Issue 5 Tell it on the Mountain

Issue 5 September 2011

ell it on the Mountain

Inspiration for Today

God or a Genie Bank Account of Memories Thorns Letting Herself Go Your Talent Counts A Hug is . . .

For Everything There is a Season Photography Paintings Music And More . . .

Photograph taken by

Zechariah MacBurnie Age 9

Greetings Readers, It's so great to have you back for the 5th issue. I can hardly believe it, number 5, wow. I hope you all enjoyed your summer. It went by way toooo fast for me!

If this is your first time visiting us, a very warm welcome to you, so glad you dropped by. Please check out the previous publications of this emagazine. There are many interesting & inspiring articles, art & music! You won't want to miss an issue! Why not sign up for a subscription so you won't miss any!

Guest List Toni Birdsong Mike Campagna Paul Cheng Tami Heim Jeff Larson

There are a lot of uplifting stories and talents waiting to be explored inside! Please take time to send your comments to us at tellitonthemountain@live.ca or to the writer.

We appreciate your feed back!

Mike Messerli

If there is something you would like to see in “Tell it on the Mountain”, please drop us a note and we will try to include it in future issues.

Stephanie Page

Since last month, we started a facebook page click here to check us out www.facebook.com/pages/Tell-it-on-theMountain/221208284598708 while you are there please hit the “Like” button and then “Share” it with all your friends!

Craig Scognamiglio

Well what are you waiting for ;) Grab your favorite beverage, sit back and start perusing! May you be inspired, uplifted and blessed as you read through! Don't forget to go to end, many great things there too!

Until next time, Deanne MacBurnie < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

Guy Myers Holly Myers

Rina Peru

Christa Wells Marie Wikle

Ann Voskamp

ChipAway WoodWorking Kim Winter's Photography OutFlow Ministry Shaun Groves

Spreading Joy Corp.

Want to see your name on our Guest List? Send your submissions to us at tellitonthemountain@live.ca

Captured by Joshua MacBurnie age 11

“Morning Dew”

God

by Guy Myers Ks

or

a

Genie?

Did you ever wonder why people invented genies?

Genies are very interesting.

Why would people want to invent a fictitious creature that is all powerful?

You've heard the stories about Aladdin's lamp.

A young boy finds a lamp and when he rubs it, a genie pops out and tells Aladdin that he can have three wishes.

Wow! A Genie is so powerful that he can fit into a little lantern and then travel through vapour and appear before our eyes in human form and then give us whatever our heart desires.

There happens to be one catch with a Genie, because despite all of their power, they are slaves.

All powerful and yet a slave.

Genies are constantly frustrated by the whims of their human masters.

Wouldn't it be nice to have an all powerful genie who would give us three wishes?

They could make us skinny, attractive, rich or happy.

Our own imagination is the only thing that would limit the things we might ask for.

Unfortunately, many people treat God like He's a genie.

God's all powerful and He has the power to give us whatever we want, so people in our society think God will.

After all, you deserve it!

Although God is all powerful He is not enslaved by the human will.

Ps. 115:3 Our God is in heaven; He whatever pleases Him. Often people think God should heal their sickness or fix their problems but God is so powerful He can work through our sickness or problems.

You might ask why doesn't He just fix our problems? Wouldn't that be best for us?

That's a good question...what is best for us?

May I suggest that whatever draws us closer to God is what's best for us.

The apostle Paul said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing riches of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.

I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

Continued on next pg. . .

God or a Genie cont . . .

Maybe that sickness causes us to grow closer to Christ and maybe that sickness is causing us to trust Him more and even pray more.

The biggest problem for us is believing God knows what's best for us.

I often have good intentions, but things don't always turn out as well as I want them to because I don't know everything and I can't control all the variables.

God can control everything and He knows the beginning through to the end.

As God's creations we exemplify His goodness because we are made in His image.

So when our children asks for a fish we don't give them a snake, nor when they ask for bread we don't give them a stone.

Well God is much â&#x20AC;&#x153;gooderâ&#x20AC;? than us, because we reflect His goodness.

Which is brighter, the sun which gives light, or the moon which reflects the light of the sun?

If we don't have any trouble believing we are good, then we should expect the source of goodness to be more trustworthy than us.

Just by the way, if our goodness is a reflection of God's, than the closer we get to God the better we can reflect His goodness.

So I encourage you, you don't need a genie, you need God, because He's powerful enough, wise enough, but most importantly, He has your best interest at heart, even more than you do.

If your not a christian, He has shown you He cares because He gave His only son to pay the price for your sins on the cross.

If you are one of His children, don't treat God like a genie, but know He's a good father.

Treating God like a genie pushes Him away and the goal is to get closer.

God is working to draw us closer through the circumstances in our life and we will reflect His glory better if we get closer.

Caleb MacBurnie Age 13 NB, Canada

To place an order, please contact me at chipawaywoodworking@live.ca

Bank Account of Memories

T

he 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud mother-in-law of my best friend, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.

Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. Mrs. J is the most lovely, gracious, dignified woman that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. While I have never aspired to attain her depth of wisdom, I do pray that I will learn from her vast experience.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she manoeuvred her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.

"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room ... just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it." she replied.

"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.

Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged . . . it's how I arrange my mind.

I already decided to love it...

It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up.

I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away . . . just, for this time in my life!"

"Old age is like a bank account ... you withdraw from it what you've put in ...

S o, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories."

Area Agency on Ageing Elder Family Caregiver Education 2005 http://www.familycaregiversonline.com/docs/BankAccountMemories.pdf

Letting Herself Go

by Christa Wells www.christawellsmusic.com

And by “her,” I mean me.

Or I. Whatever. That’s the point.

I’m turning less young this week, and I’ve been learning…slowly...painfully slowly… the art of letting my SELF…go.

Before I ever again look at a woman and think “sad how she’s let herself go,” I’m going to lean in (which, granted, might cause her some alarm) and see what’s behind the eyes.

I’ll look for things like…

The sparkle of joy that comes with freedom from obsessing over fashion trends, from running a politically-correct check on every syllable, from conforming to cultural ideas of cool (which are, by the way, initiated and enforced by our youngest members, who are gloriously creative but who also have way more time on their hands than they ever will again – no offence intended, young friends).

