The Heavenly Man - You'll want to read

The Heavenly Man

The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Brother Yun

with Paul Hattaway

Monarch Books, Mill Hill, London & Grand Rapids, Michigan 2002

Where would I start? A book of 350 pages that would normally take me a month to read, if I attempted it at all, I’ve just read in about twenty-four hours – from front to cover. Although it reads like a spy thriller, it’s very simple and childlike in the way it tells it’s story, really unlike anything I’ve ever read. I would consider it like a small satchel of dynamite - no, more like an exceeding small, nuclear literary bomb for all the explosive information, truth, and life it contains!

I just finished reading it in the middle of the night in Japan. My mind is still swirling with what I’ve seen and thought, and heard and read. I don’t want the most precious things I've read to be blown away by thoughts or activity before my mind stores them in my heart for beauty, safe keeping, and later use.

I’ve always wondered about the underground church in China, which I believe is the largest and most powerful in the world. Now through the eyes of one of its leaders and founders, his wife, and friends – I feel like I’ve had a college course on that underground church and today's world spiritual affairs. More so, I feel like I know this hero and heroine, who would disdain my calling them that. I consider them valuable friends and counselors – friends who have reawakened me to a way of life and joy.

I found myself crying tears of joy and sadness for all people and China as I read. I found myself crying for myself, and some spiritual and emotional healing I need; but haven’t understood or identified. I felt a wave of the Spirit’s presence bring healing to these mysterious hurts and injuries. I know the healing will show itself soon in a fuller life and better relationships. I can’t remember the last time I wept, or appreciated Jesus more.

By now, you know whether the Spirit is impressing you to read this epic journey with kingdom and worldly insights or not? Enjoy! -=db=- (Thanks Brad!)

Early voting begins Today!

Below are partial remarks about the upcoming election from Dr. James Dobson, a man we all respect and admire for his lifetime of ministry and action in support of “the family” in our USA. The links at the bottom are provided with his full remarks, for sharing, emailing and for printing. -=db=-

“Dear Friends,

Can you feel the tension in the air? The nation—and indeed, the world—is holding its collective breath as the final days of the presidential campaign wind down …. By this time next month, we’ll know whether Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama will be inaugurated in January as the 44th President of the United States.

Let’s start with the need to elect a pro-family, pro-life President. The importance of this objective cannot be overstated. Between 2009 and 2012, there will likely be two or more opportunities for the President to nominate new justices to the Supreme Court. Some court watchers say there could be as many as four resignations. That alone should give us serious pause as we consider for whom to cast our votes. In the months ahead, the Supreme Court will likely hand down rulings that will impact America for generations to come. We need a President who will nominate conservative, strict-constructionist judges to the Court. If that doesn’t happen, the highest court in the land could become stacked—even more than it already is—with justices who will endeavor to legislate from the bench and impose a liberal agenda on the nation. It will likely affect the definition of marriage, religious freedom, and the protection (or lack thereof) of life in the womb. It’s probably obvious which of the two major party candidates’ views are most palatable to those of us who embrace a pro-life, pro-family worldview. While I will not endorse either candidate this year, I can say that I am now supportive of Senator John McCain and his bid for the presidency. My concern is for the biblical and moral values that I and millions of Americans hold dear. I will gladly support politicians of any stripe who are willing to defend the sanctity of human life, support the institution of traditional marriage, protect the country from terrorism and advance the cause of religious liberty. While certainly not perfect, the 2008 Republican platform comes closest to embracing those ideals by a wide margin.

Finally, I am deeply concerned about the tax and spend policies Senator Obama will impose on the American people if he is elected, especially in light of the current financial crisis. This is not the time to be taking money out of the economy, yet, he has proposed enormous new federal programs and entitlements that will cost multiple billions of dollars.

…. Arkansas voters will decide whether to prevent couples living together out of wedlock— heterosexual or homosexual—from adopting children or serving as foster parents. …. I implore you to spend the few days remaining before the election researching the various amendments, ballot measures, and local and national candidates. Then, exercise your responsibility before God to vote on or before Nov 4. Regardless of your political views, I want to urge Christians everywhere to be in prayer about this election. Spend time with the Lord, asking Him to guide and direct those privileged to cast a ballot. If you are able, I would also encourage you to fast and pray immediately before the election. After all, it was the Reverend Billy Graham who once said that “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” Amen, Dr. Graham.

This election is about the future of the nation, but it will also go a long way toward determining the culture your children and grandchildren will come to know. I know you will vote with your children and your children’s children in mind. That certainly puts the election in a different light, doesn’t it?

You know my heart on these issues, and I hope you understand that I am less concerned with politicians and political parties than I am with the timeless biblical principles that those parties have the power to either strengthen or damage. No candidate is perfect, whether in this election or any other. Please don’t make your decisions lightly. There is simply too much at stake. May God grant each of us wisdom as Nov. 4 approaches.

Sincerely,

James C. Dobson, Ph.D.

Founder and Chairman”

Please share this with your friends and family.

http://www.citizenlink.org/pdfs/2008-10-c4newsletter.pdf

http://www.citizenlink.org/

[Arkansans * A wise man and friend from Central Arkansas also encourages us "Vote for Adoption Act 1" and "Vote No on Lottery & Casino Amendment 3."]

