Prepare the Way

180 Video

2011-09-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Great Resource for Students

2010-02-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.str.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pl_landing_homepage

Check out this story of God's Care and Power

2010-02-03T10:21:00.001-08:00

http://www.epm.org/artman2/publish/Prolife_abortion/The_Face_of_God.shtml

Author of book A Defense of Abortion describes his son's ultrasound picture

2010-01-12T19:32:00.000-08:00

"In the top drawer of my desk, I keep another picture of Eli. This picture was taken... 24 weeks before he was born. The sonogram image is murky, but it reveals clearly enough a small head tilted back slightly, and an arm raised up and bent, with the hand pointing back toward the face and the thumb extended out toward the mouth. There is no doubt in my mind that this picture, too, shows the same little boy at a very early stage in his physical development. And there is no question that the position I defend in this book entails that it would have been morally permissible to end his life at this point."

-David Boonin, A Defense of Abortion, quoted from A Case For Life by Scott Klusendorf p. 14.

Alcorn on Salvation and Rewards

2009-09-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

A great article on distinguishing how works affect these two areas.

Gianna Jessen - not here to make us comfortable

2009-09-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

This gal is one of my new heroes. Check it out:
Gianna Jessen

Responses to "Jesus Tomb" Hype

2007-03-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hey all, here are some responses to the "Jesus Tomb" hype going on. Thanks to Justin Taylor, his Between Two Worlds blog is where I found most of these.
Craig Blomberg
Denny Burk
Andreas Kostenberger
Darrell Bock
John Piper

Great Blog Posts, Spurgeon, Hymn, and Poem!

2007-02-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some great blog posts that point us to great works of saints before us. I highly encourage you to read over these and meditate on them, and be amazed at our great God and Savior

Come ye sinners

Only Jesus

And this poem that I found on this blog: Do the Next Thing

Bride in Boots

2007-02-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Last night Prepare had the annual Romance of the Ages Banquet. Praise God for another year of His faithfulness and grace to Prepare Ministries. We hope God will be pleased to continue to bless Prepare and grant more grace for us to display the glory of Christ Jesus on the college campuses.

Gary's message was about being a "bride in boots". We long to be filled with a loving, adoring heart towards Christ our Savior, and be striving to increase in our personal spiritual beauty day by day as we await for our great and glorious sovereign Bridegroom to break into this earth from heaven and usher His kingdom into earth in its final consumation. So we long to be a pure and holy bride for Him in that day, and to focus on fellowship with Christ, and beholding Him so that we will love Him as He deserves.

But along with being a bride, we must realize there is an unspeakably urgent and serious war going on around us. There is work to do! We have a very short time on this earth, and there is a battle for the praise and glory of God in the souls of men all around us. A battle that affects peoples' eternal destinies. There is work to be done in showing mercy to those in need, those in poverty, especially those in need of the Savior.

So let's call out to God for grace to be a loving, adoring bride, loving the appearing of Christ (2 Tim 4:8). And for grace to put on our boots and work and fight hard for the glory of God and the everlasting good of men's souls.

Mat 9:15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Joh 9:4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.

Rom 12:11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Happy Birthday and Online Tracts

2007-01-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

First off, today is the birthday of the distinguished founder and leader of Prepare Ministries, Gary Gilbertson! This man of God is celebrating his 63rd today, and we in Prepare would like to thank and praise God for working through Gary in our lives. Happy Birthday!

Here are some online gospel tracts from a great blog: Irish Calvinist
Free Gift
More Tracts

So if you want to share the gospel via blog, shares these links with those in need of our Great God and Savior. They are very well presented and Biblical gospel presentations.

God bless us all.

Sanctity of Life

2007-01-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

Last Monday, Jan. 22nd, was Sanctity of Life day, the day we sadly remember that Roe v. Wade was passed into law 34 years ago. Here is an extended quote from an article by Alveda King, niece Dr. Martin Luther King:

"Oh, God, what would Martin Luther King, Jr., who dreamed of having his children judged by the content of their characters do if he’d lived to see the contents of thousands of children’s skulls emptied into the bottomless caverns of the abortionists pits?

It is time for America, perhaps the most blessed nation on earth to lead the world in repentance, and in restoration of life! If only we can carry the freedom of repentance to its fullest potential. If only America can repent and turn away from the sins of our nation. Abortion is at the forefront of our destruction. Partial Birth Abortion is perhaps the most heinous form of this legal genocide. Direct links connecting abortion and serious conditions such as breast and cervical cancer, emotional disorders and other serious ills must be considered! The only healing and redemption is in the blood of Jesus, blood willingly shed so that we could stand today and cry out for the blood of the unborn that is drenching the land of our children.

...I too, like Martin Luther King, Jr., have a dream. I have a dream that the men and women, the boys and girls of America will come to our senses, and humble ourselves before God Almighty and pray for mercy, and receive His healing grace. I pray that this is the day, the hour of our deliverance. May God have mercy on us all."

Read the whole article here

May God give us passion, boldness, and wisdom to be full of grace, truth and light to speak the truth in love to our generation.

Spiritual Warfare Retreat

2007-01-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

Eph 6:10-13
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Hey all! Just want you all to be reminded and invited to come to the Spiritual Warfare Retreat next weekend. Here's Tom's writeup about it:

Spiritual Warfare Conference

Date : 19 January 2007 (Friday)

Event Description :

Intro: Prepare Ministries' first ever spiritual warfare conference; through it you will recognize spiritual attacks and how to defeat them.

Cost: $20 with the book / $15 without book (covers food and housing)

Requirements: Read "The Final Quest" before the conference. (It is available either hard print or via the web at: http://www.prepareministries.com/images/TheFinalQuest.pdf (187Kb) ). The book will take about 3-4 hours total to read, and it is worth it! The article online is shorter at about 2-3 hours.

Registration: Email Charlie by Jan. 15th and indicate which method you want "The Final Quest", either *.pdf or bound.

Details: Do you struggle with thoughts that you do not desire? Have a hard time controlling the mind? Need a refresher before the school year begins? The battlefield of the mind is the greatest place for spiritual attacks. Understanding these attacks and their natures is a key to walking in further freedom. Understanding the battle of you're mind is essential to walk in deeper Christianity.

Rough Schedule: On Friday night Gary will speak at 7pm on the nature of Spiritual Warfare a discussion, snacks, and hanging-out will follow. Those who desire it are welcome to stay overnight at the Weber's house, however you'll need to bring a sleeping bag as beds are limited. On Saturday we'll have breakfast together and then move into a second session, followed by a late lunch and then a third session. The conference will end late afternoon around 4pm.

Email To RSVP or Questions: events@prepareministries.com

Gospel and Islam

2006-12-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a good interview with former Muslim Thabiti Anyabwile about the gospel and Islam. Thabiti is now a very well respected pastor.
Interview

OneThing

2006-11-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hey all, don't forget to go to the OneThing conference in Kansas City this year. Dec. 28-31st. Prepare is taking a group there, contact Tom for details.
tom@prepareministries.com
OneThing
Psa 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

Media Files from P&P

2006-11-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hey all. For any who couldn't make the retreat, or if you need a refresher on this great weekend, you can get all the audio, and some video from the Passion and Purity retreat on Prepare's website.
Here are the links:
http://movies.prepareministries.com
http://audio.prepareministries.com
Be blessed, and perservere in the Lord.

"Hard Questions" with John Weber

2006-11-20T23:42:00.000-08:00

What is “hard questions”?

Hard questions is a theology study group that started at the beginning of J. Term 2006 at Gustavus. Its full name is "Hard Questions Christians don't want to Ask" and, as its name suggests, we explore the controversial topics of Christianity.

Why this genre of study?

Most Christians believe what they believe because their minister believes it, because it was what they were taught, or because it's what makes the most comfortable. Hard Questions takes the position that all viewpoints are welcome, particularly the skeptical viewpoint, but at the end of the day only the Bible's viewpoint matters. This framework is where the very controversy comes from. There are scores of difficult texts in the Bible for the modern reader. In our culture some of them seem unethical, some seem to conflict with other passages of Scripture, some seem false, some seem mythical, and some seem offensive. What Hard Questions tries to do is answer the question "how would the Bible itself answer these difficult questions"?
The other main reason Hard Questions exists is to try to study Biblical controversies that most people would rather avoid. While avoidance bypasses the difficulties altogether, it also costs the reader the richness of so much that the Bible offers. A better understanding of these questions, the mysteries they raise, and their answers, gives us a better understanding of God. Jesus said in Mark 12:30 "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." When we better understand the depth of the riches of God we engage our mind in worship, something God made it to do but which we seldom give it a chance to do.

