December 10, 2009
I was just sitting down to do some more Microsoft Office 2007 (Power Point) on-line training, when I sensed You very strongly speaking to me to turn to Your word instead. So I got my Bible and started reading my “chapters for today” and right away I realized there was a “theme” running through…
1 Samuel 7: 2 … and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. 3. Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the LORD with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” 4. So the sons of Israel removed the Baals and the Ashtaroth and served the LORD alone. 5. Then Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah and I will pray to the LORD for you.” 6. They gathered…. and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel judged the sons of Israel at Mizpah…. 9…. And Samuel cried to the LORD for Israel and the LORD answered him…. 12. Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer (The stone of help), saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” … 14… So there was peace between Israel and the Amorites….
I Samuel 8:6 But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD. 7. The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them, 8. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day – in that they have forsake Me and served other gods – so they are doing to you also.” …. 19. Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, 20. that we may be like all the nations, that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
(Father, Papa, I just can’t get away from the feeling that probably a lot of “churches” … the vast majority, eh! … are in this similar position… first we turned from just following You, from walking together with Jesus through Your Spirit… as members of one body walking and working together, in Your love, with You, our head, our God… to next wanting a “pastor” as a kind of intercessor – like Israel wanted Moses, and then the judges, to be … and then when those human intercessor/pastor people turn out to be, well, human… well, then we want “leaders” and “organizations” (kingdoms!) like the world around us (and/or the “churches” around us)… and in the process, we of course have to accept “the procedure of the king who will reign over them…” (1 Sam 8:9-18) (ignoring Your warnings to us)… funny thing, though… every time the “leader” doesn’t suit us, we go looking for another human to take on the “king” job… and we so rarely seem to think of really repenting and going back to You…) (Papa???)(oh dear, oh dear… oh dear.) (my stomach feels sick!)
Psalm 146: 2. I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. 3. Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation… 5. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the LORD his God… 10. The LORD will reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!
Proverbs 14: 12. There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death… 26. In the fear (reverence) of the LORD there is strong confidence, and his children will have refuge…. 30. A tranquil heart is life to the body… 34. Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people.
(A tranquil heart is ONLY found in YOU, Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit!)(You’re the only hope for tranquil hearts in Your children, Your body, Your church!)
Ezekiel 23: 45 But they, righteous men, will judge them (referring to Israel, pictured as the “bride” of God – but remember, we too are the “bride of Christ”…) with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands…. 49. Your lewdness (running after the world and its “gods”) will be requited upon you, and you will bear the penalty of worshiping your idols; thus you will know that I am the Lord GOD.
I Corinthians 12: 4. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good…. 11. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit…. 18. But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired… 20. But now there are many members, but one body. … 22. On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23. And those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24. Whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25. So that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another….
Revelation 10: 5. Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, 6. And swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be delay no longer, 7. But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets…. 11: 15. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Messiah); and He will reign forever and ever.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good"
December 10, 2009
I’ve had rattling around in my mind lately this idea to set up some kind of buy/ sell/ trade/ barter/ share group (for services/ skills/ talents/ even giftings etc, as well as things/ goods) among believers in our community and/or local region. Sort of an “Acts 4:32-35 in Action” group – with a 21st century twist… (This idea has risen out of a “data base” I have been gathering of all the churches and related organizations and outreaches in our area… it’s nice to have that data base… but what do we DO with it? How do we BE THE CHURCH together, once we’ve found each other?!?!?)
Remember those verses? “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.”
This could include “buying and selling” among our brothers and sisters according to ability to pay, as well as trading, bartering, sharing, giving freely. And people sharing their homes with other believers, not just as meeting places for gatherings of the church, but also daily hospitality, sharing meals, even taking in people in need (or giving them full use of that cottage, etc, until they are “back on their feet”)… (and whatever happened to “billeting”?!?!? Why do visiting evangelists, missions teams, etc now have to raise money to stay in hotels? Scary!)
And it would also include posting up our talents and skills and giftings…. Giving the “Dorcas/ Tabitha’s” connections with those who need their skills (and opportunity to teach those skills to others who lack them)… and creating connections within the “local churches” within the “church in our community” (sharing our programs, buildings, even sharing those in “our” group who have various spiritual gifts which may be lacking in “their” group; getting together to reach out into our communities in a way that is more effective than each little group trying desperately to do a little bit alone)…
1 Corinthians 12:7 “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the “spiritual” spiritual gifts, that we tend to ignore or downplay the significance and need for the “practical” spiritual gifts (helps, administrations, hospitality, etc)… (and sometimes we do the opposite, too)… And sometimes we spend a lot of time talking about them, but not acting on them… But ALL the gifts are needed, and all are foundationally given and led by Your Spirit… and ONLY IN ACTION are they MANIFEST… only in the ACTION of the church, led by the Spirit, is the love of God manifested to the world. “They’ll know we are Christians by our love” … and that love is LOVE IN ACTION… so that the world will “take note that we’ve been with Jesus” – with God, who IS LOVE! It’s interesting that in the time of the early church, the world outside the church noticed the church and admired it because of the “love they had for one another.” Love that showed itself in the amazing actions recorded in Acts 4:32-35… 24-7 daily love, lived out TOGETHER in homes and marketplace and community, not hidden away behind “sacred walls” so to speak.
I love that expression: “the manifestation of the Spirit!”
Miriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, defines as follows:
Manifest (adj): from L manifestus: caught in the act, flagrant, obvious [can we say that our love for one another is flagrant?!?!?]… 1. readily perceived by the senses and esp. by the sight. 2. easily understood or recognized by the mind.
Manifest (vt): to make evident or certain by showing or displaying.
Manifestation: 1. the act, process, or an instance of manifesting. 2. a public demonstration of power and purpose [and where does the church’s power come from? “the manifestation of the Spirit!”]
Manifesto: a written statement declaring publically the intentions, motives, and view of its issuer [well, we’ve been given the manifesto: but we are also called to manifest! … which goes beyond just teaching/ preaching: “readily perceived by the senses” … “caught in the act, flagrant, obvious” ! … what an accurate description of Jesus! … can it become an accurate description of us too, as we allow His Spirit to manifest Him through us – together?!?!?!]
