to become exactly the person he knew you were all along!

Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush was all about facing the fears he had . . . Fears directly related to his previous experiences. When I read through Exodus 3:1-4:17, I see five excuses or fears that Moses uses to avoid returning to Egypt to confront Pharoah:

1. Fear of man's authority - Moses says (in essence), "I'm nobody special!" (Exodus 3:11) He meant that he was afraid of powerful people with authority. This fear came from Moses prior experience . . . he was a nobody, who became somebody, and then lost it all again! 
2. Fear of God's rejection - Moses asks, "Who do I tell people YOU are?" (Exodus 3:13) Moses had already tried to help the Hebrews without God, and he failed. If God wasn't with him then, how could he be sure of his acceptance now? 
3. Fear of man's rejection - "What if they don't listen or they reject what I say?" (Exodus 4:1) Moses feared being rejected by his people - because they rejected him the last time he tried to help! 
4. Fear of a lack of ability/skill/talent - Moses said, "I don't speak well - I'm afraid of public speaking!" (Exodus 4:10) When he confronted by the Hebrews during his previous experience, he had no response except to run away. He feared his own lack of ability would lead to ruin. 
5. Fear of discomfort/unhappiness - Moses final excuse wasn't even an excuse. He just whined at God, "I don't want to do it! Find someone else!" (Exodus 4:13) He had lost all his comfort and happiness once before. At this point in his life, Moses had finally built a life - a wife, kids, family, friends, job, wealth, security, etc. Now God was asking him to risk it all! 

God didn’t reject or abandon Moses for being timid and afraid. God understood Moses’ pain and the depth of his trauma. God understood his excuses and the history that created them, but he wasn’t going to let Moses stay stuck in his pain. God loved Moses too much to allow him to continue to defeat himself.

God listened to Moses’ point of view. But then He spoke. For each excuse Moses gave, God responded with His perspective. He told Moses, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12) He wanted to come alongside and partner with Moses. He wanted to help him. God wanted to calm his fears and build his confidence. God wanted Moses to dream again.

God was aware of Moses’ insecurities. He told him, “I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:12) He knew that Moses felt inadequate for the job. He knew Moses felt insecure about his speaking disability. (Exodus 4:10) God wanted Moses to know that He would equip and empower him to do what needed to be done. He was not alone.

In the end, Moses embraced God's truth. He revealed this transformed perspective when he tells the entire nation of Israel . . .

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you . . . The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:6,8

Over the next few weeks at Trinity we are going to explore what it means to be FULLY DEVOTED in Mind, Body, and Spirit. For me it means we are living a wholly integrated life where every part of our being pursues God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. It means we engage the mystical components of the Kingdom at the same time we increase our knowledge while we also discipline our body. Each strengthens the other and bonds us more fully to the goodness of God.

And just for fun, check out this skit from The Point youth that illustrates some of these principles in discipleship . . .

As it is written, I have made you the father of many nations. [He was appointed our father] in the sight of God in Whom he believed, Who gives life to the dead and speaks of the nonexistent things that [He has foretold and promised] as if they [already] existed.
Romans 4:17 (Amplified Bible)
Trinity Church has a long history of seeing and releasing Kingdom realities into our world. At Trinity's formation in the late 1970s, the purpose statement was written to declare that very purpose of our existence:

To bring glory, honor and worship to God by being a “People of God’s Presence, Visibly Demonstrating the Kingdom of God”.

Our discovery of how to be a people who visibly demonstrate God's kingdom continues to this day. We seek to see our world with Spiritual eyes - the eyes of our heart - so we can know God better and partner with Him in declaring those "things that are not as though they are." The concept of overlaying Spiritual sight with a physical reality might be difficult to grasp, but there is a "real world" example we can use to better comprehend it.

There is a rapidly developing computer technology being applied in gaming, design, architecture, engineering and more called AUGMENTED REALITY. It is different than virtual reality. Virtual reality creates an entirely digital world for the user to enter. Augmented Reality overlays the vision of a creator (such as an architect) on a real-world space where the creation does not yet exist. Check out the video below for an example of how the technology works. 

Augmented Reality gives us a wonderful picture of how we can overlay our Spiritual Vision (the eyes of our heart - Ephesians 1:17-23) with our Physical vision (the things we see in the "real" world). Throughout scripture we see examples of those who lived with this curious Spiritually Augmented Reality: Elisha and his servant, Abraham and his promise, Jesus only did what he saw the Father doing, Ezekiel and his wheels within wheels, etc. We see it in David's life as well.

Psalm 27 declares that what we see in the physical and what we see spiritually may seem different, but they are connected. The Psalmist (David) sees - and declares - God's goodness and security in the midst of insecure, even untenable, situations. His physical reality does not seem to reflect the things David knows about God's nature and kingdom . . . so he declares what he sees in the Spirit and calls it reality! That Spiritual Augmented Reality sustains David when nothing else would.
Try this exercise:
Think of a situation or environment where you find yourself on a regular basis (maybe daily). This could be a workplace, school, home, store, gym, etc. Consider what the place looks like when you are there. What does it sound like, smell like, or feel like? Where are you in the place? Where do you see Jesus? Now ask Jesus this: What do You want to do in this place? What are You saying or thinking about this place? What do You want me to do or declare in this place for Your Kingdom?

Walking out a Spirit Augmented Reality in our lives takes practice. I encourage all of us to ask God to open the eyes of our heart to His reality in every place we go. Let's declare those things that are not as though they are.

The Point is doing something new this year! As 2021 came to an end, I realized I still needed to plan for the 2022 Spring Calendar for Jr. and Sr. High Students. I have wrestled a long time with the routines of youth ministry . . . Wednesday night youth group, summer mission trips, bowling nights, etc. are great, but they just feel so . . . done.

