Thursday, April 31, 2009

Woke up at 4:30am this morning. I learned that facebook had increased their video upload limits to 1024 MB-20 minutes. That is great news! So, I had to try it out to see how much the compression distorts the image. Not bad.

If you're not signed up for facebook, I encourage you to do so and add me as one of your first friends:

    Rob Patterson

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

John the Baptist in the Jesus Film

Time to think ahead for next Sunday. I sang the part of John the Baptist in Jebby's Rock Opera for a couple years. Don't know if I can find a clip of him in Jail--but here's some of the 'backstory'...

I was up around 6:00am and interacted with several people through gmail and facebook. I've been in the Office since 9:00am for a staff meeting. Sat in on some of the BSF lecture. Made an appointment with our very own JimmieB (and have been invited to get some lunch at the same time).

It's time for our Tuesday morning prayer meeting now.

I have a friend who has been involved with a group who puts the Jesus Story into language(s) of the people. Below are 'some' of the languages that have been dubbed.

CLICK HERE to watch any of them

Aari
Aceh
Achi, Rabinal
Acholi
Adi
Adygey
Afar
Afrikaans
Aja-Gbe
Aklanon
Alaba
Albanian
Albanian, Kosovar
Alur
Amharic
Amoy
Amuzgo, Guerrero
Amuzgo, Oaxaca
Anuak
Anyin
Apinaye
Arabic, Chadian Spoken
Arabic, Egyptian Colloquial
Arabic, Hassaniya
Arabic, Modern Standard
Arabic, Modern Standard (Egyptian Accent)
Arabic, Moroccan Spoken
Arabic, North African
Arabic, Sudanese Spoken
Aringa
Armenian, Western
Assamese
Assyrian
Ateso
Aukaans
Avar
Awadhi
Aymara, Central
Aztec Nahuatl Guerrero
Badaga
Bagheli
Bakairi
Bali
Balkar
Balochi, Eastern
Balochi, Southern
Balochi, Western
Bambara
Bamun
Bari
Bariba
Basa
Basaa
Bashkir
Bassa
Batak Angkola
Batak Karo
Batak Simalungun
Batak Toba
Baule
Bedamuni
Belorussian
Bemba
Bena
Bench
Bengali, Common Language
Bengali, Musselmani
Berom
Betawi
Bete, Guiberoua
Bhadrawahi
Bhatri
Bhili
Bhojpuri
Bicolano
Bima
Bimoba
Birifor, Southern
Bislama
Bissa
Blaan, Koronadal
Bodo
Bomu
Bororo
Bouyei
Brahui
Braj Bhasha
Bugis
Bukusu
Bulgarian
Buli
Bulu
Bundel Khandi
Bura-Pabir
Buriat, Russia
Burmese
Cakchiquel, Central
Cantonese
Catalan-Valencian-Balear
Cebuano
Central Asian Russian
Chachi
Chakma
Chaldean
Chamba
Chambeali
Chamorro
Chaouia
Chatino, Nopala
Chavacano
Chechen
Chhattisgarhi
Chichewa
Chilcotin
Chin, Mun
Chinanteco, Quiotepec
Chinanteco, Tepetotutla
Chinese, Sichuan
Chittagonian, Common
Chittagonian, Musselmani
Chodri
Chokwe, Congo
Chol, Tumbala
Chopi
Chuvash
Chwabo
Cirebon
Cishingini
Cora
Cree, Western
Crimean Tatar
Crioulo, Upper Guinea
Cuicateco, Tepeuxila
Czech
Dagaari, Northern
Dagaari, Southern
Dagbani
Dan
Dangi
Dani, Western
Dargin
Dari
Daur
Daza
Deccani
Dendi
Dene (Chipewyan)
Dera
Desia
Dhatki
Dhopadhola
Digo
Dinka, Northeastern (Padang)
Dinka, South Central (Agar)
Ditammari
Dogon
Duala
Dukanci
Duruma
Duruwa
Dusun
Dzongkha
Ebira
Edo
Efik
Eggon
Ejagham, Western
Embu
English
English, Native North American
Erzya
Estonian
Euskera
Ewe
Ewondo
Fanakalo
Fang, Gabon
Fante
Faroese
Farsi, Western
Fijian
Finnish
Fon-Gbe
Foochow
French
Fulacunda
Fulfulde
Fulfulde, Caka Nigeria
Fulfulde, Maasina
Fulfulde, Pulaar
Fuuta Jalon
Gaelic, Irish
Gagauz
Galician
Gamit
Garhwali
Garifuna
Garifuna
Garo
Gbagyi
Gbari
Gbeya
Gedeo
Georgian
German, Standard
Gikyode
Gilaki
Giryama
Gitonga
Gogo
Gondi, Northern
Gonja
Gorontalo
Gourmanchema
Greek
Guajajara
Guarani, Bolivian, Eastern
Guarani, Mbya
Guarani, Paraguayan
Guaymi
Guere, Central
Gujarati
Gun-Gbe
Gurage, Sodo
Gurenne
Guro
Gurung
Gusii
Hadiyya
Hadothi
Hainanese
Haitian Creole French
Hakka
Halbi
Hamgyongdo
Haryanvi
Hausa
Haya
Hazaragi
Hebrew
Hehe
Hemba
Herero
Higgi
Hiligaynon
Hindi
Hindi, Caribbean
Hindko, Northern
Hiri Motu
Hmong Daw
Hmong Shuad
Huasteco, San Luis Potosi
Huasteco, Veracruz
Huave, San Mateo Del Mar
Huba
Huichol
Huli
Hungana
Hungarian
Ibaloi
Iban
Ibanag
Ibibio
Idoma
Ife
Ifugao
Igala
Igbo
Igede
Ilocano
Inuktitut, Eastern Canadian
Isan
Isoko
Italian
Itawis
Itsekiri
Ixil, Nebaj
Iyansi
Izere
Izi-Ezaa-Ikwo-Mgbo
Japanese
Javanese
Javanese, Caribbean
Jibu
Jingpho
Jju
Jola-Fogny
Jola-Kasa
Jorai
Jukun
Kabardian
Kabiye
Kabyle
Kachchhi
Kadiweu
Kaili, Ledo
Kaiwa
Kakwa
Kalaallisut (Greenlandic)
Kalanga
Kalenjin
Kalmyk-Oirat
Kambaata
Kambera
Kanauji
Kandawo
Kankanaey
Kannada
Kanuri, Yerwa
Kanyok
Kaonde
Kapampangan
Karai-Karai
Karakalpak
Karanga
Karelian
Karen, Pwo
Karen, Pwo Eastern
Karen, Sgaw
Kasem, Burkina Faso
Kasem, Ghana
Kashmiri
Katab
Kathiyawadi
Kayah Li, Western
Kayan
Kazak
Kekchi
Kendayan (Kanayatn)
Khakas
Khampa, Eastern
Khandesi
Khasi
Khmer, Central
Khmer, Northern
Khmu
Kikamba
Kikuyu
Kilega
Kiluba