I’ve had rattling around in my mind lately this idea to set up some kind of buy/ sell/ trade/ barter/ share group (for services/ skills/ talents/ even giftings etc, as well as things/ goods) among believers in our community and/or local region. Sort of an “Acts 4:32-35 in Action” group – with a 21st century twist… (This idea has risen out of a “data base” I have been gathering of all the churches and related organizations and outreaches in our area… it’s nice to have that data base… but what do we DO with it? How do we BE THE CHURCH together, once we’ve found each other?!?!?)
Remember those verses? “And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.”
This could include “buying and selling” among our brothers and sisters according to ability to pay, as well as trading, bartering, sharing, giving freely. And people sharing their homes with other believers, not just as meeting places for gatherings of the church, but also daily hospitality, sharing meals, even taking in people in need (or giving them full use of that cottage, etc, until they are “back on their feet”)… (and whatever happened to “billeting”?!?!? Why do visiting evangelists, missions teams, etc now have to raise money to stay in hotels? Scary!)
And it would also include posting up our talents and skills and giftings…. Giving the “Dorcas/ Tabitha’s” connections with those who need their skills (and opportunity to teach those skills to others who lack them)… and creating connections within the “local churches” within the “church in our community” (sharing our programs, buildings, even sharing those in “our” group who have various spiritual gifts which may be lacking in “their” group; getting together to reach out into our communities in a way that is more effective than each little group trying desperately to do a little bit alone)…
1 Corinthians 12:7 “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the “spiritual” spiritual gifts, that we tend to ignore or downplay the significance and need for the “practical” spiritual gifts (helps, administrations, hospitality, etc)… (and sometimes we do the opposite, too)… And sometimes we spend a lot of time talking about them, but not acting on them… But ALL the gifts are needed, and all are foundationally given and led by Your Spirit… and ONLY IN ACTION are they MANIFEST… only in the ACTION of the church, led by the Spirit, is the love of God manifested to the world. “They’ll know we are Christians by our love” … and that love is LOVE IN ACTION… so that the world will “take note that we’ve been with Jesus” – with God, who IS LOVE! It’s interesting that in the time of the early church, the world outside the church noticed the church and admired it because of the “love they had for one another.” Love that showed itself in the amazing actions recorded in Acts 4:32-35… 24-7 daily love, lived out TOGETHER in homes and marketplace and community, not hidden away behind “sacred walls” so to speak.
I love that expression: “the manifestation of the Spirit!”
Miriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary Tenth Edition, defines as follows:
Manifest (adj): from L manifestus: caught in the act, flagrant, obvious [can we say that our love for one another is flagrant?!?!?]… 1. readily perceived by the senses and esp. by the sight. 2. easily understood or recognized by the mind.
Manifest (vt): to make evident or certain by showing or displaying.
Manifestation: 1. the act, process, or an instance of manifesting. 2. a public demonstration of power and purpose [and where does the church’s power come from? “the manifestation of the Spirit!”]
Manifesto: a written statement declaring publically the intentions, motives, and view of its issuer [well, we’ve been given the manifesto: but we are also called to manifest! … which goes beyond just teaching/ preaching: “readily perceived by the senses” … “caught in the act, flagrant, obvious” ! … what an accurate description of Jesus! … can it become an accurate description of us too, as we allow His Spirit to manifest Him through us – together?!?!?!]
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wonderful time at church in the park
November 15, 2009
Took rice krispee squares, puffed wheat squares, boiled eggs, green and black tea bags, and some Hallowe’en twizzlers to church-in-the-park (basement!) today. There was a very brisk, chilly wind, and despite the fact that French toast was being made outside, most of the guys and gals stayed inside. There was also instant oatmeal, white toast, raisin-bread toast, apples, toasted eggo waffles… Put out some of the cheeze-whiz that R had brought, in addition to the usual peanut butter, syrup and jam… boy was the cheeze-whiz popular!!!! Went through 10 pots of coffee and 5 jugs of juice this morning.
Don’t know how any people came altogether, but a pretty good crowd for such a cold, windy day… maybe around 50 or so? At least 20, I think, stayed for “service.” It was the last “service” we will have there. A lady just up the street has offered the waiting room of her medical office. It has lots of couches, easy chairs, etc, so we can serve breakfast at the regular place till 9:30, then clean up, and head over to her place. “Service” will start at 10 am, and go until whenever Father wants! Cool! This is a wonderful, God-thing! Now we won’t be encroaching on the programs of the church group whose basement and yard they have so generously shared with us. We can be cleaned up, and be out, when they arrive for their choir practice, etc. Awesome! Cool, cool, cool!!!
The atmosphere this morning was so incredibly “family.” It is amazing how more and more people are just pitching in and sharing in the set-up, serving, clean-up, etc. And the participation in the “service” - okay, I’m just going to call it the “gathering!” – is so wonderful, too! Yay! This is “church” – God’s family meeting together with Him, caring for each other, sharing together in His word, learning from Him through His Spirit in each one. Thank You, Lord!
Took rice krispee squares, puffed wheat squares, boiled eggs, green and black tea bags, and some Hallowe’en twizzlers to church-in-the-park (basement!) today. There was a very brisk, chilly wind, and despite the fact that French toast was being made outside, most of the guys and gals stayed inside. There was also instant oatmeal, white toast, raisin-bread toast, apples, toasted eggo waffles… Put out some of the cheeze-whiz that R had brought, in addition to the usual peanut butter, syrup and jam… boy was the cheeze-whiz popular!!!! Went through 10 pots of coffee and 5 jugs of juice this morning.
Don’t know how any people came altogether, but a pretty good crowd for such a cold, windy day… maybe around 50 or so? At least 20, I think, stayed for “service.” It was the last “service” we will have there. A lady just up the street has offered the waiting room of her medical office. It has lots of couches, easy chairs, etc, so we can serve breakfast at the regular place till 9:30, then clean up, and head over to her place. “Service” will start at 10 am, and go until whenever Father wants! Cool! This is a wonderful, God-thing! Now we won’t be encroaching on the programs of the church group whose basement and yard they have so generously shared with us. We can be cleaned up, and be out, when they arrive for their choir practice, etc. Awesome! Cool, cool, cool!!!