The laughter of a person who has stopped trying to pretend she didn’t just trip (literally or figuratively) and just enjoys the humanity of it all. Chuckles at the past, because what’s done is done. Smiles at the present because imperfect is more interesting, and good & bad both pass quickly. Sideways grins at the future because it’s a mystery, and mystery is fun.

The boldness of an artist who doesn’t have time to waste or words to mince, but has something to say, to share, and is determined to be about it.

The courage to walk a different way, to risk being misunderstood by her peers, criticized by the peanut gallery, laughed at by the young, or condescended to by the old.

The inward peace of a soul who knows her destination, and the wisdom of one who recognizes the silliness of our performing.

When I observe these things in a person, I know I’ve met someone who has made some real progress in letting go of SELF-ness and all its derivatives: self-consciousness, self-pity, self-centeredness, self-reliance…

And, ah, it is so inspiring to meet free people!

Here we are in the presence of GREATNESS as we walk across this magnificent stage, but don’t we completely miss the show when all we can think about is whether or not our make up is still in place (applies to men, too, figuratively), or whether people are watching or approving or laughing or not?

May we grow free as we grow older. In doing so, we will actually grow younger, because bondage accelerates ageing.

As my friend and worship director said from the pulpit recently: You are not nearly as big a deal as you think you are.

On the other hand, you and I have the potential to leave a serious footprint here for the kingdom of God, if we can just keep ourSELVES out of the way.

Be Careful What You Ask

We have all heard that saying, be careful what you ask for.

I can picture my

mother, brows raised looking at me out of the corner of her eye admonishing me to be careful because you never know what you might get.

I guess the Israelites could have used a mom around to raise her eyebrows at them

back in the days of Moses. I am looking specifically at what went wrong when God told them to head into the promised land, a land he had said he would give them. A

land that he had dried up the Red Sea to bring them to. The land he had in mind when he protected them from the front and behind. He being God. The one who had rescued them from slavery.

Yet the Israelites, like us, had a short memory and they let fear get the best of them.

In Deuteronomy 1:27 they declare “The Lord hates us, so he brought us out of Egypt

to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us.” Does anyone else see the

for,

foolishness of this statement? The Lord hates us? How do you figure? Because he

rescued you, protected you, and is now about to give you a land flowing with milk, honey and everything you could want?

You

So often we too are like the Israelites.

We want a way out of our present

circumstances, we ask for God’s best in our life and so he begins to work. He takes us

Just

out of our “Egypt” whatever it may be. He works in our lives, does miracles, provides for us, leads and guides us. Then it is time for us to step into what He has for us and

maybe the way He is wanting us to move into His best for us, doesn’t look like how we

envisioned. There He is saying here it is, my best for you! Take the first step, I am

Might

with you- remember how I have worked on your behalf? I am not finished yet! Let’s

Get

What do we say? I am scared. I want to go back. What have you done? This isn’t

do this!

what I had in mind. I want what is safe. Comfortable. Easy. Even if it does mean I am

enslaved, at least there I knew what to expect. At least there wasn’t the fear of the

It.

unknown.

Continued on next pg . . .

Be Careful What You Ask For . . . cont. . .

We like the Israelites would rather sit in slavery and misery than humble ourselves and step out in faith to follow God.

Well, we should be careful what we ask for. The Israelites decided that God would have showed his love for them by leaving them in Egypyt and so God gave them what they wanted. Deuteronomy 1:40 says,

“But as for you, turn around and set out toward the desert along the route of the Red Sea” In other words? Go back to where you came from. It is what you wanted, isn’t it?

So the question posed for you and I today is this, will we walk into the promised land and trust God? Or will we stay in the “comfort” and “safety” of the desert following our own way.

I don’t know about you, but I think I am going to keep moving forward, one step at a time, following the one who brought me through my Red Sea and who will bring me right into the Promised Land.

by Stephanie Page http://www.stephmpage.com

Love does not put pebbles in shoes

by

Craig Scognamiglio

http://www.deepintolove.com/ source

There’s a hurricane growing in intensity in the Atlantic, if it passes over cooler waters before making landfall it’ll lose power.

Yesterday, I shared that the better “quality of life” the doctors promised, through medication, didn’t happen. And the voice that whispers,

“Things won’t work out!”

It gains power with this – or does it?

Why allow the voice to make the wild leap from “many things don’t work out” to “all things” won’t?

And even if nothing “worked out”… all of the “not working out” will “work out”… and be used to change me into the image of God. (Rom 8:28) The negative voice loses steam.

And so I pray a bit…

“Father, what if I make a change… what if I, whenever I hear this voice, I replace it with “things will work out”? source And these words hit my mind, “Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.”

Oh. On the most important thing, faith, the voice has always been wrong.

Hmmmm.

So Lord, since my history proves I’ll continue to try regardless of this voice anyway. Why not replace it with the confident expectation that things will work out? Why not replace it with Love?

Continued on next pg . . .

Love does not put pebbles in your shoes cont . . .

But the negative voice defends itself, “If you expect success – and fail – won’t that make the failure much more difficult?”

And I close my eyes, and invite God into thinking.

And the thinking is this…

Have I expected success before and met failure? Countless times.

Has it discouraged me? Absolutely.

Has it once been my end? Never once.

So the worst thing that will happen if I enter something new… expectantly, thinking “things will work out.” – and they don’t… is that I’ll be disappointed or even crushed…but not destroyed.

And this thought hits.

Source

Deflated maybe, but not destroyed.

Why begin a hike, and before beginning, place a sharp pebble in each shoe?

What if I just choose not to insert the pebbles…. but maybe, instead, those soft cushy Dr. Scholl’s paddy things.

Why begin a hike, and before beginning, place a sharp pebble in each shoe?

What if I just choose not to insert the pebbles…. but maybe, instead, those soft cushy Dr. Scholl’s paddy things.

It may or may not be a good hike, but I’ll enjoy each step more.

And it’s just a stupid negative voice anyway! What does it know?

Is it God, and knows the future?

If the negative voice is just me then clearly the answer is no.