Do you find college students are afraid to really challenge the Scriptures?

Skeptical college students are eager to challenge the Scriptures. But faithful evangelical Christian students can be timid. They may not express outright fear but their very unwillingness to explore these issues suggests that that fear is present at least subconsciously. This is good and bad at the same time. It's good when we see students' devotion and faithfulness. But time and time again the same students interact with skeptical peers all the time and want to be able to give an answer for why they believe but are not ready to do so.

We hear all kinds of statistics of young people coming into college as believers and losing their faith somewhere along the way. What do you attribute as the main reason or reasons for this?

First I'd say being bombarded by seemingly irrefutable "facts" from critical college profs, other students, popular media, and culture. These "facts" include ideas like Jesus never said he was divine but instead was really a traveling teacher of wisdom, the supernatural does not exist, all paths lead to God, God does not exist, Christianity's past is full of bloodshed as witnessed in the Crusades and the Inquisition, and "you have to turn off your mind to be a Christian". Second, not finding fellowship and encouragement with other Christians. In other words trying to live the Christian life as an isolated island. Last students are drawn away by other passions. Being increasingly exposed to other viewpoints and other demands on their time they start sharing the throne of their life with academic pursuits, graduation and career, social and/or political causes, and relationships. Everything I said in the previous sentence is a good pursuit in its own right. However when they begin competing with the greatest love of their hearts, which should be God, they unintentionally turn a good thing into a god itself. It's a very sad thing to see college alums that were once passionate for God but are living spiritually bankrupt lives.

Can you give some sort of demographic or description of the “hard questions” attendee(s) at Gustavus?

Hard questions attendees are as varied as Gustavus itself. Usually most students have a curious or intellectual bent to them. But beyond that it's really hard to characterize them.

What are some Scripture passages that you’ve had to really wrestle with?

In 1 Samuel 15 God seems to say he changes his mind and yet he doesn't change his mind. In Matthew 13:14 Jesus says that the purpose of parables is so "You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive." How should one understand original sin and Romans 5? How should one respond to Psalm 69 and others like it where David asks God to bring judgment against his enemies? Can a Christian's salvation be lost according to Hebrews 6?

Perhaps there are some reading this interview who like the concept of “hard questions”. What advice would you give them on starting their own “hard questions” group?

First I would suggest some very practical resources. Online there are excellent apologetics resources including carm.org, probe.org, apologeticsindex.org, leaderu.com, and str.org. In print I would suggest "Bible Doctrine" by Wayne Grudem and "Hard Sayings of Jesus" by F. F. Bruce. A very useful Bible commentary website such as studylight.org can be helpful. Using these resources I would begin to try to answer several of the questions already posed in this interview. Additional questions that always seem to come up include free will and predestination, how did we get the Bible, responding to relativism, and do all paths lead to God? Many of these websites and books offer good information on answering hard questions about Christianity.

Passion & Purity Pictures!

2006-11-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

Passion and Purity Recap

2006-11-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

Praise God for the wonderful time we had at the Passion and Purity retreat this past weekend. God met us in every way through the speaking, worship and prayer ministry. Here's a quick thought about Gary's message from Saturday night. Last year, Gary spoke about dancing to end the retreat. When people are passionate about something, they often dance! Gary spoke of dancing before the Lord. This year, Gary spoke about passion causing us to have tears before the Lord. "Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy"! (Ps 126:5) Putting these two messages together, I'm reminded of a quote by Mike Bickle. He said that the Lord is "looking for a dancing bride with tears in her eyes." I want to be that way, dancing before the Lord with tears in my eyes. Tears because of my own sin, tears because people are suffering, tears because there are people who are lost in this world, tears over the astounding grace God has shown me in Christ. Let us be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing." (2 Cor 6:10) As John Piper says about this verse: "I don't want us to be a 'chipper' people, I want us to be happy, with tears running down our face."
Come back soon for pictures from P&P!

Bob Kauflin's thoughts

2006-11-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Here is a good response to the Ted Haggard situation: Worship Matters Blog Praise God, these disheartening situations can lead to ultimate good in the body of Christ, and Bob helps us see some ways how this can help us all.

Hope to see you all at the retreat this weekend!

Passion and Purity Brochure

2006-10-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hey all, you can view the brochure for the Passion and Purity Retreat now.
Passion and Purity Brochure

Two Posts in a day!

2006-10-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

One other thing. Please be in prayer for our very own Charlie Oglesby, who is in Rwanda right now on a short-term mission trip. Please pray that God would bless Charlie with much fruitfulness for the glory of God!

Some Stuff

2006-10-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hey all. I hope you all are marking your calendars for the Passion and Purity Retreat coming up in a month. More info on that to come, God willing.

The Prepare Website now actually has some audio sermons from Gary posted on it! Go here to listen.

Here is a wonderful account from Sam Storms of seeing Joni Eareckson Tada dance at one of Desiring God's national conferences. I highly encourage you to read it.

Supremacy of Christ-Amen!

2006-09-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

As Tim Challies is getting ready to blog from this year's Desiring God Conference, The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World, he begins with some wonderful thoughts about Christ's complete incomparability in His greatness. Whether interested in the coference or not, I highly recommend this post as he introduces the conference and David Wells. Here is an excerpt:

"The world has known some great people. We speak of many who are "great." But Jesus Christ is not "great." He is incomparable. He is in a category all of His own. He is unique. Of whom else can you say that He was God incarnate, that He bore our sin in our place, that He rose from death, that He now reigns supreme? That cannot be said of anyone else. The book of Scripture that argues this most insistently is Hebrews."

Pope-Islam Controversy

2006-09-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following the controversial statements the Pope recently made about Islam, here is a good article to check out.

Prepare Website

2006-09-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks be to God for blessing Prepare with our new staff member, Tom. Not only is he a wonderful brother in Christ, but he has actually been updating the website! So check it out, as it is no longer outdated by two years.

We're off!

2006-09-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the school year is definitely upon us. All the campuses have had one or two meetings now and we are hoping and praying for God's grace upon us to glorify His Name on the campuses this year. Also, Gary feels we should focus on our heart this year. Paying attention to, tending to, and asking for God's grace upon the state of our hearts. At the fall kickoff this past Saturday, Gary gave a great message about tending to our hearts in the way a stork tends to their young, and contrasting that by how an ostrich tends to their young. (see Job 39:13-17) Like the ostrich, we can look great on the outside, while neglecting one of the most essential and important things about us. So let's all seek God to give us pure and undivided hearts full of devotion to Him. He is so worthy of this, for who is a great God and Savior like Him, even sending His Son to redeem lost and sinful people! "Blessed (Happy) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" Matthew 5:8

(Picture above is from praise and worship at fall kickoff)
Here's a quick summary of meetings, if you want more info on times and rooms contact info@prepareministries.com, or go to PrepareMinistries.com.
Monday nights St. Cloud State meets
Tuesday nights College of St. John's and St. Ben's meets
Wednesday nights Gustavus Adolphus and the U of M meets
Thursday nights MSU-Mankato and SMSU in Marshall meet

Go to this site and tell others!

2006-09-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

This site is full of excellent resources.

Also, through the DesiringGod website, listen to this excellent sermon
I pray we'd all get near to God's heart about this!

Baptism and Peter

2006-08-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

More from camel camp! Here is a shot of Gary's sermon before our four brothers got baptized, and below is a shot of Peter getting baptized. By the grace of God,Peter is an enthusiastic and faithful disciple of Christ who attends Gustavus Adolphus.

Rom 6:1-6 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Brother Steve at Camel Camp

2006-08-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Steve is another brother who got baptized at Camel Camp. Here you'll see a shot from his baptism, and a picture of him getting prayer. Below is Steve's testimony from his experience at Camel Camp.

