Celebrate God's Kingdom

Jesus' Prayer - Concluding The CPI-Shine Campaign For CHOGM
29th October 2011

CHOGM: British Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meetings, held in Perth, Western Australia in November 2011.

The Commonwealth consists of 54 countries with a combined population of 2,100,000,000. Queen Elizabeth II is our head.

CPI: Commonwealth Prayer Initiative, set up specially for CHOGM in Perth. It was estimated that more than 600,000 people around the world prayed as part of CPI!

IN THE DARK OF NIGHT
At about four o'clock on the last Saturday of the CPI Shine meetings I awoke already praying and already fully immersed in Jesus' presence. It was still dark night, but light was all around me (John 1:4).

MY PRAYER
"Jesus, we are so thankful for this flood of grace for us all (Colossians 1:17); for CHOGM, for the leaders of the 54 Commonwealth countries, for the 2.1 billion people, for our Governments, local, state, federal and vice-regal. Thank you for the police and security forces, for the support people, for the volunteers and for the media. Thank you too for the protesters who remained peaceful, yet were free to express their views.

But even more Jesus, as your praying people, we thank you for the way you have led us over these many months. You brought each of us into CPI (John 10:27), and led our prayer so that it was directly in line with your plans (Psalm 9:1).

We rejoice to see you doing what you have had us pray for. We see that we participate in your work in the world. At the same time we grow in unity, and our unity encompasses all our diversity (Ephesians 4:3). We delight in knowing that this is all precious to you (2 Timothy 1:14). Nothing you do is wasted (Mark 14:4).

Every autumn, countless leaves turn yellow and red and fall to the ground; but not one is for nothing. The spring comes and brings new life (Titus 3:4-5). Suddenly, the whole forest bursts forth, vibrant and green, sustained on what fell in the autumn (Isaiah 61:11).

So with our prayers. Jesus you called thousands, and hundreds of thousands (Deuteronomy 1:15) to pray for our leaders and the CHOGM meetings and for the people. Already you have prophetically shown (Revelation 19:10) your hand in many, many ways (Jeremiah 33:3). By faith we know that we will see new life in every one of the 54 Commonwealth countries, in their leaders and in their 2.1 billion citizens. Abundant life (John 10:10) bursting forth (John 14:12).

Did all of us together pray 2.1 billion prayers? Did we pray for every Commonwealth person? By faith I believe we did; every one covered (Luke 4:40).

Thank you Jesus. We know this is not an end, now is just a pause in our walk and our work with you.

I pray that you continue to bless our new found Christian friendships and lead us all to be ever more united in you Jesus, for your Church and for the whole world (1 John 2:2).

We wait eagerly (Hebrews 9:28). In your Name, Jesus, we pray (Colossians 3:17).

Amen".

GOD'S VISIBLE HAND DURING CHOGM
(Just some of the things I, a simple intercessor, have seen):

• Hecklers began a noisy protest as preparations were made for the unveiling of the "Tree of Life" sculpture. The authorities were alerted and quieted the disturbance before our ceremony began. The hecklers' plans came to nothing - had they began their loud protest during the unveiling it would have been very disruptive.

• 144 years and one day previously, the then Governor of W.A. had unveiled the foundation stone for the Wesley Church where the "Tree of Life" now stands. The Tree was never meant to be there in the heart of the city, but rather in a park outside the CBD. The "birth" of the sculpture was a rocky road, for its very existence and for its home. Finally a wonderful central site was offered and the crafts-people went to work. Then, at the last minute, the Premier of WA (our political leader) had to say that, sadly, he could not unveil the monument. However our Governor (our Queen Elizabeth's representative) was happy, together with his wife and six-year-old daughter, to step in. The historical and spiritual significance of the two Governors and the 144 years was not known until later. Demonstrably our Government, at the highest level, is standing behind the prayers of our children, for the future of our country and the whole world.

• A leading Commonwealth delegation (and others too) threatened to return home and abandon CHOGM over issues of human rights. Newspaper headlines trumpeted "CHOGM Talks Derailed". Overnight prayer immediately availed to help quash this potential for harm, by morning the media were able to report that the talks were "back on the rails".

• Very different groups from many parts of the city-wide Church filled all the 24x7 CPI prayer time-slots at Wesley Church, right at the very centre of our CBD. When it appeared that some night-watch times would not be covered, more than enough people quickly came forward to complete the 24x7 wall of prayer.

• Chris, a Christian friend and brother, was a CHOGM volunteer. His overwhelming observation was that the volunteers saw peace, calm and co-operation during the event, "beyond anything in their experience"; a total contrast to the many threats of insurrection, violence and disruptive protest which had been aired beforehand.

• During the River Prayer Cruise a banner blew overboard into the water. It was considered lost; our ship was too big to turn and try to find it. The Water Police saw the banner fall, sped to the place, retrieved it, and gently came alongside our ship to return it. The banners were a significant part of our Shine prayer and they all have names; this banner's name is "Revival". So the strong arm of our Government rescued "Revival" from the waters, and returned it to the Church.

• At no time did any protest get out of hand or become loud, disruptive or violent.

• Throughout the CHOGM "city lock down" there was a widely recognised peace and gentleness among all the Police and other security personnel and the media.

• The weather was glorious.

• The final Shine meetings at Wesley Church did not have speakers assigned. Then for the "Men of Power" session Jesus sent Graham Power (Power!), founder of the Global Day of Prayer, truly a man whose power comes from obedience and commitment. For the closing meeting, "Women as Agents of Change", He sent Yodi (Dr. Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija) of the Transformational Development Agency; she is a vibrant, praying woman who is agent for extremely effective change at national and international levels! Grace, blessing and rich prayer flowed ..

Praise you Lord Jesus. Thank you Father.

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Amen.

Unity Through Prayer

Unity Through Prayer

Commonwealth Prayer Initiative - 2010 and 2011

EVERYONE I know who was praying for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings has been deeply impacted. There is a sense of awe that we (me? yes, even me!) would have been chosen by Jesus for this work. We have a new understanding of what Jesus, John, Peter and Paul were telling us as they taught again and again that when we are united, the darkness in the world will be overcome as the Kingdom of God advances "infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine according to the power that is working among us" (Ephesians 3:20).

Here are some thoughts Jesus has shared with me over the past few weeks:

UNITED - Bible Word Search

(Romans 6:5) For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.

(Philippians 2:1-2) So if there is any encouragement from being united in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

(Colossians 2:2) that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together, united in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ.

UNITY - Bible Word Search

(Psalm 133:1) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers and sisters dwell in unity!

(Romans 15:5) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you the spirit of unity to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.

(Ephesians 4:13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature adulthood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

(Colossians 3:14) And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect unity.

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT CPI AND UNITY

•  Unity is modeled by the Holy Trinity; Father, Son and Spirit.