Lacking any real passion for the planning process, I did what every great leader does . . . I delegated it to the youth! Seriously. I prepared several sessions of calendar planning, but with a twist. We decided to try a “Spirit-led Scheduling Session”.

Here’s how it went:

1. We spent 2 minutes in silence, just listening for anything God wanted to say. At the end of the two minutes we wrote down the things we heard, saw, felt, or sensed during that time. This just got us into the place of hearing God.
2. I handed out some “Prompt Cards” that included traditional youth group activities as well as some new ideas that had come out of previous conversations. Each student had a handful of cards like Game Nights, Retreats, Youth Group Meetings, Mission Trips, and Road Trips. We spent a few minutes praying over those cards and writing any ideas, feelings, or impressions we received about them.
3. We spent several minutes sharing about the things we heard from God regarding these ideas (and any new ones that came up).
4. We specifically asked Holy Spirit to give us a month, day, time , or season related to the cards we had in our hands. Then we taped those cards to calendars I had put up around the room.

The results of this experiment were profound! The Holy Spirit gave several people the idea for a breakfast meeting once a month for all youth. It was called Breakfast with The Point. Four different people taped a card up on the first Tuesday of every month. They didn’t talk about it with each other, they just followed the Spirit and it all came together.

There were other neat things the Holy Spirit showed us, but it boiled down to 2 basic themes:

1. God wants us to have more adventures with Him and each other – but maybe fewer “meetings”.
2. God wants us to actively give away the things He gives us!

The Jr. and Sr. High ministry put together a calendar for January through May based on the leading of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t look quite like any other calendar I’ve done. Some things are the same, but even those have a freshness or newness to them.

Doing something NEW is important. Routines are circular, they are all about doing the same things to get the same results. New Things are about growth and change. And God loves to do new things!

See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19 

Every New Year for as long as I can remember I have used the month of January to reset my attention on the LORD with intentionality. This year is no different, the old has gone and the new has come in the natural, 2021 to 2022 as well as in the spiritual regarding the eternal truth for who we are in Christ. This reset leads me to examine previous truths that the LORD established in my life. I picture these truths as freshwater wells.

Fresh and clean water is necessary to sustain life and scripture records that a well was dug by Abraham for every location the LORD sent him. In that location the LORD revealed Himself in a new way to Abraham. The location became an anchor point in Abraham’s life identified by the well that was dug. He and future generations then could revisit that well to draw life sustaining water benefitting everyone who drew from the water in the natural and satisfying the spiritual thirst of those who drew from the well in faith accessing the same truth revealed to Abraham (Gen 26, John 4:5-6).

Therefore, I ask the questions what wells do I have access to that others have dug and what wells have been dug in my life? As I do this, I see wells that look like ones from an old country setting that has cut stone built around the opening of the well with a bucket available to lower into the well.

As I picture this well, my imagination is activated. I think about the well. I remember the quality of the water in the well. My observations often stir feelings of gratitude as I am filled with the memories of what God has done in my life. They also stir my faith for when I remember what God has done, my spirit tells me, “God, my Father, will do it again.” At times I wonder why I have not visited for a while. As I drink from the well, refreshment fills my soul as it did when I first tasted the water drawn from it.

This month, I encourage you to join me using Genesis 26:12-25 and ask the LORD to walk with you examining those wells that He dug for you. Revisit the encounters that you have had with the LORD. Review the nuggets of truth that you came to discover. Remind yourself of the deep work that the Spirit of God has done in your life and in your families. Cherish the relationships that you have and ask the LORD to show you even more blessings that the wells you visit have for you today.

These wells will nourish your soul.  Coming up . . . The well of hearing the voice of the Shepherd, John 10:27 

On December 30-31 of 2021, Trinity hosted a prayer labyrinth called EXCHANGE. The theme explored God’s exchange with us (Revelation 3:17-18) as well as our exchange with others (Romans 1:11-12). This theme of EXCHANGE is our theme for the year at Trinity.

At one station, participants were to leave behind cards on which they wrote an area of doubt, uncertainty, frustration, or worry. In another, they wrote areas of suffering or wounding on bandages and left them behind. At many of the stations, they were leaving something behind and taking something God gave them in exchange. It is all anonymous, so participants feel confident being authentic and vulnerable.

After the labyrinth, I spent time praying over the things left behind by participants. I read of those who worry they will never measure up to the standards of others, God, or themselves. Many suffer from loneliness, rejection, or fear. Some long for purpose or intimacy. Others wrestle with despair and doubt because they long for breakthrough in their lives that never seems to come.

These are the real struggles of those around us. These are the friends and family who sit with us in church services, youth group, small groups, and prayer meetings. There were several testimonies of the EXCHANGE some of those who participated felt with God during their labyrinth experience. Now we need to walk out the EXCHANGE with each other!

How do we continue to walk in authentic community where we feel as free sharing our doubts, pains, and struggles with each other as we do our confidence, joys, and victories? How can we encourage and strengthen each other with love? We don’t have it all figured out yet, but we know Jesus’ heart for His people . . .

“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
John 17:20-23 

One thing has been stirring in my heart over the last several months. It has to do with pursuing the very manifest presence of God. The glory of God is also referred to as the shekinah glory.

Today more than ever, the corporate church needs a deep relationship with God our creator. The natural wisdom of man has not served us well. At best we hit and miss God’s designed plan for each person, family and nation.

We see in the old testament how the priest would go into the holy of holies to minister to God and provided the required sacrifices for their nation. In the same way we as ministers of God need to find ourselves in the holy of holies so that we are than able to minister to the people after we come out of God’s presence.

In essence we are getting direct revelation while in the shekinah glory. On Sunday nights a group of Christians are meeting with the primary purpose of pursuing the shekinah glory of God.

The following information is the path we have started on and will continue in each meeting to go deeper pursuing “The Shekinah Glory of God”.
 
First... Prayerfully consider these scriptures to open our minds & hearts.  

