This poem was inspired by a prophetic word we had this Sunday morning. Dave has been preaching the last two weeks on my favorite Scripture, Romans 8:1.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.
In the word daisies represented life and poppies death.
Daisies and Poppies
She wandered the field
searching for daisies
but brought back poppies instead
then cradled those close
to her broken heart
while curled as a ball
in her bed
And the tears that were shed
while curled in that bed
came from loneliness and pain
of life that was lost
at a terrible cost
which she recalled again
and again
Through shutters then shone
while she lay there alone
bright light on that tear stained face
encouraging word
forgiveness assured
offered with kindness
and grace
And the grace that was hers
could also be yours
daisies fresh to brighten your day
cast those poppies aside
you'll have new life inside
from One who gave
His life away
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Sunday, July 16, 2017
The Explorer - Isaiah 53:6
The forest folded as I walked
into the great unknown
but carried on with slower pace
searched till the path was shown
past dew and damp and sticking thorns
down to a wandering creek
and there I stopped to contemplate
what future I should seek
just as I did a minnow jumped
beneath a floating branch
a darting cloud of tiny bugs
flew by as if by chance
and as I stood there lost in thought
a beam of sun shone through
down to my knees there in the mud
to follow what was true
all that I've done was just for me
like all I'd gone astray
He was the Lamb who shed His blood
for me, to show the way
into the great unknown
but carried on with slower pace
searched till the path was shown
past dew and damp and sticking thorns
down to a wandering creek
and there I stopped to contemplate
what future I should seek
just as I did a minnow jumped
beneath a floating branch
a darting cloud of tiny bugs
flew by as if by chance
and as I stood there lost in thought
a beam of sun shone through
down to my knees there in the mud
to follow what was true
all that I've done was just for me
like all I'd gone astray
He was the Lamb who shed His blood
for me, to show the way
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Spiritual Warfare
This is a review of the book - Spiritual Warfare - by Derek Prince, which I received from it's publisher Chosen Books.
Derek Prince, who died 2003 in Jerusalem, has always been one of my favorite spiritual authors and speakers. His teachings via books or tapes or through his radio broadcasts were very influential in the early days of the Charismatic Renewal as well as in my life personally. One time I even heard him speak and watched him direct a team of healing ministers on a visit to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where I was living at the time.
He leaves behind a ministry organization which continues his radio broadcasts, distributes his thousands of writings, tapes, books and videos which go throughout the world, and from time to time they put his material together in book form. HERE is a link where I have blogged about another of his posthumous books which includes a story from his visit in Kalamazoo.
I have read quite a number of other books dealing with spiritual warfare and deliverance, including what I consider one of the classics by Prince called Deliver Us From Evil. This book - Spiritual Warfare - is quite different from the others in that it does not go into any details about deliverance or provide lists of spiritual strong holds for the reader to confess and apply the Word of God to. And in my opinion the center part of the book reflects a view of an overcoming Church in the last days which I have several problems with.
That said the teaching presented at beginning and end could not be more powerful or timely for today. Let me summarize it with one Scriptural verse from Revelation 12:11:
They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony
This was made into a powerful worship song which takes this Scripture verse and brings it to us as a statement of faith: "We have overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the strength of our testimony."
Here are some of the spiritual principles that Prince wants every believer to understand. I am only going to high lite just a few.
First, evil is a person, not a thing. We are in a struggle with the ruler of darkness who has evil spiritual minions assigned to torment us and to pull us away from the knowledge and love of the Father. Much of what we think is a physical or psychological struggle in our lives is actually a spiritual struggle with spiritual beings involved.
Second, by His death and resurrection Jesus has defeated the evil one and his forces. Because we have surrendered our lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior we have divine authority to overcome the kingdom of darkness.
Third, even though redeemed our ignorance of this spiritual battle empowers the evil one. Plus things that we do in the spiritual or attitudes we have, such as unforgiveness or harboring sin, give the evil one and his forces a legal right to torment and deceive us.
