tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7990146987706439072024-03-19T01:48:16.193-07:00So Great A CloudTherefore, since we are surrounded by...HeBrewsTwelveOneR.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-47596179889172833562024-01-25T04:54:00.000-08:002024-01-25T04:54:43.932-08:00Know Him<p>We need to pay close attention to the prayers of the Apostle Paul for the churches he instructed through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. </p><p>In the first half of his prayer for Ephesus (1:16-17) we learn of <i>a spirit of wisdom and revelation</i> that is essential for cultivating first-hand knowledge of God. As this spirit is given, emerging in us as we lean into the heart of our Father, the harmony of wisdom and revelation begins to sing within us. The beauty of these two practices, never to be separated but always intertwined with purpose, provides us with the process we need to grow spiritually.</p><p><i>Wisdom</i> (a sophisticated clarity) and <i>revelation</i> (an unveiling that you suddenly see or understand) are the two-fold dimensions of this spirit that are available to us in Christ. Their purpose is so we might come into greater knowledge of the Father. Period.</p><p>Probably like you, I struggle with this being enough. I struggle with drawing near to our heavenly Father to simply know Him. I routinely attempt to leverage these moments for my personal benefit as if, ridiculously, I'm buttering Him up for my asks. God forgive me.</p><p>I wonder what would emerge if our spiritual lives functioned continually with <i>a spirit of wisdom and revelation to know him</i>? I suspect that the longings of our heart would be taken care of at the appointed time; that our concerns would become covered in His peace; that our fears would become enveloped by His Presence; and that we would be able to <i>enter His rest</i> in all of it.</p><p>Let's know Him.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-88745839593864791472024-01-20T05:48:00.000-08:002024-01-20T05:48:28.788-08:00Every Spiritual Blessing<p>From his imprisonment, with a guard chained to him at all times, Paul is inspired to write: <i>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the One who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)</i>. Some time later Paul was dragged off and beheaded.</p><p>The flippant and self-centered way this scripture verse is interpreted, taught, and used today by so many is not only shameful but severely stifles spiritual maturity. So let's set things straight. Here are the cliff notes version:</p><p><b>Study</b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> <i>Eulogetos:</i> 1st use of blessing/ an adjective/ it is only used of God/ God alone is worthy of all this kind of blessing or praise from all people/ <i>Blessed be the God</i></li><li> <i>Eulogeo:</i> 2nd use of blessing/ an action/ it means that a good word has been spoken that confers that which is beneficial/ Christ did this and we are the recipients/ <i>the One who has blessed us</i></li><li> <i>Eulogia:</i> 3rd use of blessing/ a noun/ a bountiful gift or blessing that is the benefits of the blessings in Christ/ <b>BUT this blessing comes with lots of clarity:</b> <i><u>every</u> <u>spiritual</u> blessing<u> in the heavenly realms</u> <u>in Christ</u></i></li><ol><li><b>Every:</b> all our spiritual needs are provided in Christ</li><li><b>Spiritual:</b> <i>Pneumatikos</i> - the invisible sphere where the Holy Spirit brings faith and revelation (understanding) of Christ</li><li><b>In the Heavenly Realms:</b> <i>Epouranios</i> - epi "fitting" and ouranos "heaven" - <u>we receive what is "fitting" from the standpoint of the heavenly realms</u></li><li><b>In Christ:</b> it came from Christ and is contained in Christ</li></ol></ol><div><br /></div><div><b>Why Does This Matter?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Christ is to be received and honored, <u>not so we can get all our little whims and wishes and limited perspectives satisfied</u>, but so that we may be filled with all spiritual blessings from heaven.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Spiritual blessings are <u>not necessarily connected to healings, miracles, or financial prosperity.</u> If they are, God will need to apologize to Paul.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. If we focus on cultivating the spiritual blessings available to us in Christ (forgiveness, redemption, holiness, hope, peace, love, godly wisdom, joy, and so much more) then <u>God will take care of the rest.</u></div><div><br /></div><div>Have you fallen into the habit of only associating the blessings of Christ with those things that you want? Those things that only align with your limited perspective? </div><div><br /></div><div>We receive what is "fitting" from the standpoint of the heavenly realms. And the last time I checked, heaven does not consult with me on these matters! This is why mature faith is so important. It moves us into a place of contentment and peace and alignment with the heavenly realms regardless of our limitation in understanding His ways. As for me, I hope to be found striving for that however challenging it might be. For only in Christ is every spiritual blessing contained.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then Paul was dragged off and beheaded.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>R.J. Rhoden</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-5be79924-7fff-9211-6f92-8f6ed555071f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span></div>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-41507250755734552952023-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:002023-07-22T09:45:31.607-07:00When He Saw The Crowds<p>It's interesting that what seems to have prompted Jesus to begin teaching the Sermon on the Mount was <i>when he saw the crowds </i>(Matthew 5:1). Why would growing popularity and the presence of a swarming crowd inspire Jesus to teach some of his hardest sayings? If miracles and healings were drawing a crowd, why jeopardize this momentum with a series of teachings that would most certainly drive many away?</p><p>The abrupt transition from Healer to Teacher that occurs in Matthew 4:25 - 5:1 should jump off the pages for us with repeating shouts from Jesus: <i>Take note of what I am modeling for you. Be aware of crowd-infatuation and it's potential to lure you away from the core principles of the Kingdom of God</i>. I submit that this abrupt transition by Jesus, in all its meaning, is actually the first teaching of the Sermon on the Mount not "<i>blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven</i>." </p><p>While the specific thoughts and intent of Jesus are not revealed, I would like to suggest that Jesus' prompting to begin teaching was due to this truth: Miracles and healings create a crowd, but they do not create disciples. And Jesus' mission was, and continues to be through the Church, to reconcile humanity to God by cultivating disciples. Crowds, miracles, and healings are great and should be anticipated along the way, but discipleship is the mission. And the two do not always go together.</p><p>Now, in anticipation of the "<i>but what about __________?</i>" questions that can often be asked, as they should be, in response to this kind of observation - namely the complexity of <i>crowd-drawing v. discipleship</i> tensions that exist in ministry - here are some clarifying statements:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Crowds are not bad. 3,000 people believed in Jesus on the day of Pentecost. Quite a big crowd. But how crowds influence you determines whether they are bad or good.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Discipleship efforts should never be used as an excuse for lack of water baptisms. Salvation is the first step of discipleship. Ministries without new declarations of faith in Jesus will die. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The quality of discipleship happening in a ministry should be multi-layered throughout the community - not solely dependent on one sermon a week.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"Holy Remnant Mindset" (which I define as "<i>we are small because we preach the hard, true gospel here and only a few holy people are willing to receive it</i>") is antithetical to the Gospel. The Good News attracts - not all the time but much of the time. If your leadership is chronically driving people away, there are flaws in your leadership.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Challenging, Kingdom principles can be taught to those on the margin of faith with a tone of love, hope, patience, and goodness that draws them in to a deeper walk with Jesus. We don't need to assume that they are only looking for entertainment. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Leading a large ministry requires significant leadership capacity and skill. We should never assume that a large ministry means a shallow ministry. There are large and small ministries that are unhealthy, and there are large and small ministries that are healthy.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Creativity is not necessarily an indication of an entertainment-only ministry. The first characteristic of God we discover in Scripture is that He creates with endless beauty and awe-inspiring works for our senses. Let's use all the tools available to us to spread the Gospel.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Laughter is good. Discipleship does not equal s<i>eriousness only</i>! Scripture says, "<i>The joy of the Lord is our strength</i>." A ministry that does not laugh together is a ministry that is limiting the work and strength of the Lord in their midst. