Intentionally Created

Haley, Cindy and John's daughter, shared this observation from her weekend. It ties in with what Luke talked about on Sunday night--that the Lord really intentionally created us, that He has unique plans for each of us, and furthermore, that He takes care of us.

_______

The neatest thing happened while we watched Lottie (their Labrador Retriever) retrieve this weekend. First, know that Lottie was bred to retrieve- when she works, it’s with the work ethic that I think God created in humans, without the stress we work with (that came along when Adam and Eve sinned). Lottie LOVES retrieving. She is focused and determined and ready for action… so much that Bryan has to remind her to stay put.

When she went to retrieve one of her last birds, she had to put her head under to get a duck that was trying to swim away. She got it and looked up proudly at Bryan . Then the duck managed to get free and fell back in the water. Often ducks, when they are wounded, will take themselves to the bottom of the water and hold onto a reed and die there, instead of giving themselves up. This is what we thought was so cool- instead of staring down in the water and whining at the duck that got away, Bryan said she looked at him with eyes that said- “Dad- what next?”

We realized how sweet that is- to look at our father asking him always “ Dad, what next?” Because there is ALWAYS a plan. He knows- and Lottie knew this. She trusts that she can do her job the best by listening to his commands. The time she spends in training and with her master is directly correlated with the trust that she has in him to provide directions ( and for them to be right).

I want to do that- look at my Dad with eyes that say “what next?”

(to end the story, the duck was long gone & there wasn’t anything to do besides go on looking for the next duck that was floating in the pond. The neatest thing was how Lottie was so proud of her pile of ducks! She gets fulfillment and enjoyment from obeying the commands of her master- and a security of when things go wrong, Dad knows what to do.)

What is "church"? Part II

The Church Is Not:
1. An organization made up of programs, systems, and methods dedicated to attracting monies and members to itself.
2. Buildings and offices, departments and positions, manipulated by hierarchies given to earthly display and self-aggrandizement for the purpose of being better accepted within chosen social spheres.
3. Another worldly institution dedicated to applying a balm of humanistic principles and solutions to man's personal and social ills.

The Church Is:
A family, a family much like the one described by Edith Schaeffer many years ago:
1. Family is the place where we no longer need to pretend that we are anything other than what we really are.
2. Where acceptance of each other is not based upon levels of performance.
3. Where we don't have to be afraid that our relationships will be broken.
4. Where our material possession are spontaneously shared.
5. Where our unique callings in life can be sought out and called forth with another's help.
6. Where each member's celebration or pain is felt by all.
7. Where we are free enough to admit we are needy, asking for help and expecting to receive it.
8. Where we are freed from the horrible burden of seeing life as a demand, as oughtness, as duty, instead as a gift, a feast, and a banquet.

And, periodically these families (microcosm) gets together with other families (macrocosm), as a family of families, maybe in a larger building, a tent, a warehouse, a gymnasium, wherever they can gather in a certain geographical sphere or given locale to celebrate like a family reunion encouraging one another at a larger scale and collectively worshiping God. But all of its strength, all its vitality comes not from the numerics of the gathering but rather from the family dynamics of the gathering.

Welcome to the Family,

John Gaultney

Courtesy of Third Day Churches

What is "church" ? Part I

The Church: Team Or Family?
What you call the church determines how you will relate to it. Some of the newer terms we have used to market the local church, and even solicit involvement and participation are the use of the common term "team." It gets printed on t-shirts, banner and baseball camps, whatever necessary to both foster morale and to esteem cooperation, it seems a "team" spirit works thematically for a missions project, an evangelistic endeavor or even an annual call to practical service.

But when we begin to call ourselves a team and not a family, too much shifts, and often too much is lost. A team is a group of people banded together for the express purpose of achievement, winning a game, accomplishing a goal, or completing a project. The Chargers are a team, so are the marines, and United Airlines. A team usually has a coach, an owner, and of course players, all trained to accomplish a task.

