Apostle David Johndrow - Fire And Grace

During the last 4 weeks I ran a survey. I asked the question "What does the church need the most?" Relationship (8%) Prayer (0%) Revelation (33%) Repentance (8%) Love (41%) Trial (0%) Vision (8%) It is interesting what folks think the church needs, don't you agree? It would be intriguing to see, of those that answered, which ones are attending church on a regular basis. There are a lot of armchair theologians that think they know the game, but have no training or experience. Amen? I am going to weigh in and say that church needs a lot of things. With years of thought, I believe that we need a fresh revelation, not a new theology. Jesus doesn't change, but how we do, and perceive church, must change. We need a vision that comes from the depths of God's heart, not some program that we can wrap our favorite verse around. Interestingly no one thought that we needed prayer or some sort of trial such as 9/11 to get people thinking about getting back to church. Of course...

Ever get riled up over political issues or have a political discussion? Regardless of what we feel or can logically debate, as Christians we cannot forget Biblical principals. It is as easy to become as partisan as the dopes on the other side - whatever side that is. However; the majority of Christians are a little too apathetic about politics - feeling that somehow what goes on in the world has nothing to do with them and their faith. If you are thinking of stopping here, I am probably talking about you. I know the readers of this blog are pretty well informed-- I am talking about everyone else. :o( A few months ago, a blogger by the name of Tony C. breached the idea of a Christian political party. I have pondered the thought for weeks. I even mentioned it on another blog and got lambasted by a very politically (pro-choice) liberal Christian. I'm sorry, I am having a hard time using a capital "C" to describe that Christian -- I am thinking christian would be better. Yo...

Living in the Bluest State has its disadvantages -- especially today. I couldn't be more embarrassed at what took place today in our state, and the nations capital. I don't care what side of the aisle you are on, today was the culmination of sheer hypocrisy, and it affects you and your family if you live in the US. You may have heard Senator Ted Kennedy died just a few short weeks ago. It would have been hard to miss if you have a pulse. I am not sure which news outlets you listen too. The only reason that matters is that you may, or may not, have heard about a letter Ted wrote to the governor of Massachusetts. He asked Governor Duval Patrick to appoint a interim senator to "vote on important issues" in his heavenly absence. In some states, that is how it works, there is an appointment-- and it USED to be that way in Massachusetts. The governor appoints a new senator to take the place of the one who has left the post for any reason. The problem for Duval was that the ...

My friend and ex-coworker just posted his status on Facebook - "planning my midlife crises." Another friend, someone that I have known since I was 5, had his birthday today. We shared some interesting times together until late in high school. It makes me wonder how I got this far along? Occasionally I indulge in the "what ifs" thinking about a decision I made at some point in my life. What if I went to college right after high school instead of two years later? What if I hadn't called Dennis and went my first Ala-Teen meeting? What if I had kept my stock in Levi's, and not purchased stock in Citibank? What if I had saved the $5000 I received from a settlement instead of blowing it on mission trips? Life in it's atomic form, is a series of decisions - some good and I suppose some bad. Dr. Phil likes to talk about defining moments-- times when we chose or experienced something that defines who we are. I never specifically thought about what those might be ...

I was pondering things at church-- I sort go get off on my own little rabbit trails based on the scriptures that I hear. It's hard to hear some of the more popular ones over and over-- but I always assume they are brought up again for a reason. This morning was no different. We started off in Matthew chapter 6, the Lord's prayer chapter which goes on to say things like, "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself," and some other stuff about food and clothing. I have read and taught on this chapter many times over the years. I don't travel in anxiety as much as frustration, so there are other passages that are more meaningful to me personally. So, what was different this morning? I was thinking that these verses have been very useful to me, especially in the early years of beginning to trust God with my life, my finances and just about everything else. I went to some crazy word-of-faith meetings and gave recklessly-- all of which God honored...

Yesterday I took a day trip to the White Mountains of NH. It is an easy day trip from where I live; just outside Boston. When I am there, time seems to stand still. Even a few hours walking in the shadow of the mountains and listening to the babbling brook was amazingly refreshing. It's a place where I get to leave the real world behind; traffic, work and bills -- gone! For a time I can focus on the scenic beauty and God's glorious creation. Romans 1:18-21 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Each one of us finds different places where we go to find solace in a God that is bigger than we are. An added bonus was the companionship of my 18-year-old daughter. She is a good traveler as she also enjoyed some quiet time as we drank in the next scene; rounding corners on the Kancamagus Highway, enjoying the sunshine pouri...

Finally, after a number of years of not being able to find a reliable babysitter for under $100 per hour, we did. Tuesday is officially Date Night! It is a chance for my wife and I to get out of the house and focus on each other for a few hours. I do look forward to it. We are typical in many ways of other married folks. We are too busy with work, kids, church and "stuff' to get a lot of quality time together. She has a pretty rye sense of humor, and sometimes it is a load of fun -- other days, life is too darn serious for both of us. Last night, however; went "something" like this: ME: Where would you like to go tonight? MY BELOVED: Some place nice-- but it's your turn to DECIDE. ME: * Thinking, "do I have trouble making up my mind?" * I need to go to the pharmacy and drop off a prescription on the way. MY BELOVED: That's sounds like the perfect date. ME: *Smiling* I don't think they serve steak there. Do you know of any place near there, I...