•  Unity is the most outstanding characteristic of CPI (Commonwealth Prayer Initiative).

•  CPI has a limitless variety of people participating across
nations, ethnicity and Church denominations, doctrines, and practice.

•  Traditional denominational barriers seemed to melt before the needs of CPI:

••  Many different local churches hosted the Thursday evening CPI meetings in Perth - each one would host for just one month then then another congregation would step up.

•• 54 days before CPI-Shine the flags of the 54 Commonwealth nations were presented to our Lord Jesus at St Georges Anglican Cathedral. The Bishop and his team graciously hosted and provided many resources for this launch - they welcomed all Christians and many Civil and Government leaders.

•• Shine launched at Challenge Stadium. Hundreds of Christians (many of whom did not know one-another) voluntarily worked together and brought a stadium-sized public event to a magnificent realisation, to the glory of God our Father and His Son.

•• For the next two days a Baptist Church and a Charismatic/Pentecostal Church welcomed the whole body of Christ, including many inter-state and overseas visitors, for joint prayer and sharing about Christian life in our diverse communities and countries.

•• Then for a week, Wesley Church, of the Uniting denomination, at the very heart of Perth City CBD, hosted 24x7 prayer. This ranged from quiet contemplative prayer to warfare prayer to very loud, exuberant praise and worship; altogether about 68 sessions led by more than 50 different people or groups. All of this was honouring to Jesus our King of Kings.

• Unity among Christians brought change at the CHOGM meetings. When some nations threatened to withdraw their delegations (over issues of human rights) the media announced "CHOGM Talks Derailed"; it seemed that no progress could be made. After overnight warfare prayer, unity prevailed among the praying Christians and then among the nations. The talks went ahead as planned, the media reported that "CHOGM was back on track". We will rejoice as we see the world change as a result; we expect to see change in all Commonwealth countries, especially those ruled by despots, by the corrupt and by warlords; Jesus can change the hearts of all He chooses. We know that God appoints all rulers (Romans 13:1), in His might and power He can bring change and extend their unity. So we pray.

Thank you Jesus for bringing your Church here to this wonderful place of unity, sense of joint purpose, and hope in Jesus Christ. We pray that you will continue to challenge and guide us and what we have seen will grow "that none should perish" (2 Peter 3:9).

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

Healing the Lands

"Healing the Lands" - Jesus' Word at Commonwealth Prayer Initiative

UNITY

Today at a CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting) prayer and praise "Shine" meeting, Pastor Givera from Papua New Guinea gave breathtaking testimony of "the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ" coming to his town after the Christians there began to humble themselves, offer forgiveness, find common ground and serve one another and all of their neighbors . .

I thought to myself "yes, but" as we are prone to do. "Yes, but, he lives in a simpler place than our fast-paced Western city with our 200 years of denominational Church rivalry and history".

Givera shared that for some years now, on Thursdays, there has been a lively church meeting with people from fifteen to twenty different denominations and local churches, all celebrating Jesus and worshiping together. His town's population is less than 40,000. Fifteen to twenty! Here is unity!

MARRIAGE?

Then Jesus spoke to me: "This is not beyond your understanding; isn't it just like marriage? Like your marriage to Trish? Like any marriage of a man and a woman? And isn't it good training for our marriage, yours and mine, when I come for my bride, when I come for you? (Revelation 21:2). 

Well, yes! In so many ways . .

LOVE

After 31 years married, Trish and my love still grows richer and stronger; we learned early and often in our marriage that "love" is a "doing" word. We know that marriage is "very good" (Genesis 1:31), and also that both man and wife have to give, all the time. Give in service, in humour, support, encouragement, humility, empathy, forgiveness and in putting oneself last. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). But the joys overwhelmingly outweigh the giving, they bless!

PERSEVERANCE

Early in marriage we learned to persevere; "persevere" is another "doing" word. We learned to persevere when the babies seemed always to be teething or sick. Persevere when pay after pay there was no money left for fun. Persevere when work took all the energy. Persevere when things just went wrong. "But love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:8). The joys overwhelmingly bless!

JESUS

Most marriages reach a point where they are effectively over; there is no longer any forward movement, nothing seems to still bind. There was such a time for Trish and I but neither of us was prepared to give up our children. So, instead of separating, we turned to Jesus and asked Him into our marriage as a constant and equal participant. We soon found that "a three strand cord is not easily broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12). And the joys overwhelmingly bless!

Our most precious relationships, of man and wife and of Christian and Lord, are surely modeled on God Himself, in whose image we are made. Our relationships are akin to His own relationship of Father, Son and Spirit; loving, poured out, generous, unbreakable, eternal.

WE ALREADY KNOW

What Pastor Givera and his brothers and sisters are living out in PNG is so very similar to that which is already familiar in many of our lives . . We know how to do unity, we know how to find God's will in the Church . . But how do we spread this throughout the church? I guess we pray .. Then it will take the application of a couple of simple "doing" words . . 

"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Love: a "doing" word.

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

The Kings Of The Earth

Jesus' Word For "Shine" At Challenge Stadium

At Challenge Stadium today, while preparations were ramping up for the Commonwealth Prayer Initiative "Shine" launch, I had some quiet time so asked Jesus "how shall I pray?" He answered with one word: "nations". When you think about it, the nations and their people are the focus of this whole thing: CHOGM, CPI, Project 54, Shine and Converge.

The word "nations" appears throughout Scripture. On the very last page of the Bible Jesus is telling the Apostle John what He is ultimately going to bring forth . .

(Revelation 21:10-11,22-24)   And He . . showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal . . And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it . . 

" . . and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it . . "

What promise! What prophesy!

The new Jerusalem is near. It will be home not just for us Christians, but the world's rulers will bring their glory and all those in their rule. They will join us, under Jesus' rule!

We know that God's will is “that none should perish" (2 Peter 3:9). We are part of God's "today" movement towards His goal.

Many in the world, especially in the media, say that the British Commonwealth of 54 nations, and the CHOGM meetings are anachronistic, paternalistic, and worthless. But we are assured by our own Lord Jesus that this is not true.

Over the past two years many, many prophetic words have confirmed that Jesus and our Father God are for the Commonwealth and her 2.1 billion people and that CHOGM 2011 will be a blessing to many millions as God advances what He has always planed!

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

SPIRITUAL? A Poem

Spiritual? Is there?

Spiritual?

Physical?
We know dimension, form, weight.
Body? We know our body. Everywhere, the reality of body.

Soul? Will and emotions?
Just be with any-one . . any time,
will will rise . . emotions will flower.

But spiritual?

Billions in the world . . do half see spiritual?
More?
More.

Testimonies?
See workings,
not from humankind,
not from will and emotion.
Mysteries.

Ever see a miracle?
A storm diverted?
A doomed person healed?
Beyond doctors, beyond drugs.

A spiritual source?