Kimeru
Kinandi
Kinaray-A
Kintandu
Kinyarwanda
Kiribati
Kirundi
Kissi, Northern
Kituba
Kiyombe
Kok Borok
Kom
Komering
Komi-Permyak
Komi-Zyrian
Kongo, San Salvador
Konkani (Mangalorian)
Konkani, Goanese
Konkomba
Kono, Sierra Leone
Korean
Korean, North
Korku
Kpelle, Guinea
Kpelle, Liberia
Kreol Mauricean
Kui
Kumauni
Kumyk
Kuna, San Blas
Kupsabiny
Kuria
Kurmanji - Cis
Kurmanji Standard
Kurukh/Oraon
Kusaal, Eastern
Kuy
Kwangali
Kwanyama (Ovambo)
Ladakhi
Lahu
Lak
Lala
Lama
Lamba
Lambadi
Lambya
Lamnso
Lampung
Lao
Latvian
Lelemi
Lenje
Lepcha
Lezgi
Lhao Vo
Lhasa, Tibetan
Limba, West-Central
Limbu
Limbum
Lingala
Lisu
Lithuanian
Lokaa
Loko
Loma
Lomwe
Longuda
Lotuko
Lozi
Lubwisi
Luchazi
Luganda
Lukpa
Lumasaba
Lunda
Luo
Luragoli
Lusoga
Luvale
Lyele
Maasai
Maay
Macedonian
Mada
Madi
Madura
Mafa
Magahi
Magindanaon
Mai Brat
Maithili
Makaa
Makasar
Makonde
Malagasy
Malay
Malay, Pattani
Malayalam
Malvi
Mam, Northern
Mandarin (Taiwan)
Mandarin, China
Mandinka
Maninka
Manipuri (Meitei)
Mano
Manyika
Maori
Mapudungun
Marathi
Marghi Central
Mari, Low
Maria, Dandami
Masana
Masbatenyo
Mashami-Chagga
Mashi
Mawchi
Maxakali
Mayan
Mazahua
Mazateco, Huautla De Jimenez
Mbala
Mbembe, Cross River
Mbosi
Mbukushu
Medlpa
Medumba
Mende
Mewari
Minangkabau
Minianka
Miskito
Mixe, Coatlan
Mixteco, Alacatlatzala
Mixteco, Central Juxtlahuaca
Mixteco, Diuxi-Tilantongo
Mixteco, Eastern
Mixteco, Metlatonoc
Mixteco, Monte Verde
Mixteco, Silacayoapan
Mixteco, Southern Puebla
Mnong, Central
Moba
Mon
Mongo-Nkundu
Moore
Moro
Moru
Mumuye
Mundang
Mundani
Mundari
Munduruku
Munukutuba
Murle
Musgu
Mwaghavul
Mwani
Naasioi
Nagamese
Nahuatl, Huasteca, Eastern
Nahuatl, Huasteca, Western
Nahuatl, Sierra De Puebla
Nahuatl, Southeast Puebla
Nambikuara, Northern
Nambikuara, Southern
Nasu, Eastern
Nauruan
Navaho
Nawdm
Ndau
Ndebele, Northern
Ndebele, Southern
Nembe
Nepali
Newari
Ngakarimojong
Ngambay
Ngas
Ngiemboon
Ngombe
Nias
Nigerian Pidgin English
Njebi
Noone
Nosu, Shengzha
Ntcham
Nuer
Nung
Nupe
Nyakyusa-Ngonde
Nyamwezi
Nyishi
Nyungwe
Nzema
Obolo
Ogan
Ojibwa, Western
Okrika
Oriya
Oromo, Borana-Arsi-Guji
Oromo, West-Central
Osetin
Otetela
Otomi, Eastern
Otomi, Mezquital
Otomi, Western
Pahari, Kullu
Pak Pak Dairi
Palauan
Palaung, Pale
Palembang
Pame, Central
Pangasinan
Panjabi, Western
Papiamentu
Pasemah
Pashto, Northern
Pidgin, Cameroon
Pijin
Plautdietsch
Pohnpeian
Pokomo, Lower
Polish
Popoloca, San Felipe Otlaltepec
Popoloca, San Juan Atzingo
Popoluca, Sierra
Portuguese, Brazil
Portuguese, Portugal
Punjabi, Indian
Punu
Purepecha
Quechua, Ancash, Conchucos, Northern
Quechua, Ancash, Huaylas
Quechua, Ayacucho
Quechua, Ayacucho
Quechua, Cuzco
Quechua, North Bolivian
Quiche, Central
Quiche, West Central
Quichua, Highland, Chimborazo
Rajbangsi, India
Rajbanshi, Nepal
Rawang
Rejang
Romani, Balkan
Romani, Caldarasi
Romani, Carpathian
Romani, Sinte
Romanian
Romblomanon
Ronga
Rumu
Runyankole
Runyoro
Russian
Ruund
Sabaot
Sabu
Sadani
Sakata
Sama, Central
Sama, Southern
Samo
Samoan
Sango
Santali
Sara
Saraiki
Saramaccan
Sasak
Saya
Sena
Senoufo, Cebaara
Shan
Shanghainese
Sharchogpa
Sherpa
Sheshush (Innu)
Shilluk
Shimaore
Shipibo-Conibo
Shona
Shuar
Shui
Sidamo
Silti
Sindhi
Siswati
Slavey
Slovak
Slovenian
Somali
Soninke
Sotho, Northern
Sotho, Southern
Spanish, Latin American
Spanish, Castilian
Sranan-Tongo
Suba
Subanon, Western
Sukuma
Sunda
Susu
Swahili, Congo
Swahili, Kenya
Swahili, Tanzania
Sylhetti
Syriac
Tabassaran
Tachelhit
Tagalog
Tahitian
Tai Lue
Taita
Tajik
Talysh
Tamajeq, Tahoua
Tamang, Eastern
Tamang, Western
Tamasheq, Kidal
Tamazight, Central Atlas
Tamil
Tampulma
Tangale
Tarafit/Rif
Tarahumara Baja
Tarahumara, Central
Tarok
Tatar
Tausug
Tboli
Tchien-Krahn
Teke, Central
Telugu
Tem
Teochew
Tera
Thai
Thai, Northern
Tharaka
Tharu, Saptari
Themne
Tigre
Tigrinya, Eritrea
Tigrinya, Ethiopia
Tira
Tiv
Tiwa, Northern
Tlicho (Dogrib)
Tojolabal
Tok Pisin
Tolaki
Tonga, Malawi
Tonga, Zambezi
Tongan
Toraja
Totonaca, Sierra
Trique, San Juan Copala
Trukese
Tsikimba
Tsimihety
Tsishingini
Tsonga
Tswa
Tswana
Tulu
Tumbuka
Turkana
Turkish
Turkmen
Tuvin
Twi
Tzeltal, Bachajon
Tzeltal, Oxchuc
Tzeltal, Tenango
Tzotzil, Chamula
Udmurt
Ukrainian
Umbundu
Urdu
Urhobo
Uspanteco
Uyghur
Uzbek, Northern
Uzbek, Southern
Vai
Vasavi
Venda
Vietnamese
Vietnamese, Northern
Vili
Waama
Waja
Wanga, Luhya
Waray-Waray
Watakataui
Wayampi, Amapari
Wayuu
Welsh
Western Caribbean Creole English
Wolaytta
Wolof
Xhosa
Xiang
Xun
Yaka
Yakhine
Yakut
Yanomamo
Yao
Yao (Iu Mien)
Yaqui
Yemba
Yoruba
Zaiwa
Zande, Drc
Zande, Sudan
Zapoteco, Isthmus
Zapoteco, Mitla
Zapoteco, San Agustin Loxicha
Zapoteco, San Juan Guelavia
Zapoteco, Sierra De Juarez
Zapoteco, Southern Rincon
Zapoteco, Yalalag
Zarma
Zaza (Dersim Dialect)
Zhuang, Northern (Yongbei)
Zoque, Francisco Leon
Zulu

