blown. blown away.
To be honest, I thought Student CPx was just going to be another 2 week camp; get inspired, and then fall back into complacent normalcy. I can promise you that this is anything but normal. Prophetic evangelism, words of knowledge, healings, love. This is my normal. This is what I walk in. The love of the Father of all creation. The hardest part about blogging is that I'm not to sure how to convey what's going through my head or my heart. There's so much I want to tell everyone.
I want to give you guys some quotations from this morning's teaching by Erik Fish. It was pretty sweet. We did a talk on David and Goliath--a somewhat rote childhood story, but take a gander at these lavish words from a sweet Dad. It's funny, I thought today was Father's Day. A day to honor dads, my earthly and my heavenly father, but what I learned was more of a gift to me from my daddy. Here's what's up:
"Jesus never made a Christian."
"Christianity will tell you there are things you can't do; Jesus tells you that you can."
"Every move of God in history needs someone to relase it; speak, write, or sing."
"God is an artist who paints on a canvas without borders. The first canvas he creatred was a sphere."
"The Lord is into choosing those who have a 'fat chance'."
"Christians go to heaven, but disciples of Jesus change the world."
Probably my favorite of the day:
"If sinners don't like to hang out with you, you might not smell like Jesus."
There's so much I'd like to say, but my words would fall flat. If you want to know, and I mean really know, ask your Heavenly Papa to speak. He is who gives me all that I desire and pray for. He will show you.
I had an amazing night last night, just worshipping Jesus in a car on my way to Duquesne U. These lyrics totally encompass love to me. Thanks Jaeson Ma.
Love--Jaeson Ma
Now Hollywood wants to make you think they know what love is.
But I'm a tell you what true love is.
Love is not what you see in the movies.
It's not the ecstasy, it's not what you see in that scene you know what I mean?
I'm telling you right now, true love is sacrifice.
Love is thinking about others before you think about yourself.
Love is selfless not selfish. Love is God and God is love.
Love is when you lay down your life for another
Whether for your brother, your mother, your father or your sister.
It's even laying down your life for your enemies, that's unthinkable, but think about that.
Love is true. Think.
I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love
I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love.
Love is patient, love is kind
It does not envy, it does not boast
It is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs
You see, love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, it always perseveres.
Love never fails. Love is everlasting
It's eternal, it goes on and on, it goes beyond time
Love is the only thing that will last when you die
But ask the question why? Do you have love?
I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love
I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love
There is no greater love than this than he who lays down his life for his friends
Now are you willing ot lay down your life for your friends?
You're probably willing to lay down your life for your mother, your father, or your best friends
But are you willing to lay down your life for even those that hate you?
I'm going to tell you who did that.
The definition of love is Jesus Christ. He is love.
The nails in his hands, the thorns in his brow
Hanging on a cross for your sin, my sins
That is love.
He died for you and me while we still hated him
That is love.
God is true love, and if you don't know this love
Now is the time to know, perfect love.
I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love
I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love.
This is my love.
Now, replace love with Jesus. Is your mind blown? Mine is.
can't silence my love
love must be sincere
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
encounter
Today we went out onto the streets of southside and did a treasure hunt.
Treasure hunt? Yeah, that's right. Our group decided to split into groups of 2 and listen to the Lord and see who he wanted us to pray for. We jotted down some clues--bandana, nose ring, yellow shirt, waterfall, boyfriend, dad. These are just a few of the things that might have popped up. Then, we were sent to the streets. We looked for people who demonstrated these qualities and low and behold, Evan and I found our treasure--or rather, God's treasure. A lady who had on a yellow shirt, blue pants, was dealing with a boyfriend who's dad had died earlier this year. Tomorrow is Father's Day. We showed her that she was our treasure. We prayed some sweet blessings over her. I'm pretty sure she was blessed.
God is awesome. I can't tell you how many crazy things have happened in the course of this week. I've learned how to encounter the Lord, how to listen to Him, how to show His love for others, how to disciple, how to baptize, how to have communion with the most common of things, how to worship. My life has been wrecked.
I've seen the Lord work in crazy powerful ways in other countries, but I'm finally seeing fruit in the good old USA. What a blessing! I'm SO pumped to go back to school and see how our Father will work! Grove City is gonna get W-R-E-C-K-E-D this next year. God's gonna move like crazyyyy! My Dad loves me. He really does. And He REALLY loves you!
God. You are SO GOOOOOOD! I'm ready for the next season. Life couldn't be any better. :)
Treasure hunt? Yeah, that's right. Our group decided to split into groups of 2 and listen to the Lord and see who he wanted us to pray for. We jotted down some clues--bandana, nose ring, yellow shirt, waterfall, boyfriend, dad. These are just a few of the things that might have popped up. Then, we were sent to the streets. We looked for people who demonstrated these qualities and low and behold, Evan and I found our treasure--or rather, God's treasure. A lady who had on a yellow shirt, blue pants, was dealing with a boyfriend who's dad had died earlier this year. Tomorrow is Father's Day. We showed her that she was our treasure. We prayed some sweet blessings over her. I'm pretty sure she was blessed.