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>R.J. Rhoden</div><p></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-1440734054105535692023-05-29T07:50:00.000-07:002023-05-29T07:50:01.144-07:00It's Not About Us<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Why couldn't we drive it out? <br /></b></i><i><b>Mark 9:28</b></i></div><p><br /></p><p>After having front row seats to Jesus' life-changing work in a young boy and his father, the disciples could only think of themselves. I never cease to be amazed at our capacity to make everything about us. We're so good at turning God moments into "us" moments. I often wonder if the core of our sinful nature is simply good ole fashion selfishness? We say that we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, but we actually live loving ourselves with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.</p><p>So how did Jesus respond? First, Jesus did not rebuke the disciples. Are you not so grateful for the grace of Jesus as He grows us? He mostly teaches. Rebukes are reserved for only the occasional necessity. Jesus matures us through new revelations of Spirit and Truth rather than through fear or condemnation.</p><p>Secondly, Jesus elevated the importance of prayer over ability. Prayer connects us to the One who prepares and empowers us to flow in Kingdom authority and discernment. Ability implies human effort and skill. In short, Jesus was saying to His disciples and to us: <i><b>"You"</b> will never drive it out. It's not about you; it's about the power of God flowing through you. </i></p><p>There is a subtle yet significant difference between those statements. The former turns the attention to us. The latter turns the attention to the Great I Am - in whom all power, authority, life, and love exist eternally. You and I exhibit these qualities not from anything we have done but entirely from what He has done for us.</p><p>And thirdly, Jesus' response implied that the kind of prayer He is referring to is a lifestyle of "<i>pre-prayered-ness."</i> I'm not sure if anyone else has already laid claim to that phrase? If not, I claim it now!! Interestingly, Jesus never prayed right before He healed the boy. So He is not referring to a special crafted prayer in the moment. Rather, He is implying and teaching: <i>Pray without ceasing. Be prayed up daily so you are ready when called upon. These kind come out only when your life is in continual alignment with the Father.</i></p><p>There is a special kind of power that flows through us when we are called upon to minister or pray or encourage or help or heal, and the will of the Father has already been stirring in us from prior times of prayer. That, my friends, is <i>pre-prayered-ness</i>. It is what Jesus modeled for us and is that which we are to strive for daily.</p><p>I conclude with a question directed to myself first and you second: <i>How many remain lost, broken and/or wounded as Believers remain selfish and powerless from refusing to cultivate a life of prayer without ceasing?</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-59965667500510619072022-11-26T03:59:00.000-08:002022-11-26T03:59:23.717-08:00Sowing in Tears<p style="text-align: center;">Psalm 126</p><p>It's early - still dark outside. The faithful one is up and sitting quietly with the Lord. She is tired but full of hope. Her questions are many. <i>Will the cries of my heart receive swift action from on high today? Will the bills get paid? Will my wayward child finally return to his rightful place at the Lord's table? Will my neighbor be healed? Will God use my next prayer-sermon-song-conversation-idea as a catalyst for spiritual awakening among the people I serve? </i> </p><p>And the tears flow sliding down her cheeks. She wipes them, for they are not tears of fear or anger or doubt or lack of determination. They are the tears of hope experienced by one who fully believes in the power and promises of God. She questions not His faithfulness but her own patience in seeing the fulfillment of all He has planned. She renews her mind as she <i>sows in tears</i>. She renews her devotion as she sows in tears. She renews her plans as she sows in tears. She laughs. When will I <i>reap with songs of joy</i>?</p><p>Her quiet preparation for the day is your preparation for the day. Her name is your name. Her tears are your tears. You will reap with songs of joy with her because you too are a child of God - the One who turns small seeds for sowing into bundles of joyful songs. You see, God moves from small to big; from hidden to revealed; from unnoticed to displayed; and from confusion to clarity. But through it all He lovingly and faithfully shows that He is for you not against you. He is the giver of life and strength. He is Truth. He takes her hand and leads her out for another day with Him. </p><p>She is you.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p><p> </p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-3428846920090503152022-03-22T05:26:00.000-07:002022-03-22T05:26:26.456-07:00Word From The Lord: Sunday March 20, 2022<p style="text-align: center;"><i>I humbly submit this word from the Lord that was given to me on Sunday morning March 20, 2022 at Risen Nation church in Keller, Texas</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The Lord would say to us:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I love people not platforms. Jesus died for people not platforms; He rose again for people not platforms; He ascended to the right hand of the Father for people not platforms; and He is coming again for people not platforms. Only people will live for eternity.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>People are the objects of my love. Platforms are merely the medium used to communicate my love for people.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>So why do you covet someone else's platform? Why do you compare platforms? Why do you seek platforms rather than people? Who has told you that your platform is insufficient? Do you not realize that I use all kinds of platforms?</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use unnoticed platforms: The birth of the Savior of the world.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use relational platforms: The Calling of the Disciples</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use one on one platforms: Nicodemus</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use public platforms: Jesus' teachings and healings</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use religious platforms: Jesus' reading of Isaiah in the synagogue</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use dinner table platforms: The last supper</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use large platforms: The day of Pentecost</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use writing platforms: The inspired Word of God</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use prison platforms: Paul</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>I use exiled platforms: Revelation </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>And many more. </i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Different platforms but the same power of God is active in all of them.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>In these Last days I will pour out my blessing and anointing on those who focus on people not platforms. I free you from the burden and chase of platforms and release you to an abundant life of singing, laughing, dancing, witnessing, ministering, and praying upon the platform I have placed you.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i>Test me and see if I will not be faithful to this promise.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Ex nihilo,</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">R.J. Rhoden</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-64843091687039039672022-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:002022-02-13T10:00:18.838-08:007 Ways Education Has Ruined Me<p>I sometimes hear people say things like: "Don't let education ruin your passion for God." Or "I read the Bible not textbooks that can ruin me." Or "I had a [nephew] on fire for God until he went to seminary. He was ruined there."</p><p>So I am officially going on record acknowledging that, yes, education has ruined me too. Here are the 7 ways:</p><p> 1. It taught me how to rightly divide God's Word and develop biblical interpretational skills ensuring accurate content whenever I teach or preach. <i>It ruined me from being able to teach and preach whatever idea pops into my mind.</i></p><p> 2. It taught me to think theologically. <i>It ruined me from being able to chase after whatever theological fad is in vogue.</i></p><p> 3. It taught me to be a good listener to a variety of voices learning how to extract the "take-aways" and ignore the nuggets that are questionable. <i>It ruined from being able to listen to whatever podcast my itching ears want to hear and accept the entire teaching as gospel truth.</i></p><p> 4. It taught me to know the difference between the essentials and the non-essentials affording me the opportunity to fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from many different traditions. <i>It ruined me from being isolated within my fellowship having no outside collegiality or interaction.</i></p><p> 5. It taught me to be deeply honored and grateful for being Pentecostal enjoying the global impact and size of our movement. <i>It ruined me from small thinking and false inferiority associated with being a part of an on-the-other-side-of-the-tracks church.</i></p><p> 6. It taught me to write and develop my thoughts through words expanding my ministry to both the spoken and written word. <i>It ruined me from always using the excuse that I'm not a good writer.</i></p><p> 7. It taught me to be a lifelong learner. <i>It ruined me from living a life of mediocre thinking rarely expanding my brain.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden, President</p><p>Ascent.edu</p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-80022251544963086412022-02-06T04:10:00.001-08:002022-02-06T04:31:36.880-08:00The Day The Song Won't End<p>I have the annoying love of playing a song I like over and over and over. I can remember rewinding the tape back in the 80's to listen to the song <i>just one more time</i>. One road trip of doing this, I almost brought my sisters to the brink of mutiny over the control of the tape deck (haven't used that term in a while). To this day they will claim it was the closest they have ever come to being brainwashed.