tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56936178539085085722024-02-08T08:32:00.640-05:00Students of JesusTaking the yoke of discipleship.Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.comBlogger425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-14582849251225767112012-10-28T12:17:00.000-04:002012-10-28T12:17:24.484-04:00The Distance Between Me and God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTKeorOkHRQ/UI1Z3Sz71UI/AAAAAAAAA8M/M7MWZAN4gLY/s1600/Distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTKeorOkHRQ/UI1Z3Sz71UI/AAAAAAAAA8M/M7MWZAN4gLY/s200/Distance.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><em>"God did this so that they would seek
him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far
from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’"</em></strong> (Acts 17:27-28)<br /><br />These
words ring in my ears, “he is not far from any one of us.” What is the
distance between you and God? Not far. So many of us have been told
there is chasm between Holy God and sinful man, and I’m sure that’s true
in some respect. Yet Paul spoke these words to people who did not care
whether Paul’s God was real or not. He spoke to pagans who had no regard
for the holiness of the God of Israel or his son, Jesus. He told them
that God was behind the events and identities of their lives and working
in everyday situations in order to encourage them to turn his
direction.<br /><br />What is the distance between you and God? <span class="posted-by"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="posted-by"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/10/25/the-distance-between-me-and-god.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span> <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/author/studentsofjesus"> </a></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-54300922301049126102012-10-08T09:04:00.002-04:002012-10-08T09:04:34.546-04:00Meditation: The Right Time is . . . When?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaoSbfLntF4/UHLPKmb-P0I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/aIpsUvwVu_Y/s1600/Clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaoSbfLntF4/UHLPKmb-P0I/AAAAAAAAA7Y/aIpsUvwVu_Y/s200/Clock.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><em>After
John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good
news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near.
Repent and believe the good news!"</em> ~ Mark 1: 14–15</span>
<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Who
can live in the timing of God? It’s one thing to agree with God’s
viewpoint intellectually; it’s quite another to express our agreement in
concrete action. Jesus modeled agreement with the Father by doing
God’s will in perilous times. In simple, direct language Mark’s gospel
reveals that Jesus launched his ministry at the very time that the
Kingdom message could get you thrown into jail.</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Optima; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In
an atmosphere of resistance and oppression Jesus decided that the time
was right to proclaim good news. Herod, a puppet-king of the powerful
Roman Empire, had jailed John the Baptist because John’s preaching had
threatened the status quo. Human wisdom would have suggested that Jesus
keep things on the down-low until passions had cooled. You can almost
hear the counsel of the worldly-wise in Jesus’ day: “Wait just a little
while,” they might advise. “Let the rich and powerful turn their
attention away from preachers in the countryside.”</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Optima; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Optima; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Instead,
Jesus modeled a ministry directed by the Spirit. In a world overrun by
a pagan power, in a world rife with political scheming and
considerations, in a world where caution was the order of the day, Jesus
boldly declared that good news, the best news, was within reach. What
kind of person tells suffering, mourning captives that freedom is
within their reach? The source of his good news had nothing to do with
the powers of the age and everything to do with the in-breaking of
God’s time into their time.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It’s
only natural to look for the “best time” to engage in ministry: wait
until the economy is stronger; until the political climate is warmer;
until the streets are safer, until your children are older, until your
savings account is fatter. Wait. Jesus had a different schedule. He said
simply, “The time has come.” He took into consideration only one
factor: God’s Kingdom was at hand. The Kingdom of God does not wait on
the future because the Kingdom is breaking into the present. God’s
Kingdom was beginning to invade the kingdoms of the earth, and if God
was on the move, how could Jesus remain still? It's still true today,
and we are called to imitate his example. If God is on the move, how can
we remain still?</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Optima; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Optima; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Jesus
is serving the best wine now because he dwells in the now. “The time
has come” each day. Since Jesus inaugurated the in-breaking of the
Kingdom, <em>every day</em> with God presents opportunities to announce
and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. The only important question is