God is awesome. I can't tell you how many crazy things have happened in the course of this week. I've learned how to encounter the Lord, how to listen to Him, how to show His love for others, how to disciple, how to baptize, how to have communion with the most common of things, how to worship. My life has been wrecked.
I've seen the Lord work in crazy powerful ways in other countries, but I'm finally seeing fruit in the good old USA. What a blessing! I'm SO pumped to go back to school and see how our Father will work! Grove City is gonna get W-R-E-C-K-E-D this next year. God's gonna move like crazyyyy! My Dad loves me. He really does. And He REALLY loves you!
God. You are SO GOOOOOOD! I'm ready for the next season. Life couldn't be any better. :)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
wrecked.
Welcome to StudentCPX Southside, Pittsburgh.
It's hard to sum up the past few days at the Burning Bush HOP in Pittsburgh. Student CPX (Church Planting Experience) is a conference that lasts about 2 weeks and has a goal of making and discipling college students to learn how to have simple churches--a church outside of the normal four wall structure. I haven't been able to blog very much about this experience because of some internet issues, but now that I can, I don't even know where to begin.
I arrived last Thursday to Burning Bush House of Prayer in Southside and was greeted by a group of spirit-filled believers who immediately welcomed me into a community. The experience was something I'm not sure I could explain completely. Imagine walking into a house full of strangers and all of a sudden realizing that they are your brothers and sisters--like for real. Crazy? Yeah, but totally part of what God actually tells us about the body of Christ. We are all sons and daughters of the Most High God. I was welcomed home to a group of the most amazing people everrrrr!
We've done a lot since then, and I'm not sure I could sum up all of it. Let's just say that before this experience I would never have walked out onto a street and asked people about jesus or how they felt about god, or if I could pray for them. I might have thought about it--but I'm not sure I would have had the confidence or boldness to do so.
Since coming here, I've encountered Jesus. I've encountered the real guy. The real heavenly father, who isn't this distant man, but rather, my dad. A guy who would let me step on his feet while we dance through life together. A guy who will stand behind me so that when I fall he's right there to catch me--and most of all, someone who pursues me. A man who loves me. A GOD who loves me. Yeah. My prayer is that everyone sees him, and grows in relationship with him--because let me tell you, my life is SO in need of a guy like this. How did I ever think I could do this without him?
God is sweet. He loves me enough to make all the lights green when I'm late, gives me a body of brothers and sisters who encourage and pray for me, and he sends love in any and every way possible. Picking up the guitar for maybe the 3rd time in my life, and learning chords so quickly I can't process it. I am beyond blessed. This man who loves me despite all my shortcomings. What a guy!
We have been encountering the LIVING Father on the streets of the Southside--from healings, to prophetic ministry during an arts festival, to baptisms in a fountain at the burning bush, to communion with oatmeal. Now, that statement has probably freaked a lot of you out--how can you be friends with God? How can he let you have communion with oatmeal, or baptize people, or how is it even theologically ok for you to do that? My answer is this: God reaches people where they are--what happens if you're in the middle of the desert and you become a Christian, how do you get baptized? Can you go to a church and be immersed if you're in the middle of the desert and you have no water? Can you have communion if your culture doesn't have wine?
Here's what I'm learning--and there is a Biblical basis for all of these things--Jesus is real. He's not confined by our four walls or our boxes. He encounters us in our darkest, deepest places where we think nobody can find us. He showers His love on the unsuspecting. I am proud to call myself a follower, and I'm not afraid of man. I'm going to do what the great commission commanded. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
This is what I was made for. My purpose and destiny is love. God has created me to be a big fish--and I refuse to stay in the small bowl. Welcome to the new normal, kids. This is my Father and He has no restrictions on His love.
Don't misunderstand. I don't come to tear down theology or the church. I grew up there, and by the grace of God I was saved there. I'm talking about the way we reach the lost and how we bring the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is present with us when we accept Jesus. I feel Him even now as I write this. I feel no qualms about what I'm being taught, or how countercultural it is. If we're really honest with ourselves we would recognize it too. Jesus WAS countercultural--he ate with prostitutes and tax collectors. This is who HE IS. So communion with oatmeal, and baptism in a creek doesn't bother me at all. Let's GO!
Profess the Lord God, let the Holy Spirit move through you and among your sphere of influence. Don't be afraid of man. Therefore, GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And you will be blessed.
If you've got some questions, I've got some answers. I'm still learning a lot, but what I've learned I'm grateful for. AMEN.