</p><p>But I have pressed on over the decades fully embracing my annoying love. I stopped years ago trying to analyze why I don't get bored with the song or even end up hating it. I just simply don't, of course, much to the dismay of those closest to me that have a more normal song-listening practice.</p><p>However, I can offer one simple explanation for my madness: <i>I get happy when the song begins, and I get sad when the song ends</i>. Pretty deep, huh? I'm sure smarter people could give a more academic or even neurological reason for my love of repetition, but I'm content with my simple explanation.</p><p>And leaning into it a little more, I believe that my chronic wonder with how my soul is being fully prepared for Eternity might offer some insight as well. Perhaps my annoying love is actually a small taste of that which is to come: <i>The day the song won't end</i>. The day that the words penned by John as he was caught up in the Spirit will no longer be words for me to read but a reality for me to experience. The day where I will be with the angels and every tribe, tongue and nation singing together: <i>Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise</i> (Revelation 5). In that Day, my annoying love will no longer be annoying. It will be the norm.</p><p>So in the meantime, give some grace to those who love playing the same song over and over again, and maybe give it a try yourself. Who knows? Maybe your soul, if you listen close enough, will whisper of the coming Day of Glory, the Day of Heavenly bliss, the Day the Song Won't End.</p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-44922089326325641252022-01-16T05:39:00.000-08:002022-01-16T05:39:09.937-08:00Invitations<p>The Evite arrives in my inbox. It's efficient, budget-friendly, digitally communal, and is automatically resent if I delay my RSVP.</p><p>The formal invitation arrives in that antiquated box on a post near my curb. It requires me to walk out to it in rain, snow, sleet, or 100 degree weather (serious First-World problem). The person who delivers it is rarely seen. It has a stamp on it. The font or professional handwriting is beautiful. The crisp thick paper is nice. The final destination of the invitation is on our refrigerator door secured by a magnet.</p><p>The phone rings. The caller's voice on the other end is familiar, kind, and genuinely interested in how I am doing. Then comes the personal invite: <i>Let's hang out. Let's grab coffee. Let's get dinner.</i> I feel special.</p><p>This morning I am thinking about the different ways we invite. Nothing wrong with the three described. Each has a different purpose and is warranted depending on the nature of the occasion. </p><p>But in my heart today I am reflecting on Jesus' invitation to me, you, and the world. <i>Come to me</i> and <i>Follow me</i>, he speaks. I'm grateful that Jesus knows our name and that He speaks our name as He invites. He said, "<i>Zacchaeus</i>," not "<i>Hey you up there in the tree</i>."</p><p>Jesus has the ability to invite the world to follow him, and yet, at the same time, it is also a personal invite to each of us. He casts the net wide, but it feels like I'm the only one He catches and takes into His Hand. How does He do that? Who cares. I just love that He does it.</p><p>Even though His invitation and calling is personal, it is never designed to make us the center of His attention. Quite the opposite, actually. He draws us close so we may join the multitude from every tribe, nation, and tongue on the earth who are worshipping and glorifying His name. It's the ultimate party. It's a global movement. It's His Kingdom. But somehow in the midst of all of it, I can still hear Him calling my name. He is doing it again this morning. The voice is familiar, kind, and genuinely interested in how I am doing. </p><p>I'm relishing in this mystery today. Oh, and He is calling your name again this morning as well. Can you hear His voice? Are you listening? His kindness and goodness is there to fill your heart again to overflowing.</p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-82612147070827497492022-01-07T04:13:00.003-08:002022-01-07T04:20:59.925-08:00Barn Story Five: Only Fools Pray in Barns<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>For the foolishness of God is wiser than anyone's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than anyone's strength.</i> - 1 Corinthians 1:25</p><p style="text-align: left;">In the first chapter of the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, the Holy Spirit inspires him to compare the work of Christ on the cross and those that follow the message of the cross as a kind of "foolishness." Why? Because it is! From a human rationale perspective: How is death victory? How is losing oneself the way to finding oneself? How does decrease produce increase? How is more less and less more?</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Bible talks a lot about wisdom. And while the way of wisdom is essential and God-ordained, it is the way of "foolishness" that lands us in unlikely places - with unlikely people - doing unlikely things - but square in the middle of God's Presence and Purposes.</p><p style="text-align: left;">You and I miss so much of what God is up to because we reject foolishness. We want God on our terms, with our people, in our comfort zones, within our time constraints, and limited to our adventure tolerance. God is not looking for people who have a nice and neat spiritual resume. He is looking for fools who are foolish enough to recognize human ingenuity as limited and the mystery of God as compelling.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I like it when people like me. I like it when people say, "Job well done." And I like it when I hear, "That just makes good sense." None of those statements are bad. In fact, they are often necessary outcomes for successfully completing a variety of tasks. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But I want to add to the list some other statements and learn to like them as well. I want to like it also when people say, "Are you sure?" or "That's so crazy that it better be God." or "Isn't that a strange combination of people?" or "Why is God leading you to do that? (and not knowing the answer and being ok with that)" or "Do you think that might be too big a prayer? (and just smiling)"</p><p style="text-align: left;">A group of us pray in a barn in Goochland every Wednesday night because:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We are fools for Christ and proud of it</li><li>We have been drawn to this space by the Holy Spirit</li><li>We want to see:</li><ul><li>The Word of God proclaimed</li><li>Prayer and support and encouragement for all our pastors and churches</li><li>Prodigals return</li><li>Hardened hearts made tender</li><li>The lame walk</li><li>The blind see</li><li>The deaf hear</li><li>Strongholds demolished</li><li>Disease and sickness gone in Jesus' Name</li><li>Fresh baptisms in the Holy Spirit</li><li>Spiritual gifts in operation</li><li>The lonely comforted</li><li>Weekly inner renewal so we can go out on mission for another week</li><li>A youth movement emerging that produces young people on fire for the things of God</li><li>Men and women Called into ministry and trained and commissioned</li><li>And whatever else the Lord has ordained for us at His appointed times</li></ul></ul><div>So only fools pray in barns. I wonder if God is calling you in 2022 to become a fool with us. The time is now, and the time is urgent. We are not a church; we are a prayer movement. We are not in despair but we are in a state of longing for a great move of God that brings glory and fame to His Name in all the earth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>R.J. Rhoden</div><div><br /></div><div>(If interested in joining us, email me at rrhoden@ascent.edu or call/text at 804.239.0032.)</div><div>#PrayInTheBarn</div><div>#BecomeAFool</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-52488298864439095642021-07-04T13:56:00.000-07:002021-07-04T13:56:25.030-07:00Barn Story Four: Confession<p>One night in the barn people started confessing. There was no request that had gone forth for confession; no teaching emphasis on the subject; no testimony highlighting it; and no pressure. It simply began to flow.</p><p><b>The First One:</b> <i>I feel I must confess that it has been years since I have practiced the Presence of the Lord with others</i></p><p><b>Another:</b> <i>I need to confess I'm using foul language again after years of it being gone</i></p><p><b>Another:</b> <i>I need to confess the same thing</i></p><p><b>Another:</b> <i>I confess that I am full of pride</i></p><p><b>Another:</b> <i>I confess that I am full of anxiety</i></p><p><b>Another:</b> <i>I confess that I struggle with fear all the time</i></p><p><b>Another:</b> <i>I confess I'm angry at God</i></p><p>And more.</p><p>Confession does not inform God of anything. He already knows and is ready to extend grace and forgiveness. But public confession informs ourselves and others that we are ready to deal openly and honestly with those things that hinder us from loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. When we speak and name our sins, we take the final step in owning their existence. We are acknowledging that though they are real, we are resolved to no longer remain comfortable with them being present. Because the curse of sin is broken, we will fully avail ourselves to the power of God at work in us to be victorious.