Testimonies tell.

Whence love? What's love?
Whence beauty? Ethics? Truth?
Whence prophecy? Déjà vu? Out-of-body?

Spiritual.

Ah . . Whence spiritual?

God?

Billions see.

Billions testify, God is love.
God creator, keeping the Cosmos,
healer, worker of miracles, eternal.
The breath, the power, the intelligence
of "Science", of "Nature", of "Big Bang", of life.

How to know? 

Who?

Jesus. God with us. Present. Bonded. Mine.

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Amen.

Father Heart of God: 6

Father Heart of God - Session 6 – God Is Love

Session 1: Big Questions/Big Ideas
Session 2: Relationships
Session 3: Beliefs and Strongholds
Session 4: Unworthy, Yet Adopted
Session 5: Faith And Intimacy


JESUS IS THE ANSWER TO EVERY QUESTION
. . every question . .

Jesus teaches us how to come to our Father:

"This is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven'" (Matthew 6:9-13).

Jesus revealed Himself to me, and brought me to Our Father!
".. He who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9)


ABBA – THE NEW COVENANT NAME

Jesus called His Father “Abba” – Aramaic for “Daddy” - the adult name for the Father He loves and fully trusts - familiar - intimate. We, as Christians, are encouraged to use this name.

Can you call Father Abba?
Was your life too chaotic and painful for you to trust and be in close relationship with this Father we’ve been hearing about ?

Do you really want to come with Jesus to His Father? Is this too scary? Would you rather just stay with Jesus? The One who saved you? Healed you? Brought you into new life?

Scriptures
Is there a Scripture we have looked at these past few weeks (or another?) which has really excited you? Shaken you? Been particularly poignant?

Some of mine:
". . God sent his Son. . that He might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as children"  (Galatians 4:4,5). Me – redeemed and adopted?

". . the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God"  (Romans 8:21). Me – part of God’s work over ALL creation?

". . Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called children of God". (1 John 3:1 KJV). Me? Amazing! Behold!


THE SON WHO WAS LOST THEN FOUND

Luke 15:11-32  The Prodigal Son:  A man had two sons. The younger demanded his share of the inheritance, went to a far country and squandered everything on fast, immoral living. Soon the money was gone and times got tough; he found work, feeding pigs for a farmer. Imagine, being Jewish and feeding pigs!

The young man realised that he had made a terrible mistake and set out for home where he planned to repent before his father. He knew what he would say: "I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me a hired hand".

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him. Immediately the father ran, flat out, to his son, he threw his arms around him and kissed him. The father put his best robe around his son, and sandals on his feet. He put the family ring on his finger, the ring represents all the honour and wealth of the family. Then he arranged a great feast to celebrate his son’s return.

The older son was hurt and angry; he had continually been with the father, working the farm, and had never asked for special favours. He refused to attend the party. What do we see here?

The Prodigal Son:

• The father never stopped loving him - (Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:8) "God is love".

• The son’s sins paled in light of the father’s love - (Romans 5:8) "But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us".

• Even before the son’s repentance, the father restored him fully into his family - (Colossians 1:12) "the Father . . has qualified you to share in the inheritance".

• He cloaked the son, thus making him clean - (Galatians 3:27) "you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ".

• He received sandals as befitted a person of position – (Ephesians 6:15) "having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace".

• He received the family ring. This gave him all the family’s authority (Luke 10:19) "Behold, I give you authority, over all the power of the enemy".

• He was welcomed fully into fellowship with the father (2 Corinthians 13:14) "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you".

The Older Son:

• The older son was not in intimate relationship with his father – he did not know how beloved he was (Matthew 3:17) "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased".

• He did not accept that he was son and heir (John 15:15) "no longer do I call you a servant".
.
• He did not value or use his authority (as the only heir once his brother had gone) (Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:10) "in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority".
.
• he did not accept that he was rich because of his family. His father made clear "all I have is yours"; (Philippians 4:19) "My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus".

Their Father

• And their father? Well – he was a father! He was God’s image and likeness! (Genesis 1:26).

Our Father (and Jesus’ Father)

• Regardless of our background, all Christians have been adopted into God’s family.

• We are positionally children of our heavenly Father.

• So, we are positionally very close to our heavenly Father.

• We can expect to be experientially and practically children of our heavenly Father; blessed, safe, loved, warm, healed, fed.

• Father is always there – loving – protecting - guiding – faithful (Matthew 28:20).

• We can say "Jesus does it all", our Saviour, redeemer, healer, betrothed (Hebrews 2:10).

• He helps us want to change, and then helps us make the change (Romans 11:27).

• He is a teacher and mentor – His Holy Spirit is teacher, counsellor, guide.

• He provides ministry for us (it is there, but often we must search it out and be patient) (3 John 1:2).

•  He has faith enough for both of us: (Romans 10:17) "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God".

From intimate relationship with Jesus – the eternal and perfect Word of God
• Know the Son – know the Father (John 14:9).

SUCH LOVE
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.
Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
(Song of Solomon 2:3-6 NIV) (from session 5)

"Abba".

Praise Jesus.

Amen.

SUGGESTED READING – These Are Precious To Me And To Trish

The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane. Strongholds are untrue things we believe. The Lord will show us the truth but it is up to us to renew our own mind and to believe God’s truth (Jesus is the Word of God) (Romans 7:23, 12:2, Colossians 3:2).

The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee. Wonderful. He uses clear language to say what I knew but could not express. Read the early chapters about finding faith (Romans 4:8 ASV, Romans 6:11 ASV).

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. A refreshing young Christian writer. Christianity is relational, not propositional!

The Holy Bible. We have eight or ten translations at home. We use, and love, them all. We get a pretty clear picture of the truth from using all the materials we have amassed over the years.

• I recommend NIV or NASB or ESV or WEB. All translations are imperfect, but I believe that these have great scholarship which includes the early texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

• Older translations seem to me to have more errors .

• Newer versions such as TNIV and The Message often lose the poignant meaning of the original Bible texts which were written in Hebrew and Greek, from relational cultures.

Jesus prayed to the Father on our behalf: (John 17:17) "Sanctify them in your truth. Your Word is truth".

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

Father Heart of God: 5

Faith and Intimacy - The Faith OF God

I am not big enough to force God off course. He will work out his plan:
(Revelation 21 and 22)  I saw a new heaven and a new earth . . the very glory of God illuminated it . . He will wipe away every tear from their eyes . . He showed me a river of water of life . . "Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me" . . And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come".

We can obey "follow me" (Mark 2:14), and

co-operate "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17), and

rest "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me " (Psalm 23:6, 62:1), and

believe Jesus answered them, "Have the faith of God" (Mark 11:22-24) (exete pisto Theou)

Here Mark is talking about the God kind of faith. In the beginning when God spoke, He knew that the Creation would emerge. This is the same God and Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. He is in you, and in me. God, our Father, gives His faith to us so we can draw close to Him, and learn personally and experientially who He is, and how we are truly connected to Him. Osmosis.