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Saturday, April 25, 2009

Union Gospel Mission Outreach tonight. Call me for details:

(530)  366-2924

I sent this note out to two of our members today.

April and Alisha:

Since one of you is on the East Coast and the other is in Mexico, you'll miss the morning service at BellRoad.

Lord willing, I will share this illustration of God's People interacting with one another in a video-clip from the DVD entitled "Confrontation" from "Facing the Giants'.

There are three sequences that move me in different ways but are unified around the main theme of this film. If you get a chance (before I preach tomorrow), I'd enjoying reading how one or more of the sequences impacted either (or both) of you.

CONFRONTATION

We will have English subtitles instead of the Portuguese you see here.

Michael Catt, the pastor of the church that produced this movie (Sherwood Baptist, Albany, Georgia) replied to a letter I sent him in mid-December. He closed with these words:

"...I pray 2009 will be a turn around year
              for you and the church." --Michael Catt

For the rest of you:

Here's a book that Pastor Michael Catt wrote in which he discusses the leadership of the Spirit as God works with special people in their local church.

  Preparing for Rain
Follow the story of Pastor Michael Catt and his congregation as the Lord changes a "typical Southern Baptist church" into a ministry center that reaches thousands through a variety of outreach programs, and has even challenged the Hollywood establishment with a locally produced, nationally syndicated movie, Facing the Giants.

If you own 'Flywheel', 'Facing the Giants', or 'Fireproof', it would be very valuable for you to watch the Director's Commentaries and all other special features.

These can be found on Amazon or through Sherwood's bookstore The Source :

www.sherwoodbaptist.net

"The Story of Facing the Giants" on the special features gives us an opportunity to hear Pastor Catt share his heart and vision for the ministry of media to reach unchurched people.

---

Friday, April 24, 2009

Cathy and I have a visitation today in the home of two people who have been attending BellRoad for one year. They think that they are now ready to join.

I'm at the Office to print out copies of our Constitution and Mission Statement. If anyone else is interested in joining our local church, please review the documents and call me on my cellphone: (530)  366-2924

Constitution.pdf
Membership Covenant.pdf
     (from a sermon outline)

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Thursday, April 23, 2009

Powerful prayer meeting from 9am-10am this morning.

Senior Sunday School Teacher, Tom R. shared another heartfelt testimony at our Joy Fellowship this morning. He said that DeLynn wrote to him every single day of his incarceration. wow.

I led in a memorial service for Mary Snyder this afternoon at 2:30 (in the chapel at Oaks of Auburn). The room was packed to overflowing. I met some very dear people there today. I will continually pray for God's Will and His Plan to reach out to the seniors of our community.

After the memorial service, I dropped Daniel's Wii and RockBand Stuff to the Boys and Girls Club. That place is hoppin'. I praise the Lord for his placement there as a Youth Development Specialist. I was a playground supervisor for two summers in college. Cathy was a Camp Counselor during college. So, that setting is comfortable terrain for us.

Another friend (Mary) from juniorhigh-high school found me on facebook today (and I chatted with Moonika--one of my adopted-Estonian daughter too. She's 21 now). Zack R. wrote to me there as well. What a blessing that has turned out to be.

Richard C. is now at the very top of the list for the double-transplant that he needs (Kidney, Pancreas). We are praying for all people who are in anyway involved with the circumstances surrounding the phone call that Mom will receive.

I chatted online with Doug from 6:00 to 7:00 this morning. Meanwhile, other stuff was happening as well.

Here's the early-morning assignment from the Director of the self-awarding, award-winning, home-based educational institution: EducationPlus

  Mr. Patterson's Academic Scavenger Hunt

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I've been having a good time connecting with old contacts around the world. I posted this at facebook yesterday:
 

 Rob Patterson at 1:09pm April 21

 Wonder if Jörgen Hanson is on facebook?

Filipperbrevet 4:4-9 Var alltid fyllda av glädje i Herren! Jag säger det om igen: Var glada! Låt alla se att ni är osjälviska och omtänksamma i allt ni gör! Kom ihåg att Herren kommer snart! Oroa er inte för någonting, utan be till Gud om allt. Tala om för honom vad ni behöver, och glöm inte att tacka honom. Då kommer Guds frid, som är långt underbarare än vad vi kan

Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Here's a song that Joe wrote based on the passage above. We recorded with Greg Brayton in Michigan (he's the blind guitarist); Jörgen Hanson (another blind guy) did harmony vocals and organ and mixed it in Sweden and sent me the final mp3. click here

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Had a chat with Pastor Matt around 3:30am. I woke up and checked the lines to find that he was on--working on website stuff (although technically he is vacating and
stay-cating).