</p><p>The forgiveness of sin that God grants us is not dependent on public confession. But when we confess openly to a group of brothers and sisters in Christ, there is an "All In" quality to our confession that is not present in personal confession. Public declaration invites others to love us, pray for us, and keep us accountable - three gifts that we desperately need. Personal confession triggers forgiveness from God, but it does not trigger fellowship with others. It actually keeps us in spiritual isolation.</p><p>The opposite of community is not being alone. It's being with others but remaining silent. The benefits and transformative power of God in community is experienced in transparency not guardedness. This is why someone can be around people but still feel isolated or lonely.</p><p>The rustic barn in which we gather every Wednesday evening has become a safe space for confession. It does not happen every week but often. If you study revivals, one of the common elements is an intense awareness of unrighteousness with subsequent confession. Who knows all that God is going to unfold and display as we faithfully practice His Presence together weekly in the barn? But this one thing is known: Confession is a precursor for all kinds of new demonstrations of the Spirit of the Living God.</p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden </p><p><br /></p><p>If you want to pray with us in the barn, contact me at 804.239.0032 or robertrhoden1970@gmail.com. </p><p><br /></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-32395495420268099472021-06-20T06:25:00.001-07:002021-06-20T09:32:51.858-07:00He's Just My Dad<p>For some he is your pastor or interim pastor or leader or author or colleague, but for me he's just my dad. Sometimes the word <i>just</i> is not used in a complimentary way. It implies that something or someone is less than - <i>He took a bite of the juicy red apple and said, "It's just ok. Not the sweetest I've ever had."</i></p><p>But there is another way to use <i>just</i>. It can be used to focus on the essence - <i>She searched for the right religious experience and finally discovered the answer: It's just Jesus!</i></p><p>So to be clear, <i>he's just my dad</i> is about essence not less than. Here's how:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>He taught me how to throw and catch a baseball</li><li>He taught me how to swim: reach, pull and kick</li><li>He was always the scorekeeper at my little league games</li><li>He taught me how to mow the grass (something neither of us enjoy or do anymore)</li><li>He had "the talks" with me about the birds and the bees</li><li>He showed me how to tie the Windsor knot when I stopped using clip-on neckties</li><li>He introduced me to mixing my grits with over-easy eggs and other culinary combinations</li><li>He was a Dallas Cowboys fan in the 70's and 80's so I was too </li><li>He taught me to drive (I actually had to unlearn a couple things to pass the driving test)</li><li>He told me stories from his childhood</li><li>He told me to be on time</li><li>He showed me how to balance a checkbook</li><li>He taught me the principle of compounding interest</li><li>He always said, "Give to God first."</li><li>He modeled that it is ok to cry.</li><li>And most importantly, he, in word and deed, has imparted to me the greatest lesson of all: A life built on the foundation of Jesus - the author and perfecter of our faith.</li></ul><div>There are good dads, and there are bad dads. There are great dads, and there are no dads. There are confused dads, and there are regretful dads. There are dads still with us, and dads that have gone on to eternity. I don't know which one you are thinking of today, but I do know this: we all need a dad. Not to run our lives but to do life with us - to model and to show and to teach and to impart.</div><div><br /></div><div>All the complexity surrounding fatherhood in our times makes it impossible for this day to feel the same for everyone. But there is one Truth that can unite us: We all share a heavenly Father whose love covers every situation with an unmatched ability to bring about redemption, hope, and peace. I pray that all of us would know and receive that gift from Him on this day. </div><div><br /></div><div>I want to know my heavenly Father in a deeper way. I want to be the kind of father that speaks life and blessing into my kids' lives. And I am proud and delighted that so many of you know my dad in other ways, but I am beyond grateful that he's just my dad.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>R.J. Rhoden</div><p></p><p><br /></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-87936229515331138142021-06-14T06:10:00.001-07:002021-06-14T06:10:52.655-07:00Repeat Them In Our Day<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord, I have heard of your fame and your deeds, and I am in awe of you, Lord. Repeat them in our day. Make them known in our day. In wrath remember mercy. ~Habakkuk 3:2</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Towards the end of the prophet's conversation with God, he asks something of God that all of us have either asked or thought at one time or another. Let me break it down for you:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>A Plea to God</b></li><ul><li><b>What I've Heard</b></li><ul><li>Your Fame</li><li>Your Deeds</li></ul><li><b>My Response</b></li><ul><li>Awe</li></ul><li><b>My Ask</b></li><ul><li>Do it again</li><li>Make it known again</li></ul><li><b>But, Please</b></li><ul><li>Be merciful</li></ul></ul></ul><div>1. <b>What I've Heard: </b> We hear all kinds of things daily - good and bad things; true and false things; revised and deconstructed things; political and non-political things; filthy and wholesome things; sacred and pagan things; and clear and confusing things.</div><div><br /></div><div>We live in a day where diligent work is needed in order to hear of all God's fame and deeds of old. Yes, we have much access to Scripture, but we are constantly subjected to some leaders of the Church who are discarding - even denouncing significant parts of Scripture that don't fit their contemporary, secular narrative. </div><div><br /></div><div>The prophet pushed out the voices of destruction and confusion and ushered in the Voice that is above every other voice. He was a discerning hearer of the things of God. It was a discipline. It was a joy. And he is challenging us to do the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. <b>My Response:</b> Awe is not angst or paralyzing fear. It's the opposite. It's a condition that floods our souls with the greatest of hope, the greatest of respect, and the greatest sense of duty. Awe does not inflict legalistic lists or self-condemnation. It brings about worshipful acts of obedience and an awareness that we are received and loved despite our unworthiness. Awe compels us to the Father's Heart and constantly reminds us that He desires to dwell with us. And that is "the awe" that is the prophet's response to the fame and deeds of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <b>My Ask:</b> <i>Repeat them in our day! Repeat them in our day! Repeat them in our day! And make it known again. </i> The prophet's ask to God has the feel, both grammatically and contextually, of a yearning - a repetitive longing and crying out to the Lord with a sense of urgency. Arise, oh Lord. We are in desperate need of you to show up again in a profoundly powerful way. Heal. Deliver. Save. Fill. Set free. Protect. Awaken. Refresh. Transform. Convict. Do what only you can do so that we can be the people you desire us to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. <b>But, Please:</b> Finally, the prophet does not have a romantic notion of what he is asking. He is well aware of the historical acts of wrath and vengeance by our Lord. And so he concludes with a plea to God to remember His mercy. God is merciful and kind and is slow to anger. <i>"Don't forget that, Lord,"</i> I can envision the prophet saying. A day of wrath and judgement is coming, but we are still in the age of the Church - the age of the Body of Christ where opportunity abounds for those that are in darkness to come into the light; for those that are lukewarm to become fire hot again; for those who have bought into shallow, self-help Christianity to enter spiritual maturity and depth; and for those who are praying big prayers to see the power and presence of the Lord manifested in a might way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Repeat them in our day, Oh Lord!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>R.J. Rhoden </div><p></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-57421301419834804172021-06-05T04:20:00.000-07:002021-06-05T04:20:03.177-07:00Barn Story Three: The New Altar<p>In the summer of 1987, as a young 17 year old hungering for more of God, I knelt at an altar bench in a small prayer room in the Chapel at University of Richmond and experienced the baptism in the Holy Spirit.</p><p>From 1988 - 1992 I often found myself experiencing more of God as I positioned myself at the altar in the chapel at Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, CA. Those times at the altar came at the end of chapel services, during the day, or even late into the evening.</p><p>From 1992 - 2005 the sanctuary at West End Assembly of God became another altar for me. Frequently, I would go and sit to ponder and pray. Sometimes I would walk the sanctuary or kneel at the front. God would always meet me in that space.</p><p>From 2005 - 2015 the little church building at the corner of Park and Meadow in the historic Fan District of Richmond, VA became my new altar. The old floor would creak as I walked in that space. It was a place of refuge with the Lord, renewal in the Lord, and re-baptisms of the Spirit - all needed for fresh strength, power, and focus for the day. It was in that space that I also began anointing with oil and praying over chairs, instruments, door posts, and the pulpit. I wanted there to be a lingering residue of God's Presence there.