How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

Enjoyed completing our 3rd Alpha at Portland house. We gave out 6 Jesus Focused Bibles and the Pursuit of God by Tozer as well as Purpose Driven Life by Warren.

My desire for these men: Luke 8:39

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

We've always gotten a few family and friends to join for part of the time. Only KC and Missy were consistent. I got to see KC this year at my second Spiritual Emphasis week at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie.  

Dave received an answer to prayer this week. After 10 years he got in touch with his daughter and opened the door to connect with his son. He asked us to pray for him before Thanksgiving and that he'd be an honorable man and reconcile with his family over the holidays. 

I met a great guy who lives in Rochester. He was talking about bringing his family to church. I was going to mention the place I started BSF satellite group in and he said it first, "Autumn Ridge." 

We prayed for healing for the guys, Dave's hip has been hurting for a long time. So we prayed about that, believing in a physical miracle. Stacy had a lot on his heart for his family, twins and special needs. We prayed for miracles of healing in relationship and for the wisdom of God to fill his heart and mind, replacing worry with peace. Jim prayed for Jacob, Art and the others. Juan Carlos left the program early and we prayed for him and the others who are on their own. 

Mark 5:19-20

But Jesus would not allow him. “Go home to your own people,” He said, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy He has shown you.” / So the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

Acts 22:15

You will be His witness to everyone of what you have seen and heard.

Romans 10:14-15

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Tale of two cities, no one is neutral with Jesus

Money, the power of God's word and dreams

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My Alpha Story and Teen Challenge (Part 2)

My friend Rob Dean wanted me to share my story about Alpha and Teen Challenge I have two motivations one focused on Alpha and another focused on Teen Challenge this Thanksgiving I wanted to share both. Grateful for our prayer team and to Jesus for seeing him change lives (Acts 1:8). 

My adolescence took a dark turn when I let music and pain shape my choices. After family trauma, I turned to drugs - believing I was in control, when in truth, I was lost. What followed was two chaotic years of addiction, broken relationships, and a downward spiral that led me through multiple treatments, arrests, and eventually, the psych ward - four times.

At my lowest point, I faced a choice: long-term psychiatric care or a long-term treatment center specializing in dual diagnosis. I chose treatment. There, I began to understand my mental and spiritual condition. The program spoke of a “higher power,” but I couldn’t accept an undefined God. One day I told my counselor, “I believe God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. He died for my sin so I can have a relationship with God. I feel like I need to give my life to Jesus and accept him into my life as Lord and Savior.” He simply said, “If that’s what you believe, you should do it.”

I walked out of that office, surrendered my life to Jesus, and felt the weight of guilt and shame lift. Peace flooded in. I decided to rebuild my life - returned to college, studied accounting, and began walking with God daily.

Decades later, I’m almost 30 years sober and helping others discover that same freedom. At Teen Challenge MN (TC), we introduced Alpha as a way for residents to invite family into their recovery journey - to see firsthand who Jesus is and what He’s done in their lives.

We’re now in our third year of hosting Alpha in the long-term TC. We’ve tried different formats - family dinners, then dessert nights. Our desire is to create space for authentic conversations. Today, a dozen men gather weekly around one table, watching the Alpha Film Series and discussing questions of faith. Every Thursday, we pray for them by name.

Through these conversations, we see lives changing. Fathers and sons being restored, men finding hope and purpose. I share my own story: once estranged, now entrusted as the executor of my parents’ estate - a full-circle redemption only God could write.

The world’s prescription for a thief is jail time. God’s prescription, from Ephesians, is transformation: “Let the thief steal no longer, but work diligently with his hands so he may give to those in need.” That’s the kind of renewal we witness through Alpha—men discovering a God who doesn’t just forgive but gives new purpose.

Every session reminds me: when we follow God’s revealed will, He reveals His personal plan. Morning by morning, we see new mercies. Through Alpha, we’re creating a space of receptivity where Jesus heals, restores, and calls men into His Kingdom - for their good and His glory.

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My Alpha story and Teen Challenge

My friend Rob Dean wanted me to share my story about Alpha and Teen Challenge I have two motivations one focused on Alpha and another focused on Teen Challenge this Thanksgiving I wanted to share both. 