It's hard to sum up the past few days at the Burning Bush HOP in Pittsburgh. Student CPX (Church Planting Experience) is a conference that lasts about 2 weeks and has a goal of making and discipling college students to learn how to have simple churches--a church outside of the normal four wall structure. I haven't been able to blog very much about this experience because of some internet issues, but now that I can, I don't even know where to begin.
I arrived last Thursday to Burning Bush House of Prayer in Southside and was greeted by a group of spirit-filled believers who immediately welcomed me into a community. The experience was something I'm not sure I could explain completely. Imagine walking into a house full of strangers and all of a sudden realizing that they are your brothers and sisters--like for real. Crazy? Yeah, but totally part of what God actually tells us about the body of Christ. We are all sons and daughters of the Most High God. I was welcomed home to a group of the most amazing people everrrrr!
We've done a lot since then, and I'm not sure I could sum up all of it. Let's just say that before this experience I would never have walked out onto a street and asked people about jesus or how they felt about god, or if I could pray for them. I might have thought about it--but I'm not sure I would have had the confidence or boldness to do so.
Since coming here, I've encountered Jesus. I've encountered the real guy. The real heavenly father, who isn't this distant man, but rather, my dad. A guy who would let me step on his feet while we dance through life together. A guy who will stand behind me so that when I fall he's right there to catch me--and most of all, someone who pursues me. A man who loves me. A GOD who loves me. Yeah. My prayer is that everyone sees him, and grows in relationship with him--because let me tell you, my life is SO in need of a guy like this. How did I ever think I could do this without him?
God is sweet. He loves me enough to make all the lights green when I'm late, gives me a body of brothers and sisters who encourage and pray for me, and he sends love in any and every way possible. Picking up the guitar for maybe the 3rd time in my life, and learning chords so quickly I can't process it. I am beyond blessed. This man who loves me despite all my shortcomings. What a guy!
We have been encountering the LIVING Father on the streets of the Southside--from healings, to prophetic ministry during an arts festival, to baptisms in a fountain at the burning bush, to communion with oatmeal. Now, that statement has probably freaked a lot of you out--how can you be friends with God? How can he let you have communion with oatmeal, or baptize people, or how is it even theologically ok for you to do that? My answer is this: God reaches people where they are--what happens if you're in the middle of the desert and you become a Christian, how do you get baptized? Can you go to a church and be immersed if you're in the middle of the desert and you have no water? Can you have communion if your culture doesn't have wine?
Here's what I'm learning--and there is a Biblical basis for all of these things--Jesus is real. He's not confined by our four walls or our boxes. He encounters us in our darkest, deepest places where we think nobody can find us. He showers His love on the unsuspecting. I am proud to call myself a follower, and I'm not afraid of man. I'm going to do what the great commission commanded. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
This is what I was made for. My purpose and destiny is love. God has created me to be a big fish--and I refuse to stay in the small bowl. Welcome to the new normal, kids. This is my Father and He has no restrictions on His love.
Don't misunderstand. I don't come to tear down theology or the church. I grew up there, and by the grace of God I was saved there. I'm talking about the way we reach the lost and how we bring the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is present with us when we accept Jesus. I feel Him even now as I write this. I feel no qualms about what I'm being taught, or how countercultural it is. If we're really honest with ourselves we would recognize it too. Jesus WAS countercultural--he ate with prostitutes and tax collectors. This is who HE IS. So communion with oatmeal, and baptism in a creek doesn't bother me at all. Let's GO!
Profess the Lord God, let the Holy Spirit move through you and among your sphere of influence. Don't be afraid of man. Therefore, GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. And you will be blessed.
If you've got some questions, I've got some answers. I'm still learning a lot, but what I've learned I'm grateful for. AMEN.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
need more info?
After about an hour of reflection on my last post I realized that clarification might be needed. If you don't really understand what I'm talking about, that's ok. If you think I'm crazy and I've been brainwashed--don't worry. Jesus is still my Lord and Savior, He's awesome and does great things. If you want to know more, comment, leave an email address, mailing address, facebook, sonar, you know all normal modes of communication and I will do my best to explain what I'm talking about, what I've learned and where this movement is headed.As for me, I'm not sure where God wants to fit me into this. I know Africa is a continent that's full of Islam. And that's where I'm headed.
If you need more info about Jesus in the Qur'an and if you're interested in attending the conference here's some more info--www.generationsalaam.com
Also, just another little tidbit of info. God knew I'd be geekin' out after learning all this stuff--and wouldn't you know, an Anglican priest happened to be at the table near us. I wrote down an entire page of questions as to the theological legitimacy of the program, the approach that was presented, and generally if he thought this was a good idea. After much explanation and discussion, it was clear. This is where it begins. What we do when we've entered the kingdom is up to God, and that has yet to be established--but this is the beginning.
Apprehension turns to excitement. God is moving. I've been watching the skies. They've been turning blood red. Not a doubt in my mind anymore; there's a storm up ahead.