</p><p>From 2015 - 2019, for the first time ever in years of ministry, I had a huge office. It was actually too big. But I made it my new altar. I would walk in it; pray in it; not answer the phone in it; study God's Word in it; rest in it; and dream God-sized hopes in it. </p><p>Today, the barn off Route 250 has become my new altar as well as an altar for all who gather on Wednesday evenings to pray and worship together.</p><p>God can help you find an altar anywhere. An altar is a sacred space where you mute the crazy voices of life and listen to only One Voice. His Voice. The only Voice that knows everything about you and yet still desires to speak life, hope and goodness into you.</p><p>Altars are spaces that we travel to. We walk to or drive to. Sometimes we run to. They are spaces where we externally and internally surrender ourselves unto Him.</p><p>Altars are spaces where we delve deep into the abiding Presence of the Lord. We cry out. We experience healing or strength to walk in a season of struggle. Altars are places that we never forget because our lives are altered at altars.</p><p>I now have the joy of traveling often on weekends to minister in different churches. I love the ministry of Ascent College and Potomac School of Ministry and am so appreciative of the opportunity. On the drive back to Richmond, as I ponder all the ministry that has taken place on that given day, I inevitably plan my next trip to the barn - to the new altar in Goochland, VA that God has provided. To the new space where His Presence is re-baptizing people in the Spirit, renewing hope in the discouraged, and reminding us to continue practicing the presence of the Lord.</p><p><i>The barn is the new altar</i> - a phrase I never thought would be spoken from my mouth!</p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p><p>Join us every Wednesday night at 6:30pm to pray in the barn. For more information you can contact me at 804.239.0032 or robertrhoden1970@gmail.com.</p><p><br /></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-75340360514634505242021-05-31T06:29:00.000-07:002021-05-31T06:29:14.659-07:0020 Freedom Shout Outs: A Two Minute Read<p>On this 2021 Memorial Day my heart is bursting with gratitude and thoughts regarding freedom. So here are my 20 freedom shout outs for this day:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b><u>Humbled</u></b> to be free from the curse of sin</li><li><b><u>Motivated</u></b> to freely share about life in Christ</li><li><b><u>Grateful</u></b> for those men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom I enjoy</li><li><b><u>Praying</u></b> for leaders that will be protectors not destroyers of that freedom</li><li><b><u>Abiding</u></b> in the freedom I have in Christ</li><li><b><u>Interceding</u></b> for brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are not free from suffering</li><li><b><u>Writing</u></b> about freedom</li><li><b><u>Challenged</u></b> to utilize my freedom in Christ for the pursuit of righteousness not cheap grace</li><li><b><u>Pondering</u></b> new opportunities that come from freedom </li><li><b><u>Hoping</u></b> the Church will continue to use its freedom to dream and pray big</li><li><b><u>Indebted</u></b> to those mentors who have modeled freedom for me</li><li><b><u>Reaffirming</u></b> my responsibility to teach freedom to my daughter and son</li><li><b><u>Remembering</u></b> that freedom lost Today on my watch can lead to bondage Tomorrow for others</li><li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Supporting</u> men and women who are seeking freedom from the chains of addiction</li><li><b><u>Longing</u></b> to see freedom of the press restored for all view points and the end to censorship</li><li><b><u>Fighting</u></b> to regain the freedom to live out my religious beliefs in the public square</li><li><b><u>Peacefully</u></b> conversing with others about the importance of freedom</li><li><b><u>Enjoying</u></b> the freedom to be in relationship with diverse family, friends, and colleagues</li><li><b><u>Wondering</u></b> if our freedom will continue to erode</li><li><b><u>Curious</u></b> to know your freedom shout outs</li></ol><div>Reply with your freedom shout outs and share with others!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>R.J. Rhoden</div><p></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-91831292873144792622021-05-23T12:55:00.000-07:002021-05-23T12:55:26.114-07:00Barn Story Two: Airports and Yokes<p>Since I know very little about airports and yokes, I was surprised to discover one day that God wanted to use them both as prophetic metaphors in the barn. The Spirit of God has a way of refreshing our minds with new ideas and concepts as well as renewing our understanding of His ability to connect the dots in a timely manner. Here is how it happened.</p><p>While celebrating the 2020 Christmas/New Year's season with my in-laws, I woke up one morning reflecting on Jesus' words in Matthew 11:28-30: <i>Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.</i> In that moment I was compelled by the Holy Spirit to not only preach from this text on the first Sunday of 2021 but to also draw attention to it during a time of prayer in the barn.</p><p>Later that same day I found myself in a conversation with my father-in-law about the construction of airports. I cannot for the life of me remember how we arrived at the topic. I now know it was the gentle wind of the Spirit, but at the time it was puzzling.</p><p><b>Me:</b> <i>How do they build airports?</i></p><p><b>Father-In-Law:</b> <i>First, they study the wind to determine patterns of airflow. Runways need to be placed in alignment with head and tailwinds because crosswinds are particularly dangerous during take off and landing. Then they construct the airport building in relation to the runways.</i></p><p>Not immediately but some time later as I was thinking about the conversation, the Holy Spirit guided me to a prophetic word. I sensed that God was saying to the Church: <i>It is time to study the new patterns of airflow of the wind of my Spirit. You are still trying to take off and land on old runways that are no longer in alignment with my Spirit. It is time to tear up old runways and establish new ones. Your frustration and lack of success is due to fighting crosswinds not incompetency. Furthermore, you have turned some of the old runways into idols. You preserve them out of fear and pride though they have lost their usefulness. And, you have hastily put down some new runways to suit your own desires rather than mine.</i></p><p>Fast-forward to Sunday January 10, 2021.</p><p>A small group of us gathered to pray in the barn. I brought a devotional from Matthew's text on the yoke of Christ and then combined it with the prophetic word connected to airports. Again, even as the words were coming out of my mouth, I wasn't quite sure why I was feeling so led to share what seemed to be two very different themes.</p><p>But then I noticed a couple looking back and forth at one another with big smiles. I wondered if I had said something funny. As they began to explain their smiles, I simply sat back and watched the orchestrated purpose of the Holy Spirit.</p><p><b>Couple:</b> <i>On our drive here today we prayed that God would provide an immediate connection that he (the husband) could relate to. And he is a pilot!!! When you started to talking about airports, we were in wonderful shock. </i></p><p><b>Husband:</b> <i>And did you know that the cockpit of an airplane is referred to as the yoke?</i> </p><p><b>Me:</b> <i>(Stunned) No I didn't.</i></p><p>More in depth conversation ensued as well as a time of collective responding and praying from those in attendance. That moment in the barn was beautiful, convicting, passionate, and Spirit-led. We worship the God who takes two seemingly different themes and connects them with a clarity and timeliness that leaves us in awe of Him. And He gives us moments that are so filled with His Presence that we can never again be satisfied in gatherings that are nothing more than an imitation of the real thing.</p><p>Trusting God when you share what He is stirring in your heart is a thrilling and humbling experience. I have failed at it many times but got it right in January 2021. My prayer is that more moments like this will unfold as we gather to pray in the barn. It is building my faith and many others as well. It will also build yours.</p><p>So bring to the barn the doubter and skeptic, the broken and sick, the on-fire-for-more-of-the-Presence-of-the-Holy-Spirit and tired, the ministry leader who needs refreshing and anyone who is curious as to what God is doing in a barn in Goochland, VA.</p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p><p><b>For more info on praying in the barn with us on Wednesdays at 6:30pm, contact me at 804.239.0032 or robertrhoden1970@gmail.com. </b> </p><p> </p><p><br /></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-14747056709367996752021-05-20T04:00:00.013-07:002021-05-23T18:04:09.685-07:00Fear Masquerading As Wisdom and The Secular Tsunami<p>Many followers of Jesus are walking in fear but calling it wisdom. The difference is subtle and often undetectable at first. But there is a line that clearly differentiates wisdom from fear. We were created to be people of wisdom not fear. The former is life-giving; the latter is life-taking. The drift from wisdom to fear creeps along at a slow deceptive pace. Most of us fail to recognize it's movement. But it is happening. </p><p>So what is the difference?