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BeLOnGings

.....and being with you nothing else I desire.

Isms, Idols and Hobby Horses

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Not only was St. Augustine  the ‘cradle site’ for a new expression of ‘church’ in America where the Europeans began imposing a colonial brand of Christianity on the indigenous people of America, but it was also the ‘cradle site’ for the ‘civil rights movement’ where the first African slave market in North America highlighted the equally broken European – African relationship.

My new friend in the Cathedral shared with me the above photo as the “cleansing surge” of Hurricane Matthew flooded King Street, which was renamed to acknowledge the place where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had begun the long march for justice for his people.

That afternoon I drove down the dried out King Street on my way to the home of a black pastor and his wife. These friends lead a church  appropriately named Christ the King. “Lord Jesus we enthrone you, we proclaim You are King….come Lord Jesus and take your place.” has for years been our song in this place.

As I passed through the historic Lincolnville area I noticed the array of little churches. There was almost one on every block, each clearly denominated by the doctrine that set it apart from the others as being more true, more pure, more right….baptism, faith, mission, holiness, pentecost etc.


 

I reflected on how as followers of Christ we have often usurped the place of Christ as King of His church and become our own little kings.

I recalled when we moved to the USA having a vision. I was riding on a horse and then saw King Jesus, the “rider on the white horse” and “the armies of heaven” sweep by. (Rev.19:11-14) Initially I was excited that I was a part of such a glorious company but then realized I wasn’t keeping up with them. I looked down and saw I was in fact riding a ‘hobby horse’ “Unless you get of your ‘hobby horse‘ you can’t join me and the armies of heaven.” He said.

I reflected on how denominationalism was just like racism and all other isms – buddhism, hinduism, optimism,  pessimism, feminism, chauvinism, capitalism, communism, zionism, liberalism, intellectualism, fundamentalism, activism and so on. All sch-isms began in the garden when in disobedience we ate of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”. Our ‘eyes were opened’ and now disconnected from our Father, we began gathering information with our senses and trusting in our own judgments instead of in His word. In pride and independance we began to act like gods climbing on to our ‘hobby horses’ of beliefs that were flawed, dividing things and people into ‘good or evil’, ‘right or wrong’, ‘in or out’

Our ‘hobby horses’ are what the bible calls the ‘idols of the heart’. An idol is when I(is)the DOL(L)…. in other words MY opinion or belief becomes the object of my affection. Repentance is when we turn from these idols to seek and serve the living and true God  – and begin eating from the tree of LIFE – giving TRUTH which is “Christ in you” (1 Thess. 1:9, Col.1:27)

After reading my last blog, my son Ben reminded me of a dream he had several months ago just before their last child Asher was born. He said, “It was set in St Augustine… as the ‘Cathedral’ crumbled and fell into the sea, we found ourselves in a boat and I was holding ‘Asher’ or ‘the child of his love’ as we weathered the waves back to the shore and I heard the voice say “I care about this child SO much”

It reminded me of the story of Paul’s shipwreck in Acts 27 where all 276 on board are brought safely to shore….for God SO loved the world. This is in contradiction to the traditional teaching of eternal torment where the majority of humanity are for ever separated from God in an unending painful parallel reality. It was St. Augustine who was largely responsible for this teaching.

I realized the cleansing surge of water that swept along King Street in St. Augustine was a sign of how God will in wisdom and power by His Spirit fulfill His word, “I will put MY law in their minds and write it on their hearts…and they will ALL know me.” (Jer.31:33,34). Then His new covenant promise will be kept, “You shall have NO other gods before me.”(Ex.20:3) and our isms, idols and hobby horses will be swept away as every knee bows and every tongue confesses that Jesus is Lord – and all truly acknowledge Christ – the King (Phil.2:10,11)

Yesterday we participated at the funeral of a dear friend called Mark. As I sang the line from The Flame song, “Press toward the mark for the greatest prize……..” I knew this was indeed Mark’s aspiration in life. He, like St. Paul, desired to receive the prize, the “ekanastasis” or ‘out-resurrection from among the dead’ (Phil.3:11), to participate in the first resurrection and to reign and rule as part of that overcomers company with Christ in the coming 1000 year expansion of His kingdom on earth (Rev. 20:6)

Mark’s parting words were. “Never judge. Always forgive.” Mark had learned to eat from ‘the tree of life’.