My story with Alpha began with a deep desire to share the gospel with people who didn’t understand the Bible or church history, people who thought they had already made up their minds about faith. Early in life, I joined many evangelistic outreaches: handing out materials on city streets, serving workers, and sharing short gospel messages. Yet, I began to sense a gap between quick introductions to Jesus and meaningful exploration. At my church, we had a “Next Steps” program for those ready to serve, but nothing for people just beginning to question. So, I helped create a “First Steps” series inspired by Ravi Zacharias’ framework: Origins, Morality, Meaning, and Destiny. My desire was to spark honest conversations about God. While that series struggled at church, it flourished in my workplace, where non-believers engaged deeply and authentically.

A turning point came when a Teen Challenge representative mentioned they were piloting Alpha. I’d seen Alpha posters before but never experienced it. Within days, I joined their volunteer team, went through fast-tracked training, and began leading small groups. My first session felt chaotic. We were in a cramped room, cafeteria food, skeptical faces. Yet, beneath the sarcasm, I found pain and real questions: Where was God when my dad died? Why did He let this happen? Through weeks of Alpha, conversation by conversation, we saw walls break down. During the Holy Spirit weekend, I prayed with a man named Brandon as he asked Jesus into his life. Months later, he was transformed. That moment changed me too. I’d gone years seeing maybe one person commit to Christ; now I was witnessing several each month experience true spiritual renewal.

Since then, Alpha has become a rhythm of grace in my life. At Teen Challenge, we’ve refined the cadence. Two episodes a night, meals that foster community (even Papa John’s pizza for “Holy Spirit weekend”), and an open-door structure so anyone can join at any time. Graduates now return as mentors, walking with the next generation through their own questions and breakthroughs. What began as one small group in a crowded room has grown into a movement across campuses, workplaces, and even internationally, I helped bring Alpha Youth to an orphanage in Myanmar with 60 children.

Today, I’m honored to serve on the Alpha Twin Cities prayer team, praying weekly for its reach. Through Alpha, I’ve seen skeptics turn seekers, addicts find purpose, and believers rediscover the joy of sharing faith. God used Alpha to show me that creating space for honest questions can change everything. Lives are being renewed, hope restored, and the gospel shared—one conversation at a time.

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Turn God’s grace from rare experience to daily, renewing encounter

I've been enjoying meditating on Ezra 1:1, 

"...in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation" 

and Ezra 1:5, 

"...everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord..."

I had wonderful conversations with my leadership team this week, catching up with David and Eddie also. At our leaders meeting our fellowship centered on "what worship music moves your heart close to God." In our one on ones we got to share on topics about Personal life and Spiritual health. Family, community, work, other, prayer and encouragement. I've set my heart on following where the Lord leads and I'm open that it may not be where I thought originally, and I believe this is for the best. 

• Proverbs 4:23: Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.
• Psalm 119:11: I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
• Proverbs 23:5: When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

My prayer continues to see the Lord before me like a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. Make my path straight so I can see clearly where I'm going. Light my path so that I don't step in the mud or fall into a ditch. Help me build a bridge so that others can follow where we're going. Give me eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that understands, that I might have an abundant multiplying effect for others, for your kingdom, for your glory, amen.

True worship is submitting yourself to God wholeheartedly (Jer 17:11-18:17), I was struck by this thought: God molds us and re-molds us until he see repentance (Jer 18:1-17). I've gotten lazy and sloppy in my devotion to the Lord. I've had a performance mindset instead of a worship mindset that sees beyond current result into the eternal kingdom God is calling us to. I find myself needing a daily reset, morning by morning new mercies I see. Last night we enjoyed the Northern Lights dancing above my house (pillar of fire at night). My house has a new roof, new furnace and air conditioner, new floors and will soon be painted. I'm looking forward to hosting Lane, Chloe, and Roman and helping them setup for a life of success. 

Last night my friend Art (in his grief over losing a life long friend), said "I'm sorry, I don't feel the Holy Spirit, never hear from God and I'm put off by this religion being pushed on me." We had just watch Alpha: Who is the Holy Spirit? and he was distracted and got nothing from it. I affirmed him and said I was glad he felt comfortable with us to share that level of honesty. 

• Honesty is a character trait from God because God is inherently truthful, and His followers are called to reflect that nature through their own actions and words. This is demonstrated by the biblical principle that "God cannot lie" and Jesus's statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". The tradition emphasizes that while people are not naturally honest, spiritual growth involves developing honesty as a reflection of God's character, a process that includes being truthful with oneself and others, and doing so with grace. 
• I've witnessed God at work in Art's life as have others, but he's not able to see it yet. As we talked we all agreed that seeing God's work in our lives is sometimes only clear after some distance from the events. 
• My goal in life is shorten that distance between experience God's grace from episodic to daily, morning by morning new mercies I see.