whether we know what time it is.</span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/10/8/meditation-the-right-time-is-when.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-83341570088743025212012-10-04T20:41:00.001-04:002012-10-04T20:41:13.021-04:00Beyond Rest and Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8X6E0OJY6ZE/UG4sgjtNNUI/AAAAAAAAA6s/FtzHf7a7b4s/s1600/Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8X6E0OJY6ZE/UG4sgjtNNUI/AAAAAAAAA6s/FtzHf7a7b4s/s200/Jesus.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
God has a greater vision for what is possible in our lives than we
have for ourselves. Many of us would be thrilled to simply attain the
promise Jesus offered: "<strong><em>Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn
from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light</em></strong>." (Matthew 11: 28 – 30)
<br />
<br />
It’s true: there is a practical harmony capable of generating the
rest and peace he promises. I suspect that for most of us this would be
enough, but what if this wonderful invitation represented the <strong><em>starting point</em></strong> of our life in Christ? What if Jesus has something more in mind for us?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/10/3/beyond-rest-and-peace.html">Click Here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-5315768494360654942012-10-03T07:53:00.000-04:002012-10-03T07:53:08.658-04:00"Make Every Effort" ~ How We Respond to God's Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOqjodlRhbM/UGwmg5xHKpI/AAAAAAAAA6A/6vzgHfOJlbM/s1600/rosie_riveter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LOqjodlRhbM/UGwmg5xHKpI/AAAAAAAAA6A/6vzgHfOJlbM/s200/rosie_riveter.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
Perhaps you’re like me: from time to time I catch myself thinking,
“If only I had a little more faith I could be a better disciple.”
Actually, we could substitute nearly any other quality for the word
faith, “if only I had a little more teaching, time, energy . . .” Most
of us are keenly aware of the qualities we lack as followers of Jesus.
We possess the assurance of our weakness instead of the assurance of his
faithfulness.
<br />
<br />
Let me share with you a passage from Peter’s second letter that changed my life forever:<br />"<strong><em>His
divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness
through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious
promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature
and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this
very reason, make every effort . . .</em></strong>" ~ 2 Peter 1: 3 - 5<br />
<br />
When I read this passage several years ago it flashed like lightning
across my heart, and the thunder still rattles my everyday life. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/10/1/make-every-effort-how-we-respond-to-gods-grace.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-86883944964377526302012-09-24T15:28:00.000-04:002012-09-24T15:28:06.675-04:00Meditation: What to Expect When You're Expecting New Life in Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUUOEGWlmXE/UGC0IcYTu_I/AAAAAAAAA5U/QiE9RiI8c4c/s1600/what+to+expect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUUOEGWlmXE/UGC0IcYTu_I/AAAAAAAAA5U/QiE9RiI8c4c/s200/what+to+expect.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In 1984 a young woman, expecting her first child, couldn’t find
information on what a normal pregnancy looked and felt like, so she
began to write her own handbook on pregnancy--while she was pregnant.
Just hours before delivering her daughter, Emma, she sent off the book
proposal for <strong><em>What to Expect When You’re Expecting</em></strong>.
Nearly thirty years (and seventeen million books) later it's the
standard for what is normal during pregnancy. Publisher’s weekly reports
that 97% of women who buy a book on pregnancy buy this book.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/9/24/meditation-what-to-expect-when-youre-expecting-new-life-in-c.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-55750672311411711292012-09-17T10:05:00.002-04:002012-09-17T10:06:30.584-04:00Why I wrote "The Impossible Mentor" and why I think it will change your life:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5mujbn9efc/UFcuBAtNTbI/AAAAAAAAA4o/7s2PrswW9OA/s1600/rh_impossible_mentor_comp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5mujbn9efc/UFcuBAtNTbI/AAAAAAAAA4o/7s2PrswW9OA/s200/rh_impossible_mentor_comp1.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
If publishing a blog is an act of vanity, writing and publishing a book
is megalomania. I am guilty on both counts. Saturday saw the release of
my spiritual-formation book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ray+hollenbach&sprefix=ray+ho%2Caps%2C126"><b><i>The Impossible Mentor: Finding Courage to Follow Jesus.</i></b></a> I want to tell you why I wrote it, and why I’m foolish enough to think you need to read it.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/9/17/why-i-wrote-the-impossible-mentor-and-why-i-think-it-will-ch.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-2341434341932847292012-09-13T12:30:00.001-04:002012-09-13T12:30:13.643-04:00Give Thanks: Give Your Best ©<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Reh9eatTtx4/UFIJzTm_aHI/AAAAAAAAA38/52K6Zu9XXts/s1600/Matilda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Reh9eatTtx4/UFIJzTm_aHI/AAAAAAAAA38/52K6Zu9XXts/s200/Matilda.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Matilda found a fancy dress in the dumpster and wore it to communion.