If the voice is from the Evil One or his minions then clearly the answer is no.

And the voice is definitely not from God. So clearly the voice is as uncertain as I might ever be.

So whenever I hear the voice, I’ll simply repeat, verbally, because that’s stronger than just thinking…

“Things. Will. Work Out.” And they may or may not – but at least the pebbles are gone from the shoes.

And the horse in the training pen… finally settled and ready to be ridden… it has a new name… it’s old name was Borúlátó – Portuguese for pessimist…

The new name is Emellett – it even sounds nicer – it’s Hungarian for optimist.

And I survey the holding pen for the next wild stallion… and I find I’m expecting to succeed with it’s training.

“Music in the making”

click the link to listen http://www.reverbnation.com/christawells

http://www.christawellsmusic.com Click on this link to purchase Christa’s new album on Amazon

~

Introducing Shaun Groves' New CD

Click link below to listen: http://soundcloud.com/shaungroves/sets/third-world-symphony Third World Symphony by Shaun Groves. Album release date August 30, 2011.

Purchase from shaungroves.com or iTunes

~

“Great book to be pondered” One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

By: Ann Voskamp http://onethousandgifts.com Purchase by clicking link!

Buy the Book | Read the First Chapter

Thorns

by Mike Campagna http://aheartforgod.blogspot.com/

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn." (2 Corinthians 12:7a) What's your thorn?

I never really thought about it before. I think we all have one (or two or three?). The Apostle Paul had an especially "prickly" thorn.

Can you believe it?

Such a man of God as him? You'd think he could pray it away.

He actually tried, but God said, "Nope. It's yours to keep, Paul."

Now that wasn't very nice of God. (Or was it?)

And there are things in our lives that we are dealing with and continue to deal with day after day, week after week, year after year after year ~ and, quite frankly, it's humbling (humiliating). And we're wanting God to take it away. (Right?) And we're demanding it (some of us). After all, whatever we ask in prayer shall be done! (Amen?) And we're expecting God to take our thorn(s) away.

But He won't.

The reason is: He doesn't want to lose us. (Selah ~ pause to reflect) And God knows He will (lose us) except for the thorn(s).

So pull it in closer. (Ouch.) And hold to it fast. (It just pricked me. Am I bleeding again?)

Embrace your thorn(s) as hard as it is. (Mine hurts bad.)

And consider the following...

7 "prickly's" about thorns: 1. They are (fiendishly) painful. (2 Corinthians 12:7b) 2. We would (wrongly) have them removed. (2 Corinthians 12:8a) 3. They are a protection against pride. (2 Corinthians 12:7b) 4. They could be a physical defect, disability, even a person. (2 Corinthians 12:10b) 5. They have a relationship to the depth of revelation we receive. (2 Corinthians 12:7a) 6. They are allowed by God's discretion / direction. (2 Corinthians 12:7-8ab) 7. We should be thankful for them. (2 Corinthians 12:10ac) (Picture above under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike license: HERE.)

Outsiders

by Mike Messerli http://mikemesserli.blogspot.com/

and harsh "family." Suddenly you are wanted, needed, part of something and you're no longer on the outside, no longer alone, no longer rejected.

Another way we cope with this is to get into an existing group. If we could only get on the football team, the chess club, the motorcycle gang . . . . . . whatever the group we simply want to be "in." To be included, accepted, part of something is core to I have always felt like an outsider.

our desires to belong. We will even become something we aren't to fit in. We want to be

"Outside what?" you might ask. Outside

accepted so badly some will give up core beliefs to

everything!

belong. Being outsiders is just too painful.

I don't think I've ever met anyone who didn't have

God knows that about us. He knows better than we

this sense of being on the outside trying to get in. do what sin has done to us. One man understood The sense of being an outsider is something we all this "outsideness" better than most, he was a deal with. I think it's simply part of being fallen. Sin

leper, the ultimate outsider. He came to Jesus with

separates us and creates that sense we are on the a simply request. Here's his story, outside looking in. Everyone feels this same aloneness!

"A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing,

It's this sense of being an outsider that makes us

you can heal me and make me clean,” he said.

gather others around us to be on a new "inside" so

Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and that we no longer have that painful sense we are touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”

Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man outside, alone, rejected. We create our own group was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with and so now everyone else may be outside, but we a stern warning: “Don’t tell anyone about this.

Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. are safely "in," accepted, part of something. That is how gangs draw new members to such a difficult

Continued on next page . . .

watched, but the one who could remove all his

Outsiders cont . . .

Take along the offering required in the law of barriers, all his problems, did the most important Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. thing, he touched him. He made him, in that This will be a public testimony that you have been moment, an insider, accepted, loved, healed cleansed.”

But

the

man

went

and

spread

the

word, outside and inside.

proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a It so changed this guy that he couldn't stop talking result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and about it. He had been touched by Jesus even while he couldn’t publicly enter a town anywhere. He had he was covered in leprosy! It changed everything to stay out in the secluded places, but people from for him. It's just the way a relationship with Jesus everywhere kept coming to him." goes. An outsider approaches him and suddenly The one and only "insider" with God, Jesus, met being an outcast is gone, he's accepted and loved the ultimate outsider, this leper. He was outcast by God. from every community, every group, everyone he For my fellow outsiders let me invite you to stop knew. He was sick physically and emotionally, trying to be accepted by man. It's never enough, it being an outsider messes with your head and this never satisfies and it won't last. Come to the one poor guy was desperate. He did the most who loves you just as you are now, with all your unthinkable thing- he came up to the one man fears, worries and problems. In a moment and a everyone wanted to be close to and asked for help. touch he will make you the ultimate insider, With one gesture, a most amazing gesture, Jesus accepted and loved by the one who made you. invited him into his "group", his community. Jesus Eternally a son, a daughter of God. You can't get touched him. An unthinkable thing to the Jews who more inside than that!

WANTED

Dead or Alive “Just Joking”

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Places where they were last seen: Sock drawer Shoe box in closet Suitcase in the attic Trunk in the basement Bin in the garage Hurry, go now, whatever you manage to rescue Please don't delay email them to me Now! In high demand for October Issue! tellitonthemountain@live.ca

7 Points to True Forgiveness

by Rina Peru

http://rinaperu.com One cannot love without forgiving, neither one can truly forgive without loving. We cannot say we dwell in love when we cannot get ourselves to forgive. And if we do forgive, that is, going through the act of forgiving, love must be present – love must be the driving force why we forgive.