Then I went back to sleep for awhile. When I awoke, I chatted with Heidi and with Doug (Florida). If I have time I wanna post some excerpts from all of these chats because they are useful for the history of what's gonna happen next around here.

For now, click here for the Tuesday chat with Doug

Macdonald Wreh called me this morning. He is going to become a naturalized citizen tomorrow morning at 8am in Sacramento Courthouse on James Street. He is to dress in his Class A Green Uniform. Cathy and I sponsored Macdonald to come here from Liberia back in 2004.

I've gotta run do sound-stuff for BSF.

The morning prayer meeting is at 11:30-12:30 this morning if anyone is within 'getting-here-by-then-proximity'.

Monday, April 20, 2009

I went to the church early this morning to get yesterday's message ready for the Internet. I still have some editing to do toward the tail-end of the recording but I think this is good enough for now.



The sermon was the 60th message in our 3-year series through Acts-Luke-and-Romans. No. 59 was "Holy Coincidence".

The series has been delayed since last October. I received positive feedback from those who were glad that we had returned to it.

Our Senior's Choir also ministered through the musical "Bound for Glory" this morning at FBC of Auburn (11:00am). Although we're not exactly 'seniors' yet, Cathy and I are honorary members. I sing in their tenor section for the performance.

Last night, Pastor Matt launched a series in Genesis. K.C. shared a powerful testimony.

After Joe married Sharon in Thailand (then again with her family in the Philippines), he returned to America to earn money and work on Immigration filing. For several months, Joe and Sharon interacted with each other through videocams over the Internet. Through facebook, I have recently begun to reconnect with friends all over the world. I have included a few sites that may be of interest in the days ahead:

A tilt-and-pan camera: click here

Google VideoChat: click here

Skype Video: click here

On these pages (translated by the good folks down at google), you can hold the curser over each sentence to read the original thought in English:

pastorob.com in Estonian: click here
I have been to Estonia three times (April, 2000; July, 2003; and November, 2003),  and met many people during my trips there. I copied google's automatic translation of my index page and put it online through my own software. It is interesting to see that all of the song lyrics and most other links are also 'automatically' translated. I suppose that there are some very funny and unusual sentences! click here and see for yourself

pastorob.com in Spanish: click here
Many of our neighbors speak Spanish. Cathy and I both desire to grow in our ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking people.

pastorob.com in Korean: click here
During Seminary, some close friends and neighbors were Korean-Americans. Pastor Paul and Grace Kim and their children. They are in Kentucky now.

pastorob.com in Filipino: click here
Our daughter-in-law is a native of the Philippines.

pastorob.com in Indonesian: click here
I went on a 13-day Mission Trip to Indonesia in April, 1995. I preached and played music (with a translator) at different preaching points everyday. I hope to someday return and visit the people I met there.

pastorob.com in Russian: click here
When we went to Estonia in July of 2003, I interacted with a church in a Russian-speaking community near the border. I hope to someday reconnect with some of these precious people as well.
 

Friday, April 17, 2009

Cathy and I have taken some long walks during this week in exploration of paths along the American River and the Canyon. We are happy that God has called us to this geographical setting.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
 
Latest remix of the yet-to-be-completely finished Sunday Message. Please give a listen to the intro:

 "How to Harmonize with the Gospels" 4/12/09
Cathy and I went to  a funeral at Fair Oaks Baptist Church. Now we're headed up to Camp Alta and will be at the church by 5pm for Wednesday's Supper and Evening Activities.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Cathy and I were exhausted yesterday by the time it was 10pm so we went to bed early. 

I woke up early (*around 3:30am) and just couldn't turn off my thinking. I got online and googled around until I found the fellow that I had mentioned in my sermon Sunday: a "Pastor Ted" (First Covenant, Sacramento). His son is currently serving as his Associate Pastor.

This research has been helpful as I am debriefing-decompressing after our own Easter events. Please set apart some time to look at a few pages from another church's website as we consider our own 'next steps.'


I heard a brief excerpt from this pastor's sermon (Pastor Ted) on KFIA 710 last week. It was from the sermon on their sermon player (4/6/2008 The Joy of Unity).

Click Here for Pastor Ted's Sermon on Unity.

If you were to pull up that sermon and listen to 3 minutes of his message, (FastForward to 19:00 through 22:00) you'll hear where I found the inspiration for our own exercise in "Harmonizing with the Gospels". I will send Pastor Ted a link to our Easter Message where we acted out our own version of his Sermon Illustration!


 "How to Harmonize with the Gospels" 4/12/09
 
You probably should listen again to our Easter Sunday Message. The portion where I borrowed from Pastor Ted's Illustration is about 14:00 minutes into the message and carries on until 22:00. Although it illustrates somewhat of a different point, I have had positive comments from those who are 'getting it'...

Busy Day of Vision-Casting and Prayer thus far:

Staff Meeting: 10:00-11:30
Prayer Meeting: 11:30-1:15

Gonna run some errands and get some lunch.
 

Monday, April 13, 2009

In the office. Checking the lines. Plan to edit yesterday morning's sermon.

update: <error-report> At 12:00-noon, I the wavepad software f-r-r-reeze up (again) and lost 1.5 hours of editing that I had done on the message.

Then, DeLynn and Lexi stopped in to clean up the Atrium. I've taken an hour break from editing in order to debrief on 'the state of the church'.

Guess I'll go return to the sermon and ask the Lord for 'ears to hear' again (and re-learn the importance of 'saving' as I go).

Check back...
 

Sunday, April 12, 2009

He arose!

...and I arose this morning just before 4am and was troubled in my spirit. So, I followed my prompting and did something about what was troubling me.

Then, Cathy and I prepared to leave for our Sunrise Service (in order to arrive at the church by 6am). I counted forty people at one point. I think by the time we gathered for our final prayer there were over 50 there. For this I give the Lord praise. We also had some of our neighbors from across Bell Road. I met two women who came because an announcement was seen in the paper. One of them had been here for a memorial service.

Now its time to prepare for Sunday School (9:00am) and Morning Worship Service (10:15am).

Tonight is a Musical. We're combining our Choir with the Choir from Cool Community Church.
 

Saturday, April 11, 2009

*for archival purposes: I've placed Holy Week, 2009 announcements on this day's entry:

This HARMONY OF GOSPEL LINKS may serve us well as we watch and pray God's Word this week.
 

