I don't want to live without your love
I don't want to face the night alone
I could never make it through my life
If I had to make it on my own
I don't want to love nobody else
I don't want to find somebody new
I don't want to live without your love
I just want to live my life with you.

The First Helping

Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone;
I will make him a helper suitable for him."

So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man,
and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.

The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man,
and brought her to the man.

The man said,
"This is now bone of my bones,
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man."

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother,
and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Genesis 2:18,21-25 NASB

Oh bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh...

Where are you?

My missing rib is far and twice removed.

The ones I yet have are broken.

I'm bleeding inside

I have no helper.

She's not helping.

One step undone, may as well undo the rest.

I'll return to the dust.

Take my breath away.

Swallow me whole.

Nothing left but:

Void. Darkness. The Deep.

The Second Helping

Start From Scratch

The earth was formless and void,
and darkness was over the surface of the deep,
and the Spirit of God was moving
over the surface of the waters.

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

God saw that the light was good;
and God separated the light from the darkness.

Oh Lord, my helper is gone!

Oh Lord, may I have a second Helping?

I am so lonely I feel as if I dwell in the void, in darkness.

Even though You spoke to me "Let there be Light!"

And there was Light.

Oh Lord, can You replace what I've lost?

I've called out to You night and day

Though Help comes, I weep again.

Help me, Your son, Your beloved.

I am Yours, for no one else wants me.

Aside from You, I have no one to claim me.

Take me, Spirit.

Move over my deep, over the surface of my waters.

Speak a new creation into me: "Let there be Light!"

Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD?
He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword.
Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places.

Deuteronomy 33:29 NIV

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

Psalm 10:14 NIV

Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Psalm 27:9 NIV

Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me; O LORD, be my helper.

Psalm 30:10 NASB

Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.

Psalm 54:4 NASB

The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.

Psalm 118:7 NIV

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:6 NIV

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

John 14:16 NASB

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name,
He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

John 14:26 NASB

If ever I needed a second Helping, it was now.

I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Expect the best: jimguys.com Wait for it...!

WHAT?! 18 years, and that's all you can come up with? Pathetic.

Why yes, yes it is.
So what?
Who cares?
Smithsonian Ketchup Restoration.

Every once in a while the wording chosen in a particular version of the Bible strikes me as funny - if not hilarious. Today I encountered one of those choice, giggly verses. I have been listening to Genesis today, from an audio New American Standard Bible (NASB). The NASB is well-noted as being a fairly literal translation compared to some others. In regard to Bible versions, "literal" refers to dedicated faithfulness to word-for-word translation from the original languages (sometimes sacrificing readability). The other extreme of translation would be called "dynamic" or thought-for-thought (the extreme of which loses accuracy and literary beauty). NASB is not as literal as King James, but is less dynamic than NIV - at least that's what people say. However, let's take a look at Genesis 25:30. The list below is ordered more-or-less from most literal (word-for-word) at the top to most dynamic (thought-for-thought or paraphrased) at the bottom.

And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom.

Genesis 25:30 KJV

---

And Esau said to Jacob, "Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary." Therefore his name was called Edom.

Genesis 25:30 NKJV

---

And Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!" (Therefore his name was called Edom.)

Genesis 25:30 ESV

---

He said to Jacob, "Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!" (That is why he was also called Edom.

Genesis 25:30 NIV

---

Esau said to Jacob, "I'm starved! Give me some of that red stew!" (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means "red.")

Genesis 25:30 NLT

---

and said, "I'm starving to death! Give me some of that red stew right now!" That's how Esau got the name "Edom."

Genesis 25:30 CEV

---

Esau came in from the field, starved. Esau said to Jacob, "Give me some of that red stew - I'm starved!" That's how he came to be called Edom (Red).

Genesis 25:30 The Message

Comparing these various popular Bible versions, all of them pretty much say the same thing. Esau wanted the red stew (or "pottage"). If you look up the Strongs number for the word, this rendering seems fairly accurate. It was some sort of soup or stew. Okay, NOW look at how the NASB renders this verse, keeping in mind that the NASB is a Bible translation fairly well known for being on the literal side of the scale. Prepare for it now... this is awesome!

and Esau said to Jacob, "Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished." Therefore his name was called Edom.

Genesis 25:30 NASB

STUFF!??! Awesome! Now I KNOW I chose the right Bible version to listen to! When you think about it though... Esau was very famished, probably bending over in stomach pains as he stumbled into the room. It's quite possible he might have said something that reads in English as "Dude! Gimme some of that red stuff!" or simply, "Bro! Hand that over now!". Nevertheless, I don't really understand why the translators chose to substitute a more general word for something that is pretty specific and doesn't need to be generalized, even to meet the demands of changing language patterns. Oh well. It's not all that important to me. It sure gave me a chuckle to hear it said in my ears though!

