Welcome to the minutes of the fourth meeting. Lord, bless every reader with the wonderful light that leads us. Cause our spirits to drink of the river of life. Last time we considered the verses in Jonah 1:7-12, looking for guidance from the Spirit in the 'inquisition' of Jonah.
My personal thinking when I considered these verses was about how the word of God came forth from Jonah, and pierced the hearts of the sailors. Even though they knew the perilous situation, when the source was revealed as God, even the Lord of heaven and earth, they were exceedingly afraid. There was the natural fear of death before, but now the soul was in question!
However, I did not have the full measure of these verses, and was struggling about the context. The Lord is so faithful! It is in you all that each piece is placed, and when you give us your piece, the measure of life increases exponentially! Thank you for contributing! With the life from the body in this meeting, a provocative picture emerges in these verses, one full of insight.
"Arise o sleeper!" Yes, Jonah arose, but not to call upon his God. At least it is not recorded that he called. If you suddenly awoke, to mortal peril, with someone exhorting you to call upon the Lord, what would you do? I would fall on my knees crying out to God! But it appears Jonah awoke from a sleep and realized the hand of the Lord was upon him! He was bound over to the will of God. Perhaps Jonah's natural will was not at the end yet, his stubborn resolution standing firm. I believe this to be true, as later, in Jonah's poignant plea, his deep confession, there is evidence of complete release from the natural man.
The sailors cast lots, name in a hat sort of thing, and Jonah's name came forth. God can use whatever means necessary, even seemingly random acts, but no life came from the casting of lots in itself. Then the questioning. The sailors were still looking for the answers, looking for life. And Jonah replies simply and under the hand of God. He is a Hebrew, one of God's people. He knows God, respects God, and fears God. Can we say Jonah actually loves the Lord? In his innermost being we will find that later in this book. And here Jonah is, under the hand of the one true God, speaking forth the word. That word exposes the heart, penetrates into the recesses of the soul.
Now the sailors were "exceedingly afraid". Before they were afraid. Now it was palpable on the inside.
The presence of the Lord was here in the form of His hand, heavy upon Jonah. The sailors ask "What have you done!", with incredulity and amazement. But can the natural man understand what Jonah did? His inner Jacob, his own piece of Adam, rose up to action, fleeing from the presence of the Lord. Why? Because the natural man is condemned to death, and can not hide from that reality in the presence of the Lord. Praise God that in Christ our natural man has been crucified. God was arranging the same for Jonah.
The sailors ask Jonah what to do, even ask what to do to Jonah. How did they know that God wanted them to offer Jonah up? Ponderous question, but in that, I can see additional evidence of God directing the events. Jonah responds with more prophetic words: "Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you." Yes, he was moving in the Spirit. He is simply saying, "Make me a sacrifice, and this death sentence will pass on to me only."
A man, fleeing from God. Even one who so many commentators record as the perfect example of disobedience in the bible. Who so many look at with natural eyes in regards to obedience. How in his transgression is he able to prophesy? The gift can operate irregardless of the man. I know like Jonah, there are times in my life when I can not control my natural response. The Lord can craft a situation beyond my ability, even for the purpose of exposing my natural man, and putting it to death experientially.
God has done so to Jonah. Jonah never rejected God, he fled from His presence. He reacted to the word. Jonah loves the Lord, and even His people. But God stretched Jonah past his natural ability. Yet even in this time of stretching, the gift operated. The word came forth out of Jonah's mouth.
If Jonah were rational, even a extraordinary man willing to die, he would simply jump overboard. Why force the sin of murder upon someone else? However, I can imagine that a normal man would argue and deny, pleading for his own life. But here Jonah is shackled to the will of God. Instructing the sailors to make him a sacrifice. Embracing the judgement upon himself, becoming the object of the death sentence instead of all the sailors.
Oh, he may have fled from the presence of God, but Jonah is fully operating under the hand of God now! He proclaims the reality of the coming Messiah, even the ministry of the perfect sacrifice. And walks in that prophesy.