This video opens with 30 seconds of silence as we consider this Affirmative Action--the passion of Christ. BellRoad's own Megan West and Brandon Willette share what the death and resurrection of … click here for more

In Auburn: Gathering at Sunrise
on Easter, April 12    (Story)

Today: If possible, go to Lodi, California and see the LIVE PRODUCTION of Picture of Jesus:



PICTURE OF JESUS  (A Rock Opera)
Cathy and I are taking a carload of young people to see Jebby's passion play this afternoon for the 2:00pm. Matinee.

Tomorrow is our Easter Sunrise Service so I don't want to be out too late tonight. I will come to the church around 5:45. It officially starts at 6:30am

Good Friday was full of blessings for me. A long day that ended in a very enjoyable and fulfilling evening of fixing our eyes on Christ.

At the evening community service, Cathy, Kevin, and I sat behind Megan, Josh, Jesse, Arianna, and Summer. We saw several people we knew (and a great number that we had never seen before in our lives)!

The evening's message was divided into three parts with three different preachers:

1) The past work of Christ
2) The present work of Christ

Before part 3, it had been arranged for me to pray over the offering. I made a heartfelt appeal to become generous in our giving before I offered prayer.

The future work of Christ in the lives of Auburn souls may well involve a 30, 60, or 100-fold blessing because that's what I asked Him for (and God knows that I did my very best to challenge His people to be generous in their freewill offering).

Our Good Friday Offering is to be divided among three local parachurch ministries:

1) Placer County Jail Chaplaincy
2) Acres of Home (Shelter for women and children)
3) Hope, Help, and Healing (Recovery Shelter)

6:43 AM
Bonita: Hi Pastor Rob

me: hello, Grandma?

Bonita: How did the JC Superstar go, I was taking care of my cold and no baby yet.

me: ohh   well, no old hippies (but me)... however, I had five young people who had never seen it
...THAT was good...

Bonita: I was also going to come by the church to see of anything else that would need to do that maybe I could do?

me: it allowed me to offer a running commentary at important spots

Bonita: That is neat that they saw it and never saw it before. What did they think about it?

me: they really liked it! I had the music cranked up and we had moved two rows right up to the very front center...
so, on the BigScreen, it was quite impressive.
I wouldn't want someone to have to try to watch it on a TV.
It just wouldn't be the same

hey...read the article

http://www.auburnjournal.com/detail/111363.html

It was my last-ditch effort yesterday morning to get people to come......then, it said TONIGHT in the title
but I rewrote it quick at midnight and changed the tense.

However, it still promotes Easter that's yet to come.
Sorry that you're struggling with a cold

Bonita: Pastor Rob

me: yeah

Bonita: Anything that represents Jesus in the media is that it brings people's attention to God and Jesus Christ and makes people think, What is this thing about "Jesus" and that is an opening to just that. They question it and they open up to the idea and this when God works in their heart and allows God to answer their question and then will then decide to accept Jesus or not. It is still a witness no matter how you look at it.

me: Definitely. I enjoyed Superstar more the second time this week than the first it really is well-written.
Especially if you KNOW the Scriptures and can discern the intricacies of the plotline from the Scriptures

Bonita: I do think so at the time of Jesus Freaks that is where are heads were at. This is how we could understand and relate

me: I think BobbyR (in the article) may have part of his thinking 'in a box'... I think it would be valuable to reevaluate stuff after 35-40 years.

[ *actually BobbyR has written a powerful letter to me
    regarding the politics of aging hippies who he states
    didn't accept Christ back then and won't accept Him
    now. They are now running the federal government...
    but I don't have time or permission to include it yet.]

Bonita: You can't put God in a box.

me: God works in mysterious ways

Bonita: He does.

me: I was careful to point out to the young people where Superstar isn't scripturally accurate in every detail. There's plenty of Scripture in Superstar--even if certain aspects are wrong.

Bonita: Right!

me: No different than sitting in the average Sunday School class where some people are misinformed or are kinda legalistic or still need to be taught, challenged, inspired...

Bonita: It was dealing with what He had to work with.

7:00 AM
me: yup
       
Well, hey I gotta run to the church ..busy, busy DAY ahead of me. we're going to Lodi to see my friend's Rock Opera....Jebby--the guy who wrote "Mayberry Christmas"
He plays Jesus in this musical that has been an evolving Rock Opera for a decade

Bonita: Flowers, Love and Peace to you Pastor Rob, may God give you a great day!

me: Hey, I mentioned your last name in the article
         I wonder if I should shorten it to Bonita C.
         or just Bonita... or doesn't it matter?

Bonita:  Whatever, people know me as Bonita or B.

me: well, when I wrote it, I did it in the third person so I could validate posting it as a story rather than as a blog
so...I needed to use names to be journalistic.
But I had forgotten that I used your full name...

Bonita: Ok! that is fine. We old hippies are pretty easy going.

me: Well, then it may happen that someday, someone will say, "HEY, Bonita, I read about you!"   that'll be cool

Bonita: It reminds me that it is all about a personal relationship with you and God and not anyone else.
Peace to you my Brother in Christ!
 

Friday, April 10, 2009

Today's entry will take me some time. You will need to check back at 11:00 Pacific Time. Meanwhile, please take the time to scroll down and read through yesterday's Scripture passages. This exercise in personal, devotional discipline will help each of us prepare ourselves to rightly interpret everything else we see or hear during our varied Good Friday experiences.

Here is a controversial subject
   over which I do not mind controverting:
 

Cross Over TONIGHT

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Preparations for Passover meal  
Matthew 26:17-19     Mark 14:12-16     Luke 22:7-16

Jesus rebukes the disciples at the meal
Mattherw 26:20           Mark 14:17           Luke22:24-30

Jesus washes the disciples feet
John 13:1-20

Jesus names Judas as His betrayer
Matthew 26:21-25   Mark 14:18-21   
Luke 22:21-23    John 13:21-30

The New Commandment
John 13:31-35

Jesus predicts Peter's denial
Matthew 26:31-35     Mark 14:27-31    
Luke 22:31-34     John 13:36-38

Instruction for the moment at hand
John 22:35-38

Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper
Matthew 26:26-29    Mark 14:22-25    Luke 22:17-20

I will share the remainder of the Holy Week Thursday discourses tomorrow. Or you can click here to study even further:  HARMONY OF GOSPEL LINKS

Our second son, Jeremiah, is coming up to Auburn with his girlfriend, Kristen, to visit this morning. So, right after prayertime (9-10am), I expect they will be arriving. It will be good to spend some quality time with them.

Here is a local event involving geo-caching: click here
I hope that our son, Joseph, isn't perceived as annoying by his prose left on their post at he Journal.

Personally, I think its a bit 'over the top'....
    "the apple didn't fall that far from the tree!"
         (in the lives of all four of my kids, actually...)