Oh, and by the way, in case you are a massively legalistic, literalistic scholar, consider this. Do you think the use of the fairly modern word "stuff" is heresy? Did you know that the oldest commonly used version of the Bible, the King James Version, uses the word "stuff" a bunch of times? It is used exactly the same way you or I use it today! Don't believe me? See here! And you thought this was a fairly modern, lazy word! Think again! There is no better word than "stuff". How can you describe a group of things that aren't related to each other? It's the only word that works, dude! The only use of the word that you probably won't find in any Bible is the "pointless suffix" use: "Today I went to the mall, ate lunch at Subway, got my pictures from Costco, and stuff."

So, in the end, what is the more accurate word for Genesis 25:30? Stew or stuff? I'll leave it for you to decide for yourself. In general, don't base your life off a whim impression - this is the very Word of God, to be considered deeply and carefully... though on matters of "stew" and "stuff", I think it's not a matter of life or death. Speaking of Bible versions, which one do you read? Give me some reasons why you decided for "your" version or against the others. Me? I read (or listen to) all of the ones listed in this blog post (except the CEV and Message - too "iffy" for my studious, detail-oriented taste). I also have one other one. I think it is an ASV Study Bible or something.

I've always been fascinated with words. I like words that sound either 1) really horribly strange and cacophonous, or 2) beautifully flowing words. I think if I had time in this life I'd create 2 languages - one that is horrible sounding (like Klingon) and one that flows (like Elvish in Lord of the Rings).

I've created a large number of words myself. Many of my pencil drawings have names that are composed of words that don't otherwise exist. This whole appreciation for neology is part of the micro-subculture of me and my eternal friends, the Jim Guys.

That said, I have always liked the Hebrew phrase, "Beer Lahai Roi". I guess I would say it has elements that are both flowing and cacophonous. I guess that's why I like: it includes the best of both worlds! I have no hidden message in this blog post. I am listening to Genesis today, and I heard the word. I couldn't pass up the chance to report of my appreciation. :) For the record, Beer Lahai Roi means "The well of the God who sees me". It is surrounding the account of Hagar and Ishmael, when an angel of God met them in the desert. I suppose there is significance even in those translated words. I would like to go to the well of the God who sees me. Yet those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ have within us a well of living water which springs to eternal life, and we shall never thirst again! Heck yeah! That's where I'm at! I have recently experienced an awareness of this well. I am indeed refreshed by the Spirit of Christ! Okay, didn't intend to have a "message", but I guess that was it! :)

Yeah! Beer Lahai Roi!
You Go, Girl! (to the well)

I think that is maybe what the angel is saying above.
He was kind of a cheerleader angel.
The painter forgot the pom poms.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

John 4:7-14 NIV

Last night was the first among hopefully many meetings we will have regarding restructuring the Ethnos Church web site. It has been a couple years since any significant revisions have been made to the site, and it's about time. Much of the information is outdated, and there are some incomplete ideas. A team of people interested in helping was formed several weeks ago. Not everyone could make it to the meeting last night, but it was a very profitable time with those who came.

I'm really glad to be part of this team. It's not clear yet what my contribution will be. Just to be involved with a group of cool, like-minded individuals is a great blessing for me. I am always in need of company anyway. There's no better company than the people of God, and to be discussing work for His kingdom is a godsend.

Though there is no physical product manifested from our meeting, I believe we got a good start on discussing some of the goals for the project. We weighed several options against each other and tried to determine what we envision in an improved web site. Matt is especially excited to get cracking on the work, which is encouraging to me.

You Are My Hiding Place

Michael Ledner

You are my hiding place,
You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance.
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You.
Let the weak say I am strong in the strength of my Lord.

Dave made allusions to the horns of the altar in the sermon today. The blood of sacrifices is poured on the four corners of the altar. These points represent the very place where God's mercy comes down. To grab them and weigh down on them is to request mercy in absolute humility and trembling. We had an old-fashioned altar call today with this symbolism in mind. Again, like I was torn with great sorrow some weeks ago (still need to write about that)... I ran to the altar of the cross. I have needed this for longer than I can describe. I grew up in a Pentecostal church where altar calls were a weekly occurrence.

Lord, forgive me for not having the mercy in my heart that You do. You love me in spite of the worst darkness, yet I have not spent my life sharing mercy with others. I beg Your forgiveness for being an unprofitable servant. Stir in me a passion and light a flame. Embolden me against the darkness and give me the ability to explain clearly my relationship with the MIGHTY ONE. You are beautiful in Your majesty. You are the MOST HIGH. Your Name is too lofty for our tongues, yet You have chosen to call us "sons and daughters".