Thank you Jesus, for proclaiming the living word, and ministering to us once for all, with glory beyond telling. You are so wonderful, let all creation exclaim it! You let yourself be bound over, to sentence and execution, though completely innocent! I have not enough tears to thank You, even for all eternity. Thank you for inhabiting the saints, revealing Yourself in them and through them.
For this meeting, here is the current agenda:
Prayer and Thanksgiving:
Ask the Lord to break down the walls that shield us from one another, those preferences, tastes, and lifestyles that prevent the building of the body. Thank Him for pulling us into the body, building us together.
Open questions:
From last time, still no word on the 'sides of the ship'.
Current topic:
Prayerfully read Jonah 1:13-16, the section of sacrifice. Do we see prophetic and pastoral parallels in the rowing of the boat? There is so much here, but let us ask the Spirit to speak to our group life for right now.
Conclusion:
May all of us find the source of life each day this week. May peace, and His life giving presence be your portion.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Jonah Sleeps
Welcome to the minutes of the third meeting. I hope and pray that everyone is experiencing fullness in the Spirit! Last time we considered the verses in Jonah 1:4-6, and asked the general question, "What does this ship represent?" There are many pictures in this section, but the two I see now are the pastoral and prophetic ones.
Pastoral Picture:
There have been times I disembarked on a journey, and perhaps it is not within the Lord's plan for me. That journey is disobedience. Much like a willful child, rejecting the word of life. Our flesh can rise up and convince the mind, the will, that to follow God will be to hard, to painful. And then make the choice, transgression, the path of death. I struggle with my back to Him, attempting to journey out of God's presence. Without the flow of life, the inner man slumbers.
Consider that the wind was howling, the waves were crashing, the sailors were running all over trying to save the ship. And Jonah slept. In the physical word, I couldn't sleep in such a situation! The connection to God in the vessel was not functioning. Transgression suppresses the life we live by, interferes with the communication link. And then leads to the outcome of all that is not preserved, death.
The boat was in grave peril. The sailors scurried about, doing what was in their power to do. That is my reaction sometimes, to try and fix things, save myself. It is automatic, we have self preservation high on the 'to do' list in the natural man. And when the sailors efforts failed, they turned to their gods. I may not have idols and charms as a believer, but there are plenty of dead things in the world to turn to for help, when the matter is entirely between God and the soul. Then when things get really bad, the very essence of self awareness stands up, the I in charge, the master of my vessel, gives up its own authority, recognizing that all is lost. And goes to wake up the inner man.
Our answer in so many situation is to 'call upon our God', the faithful one who has conquered death and will deliver us.
Prophetic Picture:
Jonah left the very presence of God, and went to a people who were separated from God. He dwelt with them, then when the master called, he awoke. Oh how good is our God! We know where this is headed! "Arise oh sleeper! Call upon thy God!" There is only one who can deliver us from death! Only one who calls upon God forever, from the rising of the sun. Only one who lifted the curse of demise, who became the acceptable sacrifice.
For this meeting, here is the current agenda:
Prayer and Thanksgiving:
Lets lift up those we fellowship with, that the Lord would protect them and make them shining lights in the workplace. Pray for me, that God would hold me to stand in His counsel. Ask Him to open up the word to us, fill us with life from the Spirit and the resulting wisdom. Praise Jesus, for fully answering the Father, for rising up and performing the singular ministry only He could do.
Open questions:
I have heard nothing more concerning Tarshish beyond the popular scholars. A place of trade, perhaps Jonah had family there. He paid his fare to go. Still wondering where that leads.
What about Jonah in the 'sides' of the ship?
Current topic:
Now we head into the "What have you done!" part, verses seven through twelve. Prayerfully read these, and see what the Spirit is speaking. Does the questioning of the sailors seem important? What about the word, "God of heaven, maker of the dry land and sea." Struck fear in to the listener, why?
Conclusion:
It was brought to my attention that I failed to explain that to participate you can just reply with a email. No need figure out the blog or discussion group. May everyone find thirst quenching life in the Spirit this week!
