Reading the Bible like you've never read it before, in the company of Holy Spirit and Jesus Himself is like read a love letter with the one who wrote it sitting beside you to explain between the lines. He watches your face as you read His words and you stop to ask "Can you still do that?" Sure.
After Jesus rose from the dead, He didn't just leave it for everyone to figure out. He made sure that it was understood.
He appeared to a couple of His guys, hung around all day and talked with them. How they did not recognize Him is a mystery to me, but they didn't ...not until He broke bread. And then, POOF! He disappeared! He can do that!!! He can pop in and out between realms of the spirit and flesh because He took His earthly body with Him. Way cool!
Of course they were exploding with excitement and ran to tell the others. While they were talking, POOF! He appeared again. He had to calm them down because - well, they were freaking out with fear and panic. I guess so! But that did not scare Him away.
The story just oozes with His love.
He wanted to be sure "they knew that they knew " He had risen as well as WHY all this had happened. He encouraged them to touch His body so they were certain it wasn't a ghost. He asked for food and ate with them. I can just picture them handing him a plate of fish and honeycomb, with their mouths hanging open and hands trembling, unable to mentally process what they were experiencing.
He told them to tarry for the "Promise" until they were "endued with power from on high." They didn't know what He was talking about ---yet.
And then, they all walked with Him to where He was "carried up into Heaven."
I held the book to my heart and laughed and cried and laughed and cried.
Read it for yourself : Luke 24
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Being American
Today there was an article in the paper about people who had just become American citizens. There were people from South Africa, Guatemala, Albania and so on. All of them had chosen to leave their native country and come to the USA. After living here for at least five years, learning the language, taking an American history test , filing a 10-page application and being interviewed, they were finally taking the oath. Everyone of them was very proud to finally say "I'm an American."
It made me think of what it means to be American. I was born here. Being an American, for me, was a very significant birthright that I would not trade it for anything.
Being American means I can openly express my religious and political beliefs without absolute certainty that they'll not get me thrown in jail. Actually that goes for anyone on our soil, American or not. So, no - that's not what it means.
Being American does mean I an vote anyway I please in elections though.
In many nations of the world, Americans are seen as the strong and wealthy ones who might help them out of poverty and oppression.
I'm fairly sure the world still connects Christianity with America, regardless of what they see on
TV or what they think of Christianity.
This is a nation that was chosen by those who floated across the ocean as a home where God would be worshipped freely, without interference ,restriction or dictates from the Government.
The laws of the land were written by Christians. I don't what the new versions of textbooks say - that the truth.
So anyway, back to my pondering of what it means to be an American....
Well, to me , it means responsibility.
Responsibility to first of all, protect our purpose for being a nation...One Nation, UNDER GOD.
As an American, I have to do my part to preserve the Christian heritage which is the core of why we are free and so hospitable that the nations want to come here.
As an American, I must pray for the government officials who have been entrusted with so much of our future.
As for me, I cannot separate being an American with being a Christian. There are many who are not Christians, but are Americans, but without Christians, this nation would simply never have become anything good that it is.
It was the compulsion to worship Christ Jesus that brought them here.
What about the Indians? No I didn't forget about them. Who knows what this land would have looked like if European Christians had never had landed. . . but it would not be the United States of America.
Being an American to me is a gift from God. I love what she stands for. I love being knowing that any government leader of whom I disapprove is subject to removal in a short few years of time. I don't have to wait for their death...unless of course they are a Supreme Court Judge.
I'm an American, a citizen of the nation known the world over for freedom.
It made me think of what it means to be American. I was born here. Being an American, for me, was a very significant birthright that I would not trade it for anything.
Being American means I can openly express my religious and political beliefs without absolute certainty that they'll not get me thrown in jail. Actually that goes for anyone on our soil, American or not. So, no - that's not what it means.
Being American does mean I an vote anyway I please in elections though.
In many nations of the world, Americans are seen as the strong and wealthy ones who might help them out of poverty and oppression.
I'm fairly sure the world still connects Christianity with America, regardless of what they see on
TV or what they think of Christianity.
This is a nation that was chosen by those who floated across the ocean as a home where God would be worshipped freely, without interference ,restriction or dictates from the Government.
The laws of the land were written by Christians. I don't what the new versions of textbooks say - that the truth.
So anyway, back to my pondering of what it means to be an American....
Well, to me , it means responsibility.
Responsibility to first of all, protect our purpose for being a nation...One Nation, UNDER GOD.
