Haven's Light

Fortress of Solitude, quiet time with Abba

2012-01-19T15:31:00.001-05:00

Today I am crazy inside, an emotional turmoil of excitement and nerves. Amidst it all, as I read through my study on fasting, I came across this verse and it rose up from the page and stuck in my head. I knew this was my SOAP today and I will be alone with God, radio turned off, in my car this afternoon.

Luke 4:42
At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them.

Jesus went out to a place to be alone. People had to look to find him. Even Jesus, who was God, had to have alone time with God. Alone time with God is important enough to even go out at dawn alone to do it.

I need to be more diligent in making alone time with God. Alone time with God helps build a relational experience with my creator. He desires to commune directly with us, and if we seek him from a solitary face, we are more likely to hear him without the distractions of the day.

God, help me to be as Jesus and seek you in the solitary places in my life. Help me to turn my face to you free from the things that take my time throughout the day. Wake me at 5am daily if need be so that I might delight in your presence. Guide me and make the scriptures come alive for me, that I might lead those who look to me into your graceful arms. Amen.

Will you seek his face with quiet contemplation?

Time will tell
-John Haven

A light in the darkness, a repeated warning to prepare

2012-01-17T12:28:00.001-05:00

Today I am struck by the words of Christ as written in Luke. I am seeing these parables, all saying the same thing. It must be important to have been oft repeated. Perhaps we should all take heed to these passages and examine ourselves for shadowy corners or cracks in our character. Let us shed some more light on the following verse with my SOAP for today.

Luke 13:35
Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'

Jesus is restating differently the same message of the 10 virgins, and again of the narrow door, and again with the thief in the night. None get to the Father but through the Son. He is the narrow door. If you do not receive Him in your heart, He will not know you on the day of Judgement. Be prepared, for you do not know the day or the hour He will return for us.

By reading daily the Word of God, meditating and praying on what I read, communing with God directly through prayer and fasting, I can keep myself prepared for when His presence returns to take us home. I keep my lamp full this way. The oil of the WOrd of God does not fill the lamp of my heart by itself, it must be poured in manually through study, nutured through prayer and fasting.

Emmanuel, God of creation, I have dedicated myself to you Lord, but I am only human. Help me to keep focused on Your light, help me to keep my sould from wandering the dark places of sin in my life. Let me be the mirror reflecting Your light into the dark places of those around me, that they see You and are drawn closer to You. Guide me where You will, lead me to lead others. Help me to see those who need my leadership, that I can shine You into their hearts. Break down the barriers in myself that trip me and prevent me from turning to you, Father, and create in my heart a fortress of Your presence, impenetrable by the darkness of temptations and darknesses. Amen.

Does your lamp have oil? Are you polishing your mirror by study, prayer, and fasting? By what measure do you define who you are?

Time will tell
- John Haven

A peaceful calm in the midst of a stormy life

2012-01-13T12:35:00.001-05:00

Today I am stuck by this verse in the Psalm I am reading. I am reading the 21 day fasting reading plan, and this Psalm is for Day 4. It has been on my mind recently how when we look on our problems, they seem large and unmanageable, but when we focus on God, he keeps his promises and guides you through the minefields of life's problems with a skill greater than any known to man. For He truly does know what we were made for and how to guide us to it, if we but let Him. Enjoy todays SOAP!

Psalm 119:165
Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.

Focusing on God and His word will bring you peace, nothing can distract you unless you take your eyes off God. When you let go of everything to hold fast to God, he takes care of your needs and guides your steps.

I need to remember God is taking care of my needs. I need to keep my eyes and my heart focused on trying to be like Jesus and not focusing on the negative influences in my life. When I look at my problems they grow larger, when I try harder to avoid sin, it ends in disaster. I can do nothing good in my life without the spirit og God making it successful. Only wrong thinking comes from following other word but God.

God, guide me as I grow in You, watch my steps for me so I can focus on Your word. Help me to put aside my worries and trust in Your promises to keep me safe and whole. Help me to focus on You so much others cannot help but see You in my eyes, that they might be positively influenced by Your light shining out of my soul. Keep me grounded in Your reality, giving all the glory to You Abba! Flow through me with abundance so that I glow brilliantly with Emmanuel! God with me! Amen

Are you ready to let go of your problems so God can help you through them? Are you ready to experience the peace of heart that comes from being a child of God?

Time will tell
-John Haven

Dominion over your enemies, and total protection

2012-01-10T11:22:00.001-05:00

This verse stood out to me today in my daily reading. It spoke to me greatly about the power I have been given and made me feel free of my negative thoughts and addictions. It reminded me I am a child of God and that his power dwells in my heart and nothing can stand against me when God is for me. I only need to keep my face turned toward God and I will no longer have fear or temptation strong enough to shake me. This is my S.O.A.P. for today. I pray the Holy Spirit helps you to see what needs revealed to you also.

Luke 10:17
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

God has given us the power to conquer over the evil in our selves and in our lives. Nothing can hurt us unless we give it power over us. Our addictions, and habits and how we feel when someone talks to us wrongly are all ways we give power over ourselves to other people or even objects and substances. We must try to remember God in these situations, that we can retain our power over these things that hurt us mentally, emotionally, and even physically. We can remain indwelt of this power through constant immersion in God by way or prayer and fasting and in depth reading of the scripture. Allowing the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to guide our understanding of God's word, that it should come alive for us within our very hearts.

I should be seeing that power of the Lord is in me over all my addictions, and over all my self. I cannot allow myself to give up that power over me to other people or chemical substances, or even objects or idols. Having faith that nothing can touch me, that I am protected by God's promises and His love. Power over all the enemies lies and slander, even the doubts that try to take root in my own mind, has been instilled in me when first I did believe and accept Christ into my heart.

God, when I am tempted by lies or led astray by worry, light my path back to you. Help me always recall that I am your creation, and that you are always with me, leading me to victory over all manner of things set out to trip me up. Be my guide, my lamp in dark places, even in my own mind. Temper my temptations that I might not see them, make me to be at ease and confident in your power, that I may live as Christ did with love and compassion for all in my heart. Guide me to those who need to hear about you God, help me to speak into them words of the Holy Spirit, with power and grace, reaching into their heart with healing and hope. Amen.

Will you also seek first the power and glory that is given to you?

Time will tell
- John Haven

Power and Trust, Provision and healing

2012-01-09T09:30:00.001-05:00

A Year has passed, and I have been busy between my class at the church and my Celebrate Recovery studies. I am starting to see the light through my anger and lust issues. It was a slow start, full of fear and hope, that through apathy led to a restart. After restarting the steps, things got more real, and we lost some people from the group. Those of us remaining are striving to heal from our lifetime of affliction. This is my first study in 2012, I am hopeful I will post more this year, I hope it is God inspired posting, and I look forward to growing more spiritually and with God, and that I begin to truly reach others for Christ. With that being said, here it is, a study on Luke 9:3, which jumped out of my reading at me today. This is written as a S.O.A.P. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) which is a good way to study any scripture. Try it for yourself one time! IT is not hard, and totally worth it.

Luke 9:3
And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.

Jesus tells them to go, and take no food or extra clothing with them. The 12 disciples he is sending out are to trust God for their provision and shelter during their mission. Jesus gives them power and authority to heal and cast out evil.

I should trust God to provide for the needs of my family and myself. Trust in him for my needs and go out to share the gospel and power of God with the world. God desires us to rely on Him, He desires our hearts to be for Him. He promises us sustenance and shelter. He promises these things, and asks us to love each other and lead each other. We are to help each other in times of needand celebrate times of joy. Weep at times of struggle and loss, providing comfort and solace.