If the right guard keeps missing blocks, the coach is obligated to the owner and the other team members to bench him and even eventually replace or trade him. Sometimes when churches operate as teams, the leader (lead pastor) acts as a captain or a coach, sets up goals, and then initiates the action to achieve those goals. If someone gets in the way, misses a catch, sprains an ankle or is just plain too slow, he gets let go, dismissed from his charge, is asked to leave the game and is dropped from the team.

However, if the right guard is married to the coach's daughter, or is the son of the owner, that becomes a different subject. Now the team is a mixture of team and family and families operate on a different level.

Whereas teams are committed to achieving goals and winning games, families are committed to each other. In fact, the goal sometimes may be no more than simply sticking together. Staying committed, as a family, staying together particularly when things are not running smoothly means everyone at all times gets to play, because participating is more important than winning, and in family it is more important for the overall morale of the family that everyone makes it. Becoming someone in the family is more important than accomplishing something, even if that accomplishment is letting the opponent score and second goal when you turn the other cheek.

Churches, who set themselves up as teams, or even institutions, are missing the purposes of God. Churches are not teams committed to a common goal, even if that goal is as lofty as winning souls or sending missionaries. Churches are families, whose basic commitment to each other in order to accomplish anything. A son has a right to leave home, but a father does not have the right to fire him from his Sonship drive him away. The coach may bench an ineffective player, but in family when the game is over, we still eat at the same table. We are family first...team second.
Courtesy of Third Day Churches..

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, 11/3

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

BLESSED are the POOR in spirit...what is it to be poor? It is to be needy, to be desperate, to be hungry for something more. How consistently are we desperate for more of the Holy Spirit, or needy of time with Him? There is NO shame in admitting that you haven't been that way, or are only desperate for him when things are hard. The Lord really wants us, and wants us to want Him more-ALL the time! We have this sweet promise to stand on--that we are BLESSED when we are poor in spirit, and we RECEIVE the KINGDOM of heaven as we are desperate for Him. Go for it! He is worthy!

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, October 13

Wednesday, October 13 Wednesday Night Prayer Summary

Therefore,

if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above,

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:1

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony,

and they did not love their life even when faced with death. Revelation 12:11

We have been raised up with Jesus. When we are hit with distractions, attacks, discouragement, or anything to that effect, it is ESSENTIAL that we turn our focus onto the Lord. Simply put, we have to turn our thoughts and our attention to Him.

Our focus needs to be on who He is and what He has done (our testimony). Do not focus on what hasn't happened yet. Remember Jesus' faithfulness and what He has done. He is unchanging. He will ALWAYS be for you, be faithful, never leave you, and love you.

After sharing the above, the group spent time in prayer for one another. John & Cindy confidently stood on their testimonies that they have of the Lord providing for them to pray boldly for provision for others.

Remember, you are always MORE than welcome to come, fellowship, and pray! Penny's at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

What Kelli sang tonight,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-UDWk6e_aE

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, September 29

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Prayer Summary

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:15-17

Prayer Requests:

Gloria going to Honduras, HEALING of cancer-Wyatt, Covering over John and Cindy, Mike and Olga

Praise!

Another four churches in Athens are working together

What happened:

Cindy shared three revelations that she received while in Bethel. The three revelations below are ones that she and John believes are Kingdom principles and cultural values for Athens Link Fellowship to embrace and establish in our body.

1. Good.

God is good. He is absolutely GOOD, ALL of the time. He cannot be anything other than good, because he IS good. He is always in a good mood, and in a good mood towards us.

2. Intimacy with His Presence

Intimacy is defined as close familiarity or friendship; closeness. The presence of the Lord and intimacy with Him, is something that we need to court, hold onto, and host. And such an encouragement is that God also WANTS our intimacy with him. He wants us to have a close familiarity with Him.

3. Power of God

The miracles and supernatural gifts from the Lord displays His heart and His power. When the impossible happens, it puts the focus on Him who did it, not on us. In scripture where Jesus referred to works, He was often talking about miracles. He said that we would do greater works...

When we speak of what the Lord has done, when we give our testimony, it is SO powerful. Revelations says that we'll overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Testimonies establish faith. They set a precedent. There is so much power in our words.

Following Cindy sharing, we spent time in prayer for those needing healing, marriages, and that we'd be bold and courageous.

