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Blogposts, Musing

Coding, Operating Systems And Us

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Binary Coding
Binary Coding

Coding

This morning I had a dream. In the dream I found myself viewing HTML (HyperText Markup Language) coding or the ability of a person to build a web page. For someone such as myself who has been involved in the internet and the building of pages (Well, since Al Gore invented it…) this dream was interesting.

In coding there are a lot of things you do not see. These codes or strings of code, determine everything from font color, style or size, to where a picture or column is located. For instance, <font color=”red”>will give you this 6.

In the dream I saw the hand of the Lord touching people behind the scenes, putting code in lives. There was also code that was predetermined through birth or DNA (a code of its own that determines genetics like hair coloring, size, etc…) and then there is additional code which has a lot to do with what you put in your life.

In many respects, our lives are often like what we may now call a web page. A web page for the most part operates on three levels. The operating system (what you do not see.), the output or page(what you do see) and the “personalized” page that reflects answers you may have given in the past or choices you have made.

Life is a lot like that and I saw it in the dream.

The Operating System or OS
There is a code that runs the whole site. That may be more like what the Lord puts in to “run the whole system. And then there is the individual code of the page that has a lot of similarities to DNA coding. And then there is an additional process that revolves around forms where you may be asked for email addresses, etc.. The information you put in here determines what you may receive in coming days, etc..

One of the things I have noticed is our “operating system” or what goes on behind the scenes, never changes. God died as you and an operating system of God is always at work in your life. Whether you accept it or see it is irrelevant. You can choose never to see the wonder of what He does. You can be content only with what is in your life and what you do.

The Web Page
Then you walk in the DNA or the output of your parents and the generations before you. You may resemble Aunt Tilly or Poppa Don. You may act like your father or smile like your mama. There is little you can change outside of reconstructive surgeries, additions or subtractions. It is interesting that many are concerned with this to the extent that perhaps billions are spent in this area to change the visual or the “page” itself. So many work to get away from the “code.” It is here that appearance is changed, corrupted or distorted.

Personalization
The data entry of personal information builds a database that becomes uniquely you to even further extent. It can be the result of upbringing, education or culture.

When I gave my life over to the Lord I was given what can only be called a new “operating system.” It was more than an upgrade. Everything became different. (Scripture tells us that once we were “darkness.”) Up until that point my operating system was “corrupt” and my output corrupt. With this new operating system, many things changed. Not all, but many. Instantly it was like the Lord removed my database of profanity. On the hand I would try to reverse or operate this new system from the direction of the old with results that were less than productive.

I still had the DNA of parents and the personalization of experience, but now I had to run it on a different system. I found that some of my favorite “programs” I had used no longer produced or in some cases no longer existed.

In the dream the hand of the Lord was giving not just “upgrades” but new systems of operation. I felt the Lord saying “this is a day of great harvest. The corruptions of this world are not what you are to be concerned with. Be concerned with the newness of the operating system.” Too often we bring people out of their culture and encourage them to do what they have always done…but differently! We need to put emphasis on Him and not the output or the result. Christ and Christianity is not self help. The best “coding” in the world will not and cannot run without a proper operating system.

I am not being disrespectful or irreverent of Christ. He is the “system” that made way for my corrupt ways to change. It was not for lack of trying I had been unable to accomplish these things before Him. Let us stop trying to change the person. That job belongs to Christ and Christ alone. Let us not see conformity to a system of “proper” output but let us seek the transformational change that comes with Christ.

Encourage the operating system change and you will see the results. Stop focusing on the output of people and concentrate on He who can change.

Blogposts, Family, Family Thoughts, Old Friends, Uncategorized

July is Here!

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The Blur Of July

As we hit the first day of July I am reminded of what it was like in my youth. My parents often planned our vacations to Schroon Lake and later our camping trips in the first few weeks of July. My birthday on the 3rd was always celebrated with nights of fireworks, it seemed. (Hey, one day later and they would have named me Samuel….think about that!)

drum cake
This was the cake my mom made for my birthday one year. .