Fourth, we have three main weapons to use against evil spirits and their deceptions. These would be the Word of God (knowing and understanding the truth of Scripture), the blood of the Lamb (it is the shed blood of Jesus that both redeems us and gives us the legal right to defeat the evil forces), and the word of our testimony (we must declare the truth of the Word as well as declare, not just the blood of Jesus, but that we have authority because Jesus shed His blood for us, for me personally).
When we declare the Word, and testify to the shed blood for us, the Holy Spirit will always be at work. He is the true power behind everything we do.
In the last couple of chapters Derek Prince teaches quite a bit about the blood of Jesus and how to apply it to the situation in our lives. This is something that all Christians should understand and a main part of what makes Spiritual Warfare an important read.
Derek Prince, who died 2003 in Jerusalem, has always been one of my favorite spiritual authors and speakers. His teachings via books or tapes or through his radio broadcasts were very influential in the early days of the Charismatic Renewal as well as in my life personally. One time I even heard him speak and watched him direct a team of healing ministers on a visit to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where I was living at the time.
He leaves behind a ministry organization which continues his radio broadcasts, distributes his thousands of writings, tapes, books and videos which go throughout the world, and from time to time they put his material together in book form. HERE is a link where I have blogged about another of his posthumous books which includes a story from his visit in Kalamazoo.
I have read quite a number of other books dealing with spiritual warfare and deliverance, including what I consider one of the classics by Prince called Deliver Us From Evil. This book - Spiritual Warfare - is quite different from the others in that it does not go into any details about deliverance or provide lists of spiritual strong holds for the reader to confess and apply the Word of God to. And in my opinion the center part of the book reflects a view of an overcoming Church in the last days which I have several problems with.
That said the teaching presented at beginning and end could not be more powerful or timely for today. Let me summarize it with one Scriptural verse from Revelation 12:11:
They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony
This was made into a powerful worship song which takes this Scripture verse and brings it to us as a statement of faith: "We have overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the strength of our testimony."
Here are some of the spiritual principles that Prince wants every believer to understand. I am only going to high lite just a few.
First, evil is a person, not a thing. We are in a struggle with the ruler of darkness who has evil spiritual minions assigned to torment us and to pull us away from the knowledge and love of the Father. Much of what we think is a physical or psychological struggle in our lives is actually a spiritual struggle with spiritual beings involved.
Second, by His death and resurrection Jesus has defeated the evil one and his forces. Because we have surrendered our lives to Jesus as Lord and Savior we have divine authority to overcome the kingdom of darkness.
Third, even though redeemed our ignorance of this spiritual battle empowers the evil one. Plus things that we do in the spiritual or attitudes we have, such as unforgiveness or harboring sin, give the evil one and his forces a legal right to torment and deceive us.
Fourth, we have three main weapons to use against evil spirits and their deceptions. These would be the Word of God (knowing and understanding the truth of Scripture), the blood of the Lamb (it is the shed blood of Jesus that both redeems us and gives us the legal right to defeat the evil forces), and the word of our testimony (we must declare the truth of the Word as well as declare, not just the blood of Jesus, but that we have authority because Jesus shed His blood for us, for me personally).
When we declare the Word, and testify to the shed blood for us, the Holy Spirit will always be at work. He is the true power behind everything we do.
In the last couple of chapters Derek Prince teaches quite a bit about the blood of Jesus and how to apply it to the situation in our lives. This is something that all Christians should understand and a main part of what makes Spiritual Warfare an important read.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
As It Was In The Days Of Noah
This last week Jackie and I ventured south to northern Kentucky and visited the Creation Museum, the Ark Encounter and then did zip lining at the course next to the Ark. It all was great fun.