• Ps. 27:4 ----------------              One Thing I desire
• Ezkl. 44:16 ------------              Minister unto God
• Jms. 4:8a --------------              Draw Near to God
• Phil. 3:10-16 ----------             Press-in & on
• Eph. 4:11-13 ----------              To come into Fullness
• 1Pet. 5:10 --------------             A believer’s Journey
• Eph. 1:17 ---------------            Needed Light & Wisdom         
• Jn. 17:3 -----------------             To Know... This is eternal life    

 
 Second...  To know God’s will we need the light of God for knowledge & Revelation. Jesus is The Light!
  
Third... A lesson is seen in Acts 9: 3–4 regarding light.
“Suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And he fell to the ground.
 
Real light from heaven is more than knowledge. It is the discovery of the Lord Himself. Whoever sees Him, sees light.

Instruction does not have this effect. We may listen to any number of instructive sermons and even memorize their content, and yet remain unchanged.

That never happens when light comes from God. When that light dawns, it blinds our eyes to one natural world that they may be opened to a supernatural world.

When Paul saw the light, he was smitten to the ground and for three days could see nothing. (sometimes nothing for a while)

Light is rigorous. It can do to a man what he himself can never do.

When that light shines, we are softened, weakened, broken, and placed in awe. Light has to humble us before it enables us to see, do and become.”


We invite you to join us in this pursuit. 

More than ever the followers of Christ need a time and place to encounter God. Today’s world of chaos and confusion cause so many a great deal of anxiety. The scriptures speak of coming into God’s presence to find rest. Even though we as Christian know we should have peace and hope in Christ the events happening around us can have an impacted of distraction.
 
Finding a place and time for quite contemplative prayer will reignite deeper trust and hope for yourself and your loved ones. God desires us to call on Him in troubling times. If you have not spent time with God lately and have been caught up in the everyday conundrum of life, now is the time to escape for a season in a higher place!
 
The, Trinity Church Leadership Team, has planned an opportunity for “such a time as this.“ A retreat from the world into God’s presence. This time of escaping the chaos is scheduled for October 30 and 31 at Eagle Crest Christian camp & Retreat Center. During our time at the camp we will be looking at topics to refresh and inspire those who attend. Topics include “doing the impossible, hearing from God in prayer, finding your gift and calling, strength within the body of Christ and beholding God’s glory.” Each topic will include an activities workshop to bring deeper meaning to each participant. There will also be times of worship, fellowship, rest and reflection.
 
The retreat is an open event to any person seeking a break from the busyness of life in exchange for a deeper walk with God. Invite your family and friends to join you as we pursue Jesus together.
 
Contact the Trinity Church office for more detail or to reserve your place. 

If you are anything like me you have grown totally and completely sick of the word “unprecedented.” I find it both overused and inappropriate. History is full of experiences and circumstances as bad or worse than the Covid-19 pandemic we are experiencing now. Through all of them, people have grown and thrived in the midst of chaos.
 
As an example, while Isaac Newton was a student at university, one of the last outbreaks of plague occurred. All the students were sent home to complete their year of studies. During this time, Newton developed the basis for calculus, theories on how light works, and began his study of gravity. He called it the “year of wonders.”

I am a big fan of sci-fi television, and one of my favorites over the years was a show called Farscape. A human astronaut is accidently shot to the far side of the universe where he encounters tremendous danger, unjust oppression, and terrifying situations. Each episode opened with a message the man recorded for his family and the people of earth . . . "Now all I want is to find a way home, to warn Earth. Look upward, and share... the wonders I have seen."

Newton and the character in Farscape shared an understanding. The worst circumstances we face - the most difficult trials - are also the place of wonders. Our God has a habit of revealing His greatest treasures in the midst of tribulation. If we persevere, the reward is a glimpse into the wonders of God! The Apostle Paul reminds us of this in Romans 5:2-5:

 
God is good, kind, and faithful to all generations. I want to encourage all of us to pursue that same attitude of wonder and discovery in the midst of this difficult season. God will still meet you here and now. He is even now declaring, "Look upward, and share the wonders I have created!"

We have heard for years that we are triune man (mankind). There is no doubt scriptural evidence proves this is true to a certain degree. Exploring the many times three levels of man or principle states of spiritual growth are seen in scripture helps us understand a difference in one dimension of being to another. To support this basic triune principle, see a few examples in the 3-column table below: 

In these few examples above you can see a progression in value or importance. God created all we have need of to live a fully developed Christian life. He also prepared a journey we each will travel. Just as we would never expect a baby to live like a young man or woman, we also would not expect a young man or woman to live like a more mature person with broad life experience. In the same way God, The Father, as our master designer, supports our growth through the example of Jesus’ way of life, teaching and the guidance of Holy Spirit.
 
The examples of spiritually maturing men and women in the bible is quite clear. Each one through life’s experiences and guidance of Holy Spirit grew in a deeper relationship with God. It is the same with us today. If we are willing God will grow us up in Christ throughout life.
 
Looking at the biblical examples, in the above table, take note of an extremely important point. Where is our focus and who are we in God’s eyes? What was God’s intent when He created us? Was it to be only those found in the first column of the table? I believe our Father created us as a finished spiritual being. Yes, there is a growth process and we all will start at the beginning. However, if we focus on or remain in the first column of life, we will not come into the fullness God desired for ALL of us.
 
There is no progression in the above table of Father, Son and Holy Spirit because they are one and complete in wholeness and have always been complete.

My point in this blog is to help us all see we are to find ourselves in the place God intended from the beginning. When we see we are spirit man (mankind) we will dwell in the holy of Holies, Feast at the table of God, live the fullness of life, become a father of the faith, knock on the depths of God’s heart, walk as a qualified priest of the kingdom, produce 100 fold through the power of Holy Spirit and be a true living epistle of the word of God seen and read of all men.
 
