Torin in his first outfit in honor of his doggie brother and sister
Torin looking sweet sleeping
Torin and his Aunt Sonja
Torin with his sister Annie
Torin with Grandma Lesley
Again the cuteness that is my sonFriday, October 31, 2008
New Pictures Of Torin Christopher
Torin in his first outfit in honor of his doggie brother and sisterTorin looking sweet sleepingTorin and his Aunt SonjaTorin with his sister AnnieTorin with Grandma LesleyAgain the cuteness that is my son
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Torin alone and with friends & church family
So much love around our little boy. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful church family and friends. We love you all.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Pictures of Torin at 1:30am
He looks so much cuter than I do at this time. How can you not love this little guy? He is adorable.
Monday, October 27, 2008
First Pics Of Torin Christopher
I absolutely love Torin Christopher, what a beautiful and precious gift. He came into this world at 12:22pm October 27, 2008, weighing 7lbs and 11oz at the length 19inches. He is so amazing and so adorable. I thank God for this wonderful blessing.
Well This Day is Finally Here...
WOW!!! October 27, 2008 my son Torin Christopher Jarrell is coming in our world to grace us with his presence. I have been looking forward for a long time and I can't believe it is finally here.
At 11:30am my amazing wife will be going in for a C-Section (Torin is breech) and Lora's water broke last night, so today is the day that we finally get to meet our son! This day is even more special because Torin will be my 35th birthday gift. What an amazing gift and wonderful blessing!
This is so awesome that I can start creating great and positive memories with my little boy. I can't wait to see him and give him a huge kiss.
Thank you Lord for this great day and thank you for my son that will be coming in a few hours. Please Lord, allow everything to be safe as Lora delivers Torin and allow her to recover quickly. Oh God, THIS is the day that you have made and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! Love you Jesus and thank you for amazing blessings! Amen
At 11:30am my amazing wife will be going in for a C-Section (Torin is breech) and Lora's water broke last night, so today is the day that we finally get to meet our son! This day is even more special because Torin will be my 35th birthday gift. What an amazing gift and wonderful blessing!
This is so awesome that I can start creating great and positive memories with my little boy. I can't wait to see him and give him a huge kiss.
Thank you Lord for this great day and thank you for my son that will be coming in a few hours. Please Lord, allow everything to be safe as Lora delivers Torin and allow her to recover quickly. Oh God, THIS is the day that you have made and I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! Love you Jesus and thank you for amazing blessings! Amen
Friday, October 24, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/24/08
When Storms Come
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. -Hebrews 12:11
At the conclusion of Matthew 7, Jesus told the story of two men who built two types of houses. One house was built on a good foundation of rock, while the other house was built on a faulty foundation of sand.
Then Jesus described a storm that came and beat against both houses. The house that was built on sand collapsed, while the house that was built on the rock stood firm.
Jesus concluded that the man who built on the rock is the one who hears the Word of God and obeys it. He said the man who built his house on sand is the one who hears the Word of God and does not obey it.
But one other thing I see in this teaching of Jesus is the fact that the storm struck both houses. Every life and every person will experience hardships.
But the question is, how will you react when life's storms hit? Will they destroy you or strengthen you? Will they make you better or bitter?
Here is the good news for Christians: we know that whatever happens in our lives must first go through the protective screen of God's love. In other words, God will not let anything happen in the life of the believer that He is not completely aware of.
As I have said many times, the word, "oops," is not in God's vocabulary. He is in full control of all the circumstances that surround the lives of His people.
So when hardship comes, we know that God has allowed it for a purpose. He has some plan in mind.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. -Hebrews 12:11
At the conclusion of Matthew 7, Jesus told the story of two men who built two types of houses. One house was built on a good foundation of rock, while the other house was built on a faulty foundation of sand.
Then Jesus described a storm that came and beat against both houses. The house that was built on sand collapsed, while the house that was built on the rock stood firm.
Jesus concluded that the man who built on the rock is the one who hears the Word of God and obeys it. He said the man who built his house on sand is the one who hears the Word of God and does not obey it.
But one other thing I see in this teaching of Jesus is the fact that the storm struck both houses. Every life and every person will experience hardships.
But the question is, how will you react when life's storms hit? Will they destroy you or strengthen you? Will they make you better or bitter?
Here is the good news for Christians: we know that whatever happens in our lives must first go through the protective screen of God's love. In other words, God will not let anything happen in the life of the believer that He is not completely aware of.
As I have said many times, the word, "oops," is not in God's vocabulary. He is in full control of all the circumstances that surround the lives of His people.
So when hardship comes, we know that God has allowed it for a purpose. He has some plan in mind.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/22/08
An Invitation to Rest
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let each one who hears them say, "Come." Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. -Revelation 22:17
Recently,I noticed a large advertisement. It featured a sunny, tropical beach with beautiful, turquoise-blue water, white sand, and an empty beach chair. That picture was so alluring and so appealing because of where I was at that particular moment.
I think that photograph represented something all of us really want: rest, relaxation, and time off. Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted and worn out. He has something to say to people who have been chewed up and spit out by life--people who are frustrated, who are hurting.
Here is His personal offer of rest to those who will respond: " 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light' " (Matthew 11:28--30).
Here we really have the Christian life in a nutshell. Here we see what it is to come to, to know, and to walk with Jesus Christ. This invitation stands today, but it will not stay that way forever.