This is the sum total of God’s offer of salvation: LOVE AND FORGIVENESS. It is because of God’s great love to all humanity that He made a way to make His forgiveness available to all.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3: 16) For God, love and forgiveness are two inseparable acts. The Lord Jesus Christ has shown us everything that we need to do to be victorious in our walk of faith. But sometimes, we find it hard to forgive.

That is, to forgive with love. Our human nature gets in the way and it makes it hard for us to forgive, especially those who have hurt us deeply, yet, aren’t even sorry, or who do not acknowledge their wrongdoing and who do not even ask for forgiveness.

But as true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the power to free ourselves from the burden of unforgiveness, by the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us. Yes, we can choose to forgive, and love (AND we will choose to forgive and love!) because we have been taught by the Lord and we are continuing and striving to LEARN HIM. About two years ago, I was in this predicament. Someone who was close to me and whom I had shown goodness to, hurt me deeply. I was gently talking to her, trying to remind and counsel her in the way of the Lord, but she wouldn’t listen to me. She uttered hostile words that hurt, then walked out on me. Her heart was lifted up against me, and she’s ten years younger. I cried for many days.

Initially, I still tried to reach out to her, even apologizing if I had said something that had hurt her (for I was doing my best to practice humility), but she remained “unreachable”.

So these were the things that I did:

Pray I prayed earnestly and agonizingly. I wept to the Lord, pleading him to: - take away the pain, resentment and ill will in my heart.

- help me to forgive graciously, even without her asking for forgiveness.

- increase my love that it will overpower all negative feelings.

- enlighten her, to show her where she has erred, and to teach her to be humble.

Continued on next pg . . .

7 Points to True Forgiveness cont. . .

Forgive I released forgiveness from the very moment that I was hurt.

This was so because I didn’t want to nourish hatred in my heart and I wanted the Lord to know that forgiveness was the way I wanted to take, even at that early stage.

It seemed only in words at first. I couldn’t get my heart to love even as I said many times that I had forgiven. For we can say we forgive and we do sincerely desire to forgive, but the real change in the heart is the work of the Lord. It’s God’s grace. And so we have to pray for it.

And through incessant prayers and meditations on the Word, it didn’t take too long before it became a sincere and genuine forgiveness. And then I could pray for her with true compassion in my heart.

Find wisdom and guidance in the Word There’s no other, more excellent counsel but the Word of God. Study, obey, and do our best to live it.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Mat. 5: 44)

Forget the wrong, remember the good Dwell not in the memory of the wrong that was done. Relive it not in our minds, torturing and exposing ourselves to more unnecessary pain and tempting our hearts to entertain ill feelings.

When the memory tries to enter our minds, cast it out at once in the name of Jesus.

We can also do our best to remember the good side of the person who has wronged us and think of the good things that endeared us to him/her. I believe there is always a good side to a person.

Examine ourselves With the help of the Holy Spirit, search our hearts. Why am I finding it hard to forgive? Is it pride? Is it about a hurt pride more than hurt feelings? Is it envy that is highly disguised? We cannot change the one who has wronged us, but we can correct ourselves. When we have identified the things that are hindering true forgiveness, we can pray to God to cleanse our hearts of them.

Continued on next pg . . .

7 Points to True Forgiveness cont. . .

Acknowledge our own need of forgiveness When we forgive, we liberate ourselves as much as we liberate the other person. We are in need of forgiveness from the Father as much as the one who has wronged us. It is because of this need to be forgiven that we also practice forgiveness to those who have done us wrong.

It is always easier to forgive when we think of God’s great mercies towards us, which we try to reciprocate by our humble obedience to Him. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(Mat. 6: 14-15)

Overcome evil with good One day, she came to our house to visit. I was in our room resting, and although she didn’t come to me, I gave her skirts and shirts as gifts through Maricris our housekeeper and my husband’s cousin. I wanted to obey the Lord and do that which is pleasing in His eyes, and she couldn’t take that away.

We can continue to be a shining light, even if we’re hurting.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12: 20-21) About two months ago, she came to visit again and this time, she came to me and embraced me, and I knew it was sincere. And that was enough to bring gladness to my heart.

For I have forgiven long before.

Pure Elegance

by Holly Myers

Outflow exists to share Christ's love!

We are a charitable acts of kindness ministry that longs to reach the needs of the poor and oppressed. When we gather we believe it is important to share a meal, to break bread, offering our lives as a genuine friend. We don't want to be anything that we aren't. While we sit with people, we discover a peace, a compassion, and a love that can only be explained by a genuine encounter with Christ.

We love being a gathering place that shares the pulpit. The stage is always open for anyone in the room. Often a message is prepared , but many times it is superseded by God's awesome presence within the room. God moves at the table, from the kitchen, and from within the most unlikely.

As Christ lovers we are discovering that Jesus is within the poor. Some call us a church. Some call us a mission. Some call us a safe place to meet with friends. We want to be all of those things! What we do isn't complicated. . . most do it everyday.

We prepare a meal, wait for Jesus to show up, then eat with HIM! We strongly believe that the #1 thing missing in ministry today is someone willing to build a relationship.

So we sit. We eat. We listen. And we use words when necessary.

Have questions? Wanna know when were meeting next?

Like to talk about our future?

Contact us anytime: Mail Outflow Ministry 125 Rothesay Avenue PO Box 7073 Saint John, NB E2L 2B0 Contacts Jayme Hall: 1-888-529-6358 http://outflowministry.ca/ outflowministry@gmail.com

The Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer

by Jeff Larson

http://thebackpew.com Being a sincere Christian has at times been complicated by me being a slow learner.

HOW TO PRAY for example is such a cornerstone piece of the Christian faith, but I know can too often be reduced to a recital of rote lines.

Prayer should not be reduced to a laundry list of tasks, or a Deity Do list.

Prayer should be the natural communication with the supernatural.

I admit this is easier said then done some days when my day is full..