When I was a child my mom often experimented with specialty cakes. One of my favorites was a drum cake she made. (Sometimes she made those ice cream cone cakes.) But whatever she made it made little difference! Sometimes we went to Frontier Town, Ausable Chasm, Catskill Game Farm and one year while in Connecticut, we celebrated on Powers Pond in Wallingford with the paddleboats.

July was always a month for vacations, boating, water skiing and more. When I was older I went to Keewaydin and celebrated on the shores of Lake Dunmore. Now, not only do we celebrate my birthday but also my daughter Amy and my wife Tina’s birthday. (My wife celebrates in the aftermath of my party with a quiet day on the ocean’s beach.)

I am excited not because it is “my birthday” but for many a year it has been a day of gathering friends and family around the barbecue. This year will be no different. From 10-4 this Saturday I will be blessed with the friends I have come to cherish and the family I adore. This year one of my greatest “presents” will be seeing my newest granddaughter Hannah Lynn. Over the years friends have visited from about the nation planning ministry and vacations that have included this day. I have friends that show from church and others who never have been in a church. They all are my friends. Over the years some have gone on to their reward and each year I reflect on the goodness of God in my life and the friends and family I do have.

I often sit and watch the conversations, the interactions and the relationships that are started or revisited.  I believe this week to be no different. Friends and family, I look forward to seeing you.

Blogposts, Musing

Chaim-Life The Search For Chaim

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Just a thought?
Just a thought?

Yesterday I received a vision

from the Lord about the upcoming season. Some have already taken me to task about the aspect of “love” in it. That’s okay. You do not have my life and I do not have yours.

This morning I was awakened from a dream with these words ringing in my head. “Will you come down here?” Huh? I started to process the dream while drinking my coffee and laughing about a friend’s inability to acquire a Starbucks at BOS at 5AM.

I began to think about being in Him and what is protected by “being in Him. No discourse here other than to say a lot more is hidden in the life of Jesus than you can imagine.

In the dream I was trying to locate a man. His name was Chaim. He had appeared so young in my first meeting, but as I inquired as to His whereabouts, people talked about how old he was. Chaim was known by many and seen by few. The talk of Him was histories, anecdotes and stories but no one seemed to know him personally. I was on a mission. He had touched my life. I remembered it vividly.

Finally I caught up to him. We met at a sidewalk café in France. He was seated. His life beamed life. We sat there saying nothing. The glory was much upon his face.

I awoke from that dream, be asked “will you come down here?”

I will be honest in saying, I am not sure who is being asked to come “down here.” Years ago I was seated in a meeting where men prophesied over me for nearly20 minutes. One of the lines was “come down out of the clouds and get the smell of sheep upon your garb.” I am more inclined to believe it was a call for help, much the call Paul received to Macedonia in the book of Acts. I have to leave this one on the table for a day or so.

But Chaim? Chaim means life in Hebrew. Many people added even the name to their name to add health to their life. There IS power in the name.

I sensed I met Him who is the essence of all life in the dream. Why a café? Why not?

Blogposts, Ministry, Musing

A Vision On June 29th 2013 The Tension of Light

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duckieWired for Sound

In my years as a believer I have no recollection of not waking up with a song in my mind. This morning was no different. As the lyrics from The Anthem were flying through my mind…

He’s calling wake up child it’s your turn to shine
You were born for such a time as this
He’s calling wake up child it’s your turn to shine
You were born for such a time as this
Such a time as this

Of course I had just been shaken out of my reverie by my youngest grandson. He immediately went back to go to sleep, but me, it was 5AM. And I knew the return of sleep was not on my radar screen.

So, I dutifully got up, made coffee and started the laundry so it would be done when my wife awakens.

I wrote a few hours ago a few things that were on my heart about missed opportunity and went in to take a shower. I often have devotions of a sort in the shower. Sing a few songs, declare, decree, pray. Me and the water and God. (The voice of many waters!) So, embarrassing as it is I found “rubber ducky, you’re the one” coming out of my mouth. I chuckled and found a more spiritual song. I returned to The Anthem for a moment. The next thing I knew I was in a vision.