</p><p><b><u>Wisdom<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>Fear</span></u></b></p><p>1. Brings peace<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>1. Brings more fear</span></p><p>2. Brings unity<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>2. Brings division</span></p><p><span>3. Trusts God<span> </span> </span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>3. Lacks trust</span></p><p><span>4. Walks in hope<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>4. Walks in despair</span></span></p><p><span><span>5. Certain<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>5. Uncertain</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>6. Acknowledges risk<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>6. Wants no risk</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span>7. Safety is a consideration<span> </span><span>7. Safety is an idol</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span>8. God supreme<span> </span><span> </span><span>8. God suppressed </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a choice: Walk with Godly wisdom and trust or walk in fear. They chose the way that I like to refer to as obedient wisdom. That is, they refused to bow down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Their decision was based on courage not naivete; humility not hubris; maturity not ignorant zeal. Though thoughtfully aware of the consequences, they resisted the temptation to embrace the God-Will-Understand-Fear syndrome that has become rampant today in the Church. It goes a little something like this:</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>Imaginary Conversation between them:</b> </span></span></span></span></span></span><i>What should we do? If we don't bow down, we will be killed. But if we bow down, we will be denouncing our faith. Maybe we can stand in our hearts but kneel physically? Surely God does not expect us to be willing to die?</i> </p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>Here is what is not imaginary:</b> They refused to allow themselves to drift from wisdom to fear. They rejected the temptation to do mental gymnastics - seeking justification for the presence of fear in their lives. Instead, they replied with this astounding declaration of faith: <i>O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.</i></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>I'm crying as I quote these brave men. Am I capable of such faith? Am I willing to thoughtfully reject the secular tsunami crashing in on the Church knowing full well that there will be consequences? Will wisdom or fear reign my life? Your life?</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Father, give us a fresh baptism of wisdom. Give us the strength and faith to trust you no matter the outcome. Deliver us from the bondage of fear that we have allowed into our lives. Forgive us for allowing fear to hinder our Kingdom-work. You are our King. No other. May safety be a consideration but not an idol. For we are motivated and empowered by your Spirit not human ingenuity or philosophies. Guide us in the way of wisdom, righteousness, and mission. May our supreme desire be to bring glory to Your Name in all the earth. </span></span></span></span></span></span>Remove our masks of fear. </p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>R.J. Rhoden </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p> </p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-81660218537443131272021-05-07T06:57:00.000-07:002021-05-07T06:57:17.251-07:00Barn Story One: Pray In The Barn<p>I don't remember the day, but I know it was during the month of October 2020. As I drove by the familiar site of the barn viewable from Rt 250 in Goochland, VA, I sensed-heard-felt-knew something: <i>Pray in the barn</i>...the divine message was as simple as that.</p><p>But like many initial responses to the tugging of the Holy Spirit, I ignored it - attributing it to crazy-thinking.</p><p>Weeks later it happened again, and weeks later I ignored it again. But this time the message didn't go away. It lingered in my soul daily. I couldn't shake it so I finally submitted and obeyed.</p><p>God does not shy away from wrestling with us especially when it involves His Lordship in our lives. Jacob learned that as well one night long ago. I learned it in late fall 2020. I'm grateful that He is faithful even in the wrestling - even in the struggle.</p><p><b>Me:</b> <i>Good morning! Uh, I was wondering if I could pray in your barn? I know that sounds weird.</i></p><p><b>Owner:</b> <i>Sure. When you do want to come over?</i></p><p>I was prepared for dirt, hay, and the smell of animals supposing this was the sacrificial lesson my Father intended. Instead, I walked into restoration, windows, and HVAC. Apparently the barn had been renovated years ago. Tucked away on an old farm, it presented like a little chapel with light beaming through its unstained glass windows. I was stunned. </p><p>Our Father teaches us through the ugly and the beautiful. We, of course, prefer beauty over ugly (nothing wrong with that), but both are powerful backdrops to achieving His purposes in and through us. I was stunned that day to find that the barn was beautiful. And I was grateful. </p><p>Good theology teaches us that God is present everywhere at the same time (omnipresent). While I have believed that all my life, I must confess that "barns" where not high up on my list of spiritual spaces. But now I find myself in a barn. And God is powerfully present - not only that first day but all the days since. </p><p>I don't know the answers to any of the "why-the-barn" questions. In fact, I am trying my best not to waste any effort or thought on them. Instead, myself and others (and whoever else wants to join us) are praying in the barn every Wednesday night at 6:30pm. And oh my... how God shows up in a special, transforming way. We are praying big prayers to our big God in a little barn.</p><p>I can't wait to see all that God has purposed for this humble space. And I'm honored to brag about the God who uses country drives and other seemingly mindless adventures to download fresh revelation into our hearts.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ex nihilo,</p><p><br /></p><p>R.J. Rhoden</p><p><b>Email, text, or call me if you want to Pray In The Barn with us:</b></p><p><b>Email: rrhoden@ascent.edu</b></p><p><b>Mobile: 804.239.0032</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-39576286422024982012020-11-12T06:47:00.000-08:002020-11-12T06:47:35.044-08:00My Eyes Are On Him<p>I learned to snow ski at Wintergreen Resort when I was 14. One of my friend's father taught me. I remember him saying to me at the top of the mountain, "Keep your eyes on me, and do what I am doing." In a matter of minutes, I was skiing. I slowly followed him all the way down the slope. </p><p>That experience has become a life metaphor for me. I am still on a mountain, but now it's with Jesus. And He too is speaking, "Keep your eyes on me, and do what I am doing." </p><p>Keeping our eyes fixed on something does not prevent us from knowing the peripheral activities that surround us. But it prevents us from becoming seduced by them. Fixation on the edges of life and faithfulness in Christ will lead us off the mountain rather than down it.</p><p>Right about now you are guessing that I'm going to start naming the edges for you, thus, revealing my bias and convictions. Sorry to disappoint you. But if I were to do that, the focus of this reflection would be on the peripheral rather than the center - the very thing I'm trying to discourage.</p><p>So with Jesus in the center, what does it mean to keep our eyes on Him? It means that...</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jesus is the Gospel - the Good News. </b>The Gospel is a person not a thing or an idea or a mission. All faithful activity by His Followers, which should happen consistently, flows from Jesus but is not a replacement or facsimile of Jesus. We are not "Jesus" to people in our mobilization efforts. We are commissioned to introduce people to Jesus, make disciples, and baptize them.</li><li><b>Jesus should be at the center of everything in our lives not compartmentalized to a weekly gathering.</b> He should be at the center of our families, thoughts, politics, businesses, decisions, sermons, ideas, outreaches, churches, generosity, and conversations.</li><li><b>Jesus accomplishes the Father's plans in the midst of any earthly governmental structure.</b> Some contexts are more challenging than others but none can prevent Kingdom expansion. God is so much bigger.</li><ul><li>The Roman occupancy did not thwart the first Coming of Jesus</li><li>House churches and personal revival flourish in Communist regimes</li><li>Prisons were the setting for the Spirit to inspire many New Testament writings</li><li>Capitalistic and free enterprise economies produce a prolific increase in the sending out of missionaries and giving of substantial resources that fund Kingdom activity</li><li>There are both radical followers of Jesus and atheists in Democracy and Socialism.</li><li>Faithful Christians in our public schools cannot proselytize, but they can influence people towards Jesus through their relationships, actions, work ethic, and off-line conversations. </li></ul><li><b>And finally, Jesus' teachings and beliefs are necessary for spiritual maturity - all of them not just the easy ones. </b> Don't misinterpret what I mean by this. We need to discern the right timing for people to be challenged. It's fun to say, "Jesus loves you." It's difficult to say, "Deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him." But what kind of discipling are we doing if we always say the former but not the latter?</li></ol><div>I have often been known to say, "We can disagree on a lot of things and get along. But if you start messing with Jesus, I will draw a line in the sand." The moment we replace the Supremacy of Christ with the supremacy of peripheral matters, we will lose the essential distinctive of our faith. </div><div><br /></div><div>So my eyes are on Him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ex nihilo,</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>RJ Rhoden</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-56082485416921441302020-07-26T14:04:00.001-07:002020-07-26T14:04:08.301-07:00Breathe on Us Again, O Breath of God: A Prayer for Ministers<i><b>God put this prayer on my heart. It is for all our Ministers who labor faithfully to bring about God's purposes in the space they have been given to serve. Share it with a Minister you know and love. </b></i><br />