Abba, Father, Bless my path, help me to be trusting in you completely. I want to rely on your provision in my life. I thank you for the power to heal and cast out demons. I will strive to be the leader and healer you made me to be. I am an example to those walking this path who are not yet where I am and I look forward to what I am meant to be. Let my path be lit, let my actions and deeds speak loudly for you, and let others see me as truly as I am. I am human and I err, all power and glory in me is you shining out. Light the world Lord, light the world through me. Amen.

Are you ready also to trust in His promises?

Time will tell
-John Haven

Who do You aim to please?

2011-01-06T10:27:00.003-05:00

Luke 6:26
“There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.”

It is better to be honest and truthful in all things. Saying something just because someone wants to hear it, even though it is not true, leads people down a dark path. We delude ourselves into thinking we can spare each other pain by telling a lie or withholding the truth. It always ends up delaying the inevitable, and making the pain of truth worse for all involved. Every “little white lie” leads only to more and more frequent telling of lies. Lies have a way of building up on top of each other, like waves or sand dunes, but they eventually come crashing down around the unsuspecting person. Who would you rather please? Will the boss/ mother-in-law/ parent/ lover/ spouse treat you better if you tell them what they want to hear? Or does this simply enable them to continue hurting you? When you look at your long list of friends, how many of them are friends with you, and how many of them are friends with what you present as you? There is a difference, and a true friend will know that difference. God will know that difference. Do you want people to follow you? Fear you? Like you? If yes to any of these, then perhaps you are focused on you instead of on God? If you focus on God, and doing things pleasing to God, you will have many any life long friends. Because then you are real, you are not trying to be something you are not. You are not trying to be worthy to people anymore and are trying to be worthy of a forever life in the Kingdom, an everlasting life of love and fellowship with the Master in Heaven.

I need to try to refocus my priorities. I need to examine my motives. I need to put God first in all areas of my life, and not just those areas I am willing to give up to Him. I need to stop worrying about how people see me, and start wondering at how loved I am by God. After all, worry is basically a lack of trust in God! Stress and worry come about when I try to do it all myself. I need to let go and let God do His thing. I need to move over and give God room to work. I need to take the passenger seat and let God drive, for He alone knows the destination He has set before my feet.

Heavenly Father, Your name is light and gracious; I am honored to kneel at your feet. I praise your living name and offer my life to you. I want to be the kind of person that pleases you, Father. I want to be the kind of person that does not worry what anyone else thinks about me, nor worry what they say about me. I want to care for others, but I want to please you, Lord! I pray that you would guide the ship of my life into your safe harbor, lead me away from the rocky shoals of temptation and desire, and help me plant my feet firmly on the rock of your land and reflect your life giving life back into the world to illuminate the dangers of the worldly life ocean. Help me be a Haven to others; help me blaze that path through my own darkness that others may follow where I tread and come into your loving arms, Father God! Help me to do this while keeping my eyes on you, and not on those following me, because it is YOUR good work that they truly follow, and nothing of me. I am weak of will, God, and cannot lead myself into your light. Guide me always with your guiding light, lead me into your arms, wipe up my tears, bandage my wounded heart, and heal my aching soul. Amen.

Do you aim to please God? Or do you aim to please man?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

A modern love psalm

2010-10-08T11:10:00.001-04:00

My love burns for you like a sun. I yearn to feel your arms around me. I relish falling asleep with you on my lips, in my thoughts, holding me. Waking to your sweet embrace, comforting me, making me whole. You fill the whole in my heart; you make me a whole person! I am overjoyed with every moment I get to spend alone with you!

I am astounded it took me so many years to find you. Why did I tarry so long with things that no longer matter to me? All the things I dedicated my life to before you are meaningless, lost to time, have no luster for my eyes anymore. My lustful pursuits never filled my appetite, nor quench my thirst. The whole in my heart grew instead of being filled. I yearned and struggled in vain to meet my needs and be a whole person without you in my life, and I look back on it all and I am ashamed. How could I have ever lived like that?

Without you in my life I have no life! Without your breath in my lungs there is no air for me! I was in a deep dark pit of despair and loneliness, blind to you beside me, aching to fill my needs!

Finally, I opened my eyes and saw your face! I was a broken man, and you still loved me. I was loathsome and evil and you washed me clean with your blood. You took my dark pit and built up a ramp of light to lead me out and I see around my despair the deep dark pits of every other person.

Some have ramps of light and the people are coming out of their lost lives, while others are still in their chasm and cannot see the light before them. I see how you pine for these people still lost and I want to throw them a line because I love you, and it pains me to see you so sad! I want to focus solely on you and bringing a smile to your face and good cheer into your heart.

I struggle with my past self still clinging to my leg! Sloth, Lust, Greed, and Anger are all there trying to keep me in darkness, trying to drag me back under the dark cloak of evil. I pray you do not let go of me; else I will be drug away into the long night, lost without your light.

Your grip on me is stronger yet Father God! The darkness cannot win, I flop on the line, a drowning man, clinging on for dear sweet life. I cannot give up now, for my God loves me and will never let me go! You so love me God! And I worship at your feet! I give in to you and let you fill me with your Spirit Father God! Lead me forward into Your light Father! I ache for You! I am nothing without You!

God, I love you. Forgive me for my darkness; lead me into Your light. Thank You for the sustenance You bring, both Your Word, and Earthly food. Help me to share this abundant love and nourishment with those around me still struggling in vain to fill that place in their heart that only You can fill! Thank You Father God! I praise Your name, most Holy God, creator of everything!

Today's S.O.A.P.

2010-10-07T09:26:00.001-04:00

S- James 2: 26 - "The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse"
O- He seems to say that if you have real faith, the works come with it, you do your works out of your faith. Those who have faith without works or works without faith are not whole, nor really alive in spirit.
A- Praying before we do things to involve God in our works, having faith and expecting God to be there at every moment, sharing God's word AND help and charity and love are a unified act. These acts become obscene when separated. Who are you doing good works for if not for God? How can you have faith in God and not share the love with others? Faith and love of God breeds compassion for our fellows, and leads us to serve FOR God.
P- Immanuel, I praise you and worship you. I bow and scrape before you wishing to some day be worthy to wash your feet. Help me to be a good servant here on your planet, help me to see the needs I can fill and give me the strength and means to meet them. I do not want to be a hollow vessel when the promise of being a filled clay pot is ours for the asking. I ask you to fill my fellows and myself with your spirit God, fill us and free us of our chains and shackles. Bring us into your private study to sit on your lap and hear your word vibrantly alive and nourishing our soul. Bring us peace in the midst of turmoil, strength and stamina to persevere whatever task you set before us, and a loving spirit for our fellow man, though they still hurt each other, themselves, and us. Help us to reach out and bring others into the light of your love, shedding the cloaks of darkness draped over us by our own pride and sinful natures. I beseech you father on behalf of all of us to help us live up even partially to the life of Christ, that we may be that lamp shining into the darkness, reflecting your light deep into secret places where sin hides and gathers, and bring your healing waters with us, to cleanse the world as we touch it. Amen.

God's Reigning Love Hallelujah!

2010-08-31T14:22:00.001-04:00

There is a song I like, where the chorus goes, “Our God is an awesome God; He reigns in Heaven above; with wisdom, power and love; our God is an awesome God” This sounds great, but I received revelation over a point in the song this morning. I realized it has a fault. While it is true to a point, it is lacking in scope. God does reign in heaven above, and He is the Epitome of wisdom and Love. He IS Love and Wisdom! However, he reigns everywhere, not just in heaven above.

This verse, which relegates my awesome God only to the heavens above, subtly submits to our self-conscious the thought that maybe he does not rule down here on Earth. And if he does not reign down here then who does? That’s right, we think we do. Admit it. Deep down, beyond where you profess you love Him and Worship Him, there is a place where we do not let him in. After all he is in charge of Heaven above and I am not there yet! Well, you never will be with that thinking.