BUT so critically important.

I want a personal God who I love and respect with my life.. and not a lofty removed power like the Wizard in the Wizard of Oz. IGNORE THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN! So anyways, back to being a slow learner. The light bulb went off for me a few years ago when I read again the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer. Jesus said..

Matthew 6:9-15-- 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

11Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Continued on next pg . . .

The Lord's Prayer cont . . .

There you have it.. in one short prayer all aspects of life are covered.

The Lord’s prayer has the power to connect us to God in a personal way.

Next problem for me is... what does ‘hallowed’ mean.

Ok, I sorta know what it means, but it is not part of my everyday vocabulary.

So below I would like to share the Lord’s Prayer paraphrased into my own words.

This paraphrase is not a golden nugget of new truth, but I share it in hopes of offering another way to make the faith walk real.

OUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN HALLOWED BY THY NAME Father God you are the creator of this world, and the source of life, and GREAT is your name.

THY KINGDOM COME THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN May your will be done in my life, my family, in your church. I pray we represent your kingdom on Earth in a way that makes you smile.

GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD Bless my work and sincere best, and lead me in all I do, BUT I need your providence in my life and family. For health, finances, and circumstances you are my source.

FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE ALSO HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS Forgive me for my sins, my selfish and weak moments.

Forgive me when the Fruit of your Spirit is not evident in my life.

Thank you for your perfect forgiveness and grace.

ALSO may the grace and compassion I show others when they wrong, or disappoint me have no limit.

AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION Keep me far from temptation that I do not let my guard down, or compromise my life in big or small ways.

BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE AND.. Father protect from dark forces, and deliver me from the evil that is Satan.

FOR YOURS IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER.. AMEN You are the only true and pure power in this life and in the life after.

May your glory be made obvious to a world that needs your great love and to realize your great glory.

Amen.

There you have it… May God bless each of you in your spiritual journey, and may our God become so very real to you being your providence, and your father for all things. AND.. may the Lord's Prayer be so alive in our lives and NEVER reduced to rote.

“Breath Taking”

Boat ride on Niagra Falls. Amazing!

We caught a rainbow. :)

By Toni Birdsong http://www.stickyjesus.com

On Sloppy Preaching and Popes

Ex cathedra. It's a term that basically means what the Pope says goes and you don't question it.

Uh uh. No way. It's "gospel."

And what's crazy about it is it can happen even outside the Vatican with preachers and Christian leaders.

People can begin to think that what they say goes and you better not question it. And it may or may not be that their words are offered at "ex cathedra" levels, yet still it's taken as "gospel" by some.

And I'm gonna go out on a limb here. (How else do you get any readers?)

Here's the limb: There's a lot of sloppy preaching in our day. (I'm so convinced of this). And I'm not necessarily saying that it's to the point of heresy (though in some cases it comes close), but it's sloppy preaching at the very least. And just because somebody gets in front of you who's sold a lot of books, doesn't mean you don't test what they say. (1 John 4:1)

Are you hearing me?

Of course, the Bereans scrutinized Paul's words to see if they were true. (Acts 17:10-12) Should they not have just accepted it? He was an apostle after all!

And don't forget that even the devil can quote Scripture. (Matthew 4:5-6)

Many are led astray by false prophets/teachers in the last days.

(2 Peter 2:1) It starts with Sloppy Preaching and Popes!

By Mike Campagna http://aheartforgod.blogspot.com

For Everything There is a Season

by Holly Myers http://myersfamily-holly.blogspot.com/

What do you call a person who feels the pressure ones and some get kicked out completely. All to do everything people ask them to? Is that a waiting for me to actually put one into action. people pleaser?

Little do any of them know that the probability of

their becoming a reality is slim to none. There is

I have to consciously awaken myself to fact this big monster, a dream quencher called reality that I do just that. Like a thoughtless robot . . . must that blocks the way...for now. . . . do . . . what . . . that . . . person . . . wants . . . me .

. . to. Even when I do clue in to the realization that There are stages of life that we go through that are

I have to say "no", I feel the guilt and shame of more or less conducive to these high and good "letting them down".

intentions. When you are in the middle of raising children, there truly isn't much time nor energy to

My mind, body and soul just cannot keep up with do much else. Unless, of course, you don't mind

the demands of others . . . even my own. I want to sacrificing some of their training for other things. I do EVERYTHING! I want to teach 20 subjects to just cannot justify using very much of those

the kids, master the kitchen creations, learn to sew, precious, fleeting, golden moments for anything read stacks of books, start new ministries, renew else. I don't mean making money for them to have my relationship with my piano, visit long lost more stuff, or killing myself trying to give them

friends, and paint till the cows come home. Then, every extra curricular activity under the sun when I've done all of that, I have priority lists either, I mean my presence and their training. I am number 2, 3 and 4 to begin!

convinced that kids want, more than anything, to just be with you. Yes . . . more than a wii . . . more

Sometimes it feels like my head will explode with than clothes . . . more than ice cream . . . they want the speed at which it is thinking, dreaming, me. Strange, but true. I'm amazed every day at the

planning and wondering what will actually take love that my children have for their father and place. Then some sweet person, with wonderful me . . . warts and all. It's mind boggling. intentions and dreams of their own, asks me to join

them on a new adventure. I stand stunned in their I made myself put down my garden basket last presence, trying to take in this new dream . . . night in order to play badminton with one of my cramming it in between my own. I can almost boys. My mind was worrying that those beans hear these sweet dreams fighting over position in my brain. Some dreams get squashed by bigger

Continued on next page . . .

For Everything There is a Season cont. . .

would be too big if I picked them tomorrow . . . but and as long as it depends on me, He cannot have my boy would be too big to love this way if I put off my kids. So, it just seems logical that WE train them

playing today. We had such a great time, laughing in every way possible. I know that if something at each other and improving our game . . . my happened to either or both of my husband or me,

reaction time has significantly decreased over the God is greater than circumstance and He would years . . . too bad my weight hasn't. When we were take care of them, but as long as we are here, we done, he just cuddled up beside me until bedtime, will not hand them over to another teacher . . . so

recalling his best moves of our game and my best that we can pursue other dreams. God willing, misses. Unforgettable, really. It is nice though, that there will be plenty of time for that once the kids the older the kids get, the more able they are to join have us in some of the hobbies and adventures we have

different

addresses

than

ours.

tucked away during those diaper and nursing For now, I am smack dab in the middle of a busy, years

.