I had a vision of prayer, an analogy of calling someone on the phone. Worship is mechanism like picking up the phone, Gratitude is the number we dial, Listening happens when we're in a quiet place. Sometime we need go on mute and get to a quiet place, sometimes the quiet place is found through Fasting. Fasting is like repairing the control tower after a storm, it takes time and involves removing the stuff that cut down the wires. Active Listen with God includes knowing his character and his word. 

Colossians 3:2: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 19:21: Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”

Luke 12:14-38

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

1 Timothy 6:17-19: Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

James 5:1-3: Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. / Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. / Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days.

Hebrews 10:34: You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.

1 Peter 1:4: and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,

Philippians 3:20: But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 4:18: So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Matthew 13:44: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Matthew 6:19-20: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Ecclesiastes 5:10: He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile

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The loving kindness of pizza ministry

Praying for the Alpha Weekend and my training this Friday. Remembering that many of you were once like that (1 Cor 6:11) But you were washed, you were made holy, you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" My favorite gospel message is Titus 3:3-8:

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

Alpha weekend our church provides Papa John's Pizza for everyone, 100 slices and we usually get new people to join that night. We believe, "1 Cor 14:24, But if everyone is proclaiming God's message, speak what God has revealed, prophesying, foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people, when some unbelievers or ordinary people come in, they will be convinced of their sin by what they hear, he is called to account by all [because he can understand what is being said], They will realize that they are sinners, and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying. They will be judged by all they hear, he is discerned by all, he is refuted by all, he is examined by all,  he will be convinced by everyone and judged by everyone,

And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them; I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh, / so that they may follow My statutes, keep My ordinances, and practice them. Then they will be My people, and I will be their God. - Ezekiel 11:19-20

so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. Isaiah 55:11

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones. / He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry. / Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” ... Ezekiel 37:1-14

“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” Jeremiah 23:29

because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” / But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” - Romans 10:14-17

Alleluia! God is so good (Psalm 135:3), praise the Lord in my heart (Psalm 150:1), I lay me down (Romans 12:1-3), His rule and eternal reign is lighting up the sky before the new day dawns (Rev 19:1-6), Thank you for eyes that see (Heb 11-12, Luke 2:19). For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:6)

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PRAY: Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield

Alpha Teen Challenge Portland House is starting. There are so many different models of prayer, which is wonderful. Using different models when praying can help everyone connect with the presence of God. One tested way to lead prayer during the team huddle is to P-R-A-Y:

P = Pause to be still

R = Rejoice with a scripture or song, and give thanks to God for all he has done

A = Ask God to reveal his love to the guests and to the team

Y = Yield is another way of saying “yes” to God 

P - Pause

Romans 5:5 “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy

Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Invite the Holy Spirit to come, wait in silence, and welcome his presence.

R - Rejoice

1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be

called children of God! And that is what we are!”

Rejoice and thank God for all he has done to bring you here tonight! Have people

pray out loud and complete the phrase “God, I thank you for...” 

A - Ask

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share

with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

One of the greatest ways to love people is to pray for them. Each week, we will pray

for our guests and for one another. This week we will pray in groups of three. Please

self-identify in each group who is #1, #2, or #3. We will take 3 minutes to pray for

guests now.

Ask God for the guests:

1. That God would give each guest the courage to attend.

2. That pre-registered guests would turn up, and God would send more guests who

are not registered.

3. That the guests, hosts, and helpers experience laughter and connection.

And now we will take 3 minutes to pray for the team.

Ask God for the team:

1. For wisdom and discernment to place each guest in the right group.

2. For the emcee(s) as they host the evening.

3. For the health and safety of all team members and their families

Y - Yield

Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to

offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and

proper worship.”

“Yield” or more simply put, “Say yes to God!” He wants us to experience the joy

of partnering with him. Tell God that you surrender and say “Yes!” to everything he

wants to do on this Alpha. Let’s enjoy the adventure! 

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Love Lifted me up, Heaven came down (and Glory filled my soul!)

Wonderful time in worship yesterday, praising God for my family and God's healing. Alpha weekend is this Friday and I sent a message to Rob and Ron before church "Praying for heaven to bring many home. Grateful for your faithful ministry, let's never give up." 

Our first praise song was "Love Lifted me up", this is the Gospel - God is near to the broken hearted. My father in law was near death and he was given a new life. The next song was "Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul!" This was my favorite song as a child, I would direct the choir (from the front row pew) and Jeremy was giving the same gestures today. 