Pastoral Picture:
There have been times I disembarked on a journey, and perhaps it is not within the Lord's plan for me. That journey is disobedience. Much like a willful child, rejecting the word of life. Our flesh can rise up and convince the mind, the will, that to follow God will be to hard, to painful. And then make the choice, transgression, the path of death. I struggle with my back to Him, attempting to journey out of God's presence. Without the flow of life, the inner man slumbers.
Consider that the wind was howling, the waves were crashing, the sailors were running all over trying to save the ship. And Jonah slept. In the physical word, I couldn't sleep in such a situation! The connection to God in the vessel was not functioning. Transgression suppresses the life we live by, interferes with the communication link. And then leads to the outcome of all that is not preserved, death.
The boat was in grave peril. The sailors scurried about, doing what was in their power to do. That is my reaction sometimes, to try and fix things, save myself. It is automatic, we have self preservation high on the 'to do' list in the natural man. And when the sailors efforts failed, they turned to their gods. I may not have idols and charms as a believer, but there are plenty of dead things in the world to turn to for help, when the matter is entirely between God and the soul. Then when things get really bad, the very essence of self awareness stands up, the I in charge, the master of my vessel, gives up its own authority, recognizing that all is lost. And goes to wake up the inner man.
Our answer in so many situation is to 'call upon our God', the faithful one who has conquered death and will deliver us.
Prophetic Picture:
Jonah left the very presence of God, and went to a people who were separated from God. He dwelt with them, then when the master called, he awoke. Oh how good is our God! We know where this is headed! "Arise oh sleeper! Call upon thy God!" There is only one who can deliver us from death! Only one who calls upon God forever, from the rising of the sun. Only one who lifted the curse of demise, who became the acceptable sacrifice.
For this meeting, here is the current agenda:
Prayer and Thanksgiving:
Lets lift up those we fellowship with, that the Lord would protect them and make them shining lights in the workplace. Pray for me, that God would hold me to stand in His counsel. Ask Him to open up the word to us, fill us with life from the Spirit and the resulting wisdom. Praise Jesus, for fully answering the Father, for rising up and performing the singular ministry only He could do.
Open questions:
I have heard nothing more concerning Tarshish beyond the popular scholars. A place of trade, perhaps Jonah had family there. He paid his fare to go. Still wondering where that leads.
What about Jonah in the 'sides' of the ship?
Current topic:
Now we head into the "What have you done!" part, verses seven through twelve. Prayerfully read these, and see what the Spirit is speaking. Does the questioning of the sailors seem important? What about the word, "God of heaven, maker of the dry land and sea." Struck fear in to the listener, why?
Conclusion:
It was brought to my attention that I failed to explain that to participate you can just reply with a email. No need figure out the blog or discussion group. May everyone find thirst quenching life in the Spirit this week!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Arise!
The first meeting is over, and the second has begun. Of course, this will take some time to refine itself into a desirable and fun activity, I hope everyone finds life here. In the first meeting we considered the beginning of Jonah (verses 1-3). Here are the thoughts and considerations:
The word of the Lord came to Jonah. Who is the word? Have we heard Him recently? Now we know that our Lord, the Messiah, came to us when we first believed. And by our faith we now hear by new, healed ears. He beckons every day after that incredible birth. It is amazing that the first word spoken in this direction to Jonah is "Arise", get up, come up, stand up! He says the same thing to us, to our spirit inside, to get up and function.
The wickedness of that great city, Nineveh, has been noticed by the Eternal. But He is sending a messenger, calling out, to bring repentance. Inclining His ear to the hearts of those who worship other gods, practice wickedness of all forms. And to a city outside of the 'people of God'. Wonderful, who can fathom the limitless depths of His wisdom and grace.
Now in the third verse it gets interesting. Jonah rises up alright, to flee from God's presence. Futile vanity indeed! But we can guess (or check some wise men) that Jonah is writing this himself, and obviously knows there is no place to hide. Perhaps as some authors suggest, he is embarrassed about the ministry, his peers would look askance at this trip to the Assyrian capitol.
