FABcast: Recent Episodes
RBAR
Confessions of a restored restorer... since 2001.
Helping Service members find hope and healing from PTSD, moral injury, and wounds of the past.
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
RBAR@forallbelievers.org
Surf @ 0630-0730 (Imperial Beach Pier) Grapple Chapel Wrestling/JiuJitsu Club - M-F 1100-1200 (NASNI Bldg 771) and evening/weekend classes by request (no BUDS students allowed): 1100 Roman Catholic Mass (NAB chapel) M-T; Th-FTuesday1800 Women’s Bible Study (NAB)Wednesday1300 “The Open Table” (Healing Discussion Roundtable w/ Chaplain Bareng (NAB))1800 All Hands Bible Study w/ Chaplain Russell (NAB)Thursday1800 Cadence International Bridge House Fellowship w/ Ed and JoyLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Friday 1800 NAB Chapel Praise team / Prayer Meeting. ALL are welcome. Sing or soak it up.Saturday0830 Cadence International Prayer BreakfastLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Sunday0900 Protestant Worship Service (NAB)1200 Catholic Mass (NAB)
Surf @ 0630-0730 (Imperial Beach Pier) Grapple Chapel Wrestling/JiuJitsu Club - M-F 1100-1200 (NASNI Bldg 771) and evening/weekend classes by request.1100 Roman Catholic Mass (NAB chapel) M-T; Th-FTuesday1800 Women’s Bible Study (NAB)Wednesday1300 “The Open Table” (Healing Discussion Roundtable w/ Chaplain Bareng (NAB))1800 All Hands Bible Study w/ Chaplain Russell (NAB)Thursday1800 Cadence International Bridge House Fellowship w/ Ed and JoyLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Friday 1800 NAB Chapel Praise team / Prayer Meeting. ALL are welcome. Sing or soak it up.Saturday0830 Cadence International Prayer BreakfastLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Sunday0900 Protestant Worship Service (NAB)1200 Catholic Mass (NAB)
Surf @ 0630-0730 (Imperial Beach Pier) Grapple Chapel Wrestling/JiuJitsu Club - M-F 1100-1200 (NASNI Bldg 771) and evening/weekend classes by request.1100 Roman Catholic Mass (NAB chapel) M-T; Th-FTuesday1800 Women’s Bible Study (NAB)Wednesday1300 “The Open Table” (Healing Discussion Roundtable w/ Chaplain Bareng (NAB))1800 All Hands Bible Study w/ Chaplain Russell (NAB)Thursday1800 Cadence International Bridge House Fellowship w/ Ed and JoyLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Friday 1800 NAB Chapel Praise team / Prayer Meeting. ALL are welcome. Sing or soak it up.Saturday0830 Cadence International Prayer BreakfastLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Sunday0900 Protestant Worship Service (NAB)1200 Catholic Mass (NAB)
Surf @ 0630-0730 (Imperial Beach Pier) Grapple Chapel Wrestling/JiuJitsu Club - M-F 1100-1200 (NASNI Bldg 771) and evening/weekend classes by request.1100 Roman Catholic Mass (NAB chapel) M-T; Th-FTuesday1800 Women’s Bible Study (NAB)Wednesday1300 “The Open Table” (Healing Discussion Roundtable w/ Chaplain Bareng (NAB))1800 All Hands Bible Study w/ Chaplain Russell (NAB)Thursday1800 Cadence International Bridge House Fellowship w/ Ed and JoyLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Friday 1800 NAB Chapel Praise team / Prayer Meeting. ALL are welcome. Sing or soak it up.Saturday0830 Cadence International Prayer BreakfastLocation: 466 Alameda blvd, Coronado, CA 92118Sunday0900 Protestant Worship Service (NAB)1200 Catholic Mass (NAB)
Listen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L_CPFEYpxiE?si=WDzE8ffeHnPp7prZ OrSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/imaginative-prayer-luke-2Imaginative prayer uses scripture and our God given imaginations to bring us into the presence of God. The purpose of this practice is to not only hear God’s word, but to experience him. Imaginative prayer helps us to visualize a gospel story and worship God as he really is.LET US PRAYFather, you are pleased; in the quiet of this moment as we come before you and sit still in your presence. We silence every distraction and focus our attention to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.We want to hear your truth and experience all that you are. Protect our hearts and minds from things that would distract us from you.Give us clarity and peace. Be with us we pray. Amen.POSTUREClose your eyes and get in a comfortable position.Take a moment to take three deep breaths - in your nose and out your mouth. As you exhale, feel the tension leave your body. Feel the distractions leave.As you inhale, imagine God’s love filling your lungs and bringing life to your body. Feel the clarity coming back to your mind.HEAR THE SCRIPTURESThe Birth of Jesus2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.YouTube: https://youtu.be/8IFsbvz8xNMSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/imaginative-prayer-luke-2?si=13cf73e019b243ce9c51fff655888620&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Original Video on Stuttgart Missional Community Church YouTube: https://youtu.be/TcX8FttOw-o?si=K3S2Yg0j3sdYIv-Xhttps://www.smcchurch.info/
Found a 2019 gem when I worked for a tyrant of a boss...before he left the command we reconciled and he gave me his old rank when he got promoted and I am currently wearing those ranks! The key was persistence and perseverance. I prayed for him and did not judge him. My heart broke for him and it changed my heart.
Sermon given at the Mighty Oaks SOCAF Marriage retreat on 7 May 2023 in Lindau, Germany.
the FABcast is back after a year of benevolent detachment from Podcasting. Cover song by @taylorcarmstrong.I also found a handful of recordings from 2018-2021.Excited for this next season and the truths God has taught me.Peace!
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 13): The Passion Week of ChristPastor: Ryan BarengTeacher: Eric BryanPassage(s): VariousProtestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 12): The Passion of the ChristPastor: Ryan BarengTeacher: Chris LaPackPassage(s): VariousProtestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 11): the heart of Jesus - FaithPastor/Teacher: Eric BryanPassage(s): variousProtestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 10 - John 3:16). Pastor: Chaplain Kelly PorterTeacher: Chaplain Robert AllmanPassage(s): John 3:16Protestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 8 - Excellence in suffering). Pastor: Chaplain Kelly PorterTeacher: Chaplain Ryan BarengPassage(s): Ephesians 6:12; Galatians 5:1; John 8:30-34, 36; 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; 2 Corinthians 3:17Protestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 8 - Excellence in suffering). Pastor: Chaplain Ryan BarengTeacher: Chaplain Eric BryanPassage(s): 1 Peter 2:19-25Protestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 5 - Jesus is Our Hope). Pastor: Chaplain Eric BryanTeacher: Chaplain Kelly PorterPassage(s): variousProtestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Patch chapel 2023 sermon series: The Excellence of Jesus (part 2 - The Excellence of Jesus in the Gospel Letters). Pastor: Chaplain Kelly PorterMessage: Chaplain Eric BryanProtestant chapel service Sundays @ 1100.Patch Chapel is located at Patch Barracks 2305, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.There is plenty of parking.We Worship family style (all family sitting together). Come as you are. People dress casually, and all ages are welcome.We have a baby/cry room in the back of the auditorium and an overflow room with TV monitor.We have food/fellowship every Sunday following the service.For more information, contact: patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Family Resilience Training seminar held at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. First-ever retreat on Freedom Vision. An honor to present my material to Service members and their families.
Family Resilience Training seminar held at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. First-ever retreat on Freedom Vision. An honor to present my material to Service members and their families.
Family Resilience Training seminar held at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. First-ever retreat on Freedom Vision. An honor to present my material to Service members and their families.
Full service at Patch Community Chapel in Stuttgart, Germany. Sermon by Eric Bryan and announcments/prayers by Ryan Bareng.
The Patch Community Chapel meets every Sunday at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, at 1100. For more information, email patchchapel1@gmail.com or join the "Patch Chapel" FaceBook.
Full service at Patch Community Chapel in Stuttgart, Germany. Liturgy by Eric Bryan and sermon by Ryan Bareng.
Psalm 127 - Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain... Psalm 128 - Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways...
The Patch Chapel meets every Sunday at 1100.
Psalms of Ascents series at the humble little Patch Community Chapel in Stuttgart, Germany.
David preached to his soul, "Forget not HIS benefits." He lists five divine benefits: 1) Forgiveness 2) Healing 3) Redemption 4) Crowning with Love and Compassion 5) Satisfaction with Good things
I got saved in 2013 when I heard pastor Matt Chandler say, "to be 99% known is NOT to be known....If I keep that 1% I actually prevent myself from being loved because I convince myself that 'you wouldn't love me if you knew this %1'" (paraphrase mine). Here he is nearly a decade later still being transparent and known. How amazing is this? It would have been so much easier to sweep this under the rug. In the military, we call what he did "fraternization" or being unduly familiar with someone. Marine Colonel would be guilty of frat if he or she was DMing a private. The Village church kept its protocol and decided to put Matt on a leave of absence. This was the right call. Painful, but right nonetheless.
Exactly one year ago I sat in this parking spot and felt a tremendous convocation to "get up and go see my dad" not knowing that would be my last conversation with him. Now my grief is a daily occurrence. What's the purpose of Grief?
With wisdom from the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:4).
Matthew 5:3-12 CSB Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
A sermon based on Romans 8:11 and Ephesians 5:18 by RBAR at the Stuttgart Gospel Service in Böbigen, Germany on 5 June 2022.
Jesus came to bring freedom...from pride, prejudice, bigotry, and an ethnic superiority complex. This is exactly what his audience was in bondage to, which is why they wanted to kill him after Jesus proclaimed salvation and healing for the Gentiles in Luke 4:22-30.
Jesus had 5 lines of operation (LOOs) for his ministry on earth. All 5 objectives are linked to freedom here on earth as it is in heaven. Join Jesus in kingdom living. Break free and stay that way.
Kicking off 2022 by guest preaching at the Stuttgart Gospel Service. An amazing experience worshipping with Spirit-filled people.
Lyrics by Gary Rae. Performed at Heritage Christian Fellowship Backyard.
Jesus our reason. Jesus our king. Jesus our freedom. All we need is him. He’s our provider. He’s why we sing. Our hearts desire. All we need his him.
Jesus I run to. Jesus our rock. Jesus our breakthrough. All we need is him. He’s our salvation. Out everything. Hope of all nations. All we need is him.
What a savior. What a healer. What a teacher. What a friend. What a savior. What a healer. What a teacher. What a friend.
Jesus I run to. Jesus our rock. He’s our salvation. Our everything. Hope of all nations. All we need is him.
Strong and faithful you have been. I won’t hold my praises in. God your goodness has no end. Amen.
Strong and faithful you have been. I won’t hold my praises in. God your goodness has no end. Amen.
What a savior. What a healer. What a teacher. What a friend. What a savior. What a healer. What a teacher. What a friend.
How should you approach praying about getting or rejecting the COVID vaccine? I recommend spending time in prayer and fasting rather than watching the news and social media. Spend time in God's presence and see what happens when the peace of God surpasses your understanding.
Ending Song: What a Friend (backyard jams with Gary).
If you're considering getting the vaccine, I recommend going into that decision in fasting and prayer. Isolation is not the worst thing we do but it is how we do the worst things. Lone rangers are dead rangers. Do life in gospel-centered community and watch the clarity and peace of God come like never before.
I Had my friend Colin Heinrich on the show last March. Finally got this one cut/uploaded. He released an album that speaks to the politics of the heart. Colin knows that the heart of every issue is an issue of the heart.
For more about Colin: colinheinrich.com and @colinheinrich
Here are the links to Dad's Service and the video presentations.