Would you agree with me that we are to live as God created us “spirit beings” and nothing less. God said “let us make man in our image and our likeness. He breathed the SPIRIT of life into us ” God is Spirit. We will worship Him in spirit and truth. Amen.

Corporate Lament and personal lament are uncomfortable, unfamiliar concepts in most western churches. Despite about one third of all the Psalms being psalms of lament, we rarely engage lament in worship, prayer, or our corporate services. The Israelites enslaved in Egypt came to a place of lament and cried out to God. Their cry for freedom aligned with God’s desire, and He began liberating them to become the people He had always intended.

Lament is more than just venting our sadness, frustration, anger, regret, or despair. It goes far beyond mere sorrow over sin in our lives or community. Those are part of the lament. The lament begins there, but it does not end there. Lament is a powerful act of intercession rooted in a desire to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives and in our world. It is the great cry of the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

When God’s people begin to see reality from God’s perspective, they recognize the brokenness, ugliness, darkness, and pain of a world which is not aligned to the kingdom of God. They weep for that brokenness, but then faithfully declare God’s promises. The process looks something like this:

1. See what God sees. Our thoughts and awareness about our lives, circumstances, and world must align with God’s. Alignment with God’s thoughts exposes things in our lives that do not align with His kingdom. As long we ignore those things, we cannot enter into Godly lament.
2. Grieve over what grieves God. God so loves the world that the brokenness and sorrow He sees breaks His heart. Our hearts should be broken by what breaks God’s. We have the mind of Christ – including all His joys AND all His anguish. We know Jesus experienced pain for the lost and hurting, so we should know that same anguish.
3. Seek God’s help. The lament moves from a cry of anguish to a passionate plea for God’s divine intervention and healing. The intercessor’s lament cries, “GOD! Send your mercy for we are in desperate need!”
4. Declare the promise. Faith and hope are the motivation and destination of lament. We cannot properly lament without resting in the promises of God. We do not deny the pain and injustice, but we declare our hope for a reconciliation we have not yet seen. We declare God’s goodness and power even as we long for the fullness – in full confidence that He WILL be glorified. Our lament builds our own faith and the faith of others!

 
Practicing Personal and Corporate Lament

• Pray the Psalms – take note of those that resonate with you. As you read them, insert the situation, circumstance, broken elements that grieve you right now.
• Ask God to give you his heart, his eyes, his ears to see, hear, and feel the pain in the world around us. We breeze by the pain too often without stopping to hear it. We rarely step into it and let it truly break our heart. We like to rejoice with those who rejoice, but we shy away from mourning with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)
• Write a Lament to pray at meetings and in your quiet time. Join the Prophetic Prayer group, the Pre-service Garden Room Prayer group and use those laments when you have nothing else to pray.
• Pray in the Spirit with groanings that have no words!

This is the last of 3 blogs, addressing my final thoughts regarding “Are we in the end times.”  I believe we would all agree as each day passes, we are closer to the second coming of Jesus. One of the most powerful and clear signs of the end of the age is found in the following scriptures.
 
I have cut and pasted these shocking but true passages for your reading in this blog. The first passage from 2Timothy is one I observe daily. These actions and attitudes of many today are so obvious and unquestioned by anyone who is not living under a rock. I used the word shocking because for most God-fearing followers of Christ it is hard to imagine people living such a destructive, self-centered lifestyle as seen in the following scriptures. However, this trend is increasing worldwide.



I know history records many evil times in the past. The question I ask myself is, "When is enough, enough?" It seems to me, we - and all creation - are now groaning and praying for the appearance of Jesus (Rom.8:22,23).
 
What have you seen in the last several years? What Is becoming the normal way of life for so many today? Interesting isn’t it? My question is where are our hearts? Are we joining in on today’s norm? Jesus said we are to love as He loves and forgive as He forgave. My prayer is this: Lord help us to represent you and your kingdom well.
 
A quote that helps guide me... “Love is sacrificing yourself for others. Lust is sacrificing others for yourself.”
 
Two final thoughts on “Are we in the end times:”

• Am I ready?
• Am I part of the problem or representing God’s solution for all to be ready?

What about you?

Revelation 22:20
He which testifies these things says, Surely, I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.


Additional References:
 
To confirm what will take place in the last days Watch/listen to the daily news, read local & national newspapers, listen to the conversations in the marketplace and watch the actions and attitudes of many (not all) today.

Many heathen nations in the past were sacrificing their children to false gods.

• Inca culture.
• Maya culture.
• Moche culture.
• Timoto-Cuica culture.
• Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)
• Phoenicia and Carthage.
• Pre-Islamic Arabia.
• US & other nations now sacrificing our unborn & desertion of our children

Enough said about additional references. 

Welcome to the second part in a three-part blog from Pastor Harry regarding the question, “Where are we in God’s timetable of events?” Part 3 will deal with the ways of man & Harry's conclusions.

Before reading the following blog understand this:
Those who are in Christ Jesus, who are standing on The Rock, trusting in the blood of Jesus and have their lamps full of oil have NOTHING to fear. We will not be shaken. We will endure all things and overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, loving not our lives even unto death. All glory to God!
 
 
In this blog, I will share some of the most familiar scriptures studied to help determine the time and season of coming events and the second coming of the Lord. (I will have more in the third blog)
 
As Christians we have seen these passages as evidence Jesus will return in our lifetime. Many past generations have believed this to be true. However, Jesus has not yet returned. Does that mean I do not believe He will return in my lifetime? NOT AT ALL! Jesus may return anytime. The Father knows the day and hour for this event. We are reminded that we do not know the day or hour, but we can discern the season when Jesus will return. With that being said, please consider the following scriptures to support your own discernment and need for preparation.
   
