There were some questions about a spirit of poverty during the Rejection teaching. Poverty is something that can be seen in lots of places, even among people with money, as I said. Here are some other bits I found that are worth passing along...
Ecc 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
A spirit of poverty keeps us from being what God created us to be by convincing us “God is not able.”
• It keeps us from receiving our full inheritance and blessings (including being freed up in deliverance!)
• It isn’t as much not having, as being afraid you won’t have.
• It convinces us God is a “god of scarcity,” rationing his blessings. This is a lie. (Ps 37:18-19 says God will give his servants 'plenty', Philippians 4:19 says that God will supply all your needs. And check out Ps 37:25!)
• A spirit of poverty can stem from a religious spirit (unity is mentioned as a source of blessing in Psalm 133. Religion, as well as bitterness, produces disunity). God blesses unity. There is no blessing in division. And where’s there’s no blessing, there’s poverty.
• It keeps us from giving generously, and makes us selfish out of fear of not having. God does not need our money, but when we give, we experience his nature, as God is a Giver!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Rejection Lecture/Small Groups
Alright dudes, lemme have it.
You just heard a big throw down on the subject of Rejection, not to mention being inspired by Gollum's self-deliverance. So, what are your insights and comments? Come and let us reason together, snoop.
You just heard a big throw down on the subject of Rejection, not to mention being inspired by Gollum's self-deliverance. So, what are your insights and comments? Come and let us reason together, snoop.
Green Vomit = Deliverance!
This, from Andrew Peters:
I recently spent some time over in India, and find the spiritual climate there “oppressive” at best, and downright “hostile” most of the time. For me, that means that any doorway the enemy has had success in attacking in my past he’ll come at full force while on the ground there.
Last time I was there I experienced some temptation around pornography (which was unexpected), and while I didn’t submit to that, I still was on my guard this latest time. What ended up happening, though, was a much more subtle attack that was just as deadly to my spirit. All week, as I went about my business, I was hearing (in my head) a lot of harsh things about my body/body image/overall health. I was constantly hearing things like “Man, you’re so ugly. You have got to lose some weight” or “Wow you look fat. You’ve really let yourself go.”
At the time I didn’t think anything of it (I hadn’t listened to Steven’s talk yet), until my final day there. I received an email that morning from a friend. Here it is...
So I sent him a note back, thanking him for the encouragement, and letting him know I felt great physically and I HATED throwing up. In that moment, though, I just said a simple prayer to God, something along the lines of “God, if I need to throw something up to get more of you, I’m up for it.”
I hit send on my email, stood up from my desk, and IMMEDIATELY started dry heaving. Violent stuff. My initial reaction was, “Of course I am...this is all totally in my head...,” but I decided to go with it and see if the Lord had something for me. I ran to the bathroom and sat down on the floor, and just kept dry heaving into the toilet. Thankfully I had some music on I like worshipping to...so there I sat, alternately dry heaving and singing. If this sounds weird to you...good. It was super weird for me.
So as I was sitting there, the following thought came to mind...”Accusation and body image.” Suddenly the Lord revealed what had been going on the whole week I was there. It was like some curtain had been pulled back. I just started repenting for all the times I’d wished I had a different body, and for agreeing with the enemy that somehow my body wasn’t good enough. I told (out loud) the spirit of accusation that he had to leave, because I was in Christ, and had the power to kick him out. I think I ended with something along the lines of “spirit of accusation, get out.” Right when I said that, I had three violent dry heaves, then a stream of green bile came out of me. Not like “Exorcist” fire hose stream, but a line that was disgusting and tasted like bile. Then it was done. I just sat there on the floor, and started crying. Suddenly I started looking at my body, and I was amazed at how beautiful it was, and how it all worked. I started thanking the Lord for my hands, and feet, and how I could walk and run and jump. I probably sat there another 20 minutes, just considering all that stuff, and how awesome the Lord had created me.
Then I stood up, and that was that. What’s funny to me (apart from green bile), is when I got back recently, I’ve had a number of people come up and say things like “Man, you look great. Really healthy. Are you losing weight?” I just smile and say thanks.
ap
PS-I listened to the accusation talk on my flight home...and felt like yelling out “Hell Yea!” after much of what was discussed...but I didn’t. Thought that’d be inappropriate.