.

and

we

join

them

in

theirs. time consuming and privileged job . . . and happy to be here. The other big dreams and ideas that are

Their are many forces in the world that want my trying to crowd out this not so impressive or kids' hearts. They want to mold them, teach them glamourous intention, are going to have to take a and prepare them for other, less virtuous purposes number, find a magazine and sit in the waiting

than that of a Christian. I used to be a "pie in the room. I'm busy playing badminton with the most sky", "everyone means well" kind of person, but not important souls in the world :) anymore. I am not unaware of the Devil's schemes

A Time For Everything Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

For everything there is a season, A time for every activity under heaven.

A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace.

Turkey Vultures

Norton, NB Canada

by Andrew Marsh

S o a r . . .

God wants you to know – He's more than enough for you

By Tami Heim http://stickyjesus.com

He who has God has everything; he who has everything but God has nothing. - St. Augustine ~ It’s a tumultuous venture, this walking by faith.

At one time or another, you encounter the completely unexpected followed by the unthinkable.

And when it happens, the impact of it brings you to your knees, able to utter only one desperate word – “Why?” It’s an intense battle when you’re that overwhelmed.

First there’s shock and anger, then comes denial, “This can’t be what my great, almighty, and loving God has planned for me – not me, not His beloved child.”

You survey the situation and know there must be many different options – better ones. You wonder why God doesn’t see them. Perhaps if you just go slow and lay out the alternatives for Him – each and every one of them – you’ll help Him figure out how to reverse what’s been put in motion…

But is that God’s plan?

It’s the seventh century BC. God commissions Habakkuk to be His prophet during this troubled time. God’s ready to release His judgement and destroy Judah. To accomplish the task, He plans to enable the corrupt Babylon military machine. God informs Habakkuk what He intends to do.

Instead of Habakkuk going to the people with the warning – he comes right back at God. He challenges, wrestles, and implores God to reconsider. “Why would You use such a wicked, unrighteous, and godless nation to destroy Your own people? Surely there’s a different way to restore the heart of your people to You?“ Ask enough questions, suggest options, and perhaps God will pursue a different approach.

Continued on next pg . . .

God wants you to know – cont . . .

But that’s not God’s plan.

Habakkuk prays, waits, and listens. He focuses his absolute attention on God and as he does; worship replaces his worry and bewilderment transforms into trust. He nestles deep within the sovereignty of God. Instead of resisting, he embraces the plan. No more questions. He has faith that whatever happens has its place and purpose in the master plan. Regardless of the outcome, he now realizes God is more than enough – more than enough for him.

God longs for you to realize the same in your troubled times – to pray, wait, listen, worship and trust Him. To rest and fully embrace that where you are is exactly where God plans for you to be.

God wants you to know that He is so much bigger than all the desperate and tragic situations in this life. He wants you to know He is always with you and for you.

His blessing isn’t found in what He gives or takes away.

You find it as you abide in Him. So how do you move forward?

Ask Him to align your heart with His. Believe His Word. Trust Him. Count it all joy. Embrace Him as your absolute EVERYTHING. He is indeed, all you’ll ever need.

He is more than enough.

Philippians 4:13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Philippians 4:19 – 20 You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abound in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes. Romans 8:37 And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord—day after day he carries us along. He’s our Savior, our God, oh yes!

John 16:23, 24 This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

Continued on next pg . . .

God wants you to know – cont. . .

John 15:7 But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.

Mark 11:24 That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything.

Ephesians 1:3 How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master,Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him.

I John 3:22 We’re able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we’re doing what he said, doing what pleases him.

II Corinthians 5:21 How, you ask? In Christ, God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God. Philippians 1:21 Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose.

II Corinthians 5:17 Now we look inside, and what we see is that, anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons!

Ephesians 3:20,21 God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

I Corinthians 9:8 God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.

Matthew 21:22,23 But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold of God. How has God been more than enough for you?

Tweet/Post this:

Embrace this day knowing & showing the world that your God is more than enough for you. #LiveSticky

This post was inspired by a message David Landrith, senior pastor at Long Hollow Baptist, preached on June 12, 2011. It was written to seal the message in my own heart.

Photos by Joshua MacBurnie age 11

Sunrise Norton, NB Canada

50 Ways to Make a Difference without Spending a penny

By Marie Wikle

So many people have been laid off of their jobs or have had significant cut backs as to the amount of hours worked (which is the case in my family – my husband is not getting a full 40 hour week and boy does that hurt.)

The head says “you can’t afford to give and make a difference” While your heart screams “you can’t afford NOT to give and make a difference!”

So, what is a person that has a desire to give BIG (and I’m talking give “Oprah big”) supposed to do when the money isn’t there?

Forget about the “BIG” portion of giving and simply do what you can with what you have.

I truly do love to buy things for the sole purpose of giving them away.

When my children see things are obviously not for them, they will immediately ask “Who is that for?” because they know that I normally don’t keep things – I give them away.

With my husbands hours being cut back, I’m still going to give or do something daily to make a difference.

Here are some of the ways I’ll be Spreading Joy while the finances are extremely tight!

Continued on next pg . . .

50 Ways to make a Difference cont . . .

1. Pass on a book that you’ve enjoyed. Write a note in the front saying what you enjoyed and instruct the next “owner” to pass it on after they have read it.

2.

Instead of “googling” when searching – use Good Search and these guys will make a donation to Spreading Joy. (When you are on our website, there is a button on the right that will take you there) 3. Donate gently used dvd’s, vhs tapes and video games – I’m sure Spreading Joy can find those that will love to use them.

4.

Be Positive today – with the depressing economy, bills falling behind – this can really be tough, but it will encourage those around you and in the process bring joy to yourself.

5. Donate expired coupons to the troops overseas.

6.

Thank a Police Officer today (hopefully NOT while you are getting a ticket!)