Full Memorial service in HD: www.vimeo.com/rbar/dadcol
SCARS IN heaven (mom and dad tribute) www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/scars
Well done tribute. www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/welldone
Full slideshow. www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/dad
Dad’s paddle out memorial: www.vimeo.com/rbar/paddleout
Dad’s burial at sea service: https://youtu.be/ftIzdhXOXCA or www.Vimeo.com/Rbar/dadbas
Memorial Chaplain Message only: https://youtu.be/UkZNrvru2BQ
Memorial Chaplain Message audio: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/conducting-my-dads-memorial-service
This is a short clip about Marked Men for Christ to those who wanted to know what my dad was involved in in the last year: https://youtu.be/cQKWjFEb9GQ
Pray about it and join us for the next conference on 22-24 October in Wrightwood, CA. https://www.markedmenforchrist.org/signup/?eventid=1497
Please post/share.
It was the most glorious memorial service I had ever seen! We experience the presence of God and the power of family.
Here are the links to Dad's Service and the video presentations.
Full Memorial service in HD: www.vimeo.com/rbar/dadcol
SCARS IN heaven (mom and dad tribute) www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/scars
Well done tribute. www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/welldone
Full slideshow. www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/dad
Dad’s paddle out memorial: www.vimeo.com/rbar/paddleout
Dad’s burial at sea service: https://youtu.be/ftIzdhXOXCA or www.Vimeo.com/Rbar/dadbas
Memorial Chaplain Message only: https://youtu.be/UkZNrvru2BQ
Memorial Chaplain Message audio: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/conducting-my-dads-memorial-service
This is a short clip about Marked Men for Christ to those who wanted to know what my dad was involved in in the last year: https://youtu.be/cQKWjFEb9GQ
Pray about it and join us for the next conference on 22-24 October in Wrightwood, CA. https://www.markedmenforchrist.org/signup/?eventid=1497
Please post/share.
This was the hardest memorial service I've ever conducted, and the most joyous. I've never experienced such an amazing celebration of life ceremony. Every word and every memento given served to remind us of the Kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven.
Full Memorial service in HD: www.vimeo.com/rbar/dadcol
Message only: https://youtu.be/UkZNrvru2BQ
Message audio: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/conducting-my-dads-memorial-service
SCARS IN heaven (mom and dad tribute) www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/scars
Well done (Ryan’s tribute) www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/welldone
Full slideshow (made by Janette) www.Vimeo.com/RBAR/dad
Dad’s paddle out memorial: www.vimeo.com/rbar/paddleout
Dad’s burial at sea service:
This is also a short clip about Marked Men for Christ to those who wanted to know what my dad was involved in in the last year: https://youtu.be/cQKWjFEb9GQ
Pray about it and join us for the next conference on 22-24 October in Wrightwood, CA. https://www.markedmenforchrist.org/signup/?eventid=1497
"I can't even describe the love I felt watching your mom and the roses. Your family is phenomenal...I have never seen anything like it or a tribute that expressed so much love..." Scott Mills
"Thank you for inviting me to celebrate your Dad's life. Your family's celebration is where I needed to be today. I have never witnessed such a moving tribute to faith, family and service. What a life Leo lived -- and what an example he is for all of us....Indeed a life well lived!" A.G. Wilcox
"Thank you for the opportunity to attend your Dad’s Celebration!! Through the wonderful, beautiful, and amazing stories of your family, it helped me grow as a Son (for our Heavenly Father), Husband, Father, and yes, Grandfather! This growth will be felt everywhere in my life. Thank you again!" - Bret Ropelato
"The celebration of life service for your father passing, Deb and I attended yesterday was an event we will remember the rest of our life. Thank You Brother for the invitation and Honor of attending. You really have a Beautiful Family, and it was because of your Father and Mother and their Love For Jesus Christ. " Aloha Brother 💪 Tom & Debbie
Nan and I were really moved and inspired by the life of your father. Nan even said this is the first memorial service she's been to where she came out encouraged, especially to share the Good News to the hospital where she works and her family. Art “Bong” Gaerlan
"Your comments on your father's passing were very deep, moving, and inspiring. As a soon to be 65er (and with prostate cancer that is possibly advancing faster than I want it to) your words were great to read." Thank you John Price
What a beautiful Celebration of Leo's life. Everyone who participated in sharing did an excellent job. I was touched by so many of the sweet memories and stories that were shared. The dance to the Hawaiian Wedding song was so moving. Ryan did a fantastic job from the moment he started talking to the sharing of the many ways people experience grief and reminding us that each way is okay. Your arranging the roses while talking about the garden excerpts from the Bible was especially moving.
I had another event for which I needed to leave so I didn't get to the enjoy the wonderful lunch you and your beautiful family provided. I am sure I missed a real treat!
My heart was so full of all that was shared.
I pray that God's comfort and peace will flood your heart and that your knowing where Leo is will help during this hard time. You are in my prayers. My heart is full of love for you and your amazing family. Linda Fisher
It rocked my world when I walked into dad's hospital room not realizing he had departed this world. Mom looked at me and said, “He’s been promoted to glory.” I responded, “here’s gone!?” Then I wept uncontrollably. I was in shock and disbelief. My brother-in-law, Alan, was standing next to me and just held me. I felt robbed and discombobulated.
A few days passed and I realized how gracious God was in the midst of all of the shock, pain and grief. The fact that I got stationed in my hometown (San Clemente, CA) next to Pendleton and spent the last two years hanging out with my dad, shooting together, fishing, men’s Bible studying, going on the MarkedMenforChrist.com retreat together, talking about stocks, developing a deep friendship, bringing my kids over every week, etc... It’s all a gracious gift from God in his perfect timing.
At 66 years young, he served Jesus and lived a life of freedom in Christ. He lived life to the fullest. Died with nothing pending. Put everything on the table and lived fearlessly and free. He was forced to retire at 57 when the nuclear power plant was shut down. That disguised blessing allowed him to travel with my mom, Have breakfast with her every morning in their garden, conduct missions trips, and invest in the grandchildren for over a decade! What a gracious gift from God.
Dad evaded death and overcame illness several times in his life: Motorcycle crash on the I-5 freeway, Guillain–Barré syndrome, prostate cancer, COVID-19, pneumonia, etc. All those things couldn’t kill him. But as Dad always reminded me, “it is appointed once for man to die and after that to face judgment.” This was his time.
This is giving me an entirely new perspective on my job and calling as a pastor and comforter to those who are grieving. I’ll be back in the saddle with the pedal to the metal, just like my dad would encourage me to do.
The words of Isaiah 57:1 have given me tremendous peace! I reflect on it daily. https://photos.app.goo.gl/nvcuMrubb8jPWG5A9.
Grief recovery playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGoyPpwPotkVwh80eyyaJQjGtJDbrtJ4m
Resurrection power is: Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 12:1, and Romans 8:11.
These verses help get ones mind off of circumstances and situations and onto Jesus and his resurrection power for life today.
Let's face it. Pet Pieves are idols. A way to worship control and power. The gospel sets me free to expose this lie and live like i'm free.
Preaching at Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, CA. The vision of my Tree Illustration and the story behind my book, "Freedom Vision."
When I reflect on 2020, one of my biggest regrets is how much time I wasted. I had so many opportunities this year to accomplish goals and love on my family with undivided attention...but found myself sucked into the social media vortex or some other form of procrastinating. I spent hours looking for the perfect meme for this dumb post. SMH. One of the best books I read this year was, “Get your life back” by John Eldrege (@wildatheart). He talks about “benevolent detachment,” which is what I’m starting today until the end of the year. John says,
“It means getting untangled, stepping out of the quagmire; it means peeling apart the Velcro by which this person, relationship, crisis, or global issue has attached itself to you. Or you to it. Detachment means getting some healthy distance. Social media overloads our empathy. So I use the word “benevolent” in referring to this necessary kind of detachment because we’re not talking about cynicism or resignation. Benevolent means kindness. It means something done in love. Jesus invites us into a way of living where we are genuinely comfortable turning things over to him: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:28–30 MSG).
Now, pay attention here—Jesus said there is a way ‘to live freely and lightly.’”
So, I’m getting off Social Media (i.e., Instagram and senseless trolling on YouTube) at least for the rest of 2020. I’m gonna give THAT time back to my family/things that matter most. Join me if you too need to get your life back.
Grace and peace! RBAR
getyourlifeback
benevolentdetachment
socialmediafast
freedomfromsocialmedia
*I misspoke at the beginning. It was the morning of 9/11, not 9/12 :) Back in 2011 I made a video for a ship I was on. I've included the audio track here...
Back in the day while deployed in 2011 on the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group, @jhammer19 and I made a 9/11 tribute for the crew. We had the privilege of having a retired NYPD detective on board who gave his first-hand account of being buried in ashes from the towers. His wife was eating at the windows on the world restaurant before the terrorist attacks. The ship has so many emotional ties to the event. Hard to believe 10 more years have gone by. The same problem exists today. People taking their eyes off God and perpetuating killing, stealing, and destruction in the name of their worldview. 20 years later, things haven't changed! But there is always hope because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We don't put our hope in anything other than the sovereign God. We are free to love and forgive as we've been forgiven/loved. #NEVERFORGET #USSGREENBAY#911 #FREEDOMISNTFREE
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*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this FABcast are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of the United States Government or anybody else in the world. I do trust that they represent all who are broken, weak and in need of Jesus Messiah, the one and only true God, the mediator standing between God and man.
There are 4 destructive emotions that control mankind:
Brick 1: Guilt (self-directed bitterness) Brick 2: Anger (others-directed bitterness) Brick 3: Greed (world-directed bitterness) Brick 4: Jealousy (God-directed bitterness)
Any harboring of bitterness toward self, others, the world, or God erects layers over the roots, and a barrier around the tree, which delays the recovery process. If the barrier is thick, it takes longer to break them down before digging up the roots.
Peace with God is broken with jealousy but is restored through thanksgiving. Peace with others is broken with anger but is restored through forgiveness. Peace with the self is broken with guilt but is restored through confession. Peace with creation is broken with greed but is restored through generosity.
Do you walk around with a heart full of debts? Cancel those debts and walk in Freedom!
The 5 wounds of man are Fear, Anger, Deceit, Shame, and Sadness/Loss. The Good News is there is healing in Jesus name.
19:55 - the loss of 8 Marines and 1 Sailor in the 1/4 AAV incident.
The idol of approval does not respect age, race, or religion. It tells people of all ages to worship created things rather than the creator. Its subtle voice tries to convince people to fear man more than God. It distracts people from kingdom living to people pleasing. In the worst case, it leads followers of Christ to deny their faith in order to gain the approval of others.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes (Psalm 118:6-9 ESV)
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV).
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him (2 Corinthians 5:9 ESV)
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4 ESV)
Renouncing the god of approval: Lord, I have been insecure and have worshipped the approval of others. Thank you for your forgiveness. You alone approve of me and have freed me up from needing the approval of others. I rejoice in the truth of being approved by the Father through the blood of Jesus Christ.
7 Bridges illustration given at the Family Service at Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, CA.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/x8ETOmTTiNM
We began our series on spiritual warfare and the tree illustration. 4 week series at the Camp Horno Chapel (aka. Church of the Quarantined Marines and Sailors). Every week a few Service members, our civilian band members, and my kids would gather for worship in music, teaching, and prayer.
Jacelle (10) and Kyler (4) answer some of the questions from the audience (15:30, 25:12). So cute.
Father's Day sermon 21 June 2020 at Camp Horno Chapel.
