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God’s Favorite Place on Earth

May 1, 2013 in Uncategorized with 3 Comments

When Frank sent me a copy of his latest book, I was keen to read it because I knew it looked at the lives of Mary and Martha and their brother, Lazarus.

God’s favorite place when he lived on earth was their home in Bethany, the place where Jesus was accepted unconditionally and where he returned, time and time again. Part fiction (the moving story of Jesus in Bethany is narrated by Lazarus) and part insightful theology, Frank uses the story to help people facing many kinds of challenges–doubt, discouragement, fear, materialism. He demonstrates in a practical way how to deal with offense, both by God–when he doesn’t meet our expectations or doesn’t show up on time–or from others who may hurt or reject us. He challenges us to live a life free from offense.

I’ve studied the Gospels on many occasions, but certain things became clearer to me as I read this book. I saw details that had escaped me before. Example: I’d never noticed that Jesus’ ascension occurred in Bethany. The conversation between Jesus and Martha about his resurrection took on fresh power.

Frank writes powerfully and poetically. He challenges  us, both as individuals and corporately, to love and follow Jesus wholeheartedly and to be a place where Jesus “feels at home.”

For those who purchase God’s Favorite Place on Earth between now and May 7th, you will get 25 free gifts. You can find out how to claim these here.

Another movement?

April 22, 2013 in Uncategorized with 2 Comments

A fascinating video on Youtube called Piercing the Veil by Lance Wallnau expresses this concept:

Certain Kingdom truths are veiled—the enemy keeps them hidden from God’s people  who have a veil over their minds and spirits. If someone tries to break through,  they hit a barrier. Finally a few pierce the veil, but at great personal price. Then it seems that God opens people’s eyes–gives them revelation from the Scriptures–and  the floodgates open. Anyone can walk into the “new” truth. Whole movements begin.

Wallnau’s conclusion?  Once you reach critical mass on a revelation, everyone gets access easily to what was once contested territory.

Here are some examples:

Justification by faith: Prior to Martin Luther, the church taught that people could “buy” their salvation–hence the sale of indulgences. Martin Luther knew that this wasn’t the way to salvation but he had many years of doubt and questions as he struggled to understand the truth. Finally God opened his eyes to “see” justification by faith. At a similar point in time, others, like Zwingli, came into the same truth. The truth spread rapidly as the Scriptures were made available in the language of the common people. From that point onwards, salvation by faith has been a truth open to all. It’s so obvious in the Scriptures that you wonder how people could have missed it.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit:  The Pentecostal/charismatic movements began in Azusa Street in 1906. Prior to this, a few people, after days and weeks of tarrying, might be filled with the Holy Spirit. Once God illumined the Scriptures, it became easy for people to experience. Now, the reality of the Holy Spirit, including the spiritual gifts, is widely accepted and people  are easily filled with the Holy Spirit.

I would put simple/organic/house church into a similar bracket. When we first became involved in this movement nearly 20 years ago, the idea that it didn’t take specially trained clergy to start a church was revolutionary and controversial. But again, God illumined the Scriptures. Now the concept has become mainstream, (according to the Pew Forum, 9% of Protestants meet this way) and its acceptable for ordinary people to gather in their homes to worship and to start churches working primarily with not-yet-believers.

I believe we are on the verge of the same thing happening with women. God is illumining the Scriptures. It may just be that I’m more aware of it, but it seems that everywhere I turn, people are interested in this topic. God is in the process of bringing this subject to the forefront. There’s a groundswell–a huge change of opinion, an awakening to its relevance to the Kingdom.

God is in the process of piercing the veil, and women everywhere will be set free to co-labor alongside men in the Kingdom.

What could happen as a result?

 Photo Credit: john14:6 via Compfight cc

Why I write…

March 15, 2013 in Uncategorized with 9 Comments

A number of years ago, we hosted a wonderful couple, Lynn and Linda Reddick in our home. They often give a word to people from the Lord (prophesy), and what they say is usually very accurate. During one of the gatherings we had, Linda spoke very emphatically to me.

“The Lord has called you to write,” she said. She repeated it several times. In fact, she came back to it time and time again.

