tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333630042024-03-07T14:06:06.183-05:00Bishop Joe's AdventureWords,thoughts,and rambings on our outward focused adventure.Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-74940075255855813832014-03-19T10:40:00.003-04:002014-03-19T10:40:26.575-04:00Poem-Little Man Sitting In A BoxLittle man sitting in a box,<br />
all dressed in white and purple.<br />
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A light shines under the door,<br />
Beckoning all to come hither.<br />
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The darkened lonely broken, and guilty come to the light.<br />
In coldness of their guilt they come to the warmth of the light.<br />
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Walking into the box,<br />
all bend over and condemned,<br />
They are immersed in the celestial light of God's forgiveness.<br />
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As the Act of Contrition is spoken,<br />
the light of forgiveness grows brighter and brighter.<br />
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The little man in the box,<br />
hears all the words that are spoken.<br />
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As the light gets brighter and brighter,<br />
all darkness is dispelled. So that all that can be seen is the Light of His Presence.<br />
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In this place a metamorphosis takes place<br />
as the little man in the box says, "I absolve you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy<br />
Spirit.<br />
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No longer dark, lonely, broken or bend over,<br />
but out they come standing straight in celestal light.<br />
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Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-66758889210505687902014-03-19T10:24:00.001-04:002014-03-19T10:29:24.261-04:00What Is Convergence Worship - Convergence Anglican Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost 20 years ago, as a Pentecostal pastor, I was exposed to what was called Convergence Worship. At the time I didn’t know any of the terminology or the theology, I only knew that what I was experiencing “bore witness with my spirit.” As I began to attend the Eucharistic and teaching services, I learned so much more. As I asked questions I would be given book after book to study. As I learned more about this type of worship, I discovered that this was the way the Church worshipped and functioned in the beginning. I became totally committed to living this out and helping others to embrace this.<br />
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What is Convergence Worship?<br />
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The simple definition is — a blending of the three major streams of the Church — Sacramental, Bible-believing (evangelical), and Spirit-filled.<br />
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In many churches there are one or two of the streams that are expressed. But that is like a three legged stool that has one or two of the legs missing. We may be able to hold it up for a time, but it was built to stand on all three legs, so the stool is not functioning at its finest. As we look into the Book of Acts and early church history, we see that they were functioning in all three of these streams. For a better understanding, let’s take a look at each stream.<br />
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The first stream is the sacramental. A sacrament is an outward and physical sign of an inward and spiritual grace. Basically, a sacrament takes that which is natural and with the blessing of God becomes something supernatural to benefit the believer. The Eucharist is an example of this. Natural bread and wine are blessed and they become the body and blood of Jesus. These are Jesus’ words from John’s Gospel. This is not just a Roman Catholic “thing” but a Gospel thing. Baptism uses water and oil — natural things — but God supernaturally places us into his covenant family. Unction, or anointing of the sick, uses oil that is blessed to bring about supernatural healing. You see, God has always taken that which is natural and blessed it to become supernatural to bless His people.<br />
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Also in this stream we should understand that in our worship the focus is not on what we can receive. It is about us bringing heaven to earth and worshipping the maker of Heaven and Earth — the Holy Trinity. It’s not about us getting a blessing or having some experience. It is primarily about us worshipping God. But as we worship Him first, He in turn blesses us and we experience His presence in our lives.<br />
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The second stream is Bible-believing (evangelical). What does this mean? We believe the Bible to be God’s inspired Word. The Bible does not just contain the Word of God, but is the Word of God. We can’t pick and choose to believe what we like and throw away what we don’t like. Our preaching and teaching must be Bible based. We look to the traditions of the Church, but our primary source is Holy Scripture. Also within this stream is the understanding that you need to have a personal encounter with Jesus. You must personally come to faith. The promises that were made on our behalf must be accepted by us. Another important thing that is expressed is sharing ones faith. In the Great Commission, Jesus tell his disciples to Go into all the world preaching (proclaiming) the Good News. So each believer is to share their faith.<br />