ME-WE-GOD-YOU-WE Sermon Map
ME (Create interest) - Luke 15 wrecks me because it teaches that God the Father is reckless in his love. All three parables in Luke 15 illustrate one main point; namely, that there is much rejoicing in heaven when that which belongs to God (the Father) was lost and became found because of his reckless love.
WE (Expose need) - If we’re being courageously honest, most of us will admit to struggling with practicing unconditional/reckless love toward our prodigal child (or toward people in general) - a type of love with no strings attached - we struggle with dishing out the kind of love that God has toward us: reckless love.
GOD (Explore the text) - If you ever wanted to know what unconditional grace-saturated love looks like, Luke 15 is your passage. God knows our hearts. That’s why Jesus told these parables in Luke 15. Jesus paints a picture for two crowds; the rebellious and the religious (ie tax collectors/sinners and Pharisees and scribes). The main character of the third parable is not the deceived/reckless son or the arrogant/religious son, but the loving/forgiving father.
YOU (Exhort) - Next time you have an encounter with disrespect or arrogance I want you to go back to this parable, meditate on the love of the Father and rejoice in the truth that the Father lives in you and is ready at any moment to recklessly love others THROUGH you. I give you permission to admit that you can’t do it on your own. The Father IS ready. You’ve been crucified with Christ. You no longer live. You are no longer a slave to your flesh. You have been buried with Christ in the baptism of his death. You have been raised to the newness of life. You owe nothing to the flesh, your emotions, and your blood pressure. You don’t have nerves, because you gave those up when Christ moved in. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Just like Jesus, we are free to do only that which pleases the Father. We are free to do only what he tells us to do. That, my friends, is true freedom. And because of the reckless love in you, others will come to repent and there will be rejoicing in heaven whenever that happens.
WE (Encourage) - Church, imagine a day that begins and ends with a commitment to unleashing the reckless love of the Father? Imagine what our church would look like if every individual believed this; namely, that God the Father, lives in us and empowers us to live with reckless love with the rebellious and the religious. Imagine with me for a moment that every single person believed that God the Father lives in them and is free to love everyone else through them.
Conducted our very first at-sea podcast. Featuring my friend Jared Powell, one of the pastors at @heritagesanclemente. #enneagram #enneagram7
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD9RgvtC-Fk& InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBmM4w4nThc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Author of “Journey to Freedom,” Scott Reall and executive director of restore small groups, Sarah Hamill join the FABcast today and describe the journey to freedom.
For more information: restoresmallgroups.org
*my apologies for the poor sound quality. At least we didn’t get zoom bombed. :)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
The CHECK Disc Hermeneutic:
CHECK yourself: First, if there is any unconfessed sin in your heart, bring it into the light before proceeding.
Discover the Context: Paul is telling young Timothy about not fearing to tell others about the Lord.
“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.” 2 Timothy 1:5-8 NLT
Identify Key Verbs: To fan into flames, do not be ashamed (2x), be ready to suffer.
Subject: What four commands does Paul tell Timothy about his faith and fear?
Complement: Paul tells Timothy to 1) fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave him, 2) to not be ashamed of telling others about their Lord and 3) of him, and 4) to be ready to suffer with him for the sake of the Gospel.
Sermon preached at Camp Horno Chapel on Camp Pendleton on 3 May 2020.
Do you suffer from germaphobia? I live to hear your story and help you find hope and healing. There is hope, but it may take a tremendous amount of courage to step into a community to be fully known in order to find healing and restoration. There's no better time for healing than today.
check out trey kennedy's Germaphobes skit here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izYn6GeAeD0 Visit Dan Allenders site here: theallendercenter.org FABcast episode 587: https://soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/fabcast-578-a-root-cause-of Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-3zKEzHUnz/
...and feeling renewed. While we’re on lockdown, I put together a playlist of trustworthy podcasts. Not the kind of news that feeds the fears or makes inappropriate jokes about coronavirus. Don’t feed the fears loved ones :) Fear kills. Faith renews.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 NLT
Great podcasts to listen to during the COVID19 quarantine.
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Culture matters podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/culture-matters/id926935016
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Rhythms for life with Gabe and Rebekah Lyons. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhythms-for-life/id1477541494
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Conversations with John Eldredge. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-eldredge-and-ransomed-heart-audio/id260843816
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John piper, “how do I fight my coronavirus fears?” https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-pastor-john/id618132843?i=1000469615614
One more app that will help you get recentered. --> The one minute pause app. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/one-minute-pause/id1471913620
Lastly, ask yourself these two questions every day (from CS Lewis): 1. Who's in control? 2. To whom shall I listen to today?
Faithfully Yours, RBAR
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/OmoW5JV8vzo
Full interview --> https://youtu.be/zrhrw1qyFqg
Phil heads the Counseling and Recovery Ministry at Heritage Christian Fellowship (heritagesc.org) in San Clemente, CA. He has been a part of Heritage since 1995. He has been a student of counseling and recovery ministry for over 25 years and has experienced tremendous healing and victory in his own life. As a result, he speaks and ministers from personal experience with lots of compassion. Pastor Phil has been gifted with unusual insight into recovery and relationship issues. If you meet with Pastor Phil, you’ll hear him emphasize honesty, loving care, finding support in Christian relationships, and complete surrender to God.
You can contact Phil at 361.1022 x11 for appointments. Source: https://heritagesc.org/counseling-and-recovery/ http://www.rightpathministry.com/ philmatarazzo@icloud.com
I had the honor privilege of speaking at the first-ever Marked Men for Christ I'M IN California Conference on 25 January 2020. Of all the men's organizations, I've been a part of, this is by far the most impactful. This is a man's man's organization. True masculinity means being fully known and loved by other men. This organization builds stronger men for Jesus Christ no doubt.
SERMON NOTES-----------------
19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; (James 1:19 ESV)
Who is the enemy? The world, the flesh, and the Devil! (Ephesians 2:1-3)
Ephesians 6:12 tells reveals that believers wrestle not against flesh and blood (people, circumstances and situations), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:4-6: For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)
Confession 101 (1 John 1:9 & James 5:16) say what you did (homo logeo) Thank God for his forgiveness Role model in the midst of community
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Closer: If we are to be MEN OF ACTION (in Spiritual Warfare) the rhythm of our life should be marked by ongoing confession, thanksgiving, and repentance in the midst of gospel-centered community.
Here I am All my intentions All my obsessions I want to lay them all down In Your hands Only Your love is vital Though I'm not entitled Still You call me Your child God You don't need me But somehow You want me Oh, how You love me Somehow that frees me To take my hands off of my life And the way it should go God You don't need me But somehow You want me Oh, how You love me Somehow that frees me To open my hands up And give You control I give You control I've had plans Shattered and broken Things I have hoped in Fall through my hands You have plans To redeem and restore me You're behind and before me Oh, help me believe God You don't need me But somehow You want me Oh, how You love me Somehow that frees me To take my hands off of my life And the way it should go, oh God You don't need me But somehow You want me Oh, how You love me Somehow that frees me To open my hands up And give You control Oh, You want me Somehow You want me The King of Heaven wants me So this world has lost it's grip on me Oh, You want me Somehow You want me The King of Heaven wants me So this world has lost it's grip on me God You don't need me But somehow You want me Oh, how You love me Somehow that frees me To take my hands off of my life And the way it should go, oh God You don't need me But somehow You want me Oh, how You love me Somehow that frees me To open my hands up And give You control I give You control Oh, give You control Oh, I want to give You control I give You control You want me Somehow You want me The King of Heaven wants me So this world has lost it's grip on me Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Jason Ingram / Matthew Bronleewe / Michael Donehey Control (Somehow You Want Me) lyrics © Essential Music Publishing
The Spirit Prayer Activation (SPA) experience blew my mind! I would have never thought 10 years ago that I would have signed up for something like the SPA. I grew up highly critical of “prophetic ministry,” or anything that was “spirit led,” but, God has completely delivered me from the anti-deliverance mindset, thinking only males can minister to me, and a critical spirit.
I was invited to the SPA from Candi Christman, a member of Heritage Christian Fellowship in San Clemente, CA. Pastor Roger Gales introduced me to Candi and I immediately felt her spirit and knew she was all about healing, recovery, and spiritual freedom. There were four months between the time I met Candi and when I attended the SPA and I looked forward to it the entire time expecting to see the Lord at work in a miraculous way.
The SPA is advertised as “Spiritual Renewal: a ministry of Heritage Christian Fellowship.” It is conducted on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00 to 12:30pm. It is conducted on the church property and contains four ministries designed to “draw you closer to God.” I experienced the four ministries in this order:
Prophetic art station Prophetic ministry station Healing prayer station Soaking prayer station
I highly recommend the SPA for anyone wanting to hear from God and experience inner healing. Humble yourself and he will lift you up.
Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is hosting a Grief Recovery Workshop every Tuesday from 1600-1730. To register for this closed group, or for any questions, please contact the pastoral care services department at 760-725-1223. Grief counseling services are also available through militaryonesource.com or giveanhour.org.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/QweUYSN8Kxs IG: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B6uQdbbnldH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/forallbelievers/fabcast-566-grief-recovery-101
Dan the Man (the Catholic Priest) explains the Jerusalem Cross, spiritual healing, community and much more. Join us in the UBER interview as we mud bog through the hills of SoCal.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/GUvc37rO_D0
Dr. Brené Brown’s 2018 book “Dare to Lead: Brave work. Tough conversations. Whole hearts” highlights two of her most prominent topics; namely, courage and vulnerability. From a recovery ministry perspective, this book can be interpreted as a treatise on faith (i.e. dare to lead), sanctification (i.e. brave work), confession (i.e. tough conversations), and restoration (i.e. whole hearts). This leadership challenge is essentially an exhortation for leaders to extend grace and truth resulting in restored hearts and productivity. This audiobook allows listeners to experience the background behind her grounded theory research. She candidly explains the good, embarrassing, and the ugly parts of her research. This book is no pie-in-the-sky theoretical framework; it’s a real-life example of daring leadership.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/W3qo7ipbtIo Instagram TV: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B6sQPpNniXb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
FABcast SHOW NOTES:
Remi Adeleke’s life is a series of unexpected events. From Nigerian royalty, to living in the Bronx, to drug dealing, hustling, and living a life of debauchery, to sneaking into the US Navy, becoming a Navy SEAL, giving his life to follow Jesus. You will love his story, “TRANSFORMED.”
What’s been your favorite interview so far?
What phase of your life was the most unexpected?
What’s harder? BUDS, Combat, marriage, or parenting?
What’s the difference between THOSE type of SEAL books and yours?
How did you come up with the title TRANSFORMED?
Emotional insulation and isolation is common amongst men, NSW and the military rit large and most definitely in the CHURCH! So how can Men, especially Christian Men, get to a point of no guilt and shame... to the point where they could put out all in book???
39:38 *in your opinion, how important is it for a warrior to be FULLY KNOWN in his relationship with his wife or community? What’s the impact of having a secret life in relation to operating?
Who (besides your wife) are you doing life with? Who’s speaks truth in love to you?
When you put you and your dads life side by side, what are some similarities?
There are so many key players in your transformation story. Who stands out to you the most?
Are you religious?
Let’s talk about IDENTITY. As a Sailor and a team guy how have you dealt with identity crisis. How do you reconcile true identity in Christ with the fact that the Sailors Creed begins with “I AM A UNITED STATES SAILOR…”? (50:00)
“it’s dangerous to rest in what you did yesterday” (51:40)
How can sailors find freedom from addictions? (42:30).
Order your copy today: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/transformed/#order
*First person to comment w/ your favorite quote from this interview will get a copy Transformed (format your choice)!