As we stood by the graveside of our recently departed friend and the words were spoken “dust to dust, ashes to ashes”….I thought of our newly arrived grandson, ASHer and that “child of His love” that will rise from the ashes of a fire-tested church to lead the way in this next season of His-story……. until all things are put under the feet of Christ.(Heb. 2:3-9)

Glancing upwards into the clear blue sky, we spotted a solitary eagle. He circled for a few moments and then ascended beyond sight.

Let us too “press toward the mark (and the Mark : – ) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

 

 

 

 

Sealed with a Kiss

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Father makes it very clear when he sends us on an assignment.

We always wait for His invitation, extended through friends. Nowhere has this been clearer than on our trips to St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the USA. We now have 2 sets of friends who independently moved there, one couple from Colorado and another more recently from Minnesota. When we arrived to spend a week with the first couple and then a week with the second, we and they, were amazed to find that the two couples lived on the two sides of the same street! What are the chances of that?

After 16 visits to St. Augustine there was a hiatus until a few months ago when we once again got our marching orders. Our message has always been the same….Father’s love. (As I’ve mentioned before there are 16 aspects to love as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.) This time we picked up our rental car, license plate# 4273 (total 16) and drove to the Pat and Kathy’s new home # 709 (total 16). A week later we moved to Larry and Jenn’s home ….on the other side of – yes you’ve guessed – 16th Street!!!

So why have we been directed to St. Augustine with this message of Father’s love? I believe it’s because this city is  the ‘cradle site’ of the ‘child of His love’ – the church in North America.

Now for the first time after all these visits I made it into the impressive Cathedral. As I approached the altar rail I noticed the sign above. An enthusiastic guide approached offering help. Once she discovered I was Irish she pointed out St. Patrick’s shrine and insisted she take a photograph of Paul and Pat : – )

She didn’t realize the significance for me of – the sign and the shrine.

It reminded me of our first visit and my first impression in this ‘first city’ many years earlier.

That evening we had arrived at the Memorial Park ‘after hours’ – the closed iron gates barred our way to the enormous iron cross which seemed to hover over the area like a vulture marking the site of the first communion service on North American soil.

On that occasion the sign on the gate read, “Keep out. Trespassers Prosecuted.”

A few weeks later we had been in Ireland showing American friends the comparable location where St. Patrick had landed and conducted the first communion service on Irish soil. The waist high iron gate to the little church at Saul, where Hilary had played as a wee girl, was slightly ajar and easily swung open as we felt ushered into the sacred space.

The message we were being given was, “You are Warmly Welcome.”

The two experiences seemed to capture two contrasting spirits: the proud conquistador come to possess, control and dominate, and the humble saint come to steward, serve and liberate…….like Jesus, revealing the true heart of God the Father.

We know Father has brought us to this foundation site many times to confess as priests the sins of a flawed church of which we are a part, that has failed to truly represent the extravagant love of our Father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

The Greek word used here for kiss, ‘kataphileo’ is a strong word meaning to kiss passionately and fervently. It only occurs three times in the gospels. These three stories I retell in this song, “Sealed with a Kiss” and then respond with words from the ‘Song of Songs’

It has only occurred to me how appropriate the timing of this St. Valentine’s blog and song is : – )

 

Are you ready for the Storm?

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Hilary recently found a favorite CD we’d lost a few years back. As I pressed the play button, one of the Celtic Ladies began singing the opening track that had recently returned to haunt me:

“Are you ready for the storm?…..are you ready for the storm?”
“Are you ready for the storm?…..are you ready for the storm?”

A few days later we were en route to St. Augustine, Florida

I recalled how on our last visit four years ago in my parting reflections I had said, “When President Obama completes this term of office, I believe there will be – a storm!”

The storm has certainly hit… and everything is being shaken.

I quoted the final verse of the Flame song,

“When this age shall end and the time has come
For the Trump to sound, and our Lord to come”

“Well, ‘the Trump’ has sounded!” I said. “Should we now expect for our Lord to come?”

Concessionary laughter rippled around the church.

I realized that as well as this political storm a major physical storm had also shaken the area a few months ago and recognized that since our last visit a number of our friends had been shaken by serious personal storms.

For one couple it was a result of the hurricane.

Tammy and David had just finished renovating their beach home. It was “a little palace” someone told us.

“I think you’re supposed to come and see it now.”  Tammy said.

Straddling the floorboards we stared down into the belly and out through the skeleton of the gutted home. David was in the middle of another even more thorough ‘restoration’ project.

