What are you waiting for?
We are all waiting for something. If you are a Christian, you are waiting for Jesus to return. You are quite blessed to have something like this to wait for. Yet, we take it for granted every day. Suddenly we aren't waiting for Jesus to return. Instead, we are waiting for the pizza in the oven to finish cooking. "I'm hungry, Jesus." We say without knowing. "I can't wait for my pizza to be done."
What are you waiting for?
We are all waiting for something. I am waiting for the bus. It must be late. "Hurry up, bus, I have somewhere to be!" I say. "I can't wait for the bus to get here - I have places to go!"
What are you waiting for?
Things to be ready and someone to take us somewhere. We wait because we are always in transition, but never quite ready. We wait because we need the pizza to be done first and the bus to arrive to take us somewhere. We wait because we tell ourselves we aren't ready for that time and place and we wait because we need someone else to get us there.
We wait because we are conquered. Why are you waiting? Because you are conquered. You are waiting for someone to set you free. Well, dear friend, you have already been set free.
Ephesians 5:8-20
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wake up, o sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
Make the decision you know you need to make. Stop making excuses for living the way you do. You have the light of Christ in you, live as a child of Light. Its a command, not a suggestion: Live as a child of light...in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
YOU know what you need to do: understand what the Lords will is. Get off your bum and start making the most of every opportunity. I didn't say it, God's Word said it. Opportunity is ever before you. Make the most of it.
Wake up, o sleeper. Stop waiting for what will never come. Never will there be a time when you are ready to serve the Lord. That time is NOW. It is not coming. It is NOW. Stop waiting for someone to come and take you there...that is the life of the conquered person. Stop sleeping and wake up. The time is NOW.
There is no tomorrow. You will never be ready in the way you want to be ready. Now, Ill get right to it. Enough ambiguity.
Stop your self-pity. It is not you who live but Christ who lives in you. Stop your addictive habits. Christ has set you free. Stop being idle. The harvest is plentiful the workers are few. Stop your arrogance. The one who lives in you is meek and lowly.
Wake up o sleeper. Another day, another hour, another minute has past. How will you account for that time? Wake up o sleeper. The time is NOW.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
What's going on? What's going on today?
Hey Fam!
This post is really for family, though others may end up reading it too. I write this at 7 am on Saturday after a time of prayer. I hope it is not long between writing this and you reading it. I am writing this because I know that some of you are not aware of some important things that are going on my life, namely my spiritual life. I wont go into the minute details of how everything came about, because we should just talk sometime in person or on the phone.
Almost a year ago (still cant believe its been one year!) I stepped out in faith to act on a vision God had given me that was years in the making. I began a home fellowship at my apartment in Superior. We meet Sundays at noon and we share lunch together, spend time sharing testimonies, teach from the Word, and pray. It is very very simple and basic. Not much planning goes into each Sunday beyond the message preparation (and food making!). This fact might seem insulting, but let me tell you, it opens the door for God to do what HE wants to do each Sunday. What God has done here is nothing short of amazing.
We are a group that averages 15 each Sunday. There is a core group of people who call this fellowship home. They are comprised mostly of young adults, people I know from UWS, Maranatha, North Bay, and even CMA. The vision God gave me was for a campus ministry - a ministry greater than just a home fellowship.
You see, vision changes over time. It is never the same for too long, but its original state is the same for everyone: to make disciples, immerse them in the Godhead, and teach them to obey. But in what way we do that is constantly changing and in order to know how to keep up with it, we need to be in constant communication with the Lord. We need a consistent prayer life. That is part of what we teach at home fellowship: the absolute necessity of a prayer life.
So the original vision God gave me was for a home fellowship and now that vision has become something more: a great ministry for which the home fellowship is just a part of. Where people within the fellowship begin to realize a vision of their own and act on it. I become just a tool to help them discover what that is and to encourage them to step out and do it.
I am part of a great ministry already. Which leads me to your concerns. Am I just out there on my own, doing something that sounds good, but will probably fail because of no accountability?