I recently spent some time over in India, and find the spiritual climate there “oppressive” at best, and downright “hostile” most of the time. For me, that means that any doorway the enemy has had success in attacking in my past he’ll come at full force while on the ground there.
Last time I was there I experienced some temptation around pornography (which was unexpected), and while I didn’t submit to that, I still was on my guard this latest time. What ended up happening, though, was a much more subtle attack that was just as deadly to my spirit. All week, as I went about my business, I was hearing (in my head) a lot of harsh things about my body/body image/overall health. I was constantly hearing things like “Man, you’re so ugly. You have got to lose some weight” or “Wow you look fat. You’ve really let yourself go.”
At the time I didn’t think anything of it (I hadn’t listened to Steven’s talk yet), until my final day there. I received an email that morning from a friend. Here it is...
Hey dude,
I got an email from Rachel tonight... (Don't listen to the enemy right now)... Tara's prayer for you is that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit to the point of throwing up. Crazy but it feels right somehow. Anyway, we love you.
So I sent him a note back, thanking him for the encouragement, and letting him know I felt great physically and I HATED throwing up. In that moment, though, I just said a simple prayer to God, something along the lines of “God, if I need to throw something up to get more of you, I’m up for it.”
I hit send on my email, stood up from my desk, and IMMEDIATELY started dry heaving. Violent stuff. My initial reaction was, “Of course I am...this is all totally in my head...,” but I decided to go with it and see if the Lord had something for me. I ran to the bathroom and sat down on the floor, and just kept dry heaving into the toilet. Thankfully I had some music on I like worshipping to...so there I sat, alternately dry heaving and singing. If this sounds weird to you...good. It was super weird for me.
So as I was sitting there, the following thought came to mind...”Accusation and body image.” Suddenly the Lord revealed what had been going on the whole week I was there. It was like some curtain had been pulled back. I just started repenting for all the times I’d wished I had a different body, and for agreeing with the enemy that somehow my body wasn’t good enough. I told (out loud) the spirit of accusation that he had to leave, because I was in Christ, and had the power to kick him out. I think I ended with something along the lines of “spirit of accusation, get out.” Right when I said that, I had three violent dry heaves, then a stream of green bile came out of me. Not like “Exorcist” fire hose stream, but a line that was disgusting and tasted like bile. Then it was done. I just sat there on the floor, and started crying. Suddenly I started looking at my body, and I was amazed at how beautiful it was, and how it all worked. I started thanking the Lord for my hands, and feet, and how I could walk and run and jump. I probably sat there another 20 minutes, just considering all that stuff, and how awesome the Lord had created me.
Then I stood up, and that was that. What’s funny to me (apart from green bile), is when I got back recently, I’ve had a number of people come up and say things like “Man, you look great. Really healthy. Are you losing weight?” I just smile and say thanks.
ap
PS-I listened to the accusation talk on my flight home...and felt like yelling out “Hell Yea!” after much of what was discussed...but I didn’t. Thought that’d be inappropriate.
Recommended Rejection Reads
As we get into the subject of rejection, I thought I'd throw out a couple of good books on the subject. MANY of you are going to find that rejection is a huge stronghold in your life (got accusation? look for rejection.); I think we may find this to be the most common and successful dude in our group. It results in all sorts of things: abandonment issues, performance, feelings of worthlessness, drivenness, addiction, fear, bitterness... you name it, basically.
So, for those of you who're going all out, and want the graduate degree in getting clear of these shenanigans, I'm throwing out some books.
Here.
They.
Are!
Victory Over Darkness, Neil T. Anderson
Life After Rejection, Jonas Clark
God’s Remedy For Rejection, Derek Prince
So, for those of you who're going all out, and want the graduate degree in getting clear of these shenanigans, I'm throwing out some books.
Here.
They.
Are!
Victory Over Darkness, Neil T. Anderson
Life After Rejection, Jonas Clark
God’s Remedy For Rejection, Derek Prince
Friday, May 15, 2009
"Kindred" spirits
All right, let me say first that this stuff is NOT in the Bible. Purely drawing-conclusions-as-I-process-what-I'm-seeing. So dogmatism is not allowed. Basically, the scriptures are silent about this sort of thing, so I'm just reporting as an Experienced Guesser. Dig?