VISION
I saw a large hand reaching into rooms and buildings shutting the lights off. Rooms went from frivolity and fun to darkness. Surprise overtook. I heard whimpering, quiet whispers, loud voices demanding an answer and the shuffling of feet and the moving of people. Stores, schools and yes, even churches. Communities and cities and towns were dimmed. In the midst of the areas, other lights grew brighter.

Frankly it reminded me of being in the bar business. The clock set 10 minutes ahead to insure all would be out. “Last call for alcohol” roughly a half hour before. And then darkness. People shuffling towards the door. All but an advertising light or two illuminating the exit. To return to their homes.

In an old paradigm I would have thought the worst. But I saw it was the hand of the Lord. The Lord is shutting out churches? What? The brightness that grew in various buildings was also church buildings.

I continued to watch. The hand moved slowly. And then I realized that there were people from time to time in His grasp. Picked up and moved. They were looks of surprise, some of dismay, some of anger. I heard voices bemoaning the move, the change. “What about me” was a popular refrain. “But I thought..” another.

I was reminded of Paul carrying out the will of God, reconciling people to Christ, implementing the “Great Commission.” As he readies for Asia, he hears no. Forbidden by The Holy Spirit. The Macedonia call is there. Paul immediately moves. The result all of Asia opens up! He later shares greetings from the 7 churches of Asia. I then thought if you want reach billions you must have a “product” that can reach billions. And a plan!

The vision ended. But even as it closed I “heard” this.

“In the coming days I am going to extinguish the unproductivity (Not the people) in people’s lives and in their sphere. I have plans for people that they have not seen, not understood. There are places that will close and places that will prosper. There are dreams that will be realized and efforts that will be futile. There is a move in this nation, even the world that as I raise up sons who shall move unfettered, bringing forth the goodness I have instilled in them. A change of people and resource.Many are the people of God who have misunderstood, but soon all will see. Be not fearful at the changes, the moves, the light. For in this season, there will be shifts and turns but my plan is unfolding. In this hour many will cry for they lack not understanding, but it is in this hour I will call forth sons who will carry out my purpose. There are those that will prosper in this day and many will be surprised. Be not worried for those that have not heard for soon they will see. They have not listened, even shrugged off my words, but in this day and in this hour I will make them hear.”

(Even as I write this the Lord said to me, “you understood not my hand for your move in the previous days, but shortly you shall see.” Uhhh…OK….)

I felt as though some were being removed not because they had wronged but because the Lord needed them. I felt the word “community” once again impressed upon my heart. I felt the Lord was removing some because of others dependence on them and not on Him. (Wow!) I felt there would be churches that would grow because of the desire to father, to release and to see sons come forth, not of the house, but of the Lord. I felt that the desire to uplift and provoke to goodness, love and grace were a mandate.

All I can say is, I am too excited!

DUCKS
Ducks have always invaded my life on some level. I am sure there is a reason. One of the biggest kinds of trouble I got in as a small child was lassoing all of the neighbor’s ducks, yanking them up into my tree house, boxing them up and putting them in my dad’s garage…And the rubber duck my wife was given by a friends(Learn to float on the waves) and the subsequent rubber duck Christmas ornaments. And Jacob and I read this book for years together. Make Way For Ducklings . I am sure there is a greater revelation on ducks…maybe one day..


The Anthem

I can hear the footsteps of my King
I can hear His heartbeat beckoning
In my darkness He has set me free
And now I hear the Spirit calling me

He’s calling wake up child it’s your turn to shine
You were born for such a time as this
He’s calling wake up child it’s your turn to shine
You were born for such a time as this
Such a time as this

And I can hear a holy rumbling
I’ve begun to preach another King
Loosing chains and breaking down the walls
I want to hear the Father when He calls

He’s calling wake up child it’s your turn to shine
You were born for such a time as this!
(x4)
Such a time as this

This is the anthem of our generation
Here we are God, shake our nation!
All we need is your love,
You captivate me!
(x4)

I am royalty, I have destiny,
I have been set free, I’m gonna shape history!
(x8)

I’m gonna change the world! (x7)

Updated: The Anthem Guitar Chords

Em C G D – repeat for the whole song.  Enjoy!

Lyrics are copyright Jake Hamilton

 


Blogposts, Musing

Avoid The Distractions By Seeing Your Position

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I am a motorcycle rider.