CHALLENGE

We left challenged to be purposeful this week, and declare whatever is on our heart over Athens...revival, healing, love...whatever' it is, while we're driving, while we're shopping, etcetera, declare it. You're challenged to do the same!

Recommended Reading:

Culture of Honor by Danny Silk

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, 9/22

Verse:
For the body is not one member, but many. 1 Corinthians 12:14

Update:
-Kelli shared that Francie said that the Tribe Issachar season of prayer went really well! She said the Tribe Issachar interns all had on their hearts to pray for more of the love of the Lord and for unity in our city. It was said that this was one of the most encouraging and joyful seasons of prayer. Thanks to EVERYONE who signed up during this time. Don't forget that the prayer room is open during office hours and is a great (non-intimidating) place to go spend some intentional time with the Lord at!

Prayer Requests:
Gloria's mission trip to Honduras
Mike & Olga-Discernment
John & Cindy in California

What happened:
Caren led prayer tonight, and led the group in a discussion about our passions and what we feel called to in Athens.

"What is your calling" can be an intimidating question. However, it is not meant to be that way! Being asked "what is your calling" does not always mean that you're being asked what is your ultimate life calling. Rather, is is good to ponder what is your calling for THIS season, for THIS time. A "subset" of your life calling, if you will. Further removing the intimidation, what you are called to in different seasons of life is often times directly linked to that which you are passionate about, and where you currently are. Often times it is easy to believe that our callings are something that will not be enjoyable and that we have to suffer through--that is simply not true. The Lord wants us to enjoy life, experience it abundantly, and live it authentically. What we enjoy doing, how we love serving, and what we get fired up about to pray for are all indicators of what our calling is, because those things are planted in our hearts by the Lord when He created us.

For example, Caren shared that one of her callings/passions is to pray for cancer. After going through some discouraging seasons, she still chooses to hold to that passion of her heart, and still pursue praying for healing. She is now employed at the American Cancer Society, and believes that she is in that position to continue to contend for healing of cancer. A beautiful example of Caren living out one of her passions (and you can have more than one!).

We are all here in Athens for a reason (the Lord IS really purposeful). And we are all part of this body. The body is not made up of 30 ears or 30 elbows--there are a lot of unique parts in a human body with specific functions; likewise, WE are all unique and have specific purposes in this body in Athens. We all have different talents, giftings, and passions. And that is GOOD. As we live authentically unto ourselves, and don't try to be someone who we are not, we'll be fulfilling our calling in this city. As you learn to be who you are, and live in that, you ARE bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to Athens.

Some good question prompts as you ponder this:
Where am I currently?

Who do I interact with?

What do I enjoy doing?
What am I talented in?
What do I get fired up about praying for?
What direction does my heart get pulled to in Athens?

Devotional from Bill Johnson

The one revelation that is about to change everything is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Paul declared as much when he said that there was something we would come to know by revelation (Ephesians 1:17) that would bring us into the fullness of Christ, saying "until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:13) Notice that coming into maturity is the result of gaining the knowledge of the Son of God. This revelation will completely change the church as we know it today, because as we see Him we become like Him. This will enable us to accurately re-present Jesus.

Jesus Christ is perfect theology. He is the "exact representation of His nature," (Hebrews 1:3) the ultimate portrayal of the Father. Questions that exist about God's nature in the Old Testament were clarified in the New Testament. When I teach on God's absolute desire and provision to heal, I am asked, "what about Job?? I respond, "I'm not a disciple of Job, I'm a disciple of Jesus." Job's life helped create the awareness for the need of a savior. Job is the question. Jesus is the answer. If our study of Job (and other Old Testament issues) doesn't lead us to Jesus as the answer, it reveals we never really understood the question. The types and symbols of the Old Testament do not override the clear manifestation of God through Jesus in the New Testament. Any understanding we have about the nature of God that can't be seen in the person of Jesus, must be questioned.

(Excerpt from the book, Dreaming With GodChapter 8, Destiny Image Publishers.)

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, 9/1

Wednesday, September 1 Prayer Summary

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him and consumes His foes on every side.
Psalm 97:1-3

What happened...