As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector's booth; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him. Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. "But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 9:9-13 NASB

If I remember right, some cool observations Dave made from the text:

• "And he got up and followed Him" - It was a pretty big deal for Matthew, a tax collector, to get up and follow Jesus immediately. He had an important job. There would be consequence to leaving a job such as his. It's possible the Romans would have hunted him down. Jews at the time were under Roman rule and considered second class citizens at best. Matthew was a Jew. His profession was considered by his people to be a traitor's job. After all, he collected money for the empire that oppressed them and took away their freedom. What good sense would it make to follow a man, Jesus, who also offended his people? Matthew probably also had a lucrative position and may have even cheated to get more, as was a common practice among tax collectors at the time.
• "Jesus was reclining at the table" - Shows how willing Jesus was to mingle with those of disrepute. He didn't linger near the door, ready to speak to any passers by. He didn't sit high and proper, so as to visually separate Himself from the brood. No, He reclined in comfort, just as any other invited guest. These people were "tax collectors" and "sinners". The Pharisees rebuked Jesus through their questions concerning His choice to associate with such folk.
• "Go and learn what this means" - Don't we so often wait until we think we are ready to serve before doing anything for the Kingdom of God? We are better equipped with knowledge in this country than perhaps anywhere else. We know the Bible - or can know it - because of our direct access to it and many other resources far and wide. How many times reading the Bible, how many Bible degrees, how many studies will we have to experience before we deem ourselves "ready"? Jesus here says, "Go and learn"... and then gives a command that tells us what we should be doing. We need to show mercy. If we indeed have received this great mercy from Christ in the forgiveness of our sins, we should be prepared to show the same mercy to others. But rather than waiting eternally until we think we are ready, it is a challenge to go AND learn. The times are evil and short. We don't even know if any of us will be alive tomorrow. As uncomfortable as it sounds, people are going to hell! It's about time we set aside our shame and doubt and DO something!
• "I desire compassion (mercy), and not sacrifice" - While talking with Dave this afternoon, I expressed to him a little bit of a struggle I have with this verse. It reminded me of another verse in I Samuel 15:22. I mentioned how I don't fully understand what either Scripture means - partially, but not fully. The terminology isn't exactly clear in my mind. After all, aren't we called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord? And aren't we to bear our cross and share in the sufferings of Christ? Won't we be persecuted and even killed for the sake of Christ? Aren't we supposed to submit our will to God's, even when it means giving up things we value? Dave made the keen observation from this verse that it says, "I desire", not "I require". If Jesus had said, "I require mercy, not sacrifice", it would mean that one must be done, and not the other. Instead, Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. He doesn't free us from all responsibility to sacrifice, but He says He desires mercy MORE than sacrifice. This is to say that He desires our hearts to reflect the same love He has, not for us to be motivated by our own agendas and what we can DO to please Him and justify ourselves. It's not about our works. It's about the attitude of our hearts. Yes, when we understand mercy - the compassion of God - works will follow, even sacrifice. This was a very good answer to my lacking understanding of what Jesus was saying here. It had bothered me in previous readings that Jesus said, "Go and learn what this means", and I myself didn't really understand exactly what He meant! Am I as bad in my understanding as the Pharisees? Perhaps sometimes. Nevertheless, it now makes a whole lot more sense to me. I just needed an exegetical explanation from someone who has better understanding of words and thought progression.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Elder Dave shared a cool illustration that I'll try to recreate. It was a concept that came out of a meeting he had with Megan earlier last week. I'm thankful it ended up being used in the sermon as an illustration because it is one of the most powerful missional ideas I've heard. I had a bit more time to let it sink in, as Dave showed it to me in our meeting before the service. It really struck a note with me... the implications of which will take some time for me to process fully. However, in the spirit of this sermon, I hope to GO AND LEARN, rather than sit and ponder until I've completely understood it (never). It's a message that should result in immediate action and change.

This diagram shows a severe misunderstanding we as Christians often have of mission work. It is broad and general, but it illustrates a poignant truth. Those passionate about following God or who have felt called by God often get intimidated by it, or even fearful. Some people say, "Well, if I follow His call, surely He will send me to deepest and darkest Africa!". Others, who are perhaps more zealous or "willing to obey" might say, "I assume, since I'm open to the call, that He will send me to Africa, China or a Muslim country. I'm ready to go. Here am I, send me!"

Dave shared some feedback from missionaries regarding the field of Africa. There are certain areas of Africa that are among the most receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the result, huge numbers have given their hearts to God. Part of the reason they are so quick to turn is because of oppression they face. Their great physical need makes these people ripe for harvest. The message Dave heard is, "We are not planning to send a great deal of missionaries to this area, because everyone is already Christian!" Now, obviously even if that is partially true, all these new Christians are in deep need of discipleship. They still have former beliefs and practices ingrained into them. So there is need, even in these "reached" areas for further work.