This kind of faith requires nothing from us. It is all God, from our Father through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. We can not pump up our faith, we simply learn to know who it is that we believe.

Sometimes we do not see what we believe - our life may remain hard - painful - lonely (John 16:33).

Abraham knew this kind of faith. He spent many years walking and waiting and taking risks:
(Romans 4:17-21) As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations" .. being fully assured that what He had promised, God was also able to perform.

And so can we:
(Romans 5:1-4) . . we . . have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand . . we rejoice in hope of the glory of God . . we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.

Names Had Real Substance In Biblical Times:
Abram:  High father
Abraham:  Father of many nations
John:  The Lord is gracious
Mary:  Beloved
Jesus:  Saviour, deliverer, the Lord is salvation (Yeshua, Joshua)
Christ:  Anointed (Messiah)

Some Of God's Names For Himself - (God's own Holy Spirit wrote the Bible):
Jehovah-Jireh:  "The Lord our provider" (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah-Nissi:  "Our banner, a banner of love and protection" (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovah-Shalom:  "The Lord your perfect peace" (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah-Tsid-Kenu:  "The Lord is our righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16)
Jehovah-Shammah:  "The One Who is with us everywhere", (Ezekiel 48:35, Isaiah 60:19)
Jehovah-Sabaoth:  "The Lord of Hosts, our Protector." (Psalm 46:7)
Jehovah-Raah:  "Our Shepherd, feeder, companion, friend, pastor, herdsman. He who tenderly leads us, loves us and will keep us safe" (Psalm 23)
Jehovah-Rapha:  "I am the Lord Your Healer" (Exodus 15:26)
(All the Divine Names And Titles In The Bible, Herbert Lockyer, Zondervan, 1988)

Jehovah is "The One who is our Father". Everything. Can we come to terms with this ?


THE PERSISTENT NEIGHBOUR (Luke 11:2-8)

After Jesus teaches his twelve disciples the Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:2-4), He goes on to tell about the "one of you", the friend, who goes to his neighbour late at night, to ask for bread for a surprise visitor. The neighbour says: "Don't bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give it to you". Eventually, because the "one of you" is very persistent, the neighbour gets up and gives the bread (Luke 11:5-8) .

Many Christians identify with these verses, they are familiar with, again and again, persistently praying to God, seeking answers and solutions ..

This story is from Bible times. The people Jesus was talking to knew what He was saying. They knew the Old Covenant promises to Abraham and how, decades later, after great struggle and much strife, Isaac was borne. They knew about the glory of David's reign. They knew about the prophets, watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem, reminding God of His promises, day and night (Isaiah 62:6). They knew about the 400 years of silence; waiting for answers to God's promise of a Messiah, with no sign or word.

Jesus was teaching in an Old Covenant context, but He was talking about the New Covenant.
He was talking about us. Christians. We are the children of the Father.
We are the ones in bed with our family, safe, fed, bathed, warm; "my children".

We are NOT the "one of you", the neighbour who is outside and not a child of this family.

No. We are "inside", with the Father and mother.

All our needs have been met without question.
We can look forward in complete confidence to the formation and the unfolding of our lives.

We can say "Abba", Daddy.
"Abba" was an intimate name of an adult for the father he or she loves and trusts.

(Galatians 4:6-7) And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!" So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.  An heir of God! With Christ and through Christ!

(1John 3:1 KJV) Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us, that we should be called the children of God.

This simple Scripture verse is so profound it is now a song:

Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us
Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us
That we should be called a child of God
That we should be called a child of God
Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us (www.St-Takla.org)

INTIMACY - MY TESTIMONY

So Little Fruit

Why am I giving this talk? God's faithfulness towards me has won my heart.

I seemed not to be growing as a Christian. I was so keen, so committed. But for years and years there was so little fruit. Nobody had any clue how to improve or fix this. One said "Just believe, where is your faith?" Another: "God loves you John! Jesus died to forgive your sins". My response was to clam up. Couldn't they see that what they were saying had nothing to do with me. They were talking from there. They were there, wherever "there" was, and I most certainly was not!

It was very clear to me that God had favourites. These were the ones who got stuff. They got a word or a touch from the Lord, anointing during worship, understanding, favour, guidance. They got jobs and a level of economic freedom. They got friends. They got God's tangible love. It was manifest for them; they were aware of being loved. God's love was not just a concept.

I knew that I was not a favourite. I just got the biblical minimum: I was saved and had some church fellowship. But barely enough provision. For years I had no job. We didn't actually starve, but we definitely did do it tough through our children's school years. We have scars.

Good News

Then I came into intimate relationship with Jesus. He brought me to Our Father. (John 14:7) "If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him".

A teacher named Priscilla came to our city. She spoke of her intimate times with Jesus. She had been where I was; like me she knew that there was more and it seemed completely out of reach. 

She decided to make time and cry out to Jesus: "Jesus I'm here, I need you. Come please Jesus. Please show yourself to me". Her testimony is that He came to her!
(John 12:21) They came to Philip . . and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus".
(Jeremiah 29:13) You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

Yes! that was what I longed for. So I decided I would do just what Priscilla had done. I would wait for a hole in my day, settle down somewhere and say: "Jesus, Lord, I'm here. Will you come so we can simply be together? Please Jesus?"

After a while He did start to come! For me! My Jesus! Just as Priscilla told it. Now He and I often spend time together in our own special and intimate way. Jesus and I have a long way to go with this, sometimes the cares and business "among the thorns" get in my way (Matthew 13:22). But He is my beloved, I have so very many glorious hugs. Encouragement. Company.

Jesus Himself gives me help, comfort, direction, answers, dreams, visions, prophesies and work. I believe I'll have these memories forever. Best of all, He brought me into relationships.

Where I was once very far off I am now inside, safe, fed, warm, in bed with my family and my Abba Father while others bang on outside.

(Ephesians 2:13) But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.

(Acts 2:39) For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself".

Now, more than 25 years after being saved, I see Jesus' plans for me, for Trish, our marriage, our family, his Church and His Kingdom, all working out. There was never no progress. But it was always His progress. It is His plan, He equips and makes ready in His own time. Patience and perseverance are fruits of Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We do not grow and become patient by living only in gratification. God is love (1 John 4:16), Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9).

(Song of Solomon 2:3-6 NIV) - This is me speaking, me the beloved. Jesus is my Love!!
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.
Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.
His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.