Tonight was a very still night at Wednesday night prayer; a night of receiving and soaking in truth and the Lords presence. John began by spending some time sharing from Psalm 97. It is ABSOLUTELY essential that we let God reign in our lives. We must slow down, and give him the position of authority in our lives. Mountains bow before Him, and the earth rejoices in His sovereignty. He also should have a place of authority in our lives. We have to slow down, and dwell with Him. Often when we hear of idols we think of little statues, or easily identifiable false gods. However, idols take other forms--distractions, times, money--whatever takes our eyes off of the Lord. We must cast down those things that vie for our affection and devotion.

Many have felt that attacks of doubt are coming against our body. When doubt, or any other foe (attack) comes against us, we can stand triumphantly in the knowledge that our foes are God's foes, and his foe's are utterly consumed. He fights for us!

After John finished sharing, we spent time being quiet in front of the Lord, and resting in His presence. It was a personal time, and some people shared what they had heard...

• God is THE God of the impossible. What man cannot do He CAN do, and even more, He is GLAD to do.
• We have to choose an attitude of love, and work towards loving well. Choosing to love is an intentional choice that we have to make, and one that is so worth it. Choosing to love means we choose to bless instead of curse; that we choose to do the unexpected thing rather than what is "deserved" when we're offended. We'll be known as Christians by our love.
• We must also be intentional about pursuing unity in our city. Unity will not come about unless we choose to be intent on going after it. We can't go after it if we hold back to ourselves, and if we are jealous of others. Someone shared a word about the Lord would walk through our walls like He did in the upper room--walls that we know of and walls that we don't.

This week you are so encouraged to find that intentional time with the Lord. Amazingly, He loves it more than we do--He LOVES spending time with you. Rest in His goodness and truth, and that He is for you.

If you have a testimony from the past week please share it as a comment on the blog to encourage one another with!

Fan the Fire

Last night, our prayer night for Athens Link Fellowship shifted into joining another worship group, UGA Wesley, for a beautiful time of praise, worship, and word. It is very encouraging to see over 1000 young people gathering to seek fellowship in the Lord. May our Lord bless Wesley's leadership and use those college students who are seeking Him.
During one of the praise songs, we sang a verse that called upon God to "Fan the Fire".
We really do want His Holy Spirit to have more of us. Without the Holy Spirit living IN us, we are powerless. Jesus left us with a trusting Counselor to walk with us.
Normally, it is natural for us, as humans, to flee fire because it hurts, and it consumes our flesh.
But, in this case, we should desire the fire of the Holy Spirit to consume our worldy sins so that our only thoughts are about our Father.
In Hebrews 12:29, it says "God is a consuming fire." This is the good fire of redemption. To be consumed by the Holy Spirit's fire is to desire to be free of the dross of our sins, our selfishness, our lust, our greed - everything that is not focused on being in true covenant relationship with God.
But, the Holy Spirit's fire must be ever-present in us so that we can agree with Jesus: "Here I am...I have come to do your will, O God" (Hebrews 10:7).
Are we willing to let this fire consume us? Do we seek MORE of the Spirit's fire when our situations in life get overbearing? The Kingdom of God is NOW, so..why are we waiting to enjoy His presence later in Heaven?
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). We are not to pursue our own worldly peace, but to stay in one place: IN the Holy Spirit's fire because that is where we find Him and want to please Him.
May we be consumed by Him today so that we will see more of Him working in our lives.

Wednesday Night Prayer Summary, August 18

Wednesday, August 18 Prayer Summary

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Matthew 8:10

Prayer Requests:

-JOBS for Candace, Christiana, Caren, John R, Grace & David, & Seth

-Mike and Olga C.

-Penny's mother, Peggy--for her SIGHT to be restored

-HEALTH: Paul W., Mike S.

-The downtown prayer room, and a new prayer room opening in Watkinsville; praying for unity and finances

-September 10 gathering

Praises!

-Tommy York got an excellent report from the doctor!

What we opened in worship to...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQTsbSl69O8

Check it out!