Mission Statement 2008-2009

As men and followers of Jesus Christ our mission is to Guard what has been entrusted to us. I Tim 6:20 Our example is the Lord Jesus when He stated in John 17:12 that He guarded them that had been given to Him and that not one of them perished. Therefore, we believe one of the primary roles of a mature man of God is to guard and protect those that have been given to him; be it wife, family, co-workers, or friends. Our goal is to encourage and instruct on how to be that mature man, so that we might each become a well honed sword, useful in the hand of the Lord. We realize we are inadequate in ourselves to accomplish this and seek to overcome our weakness by committing to personally seek the Lord and thereby experiencing the consequent empowerment of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 2 Tim 1:14 We also affirm the need and acknowledge the strength gained by consistent fellowship and submitting in accountability to one another. With Christ’s help we are determined to do all these things and to fulfill our destinies as men. We meet on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm at CCF. Come join us in our pursuit of God! -=Brian Fields=-

Inside your dish first...spend time with God

"The beginning of all reform must be in yourselves. However restricted your circumstances, however little you may be able to remedy financial affairs, you can always turn to yourselves, and seeing something not in order there, seek to right that.
As all reform is from within out, you will always find the outward has improved too. To do this is to release the imprisoned God-Power within you.
That power, once operative, will immediately perform miracles. Then indeed shall your mourning be turned into Joy." God Calling, Edited by A.J. Russell October 16

"... First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." Jesus (Matthew 23:26 NIV)

Regain the Prophetic Call

Regain the Prophetic Call by Charles Simpson, October, 2008

This article has unusual clarity (usual for prophets, I guess!) and brings unusually clear focus to following Christ in our day and moment. It resonates with Bob Sorge’s book on Job, and Greg McNutt’s recent word to the CCF men.

I share these few paragraphs here, and I’ve ordered newsletters for each one of you who asks me.

“In August, I made a three-week trip through the Midwest all the way to Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and many states in between them and Alabama. Driving and fellowshipping gave me a fresh perspective. I was able to sit with and talk with a very diverse group of people – some wealthy, some intellectual, and some seemingly at the very bottom of society. Some were pastors, some were business people, and some were struggling with various desperate needs.

I also read several books: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom; Always by My Side by Jim Nantz; Letters from Dad by Greg Vaughn; In His Steps by Charles Sheldon; and Prophetic Untimeliness by Os Guinness. In addition, I have read and reread Isaiah 58-61, Luke 4, and the Book of James. I am more convinced than ever that Armenians need to read the book of Romans and Calvinists need to read the book of James.

I wish that I could give a synopsis of each book and my travel experience, but I cannot do that here. However, I came away with two deep desires’ first, to minister to those who understand that they need help – the spiritually hungry. Second, to pass on Truth to the next generation. Here are some conclusions that I want to honestly share with you:

• I am not where I want to be spiritually; I must regain focus.
• I cannot do everything that I want to do, but I can do something if I can focus.
• I cannot ignore the needs that Jesus addressed and still be a follower of Him.
• Doing religion as usual is futile.
• If the world is to glorify God, we must go “out there” (see Matthew 5:13-16).
• The world is in significant transition; it is time for serious prayer and action.
• If I am to be prophetic, I must see and address the future correctly and act accordingly. I need the anointing of His Spirit to do that.
• I must be willing to bear the pain of seeing what I cannot personally change.

These are personal issues that continue to be at work, right now, in me.”

These are personal issues that continue to be at work, right now, in me. How about you?

-=db=-

Move Forward

Greg McNutt, our CCF brother and a missionary to Brazil for many years now, spoke at our September Men’s Meeting a couple weeks ago. He began with a few strong prophetic words and thoughts I want to share with you here and now.

“You can’t stop now!” or “Don’t stop now.” [In your spiritual journey or life walk with God.] “Keep your feet moving.” “Keep yourself free of excess baggage.” This is not a time to build your dream house!” “Haven’t you had enough of slavery?” [To sin, sinful habits, the world, Egypt – my thoughts, but his inference.] These are special times.

His text was Exodus 14:14-16. It’s the story of Moses parting the Red Sea, the people journeying to safety and deliverance, and the Lord destroying their enemies. Please read it! The whole chapter, and meditate on it. (1) The people cry out to Moses about their fears and the helpless situation. Moses tells them to “be still and watch” the actions and deliverance of their God. (2) Moses cries out to God, evidenced by God’s speaking to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me?” (3) Then God tells Moses to “tell the people to move forward.” Don’t stop now! Move toward the Red Sea in spite of your fears and hopelessness. [Note what God does! How He stands between them and their enemies.] (4) Then He tells Moses to do as simple, easy thing. “Stand, and stretch your rod toward the sea.” Just be sensitive to My voice, obey, and do the simple things I direct, seeing what power and authority I’ve invested and trusted to the servant of the Lord. The rest is history.

It’s also the future. It’s also now – our times, our lives, where we live. Let His Word, and this word dwell richly in you.

He continued telling about an hours worth of “sound bite” examples from movies, stories, and peoples lives of having vision, faith in God, and living life to the maximum. “Sea Biscuit” was one such example. Several broken lives and dreams are reenergized by circumstances, hope, and the courage to take some risks and walk it out. Healing, relationships, and success come through the journey and lives well lived.

Greg finished talking about passion for Jesus. “Passion for Jesus fuels all the above”. It’s the gasoline, the fuel, the energy – our motivation and power, for living such a life and having such a rewarding journey. A journey of relationships with others, and the King.

Take some time! Get some habits! To nurture this relationship with Jesus. He’s worthy. You and yours will be blessed – now and in eternity. -=db=-