Greater Reach 7 - Leap Day

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  St. John 17:18.

Leap day is here finally!  It's so great waking up to the sounds of Spring.  The cherry trees are particularly lovely this year.  His glory is written in the heavens for all to see and His handiwork is on display through nature.
Last night before Bible Study I ran into Roy Dunderdale outside CBS.  He said, "I could stay out here awhile longer."  This morning I was reading a camping guide and it took me back.  It jogged my memory to recall a line from a powerful prayer.
If You call me into the wilderness, I will embrace it because You are there with me.  ~Stormie Omartian
I had been praying about that recently and I know God answers prayer.  Yesterday I wrote about how He let me go through the fire while pursuing a story at the same time evading my publisher.  Today I heard back from my publisher.  Everything is okay!  I'm still writing.
If You call me into the wilderness...
Katja asked me to let her know when I was going to be in her area so we could have lunch or coffee.  She lives across the edge of the borders of my comfort zone.  She lives out there where the unknown replaces the familiar.
I will embrace it...
He lifted me over the waves last time.  I couldn't see ten feet in front of me but I held onto His hand.
Because You are there with me.
Enthroned upon the praises of His people.  He has put His Words in my mouth.  Lucky tentoo, lucky tentoo.

2/29/12 Agents of the Scorpion Clan have been spotted.  Their appearance seems to coincide with the preparations for the St Patrick's Day celebration.  What will it mean for the festivities?
To be continued...

By Grace,
Travis


Copyright 2012 Photobucket Corporation.

Greater Reach 6 - More work!

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God Hath ordained that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10.

I started thinking about what I wrote last night at the end of the post.  The part about the cookie and the shoes.
Hopefully that didn't come across as self-pity.
The Lord started speaking to me today about being ready.  Joyce Meyer says it better she says,"You don't know when the Lord is coming back.  You don't get ready, you stay ready."
That means not sitting around having a pity party for several days until I get my next assignment.  That means sharpening my axes (Ecclesiates 10:10) before the next Wildcat Avalanche and getting in position.
It means I don't have to sit down and drop my guard to celebrate.  Here's a scripture I read:

So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants:  we have done that which was our duty to do.  Luke 17:10.

And while I'm thinking about it St Patrick's Day is less than 3 weeks off.  I've got a plan this year for St Patrick's Day and so I'll include a little bit about in my blog as the day approaches.  It will be instructional for me as I'm not versed in the tradition but my goal is to let some light into here.  Thanks.

By Grace,
Travis

Greater Reach 5 - Trial by Fire

As thou has sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  St. John 17:18.

I followed God and landed an internship.  The internship landed me a couple of interviews.  The interviews landed me in a fiery furnace.  Which was where God wanted me to be so He could show His power.  

When I followed up on the story that Mark gave me, I know that I had the leading of Holy Spirit.  Yet when I told Beatty (my publisher) about the story he seemed shocked.  Tell me another idea he said.

The question was then do I obey God and write the story anyway or do I keep my job?  

I had to make a quick choice to obey God.  

When David saw the giant he ran to meet him.  If he looked at him too long he might get nervous.  

Following through with the interviews was no problem.  God gave me all the grace that I needed.  Elle, Vani and Fred all came through for me.  

I still don't have Beatty's verbal assent.  So I literally have been out on a limb for almost a month.  Now I know what a mother bird feels like waiting for a couple of eggs to hatch.  

I'm going to need a cookie and a pair of shoes.  

By Grace,

Travis

 

Greater Reach pt 4 - Sweet Potato Chips

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10.


When I read Watchmen on the Wall last semester I gained more of a sense of God's heart for Jerusalem and what a miracle the city of Jerusalem is.  We really don't even begin to comprehend the significance of the existence of the the Jewish state of Israel is.  It is an indication of God's sovereignty and the accuracy of Biblical prophecy.  
The story is about Hannah Hurnard's experience during the siege of Jerusalem.  She was one of only twelve Christian missionaries in the city during it's fight for independence.  She tells the eyewitness account of the birth of Israel.  


Blessed be the Lord!  For He has shown me His marvelous loving favor when I was beset as in a besieged city.  Psalm 31:21.  


James W. Goll asks a poignant question:  "Do you also carry Jerusalem in your heart?"  Has it got your attention yet?

To be continued...
We're not going to get to the main course tonight.  So I figured you might like a like a little snacky.
Sweet Potato Chips up your alley?  http://shewearsmanyhats.com/2011/01/sweet-potato-chips/

Greater Reach 3 - Playing It Safe

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.  St. John 17:18.