“The Lord gave me a word at the beginning of last year.”  Tammy said,  – ‘Unencumbered’”

“Everything has had to go,“ she said, “Including my four boxes of shoes…. I loved shoes!

“I’ve decided to not even have a razor here until we’ve finished the restoration.“ David added from behind his bushy beard.

Tammy said the disturbance was strangely not a result of the winds or the floods, but of “a surge” of water that came and went. “I feel strangely cleansed” she commented. “It cleared a lot of crap away.” was the way another friend put it.

Crap is the biblical symbol for “idols of the heart.”

As we bowed to pray I noticed a sole artifact hanging on the damaged plasterboard. A simple cross.

“Thank you Lord that you went to the cross without shoes and unshaven. and you call us to follow you totally unencumbered …so that we can say, ‘…. and being with you nothing else we desire.'”

On an outside wall only one other artifact had remained:

The hurricane’s name was Matthew. It means “gift of God!”

A Magical Journey

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We first met Keely in Belfast several years ago. A friend of a friend of Abby’s, she had come over from the US to see Ireland. It so happens she is a talented photographer and so she took some engagement photos for Abby and Stephen at some ‘magical’ places like the “Giant’s Ring”

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We ‘bumped into’ her again months later in our local coffee shop. She seemed especially pleased to see us, and so we lingered for a few minutes……..long enough to let her discharge how things were not going well for her…… she was very stressed ……and desperately looking for some answers for her life.

We invited her to one of our FREEDOM! retreats and she connected for a season in our little community We witnessed Father bring a deep restoration in her, spirit, soul and body and give here a new freedom to chart a fresh course.

We lost contact for a few years until we received an invitation to her and Nick’s wedding at a remote Wisconsin destination.

The week before the wedding at a household meal we found ourselves studying Ps. 119.28-32 in The Message

My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;
build me up again by your Word.
Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;
grace me with your clear revelation.
I choose the true road to Somewhere,
I post your road signs at every curve and corner.
I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;
God, don’t let me down!
I’ll run the course you lay out for me
if you’ll just show me how.

 

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As we drove deep into the Wisconsin countryside on the way to the wedding there was no shortage of dilapidated barns!

Finally in the middle of what seemed like “Nowhere” by following the “road signs” we found the “Somewhere”!

 

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“The Enchanted Barn”

The owner shared with me how he had been ‘lead’ to this old run down barn…. in order to restore it as a wedding venue.

At the service Hilary and I told the story of how our last contact with Nick and Keely had been when they joined us as part of the team to lead another FREEDOM! retreat on  a remote Indian Reservation in Northern Minnesota in the depth of winter. While it was freezing outside, inside the warmth of Father’s love was thawing more hearts in His work of restoration.

I said. “Keely and Nick too have chosen to journey on “the road less traveled.” that Hilary and I have been on for the last 45 years ….seeking to radically follow Jesus to bring his love to all.

There were many ‘magical’ moments on that day of celebration but for me the best was, aware of the past difficulties with her parents, Keely and her Dad danced cheek to cheek to the song…….

“In the morning when I rise. In the morning when I rise. In the morning when I rise. Give me Jesus.   Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world. Just give me Jesus.”

A few hours later we arrived home to find this creation sitting on our kitchen table:

 

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On the swing was a note from the young girls in our home:

 

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Father’s smile again through an “Enchanted Garden” on what had been ‘a Magical Journey’….. of a day and of a life.

P.S. This week we have been in Florida leading another FREEDOM! retreat. If you are interested in attending one we will be having the next one back home at Rivendell 17th- 18th February. If you email us  we can send you the details.

 

 

 

 

Tweets from the Creation

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I found last Friday a special day. It began with my seeing something I’ve never seen before:-

The Creator being acknowledged at a political event!

I’m not talking about the perfunctory using of God’s name by politicians of all shades looking for votes, but of the acknowledgement of the Creator who is alive, sovereign, and actively speaking through His creation.

At the presidential inauguration when Franklin Graham steped forward, he did a courageous thing in the midst of a company who believe they have the power and control, by going  ‘off script’ at such a prescribed event to point out the rain that had begun falling, as the new President began his speech.

Graham said that in the bible, rain is a sign from God of blessing. He then read 1 Tim 2, the passage I was lead to finish with last week, about praying for our leaders, “…for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Rm.13:1)

Later that day I got an email from a good friend whom I rarely hear from who lives in Melbourne, Australia. Peter had watched the inauguration and probably the mainstream media’s curated commentary surrounding the election, and sounded understandably very despondent about America’s future.

