Greetings everyone! It has been quite some time since our last post. I am trying to write only when I feel particularly led to do so. This morning was such the occasion.
I want to call your attention to a young lady who will spend Christmas in Vanderbilt Hospital. She has endured complications with a pregnancy that put her in the hospital 24 weeks into her carry - well short of her April due date. She is expected to stay there for a minimum of 10 weeks provided all goes well. This past Saturday she had a scare where she was rushed to delivery and preparation was made to take the baby. The odds of survival for the baby (Isabella) were grim. In a matter of minutes prayer began to spread thru family, friends, friends of friends, workplaces, etc. There was overwhelming evidence of infection that threatened both the baby and mother. In the delivery room there was a sudden change of events. They decided not to take the baby, ....but to wait.... and observe.... Over the course of the ensuing hours the evidence of infection dissipated leaving the staff dumbfounded. The following morning she was returned to her room Following is a email I received from this young lady in her own words:
..... I had a conversation with my nurses about my "scare" last night and my thoughts and feelings about it. I told them I was a Christian and that I truly believed God is the one pulling me thru all of this....especially the other night when the Dr. had specifically said..."I cannot document anything. There is no explanation to be given" (in reference to the problem going away). In Paul (her husband) and my eyes I believe it was the hands of God showing us that he can make things happen!! A miracle if that makes sense! On the way over to labor and delivery that night thinking that I was going to have a baby....I laid on my bed, closed my eyes, crying and began to pray! I asked God for his will to be done whatever that be...Izzy come, Izzy not come, Izzy survive or not!! I truly left it in His hands! It was such a comfort to do that!! When I got to the room minutes later and they told me we were just going to be monitored and no delivery....I prayed again. I told Him that if this change was all because of Him...I would not question why we had to be scared to such an extent but instead Thanked Him for being ever so present and faithful!!
I have truly found a relationship with God that I have never had before!! I thought you might enjoy my sharing....you have been such an influence for me and my walk with God and I thank you and Him for that! I love you dad!!
O.K. - the cat is out of the bag... the young lady is my dear daughter! I thought you might be encouraged by this personal story during the Christmas season. Please continue to pray for Danyel and "Izzy".
looking forward,
Mickey & Suzy Mooney
www.networkvine.org
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
men's retreat 2009!
Men’s Retreat – Oct. 23-25 - Tennessee
It is that time of year again. Men from around the region (and farther) will gather at the cabin for the 3rd annual weekend of intense fellowship and exchange.
This year my friend Paul Byerly from Oregon will join us. Paul, along with his wife Lori, manages the House2House website. If you have attended the national house church conference over the last few years you would have seen them working tirelessly at the bookstore! Also, you may have observed Paul as part of the Diversity Team. Now just to be clear – Paul is not coming as a featured speaker or such. He simply received the newsletter and believed strongly the Lord wanted him to come. You see this retreat is not about enticing you to a pre-prepared indoctrination session. Each attendee will have a unique relationship with God and a unique perspective on what the Father is doing and saying. You have a treasure inside you. That treasure is the light your Creator shines into your heart and the Life He brings to you. I humbly ask that you like Paul Byerly, prayerfully ask the Father if you should attend. You may be the earthen vessel that contains the very treasure someone needs on that weekend. We especially long for those who have never attended (and don’t really know many there) to be a risk-taker and come! It is the risk-taker that God often chooses to bring His agenda to the world! This will be an interactive gathering where each will share. It is this cross-pollination of voices that makes this gathering special.
2 Cor. 4: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
In addition to the spiritual content – we promise you a simply enjoyable weekend! It will be great camping weather. The colors will be changing which will make for vivid scenery on the walking trails. We have put up a zip-line for those who are not faint at heart! If you want to tent camp (or bring a camper) there will be plenty of available sites. There will also be space available in the cabin and dining hall. Don’t be concerned about “not knowing anyone”. Several have come as strangers and left with a new collection of dear friends!
The only cost is for food. We ask, if possible, that each attendee kick in $20 to help cover food (and we always eat VERY well – amen).
