....but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD. Numbers 14:21 (do you believe this will be a reality?)
It is easy to lose sight of our Fathers eternal purpose. He is up to something and will carry out His purpose (s). We can easily get consumed by present distress and lose heart and sight of the steady March toward the consumation of God's Desire. What is His desire? Paul wrote the following to the church at Ephesus.
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him Eph 3:8-12
Yes, we have been given an assignment as His extension on earth (His body - He is the Head). His wisdom is to become visable thru us to a lost world. And, believe it our not, the world anxiously awaits that reality ( For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. - Rom. 8:19) It will be His grace that carries this out. I simply want to remind us that, in the end, when the author steps on stage and the play is complete - that Truth will be found ruling and reigning and we will be by His side (I encourage you to read Psalms 2). No matter how bleak things may look, no matter how impossible His objective may seem from your perspective; His Glory will fill the earth; His Wisdom will be displayed; He will Reign and His Kingdom will endure forever!
Thanks for listening!
mickey mooney www.networkvine.org
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
passover seder...
Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. 5:7-8
Greetings from Paris, Tn! As I write this it is snowing here. It was 80 deg. 2 days ago....(keeps us guessing). Yet, the buttercups are in bloom and there are signs of spring in the air. Spring always brings such promise. Gardeners begin to think about getting seed in the ground; the early adopters crank mowers and attack grass that really doesn't need mowing; people emerge from their winter cocoons and initiate those exterior projects that have laid dormant all winter; ahhh spring.....
I used to think Easter. In my continued paradigm shift I now favor Passover. It was in the Passover setting that Jesus began to unfold the significance of who He was to his followers. He used the elements of the ceremonial meal to paint a picture of His purpose. As He would lift each element He explained how it pointed to Him, the Lamb that was to be slain as a offering for the world He loved. (I have tears well in my eyes at simply typing that last sentence).
This year Passover begins at sundown on April 9th. Many Jews around the world will celebrate the Exodus from Egypt while many Christians simultaneously celebrate their exodus from their spiritual captivity in the worlds system. One is shadow, the other substance. If you are out of our region consider researching the Passover Seder and experiencing this with your family and friends.
If you are in our region:
Suzy & I (and all of our friends and family that help prepare) would like to extend you a invitation to celebrate Passover with us on Sat., April 11th. I know this is not the "correct" date (we don't do this out of some religious obligation... we are not Jews and are not compelled to live like Jews!) However we cherish the beauty and significance of a Passover Seder. If you have never experienced a Seder, your first may well be your best! It is full of symbolism that has often been lost to the gentile church.
Where: The cabin, 1645 Swor Rd. Springville, Tn 38256 (10 miles south of Paris via Hwy 641)
When: Sat. April 11th. 7:00pm - come anytime prior and hang out for the day. If you want to stay at the cabin (or camp out) that would be great! The cabin will be open Friday - Sunday for any that want to use it. There is plenty of space for tents, etc.
What: We will share a big feast! In the midst of the feast we will introduce the "Passover Seder" plate and live out the traditional ceremony. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time for conversation and "catching up".
We will need RSVPs in order to know how many to prepare for. Please email me ASAP so we can begin a head count. Also, let me know if you plan on staying either Fri. or Sat. night and if you plan to camp or use the cabin (there are motels within 10 -12 miles if preferred)
mickey & suzy mooney
www.networkvine.org
Greetings from Paris, Tn! As I write this it is snowing here. It was 80 deg. 2 days ago....(keeps us guessing). Yet, the buttercups are in bloom and there are signs of spring in the air. Spring always brings such promise. Gardeners begin to think about getting seed in the ground; the early adopters crank mowers and attack grass that really doesn't need mowing; people emerge from their winter cocoons and initiate those exterior projects that have laid dormant all winter; ahhh spring.....
I used to think Easter. In my continued paradigm shift I now favor Passover. It was in the Passover setting that Jesus began to unfold the significance of who He was to his followers. He used the elements of the ceremonial meal to paint a picture of His purpose. As He would lift each element He explained how it pointed to Him, the Lamb that was to be slain as a offering for the world He loved. (I have tears well in my eyes at simply typing that last sentence).