The dress was torn along the zipper in the back, and had the odor of
Chinese carry-out, which must have been somewhere nearby in the
dumpster, but it was the only dress Matilda could afford. Out of
gratitude to Jesus she wanted to look her best.<br /><br />Everyone in our
little church had watched the odd-looking Bag Lady who walked the
streets undergo an amazing transformation from societal cast-away to
daughter of the Most High. We needed to repent because Matilda was a
non-person we saw everyday. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/9/13/give-thanks-give-your-best.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-72718381801617354902012-09-10T19:24:00.000-04:002012-09-10T19:24:06.317-04:00Meditation: Don't Ditch the Benediction!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UmIV9UWdKo/UE52TQP4yAI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/ZqdYc5yIN_8/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0UmIV9UWdKo/UE52TQP4yAI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/ZqdYc5yIN_8/s200/running.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The nice thing about a closing prayer at church is it gives you time to
gather up all your stuff and get a head start on the mad rush to the
restaurant. The truly adventurous church-goer might even take advantage
of all those closed-eyed people and bolt for the door when no one’s
looking. Pity the poor benediction. It’s no more than a holy starters
gun: ready set, amen, go!<br /><br />But what if the benediction is filled
with revelation and life? What if the Holy Spirit has inspired
life-changing words available to anyone with ears to hear?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/9/10/meditation-dont-ditch-the-benediction.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-62365956278301317882012-09-06T13:24:00.003-04:002012-09-06T13:24:53.796-04:00Mutual Submission and the Eternal Feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iNGqreWPoA/UEjcQCs-LsI/AAAAAAAAA2k/rMpKQmVzAa0/s1600/Basin+and+towel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iNGqreWPoA/UEjcQCs-LsI/AAAAAAAAA2k/rMpKQmVzAa0/s200/Basin+and+towel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">“I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on
me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” ~ Jesus of Nazareth.
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
What startling words from our Lord! Jesus invites us to receive from
him what the rulers of this age have desired throughout history: divine
sanction, feasting in the hall of greatness, and the authority to sit in
judgment. For those attracted to power, here at last is ultimate power.
For those attracted to influence, here at last is the opportunity to
produce lasting change. As followers of Jesus we can attain what kings
and queens have long sought: true power, complete authority, and a place
of lasting honor.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/9/6/mutual-submission-and-the-eternal-feast.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>
Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-59595000553903665862012-09-04T17:41:00.002-04:002012-09-04T17:42:24.602-04:00Hunger, Longing, and the Age to Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rx_C540GGRA/UEZ1Df2WKgI/AAAAAAAAA14/8DzXRzLCieQ/s1600/Longing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rx_C540GGRA/UEZ1Df2WKgI/AAAAAAAAA14/8DzXRzLCieQ/s200/Longing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
If I am hungry, somewhere there must be bread.<br />
<br />
That pang in our
stomach, the ache that unsettles us and makes us irritable--and
eventually weak--is evidence of a reality beyond ourselves. The stomach
is made for food, and even in the absence of food we know its reality.