I do believe in a literal Adam and Eve, an actual world wide flood and ark built by Noah and that God created and designed each species with the ability to change in multiple ways within limits. That said, I was disappointed with how the Creation Museum presented the arguments for specific creation verses evolution, I thought the Ark Encounter was amazing, and zip lining was a blast. Here is a poem I wrote about that activity:
Zip Lining As A Senior
Astride Noah's Ark
on an afternoon lark
we did Zip Line Adventure
They loaded with gear
so we wouldn't fear
a mistaken quench her
Harness, helmets, gloves
first hesitation shoves
down and out screams
Climb the next stair
up to the top lair
my helmet kept hitting the beams
Fourth time I clunked
went into a funk
wondering how stupid I was
Always looked down
at stairs or the ground
BANG! My head's in a fuzz
Now back to the review. My problem with the Creation Museum was this. Although about a quarter of the displays are evangelical (the world is going to hell, teenagers do drugs and rebel against their parents, Adam sinned now all men are sinners, Jesus is the second Adam and died as as God's chosen sacrifice to take away our sin, etc.) that and the other displays actually seemed designed to comfort the believer instead of actually presenting either the gospel or specific creation arguments in a way that would convince the skeptic or capture the attention of the young generation.
Let me give you just one example. At some point through the museum you come to a display case which shows a copy of the bones know as Lucy, which was a small ape like creature supposedly with a pelvis that would enable it to walk upright. This was one of the evolutionary proofs of transitional species. Near that was the Creation Museum's rendition of what Lucy would look like with chimpanzee hair, hands and facial features, standing of course on all four legs and looking very much like a juvenile chimp.
Now, I'm already familiar with the apologetics presented by creationists and AIG (Answers In Genesis - sponsors of the Creation Museum) regarding this. But for someone else who is not, who walks by and briefly scans the small print, without someone to logically lay out the argument, this will do nothing. It is a display laid out to show those who already believe. For skeptics or for our youth who have a world of information at their fingertips, in full color and in audio, this does not work.
One time I heard a scientist on TV talking about the design and functions of a simple feather. Turns out there is nothing simple about feathers. They have multiple parts, each part needed to allow the other parts to function. I was glued to his presentation because I could see and hear how it all worked together. And the obvious point in the debate is: Why would all these parts develop randomly over tens of thousands of years by natural selection if none by themselves would be a benefit until all came together?
I think we are in a losing battle not just for the heart but also for the mind and if indeed the Creation Museum wants to take part in that war then it needs to rethink everything.
And the other hand, the same people have given us the Ark Encounter, and I loved it. Here is a case where the visuals are everything. It is a life sized imagination of what Noah's ark might have looked like according to the dimensions and descriptions found in Genesis and I wanted to see it - JUST TO SEE IT!
The Ark Park is just off the expressway. You take a winding road and then come to the entrance, which reminds you of the entrance to Jurassic Park (genius!). From there you come to the large parking lots and visible from the lots, sitting high upon a hill, is this huge wooden structure, the ARK. This is also the way it should be. The Ark was probably built up high for safety when the flood waters came but it also presents of picture of the Ark resting on the mountains of Ararat after the flood.
Buses take you from the ticket areas, up a winding road, and drop you off near a structure which looks massive from the ground. There is a ramp on the side of the Ark (not for visitors) that leads to a single large door in the side. The visual on this is also important. Just as there was only one way for all the animals plus Noah and seven more to enter into the Ark, the door then closed by God and the people and animals then delivered from God's judgment, so there is only one door for all mankind to enter to avoid judgment. And that is our Ark, Jesus Christ.
Inside there are three large levels, clean, easy to walk, which display cages for all sorts of animals, food and water storage, waste removal and much more. There is also a lot of information to read and we were lucky to have come when it was not so crowded. The views inside are impressive, you can smell the wood and see how this could have been done. And that's the point.
There are two videos shown which tie into the Ark that present the gospel and they are also very well done.
If there is a negative I would point out two things. The tickets are $40 per adult (as seniors Jackie and I paid $31 each) and I believe kids are something like $24 ea., so not cheap although we spent 3 hours inside the Ark and if busy it might take 5 hours. Plus parking is $10.
The second would be the music. OK, OK, the music, which starts at the ticket areas, continues on in the buses, and follows throughout the Ark (except for storm sounds when you enter) is very effective for creating a mood. However Jackie described it as "swami music", which if you don't know what I mean then think of a MGM movie with a snake charmer girl coming out of a large vase.