The atmosphere this morning was so incredibly “family.” It is amazing how more and more people are just pitching in and sharing in the set-up, serving, clean-up, etc. And the participation in the “service” - okay, I’m just going to call it the “gathering!” – is so wonderful, too! Yay! This is “church” – God’s family meeting together with Him, caring for each other, sharing together in His word, learning from Him through His Spirit in each one. Thank You, Lord!
Friday, November 13, 2009
bringing together the "church in our community/ area"... and learning to wait for Your timing (again, still!)
November 11, 2009
At work (church office) I put a shelf set out on the front porch with “free, help yourself” magazines, Bibles, Daily Breads, etc, as well as some candy, kids books, and other miscellaneous items. And I am getting more and more “company” these days, as folks drop by to chat. Today one of the men who go to this church brought in a French Vanilla Coffee and an apple fritter from Timmy’s… and we had a nice chat!
Today at work I started putting together a list of churches and para-church organizations, etc in Penticton/South Okanagan, with names of pastors/ principals/ directors, phone numbers, email and website addresses. Maybe I should add fax numbers as well. I am going to finish it tomorrow, and send it by email to ask them to make any updates, etc.
I have also been posting on the outside bulletin board, announcements we get from other churches in the community. I keep looking for ways to “bring together” the “church at Penticton/ South Okanagan.”
November 12, 2009
I actually worked (lol) at work today. I got that chart of the area churches etc done and emailed. And immediately I received back a bunch of enthusiastic responses. I also did the church bulletin. And made posters for front and back doors saying where to go for the Another Chance Ministries (Pastor P’s) coffee times and Sunday breakfast and service.
A neat thing happened at work today. The lady who is in charge of the “prayer ministry” came in because someone had called and asked her to pray with him. She brought her hubby along because she didn’t really know this guy who wanted prayer. Anyway, the guy didn’t turn up. But another young man came by, looking for Pastor P, not realizing the coffee time had been moved to another location. So he was telling them how he needed to get back to his home in Ontario to help with a family situation. They checked into his story… and when it came up true, they bought him a plane ticket. His mom in Ontario, who they were talking to on the phone, was so happy and relieved. They thought they were coming in for one reason, but really You brought them in for another!
November 13, 2009
I was talking to hubby this morning again about restarting some kind of “Sunday soup” thing… but again he said, “Not yet…” I get so eager to “get going” with my ideas… but it seems like, mostly, Your plans take longer… and that’s good, because 1. Your timing is perfect, and 2. Things that are rushed into generally aren’t well thought out, (not to mention that they are just “my” ideas…), and 3. Most things that are truly important (perhaps all!?!) involve relationships… and relationships can’t be rushed! (and a lot of other reasons, too, now that I begin thinking about it!).
At work (church office) I put a shelf set out on the front porch with “free, help yourself” magazines, Bibles, Daily Breads, etc, as well as some candy, kids books, and other miscellaneous items. And I am getting more and more “company” these days, as folks drop by to chat. Today one of the men who go to this church brought in a French Vanilla Coffee and an apple fritter from Timmy’s… and we had a nice chat!
Today at work I started putting together a list of churches and para-church organizations, etc in Penticton/South Okanagan, with names of pastors/ principals/ directors, phone numbers, email and website addresses. Maybe I should add fax numbers as well. I am going to finish it tomorrow, and send it by email to ask them to make any updates, etc.
I have also been posting on the outside bulletin board, announcements we get from other churches in the community. I keep looking for ways to “bring together” the “church at Penticton/ South Okanagan.”
November 12, 2009
I actually worked (lol) at work today. I got that chart of the area churches etc done and emailed. And immediately I received back a bunch of enthusiastic responses. I also did the church bulletin. And made posters for front and back doors saying where to go for the Another Chance Ministries (Pastor P’s) coffee times and Sunday breakfast and service.
A neat thing happened at work today. The lady who is in charge of the “prayer ministry” came in because someone had called and asked her to pray with him. She brought her hubby along because she didn’t really know this guy who wanted prayer. Anyway, the guy didn’t turn up. But another young man came by, looking for Pastor P, not realizing the coffee time had been moved to another location. So he was telling them how he needed to get back to his home in Ontario to help with a family situation. They checked into his story… and when it came up true, they bought him a plane ticket. His mom in Ontario, who they were talking to on the phone, was so happy and relieved. They thought they were coming in for one reason, but really You brought them in for another!
November 13, 2009
I was talking to hubby this morning again about restarting some kind of “Sunday soup” thing… but again he said, “Not yet…” I get so eager to “get going” with my ideas… but it seems like, mostly, Your plans take longer… and that’s good, because 1. Your timing is perfect, and 2. Things that are rushed into generally aren’t well thought out, (not to mention that they are just “my” ideas…), and 3. Most things that are truly important (perhaps all!?!) involve relationships… and relationships can’t be rushed! (and a lot of other reasons, too, now that I begin thinking about it!).
Monday, November 9, 2009
church in the park... awesome day!
November 8, 2009
I got up this morning at 4:45 and boiled 2 dozen eggs. Then I went to church-in-the-park/ basement and it was so neat! And I learned some amazing things! Thank You, Papa!
So when I got to church-in-the-park (aka church-in-the-churchyard-and-basement, lol!), I started setting things up. Pastor P came in and told me we can start using the stoves in the kitchen! Yay! So I can make up cheese biscuits, bread dough, etc, at home, and bring it in and put it in the oven to bake! I can also make porridge there! Even boil eggs there! Yay! Looking forward to that, instead of always having to make it at home, and bring it with me (since I usually walk, and it’s a half hour trek, and the weather is cold now, everything ends up cold, which is not so great! It will be awesome to be able to provide hot-from-the-oven/stove stuff!)