God sees your heart even more clearly than you do. He knows even your secret motives. He knows things about you that you cannot even admit to yourself! We cannot help it; we are only human and quite prone to sinfulness!

Good news! All is not lost! It is not as hopeless as the lost one would have you think! Now is the time to dig into the living Word of God! He wrote it down for us and we can find it in the Bible! Even if you only read one chapter a day, it is worth your time! If you set aside15 or 30 minutes a day for this you will be amazed by the teaching received. Want to ignite that reading into a rich learning experience? Pray for wisdom and insight of your reading before you read!

The most important part about becoming closer to God is that He requires a relationship between us. He does not want us to simply worship Him. He wants a Father child relationship! He wants to help you, heal you, treat you to wondrous blessings, comfort you when you cry, hug you when you are down, and cheer you on when you excel! He wants this for all people on the Earth as much as for you!

You might be asking yourself, how could he love every one of us that much? Well, anyone who is a parent of more than one child can tell you, there is room for the Love! Your heart grows great with Love! It can stretch to encompass every child you have and every child you meet! As a father of many children myself, I have a small view into how much Love a heart can hold! And God holds this Love for every living person who ever walked on the face of the Earth! Simply amazing!

Do yourself a favor and stop beating yourself up over the sins in your life. Come to know the peace and joy that being in God’s family can bring you. Find a great bible based church and get to know Christ and God. Realize that all of us on Earth are in the same boat. We all have come short of the Glory that is God’s perfection, and yet God still loves us all.

It is time to step out of our comfort zone and be healed. It is time to feel the Love for us that God is. How do you get this Love and acceptance? Have faith, believe, that Jesus died on a cross 2010 years ago as a clean, pure, and blameless person in order that we can be forgiven of our sins. Repent of our sins and our sinfulness. Be baptized as a show of faith in the same way Jesus was baptized. Then learn Jesus teachings and share those teachings with others. God will equip you for you journey with Him.

Will you take time to read scripture daily? Will you begin a loving and fruitful journey with God? Will share God’s Love with others?

Time will tell

-John of Haven

Today's S.O.A.P.

2010-08-25T09:01:00.001-04:00

S- Then Pilate said, “So, are you a king or not?” Jesus answered, “You tell me. Because I am King, I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.” John 18: 37

O- Christ teaches truth. He helps you know when you hear truth. When you are hearing truth you recognize Christ in it. If you are with Christ and filled with the Spirit, you will know when you hear false doctrines, and also rejoice when you find truth spoken.

A- Weigh everything spoken with scripture. Every truth is spoken in the bible if you have eyes to see. If you hear people spouting doctrine and you are knowledgeable in the truth of scripture, you will recognize false doctrine and be able to steer others away from it.

P- God, grant me the wisdom to grasp your truths. Help me to gain the knowledge you have left for me and to use it wisely. Help me to discern false doctrine from truth speaking, and help me to spread truth. Help me to be a living model of Christ Following, and not a Christian in name only. THat I might be a good witness of your love and compassion and truth through word and deed in all ways, led by Your Spirit Lord. Amen.

This verse stuck out to me as my recent prayers have been about spreading love to my fellow mankind, and about wanting to live a life that speaks truth to my words. Living with my deeds and words in harmony, all glorifying to God the Father of us all. I want to bring the way I feel to others, so all can know the joy when they hear and obey God's truth.

John of Haven

Being a Christian is like a Driving down a Country Road

2010-08-18T10:46:00.001-04:00

Being a Christian is like driving down a country road.

If you drive down a country road to slow, you hold back those who are following you. If you drive too fast, you leave behind those following. If you focus too closely on the road, being too cautious of the corners and ruts, and the occasional deer, then you will be moving slowly or not at all. If you disregard all the ruts and corners, and the occasional deer, you will end in disaster.

Sometimes while you travel you will see wonderful things if you keep your eyes open and alert. Yet, if you travel with blinders on, then you will see nothing. Fear of seeing something ugly along our journey down life’s country road can often lead us to miss the great things on the journey as we close our eyes and cautiously feel our way.

Some people do not even take that quiet country road, for fear of where it might lead, or that at the entrance it looks like it goes nowhere. Some people never take that first step in faith, some never let go of being who they are so they can be who God wants them to be.

A man is walking down a country road when he comes upon a field. This field is covered in tall grasses, thorn bushes, surrounded by tall thick trees, and is raised above the road. The man walking along decides that here he will build his home and live. The thorn bushes yield to him fruit as he tends their needs; the trees become the material to create his shelter. The long grasses have kept nutrients in the soil that make his gardens grow and bear many things to feed him. After hard work and perseverance his church is ready, his table set to feed the needy. When the rains threaten, the water bypasses him, as he is above reproach from the storms on land that is a higher ground. All this came to pass after much labor.

A man walking down this same road comes upon the first man hard at labor and decides to move on. He wants to find a place that is already built. He wants to receive the fruits of labor, but he does not go out into the fields. He plants no seeds, and has no food to show. The King of the people comes without warning to visit. In the one dwelling he finds the man with no food, this man is an empty temple as much as the building he is within. He has only done the barest part of what the King bade the people to do. The King is happy this man found shelter, but that is only part of what the King demands of his people. He leaves the man there, leaves him behind and moves further back up the road. The King arrives at the field of the first man and finds a table set with fine banquet. A feast, fit for a king, being fed to people freely who come to the table. This greatly pleases the King, as this is the fullness of his wishes brought to fruition. The King raised this man up to command his domain to feed those in need across the whole land. To go out and create more feast tables in places where there is no feasting.

Which man do you want to be? Are you hungry for the bread of life on the feasting table? Are you prepared to go out and plant the seeds to bear the fruit? Our King commands us to spread his word, the chance at life everlasting, to the waiting fields on the country roads of our lives. Are you prepared to walk down this road? Are you prepared to walk fully into doing what our King commands of those who would follow him?

Time will tell

-John of Haven

Christian or Christ Follower?

2010-08-17T10:37:00.002-04:00

A lot of people profess to be Christian. Is there a difference between Christian and Christ follower? I think there is. A Christian is generally a good person and they usually attend a church. But are they Christ followers?

Mark 10:21 MSG -Jesus looked him hard in the eye—and loved him! He said, “There’s one thing left: Go sell whatever you own and give it to the poor. All your wealth will then be heavenly wealth. And come follow me.”

That does not sound to me like “go to church once a week”. That sounds like he wants us to give out of our blessings to those who need help. We are to expect our treasure in Heaven and not on Earth.

Imagine how great our community would be if it was focused on Christ! If every person who has says they are a Christian would focus more on giving, and have faith the Lord will provide for their needs, then how great would we as a nation be? The old saying “United we stand, divided we fall” has meaning. How better to be a united community than to follow Christ teachings and help each other in spiritual and physical needs?

Galatians 6: 1-10 provides us with a good guide for how to live as a follower of Christ. This is in the letter from Paul to the Galatians. One great way to learn how to follow Christ is to read the gospels. Pick up a bible and turn to the first four books. These four books were written by four of the disciples who got to personally walk with Jesus. They each tell the same story from a slightly different perspective. They each gave up everything to follow Him. They never lacked for food, shelter, or provision. God tells us he provides for the birds and animals of the forest.