There are 3 very well-read passages of scripture whic have generated controversy for many decades regarding the end times. I will not copy and paste them here but ask you to read, compare, and observe. Consider if any or all of these things are happening now:

• Matthew 24:3-51 & 25:1-30
• Mark 13:1-37
• Luke 17:20-31

Jesus’ main emphasis in these parallel chapters is to describe what will take place before His second coming. Matthew 25:1-30 continues with the theme of Matthew 24. The events at the end of the age are addressed through the description of how the end-time Church will prepare for that hour.
 
The following is a list of the most significant parallel statements for you to consider regarding what must take place before Jesus’ return:

1. Take heed that no man deceives you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
2. You shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
3. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in many places.
4. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you: and you shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues you shall be beaten: and you shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
5. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents and shall cause them to be put to death.
6. many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many.
7. because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
8. this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
9. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
10. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
11. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
12. For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
13. And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

 
We have nothing to fear: 
Are the statements in the scriptures more prevalent today? Is there something missing? Has Holy Spirit given you any personal revelation regarding what Jesus made know to those listening to Him? Are these things true throughout the earth?
(Note: there are many other scriptures telling us how to be prepared for the coming of the Lord, “second coming.”) Also, these same scriptures will help us be prepare for the day the Lord calls us home even if not at His coming. Many have gone before us and were prepared for their home going.

We now need to pray that we and our loved ones are ready for any future events. Our mission is to grow in likeness to Jesus and trust Him for all things.
 
I will conclude my thoughts next week, in the last blog of the three 3-part series.    

Two questions have been asked of me in the last couple weeks:

• The first “Where are we in God’s timetable of events?” (end times)
• The second question “what is your take on the dreams of Pastor Dana Coverstrone?” (Dreams of current and future events seen on YouTube)

In this first of 3 blogs, regarding these two questions, I will be sharing material for you to consider whether we are in the last days and whether we are or not how to prepare for any future events.
 
In this blog, I will answer the second question first...
 
My comments on the dreams of Pastor Dana Coverstone. (see on YouTube search his name & dream . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7mt6Tb8yjI)
 
See also an excellent response, by Michael French, on Pastor Coverstone’s dreams at...                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slxU0qEFIdo
 
I will not rehearse his dream here but assume you have seen it. He speaks of hard times coming and to be braced for it. This is my response:

1. I appreciate the voice of the Lord shared from dreams, visions & a prophetic word of God through His people. That includes Pastor Coverstone.
2. All words spoken or expressed should be examined by other people of God & mostly to verify they are in line with scripture.
3. Most prophetic words, dreams & visions will not only have a primary statement but will also have underlying guidance or action to respond to the word given. Such as “if my people, so then take heed, consider the cost, go and do, prepare the people for actions, prepare the way of the Lord, etc." As Pastor Paul Backhaus has stated there should be some redeeming element to a prophetic word. This is seen throughout scriptures. (There are a few exceptions where the people knew what the prophetic word meant and then could make a decision to accept or reject.)
4. Pastor Dana warned us to be braced. That is a good word. We simply need to ask ourselves “am I braced or clenched/standing on The Rock?”
5. The Rock, Jesus Christ is solid and will not be moved (Heb.12:25-29). Avoid the sand and you will be safe. (Mt. 7:24-27). This is simply putting the word into practice.
6. Yes! We are in troubled times, but let us stop and remember many of the past troubled times. We were able to endure to the end of each period of trouble. Not only did we endure we became overcomers. (limited list)

• Civil war
• 1st World war
• 2nd world war
• Racial discord (mostly in the south)
• Korean war
• Vietnam war (unrest by many in the US)
• Campus unrest and killing of 4 students
• Iraq war
• Afghanistan war
• 9/11 attack on America
• Untold religious wars throughout the history of the world.

I could have listed scriptures to show how God will be with His people and protect them in all situations. Remember you don’t always know what God is up to but it will never be to harm us. I recommend to go to the internet and do a search for “How God protects his people” you will be exhausted trying to read ALL the examples/scriptures that reveal His unlimited love, safeguard and defense of us. God said He would go before us and be our rear guard.

We are children of God and we were not made to walk in fear, but power and authority given to us by Holy Spirit. Rom.8:15; 2Tim. 1:7

Pastor Dana is an AG pastor whom I assume is well versed in the power, protection, and guidance of Holy Spirit. I’m convinced that he has heard from God in his dreams. Our response should also embrace the guidance of Holy Spirit.

I will not say that people who feel they need to get guns & stockpile food etc. are out of the will of God. That should be based on what they as individuals hear from God. I will say for me: guns & stockpiling is not where I put my confidence. My hope is in the word of God and the power of Holy Spirit. My personal belief is guns and hoarding should be traded for sickles & sacrifice to a dying world.

Now more than ever is the best time to let the kingdom of God be seen in His people living the fullness of the FRUIT of the Spirit and using the GIFTS of Holy Spirit to show the world a love they have never known before.

Will the fruit of the Spirit be seen in us, or will the world see fear, doubt, and confusion in the body of Christ?sus was, is, and will always be our example of how we should represent Father God and His kingdom to the world. Any other example will not hold to the test of the KINGDOM!
 
I have so much more to say about the times we live in but cannot put it all in print. If you have any questions for me please contact me at trinity@trinitychurchmorton.org, or 309-263-8808. We at Trinity church love to dialog regarding Our Lord and King Jesus Christ.   

Last Saturday we had a great conversation about Spiritual Constipation. If you are receiving from God and His people, but you are not releasing those things to others, you are spiritually constipated - and it isn't healthy!

The act of releasing what God has placed in you is better known as "ministry". If you are a disciple of Jesus, you are a member of the Priesthood of All Believers. You have the responsibility and privilege of ministering before God, to His people, and to the world!

1 Peter 2:9 says, ". . . you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."

We have been given gifts for the express purpose of ministry - not for our own benefit! In John 20:21-22, Jesus tells us "'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.' Then he breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"

Think about that for a moment. If you have received the Holy Spirit in your life, you have been commissioned to release (or bind) something in the world RIGHT NOW and RIGHT HERE. Jesus said, "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matthew 16:19).

