While I was Reading

I like to shoot my mouth off a lot about a wide variety of subjects but I have had time this past week to do some reading and have really enjoyed it.

Rich Mullins is the man God used to most affect the way I want to live in my formative years, which I hope I never grow out of because I won't ever be completely like Christ... Anyway, here's something that he wrote,

"Someday we'll be called to give an account and... I don't thjink our crown will be the words we wrote; I think it will be how we have built up the body of Christ, how we have torn down walls of suspicion and walls of fear, how we have shed light on false doctrines, how we have been encouraging truth and how that affects lives and how we made Jesus visible."

Heart of Gold - Jesus

Heart of Gold – Heart of Jesus

Jesus, You have a heart of gold!
I’ve been mining for a heart of gold
Sounds like a Neil song
I’ve believe I’ve found a couple
Some are True like yours
Some aren’t!

Truthful persons are looked
On certainly as weird
One would even say crazy zealots
Stalkers that crave the Truth
Angry adolescents that don’t understand
The established that say they are
Full of Grace and Truth

Thank God for His Truth
That is found only in You
Jesus, You are the heart of God
Let me journey into Your heart, OH GOD!
I need to know You and what You think!
HELP!

A Quote from Helen Keller

Remember that this woman was blind, deaf, and could not speak verbally,


"Once I knew only darkness and stillness ... my life was without past or future ... but a little word from the fingers of another fell into my hand that clutched at emptiness, and my heart leaped to the rapture of living."

Poems from Tonight

Watching this movie tonight and these thoughts just poured out.

What Do I Do

Knowing that I have done wrong
What do I do?
Knowing the covetous nature
Of my wounded heart
What do I do?
Do I pull a Judas?
And hang myself
Or worse yet
Do I continue to live?
With these little satans
Tempting me with
The very things or people
That I love.
Just like Judas
Do I self-destruct?
Or do I listen,
Listen to the voice of Truth
Praise God, I hear it!

I hear that all the pain
You suffered was for me
That I would not carry guilt
For the crap in my heart
Renew my mind
Tell me who’s I am
And at what cost
Was I bought
So Your goodness
Would lead me to
My love living for You





Love Living

Your life was love
Everyday love
So pure, so true
Put aside everything
Even for the whore
That found the meaning of love
At Your feet

May I love like You?
Putting aside my wants
For the good of the ones
I so easily say I love

What is love?
You alone know!
Love chooses to make all things new!
Love suffers long and is kind
Love doesn’t envy
Love doesn’t parade itself
And is not puffed

When I think of how rude
I have been to those
I say I love
Makes me want to cry

God, I cry for complete love
I’m tired of seeking my own good
Abba, I’m tired of getting angry
At the ones I say I love
Give me the love that never fails.
Jesus, You never fail.
Finish the work
You alone have begun

When You said,
“Take this bread”
“Take this wine”

You completed total love,
When You chose to lay down
Your life of love

Living love was You!
Living love is You!
Living love will always be You

On the Christmas Mix a Friend Gave Me

Never heard this song or this band before but was blown away by these lyrics. Crazy how art sometimes affects you right where you are when these guys have had this song out for sometime now. I guess that is how amazing art is. Thanks for sharing part of what you like with me. I know that we are truly friends, Thank you so much,


BLUE OCTOBER LYRICS

"Calling You"

There's something that I can't quite explain
I'm so in love with you
You'll never take that away
And if I've said it a hundred times before
Expect a thousand more
You'll never take that away

Well expect me to be
Calling you to see
If you're OK when I'm not around
Asking "if you love me"
I love the way you make it sound
Calling you to see
Do I try too hard to make you smile?
To make us smile

[Chorus]
I will keep calling you to see
If you're sleeping, are you dreaming
If you're dreaming, are you dreaming of me
I can't believe you actually picked me

I thought that the world had lost it's sway
It's so hard sometimes
Then I fell in love with you
Then came you
And you took that away
It's not so difficult
The world is not so difficult
You take away the old
Show me the new
And I feel like I can fly when I stand next to you
So while I'm on this phone
A hundred miles from home
I'll take the words you gave me and send them back to you

I only want to see
If you're OK when I'm not around
Asking "if you love me"
I love the way you make it sound
Calling you to see
Do I try too hard to make you smile?
To make us smile

Christmas 2008 - Joy Has Won!!!