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The third stream is the Spirit-filled (charismatic) stream. The Church has always been a Church that has been empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Church was born on the Day of Pentecost. All one needs to do is read Acts 2 and see what happened. Within this stream we believe that each and every believer can and should receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This empowerment is what God gives to believers to help us live the Christian life. Also, there is an emphasis on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit as outlined in First Corinthians 12 and 14. God, the Holy Spirit, wants to give these gifts to the Church so we can see people come to faith and wholeness. Within this stream there is a spontaneity of worship that arises within the context of the liturgy. The Holy Spirit breathes life into the liturgy. Many people say that the liturgy is dead. But liturgy is not dead or alive, it is either true of false. What is alive or dead is the people. The Holy Spirit has been given to make us alive in Christ Jesus.<br />
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Convergence Worship is the blending of all three of these streams into one expression of His Church. We can’t pick and choose which one we like and let that one be our favorite. We as the Church are fully sacramental, fully Bible-believing, and fully Spirit-filled. Let’s embrace the three streams and let the river of God flow through our lives and the lives of those around us.<br />
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<br />Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-43033632910613593152014-03-07T13:47:00.000-05:002014-03-07T13:47:15.773-05:00Ordination of Fr. Eugene Fort in Winston-Salem NC. Communion of the Convergence Anglican Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-91694382609943424542013-07-15T11:23:00.003-04:002013-07-15T11:23:26.749-04:00Daily Lectionary ReadingsProper 10 Week of the Sunday closest to July 13 <br />
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Sunday AM Ps. 148, 149, 150 PM Ps.114, 115 Joshua 1:1-18 Acts 21:3-15 Mark 1:21-27<br />
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Monday AM 25 PM 9, 15 Joshua 2:1-14 Rom. 11:1-12 Matt. 25:1-13 <br />
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Tuesday AM 26, 28 PM 36, 39 Joshua 2:15-24 Rom. 11:13-24 Matt. 25:14-30<br />
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Wednesday AM 38 PM 119:25-48 Joshua 3:1-13 Rom. 11:25-36 Matt. 25:31-46<br />
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Thursday AM 37:1-18 PM 37:19-42 Joshua 3:14-4:7 Rom. 12:1-8 Matt. 26:1-16<br />
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Friday AM 31 PM 35 Joshua 4:19-5:1,10-15 Rom. 12:9-21 Matt. 26:17-25<br />
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Saturday AM 30, 32 PM 42, 43 Joshua 6:1-14 Rom. 13:1-7 Matt. 26:26-35<br />
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Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-74067246302508110082013-01-14T13:03:00.000-05:002013-01-14T13:04:20.143-05:00It's 2013I cannot believe that it is 2013. As I look at this blog it has been awhile since I really did anything with it. Well, hopefully that will change this year. <br />
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There is alot going on and I want to use the blog to show the progress.<br />
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The major thing for this year is to get into shape. I am so tired of being overweight and not able to do the things I want to do. So come and follow me along as I take off about 150 pounds of fat.Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-16352682500824294712012-06-16T20:47:00.000-04:002012-06-16T20:48:02.487-04:00Prayer of the Week 6-17-12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-69281446284603163322012-02-06T23:24:00.000-05:002012-02-06T23:24:42.279-05:00Prayer of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTvo5EMwEyyFJY2D1KNpYtY8eii6NlpDmUNIHU9HQCei76Jmr6e157O6b1fY9pbPOHKkTzPGh4eo9gcI-TRsRs7hyK_01duAYhrbzFh7pdJRoJ6u7uMw9SnxSEnF5157HzlM-_A/s1600/clip2_67b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTvo5EMwEyyFJY2D1KNpYtY8eii6NlpDmUNIHU9HQCei76Jmr6e157O6b1fY9pbPOHKkTzPGh4eo9gcI-TRsRs7hyK_01duAYhrbzFh7pdJRoJ6u7uMw9SnxSEnF5157HzlM-_A/s1600/clip2_67b.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you:<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord,<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">for ever and ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div><!--EndFragment-->Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-85309862272936605142011-01-06T20:59:00.000-05:002011-01-06T20:59:52.260-05:00Prayer of the Week-For Epiphany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKuF6kgN7KIVg34vqfia_EUmyOvkdAFCkzfCslZTc0u__85-8urOx5SAWFhAIw8_eNYlK_Gp1b2aZRjUTT07Ij8yRodUcsIiD_XfR4vUBQMmIRvoXHd4Owr1BY1dDPYZwaTRYjw/s1600/clip2_67b.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKuF6kgN7KIVg34vqfia_EUmyOvkdAFCkzfCslZTc0u__85-8urOx5SAWFhAIw8_eNYlK_Gp1b2aZRjUTT07Ij8yRodUcsIiD_XfR4vUBQMmIRvoXHd4Owr1BY1dDPYZwaTRYjw/s1600/clip2_67b.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div><!