Praise God for my pastors. God provided 2 men who have years of experience as missionaries in foreign lands and as pastors of system churches. Bob and Tim undergird my ministry. They are a part of that greater ministry called Foundations International. They have a network of fellowships in Duluth and now, through our fellowship, in Superior. I meet with Bob on regular basis. We also have a weekly Bible Study at another house in Superior lead alternatingly for a few months at a time by Bob and then by Tim. We also meet the first Sunday of every month in Tim's garage with all of the pastors and elders of the Foundations International.
God also sent me a ministry partner in a man named Amos, who I have served with in leadership in the past. He is an author and a teacher at Lakeview Christian Academy. Through these three men of God I have been given a new example of submission. God has humbled me and built me up through not only these 3 men, but also by the other elders and pastors (one such elder who has become a part of our fellowship) and also by the young people within the home fellowship.
I have been blessed beyond measure through all of this and I have seen changed lives. I know you probably have more questions, but I could go on and on and fill up ten pages with information that would take too much of your time. Please please, write to me or call me. Some of you have or had no idea that any of this is going on because, lets face it, in the few times we get together in a year, we dont discuss the things that really matter. Its a shame that I only recently came to realize that this was the case.
Mom and Dad, thank you for your prayers and love through all of this. I would not have done it had you not given me your blessing. The simple fact that you believed in me, no, that you trusted God, means so much to me. More than I can express here. But more than anyone else, your thoughts and feelings on what God is doing in my life matter to me. You raised me "in the way I should go" and all of this is the result of your love. Thank you.
Siblings, sisters in law, nephews and nieces, I hope and pray that as you read this you are encouraged. The whole notion of a home church may be difficult to accept. We were raised in tradition of going to church. Remember that church is not a building, it is an organism: a body of believers. That is why I don't go to church any more, or use the term to describe what we do on Sunday. God does not reside in a building. He resides in the hearts of those He has called out of religiosity and into a relationship with Him.
I am not part of a movement. I am part of a remnant, just like you are. God is at work on an individual level. There is no more revival, but personal revival in the hearts of those He is calling in these last days. We must continue to make disciples until He returns. And so here it is, in November will have been one year since this ministry was born. It has been an extraordinary year in deed!
Until I hear from you or see you again,
Love,
Jer, Jerry, Uncle Jeremy
This post is really for family, though others may end up reading it too. I write this at 7 am on Saturday after a time of prayer. I hope it is not long between writing this and you reading it. I am writing this because I know that some of you are not aware of some important things that are going on my life, namely my spiritual life. I wont go into the minute details of how everything came about, because we should just talk sometime in person or on the phone.
Almost a year ago (still cant believe its been one year!) I stepped out in faith to act on a vision God had given me that was years in the making. I began a home fellowship at my apartment in Superior. We meet Sundays at noon and we share lunch together, spend time sharing testimonies, teach from the Word, and pray. It is very very simple and basic. Not much planning goes into each Sunday beyond the message preparation (and food making!). This fact might seem insulting, but let me tell you, it opens the door for God to do what HE wants to do each Sunday. What God has done here is nothing short of amazing.
We are a group that averages 15 each Sunday. There is a core group of people who call this fellowship home. They are comprised mostly of young adults, people I know from UWS, Maranatha, North Bay, and even CMA. The vision God gave me was for a campus ministry - a ministry greater than just a home fellowship.
You see, vision changes over time. It is never the same for too long, but its original state is the same for everyone: to make disciples, immerse them in the Godhead, and teach them to obey. But in what way we do that is constantly changing and in order to know how to keep up with it, we need to be in constant communication with the Lord. We need a consistent prayer life. That is part of what we teach at home fellowship: the absolute necessity of a prayer life.
So the original vision God gave me was for a home fellowship and now that vision has become something more: a great ministry for which the home fellowship is just a part of. Where people within the fellowship begin to realize a vision of their own and act on it. I become just a tool to help them discover what that is and to encourage them to step out and do it.
I am part of a great ministry already. Which leads me to your concerns. Am I just out there on my own, doing something that sounds good, but will probably fail because of no accountability?
Praise God for my pastors. God provided 2 men who have years of experience as missionaries in foreign lands and as pastors of system churches. Bob and Tim undergird my ministry. They are a part of that greater ministry called Foundations International. They have a network of fellowships in Duluth and now, through our fellowship, in Superior. I meet with Bob on regular basis. We also have a weekly Bible Study at another house in Superior lead alternatingly for a few months at a time by Bob and then by Tim. We also meet the first Sunday of every month in Tim's garage with all of the pastors and elders of the Foundations International.