That night Father took me back to the time when we had ministered with Peter amongst the aboriginal people around Alice Springs at the very heart of the Australian bush.  It was 2010, a truly memorable time because they had just had the wettest ‘dry’ season on record! The desert was blooming with plants that had lain hidden in the earth as if dead for decades if not centuries!!

Flying over the area was an incredible sight! –  Blood red earth. Vivacious green foliage.

I had written in my journal, “This is a sign of the two works of Christ as depicted in the (prophetic) offering of the two doves for the healing of leprosy (mortality) as recorded in Leviticus 14.”

The first dove was killed and the second dipped in the blood of the first and then released into the world. Red represents the first ‘dying’ work of Jesus on the cross. Green represents the second ‘living’ work when those who have died and lain dormant in the earth for years are resurrected. Then those who are alive and in whose hearts Christ has lain dormant will be changed, and Jesus, the head, in unity with his body will go forth in the the fulness of the Spirit, and anointing of Tabernacles, to proclaim the really good news throughout the world! This is the same message I gave in scripture and song last week!

I knew the timing of Peter’s email on this rain filled inauguration day to his only friend who lives in America was divine providence bringing to my memory this second ‘water’ sign in creation, from the Creator.

So does the falling of rain mean that God is giving blanket approval to all President Trump says and does?  No it doesn’t. The final prayer of the new President was, “God Bless America”.  The conditions for that blessing are recorded in Acts 3:26 says, “When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Blessing follows our turning from our ‘wicked ways’ to walk in God’s ways. The rain speaks of the Holy Spirit who alone can open all men’s eyes to the truth and turn their hearts back to God so that they can experience his blessing beyond his judgement.

Then that same night at our fellowship gathering there was a third witness……..

I had been asked to prepare a song for a friend. I’d never heard it before, so thought our meeting would be a good opportunity to practice. I made a poor attempt to sing it, and then noticed Jane, who rarely comes to the meetings, singing it very confidently. I asked her to come up and take over – the praise lifted!!

“The zeal of God has consumed me. It burns within my soul.

A driving force that cannot be stopped. A fire that cannot be quenched.”

Fire, like water, represents the Holy Spirit. 

The Flame song was given to me for Australia just before the 2000 Olympics. The first Europeans prophetically named their discovery, “The Great Southland of the Holy Spirit.” Subsequently I was invited to go to where the Pilgrim Fathers had landed by someone who had heard the song and was convinced it was also for America.

Then it dawned on me –  Jane who lead us in the “unquenchable fire” song had just returned from visiting her sister in Melbourne! – the very same place the email had come from that afternoon!

Three remarkable witnesses on one special day!

The second witness confirms the first. The third witness gives the timing…….. 

NOW is the time, for the refreshing rain and purifying fire of the Holy Spirit to fall on America, Australia and to the uttermost ends of the earth

So in another Peter’s words:-

“Set your hope fully on the grace to be given when Jesus Christ is revealed, (for) the end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so that you can pray.“ (or my version – ‘….so think about what you’re doing so that you can make the right decisions and stay in constant contact with the Lord and with love.’ : – ) (1 Pt. 4:7, 1 Pt.1:19)

 

 

 

 

Restoring America. Final. “The Last Trump?”

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When this age shall end and the time has come

For the trump to sound and our Lord to come

Then as one we’ll rise and our flame unite

With the one who loved and bought us.

When I penned these words in The Flame song 16 years ago, Donald Trump was barely on the presidential horizon. My friend Ron says, “Father is ‘hooked on phonics'”

Neither did I realize when I was lead to start this series on Restoring America (R.A.) that it would run as long as 12 weeks and end the week when president elect Trump was to be inaugurated!

Am I making a political statement? No. I am believing God’s word:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turns it wherever he will.” (Prov.21:1)

Donald Trump like every human king (and you and I) will simply play his part in the divine drama of the ages.

If you do a bible search for the word ‘trump‘ you’ll find it only twice, in the same context, in 1 These.4:16 and then in 2 Cor. 15:51,52 (KJV and ASV) which says:

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

This gives the order for the fulfillment of the third major feast appointed by God, Tabernacles. The first two feasts, Passover and Pentecost have already been fulfilled at Christ’s first coming.  The dead will be raised first. A single trumpet call was to gather the leaders of Israel, (Numb.10:4) so this does not necessarily mean that all the dead in Christ will be raised at this time. The resurrection of the dead is described as their being awakened from sleep. Subsequently those alive who are similiarly called, will be changed….