So I was digging around to see what was available for today. Coffee, black and green tea (quite a few people happily taking a couple tea bags home as well), hot chocolate, juice (well, made from powder…). B was outside cooking hot dogs on the campstove grill. Inside, I put out brown and white bread, and Eggo waffles by the toaster (with a variety of toppings, of course). Also instant oatmeal packets. There was no milk, so one of the guys donated a couple townies, and another guy hopped on his bike and went to the 24-7 Store to get some. Also dug around in the fridge and found mandarin oranges, apples, homemade cookies, some Hallowe’en candy. And also put out the boiled eggs. It was a feast! Everybody (almost 120 folks turned up! It seems to grow every week!) sure enjoyed it!
It was such a beautiful morning. Very little breeze and almost clear sky – nice when the sun came up . Most of the folks were hanging around outside, but would come in periodically for coffee and food, and to warm up. It seems to me like a lot of people are hanging around longer, instead of just “eating and running.” About 7:30 or 8:00, a teacher and 4 students from a local middle school arrived with bags and bags of clothes they had collected, after hearing about homeless people, and wanting to help out. They spread them out on at least 6 or more long tables, and all the folks came in and joyfully dug through the piles of clothes. There were a lot of winter items (jackets, hats and gloves, warm pants, sweaters, sweat shirts, etc) and they were so happy to get them. A lot of people are still sleeping outside, even though it is November and the weather has been pretty cold (below freezing some nights) and wet. There seem to be more people still sleeping outside in November this year, than in previous years.
One lady, who is in a wheelchair following a stroke, was delighted with all the pretty, feminine clothes she found. She filled up the big bag on the back of her wheelchair, smiling from ear to ear. She said it was like Christmas! She couldn’t wait to go home and try on her new wardrobe – dresses, skirts, pants, blouses, sweaters, even pyjamas and underwear. She was SO happy! I was helping her pick out items, but pretty soon all the students joined in to help, and then even some of the guys helped.
People were happily choosing clothes for themselves – but then someone else would need something they’d already picked out, but couldn’t find any more – and those who already had picked out those things for themselves, would dig into their own piles and share what they’d found with the others! They also were picking out clothes for people they knew who couldn’t make it this morning.
As often happens, one of the men came in, concerned because no one had seen one of the street guys for several days. He talked about it to Pastor P , who promised to check the hospital and make some calls. The family on the street really do look after each other!
Of course there are some people who don’t get along very well with some other people – but everyone understands that at church-in-the-park you leave your disagreements behind. Because it is known to be a safe, family kind of place, a number of these “dislike relationships” have over time turned into good friendships!
About 8:30, a pastor who is also a ventriloquist arrived, and everyone sat down for a show! It was really entertaining, lots of good jokes and laughter… but also a clear message of the peace and happiness God brings into lives, and encouragement to get into God’s Word, and come to know Him.
About 9:15, after cleaning up the hot-dog set-up, as well as the table of free Bibles and some other Christian literature, some folks came inside and helped clean up there as well. More and more people are pitching in to help set up and clean up. It used to be really on Pastor P’s shoulders a lot of the time, with some help from 3 or 4 volunteers, but more and more the street community themselves are really pitching in and sharing in the work.
(Oh yes! Someone had donated a bunch of reading glasses – and people were happily trying them on. Little things like that make a big difference in peoples’ lives).
Then those who wished to do so, sat down around some pulled-together-tables (Pastor P would love to get some couches!) with their coffee. After prayer (which also happens together at the beginning of the morning, individually or in small groups throughout the morning as people need it, and again together before everyone leaves), Pastor P brought some teaching. He had some new business cards, and he handed one out to each person. On the cards were listed, besides his contact information, some verses that are key to Another Chance Ministries. He read each verse by turn, and explained why he had chosen it for the card. At all times, people were free to ask questions or make comments.
Some of the new believers really have no “background” in the Bible or Christianity at all. They ask some really basic questions, and it is neat to hear Pastor P and others explain things in simple terms that they can grasp, using examples related to their own lives…. Questions like “ Why are some words in this Bible red?” … and “Well, if that is who Jesus is, then who is Christ?” (which led on to an attempt to simply explain the basics of the concept of the Trinity!), and, after Pastor P was reading the passage about the “woman caught in adultery,” the question, “Why did they only go after the woman? Men are worse adulterers!” (which led to a discussion of 1st century society… and then to present day differences in religious beliefs and in different societies… and how Jesus’ teaching on equality before God really upset(s) a lot of people!). Finally, the young woman who was asking these particular questions begged, “Stop! Stop! That’s all I can absorb at one time!,” and everyone laughed and agreed! This is typical of “church services” at church-in-the-park: while Pastor P more often than not has a “teaching” “planned,” the Spirit of God often takes it in some interesting directions or a different “plan” altogether, and Pastor P is very sensitive and open to that (but also very wise in recognizing things that are “rabbit warrens” and keeping the conversation and teaching from going those directions). Also, of course, not only Pastor P answers and teaches and shares; others are also free to contribute, and do. No question or testimony or other sharing is looked down upon, from any person (although purposely silly comments and questions are quickly dispensed with). Also, everyone is always encouraged to take a free Bible with them when they go, and to dig into it, learning from God’s Word themselves, and getting to know God on an on-going personal basis, rather than just depending on the teaching at the gatherings.
By the way, the verses on the Another Chance Ministries card are:
Matthew 22:39 “… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 8:21 “… My mother and My brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it.”
John 8:7 “…He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone…”
1 Corinthians 13:13 “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
And these verses do reflect the emphasis of the part of God’s family that is “Another Chance Ministries” (aka church-in-the-park!)… a gathering of believers and seekers – and anyone who wants to come and experience the family life that is found in Jesus. By the way, people who come to know Jesus from experiencing this street ministry, often go on to also become part of other “churches” in the community (all part of “the church at Penticton, of course!), while still taking part in church-in-the-park, and continuing to reach out to, and be part of the street-level family).