My heart sank. I loathed writing with a passion. I would never respond to letters, (if you leave them long enough, any reply becomes irrelevant) and avoided writing whenever possible. I’m not sure why–maybe it tied in with having to write so many dry, scientific papers during high school and medical training.

I felt so strongly that she was wrong that I went up to her afterwards.

“I’m sorry, but you got this one wrong. I hate writing. There’s no way I’m ever going to write.”

I’ve since apologized to her.

 Photo Credit: splorp via Compfight cc

I started writing when Tony lured me away to northern California on a “writing vacation” so we could co-author a book together. He promised the mornings writing and the afternoons and evenings enjoying the magnificent coastline. I fell for it. The scenery was spectacular and the writing part wasn’t as bad as I thought.

By this time we had helped to start House2House, and so many questions were coming in that I wrote a manual that we could point people to save time responding to each person at length individually. Then followed two other books, An Army of Ordinary People  and Small Is Big!  Then an enhanced ebook on hearing God that is available as a free download if you subscribe to Simply Church. Currently I’m in the middle of compiling a book on women.

I now love writing! It’s what the Lord has called me to do. Charlie “Tremendous” Jones once said, “You will be the same in five years as you are today except for two things; the people you meet and the books you read.” I’m motivated by the thought that something I write might possibly change people’s lives for the better.

Why do I tell you this?

I’ve found blogging to be one of the most effective ways to reach people. On any given day, as far as I can tell, more people are reading my posts than might be reading a book I’ve written. I started this blog to, as the title says, give people an insider perspective on the simple/organic church movement. I wanted to equip people in a number of areas. My passions include starting churches amongst not-yet-believers, which is far easier and more effective than working with existing Christians, and helping people avoid the “Honey, I shrunk the church!” syndrome.

A few months ago, I started blogging about women in ministry, as much as anything to gauge the reaction of people to the topic and to make sure the book that I’m helping to compile “scratches where it itches.” To my great surprise, the readership of my blog increased almost overnight, and other blogging indicators demonstrated that people are spending more time reading my posts. I still cannot account for this except that the Holy Spirit is causing an interest amongst many on this subject. Could this be one of the next moves of the Holy Spirit?

Some of you reading this get my blog via Google Reader. On Wednesday, Google announced that they are closing this at the beginning of July. (Bummer–I read some blogs via this too.) However, the blogs I really want to stay current with, I subscribe to via email. Can I suggest that if you currently use Google reader for this blog, that you instead subscribe via email. (Another option: the techno gurus I read  suggest  Feedly as a viable alternative and it already has migration instructions from Google Reader posted. But I’m sure there will be many more options in the coming months.)

And finally, thank you to all who do read this blog, who’ve stayed with me through good posts and bad, and especially to those who join the conversation by commenting. I appreciate you all.

Just for laughs…

March 13, 2013 in Kingdom Women, Uncategorized with 4 Comments

Tony and I laughed out loud over these “inspired comments” that Reinhold, a friend of ours from years ago, posted on my post listing eighteen things I was taught about being a woman. So I thought I would pass some of them on for you to enjoy too. The “inspired comments” are in red italics.

Photo Credit: Viewminder via Compfight cc

Of course I can lead, but only through my influence on my husband – so I better master the high art of man-ipulation.

I can never hold any position of strategic influence or leadership in the church – they would have to build ladies’ toilets on the leadership floor.

Because Eve was deceived, I, as a woman, am more open to deception than a man – so I better not ask him to use his credit card.

God only uses a woman when a man isn’t available. (This permits women on the mission field.) I am thinking of starting a female jazz quartet..

My husband is the leader; I am there to serve his calling and vision. His destiny is the one that counts. After all, it’s called History and not Herstory, right?

My husband is the priest of our home. And priestesses are not biblical anyways

I have to be very careful about what I wear in case I cause a man to lust. And brown is the only color permitted for those woollen socks.

A strong woman probably has a “Jezebel spirit” - so, for God´s sake, beware of dogs!

I shouldn’t take the initiative but pray for my husband to do so in order that I can follow his lead. “Lead him not into temptation” being the main prayer theme.

I always have to obey my husband, willing submitting even if I know he’s wrong. Just don’t let the children know ….

