 "Plenty & Grace Be To This Place"...from the very first time I read those words on a stone plaque they resonated with me! "I not only want that in my house, I want that in my life!" We made that purchase and delightfully displayed it in our home. It was a declaration of encouragement and expectation.
How sad I was the day that the stone plaque was bumped one time too many and fell from the shelf in our entrance way! Even being "stone" was not enough to make it endure the fall! I was so disappointed. The several pieces were scattered on the floor. However, it seemed that something more than a cherished decor piece was at stake. It really seemed that the enemy of the Lord's promise to us was determined to deny us our expectation!
It's hard to glue stone! Nonetheless, my dear Jack attempted it...but the glue insisted on leaving an unsightly trail which really accentuated the crack lines. But, I was determined! Back onto the shelf it was placed in the elegant tripod holder...When my eye would catch a fresh glimpse of the repaired promise, I felt the partial victory of the enemy: every glued, unsightly crack line seemed to mock the ability of that "plenty and grace" to be "displayed" at our address!
It's funny how we put up with things as they are...how we tolerate things...how we let the enemy just keep "marring" what we know could be in our lives! Until...ONE DAY...you guessed it! ONE DAY I changed my perspective from what had been ruined to what all the possibilities were to make it NEW!!! That one "change of perspective" brought a release of creativity...Off to a favorite store we went...For a couple of years we knew that store did laser engraving! But, our passive resignation to the "brokenness" meant we'd never even thought of having a laser replacement done, let alone check out the price! What a delightful surprise awaited us! The price was more than reasonable...the idea was more than do-able...and our daugther stepped forward and paid for it!
So, here it is! The promise is preserved..the expectation is renewed...and there's a blessed absence of that mocking sound of the enemy!!!!!
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(used by permission)
Childhood memories are stirred by this painting...but much more than simple memories! I vividly remember preaching to the cows! Yes, the calling to proclaim the Word of the Lord from the pulpit didn't begin in a fancy cathedral but rather out by the watering trough. I had so much trouble remembering to turn off the water when the cows had finished drinking. Streams of water flowing down our country road told the tale of my mistake...again! My dad told me to "stay right there" until the cows were done drinking! That was way too hard for this active 8-year-old-something child! What to do? The solution came easy: I would stand on the steps of the community hall which nudged up against the fence and the watering trough and preach last Sunday's Sunday School lesson to all in attendance! Those cows wanted to drink...well, maybe of the water more than of the Word...but it gave a great opportunity of proclamation!
In the book of Jonah it tells of great response to the message. I celebrate the statistics with Jonah...not only were many rescued from disaster, but also, "much cattle" (Jonah 4:11 KJV)...When you get to heaven and you hear a low "moo", you'll have to decide if it's one of Jonah's converts or mine!
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A is for Apple gets printed in India! |
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"There's a new India arising!"
This picture taken in February, 2008, captures this phenomena of the Lord's plan in this immense nation and specifically in the city of 9 million—Bangalore! On that first trip to Bangalore, a major focus of the Lord for us centred around the thousands of young i-tech workers who have moved into Bangalore... and specifically from Nagaland, an area in the extreme northeast of India. Our Sunday at this church where everyone but five of us were under 30 (!!) sealed it for us! |
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Pavement of His Approaching Presence |
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What does a string of coats laying out on the floor have to do with the King of Glory coming through the gates of the City? Everything!
This was the recent scene while preaching at the Spanish-speaking church, King of Glory, Int'l (Toronto). What a privilege alongside my faithful, skilled interpreter to announce to that congregation that the Lord is making plans to enter the city! He is finding a "welcoming crowd"!
The pavement of His approaching Presence will be formed by the "coats" of many groups who come together (the coat is representative of our individual identity) and find right relationship with each other. This is but one dynamic among seven that will manifest when the King comes through the gate!
It has been our privilege and assignment to make this prophetic announcement in many settings over the past 24 months. Get ready! We're being set in place for His "next day"--see John 12:12. |
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