Camel Camp in the summer of 2006 was a very profound experience. I arrived to camp feeling like I shouldn’t have gone there, but left at the end of the week feeling completely renewed. The staff taught very insightful lessons regarding the theme of the wilderness. The other campers turned out to have their own lessons to share as well as becoming ministers in their own right, as well as friends. Most of all, God had created ways to fill the week chalk full of life-changing moments in ways we didn’t expect. Personal revelation, insight, and direction came from all sorts of places. The guest speaker was astounding. All in all, it was an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

One book post

2006-08-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've been tagged to answer the following questions about books by John Freiberg. So here we go. I put "The Bible and..." for many responses so that I am not just saying the Bible for everything. That said, I hope it is understood that the Bible holds preeminance over all other books and is the only living and active Word of God.
1. One book that changed your life: The Bible first and foremost, and then The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur, or Final Quest by Rick Joyner, or Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan, or Heavenly Man by Brother Yun/Paul Hattaway
2. One book that you’ve read more than once: The Bible, and Final Quest
3. One book you’d want on a desert island: The Bible, and Pilgrim's Progress
4. One book that made you laugh: Many...umm...Chronicles of Narnia I'll go with
5. One book that made you cry: The Bible and Mortification of Sin by John Owen
6. One book that you wish had been written: I really like John's answer here and I'm going to steal it: "Everything You Want to Know but Don't Need to Know by God"
7. One book that you wish had never been written: So many...I'll refrain from answering this so that I don't break into criticism.
8. One book you’re currently reading: The Bible and The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter
9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: Glory of Christ by John Owen
10. Tag five others: Nah

We'll miss you

2006-08-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Continuing in the posts for Camel Camp, just wanted to do a quick post to say goodbye to Rebekah Towner. Prepare is going to miss her, and YWAM is blessed to have her at their school of the Bible in Madison. We thank God for you, Rebekah.
Below is a shot of Gary and Rebekah at Camel Camp

Gracie Joy

2006-08-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I'm still in the process of doing camel camp posts, so stay tuned. I just had a delay over the last few days as God has blessed Bonni and I with our beautiful daughter Gracie Joy, born Aug. 16th.

Ben Goodman at Camel Camp

2006-08-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ben Goodman, seen below, was one of the main speakers for Camel Camp. The Lord used him to impart much grace and help to us. He gave us instructive and edifying teachings on God's character, and what God is looking for in us as we walk through the wilderness. Thank you, Father God, for helping us through Ben.

Ben is also very prophetically gifted, and ministered much to us in that way for our " upbuilding and encouragement and consolation." (1 Cor 14:3)

Below you'll see Ben ministering to Peter.

Kyle

2006-08-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

It was a great blessing to have Kyle with us at camel camp, and we thank God for the work He is doing in Kyle. Below is Kyle giving his testimony.

Here is Kyle getting baptized. He has his bat with him as a symbol of crucifying that idol in his life, a great example to all of us who may have some idols that need to be crucified.

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it." Mark 8:34-35

Camel Camp...a little late

2006-08-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I'm two months late...but here they come. I will be posting some blogs with pictures from this past June's camel camp. Here is a shot of the four brothers at camel camp praying together after they were baptized. They are Kyle, Casey, Peter, and Steve.
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -Galatians 2:20

Stay posted for more pictures over the next few days!

Couple more links for y'all

2006-08-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a link from Justin Taylor to a former Muslim's series on witnessing to Muslims, go here

And here is a good site for pro-life news

God bless

History of the English Bible

2006-08-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hey all, to read a great four-part teaching on the history of the English Bible, go here

Awesome testimony

2006-08-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all, here is an awesome testimony of someone set free from occultic behavior by the power of Christ. Testimony

The summer's last Saturday teaching session is this Saturday, Aug 5th at 12:30 at City Hill Fellowship. Gary will be teaching. Come at 9:30 to join in prayer, or at 11:30 to have lunch together.

Please be in prayer for this coming school year, especially in prayer that Prepare Ministries will have more grace, power, and boldness to share the gospel and make disciples this year.

From Islam to Christ

2006-07-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

"Listen as Assistant Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile recounts the story of his conversion from Islam to Christianity." Click here

Book Recommending

2006-06-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't done this for a few weeks. I was giving y'all a chance to catch up on all your other reading! I would like to recommend John Bevere's book Under Cover. This is an excellent book on understanding how crucial it is to be obedient to God by obeying those God has put in authority. The Bible says that all authority comes from God, and we are wrong to think we can disobey authority and still be obeying God. (With exceptions only when authority is asking us to do something against God's clear commands). To think we are obeying and honoring God if we are not obeying and honoring our bosses, pastors, parents, police, and other authority is to be deceived. God puts all authority in place for our good and His glory. This book has caused me to ask God that He would replace my rebellious heart with a heart that loves and honor authority, realizing that I'm not honoring that person alone, but I am honoring God through my submission to the authority he has put in place. (See Romans 13). Essentially, to honor authority, is to put ourselves in position to receive God's protection, blessing, and to fully understand His will for us.

Missions Quotes

2006-06-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

Hey all, I just thought I'd post some quotes about missions from the small book God's Great Ambition.

"If you found a cure for cancer it would be inconceivable to hide it from the rest of mankind. How much more inconceivable to keep silent the cure from the eternal wages of death." - Dave Davidson

""But I don't have any special talents or abilities that would qualify me to be a missionary." Then you're just the person God's looking for." -Keith Green

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered, it is a command to be obeyed."

"Missions is the overflow of our delight in God because missions is the overflow of God's delight in being God." - John Piper

"The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions and the nearer we get to him the more intensely missionary we must become." -Henry Martyn

"What would happen to this world if more evangelical Christians were to realize that God blessed them with money in order to make them a blessing, not to pamper them." -Ralph Winter

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." - Amy Carmichael

"Christianity in the west today says we must have a bigger church and a bigger car and a better suit. Once christians fall out of love with that and in love with Jesus, I won't need to talk mission; they will become missionaries because they love Him." - Dr. Helen Roseveare

"A man's treatment of money is the most decisive test of his character- how he makes it and spends it." - James Moffat

"No one really knows why they're alive until they know what they'd die for." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

"My Lord was pleased to die for my sins; why should I not be glad to give up my poor life out of love for Him." - Giralamo Savanarola

"I feel very happy since the Lord called me to step out in faith, and I obeyed. The Lord is our inexhaustible treasure." - Pandita Ramabai

"You would believe in pioneer missions if your family were part of an unevangelized people group." - Norm Lewis

"I love to live on the brink of eternity." - David Brainerd

"I Jesus Christ be God and He died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." - C.T. Studd

"No one will be able to rise to the magnificence of the missionary cause who does not feel, know, understand, seek or have the magnificence of Jesus Christ our Lord." - John Piper

"Give up your rights and you will receive greater privileges with God." - Loren Cunningham

"If Christ could stoop so low as to visit our...sinful world, and be moved with compassion upon the most undeserving and guilty, the most sinful and depraved...in what better way could we demonstrate that we are partakers of His Grace than by earnest endeavor to imitate His example...by laboring to promote the salvation of the most ignorant and helpless of all mankind." - William Carey

"everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. ... All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Jesus, Matthew 19:28, 28:18-20

Summer Prepare

2006-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I've done a poor job of posting lately! Praise God, camel camp last week went incredibly well. May God get all glory for His kindness to us. I think all of us present would agree that we were much strenghtened, encouraged, comforted, and instructed in our faith. I hope to put up a few pictures from the camp soon, and maybe more...we'll see.

For this summer mark your calendars with the different Prepare events going on so that we can grow in grace and stay in fellowship.

Bible studies every Tuesday in Hopkins. Contact matt.hendley@gmail.com for more information.

Friday night, June 30th there will be an all campus meeting. Contact charlieprepare@yahoo.com for more info.

Saturday, June 24th there will be a time for "Camel Training". This will be a time of teaching from the Word, with hopes to develop our overall understanding of the story of the Bible. You can contact Charlie at the above mentioned address for this as well!

Quote: "If we are to make any progress in the pursuit of holiness, we must assume our responsibility to discipline or train ourselves. But we are to do all this in total dependence on the Holy Spirit to work in us and strengthen us with the strength that is in Christ."
Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness

Oh for more Joy in God!

2006-06-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Joy in God is an absolutely critical and essential part of the christian life, and essential to honoring and glorifying God. Here is a link to an interview with John Piper about fighting for joy in God. I especially find his acronym IOUS helpful that you will find in this interview. It is an acronym of how to pray in such a way that is fighting for joy, and it is taking directly from the following Scriptures: Psalm 119:36, 119:18, 86:11, and 90:14.