(You can check out the website at anotherchanceokanagan.com – the site is a bit in need of updating, but it will give you a picture of this family).
So… we had to pack up about 10 am, because the generous folks of St. Andrew’s Church, who so generously offered free use of their grounds and their fellowship area (dining room, washrooms, kitchen, even an office space for Pastor P!) – were gathering together to do some choir practice before their own church service, and to set up for their own coffee time.
I got up this morning at 4:45 and boiled 2 dozen eggs. Then I went to church-in-the-park/ basement and it was so neat! And I learned some amazing things! Thank You, Papa!
So when I got to church-in-the-park (aka church-in-the-churchyard-and-basement, lol!), I started setting things up. Pastor P came in and told me we can start using the stoves in the kitchen! Yay! So I can make up cheese biscuits, bread dough, etc, at home, and bring it in and put it in the oven to bake! I can also make porridge there! Even boil eggs there! Yay! Looking forward to that, instead of always having to make it at home, and bring it with me (since I usually walk, and it’s a half hour trek, and the weather is cold now, everything ends up cold, which is not so great! It will be awesome to be able to provide hot-from-the-oven/stove stuff!)
So I was digging around to see what was available for today. Coffee, black and green tea (quite a few people happily taking a couple tea bags home as well), hot chocolate, juice (well, made from powder…). B was outside cooking hot dogs on the campstove grill. Inside, I put out brown and white bread, and Eggo waffles by the toaster (with a variety of toppings, of course). Also instant oatmeal packets. There was no milk, so one of the guys donated a couple townies, and another guy hopped on his bike and went to the 24-7 Store to get some. Also dug around in the fridge and found mandarin oranges, apples, homemade cookies, some Hallowe’en candy. And also put out the boiled eggs. It was a feast! Everybody (almost 120 folks turned up! It seems to grow every week!) sure enjoyed it!
It was such a beautiful morning. Very little breeze and almost clear sky – nice when the sun came up . Most of the folks were hanging around outside, but would come in periodically for coffee and food, and to warm up. It seems to me like a lot of people are hanging around longer, instead of just “eating and running.” About 7:30 or 8:00, a teacher and 4 students from a local middle school arrived with bags and bags of clothes they had collected, after hearing about homeless people, and wanting to help out. They spread them out on at least 6 or more long tables, and all the folks came in and joyfully dug through the piles of clothes. There were a lot of winter items (jackets, hats and gloves, warm pants, sweaters, sweat shirts, etc) and they were so happy to get them. A lot of people are still sleeping outside, even though it is November and the weather has been pretty cold (below freezing some nights) and wet. There seem to be more people still sleeping outside in November this year, than in previous years.
One lady, who is in a wheelchair following a stroke, was delighted with all the pretty, feminine clothes she found. She filled up the big bag on the back of her wheelchair, smiling from ear to ear. She said it was like Christmas! She couldn’t wait to go home and try on her new wardrobe – dresses, skirts, pants, blouses, sweaters, even pyjamas and underwear. She was SO happy! I was helping her pick out items, but pretty soon all the students joined in to help, and then even some of the guys helped.
People were happily choosing clothes for themselves – but then someone else would need something they’d already picked out, but couldn’t find any more – and those who already had picked out those things for themselves, would dig into their own piles and share what they’d found with the others! They also were picking out clothes for people they knew who couldn’t make it this morning.
As often happens, one of the men came in, concerned because no one had seen one of the street guys for several days. He talked about it to Pastor P , who promised to check the hospital and make some calls. The family on the street really do look after each other!
Of course there are some people who don’t get along very well with some other people – but everyone understands that at church-in-the-park you leave your disagreements behind. Because it is known to be a safe, family kind of place, a number of these “dislike relationships” have over time turned into good friendships!
About 8:30, a pastor who is also a ventriloquist arrived, and everyone sat down for a show! It was really entertaining, lots of good jokes and laughter… but also a clear message of the peace and happiness God brings into lives, and encouragement to get into God’s Word, and come to know Him.
About 9:15, after cleaning up the hot-dog set-up, as well as the table of free Bibles and some other Christian literature, some folks came inside and helped clean up there as well. More and more people are pitching in to help set up and clean up. It used to be really on Pastor P’s shoulders a lot of the time, with some help from 3 or 4 volunteers, but more and more the street community themselves are really pitching in and sharing in the work.
(Oh yes! Someone had donated a bunch of reading glasses – and people were happily trying them on. Little things like that make a big difference in peoples’ lives).
Then those who wished to do so, sat down around some pulled-together-tables (Pastor P would love to get some couches!) with their coffee. After prayer (which also happens together at the beginning of the morning, individually or in small groups throughout the morning as people need it, and again together before everyone leaves), Pastor P brought some teaching. He had some new business cards, and he handed one out to each person. On the cards were listed, besides his contact information, some verses that are key to Another Chance Ministries. He read each verse by turn, and explained why he had chosen it for the card. At all times, people were free to ask questions or make comments.
Some of the new believers really have no “background” in the Bible or Christianity at all. They ask some really basic questions, and it is neat to hear Pastor P and others explain things in simple terms that they can grasp, using examples related to their own lives…. Questions like “ Why are some words in this Bible red?” … and “Well, if that is who Jesus is, then who is Christ?” (which led on to an attempt to simply explain the basics of the concept of the Trinity!), and, after Pastor P was reading the passage about the “woman caught in adultery,” the question, “Why did they only go after the woman? Men are worse adulterers!” (which led to a discussion of 1st century society… and then to present day differences in religious beliefs and in different societies… and how Jesus’ teaching on equality before God really upset(s) a lot of people!). Finally, the young woman who was asking these particular questions begged, “Stop! Stop! That’s all I can absorb at one time!,” and everyone laughed and agreed! This is typical of “church services” at church-in-the-park: while Pastor P more often than not has a “teaching” “planned,” the Spirit of God often takes it in some interesting directions or a different “plan” altogether, and Pastor P is very sensitive and open to that (but also very wise in recognizing things that are “rabbit warrens” and keeping the conversation and teaching from going those directions). Also, of course, not only Pastor P answers and teaches and shares; others are also free to contribute, and do. No question or testimony or other sharing is looked down upon, from any person (although purposely silly comments and questions are quickly dispensed with). Also, everyone is always encouraged to take a free Bible with them when they go, and to dig into it, learning from God’s Word themselves, and getting to know God on an on-going personal basis, rather than just depending on the teaching at the gatherings.