All right.
Dave Schuster was asking me about the subject of 'kindred' spirits the other day. We've observed, and heard from other people, too, that there's an attraction between people who house the same evil spirits. Rebellious people flock together. All the self-hatred kids at high school wear their black clothes together in the same corner of the cafeteria. All the kids who deal with the pride/insecurity cocktail hang out. Addicts find each other at parties. People who want to have sex find each other. (I always wondered why I didn't have all these opportunities for sex like other people I knew, or like you see on TV. It's because that stronghold isn't in me and, when somebody whose eaten up with fornication is on the prowl, they go looking for somebody ELSE who's eaten up with fornication. And that ain't me. I have my OWN issues...)
There's a real comfort in being around people who struggle with the same stuff-a not-healthy kind of comfort. (Now, if you're above board, and both pursuing God with all your heart, it can be really good--think of AA.) More likely, though, these folks let each other off the hook in all sorts of ways: "Well, at least you did heroin you got from somebody you can TRUST. And you didn't hurt anybody else, right?" or whatever. We're great at feeling justified in OUR sin by letting the OTHER person off the hook. Makes us feel like our stuff is okay, too. We also need people be aware of our sin who don't have struggle in that area. Like:
I was talking to a friend a couple of months ago who said, "My girlfriend and I have decided to not have sex anymore. But we still mess up. Like last weekend, I mean, we were making out and we got naked..." I yelled "WHAT!??!"
He later said, "Hey I really appreciate your reaction. Most of the people I'm around don't blink at that; they think it's weird we don't just go all the way whenever we want."
Now that guy NEEDS people like ME around- his reference point bites! So if all he does is hang around with people who're sleeping around, what do you think he's going to do when he's tempted? *I* think he's going to have sex.
So the better idea is to be aware of your strongholds and be wary of close relationships with folks who have the same issues. Just know that it's dangerous. You'll give each other "grace" that's really excused sin. Not okay, obviously...
All right.
Dave Schuster was asking me about the subject of 'kindred' spirits the other day. We've observed, and heard from other people, too, that there's an attraction between people who house the same evil spirits. Rebellious people flock together. All the self-hatred kids at high school wear their black clothes together in the same corner of the cafeteria. All the kids who deal with the pride/insecurity cocktail hang out. Addicts find each other at parties. People who want to have sex find each other. (I always wondered why I didn't have all these opportunities for sex like other people I knew, or like you see on TV. It's because that stronghold isn't in me and, when somebody whose eaten up with fornication is on the prowl, they go looking for somebody ELSE who's eaten up with fornication. And that ain't me. I have my OWN issues...)
There's a real comfort in being around people who struggle with the same stuff-a not-healthy kind of comfort. (Now, if you're above board, and both pursuing God with all your heart, it can be really good--think of AA.) More likely, though, these folks let each other off the hook in all sorts of ways: "Well, at least you did heroin you got from somebody you can TRUST. And you didn't hurt anybody else, right?" or whatever. We're great at feeling justified in OUR sin by letting the OTHER person off the hook. Makes us feel like our stuff is okay, too. We also need people be aware of our sin who don't have struggle in that area. Like:
I was talking to a friend a couple of months ago who said, "My girlfriend and I have decided to not have sex anymore. But we still mess up. Like last weekend, I mean, we were making out and we got naked..." I yelled "WHAT!??!"
He later said, "Hey I really appreciate your reaction. Most of the people I'm around don't blink at that; they think it's weird we don't just go all the way whenever we want."
Now that guy NEEDS people like ME around- his reference point bites! So if all he does is hang around with people who're sleeping around, what do you think he's going to do when he's tempted? *I* think he's going to have sex.
So the better idea is to be aware of your strongholds and be wary of close relationships with folks who have the same issues. Just know that it's dangerous. You'll give each other "grace" that's really excused sin. Not okay, obviously...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Migraines Can Kiss My Grits.