This year Passover begins at sundown on April 9th. Many Jews around the world will celebrate the Exodus from Egypt while many Christians simultaneously celebrate their exodus from their spiritual captivity in the worlds system. One is shadow, the other substance. If you are out of our region consider researching the Passover Seder and experiencing this with your family and friends.
If you are in our region:
Suzy & I (and all of our friends and family that help prepare) would like to extend you a invitation to celebrate Passover with us on Sat., April 11th. I know this is not the "correct" date (we don't do this out of some religious obligation... we are not Jews and are not compelled to live like Jews!) However we cherish the beauty and significance of a Passover Seder. If you have never experienced a Seder, your first may well be your best! It is full of symbolism that has often been lost to the gentile church.
Where: The cabin, 1645 Swor Rd. Springville, Tn 38256 (10 miles south of Paris via Hwy 641)
When: Sat. April 11th. 7:00pm - come anytime prior and hang out for the day. If you want to stay at the cabin (or camp out) that would be great! The cabin will be open Friday - Sunday for any that want to use it. There is plenty of space for tents, etc.
What: We will share a big feast! In the midst of the feast we will introduce the "Passover Seder" plate and live out the traditional ceremony. Afterwards, there will be plenty of time for conversation and "catching up".
We will need RSVPs in order to know how many to prepare for. Please email me ASAP so we can begin a head count. Also, let me know if you plan on staying either Fri. or Sat. night and if you plan to camp or use the cabin (there are motels within 10 -12 miles if preferred)
mickey & suzy mooney
www.networkvine.org
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
collective listening....
www.networkvine.org
collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
collective listening….
Growing up in the south I was enamored with quaint catch phrases. Most actually have roots in simple human wisdom. I am particularly fond of observations like “two heads are better than one, even if one is a pumpkin head” (of course I was always the “punkin’ head”). Scripture supports this “two heads” observation with statements like “truth is found in the abundance of counselors” or “The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter” (Acts 15). It is this exercise of collaboration that sparks this article.
Suzy & I have enjoyed numerous travels over the past few years. We have met (and continue to communicate with) many new friends within the simple church genre. We have noticed certain consistent themes and messages that seem to emerge from the various conversations. It is no surprise that the Holy Spirit speaks consistently, more so that we are actually able to hear well enough to affirm one another. To this end, I would like to report a number of issues that seem to invade conversations regularly during our travels. I will simply list the issues with a brief explanation. Each may be explored in more detail in future articles. I would enjoy your feedback on any of these topics IF the Lord has been speaking to you on them.
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
Simplification of life
Believers are being led to get out of debt, evaluate non-essentials, and learn contentment.
Quest for community
Believers are no longer content with a weekly meeting. There is a deep desire for relationships that extend beyond casual contact and into the realm of shared life.
Leading from the shadows
Leaders are giving up self promotion and embracing John the Baptists realization that “I must decrease, He must increase”. True leaders are resisting building their own kingdom and are focused on building His Kingdom no matter who gets credit. They also promote the following:
Priesthood of all believers
The doors have swung open for all believers to be full participants in ministry. Gatherings are no longer dominated by one voice but by a symphony of voices, each expressing their valuable interaction with their God. Men and women (emphasis on women) are being released into the full stream of their created bents.
Design
How are we made? What makes us tick? For too long your God breathed design has been suppressed in favor of churchian clones. Ministry was narrowly defined and most found themselves excluded unless they gave up who/what God designed them to be. Without giving way to “fallen desire” you might consider “Desire points to Design; Design points to Destiny” (Ex. 31:1-11)
Voice of the Lord
For years many segments of the church have believed the lie that God no longer speaks (except thru written scripture). This is a season of recapture of the Gift of His Voice. There is increased effort at intentional listening and discernment. The Holy Spirits’ role as communicator is once again bringing directive to the believer.