Yeah, Joe posted all this on this Article: click here
note: 38.945058, -121.057663 are the GPS coordinates
           for our church driveway.

From this point you can clearly see
a building marked with a great t.
 
38.945058, -121.057663
  Seek and you will find.

On this weekend eggs abound
but will you seek where life is found?

38.945058, -121.057663

There is a treasure more than Gold
eternal life cannot be sold.

38.945058, -121.057663

This life is freely given away
Read the "LogBook", what does it say?

38.945058, -121.057663

Little children,
they may come,
and those like them
will find a home.

38.945058, -121.057663

If your savings
you have lost
Find the one
who saves the lost.

38.945058, -121.057663

A true treasure
here you see
Best of all is truly free.

38.945058, -121.057663

I went there
What did I find?
the image of Love
made in my kind.

38.945058, -121.057663

Treasure here that does not rust
That cannot be stolen
That will not fade
It is of the purest made.

38.945058, -121.057663

If you're curious
and you seek
follow the leader and
take a peek.

38.945058, -121.057663

Last night, Janna R. sent me a notice that Rick Warren had disavowed support of Proposition 8. I wrote her and said that I'd investigate today sometime. I try not to join lynching mobs (or to cut down my brothers and sisters.
Rather than saying, "I give them the benefit of the doubt",
I say, "Give the benefit of the trust."

Well, as for me and my wife, we will stand by our support of Proposition 8 (without slandering those who didn't).

Here's the transcript from CNN: click here

From this point on, today's column might just be fluff-stuff to your eyes (and heart). Therefore, remember friend, you can always scroll up and get back to the Word!

Pastor Matt and I chatted online last night before I headed to bed (early around 11:00pm). I shared the stats for the three Holy Week Invitations that have been posted on the local paper's website. Then, this morning upon arising, I checked the lines again to see what any souls were nibbling while I slept:

237 views on The Affirmative Action
          (283 views as of this morning at 5:28am)
204 views on Rewind to '69
          (217 views as of this morning at 5:30am)
585 views on Gathering at Sunrise
          (587 views as of this morning at 5:29am--
                   so only one hit other than mine just now)

If Pastor Matt comes up to you with his little handheld gadget and offers to show you where I was in the eighties, don't even give him the time of day.

I think that the clip he is showing from Marilyn McCoo's show with the Solid Gold Dancers must be an insensitive shenanigan in reference to dated-dance sequences in the film version of a certain 70's rock opera that he might indeed be too young to fully appreciate. (I don't really know; maybe it's because he felt he missed-the-mark on April Fool's Day for the last 2 years).

I warned the brother about telling little white lies (or trying to freely use the j/k defense). People might not take him seriously when he's actually trying to tell the truth.

(Anyway, don't even bother clicking on the frame).
I didn't look anywhere near that 'cool' in the eighties.
Why, I had already become a Christian by then!

Cathy will be glad to share what my 1984 attire truly consisted of.....oh yeah, she loves to describe 'my look' with sentimental specificity.

From the Archives: Here's an actual shot from early in 1977. I was in the Electronic Composition studio at Western Michigan University.
These were the days of wires and cables, voltage-controlled oscillators and filters, and sub-audio pulses.

Above the scene (in the heavenlies): It was the very season that students on campus of WMU were engaged in the "I Found It" campaign. Even though I had actually answered an "I Found It" evangelistic phone call, my interaction with the witness on the other end of the line didn't bring salvation to my dorm room. The months to follow led elsewhere. In the story Rewind to '69, my life in 1977-78 is referenced as being akin to that of Augustine (before he was a saint).

You'll have to read my autobiography in order to learn about the summer of '77. That probably won't be published until much later (2048) when the other characters have already died or are so old that they don't care...

What about the other side of your testimony?
Polly shared this in our evening service 2 weeks ago:

Your Cardboard Testimony?
 

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Pastor Matt has designed a new webpage for our local church, check it out:  www.bellroad.org

Update from the inbox: 2:56pm.

Hi Rob,   Thanks for the plug in your blog!!!

Hey bro, I've been wanting to call you to tell you my big news: Bob Kilpatrick invited me to help out with his Italy worship conference in May. He wants me to work with the musicians on the worship team that plays in the piazzas. I'm thankful that I have my passport up to date. This has been such a God thing!

Pastor Bill has been very supportive and by the way, Randy Stonehill is going too! Ronda prayed that the Lord would bless me for my 50th birthday and this blessing is pretty hard to beat.

I hope to talk to you on Saturday, Picture of Jesus has to be the most intense this year with busy-ness. I've been on the run for a couple of weeks, non-stop.
Bradley, Billy Neal, Barbara, Jentin, and Elaine Hanley are all in it this year!

love,
Jebby
***************
This is certainly an answer to a specific prayer that Jebby and I prayed during a VisionWalk™ some years ago!

I've missed the opportunity to work with a cast of actors and musicians to perform a Passion Play since I've come to Auburn. Fact is, though, Jebby moved to Bear Creek Community Church about six months before God moved us up here. Cathy and I took Jonathan to see Jebby's Rock Opera last year. It was the first time that church had performed it. John the Baptist didn't have a singing role last year.

For a couple years, I played guitar in the pit for Picture of Jesus. Then, I sang the role of John the Baptist for two years at outdoor performances for FBC Sacramento.

I suppose that his brother Bradley will reprise his version of John-the-B from the 2-album recording. We'll see on Saturday!
****************
7:53 am
me: bonita
I need your help---for something really FUN

Bonita: Hi Rob, no grandbaby yet...

me: ....oh yeah? We prayed for ya'lI yesterday morning.

Anyway, I was thinking 'specifically' about you for a project

Bonita: OK! What is it?

me: Here's the deal... In preparation for the Passion Play we live out every Easter Weekend, Cathy and I were at the church showing a movie last night. Since we were few in number (actually just the two of us), I chose "Jesus Christ Superstar". She didn't want to watch it at first, so we watched Sunday night's video of our Choir Presentation at the Cool Community Church. After it was over, I asked Cathy if she would watch 15 minutes of Superstar. She agreed.

I turned on closed-captioned featured, so we could try to sing-a-long....

Bonita: I love the music in Superstar

me: with a microphone and I thought of YOU as a co-host for a Friday Night Outreach to Aging Auburn-GrassValley Hippies...

Bonita: Yeah! that's me.

me: We wound up watching (singing and discussing the plotline) until the entire movie had finished. I caught a Vision during that 108 minutes we spent together. The music was cranked up, the mics were hot. We were the only ones there. God was using the film to speak to other issues we have faced in ministry. When  I got home, I did an interview (with myself) for a story at the Auburn Journal's website.