A few weeks ago I was cut off by a young woman in a car. She pulled directly in front of me to pull into a parking lot on my side. I was forced to brake so hard, that I hurt my wrists and popped my shoulder. It was a moment where I was blessed that I had just left some place to get to another. I was blessed probably that her car was red and I do not “trust” red cars. My thinking was correct.AS she blitzed in front of me she waved with one hand, while talking on her cell phone. Inches separated us.

Why do people drive the way they do? Why do they think not of the motorcycle driver? Why is it that despite my bike being “bigger than her car”, she still chooses to cut me off? Okay the last part is a stretch, but I drive a 1,000 pound motorcycle with bright lights and it is orange!

So, as I began to think through the deal itself the Lord popped into my mind thoughts of just how did the Jerusalem public, the religious leaders and all of those people miss the fact that this was the Messiah? How do we miss that which is in plain sight? How did the two men on the road to Emmaus miss out on who was walking with them? How did the woman with the issue of blood get past the crowd, past the disciples and touch the hem of Jesus’ robe?

If you believe God is close by (even living in you) or that He is at hand and that revelation is simply the exposure of that which is here, (Close Encounters of the God Kind) then my question I ask of myself, is HOW MUCH AM I MISSING? What am I missing? I am not freaking out about it, but how many angels have stepped aside in my distracted state? How many missed opportunities because of distractions? And how much have I endangered others and their spiritual lives by my actions?

There in our lives has been a “red car” approach at times. That missing. I never want to be that person. I am not talking about “missing” God but missing the opportunity to see Him glorified. Seeing the “wow’s” of God in lives. Many times we choose from comfort or from doubt, rather than from relationship or His will in our lives.

It is time to ask the Lord to reveal Himself and be ready and waiting for His appearance. So often in my life it is the subtlety of His coming that puts me in awe rather than the fireworks of His appearance. Do not misunderstand me, I like fireworks, but so frequently what I may consider a firework is not as far reaching as the undulating times with Him in His presence. It is in those moments we see the power of Sonship.  In those times the goodness of God is increasing, changing communities and regions.

When I spend time picking up rocks, looking at flowers I never doubt the reality of the Creator. The more time we spend feasting on Him, the less time we spend missing out on Him.

I was thinking last night that many of the people I know live as servants and not as sons. Live beneath the expectation and ability He has bestowed upon them. They wait for the visit of the Master instead of walking as He walked. He has given us the “office” of His anointing. He has seated us in place with Him. No need to wonder. Our distractions often are from our misunderstanding of our position.  It is His grace that is operative through our lives.

I do not want to miss an opportunity for an encounter with Him.

Book Thoughts, Interrupted Process, Updates

Book update June 28th 2013 Interruption just might be the answer to insignificance!

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An update for you!
An update for you!

I continue to plod through page after page, making corrections, getting new revelation, fresh understanding and…interrupted. Every time I think I am closing in on something, another piece is added, uncovered or found.

Today is devoted to my grandson Jacob(when he wakes up) and writing up the interruptions of those in the Bible.

Right now I am diving into the life of Jonah. Here is a man who if we are honest, we have emulated from time to time. Especially in this day and age. “Go do this.” “Uh, no. I am not feeling lead.” (

Anyone that remembers my desk in the ministry probably remembers the chunk of lead I had placed on it. “Pastor, I am not feeling lead.” “Really? Here you go! Now go do it!!!” I have a little more grace now!)

Here is Jonah encountering two miracles of God. God speaks and speaks to a mere man!

Interruption just might be the answer to insignificance!

 

Blogposts, Musing

Hard Choices

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No one likes hard choices. No one likes hard choices that involve people who have been friends. I am no different.

This past week, I made a decision that evoked some of the strongest emotions I have had in 20 years. A friend had need for his apartment for something to reduce his heating costs. I had a very nice pellet stove that I agreed to leave with him with the agreement he purchase it for half the price I paid. $1,500.

A year later he and his wife have not paid despite emails, texts and letters. I called an attorney and sent out papers. I have to tell you this is one of the hardest decisions of the last 10 years. My hope is that he and his wife will see through to either paying or returning it.