As an American, I have to do my part to preserve the Christian heritage which is the core of why we are free and so hospitable that the nations want to come here.
As an American, I must pray for the government officials who have been entrusted with so much of our future.
As for me, I cannot separate being an American with being a Christian. There are many who are not Christians, but are Americans, but without Christians, this nation would simply never have become anything good that it is.
It was the compulsion to worship Christ Jesus that brought them here.
What about the Indians? No I didn't forget about them. Who knows what this land would have looked like if European Christians had never had landed. . . but it would not be the United States of America.
Being an American to me is a gift from God. I love what she stands for. I love being knowing that any government leader of whom I disapprove is subject to removal in a short few years of time. I don't have to wait for their death...unless of course they are a Supreme Court Judge.
I'm an American, a citizen of the nation known the world over for freedom.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
WHAT DOES THE PRESENCE OF GOD LOOK LIKE? IT LOOKS LIKE ANNA BEING FREE.
A long time ago my brother brought this girl home to be his wife, Anna. They've now been divorced for almost 20 years but I still keep in touch off and on with Anna. After all, she is the mother of my #1 nephew.
I don't know where to begin with Anna, except maybe at the here and now.
At the moment, she is living in one of those transient extended stay hotels. She's been there for about 6 weeks in a situation that makes me think of the Good Samaritan story in the Bible. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010:30-36&version=NLT
This Friday she gets to move into her own miracle apartment - a new complex, with awesome amenities that has adjusted rent to her income level!
She doesn't have anything much to start with, but things will come.
This latest situation all started around Thanksgiving. Through Facebook, I realized that her only local family had left town and it seemed Anna would be alone. I called her and was ready to abandon my own family to take her to dinner but a friend of hers had invited her to spend Thanksgiving, so she was good for the day.
Her living situation was a NIGHTMARE. With very little money, only social security disability, she'd taken a room for rent with people she thought she knew. They turned out to be crack users, would steal her med's and one night they had attached her locked door with a knife until the broke through. They went after her, but "something" kept them from following through.
The plumbing was broken. Their bathing involved bailing the tub, then boiling water.
Anna was born crippled and not expected to live. There have been complications with her health always. She's had a mild stroke, heart attacks, diagnosis of a brain tumor, some kind of lung disease, and more.
As I joined my family on Thanksgiving, my heart was apprehended by God's broken heart over Anna. She needed help. Big help.
...and she has been a high drama, high maintenance person who's not made wise choices for many years. The one's who perhaps should help her would not or could not. Reality was I had to do something. There was no one else.
I prayed for wisdom. You need lots of wisdom when facing an ocean of need. What do you tackle? What do you not?
I heard Father say "IF she is willing to leave the west side of town and cross the river to live, I'll take it as a sign that she believes I can help her. And I WILL help her." She wanted to stay on that side of town: her doctors were close, her car wouldn't make it across the bridges, it was cheaper to live - mostly it had become her prison and oddly, her comfort zone.
I offered to give her a break for a week and put her in an extended stay in Orange Park - she liked that. Then she's ask her doctors to expedite getting her into a nursing home.
I then told her what I'd heard as I prayed. I was surpised when she said "It's settled then. I'm following you." We got as much of her stuff as we could gather in our cars and crossed the river. She'd broke through her fear of driving her sad excuse of a car on the interstate that day.
Into the Value Place she went and over the past weeks, I have witnessed no less than Resurrection. She's transformed from a very difficult drama spaz , who talked non-stop on the verge of panic and wished for swift death into a joyful, hope filled, Bible confessing lover of His presence. She said the other day " I'm enjoying just being alive. "
In the Christmas Carol , Scrooge saying "Are there no workhouses,?" sounds like so many of us who have plenty. I looked into HUD vouchers, United Way assistance and every imaginable institution to seek resolve for Anna's living situation. I could not pay that hotel bill forever. Did you know that for any institutional help like she needed, there was a two year waiting period? Truth be told, I was hoping I could rid myself of this difficult chore by finding an institution I could pawn her off to.
Then I heard that Still Small Voice "Call apartments that begin with the word "Pine"". The next call I made was to Pine Meadows Apartments. After finding out their normal rent rates I said that's too high and quickly blabbed a short version of what had been going on. The gal said "It is a miracle that you called today! These apartments are never available! We have one on the first floor with rent proportionate to her income. Come tomorrow and we'll start the paperwork to get her in around the first of the year. "
I didn't really want to foot her hotel bill until then, but what alternative was there? None. By the way I didn't do all that myself. I had some help.