If God uses me to lead/teach men in any way, it’s like God speaking through Balaam’s donkey–an aberration. I should learn I-a, Y-a, j-a so to have something to say

There are no such thing as women elders – they always look younger anyways.

Once I have children, my place is in the home. Let him drive them to school.

There are plenty of ministries I can involve in–prayer and women’s ministries, Sunday School and making the coffee. I should be content with this and not seek to use my gifting outside of those prescribed boundaries. You might run into the danger of making church a better place.

And now for a little light relief…

February 6, 2013 in Uncategorized with 3 Comments

The last few posts have been very heavy on theology, so a little light relief is in order.

This video is a hilarious satire that packs a punch. Produced by some friends of ours in Kentucky, it even shows our book, The Rabbit and the Elephant, now available in paperback under the title Small Is Big! Enjoy!

(If the video doesn’t show you can view it here.)

Once upon a time, before there were conferences and books…

January 21, 2013 in Uncategorized with 3 Comments

… there was a magazine called House2House.

I remember the occasion well. It was in the fall of the year, 2000. Jim Mellon and David Underwood, both leaders of simple/organic/house church networks in Central Texas, contacted Tony and me.

“Can we get together with you. We’ve had this great idea and we’d like you to get involved.”

When we met up at a House of Pancakes in Waco, TX,  they floated the concept of a print magazine to encourage and resource people who were interested in house churches. We loved the idea because we had seen the impact of magazines on a move of the Holy Spirit in which we had been involved in the UK. So we agreed to help.

Over the course of the next 8 years or so, we produced several issues of the magazine, mailing them out to thousands of people around the world. The response was outstanding. We heard from many people about the impact the magazine had made in their lives and in that of their churches. We heard story after story of how it sparked conversation when other people saw it sitting on a coffee table. It communicated a powerful message that contributed to the growing movement. Now there are millions of Christians meeting together as the church in homes, coffee shops, businesses and wherever they can.

As the Internet gained traction, we eventually stopped producing it as a physical magazine, (at least in part because of the expense), but over the years, we have often discussed the benefits of producing another one.

Enter Kickstarter.

For those of you who are not familiar with Kickstarter, it is a “funding platform for creative projects. Everything from films, games, and music to art, design, and technology. Kickstarter is full of ambitious, innovative, and imaginative projects that are brought to life through the direct support of others.”

Here’s how it works. People develop a product that they put up on Kickstarter with a financial goal that would enable them to bring it to fulfillment. They tell everybody they know about it and people can pledge to support the project. “Every project creator sets their project’s funding goal and deadline. If people like the project, they can pledge money to make it happen. If the project succeeds in reaching its funding goal, all backers’ credit cards are charged when time expires. If the project falls short, no one is charged. Funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing.”

Since its inception, Kickstarter has enabled more than 10,000 projects to fund.

Would you like to see the House2House magazine back again? We have started a House2House Kickstarter campaign,  hoping to raise $14,000–the amount we reckon it will take to produce another issue (that includes layout, design, editing, printing etc etc). Are you willing to consider helping us? If so, click here to learn about the project, and then tell all of your friends.

 

He will rule over you–descriptive or prescriptive?

January 2, 2013 in Uncategorized with 14 Comments

One of the verses used to justify the relegation of women to “second-class” citizenship within the church comes in Genesis 3. As a result of the fall, God curses Satan, women and men. To the woman, God says:

Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you. (verse 16).

This verse has certainly proved true (descriptive) down the ages. Here are several illustrations of the attitudes of men towards women throughout history.

Plato and Aristotle

“If we spend our lives in wrongdoing and in cowardice, afterward Zeus will send us back into this life as women.” (Plato)

“The male is by nature superior and the female inferior, the male ruler and the female subject.” (Aristotle)

What is the difference whether it is in a wife or a mother, it is still Eve the temptress that we must beware of in any woman… I fail to see what use woman can be to man, if one excludes the function of bearing children.   (St Augustine)

Every woman should be filled with shame by the thought that she is a woman.     (Clement of Alexandria)

If [women] become tired or even die, that does not matter. Let them die in childbirth–that is why they are there.     (Martin Luther)

“Blessed are you, Lord, our God, ruler the universe who has not created me a woman.” (Prayer recited every morning by traditional Jewish men)

These are only a very few of many quotes I could have used. They demonstrate an attitude towards women that has haunted the female half of the human race down the centuries.