“………………..then as one we’ll rise and our flame unite with the one who loved and bought us”

This theme recurs in Ephesians 5: 14- 20. It begins,

“Awake! O sleeper; rise from the dead and Christ will give you light.” (14)

Interestingly the word here for “give you light” only occurs once in scripture and happens to be Strong’s number 2017 – the year we have just entered.

At the turn of this year Father said to me it would be a year of  ‘entering in’. The next night while asleep I had an experience where I was with my own father (who died in 1986). I had just said to him, “Isn’t it a wonderful sensation when you just wake up from sleep?” Laughing, he said, “Yes, especially when you find you’re in the choir!” I saw he had fallen asleep at what looked like church choir practice! – we laughed together!

Appropriately the Ephesians passage goes on to say, “Be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (18,19)

The final verse of The Flame song begins, “When this age shall end and the time has come……….for the trump to sound……and our Lord to come”

It seem to me that the time for “this age” to end is upon us……so it is all the more important that we, “Live circumspectly, not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity.” (15,16)

My version is, “….make the most of every moment, being continually aware of His presence in you and around you in order that you might be tuned in to His constant commentary of Life in life and keep growing in trust and love which, in the end, is (as it says in Gal.5:6) the only thing that counts!”

Just a few days ago my son Robin sent me the following link unaware of this blog. The video is called “Wake up Laughing” which was of course the experience I have just described with my father. The comedian also jokes about how “God laughs” (R.A.6) and about the red and blue becoming a sacred circle of purple (R.A. 10) Try to watch a couple of minutes from 1.10.30 for the red, blue purple part….. but it stays quite funny and insightful right to the end : – )

“Father showing off again!” (Ron also quips)…..as He orchestrates every detail of all our lives : – )

Which is why we can live verse 20, “….giving thanks ALWAYS and for EVERYTHING to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I looked for a photo of Donald Trump on the internet, but couldn’t find one – Ha ha! The shot above shows him in front of the red and blue American flag wearing a purple tie….. and are those hands raised in surrender? So may our prayer be, in accordance with 1 Tim 2: 1-4

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

P.S. This does not mean that I will stop writing about America’s restoration however I will not so much focus on this country alone, but will be sharing thoughts on how God’s restoration goes deeper and farther still.

Restoring America 11. “Alastair Cooke and the smell of bacon”

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I have many happy memories of my Belfast childhood……none more than lying in bed on a Sunday morning with the smell of sizzling bacon wafting it’s way up the stairs from the kitchen where my mom was preparing our once a week Ulster fry (she wisely knew any more than that would take us to an early grave!) while from my parents bedroom, as my father was getting ready for church, we got to eavesdrop as the radio waves carried in another weekly treat, “Alastair Cooke’s Letter from America.”

From the trivial and not so trivial Americana this sagacious British gentleman would every week, weave together an intriguing story that was both amusing and instructive.

These tales from a far off land by one of our own (well not quite – he was English) added for me to the sense of awe that surrounded that “great” nation, who sneezes, and “we all catch cold”!

I never dreamed that as a young lad back then I too would be dispatched here, not by the BBC but by the GLA (Good Lord Above) with a wife and 7 children! Neither did I imagine I would have the opportunity to try my hand at “Paul Kyle’s Blog from America” once a week (not so much as a sagacious British man but as a sagging Ulster man : – )

I am being lead one step at a time. Last week I blogged about the death from a fentanyl overdose of an earthly American Prince – one of the (celebrity) ‘kings’ described in Psalm 2:1.

This fed a shocking statistic….that the life expectancy in America is for the first time for many years, falling! One of the reasons, is an ‘epidemic’ of opioid related deaths.

The bible speaks about this. In Jeremiah God says:

“Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice nor walked according to it……‘Behold, I will….. give them poisoned water [rosh, “poppies”] to drink.(Jer.9:13-16)

This rebuke is given in the context of a culture where the corrupt priests who were also the doctors of the day were accused of saying “‘Peace Peace’ but there is no peace”. (Jer.6:14) This is similar to the “allopathic (literally ‘other than suffering’) medicine” commonly practiced today and in which I was trained where the focus is on alleviating symptoms rather than honestly seeking and dealing with the underlying root of the illness.

God rebukes them saying, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of My people been restored?”(Jer.8:22)

A recent headline on the BBC news site read. “Doctors issue New Year detox health warning.”