FightForJoyInterview

Book Recommendation(s)

2006-05-20T19:43:00.000-07:00

So I don't have a specific book this time. What I would like to recommend is the reading of biographies of godly people who have gone before us. I have been much encouraged and strengthened in reading the biographies of people who have done much for God's kingdom in the past. Doing so also seems to be fitting with this verse: "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. " (Hebrews 13:7) This verse is primarily written about those who have directly influenced our lives such as pastors and leaders who have helped us in our walk with Christ, but also seems reasonable for it to be applied to saints of the past. Three biographies I have read somewhat recently that have been a huge blessing are the biographies of Jonathon Edwards, George Whitefield, and William Tyndale. For those interested the corresponding authors of these biographies are George Marsden (I hear Iain Murray also has a good biography on Edwards), Arnold Dallimore, and David Daniell respectively. Edwards and Whitefield were both great preachers during the times of the Great American Awakenings in the 1700s. Tyndale was a contemporary of Martin Luther, and was the first person to translate the Bible into English so that it could be printed and distributed to all people. (John Wycliffe did translate the Bible into english before Tyndale, but at his time without the printing press they could only distribute copies as much as they were able to copy the translation by hand). Tyndale was martyred for making this translation, and while we can comfortably own as many enlish translations of the Bible as we desire, Tyndale spent his life fleeing persecution and eventually being executed so that we could have this luxury. Jonathon Edwards is well known for a list of "resolutions" he wrote when he was about 20 years old, I will close this post by quoting a couple of these resolutions he made.
His preface to his resolutions: "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake."

"4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

18. Resolved, to live so, at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world(heaven).

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world (heaven) as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of."

Summer and Sanctification

2006-05-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

Well, congratulations on finishing up the school year students. I hope and pray you will be pressing into the Lord with fervency and passion this summer. Though summer can be a time for relaxing, it is not a time for slackness in your walk with Jesus. Heaven and hell are too real, eternity is too close for taking time out in the fight to know and love Jesus. Not that there isn't time for resting in the Lord and letting Him restore your soul (Psalm 23), but we can never let down our guard and coast in our spirituality. So I just write this in hopes that you are finding fellow believers and setting up a plan to pursue the Lord this summer. There is nothing else that is truly worthy of your heart, for "the steadfast love of the Lord is better than life". (Psalm 63:3) If you want to find fellowship this summer, and are not sure how, contact someone from prepare, or reply with a comment to this blog even and we'll help you out. I'll end with some quotes directed toward helping us in the process of sanctification.

"Just as the sinner's despair of any hope from himself is the first prerequisite of a sound conversion, so the loss of all confidence in himself is the first essential in the believer's growth in grace."
- A.W. PINK

"I never stood by the bedside of a godly man who reposed any confidence whatever in his own prayers, or repentance, or religiousness. I have heard eminently holy men quoting in death the words, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." In fact, the nearer men come to heaven, and the more prepared they are for it, the more simply is their trust in the merit of the Lord Jesus, and the more intensely do they abhor all trust in themselves."
-C.H. Spurgeon

Thoughts on Jesus' healing of the leper

2006-05-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I have been blessed in studying Matthew 8:1-4 as of late. Just thought I'd blog some of what I've found in this wonderful account of Jesus' merciful and miraculous power.

In putting this story right after the famous sermon on the mount, we see that Jesus not only spoke with authority, but He also performed acts that could only be accomplished by the power of God and thus gives us much confidence that we can trust and know His words are also from God. It is crucial to understand how terrible a disease leprosy was considered to be in that day and in that culture. One scholar says "In the ancient world leprosy was the most terrible of diseases..., a kind of terrible progressive death." (Barclay) Josephus, the famous ancient Jewish historian says lepers were treated "as if they were, in effect, dead men." In the law God gave through Moses, we see that a Jewish person would become "ceremonially unclean" if they touched a leper. (Lev 15:7) Also, the leper was required to "wear torn clothes, let the hair of his head hang loose, cover his upper lip and cry out "unclean, unclean." " (Lev 13:45-46) The leper had to live alone, outside the camp of his fellow people. We see that a terribly bleak picture is before us of what the life of this leper who approached Jesus was like. Certain religious leaders of this time would do all things to avoid being near lepers, it even seems to be the case that lepers at times might have had small stones cast at them so that they would stay away from people calling themselves religious so that they would not become unclean. Along with this, the Jewish culture at this time believed that a person with leprosy was struck with that disease by God because of God's particular displeasure with them. This added much to their position as an outcast. People in the community felt no desire to be merciful to the leper, for God was against the leper in their thinking, and in their minds was why the leper was judged with the disease.

Having become accustomed to such treatment, it is an amazing thing this leper had the confidence to approach Jesus that he did. Crowds were following Jesus at this time, and they probably parted and gasped in disgust as this leper came up to the Lord. If Jesus had been like some other religious leaders of his time, He would probably have rebuked the leper, told him to get away and never again come so close to crowds of people that could become unclean by him. Yet something the leper had heard or seen in Jesus must have given him hope that Jesus was different. He did not worry that the crowds would not want him present, he was only fixed on getting to Jesus and falling at His feet. Oh that we would follow the leper's example, that no matter how much it will cause us to be scorned by men, we will make our way to bow at the feet of Jesus, to obtain mercy from Him.

Jesus did not rebuke the leper, or cast stones at him, he reacted in a different way. He reacted with compassion. He did the unthinkable. No one touched lepers. Touching a leper made one unclean. How could Jesus fathom touching someone with leprosy, that didn't have the appearance of good religion. Jesus was not one to worry about appearance in that manner. He was moved with His compassion to do something for this poor leper. The touch of Jesus is like no other. The touch did not make Jesus unclean, rather it made the leper clean!

In the leper's going to Jesus, his plea tells us that he had no doubt of what Christ was able to do, only uncertainty of what Christ was willing to do. The leper was certain Jesus could heal him and make him clean right there. He came to the Lord saying, "If you will, you can make me clean."

It is rare that people in our society ever have such leprosy as this man had, but do you ever feel as though you are a leper on the inside. That your entire heart and soul are unclean, and you would be ashamed if anyone ever saw how you really are. Do you feel that no one would touch your soul if they knew how gross it is? It would be a great thing to be like this leper and go to Jesus, for He can make every part of you clean with a touch or a word. Jesus is still the same Jesus as He was in that day (Heb 13:8). Go before Him in your heart and let Him touch the area of your soul that you think is untouchable, He can make it clean. We have an advantage, we can see Jesus' response to those such as this leper. Jesus never turned them away, He always showed compassion to those who came to Him in such a humble way. The leper may not have known this, yet He still was courageous to go to Jesus because He was drawn to something about the Lord. How much more should we run to Jesus and throw ourselves at His feet!

Maybe you have come to the place where you know the Lord Jesus has touched and made you clean. Well, rejoice! And go as Jesus did and show compassion to the untouchable people that are around you. Maybe someone with aids, or with handicap, or one who is elderely. This world desperately needs to know there is a great King in heaven who is willing to touch them with compassion.

In closing I am going to quote Charles Spurgeon, who reflects on Jesus' response to the leper. Jesus says "I will, be clean." Spurgeon says: " The "I will" of an emperor may have great power over his dominions; but the "I will" of Christ drives death and hell before Him, conquers disease, removes despair, and floods the world with mercy."

How glorious is Jesus! God bless you all.

Book Time

2006-05-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hey all, I know you guys have been on the blog constantly hitting refresh until you see what the recommended book is going to be. Well, it is Growing in the Prophetic by Mike Bickle. This book addresses very important issues concerning prophecy. For example: Is prophecy in the New Testament the same as prophecy in the Old Testament? How do we know how to handle people who say they have prophetic words? How are these prophetic words to be used in worship services? How can we keep prophecy from getting disordered and unfrutiful? How can we keep prophecy Christ-centered? And more. So if these questions sound like anything you have thought about, Bickle's book is a sensitive pastoral treatment of the topic. And like all that Bickle does, the book is focused on drawing people into a passionate relationship with King Jesus.

Stay Tuned

2006-05-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hey all, just wanting to do a quick post to encourage you to stay tuned here for updates on what is going on with Prepare for the summer. You'll be able to find information on Camel Camp, All Campus Meetings, Summer training times and anything else exciting with Prepare. And if any of you want Prepare Ministries to come to your campus, please be letting us know.