Initiative
Jesus repeatedly said He did nothing from His own initiative (John 5:30, 8:28, 8:42, 12:49, 14:10,). We are emerging from a era where well intentioned leaders initiating program after program and project after project without having been instructed to do so by the Holy Spirit. There is a increasing desire to only expend energy and resource if there is a strong sense of Gods specific directive.
If you made it this far, I thank you for your patience. Again, this list is just a sampling of repetitive issues we encounter. If He has been speaking to you on these or other related issues feel free to drop me a line.
Looking forward!
mickey mooney
Monday, January 26, 2009
desire fulfilled...
...hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life... Prov. 13:12
It is easy to focus on the disapointments of life (most of us have ample supply to choose from). I will only stir a reminder of what we all know...that as we are renewed into Christs image, we become increasingly positive. Sometime the positive that presents itself can go virtually unnoticed if we allow the fog of disappointment to overshadow.
Today I would like to focus on a desire fulfilled. Most who know me know my passion to see the organic networking of Gods people. No institution. No mother ship orginization. No corporate 501c3 identity. Just believers relating to and working with other believers under the banner of Jesus. Nothing to join....no push to build a secondary entity...just believers drawn together by their mutual relationships with their Creator. It is toward this end that Suzy and I have labored over the last couple of years (particularly within the simple church expression). We (I) have often been frustrated and frankly ready to give up. Then there would be the stratigic email or phone call that put new wind in the sail. Today God unveiled the fog of disappointmet and showed me a glimpse of desire fulfilled. On Feb. 6-8 our friends from www.theway247.com are hosting a family retreat. As of this writting they have confirmed attendance from numerous expressions through out Tennessee and Kentucky. It will be a weekend of relationship building that (I trust) will result in future opportunitys to work together, pool resources, listen collectively, etc. Thanks to the Duncans and their Christ community for making this a reality. It brings me "tree of life" joy to see progress happening before our very eyes......Father, I pray that this Spirit of cooperation and the understanding of the need for extra-local relationships will extend through out your Kingdom. May your Kingdom continue to come....
For a link to the retreat flyer go to http://theway247.com/Retreat.html
mickey
It is easy to focus on the disapointments of life (most of us have ample supply to choose from). I will only stir a reminder of what we all know...that as we are renewed into Christs image, we become increasingly positive. Sometime the positive that presents itself can go virtually unnoticed if we allow the fog of disappointment to overshadow.
Today I would like to focus on a desire fulfilled. Most who know me know my passion to see the organic networking of Gods people. No institution. No mother ship orginization. No corporate 501c3 identity. Just believers relating to and working with other believers under the banner of Jesus. Nothing to join....no push to build a secondary entity...just believers drawn together by their mutual relationships with their Creator. It is toward this end that Suzy and I have labored over the last couple of years (particularly within the simple church expression). We (I) have often been frustrated and frankly ready to give up. Then there would be the stratigic email or phone call that put new wind in the sail. Today God unveiled the fog of disappointmet and showed me a glimpse of desire fulfilled. On Feb. 6-8 our friends from www.theway247.com are hosting a family retreat. As of this writting they have confirmed attendance from numerous expressions through out Tennessee and Kentucky. It will be a weekend of relationship building that (I trust) will result in future opportunitys to work together, pool resources, listen collectively, etc. Thanks to the Duncans and their Christ community for making this a reality. It brings me "tree of life" joy to see progress happening before our very eyes......Father, I pray that this Spirit of cooperation and the understanding of the need for extra-local relationships will extend through out your Kingdom. May your Kingdom continue to come....
For a link to the retreat flyer go to http://theway247.com/Retreat.html
mickey
Monday, January 12, 2009
being human.....