Matthew 6:26 MSG -Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

If we accept and believe Christ died for our sins and was raised back up, then how can we not accept that God loves us and will provide for our needs? He loved us enough to honor us with a sacrifice of his own first born so that we may be free from all sin and all we have to do is believe, share with others, bring this belief to others! Does this not excite you? God is talking to you every day, all you have to do is be still, open your mind, and listen. If Christ is in you, then you can hear God speaking to you. He is saying to you “I love you, I created you, I want to bless you! Please come to my hearth and eat the bread of life! Drink from the ever-flowing water of life! Be free from sin and depravity! Come to my open arms and receive this gift of light ever lasting, hope, love, and peace. Then help me bring all these things to those who are in the world who have heard but closed their ears, those who are in the world who have seen but have closed their eyes. Those who are wounded and need healing within.”

My Bible notes for today:

Exodus 31:

God told Moses the names of the ones he gifted with ability to create the things God wants created. He provided Moses with two tablets of testimony.

John 10:

Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the One Flock. He is the gate by which we get to Heaven. His flock will know his voice and follow him. By his acts he is known as the Son of God, his deeds speaking louder than words could.

Proverbs 7:

All about lustfulness, adultery, loose women. Adultery will bring ruin to you. Do not even walk in the same place where adultery is.

Galatians 6:

This is a good message on how to follow Christ. Help one another. Do not speak critical words of the ones who need help, as you may be the one needing help by the end of the day.

Father, it is my hope that as you continue to inspire me with your word, that I can help your word inspire others to read. Help me to reach those you direct me to reach. I pray that I will speak right kingdom knowledge to those with questions and I seek that those with knowledge above my own would council me and keep me from moving astray. I thank you for the wisdom of the people in my life right now, and for the opportunity to grow as a person and as a follow of Christ. Amen

Are you a Christian? Do you go to church on Sunday, but spend the rest of the week being and doing what pleases you? Do you wake in the morning with Christ first in your thoughts and a prayer on your lip for those who have no bed to sleep in? Are you inspired to seek out more knowledge, to see how to become a better Christ follower?

Time will tell

-John of Haven

Bible reading notes

2010-08-12T07:17:00.000-04:00

Exodus 26:
This chapter describes in detail the tent for holy meeting (church). God's commands and descriptions of this tent are so precise I find myself with a bit of urge to build one myself. I do not even have the materials or the know how to do it.
A tent is very temporary, even on so large as that one would be. Perhaps we are met to not root ourselves. Maybe we are to carry God's word with us from place to place, sharing the love and law of God.

John 5:
Jesus heals an invalid man at the pools of Bethesda on the Sabbath. He said "My Father is working straight through, even on the Sabbath, and so am I". Then he goes about telling the religion scholars and priests who he is, how he will be, and what is happening. He also chastises them for being in the forest and missing the trees.
Jesus starts off making the religion people mad here. He sets the precedence for his entire 3 year journey ending in betrayal here.

Proverbs 2:
A lot of good thoughts in one chapter. Really too much to break down into crib notes. I recommend reading these Proverbs yourself. There really is a lot of wisdom in these that is still applicable today.

Galatians 1:
Paul writes to the Galatians, telling them right out of the gate they are sinning and cursed if they listen to and spread false doctrine. He said "Anything different than what we taught you originally" would leave you cursed. I am hoping Paul will elaborate as we dig further into his letter! Paul is very hard core. He did what we all should do, accept Jesus and obey God with every breath. Paul gave up everything and walked off into the world proclaiming God. Can we do no less?

I sometimes wonder why there are not more shepherds, then I understand, people are hard headed and have free choice. Only some are called to be a shepherd, most are the sheep. How can the sheep do God's word though without being a Shepherd? I think I am going to pray on that thought, and discuss it with my Pastor. Maybe we all should!

Keeping it kinda short today, I hope you have caught some bit of insight from today's notes. Maybe an urge to read along with me as I go. I am reading using the "M'Cheyne One Year Reading Plan" and this was the reading for day 74. I am using "The Message" version of the bible for this reading, and I am reading it right online at www.youversion.com They also have apps for the Blackberry, IPhone, IPad, Andriod, Palm, and a couple others.

Will you be inspired to read from God's word? Will you pray for insight as you read? Have open discussions in a small group setting or with your Pastor at church?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Bible studies for today

2010-08-11T09:35:00.000-04:00

Exodus 20:
God spoke directly to the Israelites from the smoke on the mountain top. He gave them the commandments directly in his own voice, in order to install awe in the people.
I am in awe of how he came to the people directly and still they could create idols when he went away. I hope I have no idols before you Father God, that I remain focused on you and striving to be what you created me to be.

Luke 23:
This chapter is the last for Christ as a son of man. I cry when I read it, just as in Matthew and Marc. In this we see how though he was proved innocent in the courts of the day, the priests of the time incite the crowds against him. Pilate even pleads for Jesus as he is a man of law, then finally gives in and washes his hands of the matter. The people or grief stricken when Jesus breathes his last, as they realize too late what they have done. Jesus is given to a Jewish councilman who is vigilant awaiting the Kingdom and he places Jesus in his own unused tomb.

Job 38:
God talks to Job out of a thunderstorm and puts many questions to him that only God can answer. I read these passages and I am in awe of what God has done.
I think I would be groveling on the ground at that point, crying and fearful. I hope everyone gets a chance to read these words Lord God, reads them and are led to understanding them, that their eyes will be opened to your truth Father God.

2Cor 8:
Paul is telling the Corinthians about the outpouring of giving the Macedonians are doing and asking them to also do their best in giving. He also talks to them about Titus, who he is sending to them to help in the offering.
I hope I can give like the Macedonians did. I hope we all can. The Macedonians in this passage gave 110% like we say in the USMC. Father, I want to be like Paul, I want to have that energy, that zest for sharing Christ with everyone I meet.

Each day in my bible reading, I am learning more about God's truth and light. I am reading through the Bible this first time quickly, but not so fast as not to see. I am enjoying when I come across the stories I know and delighting to learn new ones. Reading with my eyes open, letting God lead my understanding, letting my heart feel the love of God and the beauty of the things he has created. This helps me keep focused on God in my life. It helps me strive harder to be a good person, obedient to God, giving by nature, and happy to help others. The more I read and study, the better I get at it. The more I let God guide my understanding, the more I grow in knowledge.

Father God, it is my hope that you will use me to do good works in your name. I pray that my words written here inspired by reading your words written in the bible, will lead others to a thirst for God knowledge. That they may pick up a bible and read it. I hope the readers find you God in the pages in the middle of Your Word. Open their eyes Father, comfort their hearts and minds, ease their pains and sufferings. Amen

Will you read some of the bible to see what I see? Can you get excited about a book that has everything? Battles, Love, Salvation of people and of your soul, Betrayal, miracles, swords and sorcery, Behemoth sea monsters, this book has it all! Have my thoughts on God's inspiring words helped create a God craving in your heart?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Married? For Life?

2010-08-10T09:37:00.000-04:00

It was 14 years ago today that I became the luckiest man alive. I married the woman God gave to my life. To this day, we still love each other and enjoy our wonderful life. With that said, it has not all been cake and punch. Marriage is a blessed union before the eyes of God. And we all know that when God is in anything, temptations and strife, tribulations and trials of all sorts will find you.

We have had our ups and downs. We have laughed and and we have cried. We nearly lost our first born child in his first month of life to RSV (a respiratory virus), but our church prayed over him and God intervened and guided the care of the doctors to the right steps. Now, that son is an inspiration to us in Godliness. I want to be like Jesus, and watching my son, I see how well he follows Jesus and it makes me work harder. He is such a blessing and so helpful, charitable, concerned for others, that it makes my heart glad. The rest of my children since then (My wife and I have 6 children) are all so wonderfully polite and caring. They are not perfect, but they are amazing.