I've thought of mission work myself, and in some ways I've not feared being sent to a far away place. My reason for lacking fear further illustrates the concept of the mission diagram. I don't fear going to places like Brazil or Africa so much. Because of the receptiveness in the needy hearts, much progress can be made. It feels like "you're doing some good". Even a person who lacks great evangelism skills like me could probably present the basic truths of the Good News of Jesus Christ and produce some fruit in such places. Like Dave said, "Jesus is a product that sells Himself!"

Rather, I have come to realize my greatest fear in thoughts of missionary work is this: being called to the United States of America! The chart above has two spiral shapes. The one on the left represents the United States. The other represents the mission field far and wide - Africa, China, etc. We assume that being called to make disciples will involve going to the farthest reaches of the earth. The huge arch represents this "great feat" of traveling to such a place and "enduring" all the cultural differences and "danger". After all, in some of these places, a person could die for sharing the faith! Woah, death. That's pretty bad, huh?

I do not fear death. I submit to you that most Christians, if they really think about it, don't fear death horribly. Why should we? We know the reward that awaits us, even Christ. Of course we don't want pain and persecution, but we are well aware that none of us is immortal. Whether in peace and by old age, or by war and disease, we will all die.

I think rather than fearing death, we fear rejection. We fear humiliation. We don't want to go out on a limb and look the part of a fool. We want people to think we are cool, that we can fit in with "their" crowd and be just like them. Or perhaps I just speak for myself. Okay, so I'm not much in the way of conforming... but I do sometimes fear rejection. Let me tell you a worse rejection we risk facing with such an attitude:

Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 10:32-33 NASB

The diagram above illustrates a fateful mistake. Some countries in the world are ripe for the harvest, where needy souls jump for joy at the first mention of the Gospel. And the worst that can happen to a missionary in such a field is death. Is death so bad? I don't think so. Here in this country, it is becoming increasingly difficult to share the Gospel. The average person here is not very ripe to hear the Word. It seems it takes adversity to be cut to the core. We are too comfortable. We can "afford" to turn aside to myths and forsake the truth. What are the consequences? We still have our nice houses, cars, plenty of food, stable government, health, TV, internet, and so on. We can afford to develop complicated philosophical ideas that have not a shred of truth in them because we have the luxury. We are too busy for God. Who is God anyway? Does He even exist? Who needs Him? We have everything we need, right?

Western culture has become increasingly hardened toward God. In fact, if you are looking for atheism, look to the U.S. and Europe. The point? If you desire to be sent to the "deepest, darkest" place, don't look to Africa. Once you have been out of the country and return to the U.S., you will realize something. I've been to Brazil 4 times now, and I see a people there who are full of joy, people who are more open to the Gospel. Unfortunately this is changing, as they conform to the patterns set by industrialized nations like the U.S. Other countries are developing some of the same "problems" - materialistic greed and vain, self-sufficient philosophies. If you want a dark place, full of the worst kind of opposition (worse than death), I submit a shift in perspective might point you to exactly the place you already live. No need for a huge arch of geographical distance. The arch now represents our pride.

Are we willing to go to all the way to Africa for the cause of Christ, but are unwilling to go the grand distance of next door or workplace? There are people all around us who don't believe in God. Or if they do, they have not experienced the true New Birth through Jesus, which is the only Way to eternal life. These people are perishing! They are going to hell! Sounds stiff and extreme, I know. It's not a message you will likely hear much these days from the whitewashed false prophets and "spiritual leaders" in this country. The word "sin" is taboo because everything is relative, and we don't want to offend anyone, right?

The problem of mission work is not geography, but spiritual chasms. We need not travel to the farthest location from where we currently live to find a mission field. Is our home really located in a house, near a family, in a city, in a country? Are we really "Americans" or "Egyptians" or "Chinese"? If you identify yourself with the things of this world, you need a renewed perspective. If you feel perfectly "at home" and comfortable here, something might be wrong. Those of us who are new creatures in Jesus Christ are not of this world. Our home is in heaven. We are aliens and strangers, ambassadors. Our promised land of rest awaits us. Chew carefully on this food:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

I Peter 2:9-10 ESV

We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.

I Chronicles 29:15 NIV

Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.

Psalm 39:12 NIV

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:19-21 NIV

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

Hebrews 11:13-14 NIV

As citizens of heaven, the farthest place we can go in this world is not Africa or any other physical location. That's irrelevant. We are children of Light. We have been transformed. The farthest place is where the deepest darkness and spiritual strongholds exist, for our home is a spiritual one, heaven. The place where darkness holds the most sway is in the hearts of those blinded by this world, those who don't "need" a Savior (rather, they think they don't). Our war is against these spiritual powers of darkness that bind them.

