Quick Drink from the Vineyard

Something happened to the Vineyard softball team last night.  It started out that the other team scored only 2 runs.  Our thinking: “ok, not bad; it is only 2-0.”  Then we scored 2!  Our thinking: “well this is different; we tied the score.”  Jay caught a couple of line drives & later on we went up 6-4.   You could see the minds churning behind the surprised eyes: “we’re actually winning.”  In one critical inning, there were players on base; you could almost hear the thoughts, “here we go again.”  The batter hit a screaming line drive to right center field that was arching away from Billy Murray.  Billy took a lunging stab and caught the ball!  The team turned a corner: “we began to believe that we could win the game.”  Even though our score fell short at the end (10-13), we won a huge victory in our hearts.  There were cheers, optimism, fun, hustle, and unity.  We believe we can win together.

A key milestone in our journey with Jesus is to begin to believe that we can win…we can, through His strength, overcome (remember Sunday’s message- Philippians 4:13&19!) The “opposition” points out every time that we have made an error, struck out, or lost. 

Jesus asks, “do you believe?”   One man answered, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.”  As we come to freedom Sunday, asking God to release us and bring generational healing, we believe that “whom the Son sets free is free indeed!” (John 8.36)

Our garden is growing crazy.   Tomato plants are over 6 feet tall!  Look back at previous posts and see what happened in 3 months; Grandma would be proud.  We decided not to settle for a well managed garden.  We want a garden that flourishes!  So we pinch off the sucker shoots, we water, we spray, we nurture.

In life we reach the crossroads:”do I live a well managed life or do I flourish?”  Many people resign themselves to a decent life.  Job, car, vacation, friends.  Jesus said, “I have come that you might have an abundant life.”  Jesus wants us to have a flourishing life.  A flourishing life is a fought-for life.  Jesus said the enemy comes to steal, kill, destroy.  So we must fight to move beyond status-quo ~ image is everything view.  It is so easy for me to settle for a half-baked marriage or typical church.  School becomes an issue of grades and not learning.  Church is a Sunday gig at best.  Friendships are wonderful just when we’re lonely.

NO!  I want a life that flourishes!  I go after God.  We’ve got to snip off the sucker shoots and flourish.  Listen; apologize; grab coffee; pray; read Scripture.  Ask Jesus to prune your garden and water your soul…then watch out!

The disabled car bottled traffic to one lane.   An 18 wheeler was approaching the scene just a bit, but not much, after my little Toyota Echo.  I was just about to break and yield to the truck; he was bigger and he was going faster.  From the side of the street a S.C. State Trooper accessed the possible collision.  He stepped into the road and held up a halting hand to the truck and waved me through.  The trucker quickly slowed down and waited for me to pass.

The officer used his authority to stop the rig.  His position, his badge, and his gun, give him the legal right to exercise authority in the state of SC.  His little hand stopped a big truck while his other hand waved me through.

Its 4:30 a.m. and I’ve been awake listening to the wind, rain, and thunder.  I’ve watch lightning streak across the sky.  I thought of Jesus who calmed the storm.  He healed the sick, he freed the spiritually oppressed.  The crowds were amazed because He acted with authority.  He held us his hand and said “sickness, no further!”  Jesus has all authority.  His position as the King and his charge from the Father give him the legal right to exercise authority in SC, and way beyond, to the remote places of the universe.  He acts with authority and He has stripped the authority of the enemy.

It is almost as amazing to consider that the One in authority gives us authority.  We have the backing of the Sovereign Lord and the charge of the King to participate in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  In Luke 10, Jesus gave 72 people authority to go.  They were totally amazed what one word could do to the enemy.

As we pray, as we fight, as we choose joy, as we practice truth, let us step boldly into the road and in the authority and name of the Lord Jesus, hold up our hand and tell the enemy, “no further,” while with our other hand we welcome the Holy Spirit to come.

Kent Moore is passionate about being on mission with God.  This Sunday he brings his challenge to the Charleston Vineyard.  Kent and his wife, Janna, recently adopted an African-American boy.  Isaiah is one cool little guy!  Kent and Janna planted the Savannah Vineyard over 5 years ago and they bring a wealth of experience to us this Sunday.  Hope you can make it

Many will recall the investment we made this spring in a garden.  It is looking great!  God has brought a good mix of sun and rain and little tomatoes and peppers are growing.  I was amazed at how well it was growing until I went out to water and found my big tomato plant had been an early morning meal for deer.  My neighbor told me about liquid fence that we put on the plants to keep the deer and squirrels away. 

I think I need liquid fence in my heart.  My soul begins to grow and the Spirit is bringing a good mix of rain and sun.  One day I feel like I’m being chewed up.

Bambi lovers forgive the connection, but in this quick drink, the deer is a type of the devil.  Scripture says he comes to steal, kill, and destroy.  The deer meant no harm, he was hungry.  Satan, the slanderer and deceiver, wants to destroy any fruit from your life.  He uses anxiety, compromise, and temptation.  There is no liquid fence to keep him at bay, but we overcome him by…ok, let’s skip the sermon; here are a couple of verses for you to meditate on today.  Liquid fence for the soul…

^{Revelation 12:11}They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb  and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much  as to shrink from death.