One piece of advice for you newly married or about to get married that I received is do not go to bed angry. This means what is says. If you argue (and you will) always resolve it before you go to sleep. Do not foul the marriage bed with these bad feelings, do not simmer all night and possibly days on hurt or angry feelings. This is not healthy for you or your marriage. Resolve it, make it a point to always resolve it before going to sleep. We have had a couple long nights, but we have stuck to this and believe me you will be glad you did. When it says "Let no man put asunder what God has joined" in your wedding ceremony, that includes you.

With our children, and work, and church, and other duties we give ourselves, we often run out of time in our days. It is important to spend some time with your spouse. Reading, watching a movie or TV, talking, or even watching cars drive by from the front porch. Spend quality time with conversation with your spouse every day. Even if it is only 20-30 minutes. Your spouse was worth it when you met, they are no less worth it now. If you do not continue to love, honor, respect, and stay connected, you will find yourself living with a stranger when your kids are grown and moved out. This is not a good thing.

Stand united when your for your kids. If one of you says no, then you both do. It is important to children to see their parents love for each other and for them, and how Mom and Dad work together for the good of all. Set boundaries for your children that you both agree on and stick with them. You may ask what this has to do with marriage. How you and your spouse interact with your kids can make or break a marriage. If you treat each other badly, the kids pick up on that. If you set different standards, the kids learn who is most lenient and this brings strife to the marriage. Stand united and love, honor, and respect each other.

Treat the extended families with love and respect. They can be a blessing or a burden on your marriage, and a lot of that has to do with how you treat them. Make sure they know they are loved and welcome, but that they have boundaries too. This marriage is yours and they are welcome to share time with you as long as you all are respectful, and loving. This can bring your family into a "community". A community is an awesome thing, helpful to each other, supportive when one in it needs help, cheering when someone does well.

Are you a firm believer in "Until death do we part"? Can you stand up and go through adversity to make a stronger happier marriage from the times that are rough? I think with this advice you have a good chance. One last tip? Keep Christ in the middle of your marriage. If you and your spouse both are seeking the love of Christ, then you will also keep the love of each other. There are many passages in the bible concerning marriage. Take some time to use that reference. Submit to your husbands or wives. Honor, love, and respect your husbands or wives. Remember, you are one flesh now, two parts of one whole entity.

Will you seek God for your union? Will you strive to get through adversity and make your union stronger? Will you some day enjoy the blessed fruit of many many loving anniversaries together?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Bible reading notes

2010-08-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

I would like to start off with an apology. My job sent me out of town for work and when I returned I got really busy and out of the habit of writing. I did not feel like writing this morning either but I thought..... God wants me to write, and so I shall. Being obedient to God is more important than my own comfort or readiness in my mind. I figure I will start with my notes from today's bible reading. I have kept up with my daily reading and I am currently reading Exodus, Luke, Job, and 2Corinthians.

Exodus 15: A song of praise to God, a bitter well turned sweet by God, and a place of 12 springs of water and 70 palm trees where Israel camped. God has begun testing them. This is immediately after the Egyptians were swallowed in the Red sea.

Luke 18: Persistent Faith. story of the Tax man and the Pharisee. Be yourself. Children are the Kingdom's pride and Joy. The rich official story, and how it is harder for a wealthy man to get into heaven than a poor man. Jesus tells of what is coming as they head into Jerusalem for the passover feast. Jesus healed a blind man near Jericho.

Job 33: I just have to say Elihu rocks! I want friends like him who speak God's truth! This guy lays it out straight to Job, aggressive for God and speaking pleasing things about God.

2Corinthians 3: Paul compares Earthly governments to God's government. Let us just say this comparison does not go well for Earthly governments. This is Paul's 2nd letter to the people of Corinth, as he explains why he chose not to visit them yet.

A lot of great stuff in the bible. Stories of all kinds! Swords and arrows, magic and murder, mystery and miracles. People who die tragic deaths and people who plot and scheme only to have their plot turn on them. I am thoroughly enjoying my read through the bible, much more so than I ever thought I would. I am also learning about God and how he wants us to be.

If you have not read any of the bible and are thinking about trying it. I recommend starting with the Gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the first four books of the new testament. Jesus is seen by these 4 people who were his disciples in 4 different ways. They capture the journey of Christ with some variations on what parts stick out to each man. Each is telling the same story, but each emphasizes the parts that are most dear to their mind. A Natural human bias which I am sure we all do in our own lives. But these differing viewpoints combine to give us a clearer picture of Jesus and his journey from Baptism to the Cross.

If you finish that reading, please take time and find a church to learn more. Find a study group with that church and get in on it. If you need a reading plan I can recommend www.youversion.com, I am using that for my own daily bible studies, and am currently reading from "The Message" version of the bible. If you have a smartphone, they have an app there that you can use to do your bible reading anywhere when you do not have a computer or bible with you.

And finally, we are feeding a lot of people this Thanksgiving. We have 5 churches lined up to work together to feed 100 families. If your church would like to feed 20 families, feel free to email me. We are working on a spreadsheet for the list of items needed to feed 20 families of 4-6 people a full meal for Thanksgiving. We will be able to provide a copy of this spreadsheet for your church within the next week from the writing of this so that your congregation can get in on blessing people for Thanksgiving.

Will any of this help you in your struggle? I think so. Will you be blessed for doing any of it? I think so. What are you waiting for then? Will you read? Seek? Study? Pray? Bless others?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Are you Saved?

2010-07-05T19:57:00.000-04:00

ROMANS 8: 1-2
1 With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud.2 A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

John 3:16
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

Wow, God let his own Son die...... for you and I. Let that sink in a moment.

CONFESSION---ROMANS 10:9
Say the welcoming word to God—“Jesus is my Master”—embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what he did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting him to do it for you. That’s salvation.

REPENTANCE---ACTS 2:38
Peter said, “Change your life. Turn to God and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, so your sins are forgiven. Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

IMMERSION IN WATER---JOHN 3:5
Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind hovering over the water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.

Then remain faithful Revelation 2:10
“Fear nothing in the things you’re about to suffer—but stay on guard! Fear nothing! The Devil is about to throw you in jail for a time of testing—ten days. It won’t last forever.
“Don’t quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you.

Today, I put forth a simple blog for you. If you believe in Jesus, confess that belief with your mouth, repent of sin, and are baptized in water; you will be saved. Does this mean you are done and your place in heaven assured? I think there is more to it than that, a spiritual growth that takes place. In people like me who have a thick skull, this could take a long time, others may get it right away. Either way.... are you saved?

We are cautioned to remain faithful in all things, to love one another as ourselves, to pray unceasingly, and praise God with even our breath. Have we let ourselves begin to grow spiritually? Are we living a "Kingdom life" as Paul calls it in the book of Acts? Or are we merely giving lip service to Christ and continuing our worldly life. If you truly meant it when you performed the steps in the scripture I posted above, have you continued on with your growth, or have you gone back to your life as it always was like I did for a long time?

God wants us to be saved, or he would not have sent his Son to die for us. God also wants us to grow spiritually, and to help others to become saved. He wants us to love one another and help one another. He wants no one to go hungry or feel abuse or neglect. What then can we do to live as God wants? Where should we begin? I say to you, find a good church. Find a church that does not water down God's word to be more appealing. A good church will challenge you to be a better person to yourself and others. A good church will help you remain accountable, and will help you up when you fall. As humans, we all fall some times. We all need a hand up sometimes. We all need to be the hand up for others at some point as well.

But even while you look for a good church, start a reading plan of God's word. There are many plans out there to help you read the bible at a steady pace. You can find many plans to read the bible in a year. I have seen a plan for reading through the bible in 2 years. If you have the time and are sufficiently motivated there are plans to read through the bible in 6 months, 100 days, or even 3 months. Whatever plan you choose, I highly recommend reading at least a chapter from the bible every day.