We are very much now in a time just like in the days of Noah. Jesus is coming back soon and then worldwide judgment is coming. Maybe there will be revival and restoration before that, maybe not, but the clocks keeps ticking.
Let me leave you with the words from 2 Peter, chapter 3, beginning with verse 3:
Know that first of all that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts
and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.
For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water,
through which the world at that time was destroyed being flooded with water.
But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
Last night it was the forth of July. Jackie and I went outside and there were booms and pops and sizzles and rocket whistles around our house in the distance and nearby from every direction. We thanked the Lord that this was a celebration night and that we were not like so many who hear the same sounds and have to hide in their basements.
The Ark reminds us that God is holy and that sin and rebellion will not be allowed to go on indefinitely. But it also displays His abundant mercy and provision for all that will repent and come to Him.
I do believe in a literal Adam and Eve, an actual world wide flood and ark built by Noah and that God created and designed each species with the ability to change in multiple ways within limits. That said, I was disappointed with how the Creation Museum presented the arguments for specific creation verses evolution, I thought the Ark Encounter was amazing, and zip lining was a blast. Here is a poem I wrote about that activity:
Zip Lining As A Senior
Astride Noah's Ark
on an afternoon lark
we did Zip Line Adventure
They loaded with gear
so we wouldn't fear
a mistaken quench her
Harness, helmets, gloves
first hesitation shoves
down and out screams
Climb the next stair
up to the top lair
my helmet kept hitting the beams
Fourth time I clunked
went into a funk
wondering how stupid I was
Always looked down
at stairs or the ground
BANG! My head's in a fuzz
Now back to the review. My problem with the Creation Museum was this. Although about a quarter of the displays are evangelical (the world is going to hell, teenagers do drugs and rebel against their parents, Adam sinned now all men are sinners, Jesus is the second Adam and died as as God's chosen sacrifice to take away our sin, etc.) that and the other displays actually seemed designed to comfort the believer instead of actually presenting either the gospel or specific creation arguments in a way that would convince the skeptic or capture the attention of the young generation.
Let me give you just one example. At some point through the museum you come to a display case which shows a copy of the bones know as Lucy, which was a small ape like creature supposedly with a pelvis that would enable it to walk upright. This was one of the evolutionary proofs of transitional species. Near that was the Creation Museum's rendition of what Lucy would look like with chimpanzee hair, hands and facial features, standing of course on all four legs and looking very much like a juvenile chimp.
Now, I'm already familiar with the apologetics presented by creationists and AIG (Answers In Genesis - sponsors of the Creation Museum) regarding this. But for someone else who is not, who walks by and briefly scans the small print, without someone to logically lay out the argument, this will do nothing. It is a display laid out to show those who already believe. For skeptics or for our youth who have a world of information at their fingertips, in full color and in audio, this does not work.
One time I heard a scientist on TV talking about the design and functions of a simple feather. Turns out there is nothing simple about feathers. They have multiple parts, each part needed to allow the other parts to function. I was glued to his presentation because I could see and hear how it all worked together. And the obvious point in the debate is: Why would all these parts develop randomly over tens of thousands of years by natural selection if none by themselves would be a benefit until all came together?
I think we are in a losing battle not just for the heart but also for the mind and if indeed the Creation Museum wants to take part in that war then it needs to rethink everything.
And the other hand, the same people have given us the Ark Encounter, and I loved it. Here is a case where the visuals are everything. It is a life sized imagination of what Noah's ark might have looked like according to the dimensions and descriptions found in Genesis and I wanted to see it - JUST TO SEE IT!
The Ark Park is just off the expressway. You take a winding road and then come to the entrance, which reminds you of the entrance to Jurassic Park (genius!). From there you come to the large parking lots and visible from the lots, sitting high upon a hill, is this huge wooden structure, the ARK. This is also the way it should be. The Ark was probably built up high for safety when the flood waters came but it also presents of picture of the Ark resting on the mountains of Ararat after the flood.