The writers of the paper in the prestigious BMJ said, “The concept of the new-year ‘detox’ with all-natural products is appealing to those less concerned with evidence-based medicine and more with complementary medicine.”

The article then focused on one lady who became “critically ill” – essentially because she drank too much water!

The deaths from prescription drugs in the US have more than quadrupled since 1999 with 91 deaths daily from opioid overdose.

So what is the evidence pointing to? It would seem these ‘Doctors’ in the room who are issuing the warning are calling out,

“Forget the elephant…Look! – there’s a fly on the wall!!”

The “balm of Gilead” was an essential oil, for whose benefit  there is now abundant scientific “evidence“. These oils are God’s medicine cabinet provided by his plants used by Jesus mother (frankincense and myrrh!) and foundational for Hilary and my excellent health over the last 20 years.

In this instance the BBC (representing mainstream media) is not an objective ‘news’ source but rather a propaganda outlet.

I was watching a documentary, recently and thought the opening shots of a lough at dawn with a lone kayaker looked familiar. Then came the commentator’s voice with a Belfast accent. That seemed familiar too! I was amazed when the kayaker on Stangford Lough proved to be one of my longstanding Irish friends!

Michael had recently, like ourselves been lead on a journey of discovery to America where he had uncovered the same sort of God given truth about true healing that we have found.

The documentary contained a nugget of gold (Truth) that we were looking for that very night to find healing in our own family.

Five hundred years ago Ponce de leon was the first European to set foot in Florida. He was searching for gold, and for the “fountain of youth” Maybe there’s a place for Irishmen like Brendan the Navigator and Michael the Documentary Maker to come to this “land of opportunity” and bring forth ‘truth’ treasure from THE King, whom they follow and whose kingdom they are seeking!

The reason this blog is a day earlier this week is because Michael’s documentary is up for free viewing until 11th of this month…and I wanted to give you more time to catch it. Here’s the link:

https://thatvitaminmovie.com

On a final note, if you ever come to visit us in Rivendell on a Sunday, I can’t promise the smell of bacon, but everyone says they catch the whiff……of both the spiritual and the physical oil : – )

 

Restoring America 10 “A Prince dies. A King is born.”

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The PEACEABLE KINGDOM OF GOD is hidden in plain sight! From the realm beyond time and earth God writes his story in time limited, earthly lives whether famous or little known.

Two weeks ago we saw how all the eyes of the world were on Nobel winner Minnesota songwriter Bob Dylan and his song “It’s a Hard Rain‘s Gonna Fall” Now at the end of 2016 we see that the 4th most popular world wide google search was for another local Minneapolis celebrity – Prince who tragically died this year of a drug overdose. He was best known for the song “Purple Rain”

Three weeks ago I ended with Psalm 2. After publishing the blog I immediately got two emails from two lesser known characters…..two of my closest native Irish Catholic friends……traditional ‘enemies’ of my Ulster Scots Protestant tribe!  Each of them had also been given Psalm 2 that morning!

When I drew their attention to this ‘triple witness’ Eugene wrote back,

“I wonder what comes next after Ps.2?”

At 63, I still try to manage without reading glasses, so I wondered why Eugene was referencing Psalm 27. Well Father uses even our failing physical sight to increase our spiritual insight : – ) and as I pondered Psalm 27,“One thing I ask for…to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and seek him in his temple “ I saw in what I had written, or rather omitted to write of Psalm 2, “KISS the son”, the connection……

INTIMACY is what comes next

I was reminded of a dream my friend Mike shared with me a few weeks ago of two circular hoops, one red and one blue sitting side by side, but not touching…he said it was because of a FEAR of intimacy.

This is reflected in the fear based polarization of the two political factions (red and blue) in the USA.

Things were not always this way. In fact the forging of that impressive document “The Declaration of Independence” was done by a very diverse group who were able to co-operate to facilitate the fragile birth of the new nation.

A key scripture we were given when we moved to America was. Psalm 85. I Subsequently  discovered that the meeting of the First Continental Congress was begun with the reading of Psalm 85. John Adams in a letter to his wife wrote, that after it was read, “I never saw a greater effect produced upon an audience. It seemed as if Heaven had ordained that Psalm to be read on that morning.”

In verse 4 the appeal is made,“RESTORE us again, O God our Savior”

RESTORATION does not just mean getting back to things the way there were at that first Congress, or “Before the white men came!” the indigenous peoples might interject, but getting back to the way they were MEANT to be……back to, and even beyond the intimacy of Eden.