What is the invitation? Jesus says, "Come to Me." That's it. It is so simple, yet it is so profound. And we see this same invitation echoed throughout Scripture.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let each one who hears them say, "Come." Let the thirsty ones come--anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge. -Revelation 22:17
Recently,I noticed a large advertisement. It featured a sunny, tropical beach with beautiful, turquoise-blue water, white sand, and an empty beach chair. That picture was so alluring and so appealing because of where I was at that particular moment.
I think that photograph represented something all of us really want: rest, relaxation, and time off. Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted and worn out. He has something to say to people who have been chewed up and spit out by life--people who are frustrated, who are hurting.
Here is His personal offer of rest to those who will respond: " 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light' " (Matthew 11:28--30).
Here we really have the Christian life in a nutshell. Here we see what it is to come to, to know, and to walk with Jesus Christ. This invitation stands today, but it will not stay that way forever.
What is the invitation? Jesus says, "Come to Me." That's it. It is so simple, yet it is so profound. And we see this same invitation echoed throughout Scripture.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/23/08
The Two-Part Invitation
" 'Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.' " -Matthew 11:29--30
In Matthew 11, Jesus follows His invitation to rest with the invitation to take His yoke and learn from Him. He is telling us there is more; His invitation to rest is a package deal. If we are true followers of Jesus Christ, then we will take His yoke upon us. But what does that mean?
The concept of a yoke would have been readily understood by the people of Jesus' day. It was a steering device that was placed on animals to guide the plows or carts they were pulling.
So Jesus, in essence, is saying, "Take my steering device upon you." He is saying, "Let me be in control of your life. Let me guide your life. Let me direct your life."
You might be thinking, "Here Jesus says that He will give me rest. Now He is saying to put on His yoke and learn. That sounds like work."
I want you to know that it will be as much of a weight to you as wings are to a bird. It will be a joy, because now, instead of wasting your life serving yourself or living for pleasure or success or whatever else one lives for, you will be channeling your energies into following and serving Jesus Christ.
You may give up some things to follow the Lord. But what you give up can't begin to compare to what He has given you. It is not just a great thing to do with your life. It is the most satisfying to do with your life.
" 'Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.' " -Matthew 11:29--30
In Matthew 11, Jesus follows His invitation to rest with the invitation to take His yoke and learn from Him. He is telling us there is more; His invitation to rest is a package deal. If we are true followers of Jesus Christ, then we will take His yoke upon us. But what does that mean?
The concept of a yoke would have been readily understood by the people of Jesus' day. It was a steering device that was placed on animals to guide the plows or carts they were pulling.
So Jesus, in essence, is saying, "Take my steering device upon you." He is saying, "Let me be in control of your life. Let me guide your life. Let me direct your life."
You might be thinking, "Here Jesus says that He will give me rest. Now He is saying to put on His yoke and learn. That sounds like work."
I want you to know that it will be as much of a weight to you as wings are to a bird. It will be a joy, because now, instead of wasting your life serving yourself or living for pleasure or success or whatever else one lives for, you will be channeling your energies into following and serving Jesus Christ.
You may give up some things to follow the Lord. But what you give up can't begin to compare to what He has given you. It is not just a great thing to do with your life. It is the most satisfying to do with your life.
Monday, October 20, 2008
A1:8
In my opinion, A1:8 is more a series that we did here at NCC, it is so much more than a clever branding idea, and it is more than a strategic initiative for the next year. A1:8 is a God breathed vision, it is Scripture coming alive through God's people (Acts 1:8) it is a calling and it is at the heart of what God wants to do in our world (as I say this tears fill my eyes and I get goosebumps).
This is made so real through a team of NCCers over in Thailand right now ministering to girls in the sex slave industry, ministering the love and grace of God to those who are walking around without hope, ministering freedom to the captives. I am realizing more and more that Western Christians, especially many of us in American, have made the faith all about us, our comforts, meeting our personal needs, and what will make us comfortable. I think so often we are walking blinded to the injustices of the world and it is us the CHURCH that needs to be on the front lines meeting the needs of those who are suffering around the world.
I want to encourage you to check out the A1:8 blog...www.aoneeight.org/
I truly believe we should not think about going...but we are called to GO!
This is made so real through a team of NCCers over in Thailand right now ministering to girls in the sex slave industry, ministering the love and grace of God to those who are walking around without hope, ministering freedom to the captives. I am realizing more and more that Western Christians, especially many of us in American, have made the faith all about us, our comforts, meeting our personal needs, and what will make us comfortable. I think so often we are walking blinded to the injustices of the world and it is us the CHURCH that needs to be on the front lines meeting the needs of those who are suffering around the world.
I want to encourage you to check out the A1:8 blog...www.aoneeight.org/
I truly believe we should not think about going...but we are called to GO!
Daily Caffienation 10/20/08
When Insecurity Turns Evil
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. -Romans 12:15
Saul was the King of Israel. David was in Saul's army and beginning to build a reputation as a great warrior. One day when David came back from a battle, the women danced and sang: " 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands' " (1 Sam. 18:7).
Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" (1 Samuel 18:8)
This statement caused something to snap in King Saul. From this point on, Saul was never the leader God intended him to be. He allowed insecurity to drive his every decision. Insecurity leads to the need to control people and circumstances. The need to control leads to anger once we realize we are unable to control the circumstance. King Saul could not accept, much less rejoice, over David's success. David's life would never be the same, because Saul sought to kill David every chance he had. Saul had a choice; he could have seen David as an up-and-coming general in his army who could have become an important part of his team and made the kingdom of Israel even stronger. Instead, he looked at him as a threat. When you hear good news about fellow workers or associates, do you rejoice with them? If you find yourself comparing your life's circumstances to others and don't feel you measure up, recognize that this is one of satan's greatest ploys to destroy you.
Christ has given you all things in Him. He has a unique plan for you that cannot be compared to another. He alone is your security. Trust in the purposes He has for your life. And remember, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19 KJV).
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. -Romans 12:15
Saul was the King of Israel. David was in Saul's army and beginning to build a reputation as a great warrior. One day when David came back from a battle, the women danced and sang: " 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands' " (1 Sam. 18:7).
Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" (1 Samuel 18:8)
This statement caused something to snap in King Saul. From this point on, Saul was never the leader God intended him to be. He allowed insecurity to drive his every decision. Insecurity leads to the need to control people and circumstances. The need to control leads to anger once we realize we are unable to control the circumstance. King Saul could not accept, much less rejoice, over David's success. David's life would never be the same, because Saul sought to kill David every chance he had. Saul had a choice; he could have seen David as an up-and-coming general in his army who could have become an important part of his team and made the kingdom of Israel even stronger. Instead, he looked at him as a threat. When you hear good news about fellow workers or associates, do you rejoice with them? If you find yourself comparing your life's circumstances to others and don't feel you measure up, recognize that this is one of satan's greatest ploys to destroy you.
Christ has given you all things in Him. He has a unique plan for you that cannot be compared to another. He alone is your security. Trust in the purposes He has for your life. And remember, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19 KJV).
Friday, October 17, 2008
My Prayer for this Weekend
My prayer as we enter this weekend of services at NCC...
I have been feeling both challenge to write out my heart's prayers recently and to really allow God to speak through me through those prayers. As we look through out Scripture we see this often the case for many of those who we throughout the Bible.
Lord speak through the prayers of my heart, allow the abundance of my time with you overflow to others. Amen
I have been feeling both challenge to write out my heart's prayers recently and to really allow God to speak through me through those prayers. As we look through out Scripture we see this often the case for many of those who we throughout the Bible.
Lord speak through the prayers of my heart, allow the abundance of my time with you overflow to others. Amen
Lord, allow us to abandon ourselves to YOU
You Lord are our great God and King above all gods
Draw each of us closer to YOU
Closer to the one who holds the depths of the earth and the mightiest of mountains
Let us, YOUR creation continue to praise You, to worship You and to bring You glory
Lord we want to know You and Your fullness
In Your Holy Name I Pray, AMEN
Daily Caffeination 10/17/08
Justified
In His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. -Romans 3:25-26
"Justification" is an often-used word in the Christian vocabulary that carries great meaning. It is a word that declares the rightness of something--not symbolically or potentially, but actually.
The Bible says that when I come to Christ and ask Him to forgive my sin, recognizing that He died in my place and took the penalty that I should have taken, then I have been justified.
One way to think of the word, "justification," is "just as if it never happened." When I come to Christ and ask His forgiveness, He says, "You are justified." That is, "just as if it never had happened." It is incredible to think about.
Sometimes guilt from the past can plague you. The devil may whisper, "Do you remember what you did? Do you remember that sin you committed 23 years ago?"
But you can say, "I am justified--just as if it never happened." Only God makes that possible. As Psalm 103 says, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (verses 10--12). That's a long way!
Corrie ten Boom used to say. "God has taken our sin and thrown it into the sea of forgetfulness and posted a sign that says, 'No fishing allowed.' " You are justified. Just as if it never had happened.
In His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. -Romans 3:25-26
"Justification" is an often-used word in the Christian vocabulary that carries great meaning. It is a word that declares the rightness of something--not symbolically or potentially, but actually.
The Bible says that when I come to Christ and ask Him to forgive my sin, recognizing that He died in my place and took the penalty that I should have taken, then I have been justified.
One way to think of the word, "justification," is "just as if it never happened." When I come to Christ and ask His forgiveness, He says, "You are justified." That is, "just as if it never had happened." It is incredible to think about.
Sometimes guilt from the past can plague you. The devil may whisper, "Do you remember what you did? Do you remember that sin you committed 23 years ago?"
But you can say, "I am justified--just as if it never happened." Only God makes that possible. As Psalm 103 says, "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (verses 10--12). That's a long way!
Corrie ten Boom used to say. "God has taken our sin and thrown it into the sea of forgetfulness and posted a sign that says, 'No fishing allowed.' " You are justified. Just as if it never had happened.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Divine Romance by Phil Wickham
This song Divine Romance by Phil Wickham is totally in my spirit right now. This is an amazing song that is absolutely resonating within me currently. Are you completely satisfied in God's presence? Why would we want to find satisfaction anywhere else?