Buses take you from the ticket areas, up a winding road, and drop you off near a structure which looks massive from the ground. There is a ramp on the side of the Ark (not for visitors) that leads to a single large door in the side. The visual on this is also important. Just as there was only one way for all the animals plus Noah and seven more to enter into the Ark, the door then closed by God and the people and animals then delivered from God's judgment, so there is only one door for all mankind to enter to avoid judgment. And that is our Ark, Jesus Christ.
Inside there are three large levels, clean, easy to walk, which display cages for all sorts of animals, food and water storage, waste removal and much more. There is also a lot of information to read and we were lucky to have come when it was not so crowded. The views inside are impressive, you can smell the wood and see how this could have been done. And that's the point.
There are two videos shown which tie into the Ark that present the gospel and they are also very well done.
If there is a negative I would point out two things. The tickets are $40 per adult (as seniors Jackie and I paid $31 each) and I believe kids are something like $24 ea., so not cheap although we spent 3 hours inside the Ark and if busy it might take 5 hours. Plus parking is $10.
The second would be the music. OK, OK, the music, which starts at the ticket areas, continues on in the buses, and follows throughout the Ark (except for storm sounds when you enter) is very effective for creating a mood. However Jackie described it as "swami music", which if you don't know what I mean then think of a MGM movie with a snake charmer girl coming out of a large vase.
We are very much now in a time just like in the days of Noah. Jesus is coming back soon and then worldwide judgment is coming. Maybe there will be revival and restoration before that, maybe not, but the clocks keeps ticking.
Let me leave you with the words from 2 Peter, chapter 3, beginning with verse 3:
Know that first of all that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts
and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.
For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water,
through which the world at that time was destroyed being flooded with water.
But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
Last night it was the forth of July. Jackie and I went outside and there were booms and pops and sizzles and rocket whistles around our house in the distance and nearby from every direction. We thanked the Lord that this was a celebration night and that we were not like so many who hear the same sounds and have to hide in their basements.
The Ark reminds us that God is holy and that sin and rebellion will not be allowed to go on indefinitely. But it also displays His abundant mercy and provision for all that will repent and come to Him.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Holy Spirit Power
Let me tell you about the Spirit of Power
sent from the Father and Son one fine hour
when women and men were gathered in prayer
one hundred and twenty were said to be there
a loud rushing wind announcing His coming
then tongues of hot fire to get them all humming
in languages heard by citizens gathered
from dozens of countries where Jews had been scattered
which spoke of the greatness of God now proclaiming
what is this new wonder they all were exclaiming
so Peter got up to explain this strange show
and talked about Jesus beginning with Joel
who said that our God would pour out His Spirit
with visions and dreams so lost men would hear it
proclaimed to the ends of a very big earth
that Jesus has died so all could have worth
and the good news for us who sit here and read
is that Spirit still moves in power and deed
giving gifts to all people reborn in Christ Jesus
to build up the church and not just to please us
although some indeed do comfort our soul
to mold us and form us so we will be whole
and these we call fruits like love, peace and joy
or patience, long-suffering and others, oh boy!
yet now we must mention to build up the body
apostles and prophets and teachers not shoddy
and even today greater works we will see
with miracles, healing and wonders for thee
divine words of knowledge and wisdom are shared
tongues with interpretation also are paired
which calls for discernment a most vital gift
what spirit or prophetic word it must sift
and last but not least for our private prayers
the Spirit with tongues of languages shares
when our understanding falters and fails
and we groan to the Father not knowing details
I've prayed in this way for forty-five years
seen people healed and delivered from fears
opened the Word setting my heart afire
all this and much more for you my desire
sent from the Father and Son one fine hour
when women and men were gathered in prayer
one hundred and twenty were said to be there
a loud rushing wind announcing His coming
then tongues of hot fire to get them all humming
in languages heard by citizens gathered
from dozens of countries where Jews had been scattered
which spoke of the greatness of God now proclaiming
what is this new wonder they all were exclaiming
so Peter got up to explain this strange show
and talked about Jesus beginning with Joel
who said that our God would pour out His Spirit
with visions and dreams so lost men would hear it
proclaimed to the ends of a very big earth
that Jesus has died so all could have worth
and the good news for us who sit here and read
is that Spirit still moves in power and deed
giving gifts to all people reborn in Christ Jesus
to build up the church and not just to please us
although some indeed do comfort our soul
to mold us and form us so we will be whole
and these we call fruits like love, peace and joy
or patience, long-suffering and others, oh boy!