By the way, the verses on the Another Chance Ministries card are:
Matthew 22:39 “… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Luke 8:21 “… My mother and My brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it.”
John 8:7 “…He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone…”
1 Corinthians 13:13 “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
And these verses do reflect the emphasis of the part of God’s family that is “Another Chance Ministries” (aka church-in-the-park!)… a gathering of believers and seekers – and anyone who wants to come and experience the family life that is found in Jesus. By the way, people who come to know Jesus from experiencing this street ministry, often go on to also become part of other “churches” in the community (all part of “the church at Penticton, of course!), while still taking part in church-in-the-park, and continuing to reach out to, and be part of the street-level family).
(You can check out the website at anotherchanceokanagan.com – the site is a bit in need of updating, but it will give you a picture of this family).
So… we had to pack up about 10 am, because the generous folks of St. Andrew’s Church, who so generously offered free use of their grounds and their fellowship area (dining room, washrooms, kitchen, even an office space for Pastor P!) – were gathering together to do some choir practice before their own church service, and to set up for their own coffee time.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
really letting the past go!
November 6, 2009 (again!)
… later… Hocus pick! That was just the most amazing roll of thunder (no weather sounds before that) and now there is a downpour of little white hailstorms (and more thunder). I looked outside and the sky was pitch dark. At first I assumed it was just “night” darkness… but then, over on the edge of the horizon, I spotted a very small patch of clear sky with almost-full-dawn brightness! And I realized the sky is just covered with a big puffy quilt of really thick black clouds! So cool! (Will You clear it up enough, Papa, for the street folks to come out for coffee/ breakfast?) Please? Your will be done!
When You told me to get up early, I thought You wanted me to type some more of my journal catch-up! I did a lot yesterday, and am just so thrilled to read again what You have been teaching me, and the amazing things You’ve been doing for us and in us – and Your amazing provisions that just seem to go on and on and on!!??!! (Why? I keep wondering… but I love it! Even if I don’t “deserve it” … etc…)
Last night hubby and I went to G’s and listened to a program talking about the prodigal son – or rather, about the loving Father!
Afterwards, we were talking about the things we’d been taught, our experiences (often NOT loving) of “church” in the past, the false perceptions we’d developed of You and Your “expectations of us,” and of “the church” and all….
But as we kept talking, I sensed You (speaking so quietly.. I didn’t even “hear” You at first… maybe – no, for sure – didn’t even want to hear You! Oh dear! I’m sorry… now… wasn’t then, though… sorry…) telling me that it is time to not only put behind us (me, too! Most!) the “bad events” of the past, and just walk forward, eyes (heart! spirit!) trained on You … but also time to put behind us (me, too! Most!) this rehashing, this re-telling of all those things we were talking about… for one thing, it’s tiring and useless to keep rehashing it, and listening to it being rehashed; and for another thing, it becomes excuse-making for our own wrong choices and attitudes – our sin! – and it also becomes a kind of boasting (“my past church/ God/ whatever experiences and training were lots worse than yours!”) (and of course that leads to exaggeration and fictionalizing – like, who can tell the better story?!?!??! – lies!)… and it wastes the time that we should be redeeming, using to move forward and to know and love You more, and allow You to use us to spread Your love – live it out! – and build Your kingdom!
Yes, the past is done! Let it go!
(I remember when Pastor A was teaching us to put together our “2 minute testimonies” … and he kept saying that “the past” shouldn’t use up more than 20%! That meant keeping it to 20% of 120 seconds… so 24 seconds, maximum! Ha! They say these days that we should wash our hands for 30 seconds (to avoid the H1N1 flu), and that that is about how long it takes to sing the “ABC” song… which is NOT very long! But longer than 24 seconds! Just the “ABC’s” without the self-congratulatory little ending… Hmmm… I think that our rehashing (mine, especially) of our past (mine especially) IS awfully self-congratulatory! (wanting to be admired, paid attention to, etc…)
Sorry, Papa…
(Should I remove my old written stories… or at least edit them to focus more on YOU??) (Papa??)
(At least I really need to watch my tongue at church-in-the-park/ morning coffee times.. leave the “old man” behind!!! Totally!!! Walk – and talk!!! – in “newness of life!!!!).
YAY!! I AM FINALLY CAUGHT UP!!!
… later… Hocus pick! That was just the most amazing roll of thunder (no weather sounds before that) and now there is a downpour of little white hailstorms (and more thunder). I looked outside and the sky was pitch dark. At first I assumed it was just “night” darkness… but then, over on the edge of the horizon, I spotted a very small patch of clear sky with almost-full-dawn brightness! And I realized the sky is just covered with a big puffy quilt of really thick black clouds! So cool! (Will You clear it up enough, Papa, for the street folks to come out for coffee/ breakfast?) Please? Your will be done!
When You told me to get up early, I thought You wanted me to type some more of my journal catch-up! I did a lot yesterday, and am just so thrilled to read again what You have been teaching me, and the amazing things You’ve been doing for us and in us – and Your amazing provisions that just seem to go on and on and on!!??!! (Why? I keep wondering… but I love it! Even if I don’t “deserve it” … etc…)
Last night hubby and I went to G’s and listened to a program talking about the prodigal son – or rather, about the loving Father!
Afterwards, we were talking about the things we’d been taught, our experiences (often NOT loving) of “church” in the past, the false perceptions we’d developed of You and Your “expectations of us,” and of “the church” and all….