Sometimes what seems like the darkest step we've ever been on comes just before the brightest light we've ever experienced.  Stormie Omartian


On Sunday February 12, 2012 I stepped out of the boat and walked on water.  And it was a trip.  I probably was grinning from ear to ear on the way home.  Praise the Lord.
Let me tell you how it happened.  An old friend who I had brunch with the other day shared that he was going to the Spiritual Living Center of Charlotte.  I intended when I had set up the meeting with him to invite him to come to Elevation Church.  I certainly wasn't to hip on the idea of going to the Spiritual Living Center.
Then I met Elle and she gave me a post card from the Spiritual Living Center and I kept it in my journal.  As the week progressed I began to think about it.
God led me to Mark, Mark led me to Elle, Elle extended an invitation to the Spiritual Living Center.  Could God be leading me to follow Him?  Well it's not the kind of question you can ask your Pastor or your close friends.   Sure they might give you some really great wisdom.  But they can't hear from God on your behalf.  Okay occasionally God may give somebody a Word concerning you, but it is the exception to the rule.
I prayed about it and didn't get a definite yes or no answer.  I was up the night before praying about it and still wasn't sure.  But what I felt in my heart was that the Lord was saying, "BELIEVE."
I knew that if I played it safe, it wouldn't do anything to build my faith.  But if I stepped out in faith God might move in my behalf and I would see something wonderful.
Our Pastor wrote a whole chapter in his book about this subject.  How can you be sure you're hearing from God.  He puts it this way.  "On a good day I'm about 55 percent sure that I've heard God.  And that's enough for me to make the first move."
So I made the first move.
To Be Continued...

Greater Reach 2 - Higher Standard

He must increase, but I must decrease.  John 3:30.

Having a new heart and a new spirit is only good if you use it.  So that's why God gave us the Bible.  It's the owner's manual if you will.

I'm glad I have several translations.  All Moses had was a rod and look how God used him.  

All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17.

By Grace,

Travis

Greater Reach 1

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9
My three favorite things other than God?  It definitely has to be books, girls, and coffee.
It stands to reason that my three biggest weaknesses are these same areas:  books, girls, and coffee.
Coffee I could probably do away with if I wanted to.  But I don't want to at this point.  I enjoy it.  I drink anywhere from 1-3 mugs a day.  That's my daily consumption.  I like strong coffee.  I have only drank decaf once.  Starbucks, Caribou, & Dilworth are the places I drink it if I'm out.  Victory Coffee is good too.  The Irish Mocha at Victory is a trip.  Coffee is normally the first thing I do in the morning.  I drink it while I'm studying my Bible.
Girls are amazing.  I'd love to have one right now.  When I hit my early teens all I could think about were girls.  I remember this one time I ws either 14 or 15 and I had one a blonde on my left and a brunette on my right.  They were both tickling me trying to get my attention.  They were both so freaking hot I could not decide which one I wanted to hook up with.  My brain was about to short circuit cause all the blood was in another area if you know what I mean.  We fell off of the wall onto the beach and I broke their fall by having them land on top of me.  I haven't really improved all that much.  I like being faithful to one girl.  One girl is all I need.  I don't need two or three or four.  Three shall be the number of the counting.  Thou shall not count 5.  Six is definitely right out!  <Monty Python>
Books, books and more books.  I seem to have been born with a grace in this area.  I have been reading since before I started kindergarten.  I don't get tired when I read, like some people.  My choice in books has definitely changed.  Now the vast majority of what I read is Christian non-fiction.  I have a whole book shelf of them.  Last time I checked I still enjoy a good fantasy book.  I met a guy last semester who reads alot of the stuff I used to read like the Forgotten Realms books.  I must say it stirred up some nostalgia to want to grab some off the shelf.  Alot of my growing up had to do with books.  I associate different stages of my life with books that I was reading at the time.  God has really blessed me with a passion for books.
I do heartily thank God for His grace.  

Recap

These are the sermon notes I took from Unstoppable Reach - by David Chadwick of Forest Hill

John 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  

James 4:6 But he giveth more grace.  Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  

John 17:18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works;

Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.  