There is the natural side of man in all of us, from lofty prophet to lowly servant. And it is probable that Jonah is well aged at this manifestation of the word in his ministry. The trip to Nineveh? Yes, at least 600 miles of walking! A month on the road, creaky knees and all. A peaceful few week cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean sounds more to his liking naturally. Is it hard on the natural man to obey the call of the Eternal? Of course! In functioning for the Lord, there is ridicule, pain, exposure of self, denial, sacrifice, loneliness, struggle, and a plethora of other things. But the reward is far greater! We draw closer to our true satisfaction!
Even the simple word can be a struggle. I was getting on the freeway, and saw a rusty 'little boy racer' pull up alongside. I thought to myself, knowing the habits of drivers here, that he would cut me off. My first and natural reaction was to put my foot down. But there was no time really, and he cut me off, so I had to brake immediately. Then he signalled with his hands a gesture. Not of thanks, or the ubiquitous cut off Shaka, but of obscenity. That instant, of disbelief and rising anger, the Lord turned on the flashlight. My own little piece of Jacob was driving my heart, and hence my car. It was a struggle to turn, admit my failing , and lift up the other driver in prayer.
Now, we will be putting in parallel the next section different pictures of the boat, but here let us just consider two things. Jonah left the people of God, fleeing the presence of the Lord. In the practical body life, His presence is always felt, sensed, directing us. The fellow prophets, family, and friends of Jonah all imply His presence. And he separates from that life into himself, into a vessel that sets off away from the people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 12, 2008 -- The second meeting --
Prayer requests for this meeting:
Lift up the widows and orphans in our communities. That we could see them, meet them, and give them life. That the Lord would open a door for us to minister to incomplete families with stability and life.
Ask for clear vision of the Living Word, that our eyes would be open.
Questions:
How long of a response does everyone care for? I intend to keep each meeting on a couple of pages, less than fifteen minutes of your time.
From the last study, it seems there is nothing specific yet about why Jonah goes to Tarshish, open question.
The next part of Jonah: Jonah Sleeps (verses 4-6)
There are at least two major pictures here. Lets call the two obvious metaphors the pastoral picture and the prophetic one, or the self picture and corporate picture. In the pastoral, the ship is a model of our condition individually. What are some of the parallels you see? For the prophetic, Jonah is the spiritual man among dying people. How does this relate to our communities? Prayerful reading, even speaking the verses out loud a few times helps loosen up the faith. Soak in the Spirit!
Thank you to everyone who is enjoying this humble beginning, my gratitude.
Lord, I entreat You to fill each reader with a fresh quenching of Your water inside right now. Let Your life stretch out in our spirit, strengthening us to obedience when You call, as You call. May Your Glory increase today by the work You do in us. I exalt in Your infinite Grace!
The word of the Lord came to Jonah. Who is the word? Have we heard Him recently? Now we know that our Lord, the Messiah, came to us when we first believed. And by our faith we now hear by new, healed ears. He beckons every day after that incredible birth. It is amazing that the first word spoken in this direction to Jonah is "Arise", get up, come up, stand up! He says the same thing to us, to our spirit inside, to get up and function.
The wickedness of that great city, Nineveh, has been noticed by the Eternal. But He is sending a messenger, calling out, to bring repentance. Inclining His ear to the hearts of those who worship other gods, practice wickedness of all forms. And to a city outside of the 'people of God'. Wonderful, who can fathom the limitless depths of His wisdom and grace.
Now in the third verse it gets interesting. Jonah rises up alright, to flee from God's presence. Futile vanity indeed! But we can guess (or check some wise men) that Jonah is writing this himself, and obviously knows there is no place to hide. Perhaps as some authors suggest, he is embarrassed about the ministry, his peers would look askance at this trip to the Assyrian capitol.
There is the natural side of man in all of us, from lofty prophet to lowly servant. And it is probable that Jonah is well aged at this manifestation of the word in his ministry. The trip to Nineveh? Yes, at least 600 miles of walking! A month on the road, creaky knees and all. A peaceful few week cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean sounds more to his liking naturally. Is it hard on the natural man to obey the call of the Eternal? Of course! In functioning for the Lord, there is ridicule, pain, exposure of self, denial, sacrifice, loneliness, struggle, and a plethora of other things. But the reward is far greater! We draw closer to our true satisfaction!