^{1 Corinthians 10:13}No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

^{Romans 16.19}Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.  ²⁰The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.  The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

^{Ephesians 6:10}Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

This morning’s message focused on battling anxiety:  We’ve got to fight it!

1. Praising God: rejoice in the Lord always…He is near!
2. Praying to God: by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God that surpasses our understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Practicing Truth: whatever is true…think on these things

So what can I do today to help live out Paul’s encouragement?  Here are a couple of suggestions.  If something works for you (either listed here or your own suggestion, why not post a response on this blog?

• Praising God?  Put on a CD of worship music.  Read Psalm 40 or Psalm 77 outloud.  Go take walk on beach or in the woods and compliment Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Praying to God?  Write a very specific letter to God.      Ask a friend to pray with you.  Email info@VCharleston.com and ask to set up prayer appointment. 
• Practicing Truth?  Meditate on Matthew 6:25-34 or Ephesians 1-3 this week.  Check out http://www.ficm.org/whoiam.htm .  Memorize Philippians 4:6-7.  Confess your anxiety to a trusted follower of Jesus. 

A text came to my phone last week, “if I kill myself, will I go to heaven to see my dad?”  I found out it was a young man I”ve known for years who was hurting deeply.  After several texts back and forth, I found him out by the water.  We talked for awhile.  People want to pay him back.  Girlfriend problems.  Anxious nights. Money issues.  Poor choices.  Lonely times.  I prayed with him and asked Jesus to come into his situation and bring hope.

This Sunday, the Vineyard is picking up the hatchet and axing anxiety.  Anxiety is choking the life out of many.   More than a few feel suicidal, others are depressed or anxious.  Will we have jobs tomorrow?  Bread to eat?  A home to live in?  Will I feel better?  Will the creditors stop calling?  Will she still love me?  What if I fail? 

Let’s fight it together.

“Some men storm imaginary Alps all their lives, and die in the foothills cursing difficulties which do not exist.”  ~Edgar Watson Howe

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?               ~ Jesus Christ

Charleston has been home since 1994; I love our city. For nearly four years though I lived in a Missouri town totaling 283 people. No stoplights. No gasoline. No cops. What Houstonia lacked in pharmacies and restaurants, it made up in gardens and farm land…acres and acres of beans, corn, and wheat. The pace was a bit slower and patience became a virtue.We couldn’t hurry the harvest, but when it came, oh the sweet corn on the cob!

Planting in April

This April, we planted a garden. After a month it is exciting to see our tomato plants growing. We’ve watered and we’ve watched it grow. We can hardly wait for fresh cantalope!

Scripture uses farm pictures about our growth. It is a long process with sweet results! God makes our seeds grow. He prunes excess in us. He is the Master of the harvest. As our roots dig deep into the soil of His love, we grow in closeness with God and impact in our world. I love that, but I want instant fruit and maturity in a moment. I stumbled yesterday, but the Gardener came and pulled some weeds.

Growing in May

I’ve found that God does not hurry the harvest, for me or the Vineyard. When this truth roots, we live in more grace. We’re more patient with others and we forgive ourselves.

It is awesome to see many who seek a growing life and a fruitful Vineyard! As we come into summer with new opportunities to encounter God, enjoy people, and engage the world, let’s pray:

“Jesus, please plant more seeds in us. Cut off the excess. Shower us in your love. May the Son shine in our hearts so we bear much fruit. For your honor and fame! Amen.”

My driving was interrupted yesterday by a flock of geese slowly waddling across the street.  This was a big difference to the recent time a flock of geese flew in V formation so close to me that I could hear their feathers swishing through the air.  Isn’t that where geese are to be? – soaring through the air not hobbling on web feet.

 As I drove away, an inner Voice asked, “How often do you waddle when you have wings to soar?”  How many times have our flights been grounded by harsh words spoken over us, poor choices we’ve made, or memories of disappointment?  So we waddle for years thinking our wings have been clipped, but our King says,

“The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken,
announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.”  -Isaiah 61

Remember on “Top Gun” when Maverick gave up flying after Goose was killed?  The story line is too often repeated!

Jesus offers to bring healing and wholeness.  He wants to tell us the Truth. 

On Mother’s Day we prayed over the women…from little girls to grandmas.  A lot of tears were shed as God’s blessing, love, and affirmation were shared.  I’m excited to see how God continues to affirm and empower through His Spirit.  The Vineyard is becoming a people where God’s grace flows to the hurting and broken.  He restores our souls and asks us to fly on the heights with Him, and we get to invite others to the same Joy.  That is His heart.

The end of the goose story?  Awhile later, guess what came on the car radio?  Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.”  “Lord help me, I can’t change.”

But He changes me!  So let’s ask Him today, “Lord help me, I can’t change.”  And He responds:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” 

–Isaiah 40