But as we kept talking, I sensed You (speaking so quietly.. I didn’t even “hear” You at first… maybe – no, for sure – didn’t even want to hear You! Oh dear! I’m sorry… now… wasn’t then, though… sorry…) telling me that it is time to not only put behind us (me, too! Most!) the “bad events” of the past, and just walk forward, eyes (heart! spirit!) trained on You … but also time to put behind us (me, too! Most!) this rehashing, this re-telling of all those things we were talking about… for one thing, it’s tiring and useless to keep rehashing it, and listening to it being rehashed; and for another thing, it becomes excuse-making for our own wrong choices and attitudes – our sin! – and it also becomes a kind of boasting (“my past church/ God/ whatever experiences and training were lots worse than yours!”) (and of course that leads to exaggeration and fictionalizing – like, who can tell the better story?!?!??! – lies!)… and it wastes the time that we should be redeeming, using to move forward and to know and love You more, and allow You to use us to spread Your love – live it out! – and build Your kingdom!
Yes, the past is done! Let it go!
(I remember when Pastor A was teaching us to put together our “2 minute testimonies” … and he kept saying that “the past” shouldn’t use up more than 20%! That meant keeping it to 20% of 120 seconds… so 24 seconds, maximum! Ha! They say these days that we should wash our hands for 30 seconds (to avoid the H1N1 flu), and that that is about how long it takes to sing the “ABC” song… which is NOT very long! But longer than 24 seconds! Just the “ABC’s” without the self-congratulatory little ending… Hmmm… I think that our rehashing (mine, especially) of our past (mine especially) IS awfully self-congratulatory! (wanting to be admired, paid attention to, etc…)
Sorry, Papa…
(Should I remove my old written stories… or at least edit them to focus more on YOU??) (Papa??)
(At least I really need to watch my tongue at church-in-the-park/ morning coffee times.. leave the “old man” behind!!! Totally!!! Walk – and talk!!! – in “newness of life!!!!).
YAY!! I AM FINALLY CAUGHT UP!!!
listening: to You, and to Your family... and gongs and cymbals and keeping our eyes on You, the composer and conductor and teacher!
November 6, 2009
You put that on my heart last night – “Just listen.” Papa, we DO need someone to listen to us. Of course we do have YOU – and yes, that “should” be enough! BUT I wonder… I know You recognize (having walked in our shoes, taken on our bodies and lives Yourself), that we seem sometimes (often, especially in the toughest, confusing, “alone” times) to need You “with skin on” … to be able to see and touch and know for sure that You are listening, that You are here, and that You care (that is, after all, a large part of why You came, Jesus, to make the Father KNOWN!)…. I am sure that is part of the reason You have given us Your family and told us to gather and encourage and edify and pray for each other (all of which requires conversation to some degree… which of course requires LISTENING to each other speak! And it is NOT ours to judge. You are the ONE who judges, the only ONE who truly knows each heart, and therefore the only one who can judge rightly!. And while we can teach and encourage and set an example, ultimately it is You who reaches the heart – as Paul wrote, one plants, another waters, but it is YOU who brings the growth.
I think we also need listeners because it is difficult for us to sort things out “in our heads.” That is why I write things down on paper… it “dumps” it all out, allows me to “look at it” (with YOU!!!!), to sort it out, to organize, to junk that which needs to be junked… and in the process, I find You, always, joining me in the process, pointing things out, making suggestions… joining in the conversation! Loving me! Yes!
And I’m thinking that is also how You want to work through us to reach into the lives of others. Your Word talks about how fellow believers, especially those You have given us to teach, guide, nourish, encourage, love!... as “2… our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3. … a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Paul was speaking specifically of “letters of reference” but I think it goes well beyond that, too! You have given me a particular means of communicating with You (journaling, story writing, letter and email writing) – and with Your family! But ALL of us are called to communication, all of us are called to be “living letters!” - encouraging, listening, exhorting, LISTENING! In LOVE, without judging (for none of us can judge totally rightly – only You know the hearts and motives and circumstances etc of each person! Only Your love is perfect! But as Your Spirit lives within us, our spirits grow in Your love and we too can – must! – share it with others!).
1 Corinthians 13:1 “If I… do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2. If I… do not have love, I am nothing.”
Papa, that is right. That is exactly what happens in a church when Your love is not truly there. (We SAY we love You and love each other… but our actions speak louder than our words! Love isn’t a warm, mushy feeling we get when we hug each other, have a potluck together, take part in some “awesome worship time” …)
NO! Love is when the gong and the cymbals take their rightful place in the orchestra – hold silence till exactly the right moment, when suddenly they ring out – or are played very quietly, just as the score requires – and become a beautiful part of the music. But if they ring out at any other point, they bring discord, disharmony, ear pain! I think “gongs and cymbals” are like warnings, wake-up-calls, correcting, pointing our problems… even, perhaps, disciplining… when done in love (true love, YOUR LOVE) they are beautiful and harmonious and healing… but used otherwise, they are grating, annoying, painful, hurtful, discordant, dis-unifying, destructive!
And how do we know when the “gong and cymbal” are appropriate? When YOUR SPIRIT prompts their use – YOU, the compose, the conductor, the orchestra teacher who chooses the instruments and gives them to the musicians who You choose and train, prepare, gift! (So often, we go rushing in and grab the wrong instrument and start squawking, squeaking, clashing… I have pain in my ears and head thinking of it… remembering in my high school band days those painful moments of learning new instruments – and of the band beginning to “tune up” … as long as everyone was trying to tune up their own instrument, on their own, there was this terrible, horrible, painful discord – like a bunch of barnyard animals in terrible pain! But then the band teacher, the conductor, would pick up his baton and wave it for everyone to be quiet… and then he’d call for a “C” perhaps… and everyone would play that one note together… which would be much better, but still not quite right. And then the conductor would stop us, and point over to the clarinets, perhaps, or to the trumpets, or which ever group of instruments, and have that group play the note… and then perhaps to just one or two players who needed special help…and those players would be helped to get their instruments in tune… and before long, the band would be ready to practice and then perform, to play together, to present the concert… the music swelling, lifting, then descending quietly, then one or two players perhaps performing a beautiful solo part, and then the rest joining in joyfully, beautifully – as long as all the players kept their eyes on the conductor, even as they also watched the music score.