--EndFragment-->Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-84768100544516606522010-12-20T22:35:00.002-05:002010-12-20T22:36:47.110-05:00Prayer of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49oZphNcNF5c_Nwe5KfxKuGNMbx2nzcTwZp1XjSaxZlDfITWoimY5CnApQWTa6NpMnRRhLZb4eH8o_XT2qEFUMnS9EHRvAGuPMpuMZoQ96OHjCHYg8liekdmSZ1pWNgay6RImFw/s1600/clip2_67b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49oZphNcNF5c_Nwe5KfxKuGNMbx2nzcTwZp1XjSaxZlDfITWoimY5CnApQWTa6NpMnRRhLZb4eH8o_XT2qEFUMnS9EHRvAGuPMpuMZoQ96OHjCHYg8liekdmSZ1pWNgay6RImFw/s320/clip2_67b.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552974277161948674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-22191733123800955182010-12-14T23:02:00.003-05:002010-12-14T23:06:10.134-05:00Goal Setting For 2011Hope this is helpful as you are goal setting for 2011.<br /><object width="385" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/LDP0UopLSS0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/LDP0UopLSS0?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-9048256707128308412010-12-05T14:05:00.003-05:002010-12-05T14:09:28.902-05:00Advent- The Coming of the Kingdom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFIoaer59dFVkvwdknqEMqiV6q7Ho0M0fMAh9pgYvxDCo8OWu2DfASD6HxpiGsJkWmUbHvNm-AD1tZnVdz7GJuAlMYwjSkWvabaLOCKjhdH44yGYaNv0lmii-A7CgmkNHf43yIA/s1600/advent+candles.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFIoaer59dFVkvwdknqEMqiV6q7Ho0M0fMAh9pgYvxDCo8OWu2DfASD6HxpiGsJkWmUbHvNm-AD1tZnVdz7GJuAlMYwjSkWvabaLOCKjhdH44yGYaNv0lmii-A7CgmkNHf43yIA/s320/advent+candles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547277362928347490" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Last Sunday was a very special day on the Church calendar. It was the first Sunday of the Season of Advent and the beginning of the new liturgical year. Happy New Year!<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">I believe that Advent is probably my favorite season of the church year. It is a blended season - a mixture of hope, repentance, and joy. In this season we look back at Jesus' first advent when He came as the babe in the manger. But we also look ahead to His second coming and the establishing of His kingdom in its fullness. Meanwhile, Christ comes to all who are willing to receive Him.<br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br />Over the next weeks I will post thoughts about the season of Advent. So, check back from time to time. But there is one truth that we must begin to embrace if we are to have the impact on the world around us.<br /><br />That truth is that the kingdom of God has already come and it is coming. Now I know that sounds like double talk but it is not. Let me explain. When Jesus came in the first advent his kingdom came to earth. His rule and reign is already established. So as we go about doing good and sharing the Gospel in real ways, His kingdom is expanded.<br /><br />There is another part of this in that when Christ comes in His second coming it will be the consummation of all things and His kingdom will be made real in its fullness.<br /><br />One problem that many Christ-followers have is they are just waiting for the second coming. They are ready to escape the world. But that was not the message that Jesus taught. He wants us right in the middle of the world sharing the love of the Father with all those around. So stop just looking for an escape and begin to expand the kingdom of God through your service to others this Advent Season.<br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></span></div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-52574173282460960892010-12-05T14:01:00.002-05:002010-12-05T14:02:56.356-05:00Prayer of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHiG428Xg3XX-v1Cbbw3Se4Q8FpRNbLMpw22dgKNLMkYRwN_U9U23BIFkGlkYAFmBJNpWblEvnSG4UYnAQe_OQy928mcZQkXTBsRNzcP3zipHx3QYez4_txlCZxkPyy6Cs7ymOA/s1600/clip2_67b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHiG428Xg3XX-v1Cbbw3Se4Q8FpRNbLMpw22dgKNLMkYRwN_U9U23BIFkGlkYAFmBJNpWblEvnSG4UYnAQe_OQy928mcZQkXTBsRNzcP3zipHx3QYez4_txlCZxkPyy6Cs7ymOA/s320/clip2_67b.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547275551220685266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the HolySpirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.</span></div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-76519567140576040312010-10-12T23:13:00.002-04:002010-10-12T23:17:41.734-04:00Prayer of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bZoldG-bZZY3tjpTpoQpMaClKxV_1-pKReL22WLy3OsPikkequUOWSURhuzDUoRCbU87vZ2wWSeqeiQx6UOSzcxI-nGrybR6VmEKVbK8U4PKPSXpFPGTDPc3Bq0CjelrD1ayqw/s1600/clip2_67b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bZoldG-bZZY3tjpTpoQpMaClKxV_1-pKReL22WLy3OsPikkequUOWSURhuzDUoRCbU87vZ2wWSeqeiQx6UOSzcxI-nGrybR6VmEKVbK8U4PKPSXpFPGTDPc3Bq0CjelrD1ayqw/s320/clip2_67b.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527363904876178210" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">follow us, that we may continually be given to good works;<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-82651557032961817832010-10-12T23:12:00.000-04:002010-10-12T23:13:20.102-04:00Evening Prayer<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border="0" width="0" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyODY5Mzk5NjI1OTUmcHQ9MTI4NjkzOTk4MjIyOSZwPTEzNjgyMSZkPSZnPTEmbz*xZmE3MDdkZWMxN2E*N2U*OTQz/NGMwYWU1Y2JmYmMwMyZvZj*w.gif" /><embed src="http://sermon.net/swf/ma.swf" quality="high" width="290" height="65" name="mpp" align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="poid=2517315&d=http://www.sermon.net/" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-77287009353748532672010-10-02T23:19:00.002-04:002010-10-02T23:25:17.618-04:00Prayer of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmoIyodcaJtParKFlaWCjnTEpvI98pynbWl0XQpzI4I7xzF-n7wZzfqclKmMp5KDtDdHnGbf5FFd9YF3_OVXF1GKoOmpRlJlzAOJS4RvuVI21nIVRp8XrfUXlhx1sohwN_C_xqw/s1600/clip2_67b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmoIyodcaJtParKFlaWCjnTEpvI98pynbWl0XQpzI4I7xzF-n7wZzfqclKmMp5KDtDdHnGbf5FFd9YF3_OVXF1GKoOmpRlJlzAOJS4RvuVI21nIVRp8XrfUXlhx1sohwN_C_xqw/s320/clip2_67b.