Love Lifted me up

I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore, 

Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more

But the master of the sea, Heard my despairing cry,

From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help Love lifted me

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help Love lifted me

Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves

He will lift you by his love, Out of the angry waves

But the master of the sea, Billows His will obey

He your savior wants to be, Be saved today

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help Love lifted me

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help Love lifted me

Heaven came down

O what a wonderful, wonderful day - Day I will never forget

After I'd wandered in darkness away - Jesus my Savior I met

O what a tender, compassionate friend - He met the need of my heart

Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling - He made all the darkness depart

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)

When at the cross my Savior made me whole (made me whole)

My sins were washed away - And my night was turned to day

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Born of the Spirit with life from above - Into God's fam'ly divine

Justified fully thru Calvary's love - O what a standing is mine

And the transaction so quickly was made - When as a sinner I came

Took of the offer of grace He did proffer - He saved me, O praise His dear name

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)

When at the cross my Savior made me whole (made me whole)

My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul

Now I've a hope that will surely endure - After the passing of time

I have a future in heaven for sure - There in those mansions sublime

And it's because of that wonderful day  -When at the cross I believed

Riches eternal and blessings supernal - From His precious hand I received

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)

When at the cross my Savior made me whole (made me whole)

My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul (filled my soul)

My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!

Proffer: hold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer.

supernal: relating to the sky or the heavens; celestial. of exceptional quality or extent.

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Show me your nail scared hands

In worship and preparation for sharing my testimony of healing at MNTC Healing night a week ago I had a vision. Seeing Jesus in heaven, I could ask Jesus anything - so I said show me your hands and I looked and saw all my pride, and rebellion visually my tattoos in Jesus redeemed body. It reminded me of Kelsey saying as a baby "auwe " when she caught a glimpse of my tattoo. It also reminded me of the Prayer Course where they illustrated our lives as a Kintsugi Vase, broken but then put back together with precious metals. 

2 Corinthians 4:7 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. NIV", "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves."

The NIV describes 2 Cor 4 as "Present Weakness and Resurrection Life", NLT "Treasure in Fragile Clay Jars", MSG "Trial and Torture", I describe as this picture "God's grace reaches for you": 

"When you did this for the least of these you did this for me." Matthew 25, we get to witness God at work when we speak light and life into people, "you will be my witness" Acts 1.

This morning listening to Always Pray First and Trust In God | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day Reminded that I should share this personal story, as I was also listening to psychologies yesterday that said, "don't over share."  - his point was don't live in the past trauma, but live forward and practice being the person you want to be. 

Like Jesus we go from 

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34

to

"Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done." Psalm 22:29-31, John 19:30

Songs

• Broken Pieces - Amanda Nolan
• Nail Scarred Hands - Dante Bowe

Chest to back, a vice - "chip on my shoulder"

Cross References from 2 Cor 4:7, why God leads us to have faith where no other way is possible revealed in our fragile lives:

• Then the LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many people for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' - Judges 7:2
• how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! - Job 4:19
• Please remember that You molded me like clay. Would You now return me to dust? - Job 10:9
• I am just like you before God; I was also formed from clay. - Job 33:6
• How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in pure gold, are now esteemed as jars of clay, the work of a potter's hands! - Lamentations 4:2
• I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!" - John 16:33
• so that your faith would not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.  - 1 Corinthians 2:5

Job's friends show the danger of a shallow theology (Job 2-31)

Testimony of John's healing that I shared: https://youtu.be/5ReG8udigU0

John 12:26,32,36, 39-41, 44-45,13:20 the Lord revealed this truth about ministry, Christian living and the gospel of Jesus:

• "Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me. John 13:20

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Leave your jar behind and pick up your mat and walk

I'm enjoying this season of ministry with BSF Gospel of John, SALT, Alpha at MNTC Portland with family. I've enjoyed talking with friends about struggles and insurmountable situations. We pray about it and see God make miraculous provisions. This week we're studying John 6:22-40 where Jesus gives the first of seven "I am" statements. 