The Yarites are coming-- it happens a few times a month around my house. It is sort of like a cult where the leader says, while the others do. The leader may not have to do as he says, but he makes sure the others do. Some think it's a sports team and others are confused as to what a Yarite is. I could be someone that has a specific habit or mental illness - after I am related to at least three of them. For me it was a hobby that I have now left behind like a treadmill or a rowing machine in the basement. I think I'm done. If you've been kicking around this blog for the last few months, you may have noticed that I went hunting-- hunting for cars- Yari in fact. Why? Because we simply got to the point where we needed reliable transportation at rock bottom prices. We didn't own any clunkers - well none that qualified. And besides as a tax payer, how was it that I was going to get a rebate? Do the math, taxes go up, and I save money on a car. And the benefit is? I am sure ...

I was once an atheist. I believed in the science I was taught in high school and college. I didn't give God a serious thought, hardly a thought at all until life began to strangle me. Actually there was nothing in my life to make it worth looking forward to another minute. Maybe you've been there. But before I engage in theological debate. Two things: For the record, I was inspired to add to a previous blog after reading one by Michael J. Vlach, Ph.D. And two, I thought I would share a story that has been circulating the Internet for years-- I still makes me chuckle. THE BEAR AND THE ATHEIST An atheist was walking through the woods. "What majestic trees"! 'What powerful rivers"! "What beautiful animals"! He said to himself. As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and s...

I usually stick to spiritual issues, but this health care debate seems to be one-sided and vary partisan. As a Christian and an American, I need to say something. WE NEED HEALTH CARE REFORM. Why? Because it needs to be improved. I do laugh at the mindless critics that think there is better health care in some other country. We have the best in the world despite its shortcomings. I bet when Michael Moore gets sick, he doesn't go to Cuba for treatment. There is currently a quote circulating on TV and the Internet which says "No one should die because they can't afford health care, and no one should go broke getting health care." I don't agree with the statement 100% because it is shallow, it does not address the issue directly. It implies that we just leave people dying in the streets, which is an exaggeration to some extent. It also implies that we are heartless, but Jesus knew that a long time ago. And as Christians health care is NOT our savior! So, let's t...

God can do anything He wants, except control our free will, right? Hmm... God has orchestrated all the events of the world, and we can't change His mind, right? Hmmm... A recent blog comment got me to thinking, what is it that God is going to do between now and eternity that I cannot hinder, that the world cannot change? And if that is the case, then should I just coast until the sound of the trumpet? After all I am saved, and the seal of the Holy Spirit is upon my heart. Once you get your ticket, there can't be much left to do, right? It's a lot to think about -- kinda heavy. What I am getting at with these questions is basically the age old debate of Calvinism vs. Arminianism. Are we predestined by God, or do we play a part -- a role in our own destiny? I think it's both. But don't start rolling your eyes yet! Q. How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb? A. None. God has predestined when the lights will be on. Q. How many Arminians does it take to c...

I recently ran a poll in which participants rated the church; primarily American, when asked to complete this statement: I would say the church is _________ Doing a good job. (0%) Doing an OK job. (33%) Not doing a good job. (46%) Pathetic. (20%) I realize it isn't very scientific poll, however; it certainly gets right to the point. More than half think that the church is doing a poor or pathetic job. Wow! Now consider that this, Christians are supposed to have the answers to life. Our answers are to be better than the government, better than business, and better than any other philosophy or religion. Jesus is the Rolls Royce of spiritual entities, the Ruler of All and the Lover of our souls. And our portrayal of Him-- our report card if you will-- to the readers of this blog anyway -- which for the most part consider themselves Christians, is a little above pathetic! We have a "C", a couple of "D" and some "F". Wow squared! Think about what you wo...

My wife likes to laugh. Apparently that is one of the long lost reasons that she married me. Some days I am not too much fun. That's why I read a couple of blogs each day-- looking for material to keep my wife happy. As a guy, I tend to compartmentalize things. I am thinking, this will make her laugh, she is thinking, the trash man comes the exact same day each week for years, and he forgets. That usually ruins our 6:30 am coffee on Thursday morning. In the evenings, after the Energizer Bunny (our 5-year-old) goes for her beauty nap, we try to catch up for a few minutes and watch an episode of CSI -- preferably the one that is set in Vegas. See, there I go trying to make her happy. I like the one that is set in -- never mind. The remote is all hers at 10 pm-- and earlier if I am asleep. Thank God Lost had it's farewell performance. For God's sake if John had turned the damn wheel in the cave, they could have finished two seasons earlier! Some times our conversations are fu...