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523654434343441810" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;line-height: 50%; "><i> <o:p></o:p></i></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-74392004463731622072010-08-29T18:07:00.000-04:002010-08-29T18:08:11.720-04:00The Difference In People-Sermon -Joe Butler<embed src="http://sermon.net/swf/ma.swf" quality="high" width="290" height="65" name="mpp" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="poid=155786&d=http://www.sermon.net/&autostart=false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-26362138865535523972010-05-30T02:24:00.000-04:002010-05-30T02:25:11.322-04:00Differences In People-Podcast from whoisjobutler.com<div><br /> <object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" width="210" height="25" id="mp3playerdarksmallv3" align="middle"><br /> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerdarksmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://whoisjoebutler.podbean.com/mf/play/7xjm3w/SuccessSecretwithJoeButler7-18-09.mp3&autoStart=no" /><br /> <param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><br /> <embed src="http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerdarksmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://whoisjoebutler.podbean.com/mf/play/7xjm3w/SuccessSecretwithJoeButler7-18-09.mp3&autoStart=no" quality="high" width="210" height="25" name="mp3playerdarksmallv3" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /> </object><br /> <br /><a style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 41px; color: #2DA274; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: none;" href="http://www.podbean.com">Powered by Podbean.com</a><br /> </div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-38589173898948775092010-05-30T02:15:00.002-04:002010-05-30T02:18:44.464-04:00Focus Isn't Hocus Pocus-Podcast from whoisjoebutler.com<div><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" width="210" height="25" id="mp3playerdarksmallv3" align="middle"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerdarksmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://whoisjoebutler.podbean.com/mf/play/rr3dkd/FocusIsntHocusPocus.mp3&autoStart=no"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerdarksmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://whoisjoebutler.podbean.com/mf/play/rr3dkd/FocusIsntHocusPocus.mp3&autoStart=no" quality="high" width="210" height="25" name="mp3playerdarksmallv3" align="middle" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /></object><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 41px; color: #2DA274; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: none;" href="http://www.podbean.com/">Powered by Podbean.com</a><br /></div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-77068362915118620342010-05-14T23:31:00.001-04:002010-05-14T23:32:48.111-04:00The Believer's Authority Part 2<object width="400" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wH_2fHgwB94&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wH_2fHgwB94&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="385"></embed></object>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-2471206084160232042010-05-14T23:27:00.004-04:002010-05-14T23:33:33.189-04:00The Believer's Authority Part 1<object width="400" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ie20eGSYloY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ie20eGSYloY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="385"></embed></object>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-65525090547915694242010-05-02T20:31:00.001-04:002010-05-02T20:33:09.375-04:00Prayer of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERn3f43toSnUwfu9RHagQnXqnQr9XtLMwmlmS4tx9FI33w6ryq-GQC9VblSj93oX5ir2R18uH9nzVmfKcIy8H1gd2m0q5zIOoLq7IMcSggRkb5oCp61mog02IOaific4-_HJ7SQ/s1600/clip2_67b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERn3f43toSnUwfu9RHagQnXqnQr9XtLMwmlmS4tx9FI33w6ryq-GQC9VblSj93oX5ir2R18uH9nzVmfKcIy8H1gd2m0q5zIOoLq7IMcSggRkb5oCp61mog02IOaific4-_HJ7SQ/s320/clip2_67b.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466835250191101474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.</span></div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-65533786392962712862010-04-18T00:01:00.002-04:002010-04-18T00:02:45.940-04:00Prayer of the Week<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKd9qdksOdCKbHsFae7FyXuwIwu3tfVajMpoVWlAsshJ41cTwlqcfRZzHs70dB7rbdR2k83AVjZX7bXWqIGVuruGlFFC7eggsfoJHtM_CqsLxG6pwzbf-lDMb7P694gpxhrS9Jg/s1600/clip2_67b.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKd9qdksOdCKbHsFae7FyXuwIwu3tfVajMpoVWlAsshJ41cTwlqcfRZzHs70dB7rbdR2k83AVjZX7bXWqIGVuruGlFFC7eggsfoJHtM_CqsLxG6pwzbf-lDMb7P694gpxhrS9Jg/s320/clip2_67b.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461322967241502594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.</span></div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-33930976640986898232010-04-05T15:59:00.004-04:002010-04-05T16:02:27.795-04:00The Blessed Virgin Mary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MypArGay5HrMFejBxBZQD8nsISGQGlACoM69t4tKQVeeh0f01B96zUK30fqYPs7SshedIENUYYQIM8I1C9LughGfyXietyVgYlqZGXHCq02zwk-EJ6Cb2t9R17PsUfss-mOBLw/s1600/Blessed_Virgin_Mary.