Somewhere, there is food.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/9/3/hunger-longing-and-the-age-to-come.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>
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<div style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px;">
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</div>
Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-55945810700252025022012-08-31T12:46:00.001-04:002012-08-31T12:46:09.234-04:00Making a Way for Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmwFAmixy_c/UEDqJ_VBO4I/AAAAAAAAA1I/T4Dy3tMTSvI/s1600/Making+a+Way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmwFAmixy_c/UEDqJ_VBO4I/AAAAAAAAA1I/T4Dy3tMTSvI/s200/Making+a+Way.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">Jesus is full of surprises: How can the ruler of the world become an
example of obedience? How can the object of worship himself become an
example of how to worship with heart, soul, mind and strength? How can
the perfect Son of God call others to follow him, and then demonstrate
the way to follow? It’s part of his genius, his glory, his nature.
What’s more, he not only showed us how it’s done, he empowered us to do
the same. Real discipling is about making a way for others to approach
the Father. If we’re only talking about Jesus, most of us are comfortable with this paradox, but most amazingly--he calls us to do the same.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/30/making-a-way-for-others.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-85027233138459436742012-08-23T22:04:00.001-04:002012-08-23T22:04:16.269-04:00Finding Harmony With All Creation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQy688pwLfI/UDbhATe5olI/AAAAAAAAA0c/Mu0F3dSnFT0/s1600/Harmony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQy688pwLfI/UDbhATe5olI/AAAAAAAAA0c/Mu0F3dSnFT0/s200/Harmony.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Obedience is hopelessly out of fashion. The very word obey carries with
it ridiculous notions of ancient kingdoms, stupid henchmen, or marital
imbalance. Even among parents, the idea that we should teach our
children to obey doesn't sound quite right--who are we to demand
mindless obedience? <strong><em>Dis</em></strong>obedience has always
existed, but the idea that our actions should be determined by someone
else is passé among North Americans of all kinds: believers and
unbelievers alike.<br /><br />Isaiah dwelt among a people of unclean lips. We dwell among a people of an independent spirit.<br /><br />Our distrust of obedience flows from our fear of the other--the one whom we are to obey . . . <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/23/finding-harmony-with-all-creation.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-11075142822360446762012-08-18T09:13:00.003-04:002012-08-18T09:13:47.241-04:00God So Loved The World--But Not Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgdQQ4JZDP0/UC-U9sYKEOI/AAAAAAAAAzw/7306jwjvShE/s1600/Papa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vgdQQ4JZDP0/UC-U9sYKEOI/AAAAAAAAAzw/7306jwjvShE/s200/Papa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I know a guy who grew up in the kind of Christian home where going to
the movies was considered sinful. The lure of forbidden fruit was
strong: he longed to go to the movies and see exactly what was so
wicked. The only thing that kept him from sneaking away to the theater
was the nagging fear: what would happen to him if Jesus came back at the
exact hour he was inside a movie theater?
<br />
<br />
I know another guy who was determined to never say “never” to God,
because he was sure that God would enforce upon him the one thing he
never wanted to do! I suggested that he tell the Almighty that he would
never serve God in Hawaii, but my friend was not amused.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/15/god-so-loved-the-world-but-not-me.html">Click Here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-67664416959075145232012-08-13T10:16:00.002-04:002012-08-13T10:16:56.624-04:00Meditation: Writing Tips from the Holy Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exzP_dS3Z3Q/UCkMNvDQh-I/AAAAAAAAAzE/q4CrIzd_vyA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exzP_dS3Z3Q/UCkMNvDQh-I/AAAAAAAAAzE/q4CrIzd_vyA/s200/blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"></span></span></i></b></span>Perhaps it’s blindingly obvious: the books of the Bible were written by
writers. Storytellers, poets, songwriters, historians, correspondents,
legal scholars and apocalyptic dreamers. The Holy Spirit breathed upon
each one, opened their hearts and ears and eyes to the spiritual
realities around them. But they were still writers. They struggled to
capture the inspired moment of clarity and present a finished work
capable of blessing generations to come.<br /><br />Peter described it this way: “<em>the
prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched
intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and
circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he
predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would
follow.</em>” (1 Peter 1: 10-11)<br /><br />The writers searched intently, but the Spirit did not leave them alone. It was an inspired collaboration.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/13/meditation-writing-tips-from-the-holy-spirit.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-49081126623446005222012-08-10T07:36:00.002-04:002012-08-10T07:36:33.938-04:00The Answers Await The Right Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjpCB_-uWQ/UCTx-IUkRsI/AAAAAAAAAyY/xm9KNE4e2sw/s1600/dog-bites-man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEjpCB_-uWQ/UCTx-IUkRsI/AAAAAAAAAyY/xm9KNE4e2sw/s200/dog-bites-man.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It's a <strong><em>really</em></strong> old joke:
<br />
<br />
Once there was a boy sitting on a porch, with a dog next to him. A
salesman approached the porch and asked the boy,<br />
“Does your dog bite?”<br />
<br />
“Nope,” said the boy.<br />
<br />
The salesman stepped on the porch to ring the doorbell and the dog
viciously bit his leg. “I thought you said your dog didn’t bite!”