Being a Tennessee Titans football fan I was taken back by my despondency at their loss this past Saturday. I know football is just a game and has no significance in the eternal scheme of things. I became quite perplexed (at myself) for the dark frame of mind that captivated me. As I attempted to understand my own ridiculous mental state I was thrust on a interesting journey of self perspective. I had planned on the Titans going to the Superbowl and had arranged my schedule so I could watch all games leading up to the big kuhuna. I came to grips with the reality that I spent much of my time looking forward to certain events or activities. If I have a golf date planned on Thursday I will begin to count down to it about Tuesday with the anticipation one has for finally reaching the cherry filling on a tart. It seems that I simply endure or pass time in pursuit of something pleasurable. I find that dread works much the same way. I am not a fan of doctor appointments, funerals, or weddings (anything formal for that matter). The dread I feel when approaching such occasions will occupy my consciousness until the dreaded event can be marked off my list as accomplished. I have been kicking myself for such attitudes until the Holy Spirit rescued me by way of bringing a scripture to mind.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
While the things that motivate me are often trivial (enjoying a tennis match or getting past a dental appointment) it is liberating to know that looking to, or even past, future events is simply human and God understands our humanness. What am I trying to say? I guess that I often have too unrealistic of expectation about my own spirituality. I often find myself at a place I feel I should have grown past. The truth is I am human and experience life as a human. I must correctly discern falleness and not give it permission. However, I must grant myself and others the luxury of being what we are. Human
mickey mooney
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
While the things that motivate me are often trivial (enjoying a tennis match or getting past a dental appointment) it is liberating to know that looking to, or even past, future events is simply human and God understands our humanness. What am I trying to say? I guess that I often have too unrealistic of expectation about my own spirituality. I often find myself at a place I feel I should have grown past. The truth is I am human and experience life as a human. I must correctly discern falleness and not give it permission. However, I must grant myself and others the luxury of being what we are. Human
mickey mooney
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
love hopes all things....
Love hopes all things…
It is easy to be negative right now with economic tensions, moral decay, and seasonal distresses. Some people are just naturally more cheerful than others. We tend to want to hang with those who are upbeat more than the dark and down! Are we captives of our disposition or is there hope for change? As we move closer to Christ being formed in us I am convinced our disposition should improve. I want to briefly explore a few principles that point to this promise.
1 Cor. 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
We find the suggestion here that walking in Love makes one hopeful. The hopeful person believes things will be better Even if circumstances don’t improve this person trusts they will come thru ok. Love produces a positive mode of endurance whatever life throws at us!
Phil. 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things
Here we have practical instruction on how to avoid those dark places of mental captivity. I will avoid a lengthy unpacking as the passage is pretty much self explanatory!
mickey mooney
www.networkvine.org
Monday, December 8, 2008
empty locust shells....
I now know they are called cicadas but as a kid we referred to them as locusts. They would emerge from their subterranean caverns and deafen the landscape with their screeching. The little brown carcases were abundant on trees and porch posts. I remember that we (as children) were somewhat timid about those threatening "bugs" firmly attached to the big hickory in the back yard. They looked so real. They had legs, bodies, heads...all of the tell-tell form of a vicious creepy-crawly. We would eventually learn that the "locusts" were long gone and had merely left behind their shell. The shell was just a empty form and the life that it once contained had moved on.
I find that, in Christianity, it is possible to remain drawn to "empty locust shells". We tend to gravitate to practices that once held life but now remain only a testament to where God once was. Recently, while contemplating the content of a meeting that I might facilitate, I found that each visit of the various potential approaches would bring a sick "dread". To be frank, there was no desire to move forward with the meeting. That absence of desire began to really trouble me. Had God "benched" me because of all of my past failures? Had I "benched" myself out of laziness, burn out, or simple disinterest? Crying out to God day and night seemed to bring me no closer to the answer. Then, when I least expected it, the answer came. One evening, laying quietly, I began to contemplate my relationship with God. I know He speaks to me.....He has ever since I was a child. I know He has always sought me out and drawn me to Himself in spite of my failings. Those two unmistakable realities are strong foundations for confidence. He began to assure me the We were OK! As I lay there I began to see the image of a "locust shell".He was showing me that the particular situation that was causing me such distress was just a "locust shell". He began to show me that He was going to protect me from Locust Shells. Jesus once warned that a time was coming when men would "hold to a form (locust shell) of Godliness but deny the power there of". My personal journey, it seems, will continue to be away from form. I must discover where Life is and follow.
mickey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