I have suffered from migraine headaches since I was in middle school (around 5th grade). I don’t seem to have typical “oh, just turn of the lights and I’ll be okay in a few minutes” episodes. Mine are more symptomatic of a stroke – numbness in my fingertips, tongue feels swollen, side of my face gets numb, short term memory loss to top it all of (can’t remember my name, address, or form a sentence), excruciating pain and lots of nausea. I had a really good one while on a business trip in Park City, Utah. The Canyons Resort had just opened and I “lost my lunch” in one of their elevators. Was rushed to the ER, shot up with some Demerol and grabbed a the red-eye back to Cincy. Good times...
So there’s the setup. You can probably imagine after hearing that the spiritual root of migraines is Accusation (specifically, guilt over conflict), this session quickly became personal (in a good way). What I began to realize was that I could trace my many migraine episodes to unresolved conflict – either with myself or someone else. Very eager to walk out of this one. This weekend I was fortunate enough to have some conflict that wasn’t resolved quickly. Wouldn’t you know it, I began to get some numbness in my fingertips. Are you kidding me!!?? Took a couple of Advil and began looking over the cliff I was about to jump off. The conversation went something like this “you sucker, you’re about to drag your whole family (including newborn) into St. Luke’s ER...what an awesome dad, husband, and father you are.” Then it hit me...meditate on what the Lord says about me. So I went to my accusation notes and starting reading scripture over myself - Romans 8:31-35, Job 10:15, and finally the memory verse:
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Colossians 1:22
Over and over and over and over and over and over....I kept reading this and repeating - Lord, I am not accused. I reject you, Accusation. You have no authority here. I break you off and bind you up in the name of Jesus. I am reconciled by Christ’s physical body through death and am presented holy in his sight, without blemish and I am FREE of accusation.
And what started as a migraine...was washed away.
What did I learn? Aside from how much God loves me and how he loves to keep his promises and that I can take him at this word - as I was driving to work today, James 4:7-8 kept popping up for me.
...So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
I am not accused.
- from David Russell
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
National Strongholds
Last week, on the way home from the accusation lecture, David Russell said, "you killed me with that stuff about diabetes coming from accusation and a lack of a strong male. Did you know that black Americans are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes as white Americans? And I think we all know about the chronic absence of strong males in black families in this country..."
I'd never put those two together, exactly, but I did know that black Americans are 2-3 times more likely to have sickle cell anemia, and they're also out of whack with hypertension, asthma, and coronary heart disease. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? Also, let's go ahead and ask why the irresponsible male, the overworked, embittered woman, and the screwed-up family unit is so common in black America that sitcoms are built around these stereotypes.
Let's expand that: why is obesity so common among Hawaiians and Samoans (and Americans)? Why does the world think of slavic nations as depressed and grim? Why are Germans thought of as unfeeling automatons? Why are asian fathers so regularly severe with their children? Why do first generation Americans feel such pressure to perform? Why is AIDS higher in poor countries? (P.S.- don't waste your breath telling me it's "lack of education".) Why is poverty racial in many areas of the world? Why is rebellion seen as an American (and Australian) characteristic? Etc. etc. etc. etc.
To me, it's simple: there are national and racial and even generational strongholds. So, when America was BIRTHED out of rebellion against our British authority, doesn't it make sense that rebellion and independence would be transmitted in our national DNA? If blacks in America lived and died with a slave mentality that said "we're worthless" for generations, would freeing them from that slave system instantly dissolve that spirit of rejection and accusation? Of course not. It must be repented of and broken off. If America put INTO LAW at its outset that all religions are equal, don't you think that spirit might show up on down the line if it's not dealt with? I do.
All I'm saying is, we can historically identify the spiritual roots of our country and race. Why don't we repent of that stuff too?
I'd never put those two together, exactly, but I did know that black Americans are 2-3 times more likely to have sickle cell anemia, and they're also out of whack with hypertension, asthma, and coronary heart disease. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? Also, let's go ahead and ask why the irresponsible male, the overworked, embittered woman, and the screwed-up family unit is so common in black America that sitcoms are built around these stereotypes.
Let's expand that: why is obesity so common among Hawaiians and Samoans (and Americans)? Why does the world think of slavic nations as depressed and grim? Why are Germans thought of as unfeeling automatons? Why are asian fathers so regularly severe with their children? Why do first generation Americans feel such pressure to perform? Why is AIDS higher in poor countries? (P.S.- don't waste your breath telling me it's "lack of education".) Why is poverty racial in many areas of the world? Why is rebellion seen as an American (and Australian) characteristic? Etc. etc. etc. etc.