We grow from our activities and thoughts. We grow from our actions. If we start changing our actions and thoughts today, we can not help but grow. Another good way to grow is to pray. At least once a day, maybe to start the day, maybe to end the day. Have a conversation with God. That is what prayer is after all. God is easy to talk to, He is a great listener. He will never interrupt us and never share our secrets with anyone else.

Are you saved? Have you begun to grow in Christ? Are you living a Spirit led life? Will you start now if you are not?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Let Go, Let God

2010-06-30T15:53:00.000-04:00

I heard a great sermon from a good pastor a few years ago. In it he said a father cannot fix a broken toy for a child unless the child let's go of it. And so God cannot fix a problem in our lives unless we let go of it. If we want God to fix a problem in our life, we need to let go of it and let God fix it.

Today, I was overcome with feelings of worry and depression. I was not prepared for them and struggled with them. They came on suddenly with no warning and for no particular reason, and so I knew they were irrational. I was bombarded by negative thoughts, all relevant to things going on in my life. Things I was not even worried about because God was in control, God would fix them. At least that is what I was thinking and saying, to myself and others.

After an hour or so, I was still unable to shake these feelings. I sat in my chair at my desk and bowed my head. The first thing I thought in my prayers the same was as Jacob before he wrestled all night with God. I prayed first that I am not worthy in God's site. I prayed, no begged, for forgiveness for not coming to God first and not truly giving my problems to Him. See, we not only have to not worry, as God will watch over us, we also need to praise Him, and offer our problems to him. We need to let go. We need to come to a realization that only through God can we accomplish anything in this life.

As I prayed and abased myself before God, I began to praise Him; I think I even hummed a little in worship. I then opened the website www.youversion.com. As I opened it I saw the first verse that opened to me was in Romans Chapter 3 verse 28.

Romans 3:28 “We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.”

It was like a light turned on! Yes! Finally I got it! I let go! I let God! I should have known already! I had let go of smoking, I let God have it and it was the easiest time I ever had quitting smoking! Should I not then give him my other problems in life in the same way as I had JUST DONE!? Finally, the realization has sunken into my think skull, permeating my thoughts. A lesson I should have already known. A lesson I already gladly tell others about as it is so true, and yet, I had never really let it sink into myself far enough!

I still feel the attacking depression and worry, though it is greatly lessened. I have a feeling that it will be gone soon now that I have given them over to God. I just need to fully let go now. And so, I write this blog for you, to share this most enlightening moment, to let go, and to let God.

Will you ever let go and let God?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Center Verse(s) of the BIble?

2010-06-25T15:35:00.001-04:00

Psalm 118:8
Far better to take refuge in God than trust in people

Psalm 118:9
Far better to take refuge in God than trust in celebrities

After doing some research, we find two different answers to the question 'what is the center verse of the bible?'. The answer depends a lot on what version of the bible you are using. One answer is Psalm 118:8 and the second answer is Psalm 118:8-9. I have listed both of them above this post for you.

Now to delve into these two verses. It seems the CENTER verses of the bible might also represent the CORE of our belief. At least Psalm 118:8 fits that definition well. If we were told to sum up our belief using only one verse of the bible, this would be one of the top answers given. Who better to take refuge in than the almighty God? The Father of us all? I say this is a great verse to be the center of the bible! Why would I want to trust a human over God? After all, I am human and I know what I am capable of. I watch the news, I know what other humans are capable of also. Is it any wonder I put my trust in God and not people?

Psalm 118:9 needs to be posted for the world to see. It should be posted at the start of every TV show and concert. People have gone beyond adoring fans into worship of celebrity. We are even arrogant enough to call stars "idols" and name a show after creating these idols. America as a whole tunes in weekly to watch their favorite idol and cheer them on and praise and worship them. If we put HALF that energy into praising God and trying to live up to God's word, this world would be an awesome place. I would say they should rename "American Idol" but the concept would still be there. As would the worship and praise of human idols.

I only wish I could help more people see the love of God like I do. I wish I could help others feel the sense of peace that I have lately been enjoying. I find myself sitting relaxed and calm, smiling at nothing in particular, faithful in the knowledge I am loved. In the midst of the storms of financial issues and commuter stresses I have found that eye of calm. The peaceful center, like being cupped in the palm of a hand, sheltered from the raging storm around me.

I leave you with some trivia. Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter of the bible. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the bible. and the one or two verses listed above are the center verses of the bible. Do not believe me? Look it up! Grab a bible and start counting! I also want to encourage you to read the book of Acts. I am most of the way through it and am really enjoying the story of Saul called Paul. I have also begun the book of Esther, which is also proving to be a good story. There have even been a couple movies and a few books written on the story of Esther.

Have you read the bible? Have you thought about reading some of it but "just did not have time"? Maybe you read some now and again? I challenge you to read one chapter a day at the very least! One thing I used to do before I really started reading the bible was to open it randomly and read the first things I saw. These verses found this way usually pertained to something in my life when I did this. Will you try this? Will you find salvation? Or will those of you saved find new purpose and drive?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Believer or Disciple?

2010-06-21T11:49:00.001-04:00

I have currently been studying in the book of Acts as most of my readers know. While reading this book, I have been struck by an insight as I noticed a recurring theme. As the writer of Acts talks about Paul's journeys, not once does he say Paul met with some "believers" in the town. The author states quite plainly every time "Paul met with the local Disciples". That made me think. If all were called Disciples, did that mean we have gotten away from what Christ and God called us to do? I am reminded of stories in the New Testament where we are told to go out and share the news! When did "Believer" replace "Disciple"? And when did that mean all I needed to do was go to church 1-3 times a week to be assured a place in heaven? How many "good church going people who lived a good life" are sitting in Hell right now wondering why after teaching Sunday school are regretting their decision to not be a Disciple, regretting and wailing and crying when it is too late?

We are supposed to be SHARING GOD with EVERYONE, NOT sitting in a pew as a spectator waiting to be entertained! We are to go to church on the Holy Day and be energized, and praise and worship! We are supposed to use the rest of the week to bring other people to God! We are supposed to be living a Kingdom Life and leading by example! We are not supposed to be good for 2 hours a week in church and forget about God the rest of the week! And if you share with someone and they choose to snub you, Jesus says to "Not worry" and "move to the next house". We are doing as we are asked, and maybe you just planted a seed of something in those people that will ripen up and give forth a great man or woman of God some day! Only God knows.

And why wouldn't we want to share God's love? We know God loves ALL of us and how awesome that feels. We know God wants a personal relationship with EVERYONE. We know God wants us to help others find Him. So why are most of us "Pew Jockeys" as I call them (and recently even me). Because, though we believe, we have not dedicated ourselves to Him. It is easy to BELIEVE in Jesus. It is NOT easy to do what Jesus asks. We have to dedicate our lives to something other than our self and personal gain. We have to tithe, we have to tell others about God, we have to do without those things that we thought made us happy. Those worldly things we were using to try to fill the God shaped hole in us. But only God can fill that God shaped hole. Worldly things are okay, but they do not fulfill us or provide lasting joy. No PDA, phone, computer, magazine, or book will bring me such a lasting joy, peace, happiness, and fulfilling love as God provides if we let him.

So, my question is, when will YOU start letting God fill that hole in YOUR life? When will you know the peace and love that faith and obedience to God brings to your life? Can you even begin to try to live like Christ and God have told us how to live? It starts with a prayer and a belief, but it grows to be much more than that. Are you ready for a positive life change?

Time will tell
_John of Haven

Sweet addiction, how I love and hate you, I do not miss you.......