"Scripture makes clear that the one central business of this life is to prepare for the next."
Randy Alcorn, In Light of Eternity

Camel Camp and William Cowper

2006-04-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hey all, school year is almost done! So that means y'all should be signing up to go to Camel Camp June 5-10. It's going to be excellent, God willing. If you need details about it email Charlie, charlie@prepareministries.com.

I also thought I would flavor this blog entry with the lyrics from a couple of amazing hymns by William Cowper. He was a contemporary of John Newton, who wrote Amazing Grace. Cowper greatly struggled throughout his life with believing that God loved him,and that God would save him. He had horrible bouts with depression, yet the words of these hymns has been encouraging saints even to our day.

God Moves in Mysterious Ways
God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs
and works his sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
and scan his work in vain:
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.

©Public Domain

There is a Fountain Filled With Blood
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!
’Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.

Book of Recommendation

2006-04-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

I just want to begin this post by saying that if you can get your hands on any resources from C.J. Mahaney, I suggest you do so. Having said that, the book I am now going to recommend is Humility: True Greatness. Mahaney is both passionate and practical about cultivating humility, and exhorting us to seek greatness in God's sight, not according to our culture. The problem is the way to be great in our culture is absolutely at odds with how to be great before God. See Mark 10:32-45. Here is also a short handout from Mahaney on cultivating humility: handout

An Hour with George Mueller

2006-04-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hey all, this is taken from the Eternal Perspectives Ministry website. It is very encouraging and edifiying. EPM-Mueller

The Gospel

2006-04-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hey all, here are some links to some great thoughts about the meaning of the gospel. The first one is from C.J. Mahaney and the second from Mark Dever.
MahaneyOnTheGospel
DeverOnAtonement

Good Friday

2006-04-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hey all, being that it is Good Friday, I am going to post a few quotes that I have come across in my personal reading lately concerning the cross of the Lord Jesus. These quotes come from a book titled The Suffering Saviour written by F.W. Krummacher. At the beginning of the book he writes the following:
O what wonders are we about to approach in our meditations! From the most appalling scene the world ever witnessed, a paradise of peace springs forth. From the most ignominous sufferings, we see the most glorious triumph emerge; and from the most dreadful of deaths, a divine and never-fading life arise!
May devotion, humbleness of mind, and child-like faith accompany us in our meditations, and penitential tears become our eye-salve!

Later in the first chapter, Krummacher considers how the disciples thought Jesus was just going to set up a political kingdom soon, and that there would not be suffering, only conquering. Clearly Jesus conquered and will conquer, but in quite a different way than they expected:
...the Lord takes His twelve disciples aside. He has matters of importance to disclose to them. Destined, as they were, to lay the foundations of His Church, they soon perceive His intention, and hang upon His lips with increasing eagerness. They probably reckon on some cheering intelligence, and expect to hear that the triumphant development of His kingdom is at hand. But what short-sightedness and simplicity do they display! O the mighty chasm which intervenes between their thoughts and God's thoughts! As though the restoration of fallen man were a thing of such easy accomplishment! As if sin had caused only a transient disturbance in the relations between God and man...

...His heart, under the impulse of love, is firmly and immutably bent on taking the way to the cross...

...No affectionate entreaty restrains Him in His course; no menace dictated by hatred deters Him from it. The bloodthirsty council has already assembled in Jerusalem, and is concocting its plan of treachery and murder. But the watchword of Jesus continues to be-"Behold we go up!" And though another Red Sea were foaming at His feet, and though a hundred deaths awaited Him, yet the only sentiment of His heart is-"We go up." For it is His Father's will, and the path to the great and ardently longed-for aim of the world's redemption. O what resignation, what obedience, what love to sinners is here exemplified by our adorable Immanuel!

Okay, there is one more paragraph I really want to include...I know this has gone a bit long, but I can't resist. And all these quotes are only from the first chapter of this book!

It is confessedly true that the eternal Father, by an almighty decree, might have annihilated the fallen race, in which sin had taken root, and thus have put an end to evil. But we were to live and not die. And thus He has not only caused the sin of man to act as a foil for the display of the full radiance of His attributes, and especially of His love, but has also by the offering up of His Son, provided a means of salvation by which we might attain to a much higher glory and relationship to God than we once possessed in our progenitor, or than we should ever have attained if we had not fallen. Our fall afforded Him the opportunity of showing that in the destruction of sin He could not only manifest His justice, but also glorify His mercy in remitting and forgiving sin, without infringing upon His righteousness.

Those thoughts are deep and definitely worth meditating upon. May God open our hearts to the full glory of His gospel this year!

Apologetic-type resources

2006-04-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hey all, just wanted to link ya up with some great resources that will help us to be equipped to speak with people about our faith.

This first one is Lee Strobel's website, which is full of excellent short videos you can watch that will answer all kinds of great questions.
Lee Strobel

Next is Al Mohler's blog about the recently much publicized gospel of Judas.
Mohler Blog

And here is a short summary of false claims from Da Vinci code, and responses to them.
Short Da Vinci Response

Most important of all, let's seek to be conformed to the character and image of Jesus Christ and be constantly filled with His Spirit so that this world will see His glorious light. God's grace to you all

Leader's Retreat

2006-04-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

This will be an update on this past weekend's leader's retreat. Praise God, it went very well. The Lord was incredibly gracious to us in every way. He blessed us with His sweet presence during our worship times. The main topic of discussion for the weekend was communication. Without going into too much detail, I will share one insight that Gary shared on communication that really struck me and I think is absolutely essential.

In the secular world, it is quite common to diagnose different personality types. This is to try and help conflicts among people who are working together. We have all probably experienced this. It is a good thing to do to understand ourselves and others. But there is a key issue that is missed in the secular world that we must understand. When there are troubles between people and conflicts erupt, often it is explained as occurring as a result of personality conflicts. This is a half truth. The real reasons such conflicts erupt is sin. That is what is essential for us to understand. Differing personalities are not the problem, sin is the problem. God gives us differences so that we can grow from each other, depend on each other, and be completed by each other. God gives us all different strengths and weaknesses so that we can function as a body that has all its different parts working together in perfect harmony. We should be around people who are different from us so that we can grow and become more complete in the areas that we are lacking. This is why men need women and women need men. This is why having different ethinicities in our group is a wonderful thing. This is why a 20 year old needs a 50 year old in their life and vice versa. It is a wonderful thing when we embrace each other's differences. All this said so that we understand that differing personalities in and of itself is not adequate explanation for why we are experiencing unhealthy conflict.

Since we all have a sin nature, there are some ugly characteristics attached to our differing personalities. That is why we have bad conflicts. We must begin to recognize the difference between something that is simply part of our personality, and something that is sin that stems off from our type of personality. We must cut off the sin part so that we can really experience full and healthy relationships. How do we cut off this sin part of our personality? The "sword of the spirit" must come and "divide soul and spirt." (Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12) We must commune with God, and be constantly in His word so we can start to discern which parts of our personality are being infected by sin so that we can put that sin to death.

I will close with some of the verses we were given to meditate on regarding communication.

Jam 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Eph 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Pro 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Pro 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Pro 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Recommended Book

2006-04-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hey all. Recommended book time. This week I am going to go with Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology. Though this sounds like something only seminary students might read, I highly recommend it for anyone. Grudem is incredibly Biblically sound, is very well-balanced between the theology of the head, the worship of the heart, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This book is a great way to know God better, and Grudem seeks to turn that knowledge into heart affection and worship. There is also a condensed version of this book known as Bible Doctrine. Grudem is one of the best Bible teachers I have ever read. So I hope some of you go through this book because I think it will be very edifiying. May God fill us with more knowledge of Him that leads us into more holy affections towards Him!

Prayer Request and Quote

2006-04-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hey all. Posting this to ask for some prayer for our Prepare Ministries' leadership retreat this weekend for the leaders of the Mankato, Gustavus, and UofM (and I think from Marshall also) campuses. So please pray God would be at work to raise up effective leaders on the campuses so that His Name would be glorified through Prepare, and that Prepare would be given grace to raise up many disciples of Christ on the campuses.
Here is a quote I came across today at studylight.org
"Real prayer is communion with God, so that there will be common thoughts between His mind and ours. What is needed is for Him to fill our hearts with His thoughts, and then His desires will become our desires flowing back to Him." - Arthur W. Pink

Taking from the family

2006-04-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hey all, here are some great blog posts from my cousin in California. He is a seminary student at Masters Seminary and always has some greatly encouraging and challenging thoughts to share.
Reality Check
What does it profit

No Book, Quotes

2006-03-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I have been thinking that my recommended book of the week post is going to become an every other week thing. I decided that if I keep recommending so many books you all will get overwhelmed and stop paying attention because you'll be thinking "I haven't read the last 800 books you've recommended, and you keep giving me new ones." So for now I will do that every two weeks. So instead, I decided to post a bunch of great quotes from the saints who have gone before us.

