Quick Drink from the Vineyard

Most ideas of heaven sound pretty boring.  Who really wants to sit on a cloud and strum a harp?  Maybe that would be okay for a week, but for all of eternity?  Some wonder if we’ll do the cloud thing until we get called to the daily church service that feels never ending.  Just one more song…

I really don’t like the alternative so I guess cloud sitting is better than raising hell.  We usually think about all we’re going to miss: no more football?  No more parties?  No more fun?  We have really missed it!

Fortunately, when we take a thorough look at what God says about heaven, we will be pleasantly surprised.  It is way cooler than I ever thought!  Since heaven is HIS creation and is HIS home, he knows a lot more about it than everyone else.

For the next couple of Sundays, we’re going to take heaven out of the clouds.  On Sunday we’ll see what Scripture actually teaches.  July 19, we’ll wrestle with some of your heaven questions that you text or email to me.  We’ll conclude with a focus on “so what- what does it matter?”  Hope to see you soon.  Have a blessed day!

On July 4th this year I decided to read the Declaration of Independence.  It has been a long time.  I decided to write my own cliff notes version of what I see it say (with apologies to President Thomas Jefferson.)  I did this for me and my kids, but thought we could all use the reminder of what a great gift we have in a free country.

Sometimes it becomes necessary for people to dissolve the political bands which connect them with one another, because the Laws of Nature and God have given the people a sense that they are losing what is theirs.  Decent people will give reasons for the separation so here they are:

We hold these truths to be self-evident presuppositions: all people are created equal and have been blessed by their Creator with certain absolute rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Government is instituted and empowered by the people to help secure these God-given rights.

Whenever a form of government is not making that happen, it is the right of the people to alter the government or abolish it, and to organize a new government that will that will lead to a safe and happy community.  It is smart to not react on a whim; sometimes people have to put up with a lot, but when a long train of abuses and getting jerked around reduces the people to scum-like status, it is the right and duty of the people to throw off that government and to provide new guards for future security.

The Colonies have been pretty patient, but it is necessary to alter the present system of government because the present King of Great Britain has repeatedly been a tyrant jerk over the states.  For example:

He doesn’t recognize laws that are good for us

When laws are made, he has to assent to them, but he blows them off and leave them hanging

He doesn’t allow laws for large groups of people unless they give up their right to representation which is crazy tyrant-like leadership

He calls government to meetings with lots of hoops and red tape, just to wear people out

He dissolved government offices for opposing him.

He doesn’t allow others to be elected, so things get crazy with no leadership

He tries to keep the colonies small, hurting immigration

He obstructs establishing new courts/judges

He makes judges/courts dependent on the King’s wishes.  He holds their paychecks

He creates new offices that harass people

He keeps armies around to intimidate; the military becomes superior to civil power

On the international scale, he seeks to subject us to foreigners

He keeps large bodies of armed troops among us.  If soldiers are accused of wrong doing, the King protects them.

He cuts off our trade with all parts of the world

He imposes taxes without our consent

A lot of time, he deprives us of trial by jury

He transports us to Britain for stupid offenses

He abolishes laws we set up and government we establish

He suspends colonial legislatures and legislates “for us”

He does not protect us, but wages war against us

He has messed with our land, boats, town…and the lives of people

He is hiring mercenaries to keep attacking and intimidating us

He has forced colonists taken captive to kill their own

He has got the Indians to attack us too

In every stage of these oppressions, we have humbly asked for redress, but we are constantly blown off and things have gotten worse.  A tyrant is unfit to rule a free people.  We’ve warned the British legislature of taking unwarranted jurisdiction over us.  We reminded them of our history of coming to America.  We’ve sought common ground with our brothers, but it has fallen on deaf ears.  So they are choosing to be enemies in war while we’d prefer to be friends in peace.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, appealing to God, the Supreme Judge of the world, do, in the name and authority of the good people of the colonies, publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and ought to be, free and independent states.  We no longer have allegiance to the British crown.  All political connection between the colonies and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved. 

We, as free and independent states, have the power to levy war, conclude peace, make alliances, establish commerce, and do all all the kinds of things that free states do.  And for the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of Divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.  

John Hancock, President

and 54 others…

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.”