Pastor and author Dave Brisbin talks about his latest book, "Daring to Think Again" and the origins of The Effect Church in San Juan Capistrano. What was Jesus' original challenge to all? Dave suggests it was to dare to think differently. To sell everything (dogma) and follow him. Are you comfortable in your beliefs? Are you ready to challenge your own status quo?
Dave's book releases November 14th, 2019 and is available on amazon.com
For more information about Dave Brisbin or the Effect Church visit www.theeffect.org
This content may not be suitable for children. I talk about sex, suicide, pornography and other adult topics.
The two go together like a horse and carriage... Sharing the gospel is easy; sharing my life is rough. I can share gospel truths all day and never become vulnerable and transparent. I think the power of the Apostle Paul's words to the believers in Thessalonika is that he went deep with them. I can't imagine that he stood on a soapbox in Thessalonika and presented propositional truths, which resulted in life transformation. I CAN imagine they sat around old school living rooms and shared personal testimonies of what Jesus did in their lives and how he set them free. People trusted God and shared in the midst of a group. He also poured his life into them. On so many levels he shared his life. I believe this is why he said he not only shared the gospel but his life as well.
So this is a major theme for my family. We're gonna share the gospel and our lives and I'll never go back. Who's in!?
Parents: Is our job really to ensure that our kids are "making good decisions" or is there something more? Our job is to create an environment where our children are free to choose God. We are to also create an environment where they can experience healing the day after something happens in the world. What more could I give them than to offer them freedom to choose God. To offer anything more than God is to actually offer them less. Thoughts?
2k years ago today a guy named Jesus resurrected from the dead! Because he lives, believers can rise above anything life throws. Never ask God to calm the storm; just start surfing.
From the rising of the sun to its setting, your name is to be praised! - Psalm 113:3
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. - Galatians 2:20
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. - Romans 6:4
...You were also raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. - Colossians 2:12
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance…” - Hebrews 12:1a
...Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2
Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. - Romans 12:1
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; - Psalm 23:4a
The Lord himself goes before you; he will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:8a
Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31
Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live. - John 11:25
The spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. - Romans 8:11
"Freedom is not the absence of someTHING, but rather the presence of someONE (2 Cor. )" "Bless him, change me." "Living in the Kingdom of God is synonymous with living free in Christ." "Everything in the physical/visible world is linked to the spiritual/invisible world." "The heart refers to the thinking capacity of our being. It is made up into three components: mind, will, and emotions." "We're not here to be critics; we're here to be restorers." "Having knowledge doesn't mean you have life." "Taking thoughts captive means taking others' thoughts captive." "There is no real bitter root, but rather a root that leads to bitter fruit."
The four enemies of the heart: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy" The seven roots of idolatry: deception, love of money, rebellion, power, control, comfort, approval.
Sermon preached at Risen Church in Virginia Beach.
And now, as we reflect on Jesus’ first sermon let’s consider his message. Notice that Jesus establishes his mission statement through five key objectives. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
The five operative words of Jesus mission statement include preaching (the gospel), proclaiming (freedom), recovering (sight), releasing (those in bondage) and proclaiming (the year of the Lord’s favor); all have to do with freedom, redemption and restoration of humanity. Jesus came to restore that which was lost in the fall. He came to take away the sins of the world that man might live the abundant life. Let us follow in Jesus in his ministry of freedom, redemption and restoration.
Been reading a lot lately about radical ordinary hospitality in addition to convicting passages on hospitality. And the prophetic hospitality moments have been springing up everywhere. Thankful to God for the moments I get to die to myself and be a conduit of God's love and hospitality.
Today my special guest is Alex Early, author of, "The Reckless Love of God."
The startling truth about the love of God has lost its potency. It is not a passionless, theological idea. It is a real love that feels and even suffers. Whether you grew up in a Christian home and have forgotten this essential truth, or you never knew it in the first place, we all need to be reminded--and assured--that God's love is real and personal. The Reckless Love of God is about pulling readers in close and asking if they have really considered what it means to say, "Jesus loves you." Nothing changes lives and grows the church faster, more effectively, and more thoroughly than being captivated by this reality. But the love of Jesus is not just a means to another end. Receiving the love of Jesus is the end itself. Includes end-of-chapter questions for individual or group use.
About Alex Early (Amazon) Alex Early is the author of The Reckless Love of God (2015) and The New Believer's Guide to the Christian Life (2016). He serves Redemption Church in Seattle, Washington and is a passionate preacher of the gospel and also excels in teaching theology. He is a sought-after speaker and a creative missionary. Alex has completed two master's degrees (MDiv, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and MA in Aspects of Biblical Interpretation, London School of Theology) as well as his Doctor of Intercultural Studies. Alex has served as a church planter and theology professor.
Additionally, he has been heavily involved in training church leaders both in the U.S. and abroad. He is a sought-after speaker and lives with his wife, Jana, and their two children in the city of Seattle. He spends his down time cooking for family and friends and laughing around the table.
Find out more at: http://www.paearly.com
Proverbs 15:1 - A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
So true every time one of my children speaks gently as a response to my harshness. And then I feel overcome by that spirit of gentleness. So thankful for my children and their patience with me. Their forgiveness for my harshness.
The Last Supper 17On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?” 18“As you go into the city,” he told them, “you will see a certain man. Tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My time has come, and I will eat the Passover meal with my disciples at your house.’” 19So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there. 20When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” 22Greatly distressed, each one asked in turn, “Am I the one, Lord?” 23He replied, “One of you who has just eaten from this bowl with me will betray me. 24For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” 25Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.”
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” 5“Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. 8When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Transcript inspired by "In His Image" by Dr. Michael Wilkins, Talbot School of Theology
Made Alive by Citizens and Saints
[Verse 1] I once was dead in sin, alone and hopeless A child of wrath I walked, condemned in darkness But Your mercy brought new life And in Your love and kindness Raised me up with Christ, and made me righteous
[Chorus] You have bought me back With the riches of Your amazing grace and relentless love I'm made alive forever, with You, life forever By Your grace, I'm saved By Your grace, I'm saved
[Verse 2] Lord, You are the light That broke the darkness You satisfy my soul when I am heartless If ever I forget my true identity Show me who I am and help me to believe
[Chorus] You have bought me back With the riches of Your amazing grace and relentless love I'm made alive forever, with You, life forever By Your grace, I'm saved By Your grace, I'm saved
[Bridge] My sin has been erased I'll never be the same My sin has been erased I'll never be the same
[Chorus] You have bought me back With the riches of Your amazing grace and relentless love I'm made alive forever, with You, life forever By Your grace, I'm saved You have bought me back With the riches of Your amazing grace and relentless love I'm made alive forever, with You, life forever By Your grace, I'm saved By Your grace, I'm saved
Imaginative prayer uses scripture and our God-given imaginations to bring us into the presence of God. The purpose of this practice is to not only hear God’s word but to experience him. Imaginative prayer helps us to visualize a gospel story and worship God as he really is.
John 13:1-17 (NIV)
1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”11For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not everyone was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?”he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Wasting time with God is so much better than being "productive." This #FABcast episode 495 was inspired by 1) @mikedonehey's #youtube video about the song "Control" (https://youtu.be/wJ_bXp5BXwU) and #JohnEldrege's @ransomedheart podcast on #mircropractices (https://www.ransomedheart.com/podcast/micro-practices).
Join us as we are #WASTINGTIMEWITHGOD
Reflecting on Tim Keller’s Book: Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work By RBAR
I am amazed how God constantly shows me the theme of freedom in Christ. The point of Every Good Endeavor, by Tim Keller, is that the gospel of Jesus Christ sets the believer free finding identity in career or work. The freedom declared in Galatians 1:1 is applicable to the bondage of self-condemnation and false identity: “For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” There is a temptation in any job to fall towards pride or shame. Many experience shame from their past which has prohibited opportunities for a particular career. In the words of pastor and counselor Jack Miller as quoted by Keller, “Cheer up: You’re a worse sinner than you ever dared imagine, and you're more loved than you ever dared hope” (p. xix). Finding identity work is also a deception as true identity is found in the fact that all humans are created in the Imago Dei - in the image of God regardless of what they do for a living. Keller says, “all human work is not merely a job” but a calling by and to God (p. 2). His book reiterates that since all are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-28) and all gifts/talents are given by God (1 Cor 7:17), Christians should not make distinctions between “Christian work” and secular work (p. 187); All work is God’s work. This book is valuable for a myriad of young professional blue and white collar: Janitors, MDs, PAs, RNs, JDs, assistants, CPAs, entrepreneurs, academics, students, fast food workers and stay at home moms/dads (aka. Domestic engineers) just to name a few. People can easily fall into the pride/shame spectrum and put their identity in work. The enemy is relentless in this regard. Keller points out that a doctor or pastor may be prone to feeling prideful or morally superior whereas someone who does menial work may feel inferior and shameful. Both are wrong because all work is God’s work and it is deception for Christians to believe they are superior because of who they are or because (and I think this is true of most denominal churches in America) that we are doctrinally superior. We must accept this liberating truth: “our work” is not about us; it’s about how God is using our work to restore what was broken in the fall; shalom. I am in full agreement with Keller; we cannot emphasize the message enough that true identity is in Christ. What we do for a living is NOT our identity. And those with “intellectual” or “important” jobs by worldly standards should not get preferential treatment (see James 2:3). These books influence how I introduce myself: “My name is Ryan. I work at Starbucks versus, “I am a Barista.” Making coffee may be what I do [for work], but it will never be who I am. I am who I am base on my birth not by how I make money. Lastly, Every Good Endeavor is another book that confirms my calling in life; namely, that I am to be an ambassador for the abundant life of freedom in Christ. A life of freedom from what others think about me; freedom from what I think about me; freedom from what others think of my job; freedom from what I think of my job. I am completely free from me because I am completely free from people. I need nothing from others, but opportunities to love and serve others. I only care about what Christ thinks about me. Now I am ready to serve wholeheartedly expecting nothing in return. And that my friends is true freedom.
The first time I heard this concept of being fully known was from pastor Matt Chandler in a 12-part sermon series called "Recovering Redemption.” My plumber friend had introduced me to the concept a few years prior. But, it wasn't until after hearing the sermon series that the concept started to haunt me. That is, until I gave into the prompting of the Holy Spirit, trusted that Jesus was truly my deliverer and “came clean.” After I had shared everything that came to mind (because I only wanted to cry once), my wife chose to do the same.
From then on, confession and remaining “fully known” became a lifestyle. People in our community group noticed the changes in us and “joined the club.” It was as if everyone was experiencing the joy of Romans 8:1, there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I used to wish that being fully known was a one time deal. Confess it all and be done with it. Then I realized that having a secret could happen the moment I chose to do something that resulted in guilt and shame. Now I don't dread crossing over into fully known because in it God is glorified. In fact, the ongoing cycle of sin, guilt, shame, fear, confession, repentance, and reconciliation is a way to keep displaying godliness here on earth as it is in heaven. Tim Keller writes about being fully known in his book, The Meaning of Marriage
To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything.”
When it comes to being fully known, we need not fear for Lord has not given his children a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Another person's reaction should never be a factor in choosing to be free. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Reckless Love Cory Asbury Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me You have been so, so good to me Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life in me You have been so, so kind to me Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me You have been so, so good to me When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me You have been so, so kind to me And oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine And I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down Lie You won't tear down Coming after me Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, yeah
Songwriters: Caleb Culver / Cory Asbury / Ran Jackson Reckless Love lyrics © Bethel Music Dba Bethel Music Publishing
Luke 15 (ESV) 15:1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[b] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[c] 22 But the father said to his servants,[d] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
If you ever wanted to know what true unconditional love looks like, Luke 15 is your passage. God knows our hearts. That’s why Jesus told these stories in Luke 15. If you have ever wondered what your life would look like if God’s love filled you, you might want to saturate in Luke 15. Jesus paints a picture of what the love of the father looks like; God's love is unconditional and reckless. God never stops pursuing those who belong to him.