Hello hurricane. :) You can't silence my love.
allah?
As part of Josiah Project I was to attend a Jesus in the Qur'an seminar.
Pause. What?
Now, I could almost guarantee that most people reading this blog would say that Jesus in the Qur'an has to be an absolute contradiction in terms. That's like saying vegetarians for meat. Boy, was I wrong.
Thursday we finished sailing and hopped in the car to drive from Annapolis to Durham, NC (which is apparently halfway between there and Atlanta? yeah, look it up...) Anyway, we took a pitstop in the horrible DC traffic to visit my family for about half an hour. I loved it. Missed my cat mainly...you know, my family doesn't mean much...KIDDING. I love them. I won't lie, after leaving them I was a little uneasy about this whole Jesus in a Muslim book thing. Like, seriously, what the heck? I thought Muslims hate Christians, and for that matter Jesus. Despite the ensuing apprehensions I took a few naps, listened to some Hillsong and arrived in Durham for the night.
Yesterday, we traveled the rest of the way to Atlanta--stopping in Greenville, SC for lunch with a former JP "graduate". Pause the journey for a paragraph:
Tucker, the JP graduate, is an awesome man of God. Typically a meal doesn't make you an expert on a person. I wouldn't say I'm an expert on Tucker, but let's just say that I could see God working in his life to radically change others. What a testimony. He's working with some middle schoolers in Greenville for his second summer, and it looks like he's already furthering the kingdom. Actually, I know he's furthering the kingdom. I'm pumped for his ministry. Go for God!
We climbed back into the car with stuffed bellies and continued on to Atlanta. The seminar was being held at Grace Church in Snellville...yeah, Snellville. Google it if you don't believe me. Anyway, we arrived. At this point I'd been given a few pointers on the speaker--Jamie. He's incredible; he works in the Middle East spreading the Gospel to Muslims. And I'm like yeah, ok, cool. What does that even mean?
We walk in, and the first story he tells us completely blows my mind. A girl from a tiny Indonesian town, intelligent, but her school system is corrupted and will basically only give good grades to those who can pay for them. Jamie let her "visit" his international school classroom and learn as much as she could. She has no grades. He sent 5 letters to major universities to tell them about this girl--and to make a long story short, this girl gets a 100% scholarship and falls in love with Jesus. Now, in a Muslim culture--that's unheard of. Girls don't even go to school--let alone get a full ride to an American school. Yeah, crazy.
I'll do my best to give details about this conference without freaking anybody out or making any huge theological mistakes.
Basically here's the deal: The problem between Christians and Muslims will not be solved using bombs, bullets and blood. God isn't in the business of destroying. That's the devil's kingdom. God's in the business of loving and transforming.
I know nothing about the Qur'an. There, I admit it. Today, I got my first Qur'an. As I received the book I felt as though I was committing a HUGE sin. Like umm, this is not my book. I don't do this. I don't even want to open this, I don't want to know what this says--this is not truth. I'm sure you probably would react the same way.
You know, as I listened to these speakers--story after story of how they're reaching Muslims, I'm like hey, maybe the way I can reach Muslims is by reading this. Woah. Did I seriously just say that? What?! Pause. Did you ever notice how God does things? How did Joshua conquer Jericho? Strategically, let's think about this for a second. He used the band? Yeah, the band should go first and run around the city blowing their horns like 6 times you know--just because God says so. Umm, what? That's how this city is going to fall? You're nuts.
A HA! Yeah, this seems to be a recurring theme in the Bible. I'm God, and I'm going to BLOW your mind. I'm Jesus, I'm going to feed 5000 people with two fish and some loaves of bread from this little kid.
Now, just hear me out. This is what I'm seeing today. Hey, Amy, here's this book that you know isn't truth, you know isn't of me, you know that 1.57 billion people in world read this and believe it and think it's truth. How 'bout you read it.
What?
Here's the deal. God is unconventional. I'm not saying I'm a Muslim convert--and I'm not saying I'm going to go and convert all the Muslims to Christianity. Frankly, they don't even want to hear that. What they want to hear is that Jesus is the way to Heaven, because, well, that's the good news, right? The way to the Kingdom of Heaven is through Jesus alone. FYI, the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is mentioned over 100x in the New Testament. Christian is mentioned 3x, and Conversion is mentioned 7x. Food for thought.
Flipping through this completely foreign book--I see the name Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.He's mentioned more than 100 times in the Qur'an. What? Did you know Mary, the mother of Jesus is the only woman mentioned in the Qur'an? Yeah, I didn't. Ok, so how do Muslims and Christians talk without converting each other and without killing each other? How is that even doctrinally possible? See, like I said, the amazing thing is that God is unconventional.