yet now we must mention to build up the body
apostles and prophets and teachers not shoddy
and even today greater works we will see
with miracles, healing and wonders for thee
divine words of knowledge and wisdom are shared
tongues with interpretation also are paired
which calls for discernment a most vital gift
what spirit or prophetic word it must sift
and last but not least for our private prayers
the Spirit with tongues of languages shares
when our understanding falters and fails
and we groan to the Father not knowing details
I've prayed in this way for forty-five years
seen people healed and delivered from fears
opened the Word setting my heart afire
all this and much more for you my desire
Saturday, June 17, 2017
knife fight
We heard there'd be a rumble coming
somewhere out there
maybe in the dark back of da alley
perhaps it be in some fool garage
ol Snatch, he threw down a challenge
"Come out, come out if ye dare
I be here waiting for you fool!"
We sat so still an listened
frightful we was to even peek out
it all seemed most uncomfortably quiet
I see my hand be wet and shaking
and then, I hear a voice, deep and slow
right thru the walls it answers back
"Courthouse square, five minutes"
Four minutes go by an no one moves
but Mister, you have to know that
it was like we was pulled out, all of us
made our way outside toward dat courthouse
we git near and sure enough
Snatch be just leaning against a post, smirking
and letting da sun flash off dat ten inch blade
Next to da square there be this little church
every Sunday da bell ring an I hear tell
dat a nice group of folk git all dressed up
to hear some preachin an do some singin
an some of their women make ham buns
for those days dat people git hitched
or them days dat some poor sod git's buried
Dat church be quiet for awhile
seems it's preach got sceered by Snatch
left town without so much as a hey dilly dilly
me, I never knew him. I say goodbye
to religion years ago when Pa left
an good riddance to him dat drunkin S O B
he never came to say nothin when Ma passed
Now a new preach come to town
first thing he do is start painting dat old place
pulls weeds an spruces up da joint
I hear music around there now like everyday
an I thinks dat's all made Snatch right mad
see, folks be starting to sing those songs
at home, with neighbors join in for goodness sake!
Five minutes is up and out those large wood doors
come Preach, holding onto this old bible
he don't look feared at all, in fact I say
he be looking most determined, most determined
I look at Snatch an he still be grinning
but I notice dat he lower his blade
an he be takin a step back
Preach stride forward an we all lean in a bit
fearin da worse but now a wondrin
he git close an I see his hair done shine like a helmet
an his vest seems to be most righteous
like nothin could hurt that man
then, with a voice calm but firm he say
"You git, an don't come back".
Well, we all been fixin on Preach an didn't see
that Snatch be gone, poof - disappeared
somehow my shoulders now feel all lite like
as I was a wonderin, Preach, he looks at me
says he hasn't seen me much an asks
if I got time to come by for some fixins
"Ham buns?" I ask - "Lamb chops" he say
somewhere out there
maybe in the dark back of da alley
perhaps it be in some fool garage
ol Snatch, he threw down a challenge
"Come out, come out if ye dare
I be here waiting for you fool!"
We sat so still an listened
frightful we was to even peek out
it all seemed most uncomfortably quiet
I see my hand be wet and shaking
and then, I hear a voice, deep and slow
right thru the walls it answers back
"Courthouse square, five minutes"
Four minutes go by an no one moves
but Mister, you have to know that
it was like we was pulled out, all of us
made our way outside toward dat courthouse
we git near and sure enough
Snatch be just leaning against a post, smirking
and letting da sun flash off dat ten inch blade
Next to da square there be this little church
every Sunday da bell ring an I hear tell
dat a nice group of folk git all dressed up
to hear some preachin an do some singin
an some of their women make ham buns
for those days dat people git hitched
or them days dat some poor sod git's buried
Dat church be quiet for awhile
seems it's preach got sceered by Snatch
left town without so much as a hey dilly dilly
me, I never knew him. I say goodbye
to religion years ago when Pa left
an good riddance to him dat drunkin S O B
he never came to say nothin when Ma passed
Now a new preach come to town
first thing he do is start painting dat old place
pulls weeds an spruces up da joint
I hear music around there now like everyday
an I thinks dat's all made Snatch right mad
see, folks be starting to sing those songs
at home, with neighbors join in for goodness sake!