Sermon preached at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Virginia Beach, VA on 26 May 2018.
*We apologize for the poor recording quality. We went with the GoPro mic :(
Special FABcast guest, Ernesto Segismundo Jr. M.S., LMFT talks about community, confession, and forgiveness.
About our guest: Ernesto Segismundo Jr. M.S. LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Adjunct Professor at Hope International University Adjunct Professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology Owner of FYLMIT.com Owner of CAV Family Therapy Inc.
Highlights: 4:27 - Ernesto describes what he does as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
10:46 - Community.
19:09 - Forgiveness. Every single client that I have...have elements of unforgiveness...
"Forgiveness is the healing part of the journey."
23:10 - Clip from “The View” and featured Chrissy Metz sharing her lessons on loving herself and Joy Behar's belief in justified bitterness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHcjFXKBFBs
YouTube Interview: https://youtu.be/Xa259LmgxDM
Special FABcast guest, Justin Torrence talks about the Heart of Man Movie and the "greater yes" that God offers. This movie is only for those of us who have ever been tempted by sin and gave in... it IS relevant.
Interview Highlights: 10:30 Honorable mentions: G.R.A.C.E. ministry @girlsrisingabove, International Justice Mission, Freedom Fighters @ndyfreedomfighters, citizen and darling @citizenanddarling
12:02 Sin blinds you, binds you, and grinds you.
14:48 every command to not sin is because he HAS something better for us.
16:45 is this film for everyone?
26:19 How do we GUARD our hearts and maintain the freedom
Official Synopsis: “THE HEART OF MAN is a Christian documentary describing how eight men and women discovered God’s unconditional love is the only way out of a lifetime of sexual brokenness. Their stories, told against the backdrop of an artistic and allegorical depiction of the Prodigal Son parable, shot in Hawaii, illustrate how suffering people learn that God’s love is their deliverance and their reward at the same time.”
Movie Quotes: The trailer just draws us in: “Secrets have been killing me my whole life.” -William Paul Young (author of, the Shack).
“I always felt that God was mildly disgusted with me” - John Lynch, Author.
“Every man, every woman struggles with lust. Lust is desire gone mad" - Dr. Dan Allender
“I didn’t know what had happened to me had affected me so deeply…” Jackie Hill Perry
37:35 - “What is the trajectory of shame over a lifetime? A Lifetime. For a few seconds of violation...leaves the human heart divided.” - Dr. Dan Allender.
4:40 - Dr. A quote. ME- “So What does it look like to crawl into the Father’s lap"
6:45 - Jackie Hill Perry. 13yr old experience.
8:30 - (sin island scene). “fathers and son have a way of telling the truth of who they are. ...we are open to every lie...that anyone will tell us.
8:40 - “It mystifies to no end how I can find elicit sexual behavior and porn more entertaining tan the presence of God. That’s just insanity.” - Tony Anderson
“He has come to set us free to be fully human and fully alive" - William Paul Young, The Heart of Man Movie, 59:09.
“It wasn’t about God fixing our marriage. It was broken beyond repair. It was knowing that Christ could make it new.” 105:52
“Tears are the tangible essence of a broken heart" -William Paul Young
“WHAT IF OUR SHAME WAS A BRIDGE...NOT A BARRIER?”
Key People:
Cast Rober Fleet, Serena Karnagy, Justin Torrence Directed by Eric Esau Writing Credits: Eric Esau, Jason Pamer, Jonathan Sharpe Jeremy Affeldt ... executive producer Larisa Affeldt ... executive producer Joel Angyal ... co-producer (as Joel M. Angyal) Brian Bird ... executive producer Noel Bouché ... executive producer Vanessa Bouché ... executive producer April Chapman ... executive producer Craig Chapman ... executive producer Shaun Goodman ... associate producer Davis Goslin ... associate producer Doug Houston ... executive producer Nadine Houston ... executive producer Jens Jacob ... producer Jacob Lienau ... co-producer Lissie McCullough ... executive producer Wayne McCullough ... executive producer Bruce McNicol ... executive producer Janet McNicol ... executive producer Jason Pamer ... producer Jonathan Sharpe ... executive producer Emily Traweek ... executive producer James Traweek ... executive producer Chad Veach ... executive producer Julia Veach ... executive producer
My first time preaching Psalm23 and it was/is a life changer. I pray you never see oil or a cup the same too. Enjoy.
For more Anchor Church sermons, go to anchorchurchonline.org Meet us at The Sandler Center in Virginia Beach Town Center We meet on Sundays at 10am to worship God and spend time together. Children's Check-in starts at 9:45am, and we'll have some coffee for you before the service. There's nothing to do but show up - We'd love for you to join us and be a part of all that God is doing here! Please don't hesitate to browse our website and to let us know if you have any questions or need any information.
My job is to reject trash and accept truth. Based on Philippians 4:8, fixing my thoughts on truth and rejecting the lies results in the god of peace bringing me comfort.
In Psalm 23:5b, David writes that the LORD, his shepherd, anoints his head with oil and that his cup overflows. As David sings his mind goes back to the time when Samuel the prophet anointed his head with oil in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon from that day forward. Oil indicated that he had been invested with power and authority and consecrated for holy purpose.
David sings that his cup overflows symbolizing joy and gladness in the presence of the shepherd.
Both the oil and the overflowing cup portray blessing and abundance at the banqueting table. David is to feast on Grace, not Fear. At this table there is no shortage. And neither the length of the walk through the dark valley of the shadow of death nor the presence of the enemy should ever spoil the party.
Music: "Safe Retreat" by @KingsKaleidoscope Sketch: @yellowdoorstudios
*This is dedicated to my mom. When I hear it, I hear her voice reading this to me as a child.
It is helpful for me to remember that this is a SONG of David. The Psalms are meant to appeal to my emotions (like songs do). When I read this Psalm in that spirit, it causes me to rest.
Psalm 23. A Psalm of David.
INTRO: DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS SHEPHERD
1 The Lord [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
TRANSITION: DAVID SINGS TO HIS SHEPHERD
...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS PRESENCE IN DARK VALLEYS 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS PRESENCE AMIDST HIS ENEMIES 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
...DAVID SINGS ABOUT HIS POSITION, POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ENEMIES you anoint my head with oil [position, power and authority];
...DAVID SINGS ABOUT ABUNDANT BLESSINGS my cup overflows [filled to the brim].
...DAVID SINGS ABOUT ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF ENDLESS GOODNESS AND MERCY 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
...DAVID SINGS ABOUT THE LENGTH OF ABUNDANCE and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
What’s the purpose of adversity and life stressors? It’s it to remind us of how gracious God is, how important life in community is, and a gentle reminder of who I am in regards to the imago dei…
confession #community #restoration #imagodei #freedom
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
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The real reason why people talk trash on Hillary Clinton is because the made an agreement with the enemy that they are better than her. They heard the whispers of pride and came to an agreement and THEN they make remarks about her. We shouldn’t be talking trash on anybody, not because we approve of their behavior, but because we shouldn’t be making agreements with “those” voices. We should be choosing to see people as created in the imago dei.
Philippians 2 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
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What’s behind anger? Anger says, “You owe me….” The Gospel says, “nobody owe’s me a thing.” Also, there is no reason why someone else’s idol (anger) should well up within me an idol (anger).
By the way, “Anger is just a charismatic worship service…of the wrong God.” -Dan Mohler.
“Never forgive someone to their face” (The Grief Handbook).
The antitode: Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
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I highly recommend this movie for anyone who has ever given in to sin... (wait for it). THAT'S ALL OF US!
Synopsis from the heartofmanmovie.com The Heart of Man is a story inviting the sons and daughters of God to leave behind our broken, moralistic and religious way of thinking and relating to God and to others. Once we begin to know who God is (and as a result who we are), we have something to invite the world into. Freedom from performance. Freedom from managing our behavior so we appear acceptable to God. Freedom from our addictions, compulsive behaviors, secrecy and double lives. This film tears the veil of confusion over the church's current identity crisis and enables it to invite the rest of the world to the banquet God is throwing all of us.
The film features emotional interviews with real people going through their mess and subsequent healing, and includes expert witnesses of such men as William Paul Young, author of the NY Times best-selling novel “The Shack”, Dan Allender, Ph.D, author of "The Wounded Heart" and Spoken Word Artist Jackie Hill Perry. All of that is interwoven with a production-rich “prodigal son” narrative story shot in Hawaii.
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
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A Psalm of David. 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord forever.
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
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FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
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FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC30W0ugRfRKrMvxgYrAGyww/featured?disable_polymer=1
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Twitter.com/forallbelievers
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC30W0ugRfRKrMvxgYrAGyww/featured?disable_polymer=1
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Twitter.com/forallbelievers
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
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Twitter.com/forallbelievers
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
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Forgiveness 101:
The word "forgiveness" comes from the Greek word aphiemi and it does not mean to forget. Forgiveness sometimes leads to forgetting the event ever happened, but it is never the means by which forgiveness occurs. On the other hand, keeping a record (literal or metaphorically) is an indication that forgiveness has not been granted.
We never need to pray, “Lord, help me to forgive…” We simply declare, “Lord, I choose to forgive…” This may take some practice since most of us have been conditioned to ask God for help in this area. We do not need to ask God for help in areas that he has already empowered us to do so. God never struggles with extending forgiveness and he lives inside of us! We couldn’t ask for a better setup for a forgiveness workshop!
Like the movie, Frozen, forgiveness is to literally “let it go.” In forgiveness, you are releasing people from what they did to you. You are essentially giving up your “right” to get even. The truth is we have no “right” to get even because God forgave the person you sinned against. And since God does not hold bitterness toward them, neither can you.
I choose to forgive because I've been forgiven. Bitterness is like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies. Forgiveness is giving up all hope of a better past. Bitterness is deception. Forgiveness is setting a captive free only to realize that I was the captive.
Anyone can pray the following prayer of victory over bitterness/resentment:
"Lord, I choose to forgive (name the person) for (name ONE INSTANCE of what they did/failed to do) because it made me feel (share the painful experience).
I choose not to hold on to my resentment. I thank you for setting me free from the bondage of my bitterness. I choose to “let go” of my desire to seek revenge and defend my rights and ask you to heal my damaged emotions.
Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you that bitterness no longer has control over my life because you have set me free. Bless now, (NAME of PERSON) who hurt me.
Forgive them for they didn’t know what they were doing. Bless them and change me.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
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FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers
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InstaGram: instagram.com/for_all_believers
Twitter.com/forallbelievers
FABcast. Confessions of a restored restorer…
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe:
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC30W0ugRfRKrMvxgYrAGyww/featured?disable_polymer=1
InstaGram: instagram.com/for_all_believers
Twitter.com/forallbelievers
The process of restoration is ongoing. The struggle is real and so is the victory. Be blessed by a conversation between two friends who are joined at the hip together in the journey of restoration in gospel-centered community.
You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only you give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord And dll the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise To You only It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It's Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise To You only
Songwriters: David Leonard / Jason Ingram / Leslie Jordan Great Are You Lord lyrics © Essential Music Publishing, Capitol Christian Music Group
@anchorchurchva #advent #joy
Anchor Church is part of the @acts29 network of churches.
for more info about Anchor Church visit: anchorchurchonline.org
@anchorchurchva #advent #joy
Anchor Church is part of the @acts29 network of churches.
for more info about Anchor Church visit: anchorchurchonline.org
GotQuestions.org -> "What are territorial spirits?"