The speakers basically use the Qur'an to point to Jesus--that Jesus is the common ground. The Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of God, and the Holy Books in the Islamic tradition include the Qur'an but also the Old and New Testaments. Muhammad specifically tells his followers that if they're good Muslims they will read ALL the Holy Books--the Bible is included. Muslims are coming to faith, and entering the Kingdom of God and getting saved by reading the Bible. Through conversion? No. Through Christians telling them they're infidels, they'll go to hell, they're wrong and Muhammad was a joke? NO. God meets them where they're at. Do you think God created 2 billion people to follow him, and that's all there is? Are you insane? What about the 1.57 billion people who see Jesus as a Messiah, the Mercy of God? Does God have a plan for them? How do they enter the Kingdom? Followers of Jesus meet them where they are, and show them the Kingdom in their own book. This is what the Qur'an says about Jesus. Look, he's in there, let's study the holy books together. Take a look at the Bible.
Is your mind blown yet? Is the hurricane underway? Yeah, it is for me too. Now, to tell you the truth, God spoke to me today. I felt my spirit shift in this morning's session. I won't lie it wasn't a good shift. My view of Muslims hasn't been negative really, but it also hasn't been positive. It's more of an impossible feat. I wanted to contradict every single thing that the speakers said. I wanted to say, if you're Muslim, by definition you can't be a follower of Jesus. That doesn't make sense to me. My heart broke at lunch. I was confused and frustrated. I cried. I want to reach the lost, and I want to share Jesus, but is this right? Are you sure?
Meredith took me out and just said, let's ask God to show you. What does God have to say about this. What are you to discern? God said this to me: Amy. You are so stubborn. I can't even speak, you are arguing before I even open my mouth. I'm giving you the answer. Just listen. SHUT UP. Listen. Light will shine in darkness. Light will shine in darkness. Open your heart, let me clear out the gunk. I will not lead you astray. I will never leave you.
Wow. I was attentive this afternoon. It doesn't mean I completely see every parallel, and I have theological questions about where this all goes once we find our common ground and we all know Jesus is the way. But, wow. How awesome. God is good. All the time. I think I know everything. I think I've got it, I, I, I. Me. Me. Me. Jesus? Jesus? Jesus. What do you think is more important?
"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righeous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: we know it by the Spirit he gave us."
1 John 3:11-24
Ishmael was Isaac's brother. Ishmael is the father of Islam. Ishmael received the promise of blessing and Isaac received the promsie of the covenant. Isaac is supposed to bless Ishmael with the covenant but Israel didn't share the covenant even though it was for all. However, Ishmael's descendents are uniquely prepared to understand the Gospel becaused they are promised blessing, and they have a common ancestry with Israel. If we really believe what we proclaim, are we loving our brothers and sisters? Are we bringing them to the Kingdom? Will they know us by our love? Do they know us by our love? I pray that God breaks the barriers, and convicts our hearts.
Heavenly Daddy, show us the kingdom. We're lost. Jesus is the way. The only way. I ask for guidance, for peace, for grace, mercy and love to overflow on our people, and on Muslims. I pray for openness for your power and love to FALL. Fall and set our hearts ablaze for the One true God, Jesus Christ. Amen.
P.S. We Are The Sound--The Afters, check it out. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/afters/wearethesound.html
Pause. What?
Now, I could almost guarantee that most people reading this blog would say that Jesus in the Qur'an has to be an absolute contradiction in terms. That's like saying vegetarians for meat. Boy, was I wrong.
Thursday we finished sailing and hopped in the car to drive from Annapolis to Durham, NC (which is apparently halfway between there and Atlanta? yeah, look it up...) Anyway, we took a pitstop in the horrible DC traffic to visit my family for about half an hour. I loved it. Missed my cat mainly...you know, my family doesn't mean much...KIDDING. I love them. I won't lie, after leaving them I was a little uneasy about this whole Jesus in a Muslim book thing. Like, seriously, what the heck? I thought Muslims hate Christians, and for that matter Jesus. Despite the ensuing apprehensions I took a few naps, listened to some Hillsong and arrived in Durham for the night.
Yesterday, we traveled the rest of the way to Atlanta--stopping in Greenville, SC for lunch with a former JP "graduate". Pause the journey for a paragraph:
Tucker, the JP graduate, is an awesome man of God. Typically a meal doesn't make you an expert on a person. I wouldn't say I'm an expert on Tucker, but let's just say that I could see God working in his life to radically change others. What a testimony. He's working with some middle schoolers in Greenville for his second summer, and it looks like he's already furthering the kingdom. Actually, I know he's furthering the kingdom. I'm pumped for his ministry. Go for God!
We climbed back into the car with stuffed bellies and continued on to Atlanta. The seminar was being held at Grace Church in Snellville...yeah, Snellville. Google it if you don't believe me. Anyway, we arrived. At this point I'd been given a few pointers on the speaker--Jamie. He's incredible; he works in the Middle East spreading the Gospel to Muslims. And I'm like yeah, ok, cool. What does that even mean?
