Never gives up

                                                       Bethel Church -Redding

You See Bones, I See an Army

Sometimes we look around us and see only dead bones. We do not see life, either for us or others. We just see death, problems, troubles, heartache….. Then God comes walking by and says “You See Bones, I See an Army”. I love that saying. It came from the title of a book by Floyd McClung. Too often I just see the bones. What have you been looking at today? A pile of dead bones or have you been looking through God’s eyes and seeing an Army, ready to explode on the scene and do God’s will. Bob Lipsys

Here are some words by Floyd McClung they give insight into what we need to do next.
There is a valley of dry bones God wants to use, but those bones won't become an army until they are prophesied over. The dry bones are made up of the poor, the rebellious, the marginalized of society, the young, and the uneducated. They carry wounds, have been abused, suffer from AIDS, are widows and single parents. They are often so poor they have lost hope of finding a purpose in life. They are waiting for someone to believe in them. By choosing to follow Jesus, believers have joined a great procession of men and women who are living for something far greater than themselves. The challenge is to act like we really believe what we are called to be and to do: to become a radical community of Jesus followers who seek to alleviate injustice and share the Father's love with those who have never heard that he cares for them; to show that the church of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world.
From: You See Bones, I See an Army: Changing the Way We Do Church. By Floyd McClung

A tough month

I've had a tough month. My work load has been intense. Up 6.00am, often after getting to bed at 1am. Exhausted, worn out, broken and weary. At these times feelings of personal failure overwhelm me at times. Even when in bed, my mind starts to race going through all I need to complete. Everything negative is magnified. Positives quickly fade.

I've been surviving on words from God. Sometimes shouts, often whispers. These words come from various sources.

a) My local church (The Burdekin Community Church). I am studying a course at Church with Pastor Kevin called "Sure Foundations." And it is true. If our life foundations are built on the Rock - Jesus - we are secure. The greatest storms can blow and mightiest waves can hit us head on, yet we will be left standing. Not because of our own strength but because of Jesus. I make time to complete the course work and home study.

b) Bethel Church, Redding CA. As a subscriber to "ibethelTV" I listen to all their services during the week. Often when I am going to sleep, and during breakfast/meals. etc. Faith, life and healing are released in me. I have something to give to others, Touched by Jesus I touch others with His power and love and words. http://www.ibethel.org/

c) Worship Music - It fills the House when I am home. I just soak it up. "Praising God changes the atmosphere." I have gentle soaking music playing in the background when working.

d) Other Good worship and teaching from time to time: Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, Bill Prankard, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth & Gloria Copeland etc See my links

e) JunctionJ-Community http://www.junctionjcommunity.com/ an internet Christian Community. Here I pray for people,get prayed for, contribute to discussions - be part of a Christian Group when I am unable to travel to one. I can spend 10 minutes here and come back to my work refreshed.

Back to the grindstone,
Refreshed however by God's Word
Bob Lipsys

Open Up Heaven

From time to time we come across songs that “sum up our life.” Here is one that sums up mine. Kim walker and Justin Byrne’s song “Open up Heaven” hits the mark, it touches my spirit. Bob Lipsys

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Open Up Heaven

When heaven opens, over me,
I'm... saturated in love
Dancing deeper, in creativity
...nothing is impossible for me
Stirring passion, dreams awakened,
Heaven opened, is what I long to see...

It's the promise I was made for, born for
To see heaven open up on earth
It's everything I'd fight for, I'd die for
To see heaven invade this earth

Chorus
Open up... heaven
We will party with the angels
There is nothing better
We're ready for encounters with You

Reformation, Transformation, Revolution,
...It's our destiny
A generation, designed to worship,
we have Jesus and his presence
is all we need...

I live for Your presence
You are life to my heart
I live for Your presence
From Your love I will never part

© Kim Walker and Justin Byrne
See Jesus Culture Music
http://www.jesusculturemusic.org