Anna is living evidence that God's Presence looks like multiple chances.
He is the Father who always looks for ways to get us back home.
She's been rescued before...from a guy who beat her to a pulp.
A very bad marriage to a "Christian" followed.
After that, alcoholism, accidents and major medical troubles.
But today - she's full of purpose and faith and joy. She believes again.
I've been a Christian for a long time. This was a rare time when I've co-labored WITH HIM. There has been so much grace, so much grace! It is undeniable that He is wild about Anna and my blessing her makes Him happy.
That friend that had her over for Thanksgiving has been overwhelmed with God's demonstration toward Anna. Her relationship with Jesus is growing as Anna ministers to her constantly.
This Friday Anna gets her apartment.
I am looking for help to do the things I was planning on doing:
-rent the Ryder truck,
-pick up donated furniture from the warehouse
-gather her other belongings from the old landlords ( with bodyguards and evangelists)
-buy a bed (if one isn't donated)
God is faithful.
About her car - Oh! Does she need a better one. She takes her friend who is poorer than she
to the doctor with a smashed up little thing that goes forward only up to 40 mph. . . but that's another day.
I don't know where to begin with Anna, except maybe at the here and now.
At the moment, she is living in one of those transient extended stay hotels. She's been there for about 6 weeks in a situation that makes me think of the Good Samaritan story in the Bible. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010:30-36&version=NLT
This Friday she gets to move into her own miracle apartment - a new complex, with awesome amenities that has adjusted rent to her income level!
She doesn't have anything much to start with, but things will come.
This latest situation all started around Thanksgiving. Through Facebook, I realized that her only local family had left town and it seemed Anna would be alone. I called her and was ready to abandon my own family to take her to dinner but a friend of hers had invited her to spend Thanksgiving, so she was good for the day.
Her living situation was a NIGHTMARE. With very little money, only social security disability, she'd taken a room for rent with people she thought she knew. They turned out to be crack users, would steal her med's and one night they had attached her locked door with a knife until the broke through. They went after her, but "something" kept them from following through.
The plumbing was broken. Their bathing involved bailing the tub, then boiling water.
Anna was born crippled and not expected to live. There have been complications with her health always. She's had a mild stroke, heart attacks, diagnosis of a brain tumor, some kind of lung disease, and more.
As I joined my family on Thanksgiving, my heart was apprehended by God's broken heart over Anna. She needed help. Big help.
...and she has been a high drama, high maintenance person who's not made wise choices for many years. The one's who perhaps should help her would not or could not. Reality was I had to do something. There was no one else.
I prayed for wisdom. You need lots of wisdom when facing an ocean of need. What do you tackle? What do you not?
I heard Father say "IF she is willing to leave the west side of town and cross the river to live, I'll take it as a sign that she believes I can help her. And I WILL help her." She wanted to stay on that side of town: her doctors were close, her car wouldn't make it across the bridges, it was cheaper to live - mostly it had become her prison and oddly, her comfort zone.
I offered to give her a break for a week and put her in an extended stay in Orange Park - she liked that. Then she's ask her doctors to expedite getting her into a nursing home.
I then told her what I'd heard as I prayed. I was surpised when she said "It's settled then. I'm following you." We got as much of her stuff as we could gather in our cars and crossed the river. She'd broke through her fear of driving her sad excuse of a car on the interstate that day.
Into the Value Place she went and over the past weeks, I have witnessed no less than Resurrection. She's transformed from a very difficult drama spaz , who talked non-stop on the verge of panic and wished for swift death into a joyful, hope filled, Bible confessing lover of His presence. She said the other day " I'm enjoying just being alive. "
In the Christmas Carol , Scrooge saying "Are there no workhouses,?" sounds like so many of us who have plenty. I looked into HUD vouchers, United Way assistance and every imaginable institution to seek resolve for Anna's living situation. I could not pay that hotel bill forever. Did you know that for any institutional help like she needed, there was a two year waiting period? Truth be told, I was hoping I could rid myself of this difficult chore by finding an institution I could pawn her off to.
Then I heard that Still Small Voice "Call apartments that begin with the word "Pine"". The next call I made was to Pine Meadows Apartments. After finding out their normal rent rates I said that's too high and quickly blabbed a short version of what had been going on. The gal said "It is a miracle that you called today! These apartments are never available! We have one on the first floor with rent proportionate to her income. Come tomorrow and we'll start the paperwork to get her in around the first of the year. "
I didn't really want to foot her hotel bill until then, but what alternative was there? None. By the way I didn't do all that myself. I had some help.