We walk in, and the first story he tells us completely blows my mind. A girl from a tiny Indonesian town, intelligent, but her school system is corrupted and will basically only give good grades to those who can pay for them. Jamie let her "visit" his international school classroom and learn as much as she could. She has no grades. He sent 5 letters to major universities to tell them about this girl--and to make a long story short, this girl gets a 100% scholarship and falls in love with Jesus. Now, in a Muslim culture--that's unheard of. Girls don't even go to school--let alone get a full ride to an American school. Yeah, crazy.
I'll do my best to give details about this conference without freaking anybody out or making any huge theological mistakes.
Basically here's the deal: The problem between Christians and Muslims will not be solved using bombs, bullets and blood. God isn't in the business of destroying. That's the devil's kingdom. God's in the business of loving and transforming.
I know nothing about the Qur'an. There, I admit it. Today, I got my first Qur'an. As I received the book I felt as though I was committing a HUGE sin. Like umm, this is not my book. I don't do this. I don't even want to open this, I don't want to know what this says--this is not truth. I'm sure you probably would react the same way.
You know, as I listened to these speakers--story after story of how they're reaching Muslims, I'm like hey, maybe the way I can reach Muslims is by reading this. Woah. Did I seriously just say that? What?! Pause. Did you ever notice how God does things? How did Joshua conquer Jericho? Strategically, let's think about this for a second. He used the band? Yeah, the band should go first and run around the city blowing their horns like 6 times you know--just because God says so. Umm, what? That's how this city is going to fall? You're nuts.
A HA! Yeah, this seems to be a recurring theme in the Bible. I'm God, and I'm going to BLOW your mind. I'm Jesus, I'm going to feed 5000 people with two fish and some loaves of bread from this little kid.
Now, just hear me out. This is what I'm seeing today. Hey, Amy, here's this book that you know isn't truth, you know isn't of me, you know that 1.57 billion people in world read this and believe it and think it's truth. How 'bout you read it.
What?
Here's the deal. God is unconventional. I'm not saying I'm a Muslim convert--and I'm not saying I'm going to go and convert all the Muslims to Christianity. Frankly, they don't even want to hear that. What they want to hear is that Jesus is the way to Heaven, because, well, that's the good news, right? The way to the Kingdom of Heaven is through Jesus alone. FYI, the Kingdom of Heaven (God) is mentioned over 100x in the New Testament. Christian is mentioned 3x, and Conversion is mentioned 7x. Food for thought.
Flipping through this completely foreign book--I see the name Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.He's mentioned more than 100 times in the Qur'an. What? Did you know Mary, the mother of Jesus is the only woman mentioned in the Qur'an? Yeah, I didn't. Ok, so how do Muslims and Christians talk without converting each other and without killing each other? How is that even doctrinally possible? See, like I said, the amazing thing is that God is unconventional.
The speakers basically use the Qur'an to point to Jesus--that Jesus is the common ground. The Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of God, and the Holy Books in the Islamic tradition include the Qur'an but also the Old and New Testaments. Muhammad specifically tells his followers that if they're good Muslims they will read ALL the Holy Books--the Bible is included. Muslims are coming to faith, and entering the Kingdom of God and getting saved by reading the Bible. Through conversion? No. Through Christians telling them they're infidels, they'll go to hell, they're wrong and Muhammad was a joke? NO. God meets them where they're at. Do you think God created 2 billion people to follow him, and that's all there is? Are you insane? What about the 1.57 billion people who see Jesus as a Messiah, the Mercy of God? Does God have a plan for them? How do they enter the Kingdom? Followers of Jesus meet them where they are, and show them the Kingdom in their own book. This is what the Qur'an says about Jesus. Look, he's in there, let's study the holy books together. Take a look at the Bible.
Is your mind blown yet? Is the hurricane underway? Yeah, it is for me too. Now, to tell you the truth, God spoke to me today. I felt my spirit shift in this morning's session. I won't lie it wasn't a good shift. My view of Muslims hasn't been negative really, but it also hasn't been positive. It's more of an impossible feat. I wanted to contradict every single thing that the speakers said. I wanted to say, if you're Muslim, by definition you can't be a follower of Jesus. That doesn't make sense to me. My heart broke at lunch. I was confused and frustrated. I cried. I want to reach the lost, and I want to share Jesus, but is this right? Are you sure?
Meredith took me out and just said, let's ask God to show you. What does God have to say about this. What are you to discern? God said this to me: Amy. You are so stubborn. I can't even speak, you are arguing before I even open my mouth. I'm giving you the answer. Just listen. SHUT UP. Listen. Light will shine in darkness. Light will shine in darkness. Open your heart, let me clear out the gunk. I will not lead you astray. I will never leave you.