I am the …

1. Bread of Life (or Living Bread), John 6:35, 48, 51
2. Light of the World, John  8:12; 9:5
3. Gate (or Door) for the Sheep, John 10:7, 9
4. Good Shepherd, John 10:11, 14
5. Resurrection and the Life, John 11:25
6. Way, the Truth, and the Life, John 14:6
7. Vine, John 15:1, 5

Treasure from the past: 

• Bread from Heaven - More than Words
• This is the bread of my affliction, this is my body

• Crowds don't understand Jesus is the Bread of Life
• Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most
• Humbly Grateful Or Grumbly Hateful

I'm convicted this year to "leave my jar behind" as the woman at the well did. John 3:28-29: The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” 

How long will I struggle with trauma and attitudes of the past? Thirty-eight years ago I was 11 years old and first introduced to porn. I was talking with a friend this week about how alcohol dulls our minds and can lead us into temptations. Sometime we need to let go of some things to help us break free from other things. And sometimes we just need ears that hear Jesus and a heart that understands. 

John 5:5-6,8-9 One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”...Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath, 

It really is that simple. Would you like to get well? We all have excuses but the command from Jesus is to STAND UP. We see this further illustrated in Ephesians, which tells us we have been given every spiritual blessing in order to STAND.

Eph 1:3, 6:11,13-14 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ...Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil...Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

This Friday at Alpha we're learning "How can I resist evil?", I love how God brings two ministry initiatives together. Praise the Lord. 

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Faith in step with my professed hope

Friday, July 21, Mike and I drove 4 hours to Ely, MN, to embark on my first Waters of Rest Boundry Waters canoe and camping experience. I remember learning about Spiritual Disciplines and struggling with "silence and solitude." In our technology-heavy world, we need to make room for this discipline. Waters of Rest provides the opportunity and structure to do this. 

We spent five days pondering God's work in creation, the fall, redemption, and restoration with a study guide and Bible. We enjoyed good food, fellowship, and working together with the natural world around us. We followed the trails to established campsites built by others before us. I found myself thanking God for those strangers and praying for the needs of my fellow campers. 

I've been working on establishing Alpha for MNTC.org's thirteen-month program and listing to Revival God's Way by Lenard Ravenhill. The big Biblical idea is that one plants, others water, but God makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). This trip cemented the truth that all ministry is futile without prayer from a righteous person (James 5:12-14,15-17). Prayer ministry is serving others through prayer. We do nothing to make prayer effective; Instead, we present our gratitude, faith, and hopes to God. 

God can do more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). God intercedes on our behalf, over and over (Isaiah 53:12, Romans 8:34), and calls us to intervene through prayer for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1). 

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Healing night at Alpha MNTC

We had a wonderful time of healing and fellowship yesterday. I got to meet Jordan's group with Carlos and Caleb as helpers. As we ate pizza and chicken/rice/salad we talked about prayer and how to keep focused when our minds often drift asleep. My friend Karl had been struggling with this as well as Ted and Jeff. 

This is the largest Alpha we've had in over 5 years and we've been seeing God at work in so many peoples lives. Pastor Ron shared his testimony of conversion through miraculous healing of his feet. I've known Ron for so many years and never heard his testimony like this before. He often says he went from "dope dealer" to "hope dealer."

Sin is the root cause of all suffering, pain and death. Sin is the work of the devil and Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 john 3:8)

This morning I'm reading Hope: a practical guide to praying for healing, the author had been sick for so many years, surviving by a strict regiment of lifestyle and medical procedures. Regarding prayer she says,

"There were moments when I cried out for relief of secretly wished for a miracle, but in many ways, my sickness and theology pacified my resistance to illness. I was resigned to my fate and lacked the physical and emotional energy necessary to do anything more than survive the day at hand...Miraculous healings and the idea that something spiritual could affect me physically were entirely foreign to me before I was healed. In fact, I was ignorant of any relationship between the spiritual and physical that could influence my daily life and found the idea offensive." - Rebecca Ribnick

This idea that people often see prayer and hope as "well-wishing" or "our thoughts and prayers are with you" until something miraculous happens is natural. To react to God's intervention with "I don't believe it."

A corner stone of the Christian of the Cristian faith is that God did something physical "Christ Crucified" that affects us spiritually. 2 Cor 5:19-20 NLT, summarizes how this happened: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.  So we are Christ's ambassadors, God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!"

Not only Crucified, but Risen, alive today and interceding on your behalf. Romans 8:34 says that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” In 1 John 2:1 we read that Jesus is our “advocate with the Father,” and from Hebrews 7:25 we learn that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for us.

• For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! - Romans 5:10

May all the healings we experience build our faith to carry forward the word of Christ to everyone in the world.

• As God's fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. - 2 Corinthians 6:1

Theology that doesn't lead us into an encounter with God greatly minimizes the life-giving power available to us. Even healing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not an end unto themselves - they are also meant to bring us into deeper relationship with our loving God. - Rebecca Ribnick

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Church and BSF Over the Years, foundational to living Coram Deo

I started going to church in 2005, met my wife there (getting baptized in 2005, and married in 2006.