Even the simple word can be a struggle. I was getting on the freeway, and saw a rusty 'little boy racer' pull up alongside. I thought to myself, knowing the habits of drivers here, that he would cut me off. My first and natural reaction was to put my foot down. But there was no time really, and he cut me off, so I had to brake immediately. Then he signalled with his hands a gesture. Not of thanks, or the ubiquitous cut off Shaka, but of obscenity. That instant, of disbelief and rising anger, the Lord turned on the flashlight. My own little piece of Jacob was driving my heart, and hence my car. It was a struggle to turn, admit my failing , and lift up the other driver in prayer.
Now, we will be putting in parallel the next section different pictures of the boat, but here let us just consider two things. Jonah left the people of God, fleeing the presence of the Lord. In the practical body life, His presence is always felt, sensed, directing us. The fellow prophets, family, and friends of Jonah all imply His presence. And he separates from that life into himself, into a vessel that sets off away from the people.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
June 12, 2008 -- The second meeting --
Prayer requests for this meeting:
Lift up the widows and orphans in our communities. That we could see them, meet them, and give them life. That the Lord would open a door for us to minister to incomplete families with stability and life.
Ask for clear vision of the Living Word, that our eyes would be open.
Questions:
How long of a response does everyone care for? I intend to keep each meeting on a couple of pages, less than fifteen minutes of your time.
From the last study, it seems there is nothing specific yet about why Jonah goes to Tarshish, open question.
The next part of Jonah: Jonah Sleeps (verses 4-6)
There are at least two major pictures here. Lets call the two obvious metaphors the pastoral picture and the prophetic one, or the self picture and corporate picture. In the pastoral, the ship is a model of our condition individually. What are some of the parallels you see? For the prophetic, Jonah is the spiritual man among dying people. How does this relate to our communities? Prayerful reading, even speaking the verses out loud a few times helps loosen up the faith. Soak in the Spirit!
Thank you to everyone who is enjoying this humble beginning, my gratitude.
Lord, I entreat You to fill each reader with a fresh quenching of Your water inside right now. Let Your life stretch out in our spirit, strengthening us to obedience when You call, as You call. May Your Glory increase today by the work You do in us. I exalt in Your infinite Grace!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
The First Meeting
I welcome you to the first study group! This will undoubtedly change and mold into something far greater than what we see now, so bear with the growing pains! In these first few 'meetings' we will simply examine the format, and start a quick bible study. The plan for each week is that you will receive a guide, consider it at your convenience, then reply with what you have found. These will be 'artfully' compiled into a single expression for the companion blog.
There is no requirement apart from considerate interaction. And no pressure to answer any question or do a bunch of research. Our goal is to find life, not distraction! I am sure that many questions will arise, and that is a good thing. We will be looking at those each week, so don't be worried about asking anything. I will plan on sending these out by Monday, and compiling the summary on Friday.
The general format of each guide is this:
Prayer and Thanksgiving:
Group prayer requests
Study topic prayer
Thanks and Praise for what God has done
Open questions:
From previous topics
New questions
Current topic:
Verses to read
Questions to consider
What the Spirit is teaching
Every member is encouraged to participate in any area. If you are quiet, and just want to follow along, please at least take the time to go before the Lord in prayer, both for life in you, and toward increased faith in the group.
Your responses are what will make this a source of life for all! Here are a few practical considerations. If you find a twenty page discourse before the Lord for this meeting, Praise God! But, it will be placed on the discussion group website most likely. So try to have a few main revelations and a few questions in the responses you want everyone to view.
In addition, if something does not get included in the meeting summary for the blog, and you feel it was life altering, please speak up! I will certainly offend in my draconian editing, and do not want any cause for division between us. Tell me, I have been known to prostrate in sackcloth and ashes...
Responses that will be edifying will probably look something like this:
"Wow! That verse 12 is amazing! That is exactly what Jesus did in my life this week. I found this reference (....) Did you know that (blah blah)? I was wondering about (....). Can we pray for X?
Agape, ...."