I remember so often, our band teacher would have to stop us and remind us that without keeping our eyes on him, we would quickly get off-track, no matter how well we could play our instruments, and no matter how well we could read the music, and even no matter how well we listened to each other – usually a good thing, but a disaster if we started following someone who was already out of tune or off the beat! (And sometimes, our conductor would choose to adjust the score, to perhaps add a solo part, or emphasize a certain group of instruments… the composer’s score didn’t change, but there was room for the conductor to “interpret” it.. and that is especially true of You, Who are the perfect composer and conductor and teacher and guide! Oh Papa! Help us to listen to You!!! Help us to keep our eyes on You!! Help us to keep our spirits totally in tune, in obedience, with Your Spirit!!!
(The score, Your Word, is of course very important; the other band members – Your children, Your family – are important; the instruments – the gifts, talents, even the “programs” sometimes, are important… but only when all eyes are on the conductor, and all players are obedient to the conductor, above all!)
You put that on my heart last night – “Just listen.” Papa, we DO need someone to listen to us. Of course we do have YOU – and yes, that “should” be enough! BUT I wonder… I know You recognize (having walked in our shoes, taken on our bodies and lives Yourself), that we seem sometimes (often, especially in the toughest, confusing, “alone” times) to need You “with skin on” … to be able to see and touch and know for sure that You are listening, that You are here, and that You care (that is, after all, a large part of why You came, Jesus, to make the Father KNOWN!)…. I am sure that is part of the reason You have given us Your family and told us to gather and encourage and edify and pray for each other (all of which requires conversation to some degree… which of course requires LISTENING to each other speak! And it is NOT ours to judge. You are the ONE who judges, the only ONE who truly knows each heart, and therefore the only one who can judge rightly!. And while we can teach and encourage and set an example, ultimately it is You who reaches the heart – as Paul wrote, one plants, another waters, but it is YOU who brings the growth.
I think we also need listeners because it is difficult for us to sort things out “in our heads.” That is why I write things down on paper… it “dumps” it all out, allows me to “look at it” (with YOU!!!!), to sort it out, to organize, to junk that which needs to be junked… and in the process, I find You, always, joining me in the process, pointing things out, making suggestions… joining in the conversation! Loving me! Yes!
And I’m thinking that is also how You want to work through us to reach into the lives of others. Your Word talks about how fellow believers, especially those You have given us to teach, guide, nourish, encourage, love!... as “2… our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3. … a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). Paul was speaking specifically of “letters of reference” but I think it goes well beyond that, too! You have given me a particular means of communicating with You (journaling, story writing, letter and email writing) – and with Your family! But ALL of us are called to communication, all of us are called to be “living letters!” - encouraging, listening, exhorting, LISTENING! In LOVE, without judging (for none of us can judge totally rightly – only You know the hearts and motives and circumstances etc of each person! Only Your love is perfect! But as Your Spirit lives within us, our spirits grow in Your love and we too can – must! – share it with others!).
1 Corinthians 13:1 “If I… do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2. If I… do not have love, I am nothing.”
Papa, that is right. That is exactly what happens in a church when Your love is not truly there. (We SAY we love You and love each other… but our actions speak louder than our words! Love isn’t a warm, mushy feeling we get when we hug each other, have a potluck together, take part in some “awesome worship time” …)
NO! Love is when the gong and the cymbals take their rightful place in the orchestra – hold silence till exactly the right moment, when suddenly they ring out – or are played very quietly, just as the score requires – and become a beautiful part of the music. But if they ring out at any other point, they bring discord, disharmony, ear pain! I think “gongs and cymbals” are like warnings, wake-up-calls, correcting, pointing our problems… even, perhaps, disciplining… when done in love (true love, YOUR LOVE) they are beautiful and harmonious and healing… but used otherwise, they are grating, annoying, painful, hurtful, discordant, dis-unifying, destructive!
And how do we know when the “gong and cymbal” are appropriate? When YOUR SPIRIT prompts their use – YOU, the compose, the conductor, the orchestra teacher who chooses the instruments and gives them to the musicians who You choose and train, prepare, gift! (So often, we go rushing in and grab the wrong instrument and start squawking, squeaking, clashing… I have pain in my ears and head thinking of it… remembering in my high school band days those painful moments of learning new instruments – and of the band beginning to “tune up” … as long as everyone was trying to tune up their own instrument, on their own, there was this terrible, horrible, painful discord – like a bunch of barnyard animals in terrible pain! But then the band teacher, the conductor, would pick up his baton and wave it for everyone to be quiet… and then he’d call for a “C” perhaps… and everyone would play that one note together… which would be much better, but still not quite right. And then the conductor would stop us, and point over to the clarinets, perhaps, or to the trumpets, or which ever group of instruments, and have that group play the note… and then perhaps to just one or two players who needed special help…and those players would be helped to get their instruments in tune… and before long, the band would be ready to practice and then perform, to play together, to present the concert… the music swelling, lifting, then descending quietly, then one or two players perhaps performing a beautiful solo part, and then the rest joining in joyfully, beautifully – as long as all the players kept their eyes on the conductor, even as they also watched the music score.
I remember so often, our band teacher would have to stop us and remind us that without keeping our eyes on him, we would quickly get off-track, no matter how well we could play our instruments, and no matter how well we could read the music, and even no matter how well we listened to each other – usually a good thing, but a disaster if we started following someone who was already out of tune or off the beat! (And sometimes, our conductor would choose to adjust the score, to perhaps add a solo part, or emphasize a certain group of instruments… the composer’s score didn’t change, but there was room for the conductor to “interpret” it.. and that is especially true of You, Who are the perfect composer and conductor and teacher and guide! Oh Papa! Help us to listen to You!!! Help us to keep our eyes on You!! Help us to keep our spirits totally in tune, in obedience, with Your Spirit!!!
(The score, Your Word, is of course very important; the other band members – Your children, Your family – are important; the instruments – the gifts, talents, even the “programs” sometimes, are important… but only when all eyes are on the conductor, and all players are obedient to the conductor, above all!)
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