Wow. I was attentive this afternoon. It doesn't mean I completely see every parallel, and I have theological questions about where this all goes once we find our common ground and we all know Jesus is the way. But, wow. How awesome. God is good. All the time. I think I know everything. I think I've got it, I, I, I. Me. Me. Me. Jesus? Jesus? Jesus. What do you think is more important?
"This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righeous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: we know it by the Spirit he gave us."
1 John 3:11-24
Ishmael was Isaac's brother. Ishmael is the father of Islam. Ishmael received the promise of blessing and Isaac received the promsie of the covenant. Isaac is supposed to bless Ishmael with the covenant but Israel didn't share the covenant even though it was for all. However, Ishmael's descendents are uniquely prepared to understand the Gospel becaused they are promised blessing, and they have a common ancestry with Israel. If we really believe what we proclaim, are we loving our brothers and sisters? Are we bringing them to the Kingdom? Will they know us by our love? Do they know us by our love? I pray that God breaks the barriers, and convicts our hearts.
Heavenly Daddy, show us the kingdom. We're lost. Jesus is the way. The only way. I ask for guidance, for peace, for grace, mercy and love to overflow on our people, and on Muslims. I pray for openness for your power and love to FALL. Fall and set our hearts ablaze for the One true God, Jesus Christ. Amen.
P.S. We Are The Sound--The Afters, check it out. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/afters/wearethesound.html
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
angry koala.
Welcome to Pittsburgh/Ambridge, Pennslyvania.
Last Saturday my parents and I took the trek up to Pittsburgh with probably almost everything I own in order to move into the Josiah Project house in Ambridge. Suffice to say, after the stress of getting settled and finding our way through the steel city, God was good. The house is awesome :) It's small, and humble--a perfect place for sleeping and eating (which is about the only thing I've done in it so far).
Saturday I was welcomed by the Rock the World guys--Whis and some other kids showed me around the surrounding area and then I was welcomed at a really sweet get-together. A group of us ate some burgers, and celebrated the safe journey, the beginning of summer and the fellowship that God has given us. We worshipped too--that was probably my favorite part. I really felt like part of a body. People I didn't even know were welcoming and enjoyed having me take part in such an intimate worship session. Such a blessing :).
Sunday, I went to St. Phillip's church in Moon. Great people, and I was invited to come sing with their worship band on Saturdays and Sundays :) God is soo goood!
I've been doing some orientation talks, just to get acquainted with ministry life and learning the lay of the land. Super insightful, lots of Jesus--not so much like a classroom talk. I'm not a big fan of lectures, but this is more of a "one-on-one" conversation where the Holy Spirit has begun to move.
Interruption: Just as an aside: I've felt a strong move of the Spirit since I've moved in. Rachel and I (my housemate) have decided that we really want to change one of the rooms into a prayer room. It actually might end up being this huge closet that connects to my room. I think it would be sweet. I have yet to snag photos of Ambridge and the house, but I'll try to take enough pictures in order to give you all a virtual tour. Anyway, the people here really have a heart for the Lord and have discerned what it is He wants. It's refreshing and encouraging.
Sunday is also "home church" day. Basically our house is the location for a bunch of other college-age kids to come and have fellowship on Sunday nights. We do an East African Bible Study (if you want to know how it works/what it is just comment), and some worship. It's pretty cool.
As I've gone through the past couple of days I'm realizing how much Christ has really been absent from my daily life. This internship has already changed how I interact with my Savior. Of course prior to arriving I had daily/weekly devotionals and I go to a Christian school which doesn't hinder my fellowship, but this is different. I'm constantly surrounded and have had an influx of the Lord's love (or at least, I'm more aware of it). I find myself constantly praying even if it's not for food or for someone else, but the other day I was in a grocery store and I looked down the aisle and just ended up praying for the person looking for bread. I'm not sure why. I just silently said a prayer for them. Maybe the next stage is to engage. Crazy, right?
Anyway. Yesterday we watched a Memorial Day parade in the Sewickly area which was great. I love that community. Everyone is so invovled! It was actually more like a throwback to a sort of "I Love Lucy" scene. Yay for 1950s? Also, Mary and Whis continue to bless us with providing brunch and lunch and dinner and all kinds of great fellowship. God is truly working through them to reach the younger generation. (Just an FYI, Whis is the current director for Rock the World and Mary is his wife). Also, Whis, Rachel, Cesiah (another RTW-er), and I traveled to Annapolis, MD for sailing school. We're learning a lot about each other, working as a team and of course about boats.
Last Saturday my parents and I took the trek up to Pittsburgh with probably almost everything I own in order to move into the Josiah Project house in Ambridge. Suffice to say, after the stress of getting settled and finding our way through the steel city, God was good. The house is awesome :) It's small, and humble--a perfect place for sleeping and eating (which is about the only thing I've done in it so far).