Oh God let us live to bring you glory. Let our lives reflect Your presence as we are completely satisfied in Your presence. Amen
The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied
For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love
A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied
Oh God let us live to bring you glory. Let our lives reflect Your presence as we are completely satisfied in Your presence. Amen
The fullness of Your grace is here with me
The richness of Your beauty’s all I see
The brightness of Your glory has arrived
In Your presence God, I’m completely satisfied
For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love
A deep deep flood, an Ocean flows from You
Of deep deep love, yeah it’s filling up the room
Your innocent blood, has washed my guilty life
In Your presence God I’m completely satisfied
Daily Caffeination 10/16/08
Fearing God
"They have no fear of God to restrain them." -Romans 3:18
I think there was a time in history when God was misrepresented as a divine being who threw lightning bolts down from heaven on people who displeased Him. We've heard derogatory references to fire-and-brimstone preaching.
But I don't think this is the problem today. We don't hear that much about preachers delivering fire-and-brimstone messages anymore.
What we do hear are messages about how we can be successful. We hear messages about how God will prosper us. But it is more rare to hear about a holy God who wants us to repent of our sins and walk with Him. That is not very popular anymore.
In a way, I think many people have come to develop a new God, an all-loving, benign being who is hovering up there in the universe.
If that is your God, then I'm sorry to tell you this is not the God of the Bible. That is a god of your own making.
Without question, the real God is a God of love who loves you deeply. But the real God is holy. Not only should we love God, but we should also fear Him.
What I mean by "fearing God" is not necessarily to be afraid of Him. It is to have a respect for God, a reverence for Him. One of the best translations of the term I have heard is, "A wholesome dread of displeasing Him." I think this is lacking in lives of many people today, and sadly, even in the lives of people in the church.
While it is true we will stand before a God of love one day, it is also true that we will stand before a holy God. So we need the fear of God.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"They have no fear of God to restrain them." -Romans 3:18
I think there was a time in history when God was misrepresented as a divine being who threw lightning bolts down from heaven on people who displeased Him. We've heard derogatory references to fire-and-brimstone preaching.
But I don't think this is the problem today. We don't hear that much about preachers delivering fire-and-brimstone messages anymore.
What we do hear are messages about how we can be successful. We hear messages about how God will prosper us. But it is more rare to hear about a holy God who wants us to repent of our sins and walk with Him. That is not very popular anymore.
In a way, I think many people have come to develop a new God, an all-loving, benign being who is hovering up there in the universe.
If that is your God, then I'm sorry to tell you this is not the God of the Bible. That is a god of your own making.
Without question, the real God is a God of love who loves you deeply. But the real God is holy. Not only should we love God, but we should also fear Him.
What I mean by "fearing God" is not necessarily to be afraid of Him. It is to have a respect for God, a reverence for Him. One of the best translations of the term I have heard is, "A wholesome dread of displeasing Him." I think this is lacking in lives of many people today, and sadly, even in the lives of people in the church.
While it is true we will stand before a God of love one day, it is also true that we will stand before a holy God. So we need the fear of God.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Currently....
Currently, in the busyness of my life, which by the way will only get busier over the next days, weeks, and months. I am living in great excitement, amazing appreciation, awesome expectation and God's mighty strength. I am currently living right in the middle of God's promises to me. It is hard for me to articulate and put into words the place where I am at right now, all that I know is that I want it all to bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ, because everything is coming from His mighty hands.
Currently, I am reading from a brand spanking new translation of the New Testament called The Voice, I love the depth and insight of this translation. I do not stick to reading one translation of the Bible, when I read various translation I gain a greater understanding of God's Holy Word, it helps me to process the things that God is speaking to me and through me.
Currently, I am reading the books Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard, a tough read for me because Mr. Willard takes simple principles and makes them so deep. There are times where I have to read a paragraph to or three times. Yes it is true and I say it unashamedly, I am simple. I have also started reading Wholly Jesus by Mark Foreman, this books talks about how to understand Jesus as a holistic redeemer and living in the fullness of His redemptive grace with your mind, body and spirit in the message of His love.
Currently, I am listen to some great worship songs, God of this City by Chris Tomlin, Divine Romance by Phil Wickham, Overcome by Desperation Band, Hosanna by Hillsong United and a whole playlist of other worship songs that are resonating in my heart, spirit and soul. Few other things I am currently listening to right now is the new Keane and the new Oasis. I am also digging the new Lincoln Brewster (thanks Jeremy Sexton for shedding light on album) and the new Bebo Norman.
I am currently waiting for my precious son's arrival. As of right now Torin's arrival is going to happen on October 28 through a scheduled C-Section because right now he is breech. I said it before and I am saying it again, I am so excited about the birth of Torin Christopher. For those that don't know Torin is a Celtic name which means chief or thunder and of course Christopher means Christ follower, my prayer for Torin is that he would be a chief Christ follower and that he would live out is faith in a thunderous way with boldness and great conviction.
Currently, I am thinking about how I will make sure my family gets the best of me and make them my first priority as my first calling is to minister to them. This is something that I wrestle with and fell I compromise to often on. This is something I feel convicted about especially in the light of Torin's arrival. If I am not taking care of myself and my family spiritually, how can I expect to genuinely take care of others spiritually. I believe this a constant tension many pastors face in ministry...for me I will not sacrifice my family they are my first calling. Please don't get me wrong, I love my calling as a pastor as someone who shepherds and guides, but my first responsibility is to my family, I will not sacrifice them at alter of ministry.
Currently, I feel like I am living right smack in the center of God's will and promises for me. I am starting to see the promises He made to me long ago begin to unfold. I feel like I am walking through the process of seeing His plans unfold in my life. I definitely give Him all glory for bringing me to this point in my faith and journey. God is awesome!!! More to come on this...
