See You Next Year!

Just a quick note that this will be our last entry for 2008. We will be doing some traveling to see family and I won't have my computer. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!

Bloggin' together

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Joyeux Noël

Feliz Navidad to you and your loved ones! I found this website which has Merry Christmas in all these different languages. Looking over the list, I'm partial to the French and Spanish. Regardless of where we are from, it's all about Jesus...

The reason for the season

We tried to attend a Christmas eve service at the Convention Center earlier today but the kid's nap schedule didn't work out. Strangely their sleeping was so unlike any other day. Abigail went to bed at 12:30 am and Isaac past 1:00 am. It was as if they knew the importance of staying up to celebrate the birth of Christ. We wound up having an impromptu candlelight worship in our living room a little before midnight. I took out my guitar and we sang "Silent Night" and "Happy Birthday" both with drum accompaniment courtesy of Isaac. Then Isaac blew out the candles and we did our family hug dance/cheer and thanked God in prayer. It was a good way to start Abigail's first Christmas. I pray your day is filled with joy, peace, and the presence of our loving God!

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel—
which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

The Spirit of the Season

During this Advent season, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into this world and expectantly await his return in glory. Many talk about the "Christmas spirit" of joy, giving, peace, hope, goodwill, thankfulness, and love. I believe what people are really identifying is the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22-23).

The Tabernacle (Temple) in the wilderness

The Bible teaches that Christians are a temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor 3:16). Just as the glory of God made a dwelling in the Tabernacle, the Spirit of God lives in the hearts of believers. Perhaps the greatest challenge for the majority of the church is understanding and getting to know the Holy Spirit. Do we believe that intimacy is even possible with the third person of the Trinity? We must not only believe it, but we must experience it. Of the three persons of God, the Holy Spirit is the only one on earth- God the Father is in heaven and Jesus is seated at His right hand (cf. Col 3:1). This Christmas let us not only bring our gifts to Jesus, let us enjoy and embrace the gift he has given to us- our Comforter. The Holy Spirit is fully God, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Do you hear his voice?

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you." John 16:13-14

America's Pastor?

President-elect Barack Obama announced that Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church will deliver the invocation at his inauguration. It was a bold decision which was met with harsh criticism from liberals, especially abortion and gay rights activists. Obama defended his decision by reiterating the importance for unity even in the midst of differing viewpoints. You can read more about this story here.

Obama and Warren earlier this year at the
Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion

AP Photo

I am not quite certain how to assess Obama's choice from a political standpoint, but I am very encouraged that a strong ambassador of the faith has the opportunity to serve this nation at the highest level of government. Rick Warren has even been called America's Pastor, seemingly carrying on the mantle of Billy Graham (and his son) in ministering to our country and her leaders. Learn more about Pastor Rick by clicking here. Let us continue to pray for God's grace upon our leaders and a great spiritual awakening of all people in America!

"Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?"
Psalm 85:6

Dadsense

As a follow up to yesterday's post, Anita Renfroe offers a rendition of her "Momsense" song just for dads. It is funny but sadly not far from the truth...

Anita Renfroe

Jenney just learned about a comedian named Anita Renfroe. She is the wife of a Baptist pastor, mother of three, and special guest for the Women of Faith conferences. She became an internet sensation when her "Momsense" song was posted on YouTube. The lyrics consist of what a typical mother says to her children in a day, condensed to less than three minutes and set to operatic music. She is truly gifted and has a sincere mother's heart. Take a look below.

If you want to see the lyrics, click here.

Isaac as a Baby

Yesterday's post reminded me of the days when Isaac was a baby. It really is not just a cliché that kids grow up too fast. I sincerely miss the times we shared watching our son in his first year of life. We used to comfort Isaac down to sleep with David Crowder's "All I Can Say". Crowder saved us from countless hours of crying with this beautiful song. Check it out below.

And the result was...

A baby Isaac relaxed and at peace

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Jenney and I are realizing that parents are not meant to raise kids on their own. There is so much blessing from having a community of people build into our children. It also benefits the sanity of mom and dad. Being away from family, we find help wherever we can. Matt Redman is an important part of our lives- his music serenades Abigail each night. For some reason Abigail drifts off to sleep as I dance with her to his song "Worthy, You are Worthy". You can listen to it below.

Abigail usually out before the bridge

Thanks, Uncle Matt!

First Snow

Today the temperature dipped below freezing and we experienced our first snowfall in Redding! According to our neighbors, this is a rare occurrence- it only happened once all last year. This is actually the first time Isaac and Abigail have seen snow falling from the sky. It's nice that our family is in a place that experiences more distinct seasons, although I prefer warmer climates. Hopefully the kids will also have a chance to make a snowman and go sledding one of these days. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Enjoying the winter wonderland

Maria Woodworth-Etter

Maria was a grandmother of the Pentecostal movement and a pioneer for women in ministry. She was born on July 22, 1844 in Lisbon, OH. According to Robert Liardon's book (God's Generals), “There hasn’t been a greater demonstrator of God’s Spirit since the book of Acts in Pentecostal history than Maria Woodworth-Etter. She was an incredible woman of vision and spiritual strength who stood in the face of fierce opposition, lifted her tiny hand, and allowed the Holy Spirit to spread His fire. Sister Etter lived in the realm of the spirit as a powerful vessel of God's divine leading and His supernatural manifestations. She was a faithful friend of heaven, choosing to lose her earthly reputation to gain a spiritual one.” (p. 47) Learn more about Maria and her amazing ministry here.

John Alexander Dowie

Born on May 25, 1847 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Dowie was known as a healing Apostle. He transformed the city of Chicago through the power of the Holy Spirit , especially through healing.

A trophy wall of medical devices no longer needed by people
who were healed through Dowie's ministry

Dowie is probably best remembered as the founder of Zion, IL. Though his life did not end well (even considered an impostor by many), there is much to glean from studying his journey. He demonstrated how an individual can be used by God to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit to not only change lives but an entire city. He influenced many leaders such as John G. Lake, Charles Parham, and Gordon Lindsay. Read more about Dowie and his ministry by clicking here.

Hard to Blog

Thankfully, the school I am attending is more focused on developing intimacy with God and growth in character versus academic scholarship. Seminary would have been extremely challenging (at least with the reading and writing assignments) being married with two kids. I don't know how some of my classmates with families managed at Fuller. All this to say, it's been hard to blog the past two weeks. Thanks for your patience...

The reason for no posts in over a week

God's Generals

I am currently reading "God's Generals"by Roberts Liardon. It is a fascinating compilation of twelve heroes of the faith: John Alexander Dowie, Maria Woodworth-Etter, Evan Roberts, Charles F. Parham, William J. Seymour, John G. Lake , Smith Wigglesworth, Aimee Semple McPherson, Kathryn Kuhlman, William Branham, Jack Coe, and A.A. Allen.

Ordinary people empowered by the Holy Spirit
to do extraordinary things

It's interesting that many believers do not know much or have never heard of these leaders. These "Generals" are models for how we can partner with God to advance His Kingdom on earth in a supernatural way. That's the call of the church. May we be a generation that not only remembers the servants of the past but seeks to minister with an even greater mantle and anointing.

"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
II Chronicles 16:9