2010-06-15T09:06:00.001-04:00

I dreamed. Last night I dreamed I enjoyed a nice tasty Marlboro red cigarette. Every drag I took off the cigarette soothing my stress, bringing me pleasure, and calming my nerves. The nicotine I breathed in causing my body to release sugars and endorphins into my system. The same endorphins that make you feel pleasure. Why am I dreaming this? I have not smoked since May 6! That is one month and 9 days ago! I have NOT smoked 797 cigarettes in that time! I won my battle with God’s help and have even broken my triggers; those events that make you reach for your addiction, such as eating, waking up, and sex. Why must I dream about them now? Why did that Marlboro taste so good to me in my dream?

I have a feeling I am never going to be fully free of my addiction. I am happy to report that my dreams will be the only place I smoke. I know how sick a cigarette will make me, after so long without one. I am free. I gave this addiction to God, but that does not mean I will not be tested on it. Every time I am tested is another chance to show my faith in God, my faith he has freed me from this bondage. As long as I think that way, it makes every test of faith passable. It is kind of like having the answers to the test written on the test for you. God promises us if we confess our sins to him they are wiped clean. God promises to us if we let go of our worries and problems to him, he will take them and make them nothing.

And so when I woke up, I immediately prayed in the dark, thanking God for freeing me from this addiction, and praising his name. I was comforted to know that my first thought after that dream was not “I need a cigarette” but rather “I do not smoke, thanks to God who took that addiction from me”.

1 John 1:9 ASV
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Romans 4:21 ASV
and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Luke 12:25 ASV
And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit unto the measure of his life?

Addiction free
-John of Haven

Sex in the Bible.... and notes from my daily reading

2010-06-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

I will get to the juicy stuff in a minute. First I want to share my notes from today's reading in the bible with you. My bible reading today was interesting, and filled with many facts and records, and some stories.

Genesis 14- wars raging, Lot captured, Abram rescues Lot and turns down personal reward of the King of Sodom.

Matthew 13- Jesus preaches parables from a boat. Mustard seed, thistles from the harvest.

Nehemiah 3- Rebuilding Jerusalem continues. The gates and buildings rebuilt.

Acts 13- Preaching in Antioch, Blinding a false wizard, Talking about John the Baptist, Christ's coming and his death. How the Jews did follow prophesy to the letter, even though they read the scriptures and prophesies every sabbath.

Now I want to talk about sex.

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity” Ephesians 5:3

Another thought I have been dealing with today. Most men struggle with sexual impurity to a degree. Shocking to most women as they do not suffer from this as men do. Again, do we LIVE and THINK pleasing thoughts to God? Or are we a hollow shell only, as our eyes wander and our thoughts ramble through many impure things.

Thou shalt not commit adultery is listed many times in the bible. Here are two of them: Exodus 20:14 Though shalt not commit adultery; and Deuteronomy 3:18 Neither shalt though commit adultery. Yet, what does Jesus say about it? In the gospel according to Matthew 5: 27-28 “Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt not commit adultery but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” This means that even looking at or thinking about it is as good as doing it. You have already committed the act in your heart and mind, if not in body.

Here is where we usually stop reading. The truth hurts. We do not want to hear that as it runs contrary to our own version of the verse. In our perfect world thinking is not doing. How many have heard the phrase uttered “I can look as long as I do not touch”? WRONG! At this point please reread what Jesus said. Realize then that we are being deceived subtly by our enemy. Nearly all men our suffering in shame and silence with this issue. Feeling a wall between themselves and a loving relationship with God. They can almost feel God, he is there trying to come in but you are blocking him with the thin layer of impurity. So close is our freedom to be what God wants, if only there was a way to break that prison!

There is a way, but I am still learning myself. I have begun reading a book my wife bought me many years ago. “Every man's battle” by Arterburn & Stoeker with Yorkey. But please, do not wait on my results to work on yourselves! Fear not! Luke 5:32 says “I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” We can repent! We can strive and pray and seek council in ways to cast off adulterous things!

I leave you with a daily verse.
Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Did this make you think?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

The difference between WORD and WORLD is only one letter.......

2010-06-11T06:26:00.001-04:00

Have you ever met someone who proclaimed they were a Christ follower? With their mouth, they spoke right things, but, how did they behave? Were they LIVING a Christ-like life? Were they tithing regularly in obedience and faith? How about their possessions? Was modesty a word to describe how they treated themselves? Did they routinely give up things in order for others to not go without?

These questions are powerful. When we give ourselves to Jesus and therefore to God, we are not done. If our hearts are truly his, then we will begin to fall in obedience with a cheerful heart, and try to live like Jesus did. Every possession we have belongs to God and becomes a tool either for or against the Kingdom. How do you use these tools you have? Do you flaunt nice cars and homes? Grand vacations to exotic places? Perhaps a modest vacation to a place that is thirsty for the Word and a need to hear about Jesus. Do we skip tithing because we do not have money, yet we own a car that has many years of payments so that we can say "Look at my nice car"? That car payment is likely the exact amount you should Tithe! And do we send our kids to day care and public school, trusting non believers to raise and teach them, so that we can continue to work and "have nice things"? Are nice things worth losing our children to the WORLD?

What does this say about us as Americans, that our country began on God's word yet now runs on the fuel of self? We have now kicked God from all aspects of our life and wonder why our country is in the toilet. If you ask God to leave the schools and workplaces, how does that make those places better? I say it is a much darker world without the light of God flowing to all parts of it. Perhaps if more parents would sacrifice for God, then more would sacrifice for their children. Perhaps if that happened our youth would find love and joy and peace at home and not go to school with guns, or go looking for other "spiritual experiences" such as drugs and alcohol or "huffing" dangerous chemicals.

Do YOU my reader go to church regularly? Do you worship? Are you just a Sunday spectator, and think of Jesus only when Pastor talks on Sunday? A "Pew Jockey"? Or do you want to change the world. Let's burn this country with a heart of revival! Let's put the brakes on where we are heading and turn this country around! Let's reclaim our children from the ministry of "WORLD" and feed them on the ministry of the "WORD". One letter difference makes ALL the difference. Try this, get on your knees right now and pray for guidance, then open your bible randomly to a verse and read it. I have yet to do that and not have the verse speak to my needs. Try reading a new verse or chapter every day. The first things I do upon waking every day is make coffee, make breakfast, and sit with my bible reading. I pray the Holy Spirit will guide my understanding and I read. I have found this to be the most peaceful and awesome way to start the day. I do not know why I have not done it sooner. I will admit, I am 40, and JUST starting to do this. Do not put it off like I did! You are meant for more! I challenge you to read the Bible daily for one week. Do not put this off. Read it for one week starting today! Pray for understanding before each reading. Let's make a positive life change. Find a good church and go!

Will this blog reach anyone?

Time will tell
-John of Haven

VIDEO: What part of the Gospel is optional? « WaterBrook Multnomah

2010-06-11T06:01:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: What part of the Gospel is optional? « WaterBrook Multnomah

Dreams and Thoughts 6/10/10

2010-06-10T12:04:00.000-04:00

Today I am not writing about my reading this morning. Instead, I am in need of writing about my recent dreams and thoughts as they are foremost in my mind. I need to put them down so I can concentrate on my Bible studies more thoroughly so bear with me please.

I am going to start with the dreams. In the last week I have had two (2) vivid and memorable dreams. On Sunday June 6, I had a short dream that revealed to me something important to my growth. I was standing in the front of the church talking with the Pastor and his wife and telling them about how I was feeling about God and Jesus and how I did not recall it ever feeling so strong or great. Their reply in unison was "You did not REALLY know God before". What I believe was meant here was this: I believed in Christ, that he died for my sins. I believed in being good. But I was not devoting time each day to reading the Word and learning the teachings that go along with belief. I was a shallow puddle, shiny on the surface but still clogged inside by the murk and filth of life. I was still living my life and not a life pleasing to God. This woke me that night and I have thought on it ever since and what it meant. And now I have shared my thoughts on it I will move on to the next item.