Brief, on topic, and in line with a short meeting together. If we start in this way, building more will be easy. Please sign with your first name or a screen name so I can attribute to each their contribution in the summary. Unless you want anonymity, which is fine.
The relevant website is:
grace-power.blogspot.com
On the right at this site you will find a link to the discussion group. To join requires a gmail account, which is easy to do. I expect that the discussion group will be very fruitful for topics that get lengthy. There are two other links that may benefit you in study of the word. Please try them, I have found much by using those two on-line bibles.
Please forgive the lengthy first letter! I expect this to grow and change according to the Spirit's leading, so bear with the first few weeks, we should find life soon! Now, lets get to the start:
July 5, 2008
Intersession:
My first prayer request would be simple. Ask the Lord who would benefit from this group, and consider inviting them. Praise Him for giving us the Grace to live in the Kingdom, and to bring forward eternal life! Simply have anyone send me a message requesting inclusion, I will gladly add. And I have not even listed everyone locally, so whoever you find that is not getting this, and you think would be edified by, please send me their address.
Questions:
Only one question this week. Any ideas on how to separate communication that is for the meeting summaries from discussions that can be ongoing at the group website? I have ideas, but each one leaves me feeling like the arbiter of what is worthy... To begin with I will simply cut and paste what I see. But in the future would request two other saints to do that part, so that I may facilitate, yet not discriminate, and that the Spirit can judge, independent of my limited organizational abilities.
Scripture:
The Lord instructed me to begin with the book of Jonah. There is a great significance in this short piece. Especially in light of the Messiah's declaration twice in Matthew and once in Luke about being the sign of Jonah. In Luke it is even extended in parallel with Jonah's ministry to the Ninevites. But that is jumping ahead! Let us this week simply read the whole book, then prayerfully consider the first three verses. Here is my list of questions, but do not consider them a requirement, and by all means come up with your own!
Why Ninevah? Do we think God will have us cry out against wickedness as we speak the word? What are Jonah's possible motivations for fleeing from the presence of the Lord? Why Tarshish? Do we think there is a place that we can flee from the Lord to...
The Spirit brought conviction to me personally, that I 'flee' to my mind, and excuse myself from speaking at times, hiding in weakness. Heal my mind Lord!
May all who receive this find the true source of life, and be refreshed by our King. Lord, bind our faith together, into a work displaying Your infinite Glory.
In peace
There is no requirement apart from considerate interaction. And no pressure to answer any question or do a bunch of research. Our goal is to find life, not distraction! I am sure that many questions will arise, and that is a good thing. We will be looking at those each week, so don't be worried about asking anything. I will plan on sending these out by Monday, and compiling the summary on Friday.
The general format of each guide is this:
Prayer and Thanksgiving:
Group prayer requests
Study topic prayer
Thanks and Praise for what God has done
Open questions:
From previous topics
New questions
Current topic:
Verses to read
Questions to consider
What the Spirit is teaching
Every member is encouraged to participate in any area. If you are quiet, and just want to follow along, please at least take the time to go before the Lord in prayer, both for life in you, and toward increased faith in the group.
Your responses are what will make this a source of life for all! Here are a few practical considerations. If you find a twenty page discourse before the Lord for this meeting, Praise God! But, it will be placed on the discussion group website most likely. So try to have a few main revelations and a few questions in the responses you want everyone to view.
In addition, if something does not get included in the meeting summary for the blog, and you feel it was life altering, please speak up! I will certainly offend in my draconian editing, and do not want any cause for division between us. Tell me, I have been known to prostrate in sackcloth and ashes...
Responses that will be edifying will probably look something like this:
"Wow! That verse 12 is amazing! That is exactly what Jesus did in my life this week. I found this reference (....) Did you know that (blah blah)? I was wondering about (....). Can we pray for X?
Agape, ...."
Brief, on topic, and in line with a short meeting together. If we start in this way, building more will be easy. Please sign with your first name or a screen name so I can attribute to each their contribution in the summary. Unless you want anonymity, which is fine.