In the darkened age of vain philosophies, the western world has become one of the most powerful strongholds of spiritual oppression in the history of mankind. Talk to a person about Christ here, and you are likely to receive a million excuses why they don't need Jesus, or simply don't care. Or they may claim they already "have Jesus", but it is clear they do not.

The hardest realization comes by admitting and realizing we are surrounded by one of the greatest and most difficult mission fields to penetrate. Don't be afraid that God will send you to "deepest darkest Africa". In fact, don't insult those beautiful people. Their dark skin is their glory, their distinction, their beauty. Their smiles, joy, and receptiveness to the Gospel shame us who live in comfort and yet are blind. If you want to call someone "deep dark", look at the western world. We in our pride and arrogance think that no one can touch us. Our might is our god. We assume our days will never end. Nevertheless, God is not pleased, and there is a limited lifespan for those who raise their own heads and fists against the Alpha and Omega. We are not gods, nor are the things we own.

Africans turn to God because they are oppressed and full of need. We turn away from Him in slumber because we don't "need" Him. Will we wake up in time? When Jesus returns, will He find faith on the earth? I tell you, yes. But some of the brightest spots on the faith detector might be those places that we in our pride call "deep and dark". Those places are even sending missionaries to the great US of A. It might turn out that they have a better gift to offer some of us than we do them. Are you willing to accept a gift from someone you feel is "less" than you? Praise the God who uses the weak and foolish to defame the wise and proud. Let us allow ourselves to be broken now. Let us weep now so that we can laugh then. There is an eternal reality. We will not be rewarded in that day for money, success or power. All the things we have earned and valued in this world will become our rot and damnation.

Starvation, poverty and political danger often turn people to God. They run to the shelter of His wings. My story is living proof of much the same. It took a great foundation shaking to wake me up. Do you wish to lose something or someone highly valuable to you in order to wake up? Must this country go through a time of horrors? Unfortunately this may indeed be the only way to stir hearts. The time may be around the corner for a great shaking of powers. My hope is that some will learn not to grab the stove top element and burn their hands. I hope that God's parental warnings of danger will wake us up and turn our hearts toward Him.

My biggest fear is not to be sent to Africa or China. My challenge now becomes this: am I willing to go to the darkest place, the one farthest separated from the country of my true citizenship? It's a huge chasm to leap. It is one from pride to humility. Am I willing to bear the shame, the cross? Maybe not. But I'm willing to pray to God that my heart be rend until I am. I weep bitterly for the souls around me, those that are perhaps depending on me to share with them the Good News. Lord, equip me with the same mercy You show me. Help me love the way You love.

As the ultimate irony or "unlikely" thing, we had a visitor today at the service who came for the purpose of experiencing a "missional church". This passage in Matthew just happens to be where Dave was in the sermon lineup. While "mission" is just one of Ethnos' core values, it shined through tonight in the most powerful missions sermon I've probably ever heard!

K, Dave. You've been preaching some freakishly awesome sermons lately, but today you outdid yourself. The Holy Spirit was present to convict, and we all needed to hear every bit of it - including yourself, as you humbly admitted. Praise God for such a boldness! I'd go as far as saying anyone should hear this word from God to His people. It is a message for our time. I hope the sermon recording makes its way online so I can review it (and anyone else can listen if they so desire). It is what God has been laying on my heart as well - my inevitable weekly direct connection with the sermon! Once again, I'm highly privileged and thankful to have had a preview of the message during our afternoon meeting. Our conversation in general, I felt, was highly profitable. I have been edified and "enlightened" beyond belief! Sometimes hearing something isn't enough - discussing it is gold - especially since it always relates to the issues I am struggling with or experiencing! I dare not forget these times or what I'm learning here. I have to write down immediately what the Spirit has done in me as the result. I feel it is my duty, among other more "active" responses - such as applying the amazing sermons and Biblical principles to my life as soon as possible.

It seems one our struggles as modern-day western culture Christians is to connect with the new generations (stay relevant, but not polluted), to share Jesus, and to be active disciples of Christ. Such tasks seem daunting if not impossible (on our own, it is). I know I am intimidated by sharing my faith here in this country. People seem deadened or even hostile to anything that relates specifically to Biblical Christianity. People have their minds full of deceptions and assumptions about what Christians are. Interestingly enough, just about every other religious and philosophical "truth" is readily and quickly accepted. Mention "Jesus" or "the Bible", and the walls go up. To me, this shows who has "command" over all the rest, and it is yet another among many confirmations I have chosen to believe the correct (and only) Truth. This is surely a sign of the times we live in - the sifting of the wheat and chaff has already begun!

Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:11-12 ESV

I believe the Spirit has shown me that our entire nation and much of the westernized world is under a dark cloud of spiritual drowsiness and oppression (not every individual, but as a whole). It's becoming more rare to see people on fire for Christ and ready to bear His cross. The truth is being distorted craftily, fused with the vain philosophies of this world.