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MypArGay5HrMFejBxBZQD8nsISGQGlACoM69t4tKQVeeh0f01B96zUK30fqYPs7SshedIENUYYQIM8I1C9LughGfyXietyVgYlqZGXHCq02zwk-EJ6Cb2t9R17PsUfss-mOBLw/s320/Blessed_Virgin_Mary.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456745831341644962" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><b>“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”</b><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As you read these words, I know that you may have some very strong emotions about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But before you disregard this article, please take a moment and read it in its entirety.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many Christians are scared to talk about the Blessed Virgin Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many churches do not even speak of her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Think for a moment, when was the last time you heard a sermon on Mary?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many will preach about the Apostles or some other biblical figure but not Mary.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many of you have barriers that arise when this subject is spoken of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For many the problem is not with Mary herself but with anything that appears to be Roman Catholic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After the time of the Protestant Reformation, anything that appeared to be Roman Catholic was done away with in the Protestant Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If the Roman Church does it, it can’t be right, was the mindset of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But let’s look at a quote from Mark Frank, the 17<sup>th</sup> century clergyman, “because they (some) make little less of her than a goddess, Protestants make her not even a good woman; because they bless her too much Protestants will not allow her to be blessed at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore, there needs to be a balance between the two.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many protestants have no problem placing their favorite preacher on a pedestal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This evangelist or preacher is the greatest saint of God that has ever walked on the Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But the Mother of Jesus, they give her no place at all.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mary is an example to every Christ-follower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary lived as we do here on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She went through the same trials that we go through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She knew the same pains and joys that we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore, we must examine how Mary is an example to us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First, Mary is an example of humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary was a poor humble peasant girl who answered the call of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was in awe that God would choose her to bear the Christ child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She did not brag about being the mother of the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She did not try to tell God how the Babe should be born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She simply said be it unto me as you have said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What would happen if we had this kind of humility in our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just think about it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Second, Mary is an example in belief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the Annunciation of Jesus’ birth, the words troubled her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She could not understand how she was going to give birth to Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She had never been with a man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But even with a troubled spirit, Mary believed that God would perform a miracle and do what He said He would do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is the same attitude we need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Are there things that God has spoken to you about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then keep believing and don’t give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Third, Mary is an example in the depth of her spiritual life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unlike many today, she did not grab the newest religious thought or pop doctrine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Instead, Mary pondered and mediated on what God was doing and saying (Luke 2:9 and 2:51).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What would happen to Christ–followers if we copied what Mary did?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We would be able to know what God is saying.