screamed the salesman.<br />
<br />
“My dog doesn’t bite,” said the boy. “But that’s not my dog.”<br />
<br />
Sometimes asking the right question can make all the difference.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/9/the-answers-await-the-right-questions.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-22292072221857067742012-08-06T08:46:00.004-04:002012-08-06T08:46:57.931-04:00Meditation: A Stingy Granny is an Oxymoron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wN3ww-VtdE/UB-8jF4Hr-I/AAAAAAAAAxs/7lK006GPS8o/s1600/NoStingyGranny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wN3ww-VtdE/UB-8jF4Hr-I/AAAAAAAAAxs/7lK006GPS8o/s200/NoStingyGranny.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"></span></span></i></b></span>I sing today in praise of grandmothers. Those loving, accepting,
wiser-than-they-let-on souls who never stop welcoming you no matter your
age. They feed you at the drop of a napkin and pile your plate high
with food prepared by ethereal love. Grandma would never think of
holding back the mashed potatoes--she’ll give you a portion obscenely
large, carbohydrates mountain-high flowing with gravy rivers.<br /><br />A
stingy granny is an oxymoron, a sad misfit of nature. Honestly, who
thinks their grandmother wouldn’t give all she had? And yet--beloved as
she might be--your grandmother doesn’t set a table like Jesus.<br /><br />Consider these few words from Ephesians: “<em><strong>But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.</strong></em>” (4:7) Now stop and ask, what kind of portion would Jesus give?<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/6/meditation-a-stingy-granny-is-an-oxymoron.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-50133585612790664452012-08-02T09:55:00.003-04:002012-08-02T09:55:48.087-04:00Asking Ourselves Our Children’s Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WccaPnAcLnU/UBqGw6TP0VI/AAAAAAAAAxA/bRByhgP-BEM/s1600/child.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WccaPnAcLnU/UBqGw6TP0VI/AAAAAAAAAxA/bRByhgP-BEM/s200/child.png" width="200" /></a></div>
“Dad, why do some people disobey God?” My five year-old son genuinely
wanted to know. He and I had been talking about loving God, and
expressing that love through obedience.<br /><br />My mind raced. Why <em>do</em>
some people disobey God? What would he think if I told him his own
father was one of those very people? Should I tell him some people live
in constant rebellion against their personal, loving Father? How could I
explain the crazy mixture of selfishness and insecurity that produces
harmful choices? I knew I must choose my words carefully.<br /><br />“Well, it’s kind of hard to explain,” I began. <br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/8/2/asking-ourselves-our-childrens-questions.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-2379863432771188502012-07-30T09:01:00.003-04:002012-07-30T09:01:17.162-04:00Meditation: Learning the Things that Make for Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-ZRfQFfW_U/UBaFeIfXMxI/AAAAAAAAAwU/pAI8zasdsdo/s1600/canada26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-ZRfQFfW_U/UBaFeIfXMxI/AAAAAAAAAwU/pAI8zasdsdo/s200/canada26.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
“<strong><em>Peace I leave with you</em></strong>,” Jesus told his friends at the Last Supper. “<strong><em>My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</em></strong>” (John 14: 27)
<br />
<br />
Our day and age is characterized by activity, energy, and action.