Anna is living evidence that God's Presence looks like multiple chances.
He is the Father who always looks for ways to get us back home.
She's been rescued before...from a guy who beat her to a pulp.
A very bad marriage to a "Christian" followed.
After that, alcoholism, accidents and major medical troubles.
But today - she's full of purpose and faith and joy. She believes again.
I've been a Christian for a long time. This was a rare time when I've co-labored WITH HIM. There has been so much grace, so much grace! It is undeniable that He is wild about Anna and my blessing her makes Him happy.
That friend that had her over for Thanksgiving has been overwhelmed with God's demonstration toward Anna. Her relationship with Jesus is growing as Anna ministers to her constantly.
This Friday Anna gets her apartment.
I am looking for help to do the things I was planning on doing:
-rent the Ryder truck,
-pick up donated furniture from the warehouse
-gather her other belongings from the old landlords ( with bodyguards and evangelists)
-buy a bed (if one isn't donated)
God is faithful.
About her car - Oh! Does she need a better one. She takes her friend who is poorer than she
to the doctor with a smashed up little thing that goes forward only up to 40 mph. . . but that's another day.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
SOAKING AT ZION RD HEALING ROOMS
Thursday, 12/17/09
7 - 8:30 PM ( ish)
3846 Zion Road,
Jacksonville, Fl
Bring
Bring your Bible and a journal to write as He speaks to your spirit.
Bring a pillow or even a yoga mat to lay or sit on the floor.
There will be chairs but you may want to get more comfortable.
Wear comfortable casual clothes.
EXPECT…
…A personal encounter with Jesus. …To leave feeling loved. …To be surprised by Holy Spirit.
Directions to Zion Road Healing Rooms:
From the Beach Blvd at Southside Blvd:
Head toward town (west) on Beach Blvd approx 3.1 miles
Turn left onto Spring Glen/emerson.
Follow signs to Emerson ( 1st RIGHT). When you come to the stoplight, turn left onto Emerson.
Just under ½ mile, turn left on Zion Rd.
Zion Road makes an “L’…the house is strait ahead, at the turn. (Yellow house on left side of road.)
From I-95 Northbound, Exit Emerson . Go right.
Turn right on Zion Rd. (about ½ mile)
Yellow house, strait ahead at the “L’ turn in the road. ( on the left side of the street.)
THIS IS A
Catch the Fire Ministries Soaking Prayer Center
Zion Road Healing Rooms
www.ZionRoadHealingRoom.com
ALL ARE WELCOME
7 - 8:30 PM ( ish)
3846 Zion Road,
Jacksonville, Fl
Bring
Bring your Bible and a journal to write as He speaks to your spirit.
Bring a pillow or even a yoga mat to lay or sit on the floor.
There will be chairs but you may want to get more comfortable.
Wear comfortable casual clothes.
EXPECT…
…A personal encounter with Jesus. …To leave feeling loved. …To be surprised by Holy Spirit.
Directions to Zion Road Healing Rooms:
From the Beach Blvd at Southside Blvd:
Head toward town (west) on Beach Blvd approx 3.1 miles
Turn left onto Spring Glen/emerson.
Follow signs to Emerson ( 1st RIGHT). When you come to the stoplight, turn left onto Emerson.
Just under ½ mile, turn left on Zion Rd.
Zion Road makes an “L’…the house is strait ahead, at the turn. (Yellow house on left side of road.)
From I-95 Northbound, Exit Emerson . Go right.
Turn right on Zion Rd. (about ½ mile)
Yellow house, strait ahead at the “L’ turn in the road. ( on the left side of the street.)
THIS IS A
Catch the Fire Ministries Soaking Prayer Center
Zion Road Healing Rooms
www.ZionRoadHealingRoom.com
ALL ARE WELCOME
Friday, September 18, 2009
THEY FOLLOWED YOU IN HERE
Flying like Peter Pan through the atmosphere of space, heaven, places where spirits hang around.
Shooting past all at such speed, yet not being blown about.
One arm straight overhead as though pointing in the direction will make a difference, with the other hand grabbing tightly to a child who is grabbing tightly to another child. A stream of children connected and ascending like a beautiful ribbon.
Arriving at our destination:
Approaching massive doors that open with Angels at each of them
Into an enourmous room, like a ballroom , completely majestic atmosphere.