To me, it's simple: there are national and racial and even generational strongholds. So, when America was BIRTHED out of rebellion against our British authority, doesn't it make sense that rebellion and independence would be transmitted in our national DNA? If blacks in America lived and died with a slave mentality that said "we're worthless" for generations, would freeing them from that slave system instantly dissolve that spirit of rejection and accusation? Of course not. It must be repented of and broken off. If America put INTO LAW at its outset that all religions are equal, don't you think that spirit might show up on down the line if it's not dealt with? I do.
All I'm saying is, we can historically identify the spiritual roots of our country and race. Why don't we repent of that stuff too?
The Devil is a Paper Lion
POINT: the devil's power is real, but is teeny-tiny compared to the Spirit Who lives in us. As such, his tactics are lies and deception. If we don't recognize his bluff, we'll be backed into a corner with fear and intimidation. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" is in there somewhere.
STORY: I'm studying occult right now for our next class (gonna be a good 'un). I was lying in the bed this morning somewhere between sleep and waking when I just KNEW that some little beastie had hopped up on the bed beside me (I was lying on my stomach and my head was turned away from where this thing was). [Aside: I'm not crazy.] I also KNEW that he was holding a sheet of thin plastic material, like the bags they put over your dry cleaning. [Aside: this KNOWING is something that happens both in prophecy and in dreams. Like "that guy looks like Marlon Brando, but I just KNOW that it's my buddy Dave!". Aside 2: I'm not crazy.] Before I really had time to process what I was 'seeing' in my spirit (if you're cool with that terminology), I heard this thing wheeze a little snort then put this plastic bag over my head, tightening it around my neck. Obviously, this thing had an intention of suffocating me. [Still not crazy!]
I laid there for a moment, thinking to myself, "Really? THIS is the tactic, here?" then, very easily (with one hand), I tore an opening in the 'plastic sheet' (I don't remember if I physically made that move or if it was just done in a spiritual state), then turned my head around to where the little dude had been (That was physical; he wasn't physically there). I felt a little put out by the run-in, very annoyed. I said something like "you spirit of suffocation and death and torment, get out of my bedroom and my house in the name of Jesus. I command you off my property. Don't you ever come near my or my family again. I speak peace and life and health over this room and house. We breathe EASY in Jesus." Then I laid back down.
BELIEFS:
1) I really don't think I'm nuts. I told this story to my wife and she didn't blink. We believe the enemy wants to kill us but he has NO POWER if we don't give it to him. This story didn't surprise my wife or worry her, because she's cool like that.
2) Giving in to fear IS an option. You can go there if you want to. Not me, boy. Saying NO to fear is also an option.
3) Fighting the enemy can be as simple as tearing a hole in a plastic bag and declaring Jesus' goodness. I decided long ago that if the enemy ever showed himself on my property, I wasn't going to just say Jesusy things at him and hope he goes away, I was going to go AFTER him. David killed a lion with his bare hands, and I'm like David. I trample on snakes and kill lions, just like my big brother Jesus does. The devil is no match for the Spirit of God in us.
STORY: I'm studying occult right now for our next class (gonna be a good 'un). I was lying in the bed this morning somewhere between sleep and waking when I just KNEW that some little beastie had hopped up on the bed beside me (I was lying on my stomach and my head was turned away from where this thing was). [Aside: I'm not crazy.] I also KNEW that he was holding a sheet of thin plastic material, like the bags they put over your dry cleaning. [Aside: this KNOWING is something that happens both in prophecy and in dreams. Like "that guy looks like Marlon Brando, but I just KNOW that it's my buddy Dave!". Aside 2: I'm not crazy.] Before I really had time to process what I was 'seeing' in my spirit (if you're cool with that terminology), I heard this thing wheeze a little snort then put this plastic bag over my head, tightening it around my neck. Obviously, this thing had an intention of suffocating me. [Still not crazy!]