What Happened:

After we spent time interceding for the afore mentioned topics, we moved into a lengthy conversation on the authority we have and the impact of our language in prayer. As you read through the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples didn't pray "God will you heal" when praying for healing. Rather, they SPOKE healing into people; they declared it into being. God's will is always to heal. When one prays for healing, you are coming into agreement with God's will. When you pray for peace, you are agreeing with God's will.

Declare peace! Declare joy! Declare healing!

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Matthew 10:1

We can have confidence in Him, because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. We pray that you will be filled over and over with His spirit this week, and that living supernaturally will become your natural experience.

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

NEXT WEEK!

NO prayer meeting at Penny's; INSTEAD, meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Gaultney's to carpool to go to the Wesley Foundation Service!

Unity in Christ - I Corinthians 1:10

Though it had only been a short time since Paul founded the church in Corinth, discord and differences of opinion had already raised its ugly head among the people. Satan had moved quickly to bring confusion and dis-unity. We must stay on our guard, because Satan will bring action in the opposite direction to discourage all good work.

Paul is calling us to "be perfectly united in mind and thought". For perfection to pervade in us, we must abide in Christ. In Ephesians 4:23, we are encouraged to "be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness".

Before we look at how to bring unity in Christ, let's look at some things that bring dis-unity in Christ's church. We must take time to consider what needs to be defeated in our lives:
1. Unrepented sins
2. Unforgiving hearts
3. Personal greed and selfishness, not just financially, but with our time and our willingness to serve
4. Interpretation of God's word for selfish purposes
5. Worrying about another person's heart, rather than our own
6. Critical heart, judgment, condemnation

On the "other side of the coin" of life, how do we achieve unity in Christ?
Live the command of Christ to "love God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.. and to love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37 and 39.
One example is being willing to look out for each other as the Israelites did in Nehemiah 4:15-23.
By abiding IN HIM we create chains of unbreakable relationships through an atmosphere of TOTAL trust where there is no condemnation, judgment, no lying or deceit.

We are back to Romans 12:1 as we "offer your bodies as living sacrifices (dying to self daily), holy and pleasing to God.." In this place of surrender we give thanksgiving to God for ALL things... having a humble/contrite spirit so that we can be conformed to the mind of Christ.

Lord, may we daily submit ourselves to Your perfect will, with the knowledge that You have your "good, pleasing, and perfect will" in mind for Your children.

Samson's Victory

In Judges 16, we read about Samson's failures and inability to move away from his weakness with women. Despite his overwhelming physical strength, Samson could not see his vulnerability as one that could be overtaken.
After losing the evidence of his strength, being overtaken by the Philistines, having his eyes torn out, Samson lost even more: the presence of God.
Without His presence, Samson did not see himself as we should in Romans 12:3 (living sacrifices who die to self daily), but his actions turned Samson from God's presence, and he became powerless to defeat the enemy.
He knew his weaknesses but disregarded them for his own delight/comfort.
Did Samson not know that he would give away his special gift that he had since birth? In his disregard, Samson caused consequences for all.
But, in the end, he turned to God as he chose to become a living sacrifice by pulling down the pillars on himself and kill the enemy also.
Lord, may we be willing to acknowledge our inability to move without you and submit ourselves to Your good will for us. We know that you love a humble spirit and contrite heart. To You, we are thankful for Your lovingkindness.

Renewing our Mind

What we focus on, we move towards.
What we meditate on, becomes our destiny.

So....seek first the Kingdom of God and right relationship with Him.
He IS our destiny. Along with ALL He has for us...

I watch over my thoughts as they become my words.
I watch over my words as they become my actions.
I watch over my actions as they become my habits.
I watch over my habits as they become my character.
I watch over my character as it becomes my destiny.

Our thoughts and focus become our destiny.
We need a renewed mind.

Psalm 19:14: "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight O Lord."

Welcome to the blog!

Welcome to the Athens Link Fellowship Blog!

This will be a place to see what was prayed about at our Wednesday night prayer meeting, prayer requests, testimonies, scriptures, encouragement, and more.

You are encouraged to join with us prayerfully, and leave your notes & comments as you feel led.

You are LOVED.