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Epeshians 5:8-17 ESV

The Spirit is moving, and not all is lost, but I sense we are largely resisting Him in our comfort and laziness. People go to church, but they live mediocre Christian lives or are almost completely defeated by bondage, sleep, or doubts that have creeped in. We live for ourselves, are plagued by "conveniences" and won't lift a finger if it has a cost associated with it. We speak of great things, but we do little. It frustrates me!

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

James 4:4-10 ESV

I speak of these convicting things freely because I have experienced them firsthand. Three months ago, I was under this same shroud of spiritual drowsiness, laziness and blindness to the evil forces at work. I was "The Sleeper"! Stop a moment and consider... could you be "sleeping" too? Only by the grace of God, I have had tons of blinders removed - and more each day. God's kindness led me to repentance. He is giving me His Spirit, the Word of Truth, unprecedented victory, encouragement, companionship, and greatly increased faith. All this in spite of by far the worst life circumstances, sorrow and discouragement I've ever been dealt - by far!

Man, no, that's not the half of it! My entire being has been transformed (or is being transformed) in every area! I'm greatly encouraged by the undeniable work I see God doing in my heart. I have a new boldness to do things for Him that I could have never dreamed possible from my own efforts to motivate myself. All this is from Him, and I have nothing to boast about (zero, nada, zip, zilch!). Thank God I was steeped in sin at the moment He delivered me (not that sin is good). This way it could be clearly seen and testified that it was HIS hand that had done it! Praise be to His name forever and ever! Amen.

Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said,

"TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME."

Hebrews 3:12-15 NASB

I recently changed my email address, and I have been going around to all the web accounts I can think of to update my information. Yesterday I updated my email with Verizon. It was a very important step in my life, and I wanted to share with you Verizon's response to my bold move. This is precisely what I was offered after confirming the email address change:

Congratulations!

Thank you STELLER, PHILLIP ! You have successfully validated your email address to enhance the privacy of your account.

congratulations, an expression of joy in the success or good fortune of another.

Will you help me celebrate my grand achievement by expressing joy and vivacious jubilance? Man, fame and fortune are just around the corner! I better be careful not to let it go to my head.

Are you down and discouraged in life, friend? Do you feel as though you made some wrong choices or aren't living up to your full potential? Do you have an account with Verizon? Change your email address, and you too can feel the joy and fortune that I have received.

My mom and I had talked about getting together for a movie marathon after I got done with my morning "chores". I called her up and ended up bike riding and taking the MAX over to my parents' house in the mid-afternoon. We rented a couple movies and ate Subway sandwiches for dinner (and way too much candy!). Again, I can't think of much better company. I need these times with loved ones like I need the Word of God, water and oxygen. My energy is constantly in "drained status", praying without ceasing for the one I love the most and miss the most. I rely heavily on these times of social and spiritual refreshment. Without them I would shrivel up and die. God provides. I have the best family and friends money can buy. Wait... no, that's not quite right - but you know what I mean (I think, hope!).

Okay, I'm kidding right? Is The Sound of Music really my favorite movie? Yep, pretty much. Why? Wasn't it made more than ten years before I was born? Yeah, so. Isn't it kinda old fashioned? Oh, and it's a musical, right? Yes. Yes.

For some reason this movie brought me through some dark times. Each time I watched it, I felt better afterward. It has magical cheering properties. I guess I really like the character Julie Andrews plays. It's one of my favorite characters ever. I wish she was here now and would sing me a song, written especially for me. I'm not sure it would be possible to be sad or discouraged if that sort of thing was going on.

...Okay fine! I guess I'll settle for a visit from Mary Poppins! Sheesh!

My soul aches for the brokenness of my human relationships, and I will not forget or despise them. However, I am learning lately that they all fade in comparison to the love I must have for God Almighty. He loves me in stronger ways that any husband and wife can demonstrate. In fact, He created marriage to be a mere reflection of His love and never-ending commitment to us. He will never abandon us, even in our worst sin! Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven!

I'm learning much about that whole marriage reflection too. If the things here on earth are seen in our eyes as through a veiled glass... then how much more He must love us than we can comprehend! I used to not know how to appropriately express my love to God in words and actions. Now I cannot hold back, for all my love is His. Lord, may I never value anyone else in this world or in the sky above higher than You! I love You because You first loved me! It seems You have gone to great lengths to gain my love, my attention. You have it, and You are worthy of it and more. May every breath and fiber of my being be made subject to You, for only in You can I be satisfied!

One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment."