Next, I was reading my Bible on June 8th. I was reading about Saul and how he came to persecute Jesus and his disciples. When he got near, he was blinded and Jesus spoke to him. He went away, and he prayed for 3 days until another believer was sent to him to cure his blindness. God sent Saul a vision of that happening before it happened and even who would come. After this Saul became a powerful teacher for Christ Jesus to the point crowds sought his harm and he had to be sneaked out of the town. Perhaps, if Saul could be taken 180 degrees away from persecution by God, then there is hope for all of us today. We too can be overcome by God, turned from our wicked ways, and set on a path of righteousness and teaching others the words of life and healing. Perhaps there is hope for me yet. I hope so.

For my third and final item I want to put into writing today I have a dream I had just this morning. It brought me wide awake and thoughtful at 3am this morning and I have been awake and thinking ever since. In this dream I was walking in a strange place and two attractive girls kept chasing me down. Every time I turned away from these girls they chased me even more. It seems one was chasing me while the other was ever at her shoulder pushing her to the chase. At some point, after being chased to the center of the place where I wandered, I finally turned to them and bade them stop. I then opened my mouth and evangelized to them, telling them about Jesus. Right as I realized what was going on there I awoke and have been awake ever since. This dream I am having trouble grasping the meaning, if there even is one. I will guess there is though since I never even recall dreaming normally. Perhaps God is letting me know my eyes are safe from looking at the flesh instead of the spirit. Perhaps God is showing me where I should be heading in my life and that I should tell people about him.

Perhaps I am just a crazy old coot.

Time will tell
-John of Haven

Bible study Journal June 9, 2010

2010-06-09T13:06:00.000-04:00

I should give some insight into my mind before I get into today's bible study. I am a family man. I feel strongly about my wife and 6 children and till death do us part and how God says I should love and treat my family. Perhaps I feel more strongly about these things than normal, perhaps not. I know I would lay down my life for my family to save them from harm. So now that you have the small insight into how I feel, let us get into the Book of Ezra in as much as I have read so far in my studies.

The book of Ezra starts off nice enough with them rebuilding the temple in what I believe is Jerusalem. The people in Ezra really make me really mad at this point. First they go against what God told them and marry persons who they were not supposed to, which is bad enough. This then causes them to have to divorce these women, and leave them and leave their children fatherless. So now they have sinned against God. Then in repentance, and obedience to God, they have also brought shame and hardship on others. Why could they not have first brought those others to know Christ? It seems lust and fornication has been a prevalent sin for a long time with mankind. It is something every man struggles with even now. The part that makes me mad and I should realize this in my own era is still true just as much, is that through their wrong choices, people's lives have been put into hardship. This started off bad and only got worse. The wages of sin! They harm a lot more than you know if you stop to think about it, and this book is illustrating one aspect of it quite well. This possibly is why I am so upset over my reading in it. Are we mad at others because they are doing something bad? Or are we mad at ourselves indirectly? That is something each of us will need to look into our own hearts to see. Something each of us individually needs to deal with on a spiritual level. I suggest prayer and confession, only then can healing begin.

For this next piece keep in mind something. In Boot Camp for the USMC, I learned a phrase that has stuck with me to this day. DISCIPLINE: The instant willing obedience to orders. In sharing this with my small group leader, who is an Elder, we thought of something similar that applies also. DISCIPLESHIP: The instant willing obedience to God. I think this is illustrated quite well in the passage in Acts I am about to discuss.

Minor points in Acts- Simon called Peter brings non Jews (Cornelius) to Christ, talks about his creds as he is one who was witness to Jesus alive after he had died. Simon and this non Jew both received messages from Angels. Cornelius led his family and workers and guards in a life for God, and did many good works. This was a lesson for Simon that not only Jews were being called by God, but ALL people of the Earth, ALL of his children everywhere. It says a lot about Cornelius he sent guards to find Simon without hesitation to find Simon when the Angel told him to. It says something else about God that Simon obeyed his own Angelic messenger without hesitation and even helped to bring the house of Cornelius into God's family through Baptism, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.

Ever wondered what to do next after believing in Christ, being baptized and starting to study the Word of God? Read the Gospel according to Matthew. Chapter 10 has a nice outline of what Christ (and therefore God) has tasked us with, and how to go about doing it. I am doing my reading of this in the "Message" version of the Word, so that might help you, or not.

In Matthew we see laid out a set of instructions for evangelism. For door to door ministry, and for how your needs should be met. Needs should be met modestly. Door to Door and evangelism should be done without being pushy or worried. People who have ears to hear will hear and we should not worry about those who are deaf. Sometimes we plant the seed, sometimes we reap what others have sown.

I cannot tell if it was arrogance on man's part or pure love and worship, but God was not digging the tower to heaven concept. He made us to "Babble" and "Scatter" to the four winds. Read about it in Genesis Chapter 11.

In Genesis Noah’s descendents decide to build a great city with a great tower reaching to heaven. This town becomes Babel, so named because this is where God changes us from one language to many and we sounded to each other as if we were babbling. He then spread us out across the Earth. This he did because with only one language he saw what his creation was doing and thought "What then would we be capable of doing?"

I hope this has provoked some independent thinking, and perhaps an urge to read some of what was discussed here. Perhaps my Pastor was right and I do want to change the world.

Time will only tell.

-John of Haven

Daily bible reading notes June 8, 2010

2010-06-08T07:04:00.000-04:00

Today, short on time, I am posting only my notes from my Daily bible reading. I may edit this throughout the day as I have more thought or insight into these things, though more likely the post will stand as it is.

Wow. Today's Bible reading was a thought provoker. In Genesis, all but one person so far was followed by the line "And then he died.". The one was "Taken up" as he lived a life pleasing to God.

In Matthew, after many miracles recorded in chapter 9, we hear Jesus say "What a huge harvest!" Then they prayed for harvest hands. This means they prayed for us to aid in reaping the lost souls for the kingdom.

In Acts, we are witness to God's power as he turns Saul to a believer from a persecutor. Blinding him, then waiting for him to pray and sending another to heal him in Jesus' name.

Ezra just brought up a couple questions for me. I am curious as to when God told the people not to let their Sons and Daughters marry with the other peoples in the areas around them? Ezra 9 begins with finding out they did that anyway and Ezra falls to his knees in shame, ripping hair from his head and face and tearing his clothes in shame and grief. Anyone who has knowledge on this, I would not mind some input.

God's Love for us knows no bounds

2010-06-07T12:07:00.000-04:00

I have had an Epiphany. I heard it asked "How much does God love us?" And the answer came to me in the same heartbeat. As any father will tell you, they love their children. And as any father of multiple children will tell you beyond that, they are amazed at how the heart grows to have a full and unabashed love as each new life enters their life and family. So we have an inkling of how great God's heart must be! To contain such vast amounts of love for us, who are his children.

This begs the question then, can we, as Christ followers do no less than to love our fellow man, our brothers and sisters, than our father does? Should we love them any less and forgive them any less than we would a brother or sister of our own flesh? To love all of mankind like this might help us understand God a little more, and bring us more in line with how God wants us to be.

The love part is easier for some than others. A lot of baggage to overcome, but none so great as to be insurmountable! Have Faith I tell you! Pray for that kind of love to dwell in your heart and you will get it! Just imagine every person you see is one of your own children, and let yourself feel that love grow inside you to encompass them!

I leave you with a verse:
Leviticus 19:18
You must not take Vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people, but you must love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

and another verse:
1 John 5:2
By this we know that we love the children of God: whenever we love God and obey his commandments.