The relevant website is:
grace-power.blogspot.com
On the right at this site you will find a link to the discussion group. To join requires a gmail account, which is easy to do. I expect that the discussion group will be very fruitful for topics that get lengthy. There are two other links that may benefit you in study of the word. Please try them, I have found much by using those two on-line bibles.
Please forgive the lengthy first letter! I expect this to grow and change according to the Spirit's leading, so bear with the first few weeks, we should find life soon! Now, lets get to the start:
July 5, 2008
Intersession:
My first prayer request would be simple. Ask the Lord who would benefit from this group, and consider inviting them. Praise Him for giving us the Grace to live in the Kingdom, and to bring forward eternal life! Simply have anyone send me a message requesting inclusion, I will gladly add. And I have not even listed everyone locally, so whoever you find that is not getting this, and you think would be edified by, please send me their address.
Questions:
Only one question this week. Any ideas on how to separate communication that is for the meeting summaries from discussions that can be ongoing at the group website? I have ideas, but each one leaves me feeling like the arbiter of what is worthy... To begin with I will simply cut and paste what I see. But in the future would request two other saints to do that part, so that I may facilitate, yet not discriminate, and that the Spirit can judge, independent of my limited organizational abilities.
Scripture:
The Lord instructed me to begin with the book of Jonah. There is a great significance in this short piece. Especially in light of the Messiah's declaration twice in Matthew and once in Luke about being the sign of Jonah. In Luke it is even extended in parallel with Jonah's ministry to the Ninevites. But that is jumping ahead! Let us this week simply read the whole book, then prayerfully consider the first three verses. Here is my list of questions, but do not consider them a requirement, and by all means come up with your own!
Why Ninevah? Do we think God will have us cry out against wickedness as we speak the word? What are Jonah's possible motivations for fleeing from the presence of the Lord? Why Tarshish? Do we think there is a place that we can flee from the Lord to...
The Spirit brought conviction to me personally, that I 'flee' to my mind, and excuse myself from speaking at times, hiding in weakness. Heal my mind Lord!
May all who receive this find the true source of life, and be refreshed by our King. Lord, bind our faith together, into a work displaying Your infinite Glory.
In peace
Friday, July 4, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to the published discussions of a unique and life expanding bible study. The postings here reflect what the Spirit has been working in our hearts, and are for the edification of all. This is a simple extension of the 'open meeting' concept into written communication. If you are interested in participating, please contact.
The format of each 'meeting' is set on a originating email, and then responses are 'blended' into a follow up list. Members are encouraged to communicate with each other, especially in the context of body function. Our entire purpose is to find eternal life together, bring that life forth, and function as the Body of Christ in our localities.
This meeting by written communication is simply an extension of your local fellowship. When our faith is knit together, we see the power of God move, irregardless of where we are or who we are with. However, this is no substitute for praying together, worshipping together, or fellowship of any kind that requires contact. Please ask God to place you where He can practically join you into the body if you are not experiencing that. He is faithful, and will not disappoint.
I will be adding plenty of thoughts about this as we go along. It has been maturing inside for a long time, and now is ripe for us to begin.
Lord, take this word, and all those who join, and begin a new work in them, beyond what any have experienced before. Release Your word, unleash Your power in our lives, and may Grace abound to all. Lead me in the way of the Spirit, and bless every visitor to these pages.
The format of each 'meeting' is set on a originating email, and then responses are 'blended' into a follow up list. Members are encouraged to communicate with each other, especially in the context of body function. Our entire purpose is to find eternal life together, bring that life forth, and function as the Body of Christ in our localities.
This meeting by written communication is simply an extension of your local fellowship. When our faith is knit together, we see the power of God move, irregardless of where we are or who we are with. However, this is no substitute for praying together, worshipping together, or fellowship of any kind that requires contact. Please ask God to place you where He can practically join you into the body if you are not experiencing that. He is faithful, and will not disappoint.
I will be adding plenty of thoughts about this as we go along. It has been maturing inside for a long time, and now is ripe for us to begin.
Lord, take this word, and all those who join, and begin a new work in them, beyond what any have experienced before. Release Your word, unleash Your power in our lives, and may Grace abound to all. Lead me in the way of the Spirit, and bless every visitor to these pages.
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