Matthew 22:35-38 NASB

Have you fulfilled this commandment? Nor have I. I submit that only God can fulfill such a great thing by demonstrating to us HOW it is even possible. Then we must follow Him, and try to do the same. As there is no greater love than one who gives His life for a friend, and God has done this, we must also give Him our very lives. That way, whether in life or in death, we can know that we are in God, and He in us. Any reason to fear that you are loving God too much or giving Him too much attention? God's greatest commandment makes such concerns seemingly impossible!

Heretical Misuses of Jesus' Wonderful Name: modern-day anti-christs:

Beware, clicking on these links can be dangerous if you are not founded in the Truth, secured by the Almighty Hand of Christ, and empowered by His Life-Giving Spirit. I link here only to demonstrate what is happening in this dark world (as if you didn't already know by looking around you).

WARNING: This link does not point to the "real Jesus"!
WARNING: A poor use of the magnificent (domain) Name of Jesus - the person described is not Jeshua!

Bible Passages Concerning False Prophets and Anti-Christs

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist - he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us - even eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit - just as it has taught you, remain in him.

I John 2:18-27 NIV

Then if anyone says to you, "Behold, here is the Christ," or "There He is," do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance. So if they say to you, "Behold, He is in the wilderness," do not go out, or, "Behold, He is in the inner rooms," do not believe them. For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Matthew 24:23-28 NASB

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ESV

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

Matthew 7:15-16 ESV

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

2 Peter 2:1-3 ESV

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:2-5 NLT

If the prophet speaks in the Lord's name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Deuteronomy 18:22 NLT

Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark.

Isaiah 8:20 NASB

If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after other gods" - which you have not known - "and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NKJV

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 22:18-19 NKJV

Of course I know the various names offered to us from Hebrew Scripture. I always used to think we were "unworthy" of calling to God Almighty by such vocalizations. I think this thought came to me from the fact that even the Jews refuse to use such names of God, for they feel it is too sacred to be uttered. It seems they are worried the true pronunciation has been perverted or lost since it was revealed to Moses and others in the Old Testament.

I hope not to make a mistake in this, but I don't think that is right. Should those who know God as their Father be afraid to call Him by Name? Will He strike us down for trying? Maybe, but I prefer to be stricken than to fail to call out to Him. I need Him more than water and bread, and I refuse to live in human fear. Besides, the Jews (in general) failed to know God when He spoke with them face-to-face in the form of Jesus Christ. Should I live in the same restrictive fear that they do? I refuse. God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, has come to live inside my heart. He is in you too, if you believe in Jesus and confess Him as Lord.

Several times lately I have cried out in agony, and the word, "Abba" has come out many times... seemingly without intention, it just comes out naturally. While this is not a name in particular, but rather like saying with affection, "Daddy"... still, it feels more like calling personally to the One and Only God I know. In addition, I'm desiring to describe my God as "Yahweh". This name given to us describes the fact that God is that He IS (The Great I AM). We may not fully understand or appreciate the awesomeness of such a name... but I am learning, and I want to try to describe Him and call upon Him.

I've also been thinking of Jesus sometimes as "Jeshua" (or "Yahshua", or "Yeshua", etc), a closer equivalent to how His name might have sounded in Hebrew/Aramaic, while He was on earth.

I'm not sure how "important" these distinctions are. I don't personally fully appreciate or desire to be proponent of the resulting legalism over the exacting name spellings and pronunciations. Though I submit that there are many things about this subject I don't understand, and some of this care may be warranted. Right now, these names have much significance to me. I'm not too worried about imperfect pronunciation in my own journey and according to my current conscience. Not because I don't fear belittling our God. But when you think about it, if there is a "perfect" pronunciation, it is in the very voice God boomed to Moses (or whispered, don't know). The very moment Moses repeated it, it would have sounded "different". A woman's voice saying it would be even more different (because of the higher frequency of vibrations - pitch, and softer... I would say more "beautiful" or "better"!). Or a man with a speech impediment or people with different nationality accent influences. Or how about a child, who is just learning to speak? Were all the Hebrew children slapped every time they tried to utter God's name imperfectly and forbidden to try until their tongues had "matured" (forty credits/hours of classes to perfect it required)? I tend to think not. I don't imagine people were punished for trying the best their tongues had to offer to cry out to God. The Scripture even reveals that Moses himself had a speech problem (or at least he lacked confidence and boldness at first), and Moses was no god.

My beautiful wife has an unusually beautiful name to match that is hard for many Americans to pronounce. Many people have such names. It can be a little frustrating for the person with such a name to hear such distorted attempts. But in general, it is appreciated when people give it "their best shot". It's not likely that a person who tries will get a punch in the face, nor should such a mis-pronunciation disallow a relationship between people. For the record, most Brazilians pronounce my name more like "Feel" than Phil. It doesn't bother me one bit. It is my hope that, in my efforts to know God better, He will be patient with me as I try to use different names of Him that I find wonderful to utter - even if imperfectly so.