What: Men’s Retreat
Where: 1645 Swor Rd.; Springville, Tn 38256
When: Fri evening Oct 23rd thru Sunday lunch Oct 25th, 2009
How: by plane, train, and automobile!
Why: because we sense the Lord wants us to!
It is that time of year again. Men from around the region (and farther) will gather at the cabin for the 3rd annual weekend of intense fellowship and exchange.
This year my friend Paul Byerly from Oregon will join us. Paul, along with his wife Lori, manages the House2House website. If you have attended the national house church conference over the last few years you would have seen them working tirelessly at the bookstore! Also, you may have observed Paul as part of the Diversity Team. Now just to be clear – Paul is not coming as a featured speaker or such. He simply received the newsletter and believed strongly the Lord wanted him to come. You see this retreat is not about enticing you to a pre-prepared indoctrination session. Each attendee will have a unique relationship with God and a unique perspective on what the Father is doing and saying. You have a treasure inside you. That treasure is the light your Creator shines into your heart and the Life He brings to you. I humbly ask that you like Paul Byerly, prayerfully ask the Father if you should attend. You may be the earthen vessel that contains the very treasure someone needs on that weekend. We especially long for those who have never attended (and don’t really know many there) to be a risk-taker and come! It is the risk-taker that God often chooses to bring His agenda to the world! This will be an interactive gathering where each will share. It is this cross-pollination of voices that makes this gathering special.
2 Cor. 4: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
In addition to the spiritual content – we promise you a simply enjoyable weekend! It will be great camping weather. The colors will be changing which will make for vivid scenery on the walking trails. We have put up a zip-line for those who are not faint at heart! If you want to tent camp (or bring a camper) there will be plenty of available sites. There will also be space available in the cabin and dining hall. Don’t be concerned about “not knowing anyone”. Several have come as strangers and left with a new collection of dear friends!
The only cost is for food. We ask, if possible, that each attendee kick in $20 to help cover food (and we always eat VERY well – amen).
What: Men’s Retreat
Where: 1645 Swor Rd.; Springville, Tn 38256
When: Fri evening Oct 23rd thru Sunday lunch Oct 25th, 2009
How: by plane, train, and automobile!
Why: because we sense the Lord wants us to!
Monday, July 20, 2009
on hospitality......
Often times there are obscure spiritual principles that, if violated or ignored, impact our quality of life. One such principle has to do with hospitality.
Our culture is increasingly individualistic and impersonal. We hide in the cocoon of our home, sit in anonymity at large church services, use the ATM, and shop and pay bills from our computer. Terms such as personal pan pizza, personal watercraft, personal trainer, etc are earmarks of our culture.
Have you ever considered the demise of the art of hospitality? Back when we lead a institutional church I was amazed at the number of people that never invited us into their homes. I later learned that some never allowed anyone to come thru their doors. This seemed odd to us since we regularly had 50-60 of our closest friends over for cookouts, hayrides, etc.
I find it interesting that Peter lists hospitality as paramount in view of “the end of all things being near”.
1 Peter 4:7-9 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Paul writes to both Timothy and Titus and instructs them on how to identify leaders. He lists “one who shows hospitality” on both accounts.
I encourage you to stand against the stream of culture and invest yourself in hospitality. So what if a few potato chips get ground in your carpet. You will discover a rich connection with the heart of God!
mickey mooney
www.networkvine.org
Our culture is increasingly individualistic and impersonal. We hide in the cocoon of our home, sit in anonymity at large church services, use the ATM, and shop and pay bills from our computer. Terms such as personal pan pizza, personal watercraft, personal trainer, etc are earmarks of our culture.
Have you ever considered the demise of the art of hospitality? Back when we lead a institutional church I was amazed at the number of people that never invited us into their homes. I later learned that some never allowed anyone to come thru their doors. This seemed odd to us since we regularly had 50-60 of our closest friends over for cookouts, hayrides, etc.
I find it interesting that Peter lists hospitality as paramount in view of “the end of all things being near”.
1 Peter 4:7-9 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
Paul writes to both Timothy and Titus and instructs them on how to identify leaders. He lists “one who shows hospitality” on both accounts.