Peace is not an attribute of our times. When magazines and television
broadcasts highlight the lives of celebrities, peace is not mentioned as
one of the advantages of “the good life.”<br />
<br />
Jesus, however, offered his disciples the yoke of discipleship, and
under his instruction they would experience rest and peace. He spoke
about peace often: peace is among the fruit of the Spirit. Peace is an
attribute of believers even when they face persecution or violence.
Peace is the fingerprint of Jesus upon the lives he has crafted. He can
teach us how to live a life of peace.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/30/meditation-learning-the-things-that-make-for-peace.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>
<br />
<div style="padding: 10px 0px 0px 0px;">
<span style="height: 29px; width: 450px;"><br /></span>
</div>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-41034544500077511292012-07-26T07:14:00.002-04:002012-07-26T07:14:41.321-04:00Three Ways On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9mAgPRay6s/UBEmeZysP_I/AAAAAAAAAvs/ZVBN-siYb0w/s1600/Onward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v9mAgPRay6s/UBEmeZysP_I/AAAAAAAAAvs/ZVBN-siYb0w/s200/Onward.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
John Wimber, the founder of the Vineyard movement, had a saying: “The
way in is the way on,” by which he meant the very actions and attitudes
that empower the miracle of new birth in Jesus are the same actions and
attitudes that empower spiritual growth. In much of the North American
church, however, the saying could be changed the phrase, “the way in is
all there is.”<br />
<br />
I once attended a meeting of pastors who were planning a “city-wide
revival.” The pastor of a respected and growing church opened the
meeting with these words: “God is only going to ask each of us two
questions when we get to heaven--’Do you know my Son?’ and ‘How many
others did you bring with you?’” It was a memorable opening because it
was short, dramatic, and wrong.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/26/three-ways-on.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-76349676154690708772012-07-23T13:20:00.002-04:002012-07-23T13:20:16.315-04:00Meditation: Thinking God's Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIbRHUpkUUk/UA2HhjQraHI/AAAAAAAAAvE/qVtRBoPqWdw/s1600/Thinking+Gods+Thoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uIbRHUpkUUk/UA2HhjQraHI/AAAAAAAAAvE/qVtRBoPqWdw/s200/Thinking+Gods+Thoughts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<em><strong>“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” </strong></em>~ Romans 12:1
<br />
<br />
Scripture presents a progressing revelation, one that finds its
greatest expression in the revelation of Jesus Christ, the true Word of
God. The revelation of the Old Testament--which is still God’s word of
life to us today--is made complete by the revelation of the New
Testament. Consider the Old Testament word “repent” (<em>teshuvah</em>).
It means to away turn from sin and its consequences. It is an action
word: turn around, restore, repair. The New Testament word, <strong><em>metanoia</em></strong>, refers to the mind: rethink your thoughts, or, transform your mind . . .<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/23/meditation-thinking-gods-thoughts.html?lastPage=true&postSubmitted=true">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-79055853062805263602012-07-19T06:33:00.004-04:002012-07-19T06:33:51.403-04:00Glory, Declared<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAWQZjIL44g/UAfiM8FC8oI/AAAAAAAAAuc/J-9cJH2fVXw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAWQZjIL44g/UAfiM8FC8oI/AAAAAAAAAuc/J-9cJH2fVXw/s200/images.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
God does some of his best work at sunrise, and he never says a word
about it. Each morning the heavens declare the glory of God without the
benefit of advertising, hype, or self-promotion.<strong><em> </em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em>The heavens declare the glory of God; <br /> the skies proclaim the work of his hands.<br /> Day after day they pour forth speech; <br /> night after night they display knowledge.<br />There is no speech or language <br /> where their voice is not heard.<br />Their voice goes out into all the earth, <br /> their words to the ends of the world. <br /> In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,</em></strong><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/19/glory-declared.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span><strong><em> </em></strong>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-28203408137861883942012-07-16T16:32:00.000-04:002012-07-16T16:32:02.001-04:00Choose Your Drinking Buddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJprLhkHxY/UAR55w1ez9I/AAAAAAAAAt0/jtItECsGRVo/s1600/Anger+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ISJprLhkHxY/UAR55w1ez9I/AAAAAAAAAt0/jtItECsGRVo/s200/Anger+wine.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