This sums up where I am currently at in my life.
Currently, I am reading from a brand spanking new translation of the New Testament called The Voice, I love the depth and insight of this translation. I do not stick to reading one translation of the Bible, when I read various translation I gain a greater understanding of God's Holy Word, it helps me to process the things that God is speaking to me and through me.
Currently, I am reading the books Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard, a tough read for me because Mr. Willard takes simple principles and makes them so deep. There are times where I have to read a paragraph to or three times. Yes it is true and I say it unashamedly, I am simple. I have also started reading Wholly Jesus by Mark Foreman, this books talks about how to understand Jesus as a holistic redeemer and living in the fullness of His redemptive grace with your mind, body and spirit in the message of His love.
Currently, I am listen to some great worship songs, God of this City by Chris Tomlin, Divine Romance by Phil Wickham, Overcome by Desperation Band, Hosanna by Hillsong United and a whole playlist of other worship songs that are resonating in my heart, spirit and soul. Few other things I am currently listening to right now is the new Keane and the new Oasis. I am also digging the new Lincoln Brewster (thanks Jeremy Sexton for shedding light on album) and the new Bebo Norman.
I am currently waiting for my precious son's arrival. As of right now Torin's arrival is going to happen on October 28 through a scheduled C-Section because right now he is breech. I said it before and I am saying it again, I am so excited about the birth of Torin Christopher. For those that don't know Torin is a Celtic name which means chief or thunder and of course Christopher means Christ follower, my prayer for Torin is that he would be a chief Christ follower and that he would live out is faith in a thunderous way with boldness and great conviction.
Currently, I am thinking about how I will make sure my family gets the best of me and make them my first priority as my first calling is to minister to them. This is something that I wrestle with and fell I compromise to often on. This is something I feel convicted about especially in the light of Torin's arrival. If I am not taking care of myself and my family spiritually, how can I expect to genuinely take care of others spiritually. I believe this a constant tension many pastors face in ministry...for me I will not sacrifice my family they are my first calling. Please don't get me wrong, I love my calling as a pastor as someone who shepherds and guides, but my first responsibility is to my family, I will not sacrifice them at alter of ministry.
Currently, I feel like I am living right smack in the center of God's will and promises for me. I am starting to see the promises He made to me long ago begin to unfold. I feel like I am walking through the process of seeing His plans unfold in my life. I definitely give Him all glory for bringing me to this point in my faith and journey. God is awesome!!! More to come on this...
This sums up where I am currently at in my life.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/15/08
The Search for God
No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. -Romans 3:11
Often we hear people say, "I'm on a spiritual journey. I am trying to find the truth. I am trying to find the light. I am trying to find God. I'm searching for God." Yet the Bible says that no one is really searching for God.
You would think that with all the religious belief systems in the world, this could simply not be. Yet God plainly declares in His Word, "If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me" (Jeremiah 29:13).
Let me be blunt: If you are seeking God, then you will find your way to Jesus Christ. And if you don't find your way to Jesus Christ, then you are not seeking God.
You might be playing religious games. You might be dabbling with various belief systems. But the true seeker will find the true God, and those who claim to be true seekers yet reject Jesus Christ are not being honest with God or with themselves.
Religion is humanity's search for God. But Christianity is God's search for humanity.
I have heard people say, "I found the Lord 10 years ago," as though God had been lost. But God wasn't lost; we were. God is seeking to save us, and if we really want to know Him, then we will find Him.
People do not come to Jesus Christ because they bristle at the thought of being sinful. They are unwilling to accept God's assessment of them. They are unwilling to acknowledge their guilt. That just bothers them.
Instead, they want to believe they can get to heaven by their own merit, by their goodness, and by their own deeds. But the Bible says that simply isn't so.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
No one has real understanding; no one is seeking God. -Romans 3:11
Often we hear people say, "I'm on a spiritual journey. I am trying to find the truth. I am trying to find the light. I am trying to find God. I'm searching for God." Yet the Bible says that no one is really searching for God.
You would think that with all the religious belief systems in the world, this could simply not be. Yet God plainly declares in His Word, "If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me" (Jeremiah 29:13).
Let me be blunt: If you are seeking God, then you will find your way to Jesus Christ. And if you don't find your way to Jesus Christ, then you are not seeking God.
You might be playing religious games. You might be dabbling with various belief systems. But the true seeker will find the true God, and those who claim to be true seekers yet reject Jesus Christ are not being honest with God or with themselves.
Religion is humanity's search for God. But Christianity is God's search for humanity.
I have heard people say, "I found the Lord 10 years ago," as though God had been lost. But God wasn't lost; we were. God is seeking to save us, and if we really want to know Him, then we will find Him.
People do not come to Jesus Christ because they bristle at the thought of being sinful. They are unwilling to accept God's assessment of them. They are unwilling to acknowledge their guilt. That just bothers them.
Instead, they want to believe they can get to heaven by their own merit, by their goodness, and by their own deeds. But the Bible says that simply isn't so.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Monday, October 13, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/13/08
True Change
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17
During a visit to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, I met a man who told me he had been heavily into alcohol and drugs. His marriage, in his own words, was hanging by a thread.
One day, he took a gun, loaded it, and was planning to kill himself, when, he turned on the TV. There on the screen was a Harvest Crusade, where I was sharing a message called, "How to Get Right with God."