Sometimes we struggle to release the things of God. We wrestle with uncertainty, doubt, selfishness, distrust, fear, faith, etc. We stick to only doing what we have always done, because it is safe and comfortable. I believe that when we experiment with new ways of ministering to others - both inside and outside the church walls - we uncover the hidden treasures of Spiritual growth and depth God has for us.

So are you interested in experimenting with ministry? Here are just a handful of ministries taking place in Trinity right now with opportunities to engage:

• Media Team(Video, Audio, and Social Media)
• Children's Ministry (Helpers and leaders needed)
• Youth Ministry (Helpers and leaders needed)
• Small Groups
• Greeters/Ushers
• Altar Ministry/Prayer Ministry
• Worship (Instrumentalists, Vocalists, Artists, Sound)

This is just a handful of opportunities to serve and minister at Trinity. There are so many more you can check out here, but don't limit yourself to what is considered "formal" ministry. Your whole life can become an act of ministry!

RELEASE WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU!

 
Here is what God’s law (The Word as fulfilled in Jesus Christ) tells me:

Obviously, the LAW IS LOVE! When I do not know what else to do . . . LOVE. When I feel confused and frustrated . . . LOVE. When I see injustice or selfishness around me . . . LOVE. Our first and primary responsibility as the people of God is not to solve problems, demonstrate God’s power and authority, or call people to repentance. Our first and primary responsibility is LOVE.
 
What does that look like? Remember, I want to know exactly what actions to take that will make a difference. It’s all right here:I ask myself these questions:

• Am I responding with patience and kindness?
• Am I reacting out of jealousy or pride?
• Are my words rude, irritable, or self-centered?
• Am I tracking the wrongs committed by others?
• Am I celebrating whenever truth wins – even if I was the one who was wrong?
• Have I given up or lost faith or am I still hopeful that things can and will be better?

My daily bible reading plan has had me reading through 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles for the last few weeks. I have to say: I'm tired of reading about those guys. The crazy kings of Israel and Judah get a little frustrating to read day after day after day! The last couple of days have been interesting though. I've been reading about Jehoshaphat.

Two key things jumped out at me as I read through Jehoshaphat's reign:

1. When Judah faced a threat so dire it could end the nation (2 Chronicles 20), he did not immediately jump into planning and preparing. He called for a time of fasting and prayer. He sought God and encouraged others to do the same. He did not discount the danger they faced, but he did seek God's counsel and intervention in his circumstances. This felt particularly relevant in light of our current circumstances. I was forced to ask myself difficult questions. Is my first instinct to seek the Lord when I face difficulty? Do I fill my eyes, mind, and spirit with the problem I face, or do I look into the face of Jesus through prayer, fasting, and worship?

2. Jehoshaphat ruled well and followed the Lord during his reign over Judah. He was a godly king, but something went wrong. When he died, his son Jehoram succeeded him to the throne (2 Chronicles 21). Then he went completely off the rails! Jehoram did evil in the eyes of the Lord and followed after other gods. He murdered his brothers and any officials who opposed him. He was - in essence - the anti-Jehoshaphat. This brought new questions to mind. For all the great things Jehoshaphat did, despite his own relationship with God, it did not get passed on to Jehoram. We don't know what went wrong, but I wonder if Jehoshaphat neglected to invite his son on the same journey toward God? The bible says Jehoram passed away "to no one's regret." That is a sad statement on his life.

These two things challenge me this week:

1. I need to seek God's plan in the face of any difficulty I face.
2. I need to invite my children to join me in my journey toward the King of Kings. 

I have been asking many of my fellow believers to answer questions which I feel are being asked by believer and unbelievers alike. Some of these questions are being asked or developed by those in this group.
 
Please note: This is a modified compilation list of answers to the following question:

“What is Holy Spirit revealing to you today about God, yourself and will that alter what God wants you to change in your life as a disciple serving others in this world?”
Take time to consider what Holy Spirit is saying to you. See how your revelations may align with and/or add to the answers below.

