December 6, 2009

 John 5: 41-43

  Are You Approachable...Accepting Of Others? 

John

Your approval or disapproval means nothing to me, because I know you don't have God's love within you.  For I have come to you representing my Father, and you refuse to welcome me, even though you readiliy accept others who represent only themselves.

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Thoughts...

This is an interesting thought.  It is brought on this morning as a result of a recent experience I had.  Let me share with you.

Last week I had stopped at the library on the way to a part time job ( no money in web based ministry...yet).  I was dressed in charcoal jeans, black top and red sweater.  Hair neat, face clean.  Clean, neat, presentable.  As I was getting out of the car, a gal, professionally dressed, was coming out of the library and noticed the signs on my car for my Christian counseling business.  We said hello.  She asked me some questions and I told her I was a Minister and we briefly chatted.  I noticed that she was turned at an angle from me, one foot forward as if she might have to run, while leaning somewhat backward, as if bracing herself.  Had I smelled, had we not been outside, had I not a 'wholesome' appearance whereby I might have appeared threatening, I could have understood the body language.  I told her my ministry was to shut-ins, those needing encouragement, and that I utilize the web to do outreach.  I also mentioned I minister on the streets, etc., where ever I am called by God.  She said that she didn't have a church building either, but that she was a minister and did home church.  I told her that if she needed to be filled up, there was a great little church around the corner and named it.  She acted offended and said that they do that in home church every morning at 4:30.  I said that I fill up, too, but everybody needs to hear from another now and then.  I told her I had tried that early hour and that I would have her back at night, if she would have mine in the morning and smiling, walked into the library telling her to call if she ever wanted to visit or chat.   At some point I gave her my business cards for the church and for counseling.  Her demeanor was such that she was very stand-offish and arrogant.  I, on the other hand am very friendly, sometimes overly, down to earth, face front on, take you as you are, and present as 'here I am'.  I may not be found professionally dressed.  You will traditionally find me in jeans, though classic, and yet dressed up for the pulpit as a rule.  I'm a 'tell it like it is' kind of person.  I'm old enough to be seasoned, and, being Christ filled, willing to talk to all, knowing that Christ came for all, and spoke to all.  He was open to all.  God sent him for everyone.  

Why is it then, that many who come in the name of the Lord, have to put on arrogance, are stand-offish, not trusting, high falutin about what they do, while implying that you are beneath them?  I'll never get it.  Todays scripture really speaks to that.  Jesus was talking about what he was experiencing.  I am glad we can hear him and understand his experience, because it makes the journey much easier.  I used to be intimidated by people like this gal, thinking maybe I am not right for this 'job', or really called, or dressing right.  I've dressed professionally, still do when necessary.  I am called, and since I am called, I am right for this 'job'.  

Jesus recognized there would be those (family and friends, and neighbors alike), who would not accept him.  Because he was himself.  Because of who his earthly father and mother were.  There are those who thought he should be gruff, and proper....arrogant...having airs.  And others who thought he should be from a specific family line.  Others who questioned his lack of educational experience.  Here was a guy who worked as a carpenter for a living.  Studied religious law as a child, as well as medicine in life, tho' not structured.  He was not robed as a learned man, nor did he cloister himself in the synagogue.  He was not of the upper echelon per local standards, and dressed as a laborer.  He was friendly and always willing to help another.  His ministry was on the shores, in the homes, in the streets, in the synagogue, in the lake itself.  Where ever Heavenly Father called him.  He studied so deeply and embraced to profoundly, so as to be one with his Heavenly Father in Spirit...he learned to know him so well.  He was approachable, accepting of all others.  And yet Jesus knew and said, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family."  Matt 13: 57

Another couple interesting moments occurred when I was attending a prayer and praise service at a local church.  When I first went there, the leader was asking where everyone was from.  When he said the eastside, he looked directly at me.  I'm white anglo saxon, the church is predominately American Indian and Hispanic.  I guess the perception is that all the white anglo saxon heritage folks are from the east side.  I'm from the same side the church is on.  Maybe it was because I was professionally dressed that day....laugh...but approachable, and, I was accepted!  Then last week a call went out for the angel tree.  Looking directly at me, the person told to take a tag, purchase a gift and who to give it to, etc.  I guess because I am a Minister and a Counselor, it is perceived I am making money.  I am not.  Were I to be making money, I would not be working part time at a laborious job that wears me out.  My Dad had a corporate job and always thought he should have been a laborer, thinking it took less out of him when he cut the grass, etc., than his corporate job did thinking all the time.  Not me....let me think....it is far less physically demanding.  Back to the thought...at any rate, it's interesting how people are perceived.  