I laid there for a moment, thinking to myself, "Really? THIS is the tactic, here?" then, very easily (with one hand), I tore an opening in the 'plastic sheet' (I don't remember if I physically made that move or if it was just done in a spiritual state), then turned my head around to where the little dude had been (That was physical; he wasn't physically there). I felt a little put out by the run-in, very annoyed. I said something like "you spirit of suffocation and death and torment, get out of my bedroom and my house in the name of Jesus. I command you off my property. Don't you ever come near my or my family again. I speak peace and life and health over this room and house. We breathe EASY in Jesus." Then I laid back down.
BELIEFS:
1) I really don't think I'm nuts. I told this story to my wife and she didn't blink. We believe the enemy wants to kill us but he has NO POWER if we don't give it to him. This story didn't surprise my wife or worry her, because she's cool like that.
2) Giving in to fear IS an option. You can go there if you want to. Not me, boy. Saying NO to fear is also an option.
3) Fighting the enemy can be as simple as tearing a hole in a plastic bag and declaring Jesus' goodness. I decided long ago that if the enemy ever showed himself on my property, I wasn't going to just say Jesusy things at him and hope he goes away, I was going to go AFTER him. David killed a lion with his bare hands, and I'm like David. I trample on snakes and kill lions, just like my big brother Jesus does. The devil is no match for the Spirit of God in us.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A Labels Story
This is more of an occult story but we talked about labels Wednesday so it fits if I force it.
You guys all know that we can let ourselves be labeled by something other than our spiritual identity (that is, as sons). God is VERY serious about protecting this territory:
One day, I was sitting on the john when I looked down at the boxer shorts I was wearing. (Now, you should know this about me: I think that what's printed on underwear is totally irrelevant, so I use that canvas as a place to have some fun. The stranger the print, the more I'm into it. I say, zany me up on the undershorts. Solid color? Stripes? WHAT? What a waste. Why not mix it up?) Anyhow, the boxers I was wearing had a sort of cartoon representation of a sexy nurse and the word LOVESICK repeated throughout. It's just kind of silly and pointless, right?
Um, right.
'Thing is, God spoke to me that day, on the throne, about those boxers.
"You lovesick?"
"Um, what? Sir?"
"Are you lovesick?"
"Excuse me?"
"I said, Are you lovesick? Are you starved for love? Are you looking for some trampy vixen to come take care of you?"
"No, I'm not. I'm pretty satisfied with the love you give me."
"Then what are the shorts about?"
"Oh these? They're just a little kidding around. Purely novelty. I wouldn't worry about them."
"I'm concerned with lies around your life. Seems to me that this is not only a lie, it's a lie about the greatest stronghold you've had in your life- unloving. That's a big deal to me. You think this is a small billboard for this message, but it's not the billboard that concerns me- it's the message. I consider this underwear impure."
Now, aside from the fact that the 'impure' comment could've been directed at my hygiene--and I can appreciate the humor there--I'd heard enough. I changed my shorts and stopped off at my closet on the way to the trash can. I also found a pair of boxers that said "Heartbreaker" with exploding Valentine's Day hearts on them.
"You a heartbreaker, then? Do you break people's hearts? Is that you?"
"No, sir, it's not. I'm not a heartbreaker. I'm a peacemaker. I mend broken hearts, like Daddy does."
"Right."
So I had two fewer pairs of boxer shorts at the end of that day. I did put on other boxers--so I wasn't freeballing--but I did feel mighty free.
You guys all know that we can let ourselves be labeled by something other than our spiritual identity (that is, as sons). God is VERY serious about protecting this territory:
One day, I was sitting on the john when I looked down at the boxer shorts I was wearing. (Now, you should know this about me: I think that what's printed on underwear is totally irrelevant, so I use that canvas as a place to have some fun. The stranger the print, the more I'm into it. I say, zany me up on the undershorts. Solid color? Stripes? WHAT? What a waste. Why not mix it up?) Anyhow, the boxers I was wearing had a sort of cartoon representation of a sexy nurse and the word LOVESICK repeated throughout. It's just kind of silly and pointless, right?
Um, right.
'Thing is, God spoke to me that day, on the throne, about those boxers.
"You lovesick?"
"Um, what? Sir?"
"Are you lovesick?"
"Excuse me?"
"I said, Are you lovesick? Are you starved for love? Are you looking for some trampy vixen to come take care of you?"
"No, I'm not. I'm pretty satisfied with the love you give me."