I encourage you to stand against the stream of culture and invest yourself in hospitality. So what if a few potato chips get ground in your carpet. You will discover a rich connection with the heart of God!
mickey mooney
www.networkvine.org
Monday, July 13, 2009
on wounds....
I’m really not interested in going down in the basement and digging holes…..(which seems a good illustration for focus on past wounds). However, I firmly believe in the traveling influence of past emotional daggers. Our lives seem to leave a debris trail of emotional scars that make navigation of life difficult. We tend, unconsciously, to navigate around obstacles that have a familiar feeling of “having been there before”. Many years ago I experienced a broken marriage that produced much pain and regret. A decade was spent avoiding relationships with women due to the association of pain with the feminine. This is only a example of the type of wound that can influence relationships for extended periods of time.
I understand the concept of risk / reward, yet that truth can be overwhelmed by risk / punishment thinking. Humanity finds it much easier to hide from or avoid pain and settle for losing any potential reward that risk might bring. It is often easier to avoid relationships (and their joys) than take the risk of being hurt.
Since relationships carry risk, relationships are usually the most common culprit of pain. The more relationships one maintains, the larger the pool of potential wounding (and, yes, the more potential reward - however that is not the point of this writing). Since church is “relationships” there can be no greater landscape for wounding than ecclesia.
I was recently urged by the Lord to examine my internal wounds. With some exceptions, wounds that drive my life were overwhelmingly experienced in church. The ghosts of past broken relationships haunt my sub-conscience and alter relationships in present time. I am quick to admit that many of those broken relationships fall squarely on my shoulders. The compulsion to accomplish certain objectives often overrides wisdom and compassion. It is easy to look back and see where different decisions, kinder words, or greater understanding could have softened situations and altered outcomes.
The fear of future conflict immobilizes needed interaction and impedes my ability to operate in my design. At the heart level I am a non-conformist and reactionary. For whatever reasons, that design is at the core of who God made me to be. If I am to “get along” in Christian society then I must cool my jets, sit quietly, and be a good little boy. That course, however, takes the color out of life and leaves me empty. The picture that comes to mind is the Lion sitting caged in a zoo, far from his divine intent.
For the past 6 months I have not written articles, posted blogs, or pursued relationships. This was due, at least in part, to various adverse communications. I have withdrawn into a cave of obscurity and hid from Christiandom. As I attempt to emerge (and shield my eyes from the bright lights of reality) I accept that nothing has changed and the battle still rages. Do I have the heart to be enjoined in the battle? I see no other choice.....
mickey
I understand the concept of risk / reward, yet that truth can be overwhelmed by risk / punishment thinking. Humanity finds it much easier to hide from or avoid pain and settle for losing any potential reward that risk might bring. It is often easier to avoid relationships (and their joys) than take the risk of being hurt.
Since relationships carry risk, relationships are usually the most common culprit of pain. The more relationships one maintains, the larger the pool of potential wounding (and, yes, the more potential reward - however that is not the point of this writing). Since church is “relationships” there can be no greater landscape for wounding than ecclesia.
I was recently urged by the Lord to examine my internal wounds. With some exceptions, wounds that drive my life were overwhelmingly experienced in church. The ghosts of past broken relationships haunt my sub-conscience and alter relationships in present time. I am quick to admit that many of those broken relationships fall squarely on my shoulders. The compulsion to accomplish certain objectives often overrides wisdom and compassion. It is easy to look back and see where different decisions, kinder words, or greater understanding could have softened situations and altered outcomes.
The fear of future conflict immobilizes needed interaction and impedes my ability to operate in my design. At the heart level I am a non-conformist and reactionary. For whatever reasons, that design is at the core of who God made me to be. If I am to “get along” in Christian society then I must cool my jets, sit quietly, and be a good little boy. That course, however, takes the color out of life and leaves me empty. The picture that comes to mind is the Lion sitting caged in a zoo, far from his divine intent.
For the past 6 months I have not written articles, posted blogs, or pursued relationships. This was due, at least in part, to various adverse communications. I have withdrawn into a cave of obscurity and hid from Christiandom. As I attempt to emerge (and shield my eyes from the bright lights of reality) I accept that nothing has changed and the battle still rages. Do I have the heart to be enjoined in the battle? I see no other choice.....
mickey
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
eternal purpose...