• God is the source of all I need. In fact, He’s my only source. With such an inexhaustible resource, why don’t I trust Him more?
• I should be able to be a little more reckless in my faith. I can afford it! Some attitude adjustment may be needed here!
• God is still on the throne. His plan for man has not changed.
• God is holy, trustworthy, loving, full of mercy & grace. He is not hiding from us but making us more aware of His empowering presence in every situation.
• We have much more to learn in this life. Holy Spirit is willing to help us as much as we will let Him.
• We should continually ask Holy Spirit to take our hearts and heal them by His touch. A spiritually healthy will support our pursuit of God. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”
• The Spirit has been revealing to me during these very troubling times; a revelation and it pertains to II Chronicles 7:13-14. Verse 13 relates to those situations that God may allow to happen and even those dire situations that He may choose to bring upon us, which relate directly to sin. Verse 14 says; “If My People, who are called by My Name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My Face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.”
• If we are called by His Name, we are Christ-followers. So being, we are told to humble ourselves, pray, and seek Him. We should pondered on this verse and began asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to us any shortcomings in relation to what this verse is speaking.
• God is pure love, and He is also purely a righteous God. His expectations of His People is that we must repent of our sins and He will forgive them. These are those things that the Spirit is revealing to me pertaining to God.
• God lets me know that prayerful repentance will bring righteousness, reconnection with Father. The Spirit reminds me that I could be more humble, pray more, cooperate with Holy Spirit on turning away from my “wicked” ways. I love the Lord but I’m a work in progress.
• What the Spirit reveals to me, heightens my expectations of my own service to others. Sadly, it sometimes takes a catastrophe such as we are experiencing now, to come up to the level that God expects us to be at, as close to Him as possible.
• As a disciple of our Lord and Savior, I will try everything in my power, coupled with the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells me, to serve all people whom the Father puts in my path.
• It seems that throughout all history the message is always clear…..REPENT. as you read the Old Testament the children of Israel always were being told… If you are faithful to Me, I will be faithful to you and cause you to prosper. If you obey and follow God’s commands, He would keep all these diseases from coming on you. This message has been true through all these millennia and still true today.
• I feel Holy Spirit is saying that we need to get back to seeking and serving God with ALL of our hearts, soul, and mind. This is how we get to look like Jesus. But it starts by humbling ourselves and looking to God, who is the finisher and perfecter of our Faith.
• God is calling up to get right and to draw near to him. Get rid of the hinderances and sin that keep us from growing and getting closer to God. God is the only one who will keep us and cause us to prosper in these times. Again the scripture in Matthew rings our “look up for your redemption draws nigh.”
• Holy Spirit is highlighting the lovingkindness and tender mercy of our Father. I hear him calling to ALL He has given to HIs Son, Jesus...
• Joel 2:12-13 "Yet even NOW, return to Me with ALL your heart...Rend your HEART and not your garments. NOW return to the Lord your God. For I AM... GRACIOUS and COMPASSIONATE, SLOW to anger, ABOUNDING in LOVINGKINDNESS and relenting of evil."
• Heb.4 exhorts us, "TODAY enter into His Sabbath REST." He had to put the whole world on "PAUSE" to get some things in order. He is using what the enemy means for evil to:
  • ALIGN the nations with His plan and purpose in this hour to bring about a great HARVEST 
  • AWAKEN His Bride and bring His DIVINE ORDER into our lives individually and corporately so we have greater strength going forward in the days ahead. 
  • PREPARED for the days ahead. Holy Spirit is showing us to DECLARE that OLD cycles are BROKEN in our lives; and we are moving into the NEW assignment He has for us in this hour. We all need to go forward with MORE GRACE, MORE INTENTION, MORE CONFIDENCE.
• Our Prayer ought to be “show me Lord Jesus to walk through my neighborhood and in the marketplace sharing the message Papa is giving me with those He has placed in my life knowing that as we EXECUTE the Word of the Lord, we are STRONG and POWERFUL! (Joel 2:11)
• The Holy Spirit is revealing to me the action love and its direct connection to God. It is in the way it is highlighted to me that makes it a new revelation. I’ve heard it so many times but now I hear it. The following scriptures from I John is what has stood out to me the past couple weeks and I keep going back to them and rereading (NIV version). 
  • This was the first to stand out at me: 
    • (1:1) That which was from the beginning, which we have HEARD, which we have SEEN with our EYES, which we have looked at and OUR HANDS HAVE TOUCHED-this we proclaim concerning THE WORD OF LIFE.  There is something in me that connected with the reality of my physical senses of my ears hearing, my eyes seeing and my hands touching the word of life. The word of life means to me (in this moment) the actual physical being of God. 
    • I know I have heard God and seen God just as I hear and see any person in my life. I keep asking, “have I ever touched God?” The instant answer is yes- but I can’t say when. I keep praying for God to show me this answer- of when I have touched Him. I believe He will show me the time, but I am still waiting. 
  • This is the second part to stand out at me: 
    • (4:12) ….if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. What does God’s complete love look like? I try to imagine as God is living in me: that fact is great, but what would I look like and be if I could 100% love like God loves me? I know my heart holds back from certain people, which prevents God’s love being complete in me. Not that He withholds love-His is complete in me- but for it to really be complete in me my part has to be complete. Which I know it is not. Can we as human beings truly say we have reached complete love? 
    • (4:16) … God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. (4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. 
    • (4:20) If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone that does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 
    • (4:21) … this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.  God is calling his people to a closer place with him. Drawing his people to a deeper trust. It calls me to seek his heart & face & testify of his saving grace. For me personally the cry goes deep to be richer in him to know he is with us always calling us out of the world's ways.
• With God we know a true & deeper knowing everything is in his hands. Our lives & everything around us is truly held by his hands & timings. So, relax enjoy the days we must share with others his great love through divine living. Worry and fear Have no place. Our fears can't stand in his love. Live as if there is no tomorrow give our best. 
• I will say that the overall thing that I feel that God is revealing more to me is love...in how much he desires to have a relationship with us (similar in which I desire to have a relationship with my dad but how people constantly reject that love); how we love and care for one another/neighbor not expecting anything in return and putting ourselves first above someone else (my love for others)...especially during these "social distancing" times so that my/our love does not grow cold, and as for will...that you have to purposefully will yourself to do these things sometimes because our tendency is to look out for ourselves first and our neighbor second. 
  • On a side note... Where's the trust in God that He will supply all of our needs if we're looking out for #one me-first and we see a person in a store whom we don't know in need of something that we have in our shopping cart? Holy Spirit has been revealing to me the many different personalities that exist in his body.  Even so much as to help me learn more about who I am and why/how I see and react to things like I do.  As I recognize that people can look at the same thing and see things very differently it moves me to imagine and align my love for others as God sees and loves each one of us.  
• As we look at a biblical approach to the enneagram and are proceeding to learn about the 5 languages of Apology and the five languages of Love, I am challenged to have more understanding and more grace (something that I have to work at) for those that I am blessed to have a relationship with.   

Let Us Grow in Love for God & Each Other for these are The Two Great Commandments. 

Reconciling Our Life to The Word of God (In light of the days we are now living in)
 
So often we try to reconcile the word of God to the way we live. However, I believe the wise children of God should focus more on how we reconcile our lives to the word. It may seem similar but in fact it is miles apart.
 
If we are to trust in every word that proceeds from the throne of God and walk in the peace of His authority it will become imperative to read the word, understand the word and mostly live His word. As Pastor Paul and I have shared from the pulpit there is Logos, Rhema & Zoe of the word.