God also sent me a ministry partner in a man named Amos, who I have served with in leadership in the past. He is an author and a teacher at Lakeview Christian Academy. Through these three men of God I have been given a new example of submission. God has humbled me and built me up through not only these 3 men, but also by the other elders and pastors (one such elder who has become a part of our fellowship) and also by the young people within the home fellowship.
I have been blessed beyond measure through all of this and I have seen changed lives. I know you probably have more questions, but I could go on and on and fill up ten pages with information that would take too much of your time. Please please, write to me or call me. Some of you have or had no idea that any of this is going on because, lets face it, in the few times we get together in a year, we dont discuss the things that really matter. Its a shame that I only recently came to realize that this was the case.
Mom and Dad, thank you for your prayers and love through all of this. I would not have done it had you not given me your blessing. The simple fact that you believed in me, no, that you trusted God, means so much to me. More than I can express here. But more than anyone else, your thoughts and feelings on what God is doing in my life matter to me. You raised me "in the way I should go" and all of this is the result of your love. Thank you.
Siblings, sisters in law, nephews and nieces, I hope and pray that as you read this you are encouraged. The whole notion of a home church may be difficult to accept. We were raised in tradition of going to church. Remember that church is not a building, it is an organism: a body of believers. That is why I don't go to church any more, or use the term to describe what we do on Sunday. God does not reside in a building. He resides in the hearts of those He has called out of religiosity and into a relationship with Him.
I am not part of a movement. I am part of a remnant, just like you are. God is at work on an individual level. There is no more revival, but personal revival in the hearts of those He is calling in these last days. We must continue to make disciples until He returns. And so here it is, in November will have been one year since this ministry was born. It has been an extraordinary year in deed!
Until I hear from you or see you again,
Love,
Jer, Jerry, Uncle Jeremy
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Retro!
I spent some time today looking at my old posts. I cannot believe so much time has past since China or even since Nick passed away. I remember playing nintendo 64 with him and Chris when we were young. Almost 3 years ago I compiled a list of games that I had for the 64 (thanks to Nate who helped me remember!). I want to do the same now for Super Nintendo.
The SNES was the first system I owned and since then I have traded up for each new nintendo system. In recent years there has been a retro gaming comeback. I have been wanting to get another SNES for a while now, but the first step is to make a list of games I had for that system.
Heres my initial stab, then you will have to help me with the rest!
Super Mario Kart
Mario All-Stars
Turtles in Time
Zelda: A Link to the Past
Clayfighter (not sure which one)
Donkey Kong Country
I also remember a number of games that I must have rented a lot but never actually owned.
Anyways, thanks for you help!
Jer
The SNES was the first system I owned and since then I have traded up for each new nintendo system. In recent years there has been a retro gaming comeback. I have been wanting to get another SNES for a while now, but the first step is to make a list of games I had for that system.
Heres my initial stab, then you will have to help me with the rest!
Super Mario Kart
Mario All-Stars
Turtles in Time
Zelda: A Link to the Past
Clayfighter (not sure which one)
Donkey Kong Country
I also remember a number of games that I must have rented a lot but never actually owned.
Anyways, thanks for you help!
Jer
Friday, February 25, 2011
Ever wonder what its like....
....on the other side of the veil?
When I was at his side I saw a vision of Nick standing in front of me with his back towards me. He was looking straight ahead and I knew he could see something that I could not see. He had passed beyond the veil that separates this life we know from the spiritual realm where God dwells. There was light all around him, but I could not see it. I only knew it was there. I was standing as close to the veil as I will ever get, until I, like Nick, pass beyond it some day. I could not see what he saw, yet my words were his words:
"I see the glory of the Lord before me."
Nick's life was a gift given to me that I will treasure the rest of my life. To have it taken away means I will never be the same again. Yet, as I said my final goodbyes, this is the Word that was spoken to me:
"Nick's life went out from My mouth twenty-one years ago and has not returned to me empty, but has accomplished what I desired and achieved the purpose for which I sent it. He has gone out in joy and has been led forth in peace. The mountains and hills burst into song before him and all the trees of the field clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush the pine tree will grow, instead of the briers the myrtle will grow. This is for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed."