....but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD. Numbers 14:21 (do you believe this will be a reality?)
It is easy to lose sight of our Fathers eternal purpose. He is up to something and will carry out His purpose (s). We can easily get consumed by present distress and lose heart and sight of the steady March toward the consumation of God's Desire. What is His desire? Paul wrote the following to the church at Ephesus.
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him Eph 3:8-12
Yes, we have been given an assignment as His extension on earth (His body - He is the Head). His wisdom is to become visable thru us to a lost world. And, believe it our not, the world anxiously awaits that reality ( For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. - Rom. 8:19) It will be His grace that carries this out. I simply want to remind us that, in the end, when the author steps on stage and the play is complete - that Truth will be found ruling and reigning and we will be by His side (I encourage you to read Psalms 2). No matter how bleak things may look, no matter how impossible His objective may seem from your perspective; His Glory will fill the earth; His Wisdom will be displayed; He will Reign and His Kingdom will endure forever!
Thanks for listening!
mickey mooney www.networkvine.org
It is easy to lose sight of our Fathers eternal purpose. He is up to something and will carry out His purpose (s). We can easily get consumed by present distress and lose heart and sight of the steady March toward the consumation of God's Desire. What is His desire? Paul wrote the following to the church at Ephesus.
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him Eph 3:8-12
Yes, we have been given an assignment as His extension on earth (His body - He is the Head). His wisdom is to become visable thru us to a lost world. And, believe it our not, the world anxiously awaits that reality ( For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. - Rom. 8:19) It will be His grace that carries this out. I simply want to remind us that, in the end, when the author steps on stage and the play is complete - that Truth will be found ruling and reigning and we will be by His side (I encourage you to read Psalms 2). No matter how bleak things may look, no matter how impossible His objective may seem from your perspective; His Glory will fill the earth; His Wisdom will be displayed; He will Reign and His Kingdom will endure forever!
Thanks for listening!
mickey mooney www.networkvine.org
Thursday, March 12, 2009
passover seder...
Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. 5:7-8
Greetings from Paris, Tn! As I write this it is snowing here. It was 80 deg. 2 days ago....(keeps us guessing). Yet, the buttercups are in bloom and there are signs of spring in the air. Spring always brings such promise. Gardeners begin to think about getting seed in the ground; the early adopters crank mowers and attack grass that really doesn't need mowing; people emerge from their winter cocoons and initiate those exterior projects that have laid dormant all winter; ahhh spring.....
I used to think Easter. In my continued paradigm shift I now favor Passover. It was in the Passover setting that Jesus began to unfold the significance of who He was to his followers. He used the elements of the ceremonial meal to paint a picture of His purpose. As He would lift each element He explained how it pointed to Him, the Lamb that was to be slain as a offering for the world He loved. (I have tears well in my eyes at simply typing that last sentence).
This year Passover begins at sundown on April 9th. Many Jews around the world will celebrate the Exodus from Egypt while many Christians simultaneously celebrate their exodus from their spiritual captivity in the worlds system. One is shadow, the other substance. If you are out of our region consider researching the Passover Seder and experiencing this with your family and friends.
If you are in our region:
Suzy & I (and all of our friends and family that help prepare) would like to extend you a invitation to celebrate Passover with us on Sat., April 11th. I know this is not the "correct" date (we don't do this out of some religious obligation... we are not Jews and are not compelled to live like Jews!) However we cherish the beauty and significance of a Passover Seder. If you have never experienced a Seder, your first may well be your best! It is full of symbolism that has often been lost to the gentile church.
Where: The cabin, 1645 Swor Rd. Springville, Tn 38256 (10 miles south of Paris via Hwy 641)
When: Sat. April 11th. 7:00pm - come anytime prior and hang out for the day. If you want to stay at the cabin (or camp out) that would be great! The cabin will be open Friday - Sunday for any that want to use it. There is plenty of space for tents, etc.
What: We will share a big feast! In the midst of the feast we will introduce the "Passover Seder" plate and live out the traditional ceremony. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time for conversation and "catching up".