I am the beloved of my Father and His Son. And so are you ..
Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

Father Heart of God: 4

Father Heart Of God – Session 4 – Unworthy Yet Adopted - (I’m So Rotten)

Jesus' Family And Ancestry

How is Jesus introduced in the Bible? The Old Testament closes with the prophets who are trying, unsuccessfully, to get Israel to have a change of heart towards the God who had brought them so far. Israel knew themselves as God’s chosen people yet they were wretched and scattered far from their own lands. They were waiting on the promise that the Messiah would come: (Malachi 4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings; and you shall go forth, and gambol as calves of the stall.

There followed the Inter-Testament period of 400 years of silence; waiting for Messiah. Silence from God for 400 years! Then the New Testament begins with the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew (called an Evangelist) was an Israelite, a Jew, and wrote for his own people.

 
When meeting someone, Jewish people want to know: "who is your father?" 

How does this Gospel, (and the whole New Testament), begin?
(Matthew 1:1-2) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren . .
It begins with "begats", (like the Book of Numbers).

Jesus’ Ancestors:

Abraham repeatedly lied to protect himself. He betrayed his wife three times, and made her servant pregnant to "help" God multiply his seed like the "sands of the seashore".

Isaac's older half-brother Ishmael was sent into the desert to die.

Jacob stole his brother's birthright. He lied and betrayed to "succeed".

Judah slept with his daughter-in-law thinking her a prostitute. He learned who she was, and that she was pregnant with twins, and tried to kill her.

Rahab was a spy and a prostitute; treacherous, with a dollar each way on the outcome of the war. (Rahab became Boaz' grandmother).

Boaz was disloyal to his people, selfish. He married Ruth, an immigrant girl from the hated Moabite country. (Later David was under dire threat and he was given sanctuary in Moab).

David was a man "after God’s own heart". Even so he was adulterous with Bathsheba who became pregnant with Solomon, then he murdered Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to cover the adultery, and married her.

Solomon was wise, rich and successful? Son of the adultery of David and Bathsheba. Married many of Israel’s enemies, Pharaoh’s daughter and other foreign women, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites who "turned away his heart". Insecure? Selfish? Promiscuous?

Manasseh was a prodigal son, but also an occultist and a murderer.

Joseph was a lowly carpenter. He found that Mary was pregnant but not by him. He planned to divorce her, but heard directly from God so took her to Nazareth where Jesus was born in poverty in a manger, an animal stall. (John 1:46) "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?"

• But you, today, how would you feel if a family with this kind of history moved in next door ?

• Was your own family so bad that it’s impossible for God to see you as lovely ? No.

• Jesus said: "Honour your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12). A command with a promise!

O To Have A Perfect Dad

If we were offered a second life on earth, and were to be given the father of our greatest desires, what qualities would we request ?

A kind and generous father, who loves your mum, a story teller, hard working, a good provider, prayerful, honest, strong, sporty, a protector, well regarded, not religious, a solid family man - what would you ask for ?

Jesus found only wonderful qualities in His Father – now He’s our Father !!
Our own earthly life may have been difficult – painful – exasperating – with much darkness. But our heavenly Father is still with us, illuminated by Jesus, the light of the world:

(Mat 28:20) "Behold, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age".

Father God is not only powerful and purposeful. He is relational, he is with us.

He is Daddy to each one.

Jesus' story invariably shows Him to be very close to His Father. In the same way Father God was always close to Jesus. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and the Epistles are exciting adventures. Drama. The Kingdom of God breaking in on the world.

Jesus died to bring me to Father. Now His Dad is my Dad. Eternally. Forever.


Problems On Earth

Even in times of war we see people who seem to rise above their circumstances: in the Nazi Concentration Camps, Christians in Arché province in Indonesia, the persecuted Christians of Somalia, India, Britain, the USA. Christians in jail in China. These people cleave to their Father God and to their Saviour, Jesus.

They are our brothers and sisters. We are all in the same family. God is with us all; but there is no promise of a bed of roses.

You have problems?

• Satan loves to give us problems – he is the great deceiver – he lies, destroys and kills (John 10:10).

• God will help us see a stronghold or problem, then will bring truth and a solution. Thus He is able to bring good out of what was intended for bad.

• Light from darkness. Jesus (John 1:4-5).

(Romans 8:28) We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.


Immediate Righteousness And Forgiveness For Christians

We are fully righteous in Christ. God will always forgive. Whatever your sin, repent. Father God will always respond with forgiveness. Always. So lovely! 

Old Covenant - temporary and partial forgiveness:

(Isaiah 55:7) let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

New Covenant– immediate, complete and eternal forgiveness:

(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the fulfilment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
(2Corinthians 5:21) For Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on our behalf; so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

We are righteous in Christ. God brings solutions. Father God will always be on your side.

Jesus' Delight In His Fear Of The Lord

Jesus loves his Father. We see this throughout the Scriptures and in everything he did.

Isaiah wrote about Jesus:
(Isaiah 11:2-3) The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord - and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

Jesus considered that being God's Son was something more precious and majestic than anything else imaginable. Glorious. He lived for it. He died for it. And He rose to take His place in all of Creation and all of history to fulfil it. His "fear of the Lord" revered and honoured God’s moral authority, His perfect love and perfect judgement.

(Exodus 20:20) Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won't sin".

(Psalm 46:10) "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth".

Jesus' holy fear of the Lord motivated Him to preserve humanity as royal sons and daughters, set over the entire created order:

(Romans 8:17,21) Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ . . The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to corruption and decay, and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

ADOPTED

I used to see life as chaotic . . as though God had taken His hands off the world's controls for the Twentieth Century.

Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) saw life as: "then comes the day of the Laodiceans, when you know you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, and with the visage of a gruesome, grieving ghost you go shuddering through nightmare life".

(Proverbs 13:12) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

If we turn and seek our eternal Father He will surely come:
(Proverbs 8:17) I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

(Jeremiah 29:13) You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

(Ephesians 1:4-5) . . even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love  he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

Father God fulfils His greatest wish for us; He makes us His child, alongside His beloved Jesus. Jesus' sonship was His greatest treasure during His time on Earth. Jesus was ever aware that He is Father God's Son, beloved, precious, eternal. Even when He was taking on all the sin of the whole world, Jesus clung to his sonship.

(Psalm 22:1-2) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don't answer; in the night season, and am not silent.

Yet He still clung to His Father; He had "the faith of God" (Mark 11:22): But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel (Psalm 22:3). 

He vowed to continue to give glory to his Father: I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the assembly, I will praise you (Psalm 22:22).

Cleave To Father God, through Jesus, By Holy Spirit

Encouragement for our lives, each one of us:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.

For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ;
if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.

For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

(Romans 8:14-19).

Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus.

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

Father Heart of God: 3

God's Father Heart - Session 3 - Beliefs and Strongholds

Dictionary:

·        hubris - overbearing pride or presumption, arrogance.

·        shame - A painful emotion from guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace.

·        fall - to lose an upright or erect position suddenly - to hang down - to be cast down - to experience defeat or ruin - to give in to temptation and sin - to lose one's chastity.