I enjoy being angry with people, don’t you? I’ve been angry with some
people for so many years, my anger has mellowed into a fine wine of
bitterness and judgment. I descend the stairs into the cellar of my
memory, select a particularly good vintage, and uncork the bottle of my
gall. I smell the aroma, I see the sparkle in the glass, and I drink my
discontent to the dregs.<br />
<br />
I hate to drink alone. Let me pour you a glass. Here’s what I’m serving today:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/16/choose-your-drinking-buddy.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-40546838114664172652012-07-12T12:19:00.000-04:002012-07-12T12:19:14.700-04:00Just in Time, the True Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKgYhb2x-k4/T_74qbApJDI/AAAAAAAAAtI/aKQWa0ffiPY/s1600/GradPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKgYhb2x-k4/T_74qbApJDI/AAAAAAAAAtI/aKQWa0ffiPY/s200/GradPic.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Optima; font-size: 12.0pt;">On the day I
graduated from high school, I saw my father for only the third time in
four years. That’s what divorce does: my parents separated when I was in
eighth grade and divorced a year later. My Dad lived a thousand miles
away.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Optima; font-size: 12.0pt;">That graduation
day I wasn’t even thinking about my Dad, because I was the graduation
speaker. It took weeks to write and practice the speech. I stood up that
day, wearing a ridiculous robe and a hat that looked like a red
aircraft carrier. I was supposed to say something profound, but
really–how profound can you be at 17 years old?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Optima; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/12/just-in-time-the-true-father.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-44149288161999372202012-07-09T09:07:00.004-04:002012-07-09T09:07:44.532-04:00My Friend Pete: In Trouble Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vBgGodoXoQ/T_rXg4uomQI/AAAAAAAAAsg/_gk7_25aQpY/s1600/Crazy+Pete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vBgGodoXoQ/T_rXg4uomQI/AAAAAAAAAsg/_gk7_25aQpY/s200/Crazy+Pete.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
My friend Pete had a dream the other night, or maybe it was a vision.
Or a trance. I dunno. It was strange. It was filled with repetitive
images of food and bed-linens. Apparently he fell asleep without having
enough to eat and the result was a Freudian mix of images that didn’t
make much sense. He woke up confused and began to wonder about the
meaning of what he had seen. Then he had the strangest feeling--really
strong and clear--that he was going to have to leave on a mission trip
immediately.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/9/my-friend-pete-in-trouble-again.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5693617853908508572.post-35746891060089967782012-07-05T17:10:00.001-04:002012-07-05T17:10:21.517-04:00Who funds your imagination?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Op1iIbf-xo/T_YCaVJtB1I/AAAAAAAAAr4/O3lhDoUBLSc/s1600/imagination2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Op1iIbf-xo/T_YCaVJtB1I/AAAAAAAAAr4/O3lhDoUBLSc/s200/imagination2.gif" width="132" /></a></div>
Some people are realists, others dream. I want to be both kinds of
people: first I want to dream, then I want to bring reality to what I’ve
seen. I have a dreambook, more popularly known as the Bible. I go to
that book like I go to the bank: it is the source of funding for my
heart-dreams.<br /><br />Jesus understood the power of imagination and dreams. His teaching invited people to combine <strong><em>their thoughts</em></strong> with <strong><em>his</em></strong> <strong><em>words</em></strong>
and imagine a world born anew. I believe this is how we should listen
to the word of God: combine our imagination with his words, producing
Biblical dreams of the way things are in heaven and should be on earth:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><i>Students of Jesus has a new Web address. <a href="http://studentsofjesus.com/imported-20111230192554/2012/7/5/who-funds-your-imagination.html">Click here</a> to read the rest of this post and check out our new design.</i></span></span></i></b></span>Ray Hollenbachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08035600094853593399noreply@blogger.com0