Answer: “Territorial spirits” is a term some Christians use to identify demonic occupation of a specific geographic location. Ironically, it is also a term pagans use to describe an otherworldly presence believed to be residing in a specific geographical location.
The Christian concept of territorial spirits comes from passages such as Daniel 10; John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11; Mark 5:10; and Ephesians 6:12. All of these passages imply that fallen angels have been given some type of responsibility over a certain area. Thus, they seem to be territorial. However, we need to remember that this teaching is inferred; the Bible never explicitly delineates a hierarchy of demonic authority in the world. What the Bible is clear about is that demons are at work in the world and that believers are very much involved in a battle against them.
In Daniel 10, for example, an angel struggled against a demonic adversary the entire time Daniel was praying and fasting. It wasn't until the end of Daniel's spiritually focused time that the angel finally broke away and came to Daniel. Ephesians 6 exhorts believers to stand firm against our spiritual adversaries and to remain alert and ready for battle. There is no doubt that our struggle on Earth is mirrored in some way in the spiritual realm.
The problem inherent in the term “territorial spirits” is that some Christians believe it is their duty to engage territorial demons in spiritual warfare. This, however, cannot be justified by Scripture. There is not a single instance in the Bible where someone actively sought out a demon in order to engage it. Demon-possessed individuals were encountered, and some were brought to Jesus and His disciples for healing, but the disciples didn't go looking for demons to cast out of people. No one in the Bible ever prayed that the “demon princes” of a town be “bound” from working their will against the residents of that town.
Territorial spirits, although not explicitly a scriptural idea, may very well exist, as seen in the previous passages. Whether or not a spirit is “territorial” is really not that important, though. What is important is our response. A believer in Christ has no biblical support to engage in prayer-led spiritual warfare against demons. Rather, a believer needs to be aware that there is a spiritual battle and to take it seriously (1 Peter 5:8). Our lives need to be focused on prayer and on growing in faith. Should we ever encounter a demon, we definitely have the Christ-given authority to deal with it, but we should not go looking for them, territorial or otherwise.
Recommended Resource: Angels: Elect & Evil by C. Fred Dickason
Christianity means taking one for the team. It means dying to self. Why pray against the moldy box when I can pray, "Thank God I've died to myself. I no longer live. Hence, I no longer wish to have a "great day" with no moldy boxes." It's time to take the moldy box and consider others before yourself. That is the abundant life. Freedom from self.
I believe true thanksgiving comes when I realized I don't need Jesus because I have Jesus - and there's a big difference. I pray that this concept spread like wildfire. Too many christians are walking around saying the need something that they already have; namely, Jesus, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, healing, restoration, love, joy, peace, etc. etc. If we have been crucified with Christ, buried with him, resurrected with him, seated in the heavenlies with him, then what am I lacking? I submit that we (believer) lack nothing because we have everything. We have been given every spiritual blessing in Him.
Hillsong sang it well: I found my life when I laid it down. I found life when I died to myself. I hope you find the same freedom....
See Vlog here: https://youtu.be/TYsPpu8L0ug
The morning is the perfect time to hush the rush of the day or set the tone of rushing from one thing to the next. Lets choose to hush that morning rush.
The Present Future is broken down into six “New Realities” that all reiterate the fact that “the present makes clearest sense in light of the future.” [5] The past 500 years have predominantly perpetuated the idea that we are headed toward the future when the reality is the future is headed toward us (the Church).
On repeat, the book alludes to the fact that the Church is primarily a means to an end; that is a kingdom end. In Genesis, there was no Church and when the New Heaven and New Earth are ushered in, the Church does not exist. McNeal appropriately concludes that it must be a means to a kingdom-end. Thus, the kingdom culture is preeminent to the Church.
The books strategic objective serves as a “polemical volume,” which galvanizes church leaders “to action before it’s too late.”[6] McNeal is clear in stating a tactical objective as well: “My goal is to provoke and to frame conversations that lead to action, to risk, to rediscovery of mission.”[7] “Provoke” and “galvanize” are great descriptions of what McNeal does. He gives his readers an “out” at the outset of the book: “me do not read this book if you are looking to bolster your opinion that the way to the future is charted through the past… if you fit any (or all) of these categories, take my advice and don't read this book. It will just agitate you.”[8]
The major themes throughout this book are the overemphasis of Church culture and the comeback of kingdom focus. The first Reformation focused on setting the Church free from (corrupt) people whereas this New Reformation is focused on setting the people free from (what has become) the Church/institution. Basically, out with the old and in with the new. We’ve been building up the Church for 500 years now let’s get with Jesus plan of preaching the good news of the Kingdom! The gospel of the kingdom is about proclaiming the prison doors have been unlocked. A kingdom culture prevents the church from being competitors with one another. With a kingdom mindset, we become “one team one fight.”
Tweetable Quotes
“As he hung on the cross Jesus probably never thought the impact of this sacrifice would be reduced two an invitation for people to join and support an institution.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 1.
“The Church needs a mission fix.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 10.
“…deliverance is not just from something but to something.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 13.
“Street Church where people are already hanging out. We need a church in every mall, every Walmart SuperCenter, every Barnes& Noble.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 35.
"The power of the gospel lost on church members who can sign off on doctoral positions but have no story of personal transformation” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 36.
“The first Reformation was about freeing Church. The new reformation is about creating gods people from the church (the institution).” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 43.
“The test for orthodoxy typically focuses on doctrinal stances, not character in spiritual connectedness to God and others.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 55.
“To live abundantly is To borrow the future into the present.” @ReggieMcNeal #ThePresentFuture Page 73.
I'm beginning to realize the more people talk about how jacked up other people are the more they may be hiding (or ignorant of) their own stuff. Maybe the infatuation with everybody else's faults is just a cover up for their own insecurities. We all know calling out someone else is much easier than confessing our own faults and using "I statements." I think I'll just spend my time talking about how relevant Jesus is in my life and how he's invited me into his life to be on mission with him and how gracious he is toward me. I'll confess my sins as well and set an example for others to follow. Might as well get real since God knows us all anyways! :)
Ever wonder where kids cross over into playful innocence and into the world of materialism? I think it starts young and its caught more than taught. Maybe it starts with parents who renounce the idol of materialism to break the crazy cycle. #LETKIDSLIVE #STRETCHEDOUTSHIRTS :)
Sang this with Kai, my 5-yr old. So sweet! Enjoy. Follow along with these lyrics :)
I keep trying to find a life On my own, apart from You I am the king of excuses I've got one for every selfish thing I do What's going on inside of me? I despise my own behavior This only serves to confirm my suspicions That I'm still a man in need of a Savior I want to be in the Light As You are in the Light I want to shine like the stars in the heavens Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation Cause all I want is to be in the Light All I want is to be in the Light The disease of self runs through my blood It's a cancer fatal to my soul Every attempt on my behalf has failed To bring this sickness under control Tell me, what's going on inside of me? I despise my own behavior This only serves to confirm my suspicions That I'm still a man in need of a Savior I want to be in the Light As You are in the Light I want to shine like the stars in the heavens Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation Cause all I want is to be in the Light All I want is to be in the Light Honesty becomes me [There's nothing left to lose] The secrets that did run me [In Your presence are defused] Pride has no position [And riches have no worth] The fame that once did cover me [Has been sentenced to this Earth] Has been sentenced to this Earth Tell me, what's going on inside of me? I despise my own behavior This only serves to confirm my suspicions That I'm still a man in need of a Savior I want to be in the Light As You are in the Light I want to shine like the stars in the heavens Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation Cause all I want is to be in the Light All I want is to be in the Light I want to be in the Light As You are in the Light I want to shine like the stars in the heavens Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation Cause all I want is to be in the Light All I want is to be in the Light
Songwriters: John Paul Jones / Jimmy Page / Robert Plant In The Light lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc
Sang the kiddos to sleep with this #Mosaic #MSC masterpiece. I love singing the name of Jesus.
Peace, bring it all to peace The storms surrounding me Let it break at Your name Still, call the sea to still The rage in me to still Every wave at Your name Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Breathe, call these bones to leave Call these lungs to sing Once again, I will praise Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Your name is a light that the shadows can't deny Your name cannot be overcome Your name is alive forever lifted high Your name cannot be overcome Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Jesus, Jesus Jesus, Jesus Your name is a light that the shadows can't deny Your name cannot be overcome Your name is alive forever lifted high Your name cannot be overcome Your name is a light that the shadows can't deny Your name cannot be overcome Your name is alive forever lifted high Your name cannot be overcome Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus
Songwriters: Andres Figueroa / Charles Bentley / Mariah McManus / Mia Fieldes Tremble lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Essential Music Publishing
If children really belong to God, and if God was really always-present, how would that change the way you interact with them? How would this affect the amount of time in between an infraction and your confession and repentance from draconian parenting?
Idolatry takes form in many ways. Whether drinking to love of money to sermon binging! That ol sneaky enemy will stop at nothing to get our eyes off the Creator and on to created stuff! Keep your guard up, tear down your idols, resist the devil and draw near to God. This stuff is real.
Feeling downcast, I kneeled in my cubicle at work this am, God gave me a progression of questions and scriptural answers (that I googled later) that lifted my spirit: 1) Who is my defense/ (Psalm 94:22 – HE is) 2) Who owns vengeance? (Romans 12:19 – HE does) 3) Who’s job is payback to wrongdoers? (Colossians 3:25 – HIS job) 4) What is my role? (Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you. You need only to stand still”). Just as I looked up Exodus 14:14, this song came on my YouTube Playlist, “This is How I Fight My Battles!” I stayed on my knees and my eyes started to get watery… I am so loved God. It also reminded me of our current series on the Lord’s Prayer. THAT is how I choose to fight my battles.
"This is How I Fight My Battles" by UpperRoom Dallas - https://youtu.be/NoAqymNcBTk
Much Love and respect, RBAR
Tree illustration given before a secular audience. Truth is truth and its impact is the same regardless of the venue.
THEDAILYPRAYER
by RBAR September 6th, 2017
Father God thank you for giving me another day of life. Thank you for every step I take and the breath of life that fills my lungs. Thank you for the beauty of the rising sun. From its rising to its setting, I will praise your name!
Jesus, I adore you. Your name is higher than the rising sun! Thank you for giving me the example of pleasing the Father!
Holy Spirit, you are my teacher and you are in control. I have worshipped CONTROL. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you that I am forever SET FREE from the worship of CONTROL, COMFORT, APPROVAL, AND POWER. Today I choose only to listen to you. I choose to look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.
I have been crucified with Christ and that it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. I have been buried with Christ by baptism into death (Romans 6:4; Col 3:1). I have been raised with Christ through faith by your powerful Spirit. The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me! I have been raised to the newness of life with Christ and I set my sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand (Col 3:1). Thank you that you have raised me up with Christ and have been seated with him in that heavenly realm!
Father, today, I choose to allow my hands to be conduits of grace, mercy, and peace. May the gentle touch of my hands and the tenderness of my words point my wife and children to a gracious and kind God. Father thank you that I am not my own and that I no longer have to identify myself as broken, but all put together. Thank you that you alone supply all my needs and that I lack nothing. Thank you that today, I no longer have to sin, because I consider myself dead to sin and alive in Christ.
I rejoice in the truth that I am not hurt because you are not hurt and you live in me. I rejoice in the truth that I am not broken because you are not broken and you live in me. I rejoice in the truth that I no longer have to be frustrated, angry, disappointed, or impatient, because you are perfect in every way and you live in me.
No more telling people they can go to heaven when they die. That's old school. It's about getting to the Father through Jesus!