7. Give time to your spouse – do something together, visit a park, bookstore etc.

8.

Donate household items to Spreading Joy to pass along to others in need.

9. Hold a yard sale and donate half of the proceeds.

10.

Taking the 30 day challenge? Tell me about it here.

11. Baby sit for a friend/neighbor for free.

12.

Serve a meal at a homeless shelter or women’s shelter 13. Encourage our soldiers. Send a free letter here.

14.

Mentor someone – have you started your own business? Are you an expert in a certain field? Share that talent!

15. Donate unused craft items to a daycare or elementary school.

16.

Turn in those Box Tops for Education – found on Pillsbury items. Keep these, even if you don’t have kids. There is a school near you.

17. Smile at everyone you come in contact with today.

18.

Offer to let someone ahead of you in line.

19. Volunteer in a Nursing home.

20.

Donate blood.

21. Donate Plasma – and get paid for it.

22.

Organize a book drive – get your neighborhood to donate gently used books. Pass out a flier asking for books – giving instructions to leave them in a bag on the porch letting them know you will pick them up the next week.

23. Turn in your Campbell’s Soup Labels.

24.

Have a family meal at the table – talk about current events in the family.

25. Give a handwritten note of encouragement.

26.

Start a Gratitude Journal – leave it out for others to see as they visit you.

27. Donate gently used magazines to a nursing home.

28. <-this has been missing for a year and a half, and NO one has said a thing to me about it. LOLOLOL just realized today 10.10.10 hahhaha. I LOVE it!, Leaving it and thank goodness for bonuses.

29. Call someone who is not feeling well and talk until you make them laugh.

Continued on next pg . . .

50 Ways to make a Difference cont . . .

30.

Volunteer at an animal shelter – play with the animals.

31. Visit with the elderly or someone who can no longer get out as much as they’d like.

32.

Pick flowers from your garden and give away.

33. Volunteer for your local church.

34.

Give a thank you card to someone who has made a difference in your life.

35. Run errands for a new Mom (or someone that is sick) 36.

Pick up trash you see as you are walking on your route.

37. Volunteer to read to a class at your local Elementary school 38.

Write a thank you note to your child’s teacher.

39. Seek out a store manager and let them know what an excellent employee your grocery bagger was. (or cashier).

40.

Donate gently used clothing.

41. Volunteer at a hospital.

42.

Donate your “free items” from the buy one get one free – to a local food pantry.

43. Leave a note hanging in or on your mailbox thanking your mail carrier for always being so dependable!

44.

Speak to the elderly you pass – look them in the eye and smile. We tend to forget about the great individuals who paved the way for us.

45. Say Please and Thank you – show sincere appreciation.

46.

Go to Church. There are so many churches. When people get discouraged, that is of the first places they’ll go. You can encourage so many people this way!

47. Make extra chili and cornbread muffins – and take to a neighbor.

48.

Bake homemade cookies with items you have in your pantry and share with neighborhood children.

49. Donate extra blankets to a homeless shelter.

50.

Give a basket of home grown veggies.

51. (a bonus!) Host a game night with your family – eat dessert first! Turn off cell phones (ok – kids, you can leave yours on….) but spend time laughing together playing games!

There you have it – 50 ways to make a difference without spending a single penny.

Everyone can make a difference!

The real question is – will you?

How are you Spreading Joy? Do you have any other ideas of making a difference without spending any money?

Please forward them to me at http://www.spreading-joy.org

Your Talent Counts

A wife received from her husband a watercolor set for her birthday. She had never drawn anything in her life let alone tried painting anything. What good this gift would be to her, she wondered. As a woman of faith, she put it to use believing that God may be revealing something to her. She soon realized her one hidden talent and it was that she could actually paint beautiful artwork. Today, she is using her talent professionally and glorifying God (this is a true story).

'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (Matthew 25:21) In the Parables of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), it says that God has given to some with more talents than others. We learned that some used their talents wisely and creatively to enrich Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kingdom, but there was this one servant who was afraid and lazy and hid the one talent he was given. Are you using your Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s given talents? Talents are not just about money, so our God given abilities or gifts as a resource for us to help further His kingdom. For example, some people are gifted to be singers, dancers, composers, writers, poets, photographers, pianist, and the list goes on. Still there are those gifted with leadership abilities we find in positions such as church elders, pastors and teachers.

These and many more gifts enable us for the purpose of ministries for edifying the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12); each one of us are an important member like an eye or ear to the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

Many Christians have even taken to various websites through blogging, tweeting and facebooking so that the gospel can reach many parts of the world.

It is said that faith without works is dead (James 2:20).

by Paul Cheng http://certaintyofdrawings.blogspot.com

Parable of the Jogger "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?

Run in such a way that you may win." (1 Corinthians 9:24) I am a jogger. That's me jogging at Christmas time in the clickable picture (or a very skinny Santa!). I get up in the morning and I run. (Not every morning. I'm getting older.)

I've been running now for well over three decades.

I've run in the day. I've run at night. I've run in the rain. I've run in the snow (deep snow). I've run in the heat (100s+).

I've run in extreme cold. (I think 17 degrees in downtown Minneapolis is still the coldest. We've had some lower 20s that I've run in here in the foothills towards Yosemite.)

I've run when I felt good. (I like those days the best.) I've run when I had a pulled muscle in my leg (ouch). I've run with a twisted ankle (double ouch). I've run with a sore neck and bad back. (I know. I should have taken those days off.) I've run and fallen down. (I pride myself on not falling, but it happens.) I've slipped on ice and landed on my rear. (Ooo. I can still feel that one.) Another time I dislocated my shoulder in a fall, in a field where no one could hear my calls for help. ("Can somebody please help me? Somebody?")

I've been chased by dogs (including ravenous chihuahuas).

I've been bothered by drivers getting out of their cars. (I won't go into that.)

I've seen dead deer (road kill).

I had to break the news to one person about their cat lying crushed in the street. (I hated that.)

I've even been hit by a truck that ran a stop sign. I know it sounds crazy. (Thankfully, I saw it coming.)

There are just a ton of analogies from a jogger's experience (mine) that relate to the Christian life (mine, too).

And we don't always "feel good", but we must keep running the race of faith (/following Jesus). Right?