Service in the church went from door greeter to Sunday School helper to welcome committee. 

I started BSF during the Roman's study in years 06/07

I was called into leadership the first week of Matthew and BSF has been central to empowering my ministry in other areas. The key component is the strong relationships and prayer together as we experience ministry with God. 

07/08 Teaching Level 1 with Steve Stang

During these years I was a Children's Leader and had Homiletics done for me in preparation for the lesson and was not required to do Homiletics myself. 

08/09: Life of Moses - during this time I was mentoring at Teen Challenge (TC) as well with Kevin R

09/10: John

10/11: Isaiah

11/12: Acts - it was this year on Mother's Day I had my first divine appointment with Christine Foster, who received the Holy Spirit. God revealed this to me in course of ministry and worship. Fall of 

12/13: Genesis - I became Assistant Children's Supervisor here. 

13/14: Matthew - I met and mentored Jason VW via TC

As OGL I had the opportunity to do weekly homiletics and started this blog. 

14/15: Life of Moses - Became OGL, Admin, and help launch Distance Meeting in Rochester MN

Psalm 119:11: Moses life is preserved by God for His eternal purpose (benlorence.blogspot.com)

15/16: Revelation - First Missionary trip to Myanmar. 

Psalm 119:11: John sees God's redemptive plan completed in Christ's return (benlorence.blogspot.com)

16/17: John

Psalm 119:11: John wrote so you would believe in Jesus, Son of God (benlorence.blogspot.com)

17/18: Romans - Started Alpha at MN Adult and Teen Challenge

Psalm 119:11: The good news of Jesus Christ and it's impact on everyone (Romans) (benlorence.blogspot.com)

Second missionary trip to Myanmar with Alpha Youth.

18/19: People of the Promise Land I - Joined Alpha TC board and weekly prayer group. 

Psalm 119:11: Samuel, Saul, and conflicts prepare David for kingship (1 Samuel) (benlorence.blogspot.com)

Psalm 119:11: Joshua wastes no time living into God's promises (benlorence.blogspot.com)

Psalm 119:11: Naomi sees redemption through Ruth, Boaz, and Obed (Ruth 1-4) (benlorence.blogspot.com)

19/20: Acts of the Apostles: - Became Online Group Leader

Psalm 119:11: The Church era continues to change the world (Acts) (benlorence.blogspot.com)

20/21: Genesis: Became Assistant Online Trainer 

Psalm 119:11: God creates everything, Father of humanity for never-ending relationship (Genesis)

 (benlorence.blogspot.com)

21/22: Matthew: Became Online Trainer

Psalm 119:11: Jesus life message; have faith in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew) (benlorence.blogspot.com)

First BSF Trainers retreat in Texas, hearing God's call for equipping Eddie and David

22/23: People of the Promise- Kingdom Divided 

I'm excited for the next few years of ministry in the presence of God. 

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Big questions in life and arriving at your own answer

Reading What Are the Major Worldviews? relates how we all piece together some ideas like John Godfrey Saxe poem “The Blind Men And The Elephant.” - Each one of the blind men was partially right in what he experienced but ultimately wrong in his conclusion. Together they confused their limited viewpoint with the whole of reality.

The article concludes with how some believe in the scientific method as the ultimate guide to truth while using transcendental meditation (a pantheistic practice) to relieve stress. Others think like existentialists, believing that all objective values are meaningless while joining a social activist organization to fight for social justice.

1 Cor 13:9-12 puts it this way regarding the mystery of God's Love for people, "...Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely."

I'm so glad for https://alphausa.org/ that helps people ask some of life’s most heartfelt questions:

What is real?

Who am I?

Where did I come from?

Why am I here?

What is the basis for my values?

What does the future hold?

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People destroyed because WE refuse to know and obey God (Hosea 4:1-7)

Hosea 4-5

Key verse: 

My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children. - Hosea 4:6

I love how God uses our circumstances, quiet times, and a daily reading plan to come together into an actionable plan for our lives. I'm running Alpha series 24 at Teen Challenge and today we are reviewing how and why should I pray and read the Bible. I've reconnected with my friend Prasad and promoting firststeps of faith and This is the Life. This morning the Lord brought me to Every child of God defeats this evil world through faith - 1 John 5:4-5, 2 Cor 10:3-5. What a perfect transition from Tuesday's "how can I have faith?" and today's how and why should I pray and read the Bible. My conviction for the men at TC is simply they were being destroyed because they didn't know God (Hosea 4:6). My prayer today is they would learn through prayer and the Bible they would come to know him, love him and dedicate the rest of their lives to him. 