Theological Definition - The Fall

·       To lose the primordial innocence and happiness of humanity as a result of sin.

·       For the first pair, Adam and Eve, the Fall was the result of sin unfolding in disrupted relationships resulting from their self-serving exercise of autonomy in God's world, a world in which they could not be gods.

(Genesis 3:6-7) . . she took of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband, and he ate. The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked . .

THE FALL - Satan Attacks

The Fall came from sin. Satan tempted Adam and Eve. They thought they could be as God. They fell, and creation fell with them. Humankind became separated from God. Pain and death came to the world. You and I were born into this world of death and sin.

Where now is God's plan of Him being Father and the Son sharing His sonship with all people?

Until people become Christian the sinful world is their home, they are part of the kingdom of darkness, and Satan is their father. (Why does Scripture say he is "father" and not "boss" or "chief" or "ruler"?):

(John 8:44) You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. 

Satan is a thief. He steals our peace, he tells us that we don't measure up, that we aren't worthy. He tempts us, and pours sickness over us. (John 10:10) The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

Satan really wants you to NOT take your rightful place as a son or daughter of God, and NOT exercise your Kingdom authority, NOT be free, NOT to be healthy.

Billions of people are hurting; (a billion minutes ago Jesus was alive on the Earth), that is a great many hurting people!

Satan attacks men: His objective is to destroy the family. Husbands and fathers are essential to all humankind. Studies show the truth of this in kids' behaviour, relationships, mental health, citizenship.

Satan attacks women: Dr James Dobson ran a survey of thousands of Christian and non-Christian women. Their single biggest problem was poor self esteem.

Anyone who knows the children of divorced parents knows that these things are true.

Is Father God's heart broken?? No!! He sent Jesus ..

(Hebrews 2:8) "[Father God] put all things in subjection under Jesus' feet". The Father subjected all things to Him, and left nothing that is not subject to Him. But now we don't see all things subjected to Him, yet. (See also Psalm 8:6 and 1 Corinthians 15:25).

CONSEQUENTIAL BELIEFS

Children

Our fridge has lots of brilliant photos of happy family times. Our kids are very special to me and to my wife Trish, always.

Not every childhood memory is good. My mum encouraged, but my dad would say "that doesn't look like an octopus to me", and point out the faults in the picture, (isn't it sad that I still remember this moment all these years later?)

How we see our self and God comes from our family, upbringing and culture.

Universal Childhood Beliefs

·         Children see their parents as infallible, mighty, successful.

·         A child sees every family problem as being rooted in them self.

Natural Flow Of Thinking

Life shapes us, in our body and health, and also in our soul (that part of our person where our emotions and will are centred). This shapes our thinking and responses.

We may have trouble with our back or a knee after an injury. In the same way we can have severe long lasting pain in our emotions after traumas in childhood and adolescence. Or after divorce or betrayal. Or being sacked. Even from physical trauma.

Surprisingly, love and forgiveness do not fully repair this damage to the soul. Human love alone is not enough for this. Neither is simply understanding the problem. This is why secular counselling, psychology and psychiatry seem less than 100% effective.

We have all experienced pain from our families, from classmates and teachers, from the bullies at school and at work, from cruel teenage crushes, and from foolish things we have done or terrible decisions we have made.

(To some this list will seem very pale compared with the awful things they have known).

Parenting Influences Our View Of God

·        A parenting trait of "Being Distant, not taking notice and always being too busy" may produce a Consequential Belief in the child of "I'm insignificant". This may lead to the belief that "God is busy elsewhere with others, and I should not expect to receive attention or love".

·        A parenting trait of "Abuse (verbal, physical, sexual ..)" may produce a Consequential Belief in the child of "I'm dirty, it's my fault, powerful people may abuse me". He or she might go on to believe that "God doesn't care what happens to me".

·        A parenting trait of "Spoiling - always giving in, in every situation" may produce a Consequential Belief in the child of "I can name and claim, blab and grab". The growing child may then believe that "God is transactional and; formulaic; works and demands bring rewards".

·        My own earthly father was mean and selfish (see my testimony in FHoG Session 1). (Consequently) I grew up believing that I would have to make my own way in everything and could not rely on others. For years I believed that God always had a closed hand towards me; I saw that everything I touched turned to ashes. At the same time I saw that others were treated well, materially and in their self-esteem. This was tough to live with.

More parenting traits to consider: Disappointed, Uncommunicative, Harsh, Un-affirming, Non-tactile, Argumentative, Unloving, Unpredictable, Critical, Controlling, Overprotective . .

We Live According To Our Beliefs

Wrong beliefs build strongholds. We put our trust in these strongholds. This is deception. We are free to take on wrong beliefs (being made free in the image of God). But we are equally free to take on and appropriate truth!

Only we ourselves can change what we believe. We can find the truth, then appropriate it. God our Father gives us Jesus, God's Word. Jesus is truth, God's plumb-line:

Jesus has abundantly equipped us:
(2 Corinthians 10:3-4) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds.

Cleave to Jesus:
(John 1:14) The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus has already brought us to Father God:
(James 1:18) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Jesus brought us to freedom as Children of Father God:
(Galatians 5:1) Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Jesus himself made us for love, from love. He longs to bring us to his Father, fully as children of God (Romans 8:16), sons and daughters in fullness forever, the same as Jesus knows it.

Father God sent Jesus to "bring many 'sons' to glory" (Hebrews 2:10).

RESTORATION

Dictionary: redeem - to regain possession by paying a price.

(Galatians 4:4,5) . . God sent his Son. . that He might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption as children.

(Titus 2:13,14) . . our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for Himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

(Romans 8:21) the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

We are forever covered by Jesus' righteousness.
(Romans 10:4) For Christ is the fulfillment of the law of righteousness to all who believe.

(1 Corinthians 1:30) . . you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption . .

We are justified when we are saved. Fully. Completely. All our sins are washed away and we are set free from sin and death. Now, men and women, boys and girls, Jesus has brought us into sonship, the same precious Sonship that He knows, and has always known. Jesus' daddy is our daddy! Abba is a grown-up name of choice for a real father.

Jesus Restores Us

He brings us into the "original" design, the "original" relationship.

As Christians, we became a new creation in Jesus Christ, we are adopted by a new father; the Father of Heaven and Earth. Our spiritual DNA is replaced. We become sons and daughters. Biblically we are in God's inheritance.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) . . if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation . . all things . .

(Galatians 4:6)  Now as his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts to cry out, "Abba! Father!"

(Romans 8:15)  For you did not receive a spirit of fear, but the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father".

(Romans 8:16) The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

(Romans 8:17)  Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.

"Is it lawful to heal a man on the Sabbath"? (Matthew 12:10). Yes, it is! Always.

Amen.

(Great song: "Healing in His Wings" from "Singing in the Spirit" by Diana Longwell)

Praise Jesus.