"Rest assured, if you are a child of God, you must pass through the fire. Fear not, but rather rejoice that such fruitful times are in store for you, for in them you will be weaned from earth and will qualify to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light: you will be delivered from clinging to the present and made to long for those eternal things which are so soon to be revealed to you."
Charles Spurgeon

"I have thought that I am a creature of a day, passing through life as an arrow through the air. I am a spirit come from God and returning from God; just hovering over the great gulf, till a few moments hence I am no more seen. I drop into an unchangeable eternity! I want to know one thing, the way to heaven—how to land save on that happy shore. God himself has condescended to teach the way: for this very end he came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. O give me that book! At any price give me the Book of God! I have it. Here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri [a man of one book]."
John Wesley

"When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words be without heart."
John Bunyan

"Only one life, it'll soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." - C. T. Studd

"The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean. Therefore it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven, as it becomes us to make the seeking of our highest end and proper good, the whole work of our lives; to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why should we labour for, or set our hearts on, anything else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness?"
Jonathan Edwards

"The more we grow in grace, the more shall we flourish in glory. Though every vessel of glory shall be full, yet some vessels hold more."
THOMAS WATSON

Quotes taken from http://www.puritansermons.com/prev2.htm and
http://www.epm.org/articles/quotes_archive.html

Update from Last Two Saturdays

2006-03-28T13:01:00.000-08:00

Hey all, Rebekah has given us the following update of what has been going on at the last two Saturday prayer meetings.

Prayer update from March 18 and March 25:

We spent the majority of our time on March 18 praying for the group at St. Johns and St. Bens. There are particular challenges that an organization can face on campuses that are religiously affiliated. We want to have a positive, God-glorifying relationship with the St. Johns/ St. Bens community and administration. We prayed specifically for humility and wisdom as we interact with people on these campuses. We prayed also that the students in our group would be strengthened in their faith and not discouraged by difficult circumstances that they may encounter.

On March 25 we prayed for a variety of concerns… for the student leadership retreats this spring, for activities happening on the different campuses, and other things as well. We spent some time praying for the concerns of some of the individuals present at prayer, since it’s important that we continually support and encourage one another.

What Do You Hunger For?

2006-03-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hey all. Our brother Charlie is here blessing us with this post on what the Lord has been showing him lately about fasting. These ideas are right at the heart of Prepare Ministries. Enjoy this highly recommended post!

Fasting for the Bridegroom

“And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast’” (Matthew 9:15).

“Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, ‘I will not eat until I have said what I have to say’” (Genesis 24:33).

We are in a period of anticipation and longing for the bridegroom Jesus to return for his bride the church. As I prepared a message on fasting a few weeks ago the Holy Spirit brought to my attention these passages from Matthew and Genesis 24 that as a pair speak about the importance of fasting. Genesis 24 is very significant to the vision of Prepare Ministries and it holds layer upon layer of symbolic meaning. However, I intend to limit this blog to the issue of fasting.

First a few words about Matthew 9:15. Jesus is responding to a question brought to him by the disciples of John the Baptist. They ask him why his disciples do not fast as themselves and the Pharisees. In typical fashion Jesus gives an indirect answer that veils a deeper truth, which can be known by those who have eyes to see. As we view his answer in light of the entire Bible we see that he is speaking prophetically about his ascension to heaven and then his return for the greatest wedding feast of all time.

Now let’s take a look at Genesis 24. This is an account of actual events in the story of God’s chosen people, but like so many other passages it has symbolic meaning as well which speaks to us in the present. Abraham has sent his servant to find a bride for his son Isaac. Through his sovereignty, God has made known to the servant the woman who will be a bride for Isaac (vv. 1-32). At this point it seems like a done deal. God has spoken, Rebekah has accepted the proposal, and arrangements are being made with the father and family. It will happen.

Verse 33, “Then food was set before him to eat. But he said, ‘I will not eat until I have said what I have to say.’” Even as the finishing touches were being put in place the servant did not lose focus on the task at hand. He was given an important responsibility and he was determined to see it through without compromise. Because of his devotion to his master he abstained from food until every detail was taken care of and his task of finding a bride for his master’s son was complete.

Coinciding with Jesus’ words about fasting when the Bridegroom is not with us, I believe this is a mandate to fast until Jesus does come to be reunited with us, his bride. Fasting must be a regular part of our lives as we wait in longing expectation of our Bridegroom Jesus. So I challenge you to begin, or continue, to implement fasting into your life as an act of worship and to hasten the coming of Jesus.

Later in Genesis 24 we read, “he and the men who were with him ate and drank…(v.54)”, and this is an encouragement that there is a time of feasting that will come. Now we fast, but there is a day coming when we will rejoice with feasting. Revelation 19:6-8 gives us a picture of that day.

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for he marriage of he Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure’ – for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”

Book o' da Week

2006-03-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

Hey all. This week's recommended book is Speaking of Jesus. This is written by J. Mack Stiles and is a great exhortation and practical help for evangelism. This book is really helping me to see that I really can share my faith with both friends and strangers in practical and powerful ways. The book gives good place to the sovereignty of God in evangelism along with many stories and practical helps that I think will be a great help and encouragement to all who pick up this book.
May God give you grace as you seek to share the gospel of His glorious grace through Jesus Christ!

"SERVANTHOOD--A KEY TO REVELATION"

2006-03-22T16:21:00.000-08:00

Hey all...here is a word that came to Bob Jones. I think he received it through a dream. Anyways I thought it was a very good exhortation. I got this from the Elijah List website.

OBTAINING UNDERSTANDING

In one of these prophetic encounters, I was allowed to observe several young men on the campus of a well-known seminary. They were all dressed formally in a suit and tie. They marched single file across the campus with briefcases in hand headed for an evening class. As they continued in their procession, they all began to chant in unison, "We are going to get understanding...we are going to get understanding...we are going to get understanding."

I carefully watched as they one-by-one marched to and entered one of the educational facilities on the campus. Suddenly, the last young man in the procession stopped before entering the building and knelt to pick up a gum wrapper from the otherwise perfectly manicured campus lawn. As he did, my attention was drawn to the stars brightly twinkling in the evening sky behind him. While this scene was unfolding I heard these words..... "THIS IS THE ONE WHO HAS UNDERSTANDING BEFORE HEAVEN."

A SERVANT'S HEART

It seemed important to note that those who were marching intently with the purpose of "obtaining understanding" about God were indifferently walking over the gum wrapper, and its obvious intrusion on the beautiful lawn. While in pursuit of an intellectual understanding about God, they missed the heart of God and His divine attributes. As the scriptures point out:

"Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28)

Although education is clearly an important endeavor, this experience pointedly illustrated that it was the issues of the heart that were most important. The servant's heart perfectly displayed in the life of Christ was also evident in the young man who knowingly considered others by performing this seemingly menial task. The Lord demonstrated His approval upon this young man and his heart of servanthood as one who truly had understanding in His eyes. The glimmering stars provided a seal of Heavens endorsement as one who brightly shines in the midst of darkness.

(Philippians 2:3-4) "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

GAINING TRUE UNDERSTANDING

There is an important link between acts of serving others and gaining spiritual understanding and revelation that we must lay hold of in this generation. When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, the Bible points out....

"When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but THE SERVANTS KNEW who had drawn the water) the master of the feast called the bridegroom." (John 2:9)

The ones who were serving actually had more understanding and insight into this notable miracle and the One who performed it, than those who were "masters" over the wedding.

(Amos 3:7) declares: "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets."

Here again we discover a distinct connection between receiving revelation from God and being a servant. We often hear more about being a prophet than we do about being a servant, but they are inseparable. We see again the alliance between the two in the greatest revelation of all......

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants-- things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John." (Revelation 1:1)

This great unveiling of the Lord Jesus intended for His SERVANTS, delivered through His SERVANT John. It has been said that the "chief service of a prophet is not to rebuke sin, nor instruct in virtue, it is to give the world a radiant idea of God." (John Watson). When are we showing the world what God is like more than when we serve?