Verse 7 then expresses that vision of intimacy – heaven on earth!

7. Love and faithfulness meet together, Righteousness and peace KISS each other. Faithfulness springs forth from the earth and righteousness looks down from heaven.

In the recent campaign Hillary and the Democrats claimed to be the “love” party and Donald and the Republicans claimed to be the ‘truth’ party. Scripture says love and truth are not enemies but are meant to kiss, “Speaking the truth in love we will grow up in every way into Christ.” (Eph. 4:23)

Verse 5 holds THE KEY to our Restoration.  “I WILL LISTEN (carefully, obediently, with expectant hope) TO WHAT GOD THE LORD WILL SAY….” 

As we come into that place of INTIMATE SURRENDER to the One whose “perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn.4:18) intimacy with our former “enemies” also becomes possible….and so Paddy, Eugene and myself, all heard an identical word about INTIMACY at the identical time – thousands of miles apart!

Mike said that in his dream the two hoops were meant to be overlaid on top of one another – and the color would then be purple, representing royalty – The King.

The other day I went to pick up the free city paper that got thrown into our porch. Normally I discard it without a thought, however as I leafed through it quickly my eye fell on this headline….“Praying for Purple.” Then Isla came into our living room in her painting garb to ask her mom, “What does blue and red give you?” “Purple” Kim replied.

On Christmas day we had some drama as little Isla developed severe pain in her right arm. Fearing a fracture Daddy took her to ER. Thankfully it was a mere dislocation and the doctor easily popped the shoulder back in! Back home with her strong right arm she pulled her Christmas cracker (a British custom we continue here!) and donned her paper crown – Purple of course. The right arm is a prophetic type of Jesus….the Savior of the world. ( Is.53:1, Luke 1:47,51)

Isla Jane Simone means “The gospel of God’s grace is heard to the uttermost parts of the earth.”

So from the city that in 2016 said farewell to an earthly Prince’s Purple Rain, our song goes up “Lord Jesus we enthrone you, we proclaim You our King…come Lord Jesus and take your place.”  

In this coming year 2017 may the heavenly King’s Purple Reign come to the uttermost parts of the earth as they are flooded with Holy Spirit Rain and “Listen (carefully, obediently, with expectant hope)” to the gospel of God’s grace in Jesus the Christ.

P.S. Another Minneapolis singer/songwriter launches his latest album in a few weeks time. Shadowlands by Ben Kyle and Romantica show details are here: release

 

Restoring America 9. “The Merry Go Round Keeper”

by on in Restoring America

 

My wife Hilary knows me better than I know myself. Some may lag behind grace, my tendency is to stretch beyond grace!

When in New York City I love to run and pray the Brooklyn Bridge and the area where the Twin Towers used to stand. 911 is the gematria for grace.

On our last visit as a rather tired me was going out the door, Hilary said, “Back in an hour?”

Although that was going to leave me short of time for my usual run I knew my body was in agreement with my wife. As I reached Manhattan I realized I had only a few minutes to spare, however my competitive nature got the better of me and I pushed – beyond grace.

While climbing the gentle hill within a mile of home I felt a muscle pull in my left calf. I checked my watch. It was at exactly 1 hour. I hobbled home.

“I thought you had returned earlier” Hilary said. “There was ring at the door a hour after you left and I went down to answer it…..but strange – there was no-one there.”

It obviously was Double Witness.

While walking up the final hill Father had reminded me of a conversation I’d had with our son-in-law Joe the previous day. Joe was describing the merry-go-round keeper in Prospect Park. A stocky old German gentleman with a white mustache and military bearing. (At least this is how I remember picturing him) “He’s very strict” Joe said, “With parents and children alike” “But he has a glint in his eye….and that Merry-Go-Round must be the fastest in the country!”

I knew Father was giving me a picture of himself…..actually He’s much stricter than most people think. His laws are to be respected for they are are His laws and they are for our good….but He’s also far more fun than most people think!!!

Father does not want us to consult with Him only over the big decisions in our lives such as “Which College should I attend? or “Should I marry this woman?” Prov. 3:6 puts it well, “In ALL your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths, straight, smooth, good. pleasing, agreeable.!”

More strict, but more fun.

I remember 42 years ago when considering “Should I marry this woman?” I reverted to that old model of “seeking guidance” When heaven was as brass concerning an answer, I finally realized Father was saying with a smile, “You know in your heart what the answer is, don’t be so childish as to revert to mere external signs on this one : – )) Oswald Chambers puts it this way. “When we live so much in the consciousness of God, we do not need to ask what His will is, because the thought of choosing any other will never occur to us.”