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Amen.

Father Heart of God: 2

GOD'S FATHER HEART - SESSION 2

CREATION - By and For God

After I was Christian for a while I was aware that what I had was not enough.

A few of years ago the lord had me looking into the Bible account of the Creation - Genesis Chapters 1 and 2, and John Chapter 1.

I lived in these three chapters for a whole year; I couldn't have a quiet time without turning there and pondering in my heart!.

The Creation And Its Purpose - Indescribable!

(Job 26:7) He stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth on nothing.

Jesus, the Word of God, gave me some answers. I am convinced that God, the Trinity of Father, Son and Spirit, created the universe from love. The whole thing was, and is, from love and for love.
(1 John 4:8) He who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.

Before "the beginning" there was just God, our God, nothing else.

Not:
•   Not Buddha, complacent, and his god, unknowable and unreachable
•   Not the Muslim god, all alone, bitter, misogynistic, angry, vengeful
•   Not millions of Hindu or Roman gods fighting and back-stabbing for power.

Our God. Father, Son and Spirit. In love. Eternally pouring out for one-another. Giving.

Perichoresis "A fellowship and sharing so honest and open and real that persons involved dwell in one another without fear or coercion. It is union without loss of individual identity. When one weeps, the others taste salt".

Homoousios (homo: same, ousios: being), describes the complete mutual indwelling in each Person of the Trinity. While each Person remains in Himself as Father, Son and Spirit, they are, nevertheless, wholly in the others and they are wholly in themselves (in ontological relationship)" (John 14:10) I am in the Father, and the Father in me.

ontological - the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being. (http://www.trinityinyou.com/index  27Aug2010)

Elohim decided to make room for more. Whatever they brought into their presence would have to be very special:

•   The Father so loved the Son; it would be good to bring the Son a glorious bride, one who would be his delight forever . . (John 3:29, Revelation 22:17)

•  The Son so loved the Father; it would be good to give the Father many sons (many children in the inheritance), and bring them to glory . . (Hebrews 2:10)

•   Elohim would create creatures in their image. But not just spiritual. Physical.
Each would be hand made. Their spirit would flow from God's breath!

(Genesis 1) "let there be . . let there be . . let there be . . . . let us make man . . and call them 'man' and 'woman'" . . "and it was very good".

The Creation centres on family . . "Jehovah" or "Adonai" or "Lord" God is called Father.
The Son is called Son.
They were family and are family . . we are "in their image and likeness" . . this is why family seems natural to every people group in the world and has always done so!

WHY FATHER?

A Deep Yearning For Relationship:

•  Fiona Stanley: all children need parenting and education to have a future in the world; [Australian] indigenous children will continue to live chaotic lives until this happens: uneducated, under achieving, sick, short lived (2009).

•  Readers Digest: "The quality of a person's relationships is the most important factor in the level of happiness for that person" (July 2008).

•  Maggie Dent: "Human connectedness is what keeps us alive. Nothing Else . . Relationships. So you build pastoral care among our young people. Give them your relationship if there are no others. Make sure they eat properly, get good sleep, laugh. Exhausted, unloved, hungry kids are liable to make crazy, costly decisions". (Community worker and suburban mum. Author: "Live Fast, Die Young") (Talking Heads ABC-TV 14 July 2010).

•  James Baldwin: "Children are not good at listening to their parents, but always grow up being just like them". James Baldwin was an illegitimate black American 20th Century writer. "Go Tell it on the Mountain". "Nobody Knows My Name".

•  John Armstrong - philosopher, writer, thinker - writes books on civilisation, art, love and beauty, but appears not to discuss God at all. He loves to go outside late at night and look at the stars; there he can ponder such things as: why are we here? And, what does it all mean? He appears to base his ideas on "nice" or on nothing, yet is a popular speaker (guru (?)). (Melbourne University Business School)(Interview ABC/FM 26 August 2010).

Suggestions. No answers.

A Place For God The Father

The Spirit of God is seeking to reveal a deep but simple truth: "The undivided consciousness of Fatherhood is the single sufficient source of authority the church needs to initiate and sustain revival". This revelation is a shared state of awareness that can only be realised in the community of the church (A Place for God, John Yates, 2010).

We all deeply desire to belong as a child. The Bible calls this "sonship". Jesus treasured his Sonship; He was always aware that He was the Father's Son. Precious beyond everything. A Yearning For Father:

•  Sigmund Freud: "I could not point to any need in childhood as strong as that for fatherhood".

•  Lucille Ball of the "I Love Lucy" TV show when discussing the decline of Western society: "Where are the fathers?"

•  Catalyst: Dr Jonica Newby: "New science suggests that fathers, as well as mothers, experience changes throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Fathers appear to be subtly primed, by their hormones, for fatherhood, even before the child is born" (ABC-TV Thursday 1 July 2010).

•  Fatherhood is generally regarded as being precious . . Human history shows fathers have a special place in families in almost every culture, particularly those that are faith based.

• When told that IVF babies have no need of a father, something inside us says "not true".

• Kids naturally trust and admire their father, the hero without fault.

• "Who am I the son of?" this is my identity. Often single and de facto mothers give their children their father's family name. This is not a rational act.

• Today many Western children, particularly teens and young adults, are profoundly confused because they do not know who their father is. 

• Many young men have no grasp of what it is to be a man. 

• In an ancient Sumatran village missionaries found an old story that a god of the whole Universe would one day send his son to save the village people from their guilt and sin. A story like this has been part of the consciousness of many peoples around the world for hundreds of years. Http://christiankonnections.com/html/primitive_religion.html (31/10/2010). 

• Any man can be a father, but not every man can be a dad. 

One answer . . God is our Father . . Is this too scary?

IF

If I am truly a beloved intimate child of God most high, how do I respond? What do I do? Not nothing - but everything.

Because I am loved, I love, and am inclined toward the object of my love. Devoted. Caring. Seeking to please.

Not "I must", or "I should". I cannot help myself. (Sin cannot stay - it melts away, fruit grows).

How about you ? Can you identify with this ?

•  Beloved - I Am Beloved - You Are Beloved - He Is Our Beloved

•  As with an earthly beloved. Spend time together. Snuggle up. Hang out. Talk. Listen.

•  We do not have to have huge, intense, prayerful, worshipful, dress-up events.

•  If Jesus' Daddy is my Daddy then Jesus and I are brothers.

•  Sure, he is my Saviour. Certainly he is my Lord. Absolutely he rules and reigns over all the universe, and over me.

•  But so do I. And He has given me His righteousness. And His promises.

* I am with Him, at the right hand of our Father.

This is the New Covenant!

If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God  (Colossians 3:1).

WOMAN AT THE WELL

(John 4:5-26) (Three minutes to read aloud)
So he came to a city of Samaria . . Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink" . .