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. My thoughts were renewed today as I've been listening to "A New Hallelujah", Michael W. Smith's latest album. He uses several of these Hebrew names for God in the songs, and it struck me as awesome... for it is what I've been wanting to do. Worship feels something special when uttered in the tongue of the "people of God" (at least a few words). After all, it was through Israel that salvation came. We as Gentiles are made one with the Jews through Christ, but it was not always this way. I think we best not forget this, for it is a major facet of the Bible's story. This unity of the two peoples is even described by the apostles as a "great mystery". God could have set one nation apart for Himself and rejected all others. We are under His amazing grace, all unworthy. I'm humbled by this fact. Have we forgotten this? Have we, in our views of what is "fair", reduced this to "no big deal" that once all Gentiles were separated from the promises? Wow, what grace: that God extends it to whomever He pleases, and that we can also receive it!

I'm still cautious about this, for I don't want to take the Lord's name in vain. My comparisons to human situations are not perfect, for God can be and is different from anything we understand in this world... and His Name is also set apart and holy, unlike any other name or thing that can be named with a word. Yet, something tells me, that like many other Pharisaical additions to the Law of God, that maybe the name of God was "lost" for the wrong, self-righteous reasons. I am not accusing, for my understanding is limited on the subject. I simply am looking for a way to refer to the God I already know. I hope He will be honored in my personal walk with Him, as I seek to know Him better. It would be awesome if He "re-revealed" His name in vocal utterance to His people... but we will settle to worship the God we cannot see or hear, for it is this faith that He requires of us.

Note: I provide the following links, not as authoritative truth about God and His nature, but rather to give some background information on some of the Hebrew names of God (stuff that I can't adequately know by instinct, nor have I studied greatly). I'm not qualified to judge all the facts, to approve or disapprove them.

Jeshua
The Names of God

I noticed Michael W. Smith recently came out with a new CD, "A New Hallelujah". I haven't bought a CD for a really long time. I pretty much don't buy CDs, aside from Worship albums. Well, this is a worship album. I have just about every Smitty album there is anyway - been a fan since the beginning (don't care if that dates me or puts me into some stereotypical contemporary group). Nowadays, I've been more into the idea of buying individual songs that minister to me. Worship albums are the exception because the more songs to sing in worship to God, the better. Edification and glorification of God surpreme!

Yeah, so far I like "A New Hallelujah" quite a bit. Maybe my favorite thing so far, oddly enough is the mega drum sequence that starts off at the beginning. Perhaps my favorite song in recent history - or among the top 3 - is Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). I like Chris Tomlin's original version WAY better, but anyway. The chorus is perhaps the most powerful thing I've ever heard, and it describes my condition so perfectly - what God has been doing in my life. Oh man, I get chills listening to it. The last verse about the fading earth strikes me to the core, for it is the age I feel we are in. All things are fading, yet who cares... because our God has not only called us out of darkness, but He has made us one. We will see Him soon.

Ah, kids. Aren't they great? I wish I was one and never grew up. Oh wait, that's really not far from the truth! Josiah had an agenda for all us old folks today. He prepared a "carnival" for us to perform. We were each handed a piece of rope cut to about 3 inches in length. With the rope we were given a torn piece of paper with what - to adult eyes - appeared to be random letters written on it. Josiah said these were "songs". Here's my song in it's entirety (sing with me now, you know the words!):

WZX9SJWZX05JYVCK
UXSYCOKSUJ

At the Smith's house, you will find pieces of paper taped to the wall in various places. Only Josiah knows exactly what all of them mean, I suppose. I taped my two gifts to a prominent place at my apartment in a likewise manner. Fred the Monkey was immediately all over it, fascinated with the creativity factors.

All of our various songs were compiled on a typed out and printed paper that was handed to Tiffany. I'm not sure if the typed letters matched the songs on our torn papers, but that's not really important. Tiffany sang the songs quite well. It sounded something like Russian. The amusement was great - just like the "carnival" Josiah envisioned, I think. It's too bad Ashby wasn't there tonight. I bet she would have liked to have been part of the performance. The rest of us simply sat around the dinner table in amazement :)

This is hardly the first occasion of such silliness in the Smith household. Josiah has quite the "random" sense of humor. I'm rather impressed. I didn't develop that level of total senselessness until I was... well, okay, maybe I was silly too when I was young. Mine never stopped. I wonder if he'll give up the "most excellent way". I hope not! What fun!

This all comes from going to the Smith Family Community Group, one of several small groups meeting weekly in association with Ethnos Church where I currently attend. Wes invited me over a while back, and I make it over there from time to time. Good food, relaxed company. God provides, when we need His people most. He's giving me what I need in the hour of my distress - it's coming from many directions. Praise Him! He is good. He is very good. I love Him.