Am I the only one who feels this “badly” about this kind of thing?

Blogposts, Lee Johndrow, Ministry, Musing

The Fence Around The Church

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Who comes to your church? I often ask myself does it look like those of Jesus’ companions. Tax collectors, prostitutes and those not “allowed” in church. I can honestly say our fellowship looks more and more like that. I am excited about that! Why? It means they feel welcome. Did you know they felt welcome to be with Jesus, despite their sins, their strongholds and their belief?

Many of my friends are crying out that “God lost America” yesterday. If He is that weak then why would you serve Him? I assure you He is not. The difficulty for many is to realize God gave a group of people all authority here. It is on us.

For years we built a fence to keep “them” out. If you think I am talking about immigration you would be wrong. I am talking about the fence we “built” around the church. Before I was saved, I was a them.  Now I am an “us”? Does that really make sense in light of scripture?

The Supreme Court ruling yesterday does nothing for me except to highlight the need for “limited” or smaller government. There are many reasons for limiting government. One is people get to live life as God intended it…with freedom. Whether that freedom sends “chills” up your back or not, that is the freedom God intended and Jesus advocated. He never was “okay” with their sin but He wasn’t okay with them being outside His “reach” either. I want small government. My opinion, my choice. (Have you read the papers? Are you seeing any overriding value to “bigger is better” when it has to do with control?)

With that said.

There is a difference between influence and control. Jesus never intended to “control” anyone. Dominion “can” come by control, but it is better when the people buy into it.

For years our “us vs. them” mentality has grown. We have taken scripture, used it without context, to control or condemn, and forgot about love. We pulled our children out of schools and bemoan the lack of educational values, including morality. (I am not against Christian schooling or home schooling, my question is your reasons. My wife and I have done both.) Paul said “And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14

One of the reasons I appreciate being in business and around people is I am around the “sinner.” I was speaking to a friend of mine who works in business. He was “bemoaning” the fact that employees are getting saved and coming to work saying “I am interested in church.” He said it makes it hard to find people to work Sundays!

God never intended our reach to be confined to a building of “good” people. His intent all along was to reach the broken, the downtrodden, the sinner. He intended His death, burial and resurrection for all mankind.

After 20 plus years of life with Him, I feel I can say so many have become “churchified,” failing to be subjects of the King, hence the word Kingdom, that sight of the goal has been lost. It tells us that the “heathen” was given for our inheritance yet many poo poo the idea of the lost, their thinking on various subjects and more.

Let me be frank. We have lost inventors, singers, businessmen and more because of our ungodly attitude towards people. We have acted like the world too often to have influence a lot of the time. If our neighbors do not know we are believers that to me, is a problem. If our coworkers do not know that is a problem. And last but not least, if our children do not know.  In the latter I am speaking of the child who goes to church and sees parents “pose” for the cameras and go home, lacking love or affection.

Before we denigrate those in Congress, the Senate, the Presidency or the Supreme Court we must look at our own actions. I am painfully aware of the difference between a believer and an unbeliever. I know the end game. I am not saying do not hold those accountable to their oaths of office. BUT, do not hold them to a higher standard than you hold the church.

All sin was paid for. Theirs, yours and mine.

Let us get back to the place of practicing the walk of Jesus. Not in a religious manner but with the love that He walked in.

I read today of a famous pastor and government leader who in light of the Supreme Court ruling on DOMA said, “Jesus wept.” If Jesus wept, it is because His church is quick to point the finger anywhere but at their own efforts. We pulled out of government, we pulled out of schools, we pulled out of life, all for the sake of bad teaching and theology. We missed the very thing He was trying to do. Establish HIS kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.

If you are dismayed about the ruling, can I suggest it is time to search one’s soul and ask the obvious. Have I influenced those about me with His goodness? Have I made known His name? Have I condemned or have I freed? Have I locked them out and locked myself in?

For the sake of this generation I lay down my life(My thinking, my desires, my hopes and I supplant them with his!) to carry out His words and His will. God was not looking for a democracy or a republic. He was looking for a people. For He is God and that is a theocracy. Where He is the head and we are the body.

And that folks…is a wrap.