He said, "God began to speak to me. When you led those people in prayer, I prayed and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life."
After he found Christ, he realized he needed to reconcile with his father. So he rode his motorcycle across the country to see his dad. That is a long ride on a motorcycle, but that sounds like a conversion to me. That sounds like a man who had met God, because there was a change in his life.
When God healed Naaman of his leprosy, he wanted to show his gratitude with a gift. Saul, at his conversion, said to the Lord, "What would You have me to do?" The Philippian jailer, after becoming a believer, washed the backs of those he had previously whipped. And Zacchaeus, after he became a believer, wanted to restore what he had stolen from others.
If you have truly found a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you will change. That doesn't mean you need to change your life before you can come to Christ. But it does mean that when you come to Christ, you will change and your priorities will change.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17
During a visit to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago, I met a man who told me he had been heavily into alcohol and drugs. His marriage, in his own words, was hanging by a thread.
One day, he took a gun, loaded it, and was planning to kill himself, when, he turned on the TV. There on the screen was a Harvest Crusade, where I was sharing a message called, "How to Get Right with God."
He said, "God began to speak to me. When you led those people in prayer, I prayed and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life."
After he found Christ, he realized he needed to reconcile with his father. So he rode his motorcycle across the country to see his dad. That is a long ride on a motorcycle, but that sounds like a conversion to me. That sounds like a man who had met God, because there was a change in his life.
When God healed Naaman of his leprosy, he wanted to show his gratitude with a gift. Saul, at his conversion, said to the Lord, "What would You have me to do?" The Philippian jailer, after becoming a believer, washed the backs of those he had previously whipped. And Zacchaeus, after he became a believer, wanted to restore what he had stolen from others.
If you have truly found a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you will change. That doesn't mean you need to change your life before you can come to Christ. But it does mean that when you come to Christ, you will change and your priorities will change.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Scrapbook of Prayers for Torin
As many of you know already, as of right now Torin is schedule to come into our lives through scheduled c-section on October 28th. The reason for this is because he is breech and the doctor does think he will turn, however it is still possible. Either way, we are so excited for Torin to arrive so we can hold him. Whether he is born on October 28 or sometime around his due date November 6 we absolutely can't wait to meet him.
What I want to do for Torin is have those who will love him, be church family to him, will be around him, will want to be an influence in his spiritual life and those who simply want to pray a blessing over him to send a prayer for him that we will pray over him when he is born. So if you want write/type out a prayer of blessing for Torin so we can pray these prayers over him when he is born and also put them in scrapbook for him so he can read them and see the prayers of those who will love and care for his spiritual needs.
If you want to send a prayer for Torin, you can email it to me at chris.jarrell@theaterchurch.com or you can mail it to the office at
Chris Jarrell
205 F St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
I just think this will be both special for him and will help get his faith journey started from the day he is born. This will also meet a whole lot for both Lora and me...we want to be the best parents possible for him and guide him in faith with Christ.
Thanks in advance for all those who will send a prayer for him.
What I want to do for Torin is have those who will love him, be church family to him, will be around him, will want to be an influence in his spiritual life and those who simply want to pray a blessing over him to send a prayer for him that we will pray over him when he is born. So if you want write/type out a prayer of blessing for Torin so we can pray these prayers over him when he is born and also put them in scrapbook for him so he can read them and see the prayers of those who will love and care for his spiritual needs.
If you want to send a prayer for Torin, you can email it to me at chris.jarrell@theaterchurch.com or you can mail it to the office at
Chris Jarrell
205 F St. NE
Washington, DC 20002
I just think this will be both special for him and will help get his faith journey started from the day he is born. This will also meet a whole lot for both Lora and me...we want to be the best parents possible for him and guide him in faith with Christ.
Thanks in advance for all those who will send a prayer for him.
Daily Caffeination 10/08/)8 - Live From Catalyst
Contentment's Enemy
"Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns." -Exodus 20:17
The tenth commandment, which deals with coveting, speaks to our deepest attitudes. Of course, the word, "covet," means to be dissatisfied with what we have and to desire more, regardless of what it may cost us or someone else.
One Christmas when I was a young boy, I received everything that I had wanted. I was so happy. I thought, "This is the greatest Christmas I've ever had!" Then I went over to my friend's house and saw his gifts. Suddenly, I was miserable, because he had been given something that I sort of wanted, but I had forgotten about it.
All of a sudden, all that I had (as wonderful as it was) was no longer acceptable, because my friend had something that I wanted more. That is what coveting is.
As adults, we can do this as well. Everything is fine in our lives, but then we see what our neighbor has. We see what somebody else has. Then we begin to covet that. We want that--and sadly, some will even go out and take whatever it is they are coveting. We might even covet another person's spouse.
It can ruin our lives. We are not to covet.
Jesus said that the first and greatest commandment is, " 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind' " (Matthew 22:37) and that a second and equally important command is to " 'Love your neighbor as yourself' " (verse 39).
All the other commandments are based on these two. So, if you can get these down, then everything else will come naturally.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Do not covet your neighbor's house. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns." -Exodus 20:17
The tenth commandment, which deals with coveting, speaks to our deepest attitudes. Of course, the word, "covet," means to be dissatisfied with what we have and to desire more, regardless of what it may cost us or someone else.