In the story, we announced that the church will open our doors for the BigScreen, Interactive Showing on Friday Night at 9pm

(after our community good friday service)...

Bonita: This Friday?

me: Can I count you in? Please, read the article
I already sent it to you! It's pretty cool...What God did for me in providing a neat way to give another personal testimony!

Bonita: OK, then let's make sure My grandbaby is born before then

My daughter, Jessica, is still having pains and not quite yet in full labor. Lets pray for 04/08/09.

me: actually, here's the story: click here
        OK -- 04/08/09, AMEN.

Bonita: Ok I will look at it and get back to ya

me: and here's a video-invite to the entire full-Sunday at BellRoad...

Bonita: I think that Jesus Christ Superstar came out when it was supposed to and after "Hair." It was part of that revolution and it changed the world. It brought music into the faith of God. I went to the first Christian Rock Festival (in 1973?) I think I will look into it; I may have music somewhere.

***********

So, that was my chat with Bonita. Afterwards, I ran to the office and shared a powerful time of prayer with Jean, Emma, and Pastor Matt.

***********
Doug Mott is also sharing his holy week online with me (us). He wrote from Florida again this morning:

"For Holy Week at the non-denominational church where I attend we have the last night of Lent tonight. Afterwards, we will watch "The Book of John". I love this movie; they did an excellent job in the making, Since nowadays I have to watch for what is left out. LOL Tomorrow is Passion. Why can't Holy Week be Holy Life?

About Jesus and Hippies: I was taking a bus through Chicago. I was 14 years old--stuck in the bus station no where to go. These two hippies walked up, a pretty young girl (probably 17)--the young man (17-18) had a guitar.

Some people don't believe in angels "I do." I saw them when they walked in to this giant bus station, with stores all around the outside, people every where rushing all around all around us. These two hippies in tie died clothes carrying a guitar walked through the crowd right to us. Sat down beside us greeting us, then no conversation. The young lady asked us if we had ever been saved, did we know Jesus?

I was tough as nails; a14 year old boy born and "baptized" into a Christian family (that was kicked out of the church when I was 9 years old). I looked at the young lady I remember clear as day.
With that tough 14 yr. old boy voice I said,  "I know Jesus."

The girl interrupted me and said then you have been born again. Well, this was new to me, "I don't know about being born again but I was raised going to church, I have been baptized, been through confirmation and confirmed, I know Jesus."

She interrupted me again, then you won't mind doing something with me. She took our hands in a circle, told us to close our eyes, and repeat after her.

"Jesus I know and believe that I am a sinner, I know that God the Father sent you, His Son, here to die on a cross and in three days resurrected for my sins..."

Still in prayer, she asked, "Do you believe?"

"Yes."

"Now, when you open your eyes, you will have a new life, you will be born again."

I opened my eyes and it was as she said, it felt like a new day. Everything was (and seemed) so colorful. They stood up and walked out of the bus station. I remember afterwards telling our friends about it in much more colorful words, that they would relate to, but with closed ears.

I have met many Hippies since then (though mixed in the ways and Word of God) but they all were searching for Him."   
               --submitted by Doug Mott  April 8, 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Last night, our combined choirs met to sing together in BellRoad's Sanctuary. I am asking people to acknowledge before the Lord this issue of refracted soundwaves in that cinderblock room. We have several seniors who are challenged with a variety of hearing impairments.

Sound Absorption and Sound Reinforcement are points-of-prayer which I included on the Prayer Wall in the Genesis Room this morning (Proverbs 3:5-6).

That isn't a big issue to most of you readers--but I will thoroughly enjoy quoting from this entry on the day that our prayers have been affirmed by God.

TODAY will be a full day of preparation for publication (or publication for personal preparation), so the reader may want to check back for 'updates' to this day's entry later in the evening.

Personal observations of Holy Week:

Sandy B. texted a 'good morning blessing' early Monday Morning from Redwood City, California.
Macdonald Wreh checked in from Sacramento.
Beth from the Auburn Journal called in about our announcement in today's hardcopy.
Kurt prepared and delivered a banner and posters.
Dan helped me hang the banner this morning.
Beverly reported that the workplace gave her Easter Sunday off. Our prayer has been answered. She gets to sing in the choir.
Jebby sent me the promo for Picture of Jesus, 2009.
Pastor Matt called me late last night with the very idea that Dan and I had discussed over lunch earlier in the day.
I told Matt how much we enjoyed his new song from Sunday's Service.

Doug wrote again from Florida on Monday night:

I read your blog when I came home from church. I love the interaction. I can't text--I'm a little slow at moving into the future (and it is 10 cents for each letter). The way I write ouch $$$, so I have to stick to emails.

But I did read from all four gospels and also thought of Malachi 3 1-3 or Psalm 50:3 and Psalm 50:16-21 and portions of Isaiah 63.

Jesus had walked among them, healing teaching, feeding. He rode in not as a warrior king on a great white horse, but on an ass (kind and merciful). He walks into the temple but instead of prayer, he finds a flea market. So now He is going to show a little of His Dad's discontent when He walks in the temple--full of fury.

Easter season is hard for me.

God has been very patient with all of us...
I don't like to say "we" because "we" means Me,
    ...and I don't believe it is me.

I do believe there is much more that can be done
                      --and this is where I fall short.

But if God can't look upon sin...
          and sin is sin,
    all I can say is "Thank you, Jesus."
                       --and that's what hurts.

The pain is stronger around Easter;
         we see Passion playing through our hearts,
                           minds, and souls, and say, "not me."

Romans 7:12 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but [how] to perform what is good I do not find.

Paul had more zeal than anybody I can think of in our day and for him to wrestle with this, it could break a man down.

...but I say,

           "No..be strong;
             hold on to the Word of God during Easter."

We will see Jesus's death umpteen times. So we have to know in our heart that His death on the cross is breath within our lungs, and our lives.

His resurrection is the victory for our souls.  
                                                                    --Doug Mott
 

Monday, April 6, 2009         (updated at 2:34 pm)

For those who heard yesterday's message, I shared that we would go on a seven-day journey together.

Please start by reviewing this page about Holy Week.
Here's an excerpt:
 

...and from our local church in Auburn, California:

CLICK HERE for a Harmony of All 4 Gospel Accounts.
                  Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 1:1-11,
                   Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19

                 and for the Cleansing of the Temple
   CLICK HERE    Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19,        
                                     Luke 19:45-48, John 2:13-22

Text me with any passage from the Bible
    that you would like to share with others:
                (530) 366-2924
 

Sunday, April 5, 2009

I just did a quick publication of this morning's message. 