Sermon preached at my home church on 20Aug2017. My first sermon since 2013. Grateful that my pastor is a man of grace, truth, and trust. Preaching from the pulpit having been freed from fear is a new experience.
Brother Bryan D joined the FAB studio today for a long drive and discussion on grappling/Grapel Chapel, freedom from pornography, fear, and a reflection on a homeless man we took out to breakfast this morning. Good times with my brother and lifelong friend.
Quotes: "By God's grace, i'm looking forward to a fight 1:15:" "When someone exposes my sin, shouldn't I be glad?" (1:19:31)
To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is. To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst To those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children – we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be To those who step-parent – we walk with you on these complex paths To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren -yet that dream is not to be, we grieve with you To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you To those who placed children up for adoption — we commend you for your selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.
John 13:1-17. Jesus washed the disciples feet. He wanted them wash each others feet. And he wants to was our feet...in front of everybody else.
Retreat is not a bad word. It is what Jesus did often to rest and spend intimate time with his Father. Retreat is a means to an end of advance. In retreat is refreshment and strengthening of the soul. God rested, so should we.
I can’t believe I’m on a spiritual formation retreat. God gave me a second shot at this. I was in seminary in 2002 when Talbot Seminary/Biola University was in the works of developing the ground-breaking (and to some, controversial) Institute for Spiritual Formation (ISF). By the time the program launched I was taking a class that required attendance at a “spiritual formation retreat.” I remember being highly critical. My friend Erniki and I criticized what we called “weirdo eastern mysticism” and I flat out rejected it. I thought to myself, “God is not at work in contemplating the emptiness of a cup!” So I walked away from that retreat angry and with nothing from God other than how the program needs to “just disappear.” Not too long afterward, that retreat center burned down in a forest fire. Rather than being broken hearted for someone else’s loss, I laughed. When I look back at those dark times of anger and indifference, I am thankful that God, in His Grace, never stopped pursuing me. It has been over a dozen years, but God has given me a chance to continue what he wanted to do in me at that retreat. And the icing on this cake is that I not only get a second shot at this thing, but I’m with my soul-mate and best friend - my wife.
Another shot out to my brothers who have not let me be a long ranger: Andy, DT, Chad, and Nicholas. Love you brothers. Let's go make more followers.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others - Philippians 2:4
Months ago my wife and I volunteered to teach the children’s church. We knew Easter would be a combined service potentially doubling our congregation in size. We were up for the service. What a treat. The entire children's ChChurch (approximately 50+ joined the main congregation in the “big hall” for worship in music. Before we sent the children into he auditorium, I stood on a chair and told them, “When we heart about Jesus resurrecting from the dead I want you to make the loudest noise and start celebrating like crazy!” Their little eyes lit up as in “are you serious!? YESSSSSS!” hahahaha. I love the innocence of the children. We were placed on the balcony while the grown ups were on the lower level. When I would cheer and clap my hands, the children would light up the room with cheers. When the song, Forever, came on, they had perfect timing and pitch! I was blown away! After the service, the worship leader as well as a few members of the band told me they too were blown away.
I told my wife, I desperately desire for these children to have a mindset about worship that takes God seriously, worships as he is in the room, and forgets about self-consciousness as well as the opinions of others. God has given me a vision for children in our church; namely, that they are set free to worship fearlessly. That they choose a relationship with Christ over bible trivia/head knowledge. I want to teach and cultivate a culture of spiritual warriors who have no secrets and join hands in sweet brokenness at the foot of the cross. This too, is a tremendous spiritual snowball that has already began to build speed.
When I covered the lessons plan for the children, I made one modification to the curriculum. Don't get me wrong. This curriculum is solid and gospel-centered. But the issue I had was the poster board, which said, “Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world.” I slightly disagree. I see Jesus praying intensely in the Garden of Gethsemane asking and pleading with God the Father for basically a plan B. Is there any other day? But then his attitude is perfect. Father, not my will but yours be done. I kept asking the children why Jesus died on the cross. With every answer, I replied, “that is true! thank you!” And I kept asking until a boy said, “Because God told him to!” In the second class, a little girl named Isabella said, “He did it to please the Father!” I almost fell on the floor! I told both of those children that their answer was the best I’d ever heard.
I then put all the attention on the attitude of Christ and his earthly mission to do nothing more than “Please the Father.” I turned it to application and connected pleasing the father to everything in their lives from domestic situations to school rules. And in the midst of discouragement to find that the power to obey and please the father comes from the power of the resurrection. Simply an amazing time. Oh yeah, we ended our class by singing praise and worship songs and dancing and break dance fighting with each other until the parents came to pick everyone up. yes! Best easter service I’ve ever experienced.
Dustin Kensrue - Rejoice Lyrics | Artist: Dustin Kensrue | Album: The Water & the Blood
Come and stand before your Maker Full of wonder, full of fear Come behold His power and glory Yet with confidence draw near
For the one who holds the heavens And commands the stars above Is the God who bends to bless us With an unrelenting love
Rejoice, come and lift your hands and Raise your voice, He is worthy of our praise Rejoice, sing of mercies of your King And with trembling, rejoice
We are children of the promise The beloved of the Lord Won with everlasting kindness Bought with sacrificial blood
Bringing reconciliation To a world that longs to know The affections of a Father Who will never let them go
Rejoice, come and lift your hands and
Raise your voice, He is worthy of our praise Rejoice, sing of mercies of your King And with trembling, rejoice
All our sickness, all our sorrows Jesus carried up the hill He has walked this path before us He is walking with us still
Turning tragedy to triumph Turning agony to praise There is blessing in the battle So take heart and stand amazed
Rejoice, when you cry to Him He hears Your voice, He will wipe away your tears Rejoice, in the midst of suffering He will help you sing
Rejoice, come and lift your hands and Raise your voice, He is worthy of our praise Rejoice, sing of mercies of your King And with trembling rejoice
Taking thoughts captive means taking other people's thoughts captive. At least that's what Paul meant when he said it. But I've learned that I can take the enemy's thoughts captive as well, meaning my own thoughts that are in opposition to the knowledge of God.
Around 1999-2000 I heard about the “Dark Night of the Soul.” Nearly two decades later it finally makes sense to me. I experienced the dark night of the soul in 2014 on a night when all of my secrets came out in the open. My soul was set free and I am no longer a slave to fear. If the dark night of the soul is the night when the enemy (i.e. the flesh, the devil/demons, and the world) is silenced, I most certainly experienced this night as I knelt before my wife and became fully known to her.
"When the soul enters into the dark night, all these things are put under control. The flesh will be quieted, the devil will be silent, and the fear will subside, all because of the fact that God takes away all of the sensory pleasure, and the soul is purified in the absence of it" (Devotional Classics, p. 35).
Prior to this dark night of the soul was the darkest period of my life. I was seven years into marriage and just under a decade of ministry. In hindsight, I see how my soul slowly became calloused and where root sins of deception and idolatry manifested into anger, rage, malice, pride, lust, and unfaithfulness, just to name a few. One of the most shameful events in my life was when I fostered an inappropriate relationship with a friend of our family. God had placed a man in my life named “Plumber Dan” who gave me wise and direct counsel to avoid this woman at all costs just short of sin. I did not heed this counsel and sin begat sin.
Today, we share our story - all of it. We rejoice in the truth that the cross of Christ absorbed all of the shame and guilt that comes with choosing sin over God. The Lord has turned our ashes into beauty and he has turned our shame into his Glory. We have continued our ministry of confession, repentance, and doing life with others.
Why would we dare choose to share ALL of us? Because it is for freedom that Christ has set us free! We are no longer slaves to fear and there is no room in our lives for the spirit of fear, self-condemnation, guilt, shame, or any other yolk of slavery for that matter. The opinions of man pale in comparison to the words of our Father in heaven. I will always clarify with others that I am constantly preaching the gospel to myself because I need to hear it over and over: “Lord, I feel embarrassed to share. But you have set me free and have taken all my shame and guilt away on the cross. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! I choose to allow you to share my story as I submit my mind and mouth to you. Say what you want to say Lord and I’ll follow.”
After the dark night of the soul I never heard a worship song the same; I never saw people the same; I never worshipped the same; I didn’t parent the same; my whole life was changed. It was as if God reached in and replaced my heart. He had changed my spiritual DNA and I felt re-wired for a life of pleasing the Father and helping set the captives free.
Through the dark night, my pride in Bible knowledge was converted to feeding Jesus’ sheep. My spiritual gluttony turned to exercising the knowledge I acquired to serve others and become a gospel listener for others. In my marriage, I was set free from believing that I “needed” anything from my wife. In fact, I made a list entitled, “What my wife owes me,” which was a blank piece of paper! I no longer criticized others for being “immature” or felt as if I was superior to them. I allowed myself to listen to female speakers! Amazing teachers who have taught me and have depend my faith - Women such as Beth Moore and Priscilla Shrier. God stripped me of my sexist spirit in the dark night.
I am forever grateful for that dark night of the soul and I pray that God, in His grace allows you to experience this dark night for your joy and his glory.
Good coaching entails wisdom in knowing when to push the team and when to allow space for growth. The same may be true in discipleship. Progression is evident in the way Jesus dealt with people. He never operated the same with two different people. We could make some good observations if we studied the life of Jesus and his discipleship.
"O Come To The Altar"
[Verse 1:] Are you hurting and broken within Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin Jesus is calling Have you come to the end of yourself Do you thirst for a drink from the well Jesus is calling
[Chorus:] O come to the altar The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ
[Verse 2:] Leave behind your regrets and mistakes Come today there's no reason to wait Jesus is calling Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy From the ashes a new life is born Jesus is calling
[Chorus x2:] O come to the altar The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ
[Bridge x2:] Oh what a Savior Isn't he wonderful Sing alleluia, Christ is risen Bow down before him For he is Lord of all Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
[Chorus x2:] O come to the altar The Father's arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ
[Verse 3:] Bear your cross as you wait for the crown Tell the world of the treasure you've found
It is a shame that stigmas exist, for those who struggle, I struggle with you. There is hope and I hate that you may never hear that you, you are not alone.
Anxiety Disorder Statistics; “Anxiety Disorders affect 18.1 percent of adults in the United States (approximately 40 million adults between the ages of 18 to 54).” – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
May I leave you with this- there is a perfect physician and a prince of peace, one we can find full rest in- God, and He is good. But, we do wrestle with Him, and we wonder “why” for so many things, but I promise, He is still good.
I Set the camera on continuous, held it out, and wrestled in prayer as I had a panic attack on the kitcheb floor. 10 minutes.
I’m still standing and I’m still me, and I am proud of who I am. God is good. I am strong. My weakness is made perfect in His strength.
A matter of fact, I’m stronger this afternoon than I was this morning, and every time “we” defeat anxiety, “we”are stronger- God and I, you and me, us, we are stronger. Now pass it on, don’t let someone you care about be alone. If you lament, if you struggle, if you cry- cry with those who cry, lament with those who lament, mourn until morning, and be strong in your weakness.
website: https://adventuresofdt.com/2017/03/15/a-panic-attack-in-black-and-white/
The Kalam Cosmological Argument for the existence of God is a Muslim argument for a supernatural explanation for the beginning of the universe being caused by a personal agent who is outside of space and time.
I hope this teaching enables people to engage in meaningful dialogue over philosophies over the universe. My greatest hope is that it points someone to the one and only true God, the creator of heaven and earth, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Recorded July 1, 2007 in California.
Caesar Payan, this one's dedicated to you and all the homies! 13 years later, the phrase, "don't talk about it be about it" finally connected to the gospel. I think I've spent way too much time talking about the Word when I could have been simply using it. And now I believe I am not called to talk about talking about God, but rather being a demonstration of his grace, mercy and truth.