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

Book of the Week

2006-03-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

Hey all, it's almost the end of the week! So I'll hurry and and get this blog posted for the millions of people waiting to hear what my recommended book of the week is.
For this week it is The Gospel According to Jesus.
This is an excellent book by John MacArthur. It addresses some great and important questions like the following: Does the gospel we are preaching in America today sound like the same gospel that Jesus preached? Did Jesus preach the gospel in such a way that left room for someone to receive Him as Savior and not as Lord? Did Jesus preach the gospel in such a way that people can be saved but not be His disciple? Is the gospel Jesus preached any different from the gospel preached by Paul, Peter or other New Testament writers?
For anyone desiring to read this, I would highly recommend getting the most updated version of the book because Pastor MacArthur added some sections after the first printing of the book that are excellent.
May God enlighten your hearts to see His glory as you seek to know Him more!

Why Just by Faith?

2006-03-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

Just a short meditation on why God designed our justification, our being declared righteous, to be accomplished by means of faith alone.
1. So that all boasting would be eliminated.
Romans 3:27-28 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
God, in His infinite wisdom, designed such a salvation that there would be no grounds for pride in those whom He saves. He desired for those whom He would save to be a humble, meek people. He desired that we would be trophies that display the glory of His grace (Eph 1:6). He desired that our only boast would be "in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Gal 6:14) Oh that I could get this deep in my heart and never boast in anything I've done!

2. So that it would be by grace.
Romans 4:16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
God chose faith because it was the perfect complement to grace. Salvation from the hand of God is an unfathomable gift that we have not merited in any way. We have only merited condemnation. In God's perfect plan, the one thing that could perfectly connect us to God's undeserved favor was faith. Faith connects us to grace in such a way as to eliminate boasting from us and to make the promise "guaranteed" to those who have faith like Abraham.

3. So that God would glory for doing what only God can do.
Romans 4:18-22 In hope he (Abraham) believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness."
When we believe God to do things that are absolutely impossible to do unless God Himself does it, then God gets glory. When things are not possible for man to accomplish, and they are contrary to the laws of nature, and yet we will believe God to do such things because we see that He is powerful and trustworthy, then God gets glory. When we believe God is able to justify us through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus, to pardon all our sins and declare us righteous through His Son Jesus, when we believe God can take our dead bodies and raise them up again on the last day, and we believe that when He does that He can cause them to be glorified bodies that are free from sin and death and able to dwell in His awesome presence; then we are believing Him for things that are absolutely impossible by any law of nature and any strength of man. Therefore, when we believe this way, God is glorified in our faith.

Prayer Updating it up again

2006-03-12T07:06:00.000-08:00

From Prayer on Saturday 3/11...
Right away we prayed for Charlie, as he is on his spring break mission trip with the Students Today, Leaders Forever group. We asked God to give him much wisdom and grace to develop relationships, and to be bold at the proper times with the gospel. Please keep him in prayer throughout the week as he is on this trip. Following that, we prayed from a passage that God has continually been bringing before Gary as of late. It is from Hosea 6:
“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. ² After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. ³ Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”

This led us to spend some time meditating and praying on God's patterns for rain in Israel, which is also His pattern for our lives in our walk with Him. In the same way that He provided the former and and the latter rains to His people in Israel (See also Joel 2:23), also He pours out His blessings to us in a similar pattern as we follow Him. Here is a statement from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia on these rains:
The summer months are practically rainless, with very few clouds appearing in the sky. From May 1 to the middle of October one can be sure of no rain; “The winter is past; the rain is over” (Son_2:11), so many sleep on the roofs of the houses or in tents of leaves and branches in the fields and vineyards throughout the summer. The continuous hot droughts make the people appreciate the springs and fountains of fresh running water and the cool shade of rock and tree.
The rainy season from October to May may be divided into three parts, the former, the winter, and the latter rains, and they are often referred to under these names in the Old Testament.
The “former rains” are the showers of October and the first part of November. They soften the parched ground so that the winter grain may be sown before the heavy continuous rains set in. The main bulk of the rain falls in the months of December, January and February. Although in these months the rains are frequent and heavy, a dark, foggy day is seldom seen. The “latter rains” of April are the most highly appreciated, because they ripen the fruit and stay the drought of summer. They were considered a special blessing: Yahweh “will come ... as the latter rain that watereth the earth” (Hos_6:3); “They opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain” (Job_29:23); and as a reason for worshipping Yahweh who sent them, “Let us now fear Yahweh our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in its season” (Jer_5:24).
The rain storms always come from the sea with a west or southwest wind. The east wind is a hot wind and the “north wind driveth away rain” (Pro_25:23, the King James Version). “Fair weather cometh out of the north” (Job_37:22, the King James Version).

5. Biblical Uses:
The Psalmist recognizes that the “showers that water the earth” (Psa_72:6) are among the choicest blessings from the hand of Yahweh: “The early rain covereth it with blessings” (Psa_84:6). The severest punishment of Yahweh was to withhold the rain, as in the time of Ahab and Elijah, when the usual rain did not fall for three years (1 Ki 17); “the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and he shut up the heavens, so that there shall be no rain, and the land shall not yield its fruit; and ye perish quickly” (Deu_11:17). Too much rain is also a punishment, as witness the flood (Gen_7:4) and the plague of rain and hail (Ezr_10:9). Sending of rain was a reward for worship and obedience: “Yahweh will open unto thee his good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain of thy land in its season, and to bless all the work of thy hand” (Deu_28:12). Yahweh controls the elements and commands the rain: “He made a decree for the rain” (Job_28:26); “For he saith to the snow, Fall thou on the earth; likewise to the shower of rain” (Job_37:6).

So we see both that the natural rain was absolutely essential to the survival of God's people, and that it is symbolic for God's spiritual blessings to His children. Gary spoke of how we will see these patterns in our lives over and over. We have a time of great blessings, inspiration, vision, and joy in the Lord. We are ready to go out and accomplish all that God has called us and truly believe that it will happen because we are in a time of fresh faith and joy in the Lord. Then come the summer months of our lives, and the rain seems to stop and we are walking things out in the heat of the sun.
During this time God is refining us and purifying us so that we will become more humble and steadfast in Him. This season may even be like Hosea 6:1 cited above, the time when God is tearing us so that He might heal us. When God deals with the sin in our lives, and corrects us that we may have fuller life in Him. It is the bruising that comes from the Father in infinite wisdom and mercy towards us who belong to Him. We really have to perservere in this time, and even though we still have fellowship and love flowing between us and God, it is not as real and tangible as it was during the season of rain. After God takes us through this dry season, He then will send the rains again. They will refresh us and encourage us, and even bring to fruition many of the things we had to perservere in during the dry months. So let this encourage us who are in the dry season right now. Let this time be used of God to bring about much humility, purity, and steadfastness in us! And let us look for and wait for the rains to come again from a God who is Faithful and True! And we prayed that God would give those who need it this time of refreshing, and that He would be pouring out another season of rain upon Prepare Ministries for the good of the souls of the college students and for His glory.

Okay, I Decided

2006-03-09T12:19:00.000-08:00

I figure since there are 52 weeks in a year that there will be plenty of time to think of all the great books out there to recommend. This put me at ease to go ahead and pick a book to recommend. So I'm going with Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper. This is a wonderful read, and fitting for both a believer looking for passion to walk in a manner worthy of the Kingdom of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, and for an unbeliever who may be searching out how they can make their life count for a purpose that is real and lasting. This book is wonderful, challenging, and I trust will drive anyone who reads it to their knees in fervent prayer for God to give them grace to not waste their life. Here is an excerpt from the opening preface of the book: taken from the online edition of Don't Waste Your Life at http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_dwyl/dwyl_ch1-2.pdf

If you are a Christian, you are not your own. Christ has bought you at the price of his own death. You now belong doubly to God: He made you, and he bought you. That means your life is not your own. It is God’s. Therefore, the Bible says, “Glorify God in your body.” God made you for this. He bought you for this. This is the meaning of your life.

If you are not yet a Christian, that is what Jesus Christ offers: doubly belonging to God, and being able to do what you were made for. That may not sound exciting. Glorifying God may mean nothing to you. That’s why I tell my story in the first two chapters, called “Created for Joy.” It was not always plain to me that pursuing God’s glory would be virtually the same as pursing my joy. Now I see that millions of people waste their lives because they think these paths are two and not one.