“Take . . . the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times” (Ephesians 6:17–18)

Duke, David, Nate, Isaac, Joel, Nate, Daniel, Joe, Nick, Gavin, Steve, Jeremiah, Maricus, Pierre, Joshua/Nico, Gabe, Reagan, Patrick, Shawn, Dennis

4:1-3) Lord charges Israel, "NO faithfulness, kindness, knowledge of God, broken promises, kill, steal, adultery, violence, land mourns, wasting away, wild animals disappearing"

 - Devil comes to kill, steal and destroy John 10:10

4-5) "Don't blame leaders, you'll stumble day and night with false prophets, Isreal destroyed

 - One who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen to priest or judge, purge this evil (Deut 17:12)

 - With mockers, wisdom is slow to speak in evil times (Psalm 1:1-12, Ezekiel 3:26, Amos 5:10,13, 6:10

6-7) People destroyed when we refuse to know and obey God, more sin-exchanged glory of God for shame idols

 - Rom 1:23 claimed to be wise, became fools exchanged the glory of God for idols, God gave them over to desires of hearts to impurity, dishonoring bodies

 - Glory of God is his goodness (Hosea 3:5, Exodus 33:18-19)

 - Leaders don't refuse to know and obey God, Hear God's promise, don't neglect salvation in Jesus (Heb 2), Today Jesus gives eternal hope, while sin deceives hardening hearts (Heb 3)

 - Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22

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Forgive yourself, because God has forgiven you

Alpha this past week had Who is Jesus (God, Man, Resurrection) and Why did Jesus die (Love, Forgiveness). My new friends Daniel and Jeremiah said it was easier to forgive others, but hard to forgive ourselves because we know better. We talked about what it means to forgive as being able to love someone inspire of their wrongdoing, to care for them. We agreed this was easy to see in forgiving our children. Yet more difficult when someone breaks our trust and to forgive means losing face. 

Then Sunday, pastor Troy had this great message on the series Adrift. Past series have been on THE CURRENT John 8:1-11, THE STORM Matthew 7:1-6, THE CALL Genesis 19:1-28, THE SWORD Matthew 10:34-39, THE ENEMY 2 Timothy 4:3-4

My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. - James 5:19‭-‬20 NLT

Revival, not salvation. Salvation, justification happens once, sanctification occurs over time. 

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6 NLT

Encouragement for those who pursue the sinner. Not the sinner. 

God expects us to know why people wander from the truth.

- misguided compassion 

 - persecution for faith 

 - trials is evidence of God at work in you. Construction not destruction 

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Celebrating Alpha 21 at MNTC

 A few years back I helped start Alpha at MNTC, the coordinator encouraged us to give a word of encouragement to each of our men. We also play the name game helping us get to know each other's hearts. This year I got new believer's Bibles for the group. 

Jacob - Wise in spirit, honest before God and men. Proverbs 2:1-5, Romans 11:29

Josh - Open to understanding the truth about Jesus. John 14-15, Matt 22:44-25:46

Stacy - Salvation: Always helpful, giving knowledge and hope for others. Titus 3:5, Proverbs 2:6

- Baptised 2.23.2021

Liam - Lean: Discerning and cautious Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 2:7-8

Skyler - Sanctified: He that began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Phil 1:6, Proverbs 2:9-10

- Baptised 2.23.2021

Marcus - Musical: Listen for God to direct to his path. Phil 4:6, John 15:7, Proverbs 2:11-15

A.J. - Attractive: Joy and laughter, a kind disposition. Proverbs 2:16-20

Michael - A change of heart, an opportunity for a noble path. Hebrews 11:3,1-3

 - Baptised 2.23.2021, added 2 Cor 5:17

Jacob - Phil 4:4-8, God guides us through commanding scripture and Holy Spirit through circumstances, visions, the council of saints (church), and common sense. 

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The noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand (Isaiah 32:3-8)

 Alpha tonight. Delighted to see Rolando, remember Skyler, Stacy, AJ

Glad to welcome back Liam and Marcus from last week and Jacob from Saturday.

Glad to meet Josh, Gary, and Michael - Gary left early, before our video on faith. My question on what is different about humans from any other living thing had interesting dialog. 

Hebrews 11:1-3,6

Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen...

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Thinking of deliverance and ministry. Praise our God for he is good.

