ChurchPlanters.com "Giving You Permission"

House of Prayer

I don't know where to begin, all I know is God spoke to me this morning.  I don't think he is through speaking yet.  I'm afraid...I really am...I fear the Lord.  I know when he speaks it changes my life.  While finishing up Breaking the Discipleship Code God spoke to me. I didn't break the discipleship code it broke me.  Since breaking me God has refocused my mission clearer then ever...to rediscover the simplicity of Jesus and his ways.  Today as I was reflecting on our world God reminded me that his house was to be house of prayer for all people (Matthew 21:13).  You talk about the simplicity of Jesus and his ways. What if we had houses of prayer wherever we went.  What if my house was a house of prayer for my neighborhood.  What if when I went to places like the middle east I encourage those living under the oppressed hand of Islam to establish or be a house of prayer.  This is exactly what happen in China beginning with Mao's Cultural Revolution.  Today there are an estimated 60 million followers of Jesus in China.  What if when we plant churches in North America we begin with a house of prayer. 

Join Me in the Middle East

I don't know how we can be a follower of Jesus and not be engaged in the world...I frankly think it is impossible.  At Mountain Lake Church we have a fairly robust World Care ministry. We sent about 200 people last year around the world, invest thousands of dollars, put shoes on the feet of young children, computer banks in churches, trained pastors and other leaders, helped build a team house, mudded out houses, conducted revivals, participated in youth meetings, and shared Jesus with a bunch of people. 

When I am encouraging people to participate in some kind of world care project or trip I often have people tell me that they are praying about it...I understand that,  but at the same time what's there to pray about?  Jesus is very clear in the Great Commission that we are to "go into the world"!  I don't know how he could be clearer.  So let's go!!!

Speaking of going I am planning a vision trip to the Middle East March 7-14, 2008.  I would love to take several lead, executive, mission pastors with me.  If you are a follower of Jesus and eager for an awesome opportunity to live out the Great Commission give me a shout!!!  I would be honored to have you go on our vision trip.  It is going to be amazing.  You can contact me at [email protected] and I will give you more of the details...because of the sensitive nature of the Middle East I'm not posting them here.  I look forward to hearing from you...Peace on Earth!!!

Peace On Earth! What On Earth Does It Have To Do With Me?

I can't explain it...I will just call it a strange peace...I got an e-mail from my son some time over in the night...It was simple "Had to leave in a hurry.  Stop off at FOB _____ and on to FOB _______.  I immediately recognized the FOB (Forward Operational Base) as a Taliban trouble spot.  Right before my son came home for leave one of the platoons out of their troops was hit and had a high number of casualties. 

I'm scared, but at the same time I feel all of this pride related to the man my son is becoming...

At the same time I can't get the world off of my mind...Yesterday in my post I talked about putting a 100 wells in villages in Africa...today that thought is capturing my heart...I really believe our world is small...I can jump in a jet and be any place in the world as fast as I can drive to the Midwest.  I don't know how we can be a follower of Jesus and not do something about our world...When it comes to the Jesus way we are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world". 

When it comes to our world...THINK BIG!  Do something about it....pray for a specific country...watch the world news...give to a worthy cause...go on a short term trip...adopt a project...help me drill a well this Christmas...