There is a warning. The path of God-exalting joy will cost you your life. Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.” In other words, it is better to lose your life than to waste it. If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full. This is not a book about how to avoid a wounded life, but how to avoid a wasted life. Some of you will die in the service of Christ. That will not be a tragedy. Treasuring life above Christ is a tragedy.

Great Books

2006-03-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

So, I have not yet decided what the recommended book of the week is yet for this week. So as I ponder this, here is a recommended reading list from Desiring God.
http://www.desiringgod.org/library/theological_qa/reading_study/
The last three links on this page are filled with great recommendations.

Prayer Time on Sat 3/4

2006-03-06T07:41:00.000-08:00

Hey all, Charlie and Rebekah have written the following blog to keep us up to date on how they felt God's Spirit was leading them in prayer this past Saturday...

We began with praying that God would cultivate a desire in students to pray, even to step out into some more radical things along the lines of prayer and fasting. We prayed that students would be activated and have power and boldness.

We prayed for Gustavus for a lot of the time. It seems that God is doing something special and powerful there. We prayed specifically for the prayer that students have felt led into, and that there would be fresh passion for the Lord, even revival on that campus.

We prayed also for the connection between Gustavus and Mankato; that what God is doing at Gustavus would spill over into Mankato and begin a powerful move of God there. We felt that the Mankato group would be led into more intentional prayer and fasting and that would open things up in a new way for the group and for the campus.

It seems that a theme lately is a call to radical prayer on college campuses throughout the country. To find out some exciting prayer initiatives check out the following links…

www.facedown40.com 40 days of prayer and fasting with Harvard as a flashpoint that is currently taking place. A challenge to participate in prayer and fasting.

www.campustransformation.com coordinated semester long 24/7 prayer, plus great articles and resources! In the “resources” section I highly recommend the ABC News video featuring the Justice House of Prayer and Lou Engle, also an article titled “On Prayer and Revival” by J. Edwin Orr.

Recommended Book of the Week

2006-03-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Okay, so after some refllecting, I realized it would make much more sense to have a recommended book each week rather than a recommended author. So here we go: This week's book is Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. This has been one of the best books I have ever read to stir up in me the desire to draw nearer to God. Not only does it stir up this desire, but Tozer gives practical examples of how to truly know and delight in the everlasting, glorious God of the universe. Here's a sample from the first chapter of the book:

"The moment the Spirit has quickened us to life in regeneration our whole being senses its kinship to God and leaps up in joyous recognition. That is the heavenly birth without which we cannot see the Kingdom of God. It is, however, not an end but an inception, for now begins the glorious pursuit, the heart's happy exploration of the infinite riches of the Godhead. That is where we begin, I say, but where we stop no man has yet discovered, for there is in the awful and mysterious depths of the Triune God neither limit nor end.

Shoreless Ocean, who can sound Thee?
Thine own eternity is round Thee,
Majesty divine!

To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul's paradox of love, scorned indeed by the too-easily- satisfied religionist, but justified in happy experience by the children of the burning heart. St. Bernard stated this holy paradox in a musical quatrain that will be instantly understood by every worshipping soul:

We taste Thee, O Thou Living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still:
We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill.

come near to the holy men and women of the past and you will soon feel the heat of their desire after God. They mourned for Him, they prayed and wrestled and sought for Him day and night, in season and out, and when they had found Him the finding was all the sweeter for the long seeking. Moses used the fact that he knew God as an argument for knowing Him better. `Now, therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight'; and from there he rose to make the daring request, `I beseech thee, show me thy glory.' God was frankly pleased by this display of ardour, and the next day called Moses into the mount, and there in solemn procession made all His glory pass before him.

David's life was a torrent of spiritual desire, and his psalms ring with the cry of the seeker and the glad shout oft he finder. Paul confessed the mainspring of his life to be his burning desire after Christ. `That I may know Him,' was the goal of his heart, and to this he sacrificed everything. `Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may win Christ' (Phil 3:8)."

Quote pulled from online book found at www3.calvarychapel.com/library/Tozer-AW/PursuitOfGod/01.htm

Saturday Prayer Update

2006-02-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hey all, just a blog update from our weekly Prepare prayer gathering this past Saturday. This is for those of you who aren't able to make it on Saturdays and would like to know what we felt God's Spirit was doing as we prayed. At the beginning of prayer, we really felt God was moving us to pray for humility in our ministry. A humility that will convey a Christlike servant-hearted character to both nonbelievers and to other campus ministries we may have dealings with. We also prayed that this would not be a false humility...meaning we pretend that we are humble when really we are just being passive and not doing what God has called us to. We want to be bold, active, courageous, and have humility permeate through all of those attributes in our ministry. We want to be ever moving forward and stepping out in new and sometimes scary things that God is doing, with a heart of humility and meekness as we do it. Humility verses: Philippians 2:5-11, Isaiah 57:15

Following that, we moved into praying about and meditating on what God's word says about rivers, specifically God's river of life. We had several confirmations from different people that God was really moving us to dig into understanding His river of life. We focused on Ezekiel 47 mainly, with some other supporting verses like Isaiah 41:18, Psalm 46:4, and Revelation 22. God's divine life and His Spirit are dynamic and moving like an ever-flowing river. We need to get into that river and perservere to move farther and deeper into God's divine life, being led by His Holy Spirit until His river of life flows over and all around us and we are always carried and moved along by His plans and His Spirit. Even though at first it may feel like we are just trudging along, and the water is just at our ankles (Ez 47:3), if we perservere with God eventually we will be swimming in His divine life. (47:5) We will then be more fruitful at being fishers of men (47:10). We must always watch out that we do not get trapped in a state of passivity and laziness. Being content with earthly comforts and not moving forward with God. This is an area of water that is not fresh (47:11), and when we are in this state we are not available to be used by God and risk becoming like Lot's wife. (See Gen 19:26 and Luke 9:62, 17:31-33) Press into God's river! Endure and perservere until your whole life is filled and led by His Spirit.

Recommended Author of the Week

2006-02-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

Hey all, I think a part of this blog will be to post on recommended authors. So for this week the recommendation is.... Randy Alcorn.
Great books by Randy Alcorn: Safely Home; Deadline; Treasure Principle; Money, Possessions, and Eternity; Law of Rewards; Pro-Life Answers to Pro-choice Arguments. I'm confident all his other books are good too. The highlight and passion of the writing and ministry of Randy Alcorn is that he puts everything into an eternal perspective. He keeps your mind on how your life will matter for eternity. He focuses on how you can use your money, your time, and your life to increase your joy in God for all eternity. This is a great reminder as we have the tendency to get fixated on this short, fleeting life.

Purity and Beholding the Lord

2006-02-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

Some thoughts on the relationship between longing to behold the glory of God through Jesus, and becoming a person who is pure. Scriptures in orange, my words in normal font.
Psalm 24:3-4
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully.
Anyone who wants to dwell in the presence of the Lord must become pure.
Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, "I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"?
There is a problem: No one has a pure heart, so it seems that no one can attain this joy of beholding the Lord and dwelling in His presence.
1Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God
There is a provision made by God so that we can be counted as pure in His eyes, and we can then begin to overcome sin and become pure. Thanks be to His grace, there is still a way we can behold His glory!
Psalm 27:4
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. The essence of purity is to desire to dwell with the Lord above all other things, beholding His glory and beauty in all His attributes.
Psa 51:10-11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
We must desire purity so that we can continue to fellowship with the Lord, and to not lose the sweetness of His fellowship.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
True happiness is found only in beholding God, and only the pure in heart can have this happiness.
1 John 3:2-3
Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Longing and waiting for the appearing of the Lord Jesus is a great means of purification for our souls.

Don't Waste Your Cancer

2006-02-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Article by John Piper
http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html">http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html">http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/021506.html

Admirable Traits of John the Baptist

2006-02-16T18:58:00.000-08:00

Spoke the truth regardless of what it cost him. Matthew 14:3-10
Great humility. Matthew 3:11
Desired that people go to Jesus instead of going to himself. John 3:26-30
Wanted Jesus to get all attention and praise, and wanted none for himself. John 3:26-30, 1:7, 1:29
Taught others how to pray. Luke 11:1
Full of passion and light. -John 5:35
Content living on what God provided for him. Mark 1:6
He was not afraid to preach about repentance. Mark 1:4
Full of joy at hearing the voice of Jesus, and being in His presence. Luke 1:41, John 3:29