Is it important how people perceive you and whether they accept you?  Yes, I think it is.  Jesus made mention of it.  Anyone going though school understands it.  Everyday life demands it.  But in reference to the ministry...to which we are ALL called, if you have received the Holy Spirit...it is imperative.  We must strive to be all that God requires of us and he gives us an example of how to do that by seeing who Jesus was and how he lived his life.  And even then, he gave us moral support for the task of life, and for the ministry in the above statements and many others like them.  We'll talk more about this, but I want you to ask yourself this:  are you following in Jesus' footsteps, or are you following in your own?  And question yourself about this as well:  Are you approachable....and....are you accepting of others?  What is God calling you to do...and who is he calling you to be?  Pray about all this and talk to God.  We all must do this as we strive to 'get it right'....the ministry we are all called to.  And being approachable, as well as being accepting.  Jesus didn't come to save me....he came to save us.  Did he come for the perfect...the arrogant, the special....yes, he came for all sinners....including you and me, too.  

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Let Us Pray

Lord have mercy.  I sure need your mercy.  I am a sinner, just like those who are perfect and perfectly arrogant and not accepting.  I appreciate it that you've shown me how not to be like them, now help me to truly not be like them.  And give me discernment and wisdom.  I talk to all as if all know you and many do not.  I expect them to know the deep truths you have given me and continue to share with me.  Why don't they know?  I guess they don't because I or others have not told them, or they have not wanted to hear.  That  must be why you have given me your truths, so that I can share them with others.  But help me be reminded, there are those who are only ready for milk, and those that need to hear the dessert....the deep dark [chocolate] of the light of your life truths.  Sorry, Lord....I love chocolate and the word dessert just let me jump it in there.  But this is no laughing matter.  There are people hurting out there, Lord.  And I want to be able to help them.  Please continue to help me, so I can help them.  I know you will.  Thank you Lord for showing this to me...an ordinary person....'that's the way you like to work'.   Fill me to overflowing with your Holy Spirit, so that I may have all the gifts and the fruits to be able to go forth in your name knowing that I am fully and completely one with you in Spirit and Truth.  And may the honor and glory be all yours, dear Heavenly Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit.  Thank you.  I love you.  Amen.

 ***

GOD OF WONDERS   *

Lord of Heaven and earth.  Lord of all creation.  Lord of Heaven and Earth.  Lord of all creation.

Of water, earth and sky.  The heavens are Your tabernacle.  Glory to the Lord on high.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy.  You are holy, holy.  The universe declares Your majesty.

You are holy, holy.  Lord of Heaven and earth.  Lord of Heaven and earth.

Early in the morning, I will celebrate the light.  

When I stumble in the darkeness, I will call Your name by night.

Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth.  Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth.

Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy.  You are holy, holy.  Precious Lord, reveal your heart to me.

Father, holy, holy.  The universe declares Your majesty.  Your are holy, holy, holy, holy.

Hallelujah to the Lord of Heaven and earth.  *

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 Benediction...Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resouces he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation.  

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regulary to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:16 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

My family and I, and the church, are in crisis and could desperately use your prayers and financial support.  Due to medical concerns, employment crisis, and economic devastation,  I do not have funding to meet everyday expenses right now for the church, or family, and home, nor those necessary to keep this website afloat, for those shut-in or needing spiritual support, nor the ability to help others along the way.  But I am confident that, with your help, balance can be achieved.  As God touches your heart, I hope you will pray earnestly for the church, my family and me, and send any amount of money you can to help.  Please note 'Church and Family' on your check, and, I will see that all funds get divided appropriately.  The church, I and my family, as well as to those to whom we reach out, will be sincerely grateful for anything you can do to help.  

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and may God bless you!

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 Checks or money orders can be made out to

Church of the Holy Spirit

and sent to

Church of the Holy Spirit

P.O. Box 86076

Tucson, Arizona

85754-6076

If you have any questions, we can be reached at:

1-866-402-GIFT

10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Mountain Time

or

TrinityMissions@msn.com

As we grow, you will have options for allocating your gifts.

In the meantime, we hope you will trust us to direct them to where the need is the greatest.

  ***

    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rythms of Grace'

 "Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

  Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

 * Todays song  is from the CD 'Worship Together' and was written by Mac Powell and Cliff & Danielle Young.

 *