And even when the snow is deep and the cold is extreme, we must keep running. And even when our ankle is twisted, our neck is sore and our back is bad, we must keep running. When we fall down, we must keep running. When no one can hear our cries for help (/listens to us), we must keep running.

When we're being chased (by "barking" circumstances), we must keep running. When we're "bothered" (assailed by principalities and powers ~ and sometimes including people, too), we must keep running.

Were you about to give up?

"Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home."

by Mike Campagna http://www.aheartforgod.net/

A HUG is……

LOVE wrapped around you so tight WARMTH when your heart feels cold PEACE when the ocean within you rages A SMILE when the tears flow COURAGE when fear abounds FULLNESS when the soul feels empty DELICIOUS when the world tastes bitter HARMONIOUS when your life is out of tune HEALING for the one that is grieving KINDNESS in the midst of hatred STRENGTH for those weakened by the journey WISDOM when confusion is all around ENCOURAGEMENT when you feel defeated PURE JOY when happiness is hiding A WELCOME HOME after the day has been cruel REASSURANCE when all confidence is lost CERTAINTY when all is unsure PRICELESS when the heart feels worthless EXTRAORDINARY when typical over throws the day MYSTERIOUS as the miracle of its uniqueness takes form A WHISPER – I love you What about you?

What is a hug to you?

Have ever received one at just the right moment?

Have you encountered a hug that was a smile from across the room that helped to dry the tears?

HUGS – Do you cherish these priceless miracles?

By Marie Wikle

"There's no Joy like Spreading Joy" and helping you to make a difference by doing what you can, where you are - with what you have! http://www.spreading-joy.org

facebook.com/spreadingJOYcorp

avoiding christianese: how to connect to non-believers online

by Toni Birdsong

http://stickyjesus.com

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

Christianese. It’s easy to fall into and entirely logical for a Christian—after all, it’s our cultural code; the mother tongue of heaven. Still, it can become a colossal stumbling block if you are interested in sharing your faith online.

Simply defined, Christianese is the jargon, terminology, and exclusive language used by Christians that usually only Christians can understand. Christianese isn’t a bad thing (despite the jokes around it)—in fact it’s a positive that we share this powerful fellowship.

But when communicating with non-believers (and anyone else), speaking Christianese can sink a conversation quickly. Use it enough and you’ll find yourself on the outside of the influence circle looking in, which can put a real damper on The Great Commission.

Some common Christianese: “Washed in the blood of the Lamb,” “saved by grace,” “old man/new man,” “unblemished lamb,” “fruits of the spirit,” “grieve the holy spirit,” “testimony,” “sanctified,” “fellowship,” “spirit of the Lord,” “witness,” “born again,” “get saved,” “it caused me to stumble,” “I feel convicted,” “sovereignty of God,”. . . and the list goes on . . . and on.

Continued on next pg . . .

avoiding christianese cont. . .

6 ways to avoid Christianese: 1. Keep it simple. Choose words that a 5 year-old can understand. Instead of “washed in the

blood of the lamb” just say, “Because I believe in Jesus Christ, I’m forgiven.” Instead of “I’ve grieved the holy spirit,” just say, “I really messed up this time. It hurts that I hurt God.” 2. Know the root/truth. To dial Christianese back, make sure you know the root of the term

you are trying to explain. Look in the back of your bible in the glossary. Also, Love of God has a great list of Christian terms and definitions, as does Wikipedia.

3. Keep it real. In sharing your faith, you will always be a sinner talking to a sinner—or one

beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Overcomplicating that reality (or using seemingly condescending phrases) will get you in trouble quick. If sharing your faith within social networks is important to you, re-read everything before you post it and delete the fluff, clichés, and phrases only a Christian would understand.

4. Share your life—the real one. Give honest commentary on the wins as well as the losses

of your daily life. If you want access to others, you must give access (within reason). This will require pulling back the curtain to some degree. The Christian life is defined by heaven but that doesn’t mean there won’t be real trouble on earth. Revealing imperfection is not only acceptable but expected in social networks.

5. Tell your story. (Notice, it’s “story” not “testimony”). Everyone has a “new life” story. Just

tell it simply and honestly in bits and pieces. What did your life look like before you got serious about Christ and then after you committed to follow Him? 6. Use humor. Humor is the shortest bridge between two hearts, when used in context.

Humor is used powerfully (and creatively) by some of our favorite evangelists/tweeters such as @sueduffield, @JesusNeedsPR, @robbiespeaks, @trippcrosby, @jonacuff and@PatsyClai rmont. For instance, flip your thinking conversationally and explain “fruit of the spirit” with something funny like: “I see big changes in my life since I met Christ . . . I’m more loving, patient, kind, and have for the most part, stopped kicking the cat. Basically, I think people can stand me now.”

As we dive deeper in the book @stickyJesus: how to live out your faith online, one of the most powerful ways to make an impact in your online circles of influence is to daily ask the Holy Spirit to guide your mind, heart, and words. Listen to the people around you and use language that reaches into their lives. It really is that simple.

What Christianese do you notice online?

How can those concepts/words be communicated better?

Post/tweet this today: Don’t say in 10 words what can be said in 3: Jesus loves you. #LiveSticky #KeepinItReal

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The ABC'S of Salvation The dictionary defines salvation as: 1. deliverance 2. pardon 3. snatching from the jaws God's gift to us is everlasting life through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ All we have to do is have faith and follow these 3 easy steps Admit - Believe - Confess Ephesians 2:8, 9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faithand this not from yourselves, it is the gift of Godnot by works, so that no one can boast.

1. Admit That You Are A Sinner.

Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.

Results Of Sin And Gods Gift to Us. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

What Did Jesus Do For Us? Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

2. Believe In The Lord Jesus.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life,

for God's wrath remains on him.

Romans 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

3. Confess The Lord Jesus.

Romans 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Next Say This Prayer Believing With All Your Heart “Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner.

Lord the sinful life that I lived separated me from you.

Lord forgive me of my sins.

I believe that you died on the cross and rose on the third day to pay for my sins.

From this day forward I will put all my trust in you, Lord show me how to live a life for you.

In Jesus name, Amen”