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fourth, Mary is an example in her life in the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary was one of the first Charisma-tics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary prophesied the hymn that is called the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was part of the gathering in the Day of Pentecost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Acts 2 states, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues or language they had not learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and her prayer language.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If Mary received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, why not ask God for this gift?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If it was what the Mother of Jesus did why not us?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fifth, Mary is an example in her suffering for the Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Christ-followers are never promised a life free from suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In fact, the Scripture states that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary knew suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She knew the pain that lay ahead for her and continued anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She knew the child that she would give birth to would die for the sins of his people.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She knew the pain of accusations of promiscuity and illegitimacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She knew the pain of watching her son be killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But even in the midst of suffering, she never gave up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mary knew what the destiny of her life and her son’s would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let us take up this example and be like Mary - never give up when life grows hard and we don’t fully understand it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sixth, Mary is an example in her steadfastness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mary never left Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When most of Jesus’ disciples and followers fled during the events of Good Friday, Mary was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even at the cross, the place of ultimate torture, she was a faithful witness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is the attitude that is needed in every Christ-follower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We must learn that no matter what the cost, we will stand fast.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Blessed Virgin Mary is a true example to the Church today in the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is not to be worshipped as one would worship Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But she is to be highly honored and extolled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Therefore, let us continue to receive strength and encouragement from her life.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-31432545270948886732010-03-13T22:36:00.003-05:002010-03-13T22:44:21.737-05:00Liquid Love-My First Poem<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB2oZdXHIGk9hbZzcZfjMF8r49VxDUZ7boaoa-2leWGJjkpzhs48vr7ccjmZ_RJr6wK-kKAAKOzfqS203EsqDpnFABeBoEjdkFbUpE4HF64_LwlCUc2Eu3qJKNyQRrDC5-eeNwA/s1600-h/img_f1101899aa1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQB2oZdXHIGk9hbZzcZfjMF8r49VxDUZ7boaoa-2leWGJjkpzhs48vr7ccjmZ_RJr6wK-kKAAKOzfqS203EsqDpnFABeBoEjdkFbUpE4HF64_LwlCUc2Eu3qJKNyQRrDC5-eeNwA/s400/img_f1101899aa1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448328551795045650" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Liquid Love</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Liquid love poured from his side,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to prove his love is so wide.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Liquid love poured from his hands,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> the hands that are still outstretched changing the hearts of men.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Liquid love poured from his feet,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to teach us the way we should walk.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Liquid love that poured from the Master,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> that teaches us to master ourselves.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Liquid love poured into the chalice,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> so we can drink and live.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2-23-10 Copyright</span></span></div>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363004.post-18393304266676364892010-02-28T09:18:00.004-05:002010-02-28T09:23:06.280-05:00The Gift Of Miracles-Bishop Philip Weeks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojJ2FLb5AtGEhvqE3L-i_u1q32acHZgzlE6IQTDa92ZMeULPdivBDgLFCcRpC_BMz8wI8o5EgiHupo_S2syGjdxcQYJCFNjqV3hGKOyOQLOgKl3YmBKEvTjqT2JVkBLj8TjknZQ/s1600-h/bishop+weeks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojJ2FLb5AtGEhvqE3L-i_u1q32acHZgzlE6IQTDa92ZMeULPdivBDgLFCcRpC_BMz8wI8o5EgiHupo_S2syGjdxcQYJCFNjqV3hGKOyOQLOgKl3YmBKEvTjqT2JVkBLj8TjknZQ/s400/bishop+weeks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443299678373167138" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">The Greek word St. Paul uses for the "gift of miracles" in First Corinthians 12 is the same root word from which we get our English word "dynamite". Literally the verse should read "the gift of the operation of powers".