This woman has been so devastated by life. Possibly she is barren. Being barren is the worst thing that could happen to a woman in that Bible-times culture.

A lovely person? Beautiful? Five men married her, so she must have been very, very special.

But she was always rejected . .

Every man she was ever close with has abandoned her, she did not even go home to be with her parents after her fifth divorce, but endured the disgrace of living unmarried with a man.

Jesus came to her, He spent time with her. Jesus became a father to her.

Father and Mother

Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah . . His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah (9:6).

Jesus is also fully Mother: "How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Matthew 23:37).

Jesus awakened the woman's spirit to know the truth. He did not approach her as a Rabbi (which He was well qualified to do), or as a thirty-something man (she did not need another man telling her how to live).

No, He was Father to her, the one thing she needed above all else..

Truth (Because We Can Trust Our Father - The Bible Author)

As for you, the anointing which you received from Him remains in you, and you don't need for anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in Him  (1 John 2:27).

Amen.

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Praise Jesus.

Father Heart of God: 1

FATHER HEART OF GOD
1 of 6

Scriptures used here come largely from the World English Bible (e-Sword.com), the New International Version (Zondervan), and The Message (Eugene Peterson, e-Sword.com).

You are safe here. Your relationship with your earthly father, father-figure, step-father, or indeed any man, is your business and will NOT be subject to discussion here.

Who Am I ? Why Am I Teaching This ?
I am John. Born in New Zealand in 1942. Came to Australia in 1970. Married in 1980 to Trish; we have six grown children, two daughters-in-law and two grandchildren.

I've had rich life experiences, made plenty of mistakes and learned a little! There is much of my own testimony in these talks.

25 years ago I became Christian. I knew that Father God, Jesus and Holy Spirit love me, they actively fill me, and have purpose for my life. But, until a few years ago, mostly I was stuck.

I have been on two Father Heart of God courses, after each one I would say to Trish, "the course was really good, but I don't feel at all changed". But I was.

Now I can say that God is a wonderful Father to me and I love him!

My Lord Jesus asked me to share His Father with you.

Favourite Scriptures - HOPE and ASSURANCE

Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 5:6
You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

Luke 12:22-23 and Matthew 6:25
Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Philippians 1:6
. . being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:1
For freedom did Christ set us free . .

BIG QUESTION(S)
• Why Are We Here?
• Was there a Creation?
• Is the spiritual real? •• How can we know?
• Is the Creator God real, is Jesus?
• What gives life meaning?
• Why is the world such a mess?
• Where does love come from? •• Family? •• Beauty? •• Gender and Sex?
• Evolution ? Is it real? "If everything is just matter, why does everything matter?"

DICHOTOMY
For most of us there is a vast difference between God's design and plan for us . . and the reality of our lives . .

But our heavenly Father urgently wants to put this right . .

God's Promise - His Nature - Psalm 68

We live in the promises of God - He created and now sustains everything.

(Colossians 1:16-17)
For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.


Jesus has overcome sin and death. Yet trouble still abounds. Satan's rule here struggles onward; this is called "already and not yet."
(Ephesians 2:2)
. . the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience . .

But God is always God - Creator - Sustainer - Father - reliable:

(Psalm 68: 5-6)
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families and the desolate in a homeland, he leads out the prisoners with singing.

(Psalm 68: 9-10)
You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from your bounty, God, you provided for the poor.

"abundant showers" - rain - "life giving" - "refreshing" - "what is needed to grow"


THE WORLD WE SEE

I was a boy in mid 20th Century. I grew up in a very mixed world:

• WWI - the Great Depression - WWII - millions dead, tortured, broken - cities devastated.
• The Iron Curtain - the Cold War - MAD - the Communist Menace - the Yellow Peril.
• Egalitarian society - Economic freedom, rapid growth, endless promise.

Then - John F. Kennedy was assassinated . .

• Horrendous memories - big ideas - shattered hopes.

Big Ideas In The World

• Psychology: the six major theories in psychology: humanism, psychoanalytic, socio-cultural, behaviourism, neuro-biological, and cognitive. Freud, Jung, Nietzsche, Skinner. Few people ever come out of therapy - few answers?

• Communism and Socialism: failures - vast millions dispossessed - more millions killed.

• Economic Rationalism (today's favourite): Money is everything, morality is irrelevant, global market rules, greed is good.

• Companies are now more powerful than governments.

• Companies benefit the affluent and powerful - are terrible for everyone else.

• Increasing "have" and "have-not" separation in Western countries.

• Injustice in the World - many hungry - increasing slavery (yes, increasing slavery)

• Global Financial Crisis - the rich stayed rich but millions lost their pensions.

20th Century

Did God take His hands off the world for the 20th Century ? My thoughts in 1963 - JFK killed.

21st Century
Our present time seems even more chaotic: 9/11 - climate change - drugs - terrorism 

Are there any answers ??


WORDS HAVE POWER And Their Own Baggage

"terrorist"
"climate change"
"father" possibly has the most impact of any word - everyone affected by their father.

Normal thinking in our present culture:
"partner"
"user pays"
"prosperity" - worldly success - material wealth (and celebrity?) 

DICHOTOMY: The Promise / The Reality Of Life 

The World: Impersonal Irrational (Plastic) Conformist / Materialistic

God: Is RELATIONAL Not PROPOSITIONAL Does NOT impose His will

God's View - He Is Father And Mother!

Jesus said: (Luke 13:34)
How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings.


MY DAD and ME

I was a wartime baby, conceived during that poignant time when my mum and dad knew he was going to war, but had not yet left. My parents loved the outdoors; trekking in the bush and skiing with friends. They were very social; they wore formal clothes a lot.

I think my father was a happy, fun, generous, sweet guy.

He became a navigator on bombers, he directed the plane to the target and pulled the trigger to release the bombs. One of his planes came down in France, he was captured by the Germans and escaped back to England bringing precious military intelligence with him. The King gave him an MBE, a medal of great honour.

Pop returned home when I was about three. He was very saddened; he was not able to talk about the war. Most of his fellow airmen died. A few years earlier my mother and he had had a wonderful honeymoon in the countries he bombed. He bombed cities and people he had loved.

Us kids remember him as stern, distant, authoritative, bitter, and without worldly success. He was mean. We all knew that he had at least one affair while we were teenagers.

He and I did not converse in any real way from when I was seventeen until the day before he died, thirty years later. He loved my wife Trish, and twice came to visit us at our hobby farm in Australia's South West. They talked a lot, but when I walked into the room he would fall silent.

When he was dying his sister said that I must go and visit him in the hospital. The hospital registrar assured me that he would quickly get better and I should save my money until he was really sick. My aunt insisted and I went. We had about eighteen hours together. He could not speak, except with his eyes and his hands. We had eighteen hours of loving one another. Then he was gone.

What a waste . .

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Amen.