Nick fulfilled the purpose which he was placed on this earth for. He was a part of God's sovereign plan. When faced with loss, in desperate times such as these, we believe that God is sovereign. He takes us to our knees, to the place where all we can do is say: "Lord, I am nothing, but if you live through me, then I will be everything."
Nick Linder, my friend, my brother, you are a part of me now. I will never be same person. I love you so much and I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to share that with you on Christmas Day. I know you love me too. Now you are experiencing a love that I cannot imagine. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Isaiah 55
When I was at his side I saw a vision of Nick standing in front of me with his back towards me. He was looking straight ahead and I knew he could see something that I could not see. He had passed beyond the veil that separates this life we know from the spiritual realm where God dwells. There was light all around him, but I could not see it. I only knew it was there. I was standing as close to the veil as I will ever get, until I, like Nick, pass beyond it some day. I could not see what he saw, yet my words were his words:
"I see the glory of the Lord before me."
Nick's life was a gift given to me that I will treasure the rest of my life. To have it taken away means I will never be the same again. Yet, as I said my final goodbyes, this is the Word that was spoken to me:
"Nick's life went out from My mouth twenty-one years ago and has not returned to me empty, but has accomplished what I desired and achieved the purpose for which I sent it. He has gone out in joy and has been led forth in peace. The mountains and hills burst into song before him and all the trees of the field clap their hands. Instead of the thornbush the pine tree will grow, instead of the briers the myrtle will grow. This is for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign that will not be destroyed."
Nick fulfilled the purpose which he was placed on this earth for. He was a part of God's sovereign plan. When faced with loss, in desperate times such as these, we believe that God is sovereign. He takes us to our knees, to the place where all we can do is say: "Lord, I am nothing, but if you live through me, then I will be everything."
Nick Linder, my friend, my brother, you are a part of me now. I will never be same person. I love you so much and I am thankful that the Lord allowed me to share that with you on Christmas Day. I know you love me too. Now you are experiencing a love that I cannot imagine. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Isaiah 55
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Our God is in the Heavens
...and He hath done whatsoever He pleased.
Psalm 115:3
Dad gave me this verse. It tells me that God is sovereign and is in control. He will do what is best. As sinful, selfish humans, we cannot decide what the best outcome will be.
As Nick lies still on his hospital bed and I am here in Superior, I feel helpless. But I have Gods peace. God will do what he pleases, because He is sovereign. To know He has total control over Nicks life gives me peace. I am exhausted and feels good to finally rest knowing that I have done all I can: cry out to God. Psalm 34:17
I wait for the outcome, for that phone call that will change me forever. After the call I will never be the same again. When things become black and white all you can do is put your hope in the Lord. When you are brought to a place of utter desperation, you will understand what it is to put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 71:5
I appreciate all your prayers. As you continue to pray, petition the Lord for Nicks life. Pray for healing, but pray also for his family, that they can have hope.
HOPE. I will meditate on that word tonight as I rest. No matter the outcome, God is in the Heavens and he will do what is best. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Jer
Psalm 115:3
Dad gave me this verse. It tells me that God is sovereign and is in control. He will do what is best. As sinful, selfish humans, we cannot decide what the best outcome will be.
As Nick lies still on his hospital bed and I am here in Superior, I feel helpless. But I have Gods peace. God will do what he pleases, because He is sovereign. To know He has total control over Nicks life gives me peace. I am exhausted and feels good to finally rest knowing that I have done all I can: cry out to God. Psalm 34:17
I wait for the outcome, for that phone call that will change me forever. After the call I will never be the same again. When things become black and white all you can do is put your hope in the Lord. When you are brought to a place of utter desperation, you will understand what it is to put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 71:5
I appreciate all your prayers. As you continue to pray, petition the Lord for Nicks life. Pray for healing, but pray also for his family, that they can have hope.
HOPE. I will meditate on that word tonight as I rest. No matter the outcome, God is in the Heavens and he will do what is best. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Jer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