Saturday I was welcomed by the Rock the World guys--Whis and some other kids showed me around the surrounding area and then I was welcomed at a really sweet get-together. A group of us ate some burgers, and celebrated the safe journey, the beginning of summer and the fellowship that God has given us. We worshipped too--that was probably my favorite part. I really felt like part of a body. People I didn't even know were welcoming and enjoyed having me take part in such an intimate worship session. Such a blessing :).
Sunday, I went to St. Phillip's church in Moon. Great people, and I was invited to come sing with their worship band on Saturdays and Sundays :) God is soo goood!
I've been doing some orientation talks, just to get acquainted with ministry life and learning the lay of the land. Super insightful, lots of Jesus--not so much like a classroom talk. I'm not a big fan of lectures, but this is more of a "one-on-one" conversation where the Holy Spirit has begun to move.
Interruption: Just as an aside: I've felt a strong move of the Spirit since I've moved in. Rachel and I (my housemate) have decided that we really want to change one of the rooms into a prayer room. It actually might end up being this huge closet that connects to my room. I think it would be sweet. I have yet to snag photos of Ambridge and the house, but I'll try to take enough pictures in order to give you all a virtual tour. Anyway, the people here really have a heart for the Lord and have discerned what it is He wants. It's refreshing and encouraging.
Sunday is also "home church" day. Basically our house is the location for a bunch of other college-age kids to come and have fellowship on Sunday nights. We do an East African Bible Study (if you want to know how it works/what it is just comment), and some worship. It's pretty cool.
As I've gone through the past couple of days I'm realizing how much Christ has really been absent from my daily life. This internship has already changed how I interact with my Savior. Of course prior to arriving I had daily/weekly devotionals and I go to a Christian school which doesn't hinder my fellowship, but this is different. I'm constantly surrounded and have had an influx of the Lord's love (or at least, I'm more aware of it). I find myself constantly praying even if it's not for food or for someone else, but the other day I was in a grocery store and I looked down the aisle and just ended up praying for the person looking for bread. I'm not sure why. I just silently said a prayer for them. Maybe the next stage is to engage. Crazy, right?
Anyway. Yesterday we watched a Memorial Day parade in the Sewickly area which was great. I love that community. Everyone is so invovled! It was actually more like a throwback to a sort of "I Love Lucy" scene. Yay for 1950s? Also, Mary and Whis continue to bless us with providing brunch and lunch and dinner and all kinds of great fellowship. God is truly working through them to reach the younger generation. (Just an FYI, Whis is the current director for Rock the World and Mary is his wife). Also, Whis, Rachel, Cesiah (another RTW-er), and I traveled to Annapolis, MD for sailing school. We're learning a lot about each other, working as a team and of course about boats.
Today was our first sailing adventure. After about 30 mins of a basic explaination of sailing terms and one demonstration of a knot we were off in a sail boat. I was actually sort of shocked that we went out so fast. The weather was gorgeous for the first sail--sun, no clouds, perfect temperature and of course good wind. We learned to tack, and gybe and steer the tiller. I'm not sure that any of those terms mean anything to you but I can tell you that sailing for the first time is both an exhilarating but nerve-racking experience. Even though I'm somewhat proficient in swimming, the thought of capsizing (which I was assured could never happen because whatever was under the boat weighed 310920958230 pounds) freaked me out nonetheless. When we first got going and figured out where the sails were supposed to go in reference to the wind one side of the boat nearly grazed the water. Of course, my first reaction is to stand up, give a little squeal and run to the other side of the boat. Somehow the instructor didn't quite share in my reaction.
Overall though, once we got the hang of it, it was pretty sweet. We spent most of the day on the water. Missed a few thunderstorms and ran into a couple (not on the water of course).
I would have to say that my high point for the week would be that I'm experiencing all of these new things in a different way than I thought possible. My reaction and attitude towards new attractions and some old ones have definitely changed. I'm thankful that God is bringing my heart back to a place of praise and thanksgiving.
Yahweh, holy is Your name.
Your love is strong
I will exalt Your name forever
You always amaze me.
Matthew 18:21-35--God is teaching me how to love those as He loves them, not as how I might find a way around their imperfections to "put up" with them.
God is good, and His plan is perfect. It should amaze us that He has so many different things in mind that all happen at the same time. What a guy!
Overall though, once we got the hang of it, it was pretty sweet. We spent most of the day on the water. Missed a few thunderstorms and ran into a couple (not on the water of course).
I would have to say that my high point for the week would be that I'm experiencing all of these new things in a different way than I thought possible. My reaction and attitude towards new attractions and some old ones have definitely changed. I'm thankful that God is bringing my heart back to a place of praise and thanksgiving.
Yahweh, holy is Your name.
Your love is strong
I will exalt Your name forever
You always amaze me.
Matthew 18:21-35--God is teaching me how to love those as He loves them, not as how I might find a way around their imperfections to "put up" with them.
God is good, and His plan is perfect. It should amaze us that He has so many different things in mind that all happen at the same time. What a guy!
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