What is a perfect night of worship in praise? I think this is an example. Not perfect by man's measure, but perfect from a divine viewpoint. Me not needing my kids to act a certain way, my kids letting loose...did you hear my daughters prayer at the beginning? "please don't get angry..." She was already expecting that I would get angry. And I did get angry and resentful, but in hindsight, I realized this is what pleases the Father; namely, for people to have childlike faith and draw near to him. For people to be themselves before him.
Lyrics: When you walk into the room Everything changes Darkness starts to tremble At the light that you bring And when you walk into the room Every heart starts burning And nothing matters more Than just to sit here at your feet And worship you We worship you
Chorus: We love you We'll never stop We can't live without you, Jesus We love you And we can't get enough All this is for you, Jesus
When you walk into the room Sickness starts to vanish Every hopeless situation ceases to exist And when you walk into the room, The dead begin to rise 'Cause there is resurrection life In all You do
Bridge: Come and consume, God All we are We give you permission Our hearts are Yours We want You We want You
Read more: Bryan & Katie Torwalt - When You Walk Into The Room Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Found myself sitting in a parking lot listening to Matt Maher's, "lord I need you" realizing the weight of my idolotrous heart.
Here's the quick n dirty on Biblical Peacemaking. Chose to hear and speak truth rather than listen to gossip and spread lies. easy day?
Confessions of a redeemed sin addict being restored… since 2001.
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
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This morning I prayed for my 7-month old. Who would need prayer more than a person who can't speak for himself? Thank God we don't live in an age of infanticide anymore! But wait a minute, we are headed down that path. Lord help us!
Confessions of a redeemed sin addict being restored… since 2001.
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers
Super Bowl weekend update for the FABcasters. Such a great weekend in my life. Took a friend through the steps to freedom in Christ, great time with the fam, and amazing corporate worship at our Church party!
Confessions of a redeemed sin addict being restored… since 2001.
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully, these views line up with the #TRUTH.
subscribe: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/forallbelievers/id1126962077?mt=2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/I7tnwjmcptqnok4dehtjjrjwxle?t=forallbelievers
Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/forallbelievers
Here's how I pray for my daughter(s). I pray, if it's the Lord's will that she marry a man who knows how to truly love relentlessly. A man who prays for God to love his wife through him rather than criticize her. This is one of my prayers for my girls...
Every Man's Battle is a book my sister gave me for x-mas.
From Google books revew: Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker WaterBrook Press, 2000 - Religion - 229 pages, 105 Reviews the challenge every man faces...the fight every man can win
"From the television to the Internet, print media to videos, men are constantly faced with the assault of sensual images. It is impossible to avoid such temptations...but, thankfully, not impossible to rise above them. Shattering the perception that men are unable to control their thought lives and roving eyes, Every Man's Battle shares the stories of dozens who have escaped the trap of sexual immorality and presents a practical, detailed plan for any man who desires sexual purity-perfect for men who have fallen in the past, those who want to remain strong today, and all who want to overcome temptation in the future."
Pam Farrel and her husband, Bill, are the authors of Men Are Like Waffles--Women Are Like Spaghetti (more than 300,000 copies sold) and Red-Hot Monogamy. In addition, Pam has written 52 Ways to Wow Your Husband and The 10 Best Decisions a Woman Can Make . They are cofounders and codirectors of Love-Wise, an organization to help people connect love and wisdom and bring practical insights to their personal relationships.
here's another perspective on "bouncing eyes" by xxxchurch.com https://www.xxxchurch.com/thehaps/bouncing-your-eyes-part-1-youre-doing-it-wrong.html
The Mission & Vision of the Woman's March on Washington is, "We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country." My neighbor, Sarah challenges the movement to be honest about what their movement is; namely, a liberal narrow one...
She says, "Peaceful protests in all their hysteria are a great exercise of freedom and do bring attention to causes, but let's not pretend like they usually cross any divides. It is not rare or impressive for like-minded people to come together.
What IS remarkable and worth celebrating is when people with opposite strong views can be friends, can refrain from shaming one another, have intelligent discussions about our differences, effectively express why we believe what we do, act civilly and decent about it, and come up with solutions together. We wouldn't be in this mess if more of that was happening.
Women's March: "women's rights are human rights!" (But the unborn don't count) "Unity!" (for only those who agree with 100% of their agenda)
My values, along with a large percentage of other Americans, were NOT represented today. This movement was not about unification among ALL women. It is about the advancement of a very liberal agenda, and that's fine, but call it what it is."
What do you think?
For my wife and I, true freedom came in the form of being set free from caring about what we thought about each other. And it's been amazing. To simply worship God and not worry about what my wife thinks (and vice versa) frees me up to please the Father.
since 1973 59 million unborn babies have been killed. But I'm convicted to take a gospel centered perspective. What if our message was "tell me your story" rather than "you murderer!" What if our message was "I will adopt your baby" instead of "abortion is wrong." What if our message was "let us help you" instead of "you should have X,Y,Z!" Maybe the gospel in the midst of this epidemic should be more gracious than it has been... what if?
My kids give their thoughts on the presidential inauguration for Donald Trump. And we talk about how to pray for our new president.
A Father desires conversation with his children...at least I do. I believe God the Father is the same way.
Last Friday, my boss encouraged our entire building to read Dr. Martin Luther King's letter from Birmingham Jail. It is life changing on several levels. I was also inspired by Pastors John Piper, Tony Evans, and Matt Chandler on their reflections on this letter, which have inspired today's podcast. I am hopeful that we can partner together and expose the evils of pride and bigotry for the sake of role modeling kingdom life here on earth as it will be in heaven and the new earth.
The sin of shaming my kids is slowly dying in me. Today I was able to see how an ounce of pride in a sperate event today fed the outbursts of shaming and guilting my children.
Today I interviewed my good friend and fellow Shepherd, Pastor Scott D and we discuss Tattoos, Weed, Punk Rock and The Gospel just to name a few.
Tonight I have combined thoughts of my reflections on the sovereignty of God and linked them to the historical event going on tonight of president Obama's farewell to the nation. Some people are rejoicing president Obama on the out, others are mourning. Some find peace in President Trump, others are scared. Is it possible that some people have put their faith where is will fail them? One this is true: we all want God to be Sovereign. After all, who else would be a better candidate for total sovereignty than an omnipotent/omnibenevolent transcendent being!?
Here's a new take on Bible reading in 2017. I choose to no longer read to learn, but rather read to have an encounter with the living God in His Word. And then in turn to bring that encounter into the community in which God has me doing life with others. That just sounds like an amazing year.
Whenever I travel alone, I can count on a few things. I know I have friends who love me enough to keep me accountable and I know I don't want to waste any time away from the family "relaxing." I want those times to be intentional in prayer and pleading with God to show me things in myself that need to be exposed so that I can go back and be ready to love my wife and children more than I did before I left. I have a new understanding of business trips and solo travel. God is good.
What is an indication of a good pastor? He will not necessarily look like his sheep, but he will definitely smell like one.
There are many reasons why people raise their hands in Chruch. Here's why I do it: it's the best posture I know for complete surrender and supplication to the creator of the universe. The only thing that's better is falling prostrate on the floor. Maybe the best thing is to simply live for him fully surrendered in every area of my life.
Loved bedtime worship with my son. I saw him raising his hands in praise tonight. Don't know how long he's been doing that, but tonight was the first time I had ever seen him do that. One of my proudest moments as a dad; to see my son worship the almighty God!
Here's my new year's change: to see people like God sees them; to see their brokeness; and to link it to a vision that God has for them after they have surrendered their life to him.
Freedom workshop/steps to freedom after action report and lessons learned. When a workshop is my idea, it will be difficult to orchestrate and organize. When freedom is something a person desires, there will be minimal hinderances to organizing the event.
The game has changed. Once again God busted out of the box that I was trying to keep him in.
We're coming to SO. California next week for a two weeks of freedom sessions. If you are interested, reach out @forallbelievers.
The Tree Illustration explained at a Suicide Intervention and Prevention seminar. I taught a group of Sailors about connecting fruits and roots. One young lady expressed her confusing regarding why Porn was "bad." Here are the instructions and articles I found that I did not mention during the training.
"Navy bans racy materials as Pentagon under increasing pressure to crack down on porn" http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/06/navy_bans_racy_materials_as_pe.html
DOD prohibition of the sale or rental of sexually explicit material. http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/410570_dodi_2016.pdf
*The views expressed are RBAR's own and do not necessarily represent the views of his family, his Church, his neighborhood, his work, his State, the United States Government, Northern America, the Western Hemisphere, the World or the Universe. Hopefully these views line up with the #TRUTH.
The lesson is simple. Forget the roaches, attack the nest! Look beyond the symptoms and target the disease.
Here's the breakdown on the root cause of anger and displacement as well as the steps I take to forgiveness.
Why is prayer so lacking in "solid" Chrisitan marriages? Can't relate, disregard. If you can relate, let's hang out. Let's talk. Join the broken and we'll bring this to the alter and walk in freedom together.
Don't ever think there is such thing as a cute little perfect family. Every family is broken and in need of the Savior. Every single one.
Here's how to really eliminate sexual assault; get to the root of the problem, dig it up, then watch it die.
No more standard thanksgiving thanks. I want my mind to go deeper. I'm thankful that God has allowed me to see ALL of my sin. All of my wickedness. Because now I am aware of my need for the Savior. And I dare not ask God to deliver me so that I don't need to call on him as much...
The #1 way to pursue my child's heart: ask heart-searching questions versus fact-finding questions. Try it and it may change your life forever. I think this has changed me from a preacher to my kids to a caring parent.
I totally judged someone by calling them "shallow" in my mind. Then months later I had a one-on-one conversation and I was floored with how deep, transparent, and honest this person was. There is room for grace in relationships and first-encounters.
Every parent coached their kids to walk by 100% encouragement; well, they would have reaped rewards of they did. I don't think good coaching, in any sport or aspect, is fruitful if it is predominantly a berating and mocking of the person receiving the "coaching."
this is take 10. I became angry during this recording then realized it was my idols of control, comfort, and control that opened the door for anger. This was the real deal rebound. Surrender to God and let him rejoice through me when there was no joy in me. Thank you Lord for your grace.
Not many people get this one right? I was for sure off, which was the root of a lot of frustration and foolish behavior. Had I simply aligned my needs with Philippians 4:19 I might have saved myself a lot of self-induced misery. But God in his grace is so good to me I am able to thank him for forgiveness today and keep the press on. Come join the fight.
Forgiveness is a choice made from the heart. I have found these seven steps extremely helpful in forgiving from the heart. I pray that this may help you forgive every single person who has ever sinned against you. And for the rest, I pray you learn to forgive yourself for choosing all of the sin you choose.
If you don't know, now you know...
Testimonial: "So, I got dropped in on surfing in OB this morning with Jim. Because I heard your story, I just laughed then felt sorry for the broken guy. Thanks chaps" -Surfer, November 20th, 2016.
It's been a long time since I've literally gotten on the floor with my kids. What a fulfilling thing to do!
Another sermon from the archives (circa de 2012). It's amazing how much I got from this sermon despite the fact that I was in bondage to fear, shame, and guilt. Nevertheless, God was able to speak truth to people through me. What an honor. If I had another take at this passage, I would add more vulnerability and swap out "we" statements with "I" statements. Be blessed!
My kids and I were inspired when we heard Justin Bieber sang this during the #purposetour. We could sing of God's love forever! Amen to that.
Some hard lessons I've learned over the years. I'm going to take these and bring them to wherever I end up in the future....