</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">When something unusual happens we call it a "miracle" when it may or may not be in the sense that St Paul refers to this manifestation of the Holy Spirit; it means an act of God in a supernatural and powerful manner. <span class="il" style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204); background-position: initial initial; ">Bishop</span> Ricardo Alcaraz of the Philippines recently posted on Facebook a quote, the source of which we do not know, but a very good definition of what we are talking about. "A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law." Indeed it is in this understanding a miracle when a healing occurs that otherwise in all medical journals a reversal of the disease is unknown. Was the landing of the US Airway jet on the Hudson River an act of God or the skill of Captain Scully? People called it "a miracle". Or when a missionary friend visited refugees from the Mt Pinatubo volcanic eruption prayed over a child she thought was sleeping. After she left the room and went on to other buildings someone came running to tell her the child for whom she prayed was now alive. The child had died shortly before she went into the room and prayed.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">There are healing miracles. I remember one night at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Zamboanga (Mindanao) Philippines. Earlier three of our Barnabas team people had gone to Brent Hospital to pray for a paralytic. That night the nurses rolled his gurney to the church next door. During the evening different team people went to the bedside and prayed for the man. The service was ending, and as was my custom, I called the team members together for our personal closing prayers. One of the Americans called my attention to what was taking place at the entrance of the church. The paralytic had rolled off his gurney and was pushing it back to the hospital. He was discharged that night, and later married one of our Barnabas Day Care School teachers. That was a "miracle'.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">There are other occurrences equally startling. On my first mission trip to Asia our leader had made confirmed reservations for our flight from Bangkok to Rangoon. However, when we checked in at the airport we were on a wait list with fifty-two people ahead of us. Our leader told us to go aside and pray which we did and ten minutes before the flight was to depart twelve seats opened up. We were on the flight. We arrived in Rangoon and the hotel where reservations had been made was fully booked. Again we withdrew to pray while our leader negotiated with the manager and in time three rooms with four beds in each became available. Strange!</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">John Sherrill, once senior editor of </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;"><i>Guidepost, </i></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">conducted a teaching mission in my Charleston WV church. When he taught about the gifts of the Spirit he cited the life of Corrie ten Boom (</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;"><i>The Hiding Place</i></span></span><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">) who was a prisoner in a Nazi genocide camp. Someone incarcerated brought in a half bottle of vitamins in liquid form. That half bottle lasted for all the women in her barrack throughout the war. Less significant were the times when our daughters, and our extended family, invited other young people home for Sunday dinner, and June had prepared a roast that would normally have fed just the eight of us but lasted through the meal for eighteen people.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">On my first trip into Red China we were given on a piece of paper in Chinese the name of a Guangchou hotel. My roommate and I were to deliver four suitcases of Bibles to a contact at that hotel. We had successfully smuggled them in that afternoon, and when we were ready to leave our assigned hotel for the contact place we realized we had a problem. We were not permitted to check out of our assigned hotel, yet to get to the designated location we had to engage a taxi through the concierge desk. How would we explain going to another hotel with four suitcases when we expected to return? When we entered the lobby soldiers were present and watching us. We avoided the concierge desk and exited the front door. As we stood at the entrance a taxi drove up. The driver popped up the trunk. No one was present to take the taxi so we put our suitcases in the trunk, and I handed the driver the note bearing the name of the hotel. We met our contact, delivered the Bibles and tried to get a taxi to return us to our hotel. It was not until we went through the concierge desk that a taxi driver would allow us into his car. It was evident God had ordered the taxi for us and we successfully delivered over five hundred Bibles that night to Chinese Christians. It may have been a Chinese angel driving the taxi.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style=" ;font-size:18px;"><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=" font-weight: normal; font-size:14px;">These may seem insignificant but nonetheless beyond the natural. They are miracles. They are the mighty working of a mighty God, and they happened in my lifetime.</span></span></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:14px;"><br /></span></span></div></span>Joe Butlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09541339043102007343noreply@blogger.com0