• Logos is the bible, black on white head knowledge and solid truth of the word. This means the word we can stand on as a rock because Jesus is The Rock & the word.

 

• Rhema is the Holy Spirit enlightened revelation of the word in our spirit man (hearts). The rhema of the word is where we say, “I know in my knower it is the word and path I will accept.”

 

• The Zoe of the word is where we not only stand on as truth or Know it deep within our spirit but now, we live it. The scriptures speak of us being living epistles known and read of all man. (see 2 Cor. 3:1-3)

 
Perhaps now more than in the last several years (since 9/11) we are to look to the word for the rock, sense and a way of life that will align us (reconcile us) with God’s word and plan for our good and those around us.
 
You may ask “is harry saying we need to blow the trumpet to the world.” As in blowing the trumpet in Zion. (See Joel 2:1-15) Here is what I am saying... “we are the children of God. The light to this fallen world and the salt of the earth. We should have been and even now be the voice of the kingdom of God in truth, spirit & action. You see the correlation in Logos, Rhema & Zoe. Living a Godly life, openly, before all mankind IS our light, salt & way of life that will change the world where we live. Don’t put it under a bushel.
 
Listen to me... When we are in the heart of God our Father, we have nothing to fear. Not tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword.  Or virus... (read Rom. 8:26-38) over and over as needed until it sinks in deep enough that it will come out as LIVING.
 
I have much to say in this blog. More than I can write at this time. I believe you who read this are sons & daughters of God and will agree that God has given us a great opportunity to speak truth of His kingdom. For such a time as this the eyes of man may be opened to the beauty of the love and protection of Jesus Christ the champion over all thing that could harm us. The book of revelation is all about a war between God (good) and satan (evil). You already know who wins.
 
I am so proud, in a good way, of the Trinity family. Let us continue to look UP to the mountains and higher where “Our God Reigns!”
 
Praise be to God our creator, sustainer and savior.
 
Pastor Harry
 
(Note 1: take some time to look up scriptures that reveal god’s protection)
(Note 2: Of course, we must be sensible about caring for ourselves and other but after we have done what we can do, trust God and STAND!) 

Last night The Point focused on the spiritual practices of stillness and meditation. Pastor Paul gave us some awesome instruction in Christian meditation, and the students had a great opportunity to practice. It was such a significant time, I felt it would be good to share some thoughts with everyone!

Christian meditation differs from many other forms in significant ways. The end goals of Eastern and New Age is emptiness and detachment from the burdens and pains of life and individuality. Christian meditation, in contrast, seeks a greater attachment. Not attachment to the needs and desires of this world, but attachment to the fullness of God, the Source of all Life. Christian meditation is not the act of emptying oneself but filling oneself with the presence of the Holy Spirit and the Word.

Meditation may seem complicated or hard. We often try to ascribe rules or rites to the practice, but Christian meditation is not a ritual to be performed. Simply put, meditation is the act of thinking on our God. We employ the Word, the Holy Spirit in us, and our imagination to do as the Apostle Paul instructed:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”  - Philippians 4:8

Meditation and stillness allow us to tune our hearts, minds, ears, and eyes to the things of God. After all, if God is alive and active today, shouldn’t we spend some time listening to what he is saying? The only way to really learn meditation is to practice meditation.

Here are some verses to get you started:

• This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:8-9
• When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. – Psalm 63:6
• I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. – Psalm 77:12
• I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. – Psalm 145:5
• Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. – 1 Timothy 4:13-15

Jesus brings dead things to life. Where there was numbness, decay, and barrenness - Jesus brings vibrancy, growth, and productivity! He abolishes uncertainty and illusion with conviction and substance. When we believed we were sinners, he called us saints. When we felt our lives have no purpose, Jesus said he knows the plans he has for us.

So how do we become more like Jesus in this? Do we speak truth to and over the people around us? Do we carry life with us wherever we go?

When our friend believes she is unloveable, do we proclaim God’s passion for her? When an unemployed neighbor feels doomed to failure, do we speak the truth that in Christ he can be more than a conqueror? When our own thoughts accuse us of unrighteousness, do we declare our righteousness is in Christ? Do we pray for the sick, seek freedom for the captive, comfort the lonely, and encourage the fearful?

If we will claim to be Jesus disciples, we must become like him. We must become life and truth in our environment.

Jesus is Life and Truth. Are you?



Photo by Debby Ledet on Unsplash 

On January 17 & 18 the Elders, staff, and spouses dedicated their time for teaching, activities, fellowship, and worship. On this retreat, our goal was to grow as a leadership team but more importantly to become more like Jesus in our everyday life.
 
I want to share the steps we took. I believe as you read through theses steps it will help you see two things:

1. The leadership team is focused on becoming better in all we do for God’s glory.
2. Anyone can move through these steps to consider their own personal walk with Jesus. Let’s face it God is no respecter of persons.

 
I like the way the message bible states this scripture:

 
He loves us all the same and His desire for us is to be one with Him and each other.
 
Please consider the steps we took and see if they speak to you. Even though we all know these steps, in part, is there something in them that could take you higher, deeper or broader in Jesus?
 
Steps
Using this primary scripture: Philippians 3:12-14 (TPT)
7 steps of growth (to consider & act upon as you pursue God):

1. I have decided not to stay the same. I know there is more for me.
2. I know I must hear from God if there is any hope to make a difference in me and others.
3. I’m looking forward to the excitement in discovering more in God’s kingdom.
4. I am pleased that the scriptures reinforce my calling to draw closer to God.
5. I know I will walk with others in spirit & truth as one body in Christ Jesus.
6. I am fully aware that all I do & become is for the glory of God my King.
7. I am going to open my heart to more fully receive “Christ in me the hope of Glory.” 

Please read these supportive scriptures:
  
There is nothing better than living a fulfilled life in Jesus!
 
Be blessed as you come into the highest place God is calling you to.