Five minutes is up and out those large wood doors
come Preach, holding onto this old bible
he don't look feared at all, in fact I say
he be looking most determined, most determined
I look at Snatch an he still be grinning
but I notice dat he lower his blade
an he be takin a step back
Preach stride forward an we all lean in a bit
fearin da worse but now a wondrin
he git close an I see his hair done shine like a helmet
an his vest seems to be most righteous
like nothin could hurt that man
then, with a voice calm but firm he say
"You git, an don't come back".
Well, we all been fixin on Preach an didn't see
that Snatch be gone, poof - disappeared
somehow my shoulders now feel all lite like
as I was a wonderin, Preach, he looks at me
says he hasn't seen me much an asks
if I got time to come by for some fixins
"Ham buns?" I ask - "Lamb chops" he say
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Book Review: Ekklesia by Ed Silvoso
Today is Pentecost and I've just finished reading quite an interesting book that I received free from Chosen Book Publishers about how the Holy Spirit is moving in a powerful way during these last days. Ekklesia by Ed Silvoso is now available in several formats from Amazon Books.
The title Ekklesia loosely means 'the Church in the marketplace'. The author contends that we need to expand our vision as to how we view what "Church" is. This means that we see Church not just as a place with programs and ministries where we invite people to but also as the world or marketplace at large where each believer, led by the Holy Spirit, is a shepherd and each non-believer is a sheep who needs one.
The marketplace is defined as where we work or places outside of Church in which we interact on a regular basis. It is our work, our neighborhood, our town, our state.
This book was a little difficult for me to get into right away because I had slight disagreements with certain broad statements made by Silvoso. However I was kept going because of several wonderful examples of community transformation made by men and woman who were obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading. Then toward the end Silvoso puts everything together and the principles and vision he presented made a lot of sense.
Here are the high lights for me:
I found it interesting how Silvoso describes poverty. Everyday in my job as a Road Test Examiner I encounter the full range of humanity in a city with a population of a couple hundred thousand. Many of these people are poor or don't work because they are on some type disability. Silvoso, originally from a small village in Argentina, says that systemic poverty has four dimensions: spiritual, relational, motivational and material. All of these aspects need to be ministered to for an effective transformation.
Silvoso teaches that there are 4 steps in being an effective evangelist in the marketplace. The first is that we have to learn to bless and not curse. The world and Satan already place many people under a curse but curses are broken by blessings. So we need to speak peace to people.
The second step is to start to fellowship with the unbeliever. Both of these actions indicate to that person that they have worth and our love toward them in this way breaks down many barriers.
Next comes the point where we ask them if we can help them with any of their needs or if they would like prayer for anything. This step of ministry is done without any judgments.
Then lastly, because we are representatives of the Kingdom of God, and because the Kingdom has now come next to the person in need, we present the Kingdom to them in love.
After reading this part I get a client the next day who was someone whose looks and bearing made my skin crawl. The deep spiritual oppression in his life was very evident. I actually thought to myself; "Lord, you've got to be kidding. You want me to love him? Not this person!" Honestly, I fell short and didn't even make any chit chat, but I'm learning. Hopefully I will do much better the next time.
There is much, much more presented that makes Ekklesia an important read not only for Church leaders but for individual Christians as well. Many are prophesying that there is one last great move of the Holy Spirit before the return of Christ. The Holy Spirit of course always breaks out of the old forms and I would not be surprised if He chooses what is described in this book during these last days as the means for vast millions to come to know Christ in a very short time.
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