 

Isaiah 58:10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall they light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday :

Sound Mind

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;  but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7.
Wonderful Counselor.  What a name!  One of the great men of God that has been used mightily in his generation is David Chadwick.  Sharp mind, knows scripture, great heart, charismatic preacher, moves in the gifts of the Spirit.  Awesome combination.  One of the things that amazes me most is his humility.
Last year when he came to Elevation to preach a sermon he was the quintessential John the Baptist.  Not a hint of pride or arrogance.   Just a good ole Carolina boy who loves Jesus.
My mind is a sound mind.  I love God because He first loved me.
The Bible says,"Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope:"  Who wants to lug that heavy load around?  Not me, I tell you that much.  If somebody comes on my property with a load of bull and decides to dump it, I just point to the sign that reads, "No Dumping Allowed.  Trespassers Will Be Violated."  Thank you very much God for the blood of Jesus Christ!
Not everything you pick up on the internet is what it first appears.  But this I know.  It is an established fact.  The truth will set you free.  I am free!
The hope of the righteous shall be gladness:  but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.  Proverbs 11:28.
By Grace,
Travis
PS:  Dutch Sheets is the author of the book Intercessory Prayer.  Thanks Dutch for the Word on trespassing.

Lucky Tentoo pt 2

My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  1 Corinthians 2:4-5.
I heard Chuck Pierce and his brother prophesying of a fat bull anointing once.  You can watch a video of it at www.gloryofzion.org.
Was that a Penguin Anointing that fell yesterday at the Spiritual Center?  Hallelujah!  Yes I do believe.  :)
By Grace,
Travis

Lucky Tentoo

Lucky tentoo "sweet potatoes" High altitude - hydroponically grown - wild Mexican yams 

Hydroponics convention uptown - 650 East Stonewall Street - help wanted 

Us

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner:  but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
Who hath saved us, called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Timothy 1:8,9.

This passage at first glance is one which raises up a cry of protest.  Sufferings?  Afflictions?  Who wants more of those?
But there is real comfort in this promise that comes only through meeting the condition.  Verse 9 uses the word "us" three times and "our" once.
This is one of those interesting paradoxes in the Christian life.  I have only a bare understanding and appreciation of it at the moment.
I believe that you have to be careful with this.  Certain segments of Christianity seem to be so opposed to the prosperity gospel that they become obsessed with suffering.  They end up worshiping pain and affliction and sickness.  It sounds like something from a medieval monastery or Catholicism where they preach penance but I've seen it happen in modern churches.
There's a good website that I find helpful at times persecution.com.  Last night it helped me cope tremendously and I just want to pass it along.
By Grace,
TRavis

Whitney

I didn't know Whitney as well as I would have liked to.  We took a class together last Summer and I saw her a few times after that.
She's outrageous when you first meet her.  I didn't really approve of her at first.    It wasn't the tats or the piercings or how much flesh she was showing.  Okay maybe that had something to do with it.
Actually it was the fact that she reminded me of the way I used to be.
One day she did something so outrageous it even got me to crack a smile.  And then a laugh.  And pretty soon it slipped over into a sense of humor.
Looking back it's one of the best lessons I got that whole semester.
I'm sure going to miss, Whitney!
Oh, you thought I was talking about Whitney Houston.  Heck no.  I'm talking about Whitney Leach!

Closing Credits

Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.  Psalm 20:7. 

Last chapter of David's life.  David's swan song so to speak.  He could have written anything he wanted to.  but he chose to write about the brave men who stood by his side.

When God sends a breakthrough it often comes through people God puts in our life.   

Hezro of Carmel wouldn't have seemed like a likely candidate for special mention but in David's eyes he wouldn't have been much without Hezro of Carmel.  

Samson forgot where his anointing came from and he lost it (Judges 16:20).  I don't want to forget where it came from because I can't do what I'm called to do without it.  Actually I should say Him.  I don't want to lose Him.  

Where would I have been without Jeb, Lance, Laurie, Piper, Bryan, Brandon, Fred, Bill?    

  

Mercy Bus

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Psalm 27:13.

This is one of those times when I'm real glad for the King James version.  The reason I bolded the "I had fainted",was because it was already italicized.  Praise God!

I am believer today of that verse and I realize what David meant.  

So many things to be thankful for today.  I've got some work to do on some of it still.  But one I wanted to put up while it's still fresh is,travel mercy.  

I've never really explored that concept before.  Today I went somewhere for a really major appointment and on the way over there it occurred to me that I should pray for travel mercy.

We have not because we ask not.  

Frustrating circumstances do not have to dictate our response.  As Lysa TerKeurst http://lysaterkeurst.com/ said one time and I hope I never forget it, "Our response, determines our impact."

Just because you pray doesn't mean everything will go your way.  As a matter of fact I prayed and didn't even recognize the answer to my prayer. 

What it did was it turned an ordinary encounter at the bus stop into something extraordinary.  

And I got to meet some real nice girls!  

Selah.