Anyone who looks will see,

    anyone who listens will hear.

The impulsive will make sound decisions,

    the tongue-tied will speak with eloquence.

No more will fools become celebrities,

    nor crooks be rewarded with fame.

For fools are fools and that’s that,

    thinking up new ways to do mischief.

They leave a wake of wrecked lives

    and lies about God,

Turning their backs on the homeless hungry,

    ignoring those dying of thirst in the streets.

And the crooks? Underhanded sneaks they are,

    inventive in sin and scandal,

Exploiting the poor with scams and lies,

    unmoved by the victimized poor.

But those who are noble make noble plans,

    and stand for what is noble.

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Christian meditation is to emotionally glory in seeing Jesus

 habits-of-grace defines Christian meditation is "to emotionally glory in what you understand" David Mathis goes on to say "There is a place in Bible reading for “raking” and gathering up the leaves at a swift pace, but when we “dig” in Bible study, we unearth the diamonds. In meditation, we marvel at the jewels.

Finding Jesus in the Bible:

And so “beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,” Jesus himself “interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). He claimed, “Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad” (John 8:56).

He said Moses “wrote of me” (John 5:46), and that “everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44). And so he opened their minds—beyond their narrow, fallen rationality—to truly understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).

As we learn to read the Bible not only with our left brains but with our whole minds and hearts, we see more and more how the apostles heard the whispers of the Scriptures—and how they saw pointers to Jesus everywhere.

I love how Alpha helps regular people experience this and learn how others have experienced this in normal life. https://alphausa.org/ 

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Relationships in heaven and earth (living with God, loving-kindness to others)

During a recent Alpha class my friend Cody just found out that Jesus was physically resurrected some 2000 years ago. As we talked about heaven he was wondering what happens to our special relationships, do we have a wife, what if she remarries, who will be her husband. As he was genuinely asking I thought, Jesus addressed this specifically in Matthew 22. This whole discussion made to think more broadly about relationships_in_heaven.

Matthew 22:1-14,15-22,23-33,34-40,41-46
Kingdom of heaven like a great wedding feast for the king's son (1-14)
 - But the invited guest ignored them, went their own way, farm/business (5)
 - Others killed the messengers (6), king destroys murderers, invites anyone to come good or bad (7-10)
 - the king rejected a guest who wasn't clothed for the event (11-13)
 - Many are called few are chosen (14)

Pharisees try to trap Jesus with flattering words but Jesus knew their evil motives (15-22)
 - plot (15-16a), "teacher, your honest, teaching way of God truthfully, impartial" (16b-17)
 - Taxes? Jesus looks at the coin, whose name is on it? "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, give to God what belongs to God" (19-21)

Sadducees think re-marriages and death during our lifetime will cause conflict at the resurrection (23-28)

Jesus says, "Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.
But now, as to whether there will be a resurrection of the dead—haven’t you ever read about this in the Scriptures? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead.” (Matthew 22:29-32)

Pharisees asked about the most important commandment, Jesus says "love God, love people" (34-40)
Jesus asks them, "what do you think about the Messiah, whose son is he?"
  - "son of David"
 - Jesus: why does David under the inspiration of the Spirit call the Messiah 'my Lord'? (Psalm 110:1)
 - Since David called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son? - no one could answer him, no one dared to asked more questions

Jesus rebukes teachers of religious law and Pharisees, do what they tell you, but don't follow their example (they don't practice what they teach).
Hypocrites
 - Crush people with unbearable religious demands, never lift a finger to ease the burden
 - everything for show
 - love honor from others instead of humble, service to God for the benefit of others
 - shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces, shamelessly cheat widows of property (Mark 12:40, Luke 20:47)
 - turn converts into twice the child of hell (15)
 - Blind guides, fools put money above people and God, careful to tithe but neglect justice, mercy and faith (16-26)
 - inside full of greed and self-indulgence, like a new tomb - beautiful on outside but dead inside (25-27

Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. (28)

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When sharing faith be real, relational, reliant, reproducible

Alpha.org four values are Real, Relational, Reliant (on Holy Spirit), Reproducible. The big idea: Win the person not the argument.

 - Real, be yourself. Be honest about what you believe and how it looks in your life
 - Relational, be a friend. "so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." 1 Thes 2:8
 - Reliant, God changes lives, we don't correct people/make space for people to share honest opinions. "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power." 1 Cor 2:4-5
 - Reproducible, empower others to join us and build over time.

I like their simple prayer model sorry, thank you, please.

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