We will need RSVPs in order to know how many to prepare for. Please email me ASAP so we can begin a head count. Also, let me know if you plan on staying either Fri. or Sat. night and if you plan to camp or use the cabin (there are motels within 10 -12 miles if preferred)
mickey & suzy mooney
www.networkvine.org
Greetings from Paris, Tn! As I write this it is snowing here. It was 80 deg. 2 days ago....(keeps us guessing). Yet, the buttercups are in bloom and there are signs of spring in the air. Spring always brings such promise. Gardeners begin to think about getting seed in the ground; the early adopters crank mowers and attack grass that really doesn't need mowing; people emerge from their winter cocoons and initiate those exterior projects that have laid dormant all winter; ahhh spring.....
I used to think Easter. In my continued paradigm shift I now favor Passover. It was in the Passover setting that Jesus began to unfold the significance of who He was to his followers. He used the elements of the ceremonial meal to paint a picture of His purpose. As He would lift each element He explained how it pointed to Him, the Lamb that was to be slain as a offering for the world He loved. (I have tears well in my eyes at simply typing that last sentence).
This year Passover begins at sundown on April 9th. Many Jews around the world will celebrate the Exodus from Egypt while many Christians simultaneously celebrate their exodus from their spiritual captivity in the worlds system. One is shadow, the other substance. If you are out of our region consider researching the Passover Seder and experiencing this with your family and friends.
If you are in our region:
Suzy & I (and all of our friends and family that help prepare) would like to extend you a invitation to celebrate Passover with us on Sat., April 11th. I know this is not the "correct" date (we don't do this out of some religious obligation... we are not Jews and are not compelled to live like Jews!) However we cherish the beauty and significance of a Passover Seder. If you have never experienced a Seder, your first may well be your best! It is full of symbolism that has often been lost to the gentile church.
Where: The cabin, 1645 Swor Rd. Springville, Tn 38256 (10 miles south of Paris via Hwy 641)
When: Sat. April 11th. 7:00pm - come anytime prior and hang out for the day. If you want to stay at the cabin (or camp out) that would be great! The cabin will be open Friday - Sunday for any that want to use it. There is plenty of space for tents, etc.
What: We will share a big feast! In the midst of the feast we will introduce the "Passover Seder" plate and live out the traditional ceremony. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time for conversation and "catching up".
We will need RSVPs in order to know how many to prepare for. Please email me ASAP so we can begin a head count. Also, let me know if you plan on staying either Fri. or Sat. night and if you plan to camp or use the cabin (there are motels within 10 -12 miles if preferred)
mickey & suzy mooney
www.networkvine.org
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
collective listening....
www.networkvine.org
collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
Suzy & I have enjoyed numerous travels over the past few years. We have met (and continue to communicate with) many new friends within the simple church genre. We have noticed certain consistent themes and messages that seem to emerge from the various conversations. It is no surprise that the Holy Spirit speaks consistently, more so that we are actually able to hear well enough to affirm one another. To this end, I would like to report a number of issues that seem to invade conversations regularly during our travels. I will simply list the issues with a brief explanation. Each may be explored in more detail in future articles. I would enjoy your feedback on any of these topics IF the Lord has been speaking to you on them.
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
Monday, January 26, 2009
desire fulfilled...
...hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life... Prov. 13:12
It is easy to focus on the disapointments of life (most of us have ample supply to choose from). I will only stir a reminder of what we all know...that as we are renewed into Christs image, we become increasingly positive. Sometime the positive that presents itself can go virtually unnoticed if we allow the fog of disappointment to overshadow.