"Then what are the shorts about?"
"Oh these? They're just a little kidding around. Purely novelty. I wouldn't worry about them."
"I'm concerned with lies around your life. Seems to me that this is not only a lie, it's a lie about the greatest stronghold you've had in your life- unloving. That's a big deal to me. You think this is a small billboard for this message, but it's not the billboard that concerns me- it's the message. I consider this underwear impure."
Now, aside from the fact that the 'impure' comment could've been directed at my hygiene--and I can appreciate the humor there--I'd heard enough. I changed my shorts and stopped off at my closet on the way to the trash can. I also found a pair of boxers that said "Heartbreaker" with exploding Valentine's Day hearts on them.
"You a heartbreaker, then? Do you break people's hearts? Is that you?"
"No, sir, it's not. I'm not a heartbreaker. I'm a peacemaker. I mend broken hearts, like Daddy does."
"Right."
So I had two fewer pairs of boxer shorts at the end of that day. I did put on other boxers--so I wasn't freeballing--but I did feel mighty free.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Accusation Lecture Bits
How did you guys react to the Accusation lecture? If you have questions or comments, please speak up!
A couple of extra bits for you:
1) Adam asked for the passages that I read over you guys during the worship time. They are:
Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retains not his anger for ever, because he delights in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Joel 2:13 Don't tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 54: 17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.
Psalm 31:20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Psalm 25 (that was the shame and rescue psalm)
2) David Russell said it struck him when I mentioned diabetes (and that it commonly has a specific root of rejection by a prominent male), that this disease is rampant among the black community (which, interestingly, has absent fathers to epidemic proportions). If we look at specific races, we can see there are diseases which attack them uniquely, based on the spiritual roots of that culture/people group. The same is true of nations: specific diseases attack specific nations, and you can look at statistics and know how to pray for different parts of the world. Why is cancer so prevalent in the United States? Why are we the most obese nation on earth? Why is HIV (which is rooted in rejection) so rampant in Africa? Etc.
3) I wanted to share with everybody a great website I was turned onto by Sara Argenta that has helped me as I prepared for the accusation lecture and I plan on continuing to refer to it. It talks about all sorts of deliverance-type issues, and does a nice job of breaking the whole thing up into bite-sized articles. The anti-self bondages. Guilt and shame from sexual sin. Is God upset with me? Like I said, I really this guy and, for those of you who're interested in further study, it's a great resource. I've added it to the recommends on the right, but it's called Greatbiblestudy.com (a pretty bold url, but I'm gonna let it slide).
A couple of extra bits for you:
1) Adam asked for the passages that I read over you guys during the worship time. They are:
Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardons iniquity, and passes by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retains not his anger for ever, because he delights in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Joel 2:13 Don't tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 54: 17 “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.
Psalm 31:20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Psalm 25 (that was the shame and rescue psalm)
2) David Russell said it struck him when I mentioned diabetes (and that it commonly has a specific root of rejection by a prominent male), that this disease is rampant among the black community (which, interestingly, has absent fathers to epidemic proportions). If we look at specific races, we can see there are diseases which attack them uniquely, based on the spiritual roots of that culture/people group. The same is true of nations: specific diseases attack specific nations, and you can look at statistics and know how to pray for different parts of the world. Why is cancer so prevalent in the United States? Why are we the most obese nation on earth? Why is HIV (which is rooted in rejection) so rampant in Africa? Etc.
3) I wanted to share with everybody a great website I was turned onto by Sara Argenta that has helped me as I prepared for the accusation lecture and I plan on continuing to refer to it. It talks about all sorts of deliverance-type issues, and does a nice job of breaking the whole thing up into bite-sized articles. The anti-self bondages. Guilt and shame from sexual sin. Is God upset with me? Like I said, I really this guy and, for those of you who're interested in further study, it's a great resource. I've added it to the recommends on the right, but it's called Greatbiblestudy.com (a pretty bold url, but I'm gonna let it slide).
Monday, May 4, 2009
First small group meetings!
You guys met with your small groups and talked through bitterness! So... how'd it go?
I'm depending on you guys to tell me stories of what's happening! Let's hear them dudes!
I'm depending on you guys to tell me stories of what's happening! Let's hear them dudes!
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