One Christmas when I was a young boy, I received everything that I had wanted. I was so happy. I thought, "This is the greatest Christmas I've ever had!" Then I went over to my friend's house and saw his gifts. Suddenly, I was miserable, because he had been given something that I sort of wanted, but I had forgotten about it.
All of a sudden, all that I had (as wonderful as it was) was no longer acceptable, because my friend had something that I wanted more. That is what coveting is.
As adults, we can do this as well. Everything is fine in our lives, but then we see what our neighbor has. We see what somebody else has. Then we begin to covet that. We want that--and sadly, some will even go out and take whatever it is they are coveting. We might even covet another person's spouse.
It can ruin our lives. We are not to covet.
Jesus said that the first and greatest commandment is, " 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind' " (Matthew 22:37) and that a second and equally important command is to " 'Love your neighbor as yourself' " (verse 39).
All the other commandments are based on these two. So, if you can get these down, then everything else will come naturally.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/07/08
Telling the Truth
"Do not testify falsely against your neighbor." -Exodus 20:16
Some years ago, a book called The Day America Told the Truth was published. According to the authors' findings, 91 percent of Americans lie on a regular basis. "The majority of us find it hard to go through a week without lying," the book states. "And one in five cannot make it throughout a single day without lying." Apparently, we are a lying culture.
While some people consciously lie, many others try to couch the truth with a little diplomacy because they don't want to offend someone. But God's Word has a lot to say about lying, and Proverbs 6 includes it in a list of things God hates:
There are six things the Lord hates--no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers (verses 16--19).
Notice that three of these seven things are closely associated with the ninth commandment: a lying tongue, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord among the brothers. From this, along with the command not to testify falsely against our neighbor, we can safely conclude that God hates lying.
God is the source of all truth. Jesus said, " 'I am the way, the truth, and the life . . .' " (John 14:6). He is the embodiment of truth. Scripture also tells us that it is impossible for God to lie (see Hebrews 6:18).
In dramatic contrast to this, Satan is described as "the father of lies" (John 8:44). So when we lie, we are behaving more like children of the devil than children of God.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"Do not testify falsely against your neighbor." -Exodus 20:16
Some years ago, a book called The Day America Told the Truth was published. According to the authors' findings, 91 percent of Americans lie on a regular basis. "The majority of us find it hard to go through a week without lying," the book states. "And one in five cannot make it throughout a single day without lying." Apparently, we are a lying culture.
While some people consciously lie, many others try to couch the truth with a little diplomacy because they don't want to offend someone. But God's Word has a lot to say about lying, and Proverbs 6 includes it in a list of things God hates:
There are six things the Lord hates--no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers (verses 16--19).
Notice that three of these seven things are closely associated with the ninth commandment: a lying tongue, a false witness who pours out lies, and a person who sows discord among the brothers. From this, along with the command not to testify falsely against our neighbor, we can safely conclude that God hates lying.
God is the source of all truth. Jesus said, " 'I am the way, the truth, and the life . . .' " (John 14:6). He is the embodiment of truth. Scripture also tells us that it is impossible for God to lie (see Hebrews 6:18).
In dramatic contrast to this, Satan is described as "the father of lies" (John 8:44). So when we lie, we are behaving more like children of the devil than children of God.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Monday, October 06, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/6/08
The Need to Control
"You acted foolishly," Samuel said.... 1 Samuel 13:13
The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.
The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel grew fearful and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing the impending attack, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.
..."You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord's command" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God's will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many people are so driven by fear that they attempt to manage by over controlling other people. This results in codependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager's over control.
Do you see any signs of over control in how you relate to others? Can you allow others the freedom to fail? Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don't like? Are you fearful of failure? These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"You acted foolishly," Samuel said.... 1 Samuel 13:13
The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.
The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel grew fearful and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing the impending attack, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.
..."You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord's command" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).
Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God's will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many people are so driven by fear that they attempt to manage by over controlling other people. This results in codependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager's over control.
Do you see any signs of over control in how you relate to others? Can you allow others the freedom to fail? Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don't like? Are you fearful of failure? These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Great Maternity Pictures
Our great friend Joe Portnoy, who is also an amazing photographer. He does amazing work! We had the honor today to go out and allow him to shoot us and capture some maternity pictures of us. Again, anyone who can make me look good is amazing and does great work!
Check out this link Snaptography.net and look through all Joe's awesome work while you are at it.
Check out this link Snaptography.net and look through all Joe's awesome work while you are at it.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Elephant in the Church - The Elephant Strikes Back
Our media guru Jeremy Sexton developed and created this awesome trailer for our new series, Elephant in the Church.
Elephant in the Church is a sermon series that confronts tough topics in the church. We will be talking about obvious truths that everyone ignores.
We did this series last year and it was amazing! Looking forward to it this year. Here is the website for the series...www.elephantinthechurch.com
Check out the the trailer...
Elephant in the Church Teaser from Jeremy Sexton on Vimeo.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Five Weeks and Counting
Five weeks from today my little boy is due! I am so looking forward to arrival and to be able to finally hold is precious little body in my hands. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting my son, whom I love so much already. I can hardly contain myself with excitement.
Tomorrow, Lora and I will get a glimpse of him through her final sonnogram, really look forward to see how he has grown from the last sonnogram. Looking forward to this incredible blessing arriving.
Tomorrow, Lora and I will get a glimpse of him through her final sonnogram, really look forward to see how he has grown from the last sonnogram. Looking forward to this incredible blessing arriving.