Today I would like to focus on a desire fulfilled. Most who know me know my passion to see the organic networking of Gods people. No institution. No mother ship orginization. No corporate 501c3 identity. Just believers relating to and working with other believers under the banner of Jesus. Nothing to join....no push to build a secondary entity...just believers drawn together by their mutual relationships with their Creator. It is toward this end that Suzy and I have labored over the last couple of years (particularly within the simple church expression). We (I) have often been frustrated and frankly ready to give up. Then there would be the stratigic email or phone call that put new wind in the sail. Today God unveiled the fog of disappointmet and showed me a glimpse of desire fulfilled. On Feb. 6-8 our friends from www.theway247.com are hosting a family retreat. As of this writting they have confirmed attendance from numerous expressions through out Tennessee and Kentucky. It will be a weekend of relationship building that (I trust) will result in future opportunitys to work together, pool resources, listen collectively, etc. Thanks to the Duncans and their Christ community for making this a reality. It brings me "tree of life" joy to see progress happening before our very eyes......Father, I pray that this Spirit of cooperation and the understanding of the need for extra-local relationships will extend through out your Kingdom. May your Kingdom continue to come....
For a link to the retreat flyer go to http://theway247.com/Retreat.html
mickey
It is easy to focus on the disapointments of life (most of us have ample supply to choose from). I will only stir a reminder of what we all know...that as we are renewed into Christs image, we become increasingly positive. Sometime the positive that presents itself can go virtually unnoticed if we allow the fog of disappointment to overshadow.
Today I would like to focus on a desire fulfilled. Most who know me know my passion to see the organic networking of Gods people. No institution. No mother ship orginization. No corporate 501c3 identity. Just believers relating to and working with other believers under the banner of Jesus. Nothing to join....no push to build a secondary entity...just believers drawn together by their mutual relationships with their Creator. It is toward this end that Suzy and I have labored over the last couple of years (particularly within the simple church expression). We (I) have often been frustrated and frankly ready to give up. Then there would be the stratigic email or phone call that put new wind in the sail. Today God unveiled the fog of disappointmet and showed me a glimpse of desire fulfilled. On Feb. 6-8 our friends from www.theway247.com are hosting a family retreat. As of this writting they have confirmed attendance from numerous expressions through out Tennessee and Kentucky. It will be a weekend of relationship building that (I trust) will result in future opportunitys to work together, pool resources, listen collectively, etc. Thanks to the Duncans and their Christ community for making this a reality. It brings me "tree of life" joy to see progress happening before our very eyes......Father, I pray that this Spirit of cooperation and the understanding of the need for extra-local relationships will extend through out your Kingdom. May your Kingdom continue to come....
For a link to the retreat flyer go to http://theway247.com/Retreat.html
mickey
Monday, January 12, 2009
being human.....
Being a Tennessee Titans football fan I was taken back by my despondency at their loss this past Saturday. I know football is just a game and has no significance in the eternal scheme of things. I became quite perplexed (at myself) for the dark frame of mind that captivated me. As I attempted to understand my own ridiculous mental state I was thrust on a interesting journey of self perspective. I had planned on the Titans going to the Superbowl and had arranged my schedule so I could watch all games leading up to the big kuhuna. I came to grips with the reality that I spent much of my time looking forward to certain events or activities. If I have a golf date planned on Thursday I will begin to count down to it about Tuesday with the anticipation one has for finally reaching the cherry filling on a tart. It seems that I simply endure or pass time in pursuit of something pleasurable. I find that dread works much the same way. I am not a fan of doctor appointments, funerals, or weddings (anything formal for that matter). The dread I feel when approaching such occasions will occupy my consciousness until the dreaded event can be marked off my list as accomplished. I have been kicking myself for such attitudes until the Holy Spirit rescued me by way of bringing a scripture to mind.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
While the things that motivate me are often trivial (enjoying a tennis match or getting past a dental appointment) it is liberating to know that looking to, or even past, future events is simply human and God understands our humanness. What am I trying to say? I guess that I often have too unrealistic of expectation about my own spirituality. I often find myself at a place I feel I should have grown past. The truth is I am human and experience life as a human. I must correctly discern falleness and not give it permission. However, I must grant myself and others the luxury of being what we are. Human
mickey mooney
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
While the things that motivate me are often trivial (enjoying a tennis match or getting past a dental appointment) it is liberating to know that looking to, or even past, future events is simply human and God understands our humanness. What am I trying to say? I guess that I often have too unrealistic of expectation about my own spirituality. I often find myself at a place I feel I should have grown past. The truth is I am human and experience life as a human. I must correctly discern falleness and not give it permission. However, I must grant myself and others the luxury of being what we are. Human
mickey mooney
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