In ancient times, women were regarded as property and subservient to men. Even today,it’s often still a man’s world. In some nations, baby girls are more likely to be aborted or left to die at birth. Even here in the West women still make less money than men for doing the same job. Women are more likely to be physically abused or sold into slavery. In many nations girls receive less education than men and are regarded as inferior.

But is this what God wanted (prescribed) or is Genesis 3:16 a description of the result of the Fall? In Genesis 1 and 2, there is no evidence of hierarchy of the man over the woman. Prior to the Fall, Adam and Eve shared dominion.  The subordination of women was the result of sin. It doesn’t reflect God’s intention for how men and women should relate together. For Christians, the New Covenant should reverse the effects of the Fall to the original goodness of the created order. Jesus died on the cross to free us from the effects of Adam’s sin.

What do you think?

 Photo Credit: Image Editor (Creative Commons)

Three wise women

December 24, 2012 in Uncategorized with 2 Comments

You do know what would have happened if it had been three wise WOMEN instead of men, don’t you? They would have asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought disposable diapers as gifts!

This is all over the Internet so I don’t know who to credit it too.Jim Rutz alerted me to it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE. May you know the presence of the Savior throughout this season.

Photo Credit: Kelly Loves Old Crap (Creative Commons)

A tribute to my mom

November 28, 2012 in Uncategorized with 7 Comments

My mother, Maureen English, was a remarkable character. During her 91 years of life, she witnessed enormous changes of lifestyle which she embraced with enthusiasm. As a child, she went to bed by candlelight. In her 80′s she became “techno-grandma” and learned to use the computer. She saw transportation shift from horse and carriage to cars and planes. communication move from letters and telegrams to telephones, television and emails. She was a wonderful, feisty, talkative, full-of-fun, adventurous lady.

A story to illustrate:  we had a vacation not so long ago, in Branson, Missouri. A go-kart track was a main attraction for the grandkids. Not to be outdone, my mom, approaching her eighties, joined the expedition. One of my favorite photographs is of her in a go-kart leading the pack. (We don’t mention the fact that all the kids were about to lap her!)

My mom enjoyed 55 years of marriage to my dad. I never once remember hearing them argue. That’s a precious heritage. Always the dominant character in the relationship, she loved and cared for my dad throughout his life, helping him recover from his experiences as a prisoner-of-war on the infamous “Railroad of Death” in Burma and then selflessly looking after him as he became blind in his later years.

Everything with Mom became an adventure. We never went on walks as kids–always on a “voyage of discovery.” We were never short of money–we had “economy campaigns” where we would find the best ways to save and to economize.

I just returned from an emergency trip to the UK. My mom had a stroke from which she never recovered. The Lord gave me a precious half hour with her being lucid. She could only communicate by squeezing my hand, but we said a lot to each other that day, and I was able to pray with her. Her memorial service was last Friday.

My mother lived an ordinary life in so many ways, but she has left a far from ordinary legacy. As I look at us–her two daughters, her six grandkids and her eight great-grandkids, I see that legacy written large for the future. We’ve inherited her zany, off-beat sense of humor, her enjoyment of the ridiculous, her sense of fun, her enthusiasm for life and new experiences, her ability to transform the mundane into an adventure. We’ve picked up her love of words–of reading and stories, of music and film. We have more than our share of vivid personalities, of passion for life.

We’ll miss her. Mom may be gone, but her legacy lives on.

Why I’m taking a break from blogging

November 1, 2012 in Uncategorized with 11 Comments

For the past few years I’ve blogged three times per week. But I’m about to take a break. The reason? I’m currently in the UK where my mom has had a serious stroke and isn’t expected to recover. Much of my time is spent in the hospital.

In answer to prayer, my mom had about half an hour of lucidity this afternoon while I was alone with her. I was able to share many things with her.

Please pray for my mom, Maureen.

In the meantime, I’ll link to some older posts.

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