P.S. I almost forgot about this story from a few weeks ago but then I overdid it again yesterday and when my calf started acting up I realized I needed to blog about the merry go round. I just bought a foam roller and thought as I arrived home. “I should try that out on my sore muscle.”

When I completed the run the “random” voice on my Nike app announced.

“Hi, This is coach Judy from the New York running club. Good run – now hit the foam roller!”

How I laughed with Dad in his discipline!

Restoring America 8.”Bringing It All Back (to the) Home”

by on in Restoring America

Growing up my favorite singer songwriter was…Bob Dylan of course. One of his early albums had the title of this week’s blog, “Bringing it All Back Home.” 

Little did I think then that we would one day move to make our home in Dylan’s Home state of Minnesota!

This year, Dylan was surprisingly awarded the Nobel prize for literature. The week before the ceremony, we drove past a red brick house in New York where our daughter now has her home. She pointed to it and said, “That is Patti Smith’s Home.” – an interesting God-incidence, as the next week Dylan’s award was received on his behalf in Oslo, Norway – by Patti Smith.

The other night I heard an interview with the head of the humanitarian agencies working to obtain safe passage for the homeless refugees caught up in the conflict in the Middle east. Interestingly it was also from Oslo, Norway, home of the more famous Nobel Peace prize. He was lamenting that in his 30 years of such work he had never met such opposition from all the warring sides to helping resettle those who had been displaced.

Currently there are an estimated 64 million refugees, people who have been forced to leave their homes...the highest number since WWII.

This physical tragedy is a reflection of an even greater spiritual tragedy as countless millions go through life never finding their true Home.…..with Father God.

The news report of Dylan’s award ceremony seemed typically sensational, focusing on how Patti Smith had forgotten the words of a song because she was so nervous…..then I realized mistakes are often Father getting our attention….the song she was singing was, “It’s A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall.” – a song protesting the injustice and suffering in our world.

Although it may not have been Dylan’s intent, I believe the chorus prophesies of a coming outpouring of the rain of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit that cries “Abba Father”…….Bringing  Them All Back Home

In the American culture of “show business” and “big events” pentecostal prophets speak of future miracle rallies in filled sports stadiums

Our vision sees God’s kingdom culture of “authentic love” being expressed in “everyday life” centered not just in human constructions but in that God ordained construct called – the HOME

“…..a man will leave his mother and father and be joined to his wife and THE TWO BECOME ONE…”(Gen.2:24)

It is out of this unity of spirit soul and body that the PEACEABLE KINGDOM OF GOD on earth begins.

God wants to redeem “ME AND MY CLACHAN” – that it not be a fear based greed driven unit but in accordance with His design – a welcoming and safe place of living faith and healing love for all.

It has been our privilege to experience that grace here in America. Since moving to Rivendell 15 years ago I recently counted for the first time those who Father has brought, not just to visit but to live for a season in this house of his love. There were over 50, beyond our own 7 children and their families. As I reflected on the various needs they had arrived with, and on how a sample of them were doing now……I was encouraged : – )

She did get healed from diabetes.

He did get freed from that lifelong addiction

She did find a husband and have the child that she longed for

She did find a husband and have that child that she longed for (yes another one : – )

He did get restored from abuse as a child

She did stop anti-depressants – and find joy again

He did get reconciled to his nasty grandpa.

She did come to peace…. and not take her own life.

He did find a shelter when the court case was headlines

She did find a job teaching disadvantaged children.

He did get the degree and is helping suicidal young people.

They did get married.

They did stay married!

and make their own

….Home.

Thank you Father!

The Kingdom or Tabernacles age is depicted in Zeph 3:10:

“In that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘every one of you will invite his neighbor to sit under his vine and his fig tree [enjoying peace and prosperity in the kingdom].’” (Amplified.)

“‘At that time, everyone will get along with one another, with friendly visits across the fence, friendly visits on one another’s porches.’” (Message)

Our son Robin recently planted 24 trees and bushes in our yard – apple, apricot, plum, pawpaw, cherry and hazelbert nut. We look forward to them maturing in the years to come…..alongside this imperfect expression of a coming perfect, Kingdom of heaven on earth.

Very many thanks to all of you who have joined with us over the years in this vision.

May the love of Christ fill your hearts and your homes in this season of hope!  

 Paul and Hilary