Ahead is Father, sitting at the end of the room, in a grande chair smiling. Approaching Him and then turning to watch a sea of children coming in like the tide comes in at the shore.
Slowly, gracefully filling the room.
Little faces light up in awe as they realize where they are.
This is Heaven.
This is God's living room.
Sobbing uncontrollably now at the scene , not in sadness, but in a depth of emotion that is beyond any single feeling.
Overwhelmed by the number who have come in.
He smiles with his whole face and says "They followed you in here."
Shooting past all at such speed, yet not being blown about.
One arm straight overhead as though pointing in the direction will make a difference, with the other hand grabbing tightly to a child who is grabbing tightly to another child. A stream of children connected and ascending like a beautiful ribbon.
Arriving at our destination:
Approaching massive doors that open with Angels at each of them
Into an enourmous room, like a ballroom , completely majestic atmosphere.
Ahead is Father, sitting at the end of the room, in a grande chair smiling. Approaching Him and then turning to watch a sea of children coming in like the tide comes in at the shore.
Slowly, gracefully filling the room.
Little faces light up in awe as they realize where they are.
This is Heaven.
This is God's living room.
Sobbing uncontrollably now at the scene , not in sadness, but in a depth of emotion that is beyond any single feeling.
Overwhelmed by the number who have come in.
He smiles with his whole face and says "They followed you in here."
Monday, August 31, 2009
September Soaking Meetings
Soaking is a great word to describe times of bathing in the sweet presence of Holy Spirit with no agenda other than giving Him the pleasure of time with you. I'm so blessed He lets me facilitate these intimate gatherings. Can you come? I promise you'll be so glad you did. Warning: It can be addicting.
WHAT TO BRING:
…A friend
…your Bible , a journal to write in
…a pillow or even a yoga mat to lay or sit on the floor.
There will be chairs but you may want to get more comfortable.Wear comfortable casual clothes.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
…To have uninterrupted time with Jesus
…To be surprised by Holy Spirit.
...To feel Father’s Heart
WHEN AND WHERE
New Life Christian Fellowship 2401 Hodges Blvd.Jacksonville Fl 32246
Tuesday September 1, 15 & 29
7:30 – 9PM
With Elaine Zink and me.
The prayer room has been specially decorated for the Fall Feasts. Come to the drive through overhang entrance on the left side of the church and follow the signs to room 212 upstairs.
*************************************************************
Zion Road Healing Rooms
Thursday September 17
7 - 8:30 PM
3846 Zion Road
Jacksonville, Fl
To Zion Road Healing Rooms
From Beach Blvd at Southside Blvd:
Head toward town (west) on Beach Blvd approx 3.1 miles
Turn left onto Spring Glen Street.
Follow signs to Emerson ( 1st RIGHT).
When you come to the stoplight, turn left onto Emerson.
Just under ½ mile, turn left on Zion Rd.
At the curve, the house will be facing you on the right.
From I-95 Northbound, Exit Emerson .
Go right. Turn right on Zion Rd. (about ½ mile) Yellow house, at the curve.
*************************************************************
Master’s Touch Salon
Beach Blvd at Hodges Blvd. In the Publix Shopping Center
Saturday September 5 & 19
7 -8:30 PM
Get undone at the Salon.
You will be amazed at how well this place enables His presence.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
August Soaking in His Presence Meetings
ZION ROAD HEALING ROOMS
www.ZionRoadHealingRooms.com
Thursday, 8/20/09
7 - 8:30 PM
3846 Zion Road
Jacksonville, Fl
www.ZionRoadHealingRooms.com
Thursday, 8/20/09
7 - 8:30 PM
3846 Zion Road
Jacksonville, Fl
GET UNDONE AT THE SALON
Master’s Touch Salon
Saturday , 8/22/09
7 - 8:30 PM
Publix Plaza at Beach & Kernan
Master’s Touch Salon
Saturday , 8/22/09
7 - 8:30 PM
Publix Plaza at Beach & Kernan
Jacksonville, Fl
Or join Bill & Deborah Fisher (HotPursuitMinistires.com)
at Happy Stefano's, next to the Pavillion on 1st Street at Jax Beach
Every Tuesday night at 7 in the upper room
Bring
Bring your Bible and a journal to write as He speaks to your spirit.
Bring a pillow or even a yoga mat to lay or sit on the floor.
There will be chairs but you may want to get more comfortable.
Wear comfortable casual clothes.
EXPECT…
…A personal encounter with Jesus. …To leave feeling loved.
…To get free of personal hindrances.
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