Now, I'm headed home at 1:14pm to see who has gathered there for tacos.

Hope to see you at Cool Community Church tonight at 6pm for our joint-worship service with our combined choirs.

A soul was saved last night around 10:00pm, scroll down to yesterday's entry and follow the directions. Join me in some 21st Century methodology...or go ahead, and click here right now:

This article ties it all together in the comments

My old buddy, Doug, wrote me from Florida this morning. He asked me if he should buy 'The Shack'... After discussing the 'areas-of-concern', I suggested that if he wanted to read it, he should borrow a copy from someone.

He really wanted to read something that he would have a hard time putting down. So, I told him about another work of 'christian fiction' that I had read in the eighties. He found a copy and started reading it.

After the first chapter, he thought that there may be "too many fill words" for him (Peretti was big on adjectives--apparently Doug isn't...).

Doug shares:

"...Long story made short it was 1:30am. I was on the 8th chapter wanting to read on to the 9th and put the book on my chest and fell asleep. If I wasn't getting ready for Palm Sunday (like I know you are) I would pick it back up, but I would like to see the rest of the day instead of a book. [LOL]

"Go into town there will be an ass that has
          never been ridden... Tell them it is for our Lord."

Why didn't the people that had the donkey say,

"Our Lord? No! He deserves this grand white stallion."?

Maybe they are fill words that didn't need to be in there,
...or this could lead to another story by Douger...

God Bless
Love, peace, faith and hope
Doug
 

Saturday, April 4, 2009

10:23pm...still at the church. A soul was just saved here!
To get the rest of the story, you should click on this recent Auburn Journal posting and scroll down to the 7th and 8th comments. I'm very happy at this moment!
 

Gathering at Sunrise on Easter, April 12

Friday, April 3, 2009

This morning I attempted to update the misplaced location marker on google maps and found that they have a street-view photo of our entrance. So, I posted the google photo at the Auburn Journal and have provided our coordinates for those who are so inclined to find our driveway using their GPS special features:

Latitude: 38.945058

Longitude: -121.057663

Click here and see for yourself:

      +38.945058, -121.057663

At some point when the satellite updates photos of our parking lot, perhaps our newly-striped parking spots will appear.

It is fun (sometimes) to explore the technology of the day.
Yesterday, a friend admitted that he fell for this particular April Fool's joke that I had forwarded to him.

Google Mobile Brain Search

I guess the poor guy was just too tired from a long night in front of his computer screen. He clicked on the link and quickly followed the directions. Later, as he held his cellphone to his forehead and tried to remember something about his wife, he thought to himself:

       "Hey....wait a minute!"     (yeah, funny)...

Gathering at Sunrise on Easter, April 12

Thursday, April 2, 2009

I just returned from prayer meeting with area pastors-leaders. This morning's local church prayer meeting was especially meaningful to me. I googled the word "eagle" and the phrase "Streams in the Desert" to locate the date of the devotional that DeLynn read for us today. I hope that this will meet somebody at their point of need sometime in the future as I republish encouragement:

 Do Not Yield to Discouragement  (Dec. 10th)

"They looked…and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud" (Exod. 16:20).

Get into the habit of looking for the silver lining of the cloud and when you have found it, continue to look at it, rather than at the leaden gray in the middle.

Do not yield to discouragement no matter how sorely pressed or beset you may be. A discouraged soul is helpless. He can neither resist the wiles of the enemy himself, while in this state, nor can he prevail in prayer for others.

Flee from every symptom of this deadly foe as you would flee from a viper. And be not slow in turning your back on it, unless you want to bite the dust in bitter defeat.

Search out God's promises and say aloud of each one: "This promise is mine." If you still experience a feeling of doubt and discouragement, pour out your heart to God and ask Him to rebuke the adversary who is so mercilessly nagging you.

The very instant you whole-heartedly turn away from every symptom of distrust and discouragement, the blessed Holy Spirit will quicken your faith and inbreathe Divine strength into your soul.

At first you may not be conscious of this, still as you resolutely and uncompromisingly "snub" every tendency toward doubt and depression that assails you, you will soon be made aware that the powers of darkness are falling back.

Oh, if our eyes could only behold the solid phalanx of strength, of power, that is ever behind every turning away from the hosts of darkness, God-ward, what scant heed would be given to the effort of the wily foe to distress, depress, discourage us!

All the marvelous attributes of the Godhead are on the side of the weakest believer, who in the name of Christ, and in simple, childlike trust, yields himself to God and turns to Him for help and guidance.  --Selected

On a day in the autumn, I saw a prairie eagle mortally wounded by a rifle shot. His eye still gleamed like a circle of light. Then he slowly turned his head, and gave one more searching and longing look at the sky. He had often swept those starry spaces with his wonderful wings. The beautiful sky was the home of his heart. It was the eagle's domain. A thousand times he had exploited there his splendid strength. In those far away heights be had played with the lightnings, and raced with the winds, and now, so far away from home, the eagle lay dying, done to the death, because for once be forgot and flew too low. The soul is that eagle. This is not its home. It must not lose the skyward look. We must keep faith, we must keep hope, we must keep courage, we must keep Christ. We would better creep away from the battlefield at once if we are not going to be brave. There is no time for the soul to stampede. Keep the skyward look, my soul; keep the skyward look!

"Keep looking up--
The waves that roar around thy feet,
Jehovah-Jireh will defeat
When looking up.

"Keep looking up--
Though darkness seems to wrap thy soul;
The Light of Light shall fill thy soul
When looking up.

"Keep looking up--
When worn, distracted with the fight;
Your Captain gives you conquering might
When you look up."

April 1, 2009

I finished reading 'The Shack' today. Eva wrote to me about her opinion. I agree with her last sentence; I think it could be helpful to someone who was struggling with a painful issue.

Hey Rob. So glad to hear (read) that you are reading The Shack. What a great book! I cried like 5 times. lol

I think it's a book that will affect each person in a different way. So far two of my best friends have read it and all reacted differently and cried at different points. I thought it was a great example of Gods love and how all people, even the people who WE consider evil, still have the chance to go to heaven if they accept Christ into their hearts.

So many people always say, "Well if a rapist can get into heaven I don't want to be there!" Oh if only they knew that one persons sin is just as bad as another and that God views them all the same. I hope you enjoy the book and recommend it to many others. For people experiencing pain whether it be emotional or physical I think this book can really help.

Google had a funny April Fool's Joke: Google AutoPilot