<i><b>R.J. Rhoden</b></i><br />
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Good, Gracious, and Creative Father,<br />
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You breathed human life into existence in the Garden. You blessed and declared humankind as good. You proclaimed fruitfulness, increase, provision, and purpose to be upon us. So, on this day, grant a reminder to Ministers that they are blessed; they are good; and they are created for fruitfulness, increase, provision, and purpose. And may that moment of remembrance possess staying power in their hearts and minds so as to be a continual reservoir of encouragement. Because you have not changed Your mind on the matter, Good Father.<br />
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<i><b>Breathe on us again, O Breath of God.</b></i><br />
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When Moses and Aaron were leading people who had rebellious hearts, personal agendas, unfounded accusations, and a selfish desire for power, they fell on their faces before You. In that place of being prostrate before You, Moses and Aaron began with the words, <i>"O God, the God who gives breath to all living things...(Numbers 16:22)." </i>So, on this day, hear and receive the words from all Ministers who are facing intense opposition and criticism. As they fall on their faces before You, breathe abiding hope, sincere joy, renewed courage, and Spirit-empowerment over them. Do not withhold Your breath now for You are the God who faithfully gives breath to all.<br />
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<i><b>Breathe on us again, O Breath of God. </b></i><br />
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The prophet, Ezekiel, is not the only one You have taken to a Valley of Dry Bones. Men and women, Called by You to minister on the front lines, have also been shown their valley of dry bones. You have taken them, like You did Ezekiel, to a place where the dead can resurrect to new life in You. So, on this day, whisper once again those familiar words of old, <i>"Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life (Ezekiel 37:4-5)."</i> And as You speak, may Ministers everywhere begin to instantly feel and reaffirm the mantle of anointing that is upon them. May they trust that the prophetic words they speak will be used by You to move people from death to life - from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light.<br />
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<b><i>Breathe on us again, O Breath of God.</i></b><br />
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Finally, victory in the midst of pending defeat is found in You, Gracious Father. Skeptics and naysayers may coldly gaze upon Your Called ones, waiting for his/her final demise, but You always have the final say. Satan was celebrating Friday night and all day Saturday, but then Sunday morning arrived. And in Revelation The Two Witnesses were being gloated over <i>"but after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet...(Revelation 11:11)."</i> So, on this day, breathe victory over defeated circumstances; breathe victory into defeated hearts; and breathe victory all around those Ministers who are concerned that defeat might be looming around the corner. You are the God of victory who takes us by the hand and leads us <i>through the</i> <i>valley of the shadow of death </i>bringing us to the other side where You desire to breathe on us again.<br />
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<b><i>Breathe on us again, O Breath of God.</i></b><br />
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Ex nihilo,<br />
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R.J. Rhoden<br />
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<br />R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-9408118625542032372019-12-18T04:32:00.000-08:002019-12-18T04:32:32.292-08:00Five Powers of the Zeal of the Lord The Prophet Isaiah speaks of the zeal of the Lord 5 times. Each mention has a powerful "take-away" for you.<br />
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<b>Take Aways: The zeal of the Lord...</b><br />
<b>1. Is working behind the scenes on your behalf</b><br />
Isaiah provides a rare glimpse into what God is up to behind the scenes. <i> "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end...The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this (9:6-7)."</i><br />
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The zeal of the Lord is working behind the scenes of your life today just as He was 2500 years ago. You can't see it, but you can trust it. You may not feel it, but you can know it. You can't describe it, but you can declare praises to the One who is doing it.<br />
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<b>2. Will deal with your adversaries</b><br />
King Hezekiah had someone in his life who wanted to bring about pain, destruction, and shame. His adversary was named Sennacherib King of Assyria. I am confident you can name your adversary(s) as well.<br />
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Hezekiah did two actions to align himself with the zeal of the Lord. First, he summoned together some close godly advisers (including the prophet Isaiah). Secondly, he prayed, and God not only dealt with his adversary, Sennacherib, but God also spoke hope for the future. In chapter 37 God uses the word "zeal" in describing His ability to deal with Hezekiah's adversary. <i>"For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this (37:32)."</i><br />
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The zeal of the Lord will deal with your adversaries. Align yourself with His zeal. Gather people of God around you. Keep praying. The appointed time of God's deliverance is near.<br />
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<b>3. Is known in your songs of praise</b><br />
In chapter 42 Isaiah declares,<i> "Sing to the Lord a new song...(v10)."</i> What follows is wonderful lyrics of praise to God including <i>"The Lord will march out like a mighty man, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal...(v13)."</i><br />
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Declaring in song the character, power, and zeal of the Lord will touch the depths of your heart in a way that other expressive forms cannot. Deliverance is usually experienced in song first and reality second. Lyrics embed before victory arrives. Those lyrics become your comfort and encouragement as you wait. Such is the power of songs of praise.<br />
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<b>4. Brings you forgiveness from sin and ends your separation from God</b><br />
The sinful state of humankind is outlined in detail by Isaiah in chapter 59. At one point the prophet sums it up by saying, <i>"...we look for light, but all is darkness...(v9). </i><br />
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But, our heavenly Father is so kind and gracious. <i>"He saw that there was no one...so His own arm worked salvation for Him, and His own righteousness sustained him...[He] wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak (vv16-17)."</i><br />
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God zealously desires to forgive and redeem. He responds to repentance of sins and is zealous for your life long before you become zealous for Him. There is no separation or hurt that He cannot repair for those who respond to His love.<br />
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<b>5. Is not afraid of your doubts, frustrations, or questions</b><br />
Honest prayers are welcomed by our Father. The people in Isaiah's day declared in prayer, <i>"Look down from heaven and see from your lofty throne, holy and glorious. Where are your zeal and might? Your tenderness and compassion are withheld from us (63:15)."</i><br />
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Advent 2019 may be a season of frustration with God rather than delight. Pour out your conflicted heart to Him. He has a way of receiving a conflicted heart and gently restoring it into a hopeful heart. In the meantime, He welcomes your honesty. He actually knows what is in you before you tell Him and yet never stops loving you. Who is like our God?<br />
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Ex nihilo,<br />
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R.J. Rhoden<br />
Executive Director of Education<br />
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<b>Follow Us</b><br />
*Facebook: AGAntiochCollege<br />
*Instagram: agantiochcollege<br />
*Twitter: AG_Antioch<br />
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<br />R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-36120765939692405812019-12-11T10:07:00.000-08:002019-12-11T10:07:28.406-08:00Your Moment Is NowThe Psalmist says it this way, "We are like a breath; our days are like a fleeting shadow." In other words, in light of eternity our time on earth is a short blip - a moment that is incredibly brief yet full of opportunity. <i>So why do some stroll along in life wasting away time as though it is in endless supply?</i><br />
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Many men and women of God in Scripture grasped the weightiness of this fleeting reality and grabbed a hold of their moment.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Esther, recognizing the King's favor toward her, courageously and skillfully negotiated the saving of her people.</li>
<li>Daniel, despite finding himself exiled to a pagan culture that was hostile to his God, "refused to defile himself before [his] God." This resulted in his elevation to a position of prominence.</li>
<li>Isaiah, "a man of unclean lips," humbly and with great faith responded to God's Calling with those timeless words, "Here am I. Send me!"</li>
<li>Lydia, a successful business woman, affirmatively responded to Paul's message of Good News. She and her entire household were baptized and then opened their home as a place to gather for prayer, teaching and hospitality.</li>