Daily Caffeination 10/02/08
The Goal of Life
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11
For many people in the world, real meaning in life is the next vacation, career success, or stepping up the income ladder. It is a life based on pleasurable experiences. Many a human being has toiled their whole life to gain a pleasurable lifestyle only to find a life that is empty and meaningless. You only have to watch television for one evening to discover that advertisers want us to believe this is the goal of life. The work-to-play theme is consistent with most advertising messages.
Solomon was a man who had nothing withheld from his appetite. He was a great builder, a great businessman, and a great lover of women. Every imaginable pleasure was his. Nevertheless, he was to discover that these things alone could not satisfy the human soul.
A recent trip to Culebra, Puerto Rico and summer cruise left me grateful that God had allowed me to understand the futile trap of the work-to-play lifestyle. It is great to experience times of refreshing and visit beautiful places as long as we don't fall into the trap of thinking that these experiences equal a meaningful life. God's beautiful creation can so easily become a prison of emptiness if Jesus is not in the center of it. The apostle Paul said there is only one way to find meaning and purpose in life:
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe..." (Ephesians 1:17-19).
Knowing Christ brings the only real meaning and purpose to the human soul. Spend time today getting to know the Lord in a more intimate way. Then you will discover real meaning and purpose in life.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" -Jeremiah 29:11
For many people in the world, real meaning in life is the next vacation, career success, or stepping up the income ladder. It is a life based on pleasurable experiences. Many a human being has toiled their whole life to gain a pleasurable lifestyle only to find a life that is empty and meaningless. You only have to watch television for one evening to discover that advertisers want us to believe this is the goal of life. The work-to-play theme is consistent with most advertising messages.
Solomon was a man who had nothing withheld from his appetite. He was a great builder, a great businessman, and a great lover of women. Every imaginable pleasure was his. Nevertheless, he was to discover that these things alone could not satisfy the human soul.
A recent trip to Culebra, Puerto Rico and summer cruise left me grateful that God had allowed me to understand the futile trap of the work-to-play lifestyle. It is great to experience times of refreshing and visit beautiful places as long as we don't fall into the trap of thinking that these experiences equal a meaningful life. God's beautiful creation can so easily become a prison of emptiness if Jesus is not in the center of it. The apostle Paul said there is only one way to find meaning and purpose in life:
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe..." (Ephesians 1:17-19).
Knowing Christ brings the only real meaning and purpose to the human soul. Spend time today getting to know the Lord in a more intimate way. Then you will discover real meaning and purpose in life.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Daily Caffeination 10/01/08
Changing Our Paradigm of Experience
"So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up.'" -Exodus 3:3
Have you ever heard someone say, "God doesn't work that way? He would never do that." Well, there are times when God chooses to confound the foolish in order to change our paradigm of experience. Moses had never seen a bush that burned but did not burn up. It got his attention and it drew him to God.
When Jesus appeared on the water in the middle of the night during a storm, the disciples exclaimed, "It's a ghost!" They had never seen a man walk on water. This led to a great miracle-Peter walked on the water, too. When Jesus asked Peter to catch a fish and get the coin from its mouth to pay their taxes, you can imagine what Peter must have thought about those instructions. When Moses got to the Red Sea, he ran out of options. God had an unexpected solution to the Israelites' problem-He parted the Red Sea to demonstrate His power and allow the people of Israel to cross over to flee the Egyptian army.
Each of these new paradigms was a stepping-stone of an encounter with God so that the individual would experience God in a new way. God used these times to enforce the principle that His ways are not our ways. Whenever we try to predict that God will act in a certain way, He changes the paradigm to keep us from becoming our own little gods.
Have you ever been guilty of judging someone for an experience they've had that you've never had? Did you dismiss it as extreme or something not of God? God is in the business of changing our paradigm from no personal experiences to God-experiences. However, if you operate on a level of rigid logic, you may never have the privilege of having the God-experiences. Keep your heart free to experience new paradigms with God today.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
"So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up.'" -Exodus 3:3
Have you ever heard someone say, "God doesn't work that way? He would never do that." Well, there are times when God chooses to confound the foolish in order to change our paradigm of experience. Moses had never seen a bush that burned but did not burn up. It got his attention and it drew him to God.
When Jesus appeared on the water in the middle of the night during a storm, the disciples exclaimed, "It's a ghost!" They had never seen a man walk on water. This led to a great miracle-Peter walked on the water, too. When Jesus asked Peter to catch a fish and get the coin from its mouth to pay their taxes, you can imagine what Peter must have thought about those instructions. When Moses got to the Red Sea, he ran out of options. God had an unexpected solution to the Israelites' problem-He parted the Red Sea to demonstrate His power and allow the people of Israel to cross over to flee the Egyptian army.
Each of these new paradigms was a stepping-stone of an encounter with God so that the individual would experience God in a new way. God used these times to enforce the principle that His ways are not our ways. Whenever we try to predict that God will act in a certain way, He changes the paradigm to keep us from becoming our own little gods.
Have you ever been guilty of judging someone for an experience they've had that you've never had? Did you dismiss it as extreme or something not of God? God is in the business of changing our paradigm from no personal experiences to God-experiences. However, if you operate on a level of rigid logic, you may never have the privilege of having the God-experiences. Keep your heart free to experience new paradigms with God today.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries
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