<li>Stephen did not waiver in his faith in the face of lethal consequences. While being stoned to death, he kept his eyes fixed on heaven where "the Son of Man was standing at the right hand of God" waiting to receive him.</li>
</ul>
These are merely a few examples. There are so many more including the potential of yours.<br />
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Testimonies of men and women who have modeled how to seize their moment inspire us. We should tell their stories repeatedly but not at the expense of ignoring our moment. God did not create us to live vicariously through them. He created us to learn from them so we might be similarly courageous at our appointed moment. Our admiration of them is grossly incomplete unless their actions stir noble questions in us like:<b> </b> <i>What is our moment? Is there a better time than now? Do we trust God enough to place all our perceived obstacles into His capable Hands?</i><br />
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What a life-changing and sacredly adventurous opportunity that lies ahead for those who simply say, "Yes!" There are ministry encounters that God has planned just for you. So let us embrace this truth: <i>One of the many experiences that God will use to ensure your arrival at those appointed moments is a sacred season of preparation.</i><br />
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I would like to personally invite you to experience your preparation at Antioch College (formally Antioch College of the Assemblies of God) where we are preparing ministers to be passionate, Spirit-filled, and practical leaders. With the local church as the backdrop for learning, you will prepare for ministry with the convenience and affordability of online education but in the context of community, peer interaction, and spiritual formation at our Partner Sites.<br />
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Come begin your new chapter with us. There is not an endless supply of time. Your moment is now.<br />
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Ex nihilo,<br />
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R.J. Rhoden<br />
President<br />
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*For more information contact Dr. Ron DeBerry at execvp@bcva.edu or Sonji Thee at sthee@potomacag.org.<br />
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*For more information about being a Partner Site contact Dr. Rob Rhoden at rrhoden@potomacag.org.<br />
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<br />R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-71232234592084284862019-02-09T07:29:00.000-08:002019-02-09T07:29:02.706-08:00/kem’pel//kem’pel/ is the phonetic spelling of a powerful word that Paul uses in 2 Corinthians 5:14 to describe what Christ’s love does for us. “For Christ’s love <i><b>compels</b></i> us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” So why is this important?<br />
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Behind every action is a motivation. <br />
-You are motivated to eat so you can have energy.<br />
-You are motivated to drink water so you can live.<br />
-You are motivated to study so you can receive a good grade.<br />
-You are motivated to ... (you fill in the blank).<br />
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If anything or anyone other than Christ’s love is the motivational, compelling drive of your life, you will experience false expectations, chronic confusion, and selfish values.<br />
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False expectations occur because your desired outcomes are not flowing out of Christ’s love but rather out of your selfish desires.<br />
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Chronic confusion occurs because you are relying too heavily on false expectations that are anchored in your flesh not God’s Will.<br />
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And selfish values occur because selfishness is the opposite of love.<br />
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But when Christ’s love compels you:<br />
-You will see people differently, and<br />
-You will see your purpose(s) differently.<br />
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We are unable to do the above two things without Christ’s love because His love changes us from being selfish, sinful people to being selfless, righteous people. Can you imagine the powerful Awakening that would happen in our world if God’s people refreshed and renewed their understanding of Christ’s love?<br />
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I am praying that will happen in my life and yours. Will you join me? I will be preaching for 3 weeks on this theme beginning tonight, February 9th at 6pm. May God’s love /kem’pel/ us into repentance and mission.<br />
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Ex nihilo,<br />
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R.J. Rhoden<br />
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<br />R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-32425546305324375382019-02-03T07:12:00.001-08:002019-02-03T07:12:31.718-08:0021We have entered the final hours of Celebration’s 21 Days of Prayer. Here are some take-aways that God has impressed on my heart or been shared with me from others.<br />
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Please feel free to reply and add to this list:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Cultivate a heart of prayer.</li>
<li>The weapon of prayer must no longer be taken lightly.</li>
<li>Words:</li>
<ul>
<li>Weep</li>
<li>One</li>
<li>Unity</li>
<li>Foundation</li>
<li>Distractions</li>
<li>Blinders</li>
<li>Unhook</li>
<li>Fidelity</li>
<li>Health</li>
<li>Face</li>
<li>Flame</li>
</ul>
<li>God will pour out His Spirit without measure on the church without mixture (sins of this world mixed into the Body of Christ).</li>
<li>Decisions should not be made under pressure. Allow God to work it out.</li>
<li>God will provide what we need when we need it.</li>
<li>Thank you, God, for restoring this ministry.</li>
<li>God is working daily and changing lives. Take time to appreciate the small and big changes.</li>
<li>God is challenging me to not only know His Word but to delight in His Word (Proverbs 2).</li>
</ul>
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There was so much more, but I can’t name them all in this blog. In addition, many of the ones listed above were repeated by multiple people.</div>
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Last night, Pastor Tim said, “I am tired of asking God in prayer to do things that I am capable of doing. Let’s begin asking Him to do the impossible.”</div>
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I have woken up this morning with that statement burning in my heart. May God elevate our faith in Him to do the impossible on this day and all the days to come. </div>
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Would you join me in believing God for a spiritual awakening along the Midlothian corridor in South Richmond whose impact is felt far beyond this city on a hill?</div>
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Ex nihilo,</div>
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R.J. Rhoden</div>
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<br />R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799014698770643907.post-12460127020549580622019-01-18T07:22:00.000-08:002019-01-18T07:22:14.934-08:00A Prayer<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Psalm 86:11</b></div>
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<i>Give (us) an undivided heart that (we) may fear your name</i></div>
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Celebration, like other Believers around our nation and the world, is in the midst of 21 Days of continual prayer for 2019. During my time of praying this morning, the Lord inspired a specific prayer in me based on a portion of Psalm 86:11. I share it with you now in the hope that it will inspire, convict, be prayed by your lips, and be used however else the Spirit would desire.<br />
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Father,<br />
We confess that our hearts are divided:<br />
-Our lips sing praises in worship and then speak lies only hours later<br />
-Our feet walk on your path one day and then jump to a worldly path the next day<br />
-Our eyes look to You and then look away<br />
-Our hearts are filled with Your goodness and then they go back to wandering<br />
-Our ears hear you Calling and then we get distracted by the noises of the world<br />
-Our hands do Your work one day and then destructive work the next day<br />
-Our minds are focused on Your Word and then the silliest thought can dethrone it<br />
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Father,<br />
You see divided hearts and desire to make them undivided. Who is like you, O Lord? Your goodness, forgiveness, and love bring life and hope forever.<br />
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Your mercies are new every morning.<br />
Your gifts are good.<br />
Your patience brings healing to the most divided heart.<br />
Your invitation to fear your name is an act of grace and security.<br />
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So...<br />
Give me an undivided heart.<br />
Give Celebration an undivided heart.<br />
Give the Church of Richmond an undivided heart.<br />
Give the Bride of Christ an undivided heart.<br />
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That we might fear, lift up, honor, and glorify Your Name.<br />
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Ex nihilo,<br />
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R.J. Rhoden<br />
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<br />R.J.Rhodenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239422596467530215noreply@blogger.com4