Life is hard. I know life could be a lot harder than it is for me at this point in my life but when your heart beats with the passions of this world, and you know that is not what is for you,it is hard. But, Jesus has broke through to show me yet again how desperate I am for him. He fills with a love that eclipses all the wanting. Lifting my eyes to the little baby that was born in love to be a gift in thrity short years on the earth, was here to show us, if we would but just listen, John 3:16

Was Reading this this Morning

So encouraging in our fight

1 John 2:14

“I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

Another Song that God is Using

I don't think this is exclusively a Christmas song but it is amazing for this time of year when we are thinking amazing thoughts of Christ becoming one of us...
Bethany Dillon had this on one of her cds...

JOY HAS DAWNED
Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation:
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for every nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love:
Jesus born of Mary.

Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels,
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vulnerable and helpless.

Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold, a King is born today,
Incense, God is with us,
Myrrh, His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.

Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom,
Reconciling God and man,
Christ our mighty Chion!
What a Saviour, what a Friend,
What a glorious mystery:
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of history.

The Kingdom

Heard this song today.... It was amazing.... wanted you to see the lyrics.... it is by Bethany Dillon and is amazing..... She is in the Barnard Family now and got to spend some time with the amazing couple on Saturday... They aren't amazing but God is in and through their lives....


The Kingdom


It tapped me on the shoulder
Today when I got home
I saw everything collecting dust
It made me hope there was something more
I pour over pages
Desperate to find out why
The cripple at your table
Has what I'm longing to find
Teach me how to hum it
Because I don't know the words yet

CHORUS:
Help me see the light
I'm reaching through the fight
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom
Arms open wide
Death swallowed up by life
Yahweh, show me the Kingdom

Why are some women barren
While the wicked's house is full
The stories never seem to end
Give me evidence I'm not alone
You said the weak would be lifted up
But maybe just not yet
So while I wait in this flesh and blood
I'll learn to lean in

Shane and Shane and Beth and Phil

HA HA!!

Last night was the most amazing concert. The first one in our new Ogletown Exchange!!! Pastor Curtis opened the night as he invited the crowd to enjoy themselves in the celebration of who Jesus Christ is... The most amazing part of the night came for me when Phil Wickham played a song called "The Day Love Died." Right afterward, Shane Barnard came up beside me. Amazing to sing "How Great Thou Art" with this amazing voice next to me. It was like heaven but I say that everytime I here the Shane's play... Thank You, Jesus, for this little glimpse into the most amazing fact in the world, You sent Your Son to die and is alive to live in us. May we let Him all the time...

Wow...

All I can muster to say is wow! What a day yesterday was. First, I want to thank Jesus for all the amazing opportunities I have had in my life. Sam and Katie Kinch were instrumental in me being able to compete and finish my first marathon. Yesterday, I was like no way I will ever do another one of these. Now, seeing the Philadelphia one take off this morning, I am not so sure. You never know what is in store. Sam, Katie, Mom, Kathy, Justin, and Brandon were soooooo encouraging. Thank you for acting like "idiots", as Kathy put it. Another thank you is to God for bringing all the right people into my life. You never know how much we need each othjer until you are down and can't get up for yourself. My training partner, Stan Gibson.... I guess I am the "NUT" now.... ha ha. Thank you for all the great runs over that last couple months. Especially the one we didn't get home until 2am... I guess that was the certification of being a nuts. Seriously, I praise God for you and the spirit of prayer that has been such a part of our times. May we model the prayer movement for others.

Jesus, thank you for my family. Brandon and Justin - You will never know how much you meant to me along side of the road cheering me on. It kept me going...





Will be back with Pics of the 26.2 miles and much, much more to share... Times it took was 5:24:25

You can see the results... They are exciting!!!!
http://www.piranha-sports.com/Results/EntryDetail.aspx?RegistrationID=7908

2 More Days - Rehoboth Beach Marathon

WHAT!!!


Ha ha!

Well, Saturday's the day. The day that is going to be the toughest day but best day with the King.

Jesus, please be glorified through this.

Anxious anticipation!!!!

Philippians 4:6 (English Standard Version)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.


Lord of Lords, You say not to be anxious about anything. I believe this anxiety and Your ability to make me rest in You alone as my strength is going to bring You the praise You deserve. God, let the people praise You! Thank you for this opportunity. Thank You for Your love and mercy.... In Jesus' Name, the only name by which men can be saved.... Amen...

Thanks for you prayer support guys,

jonathan

Rehoboth Seashore Marathon Race Information

A. Packet Pick – Up / Friday Night Expo:
• Rehoboth Beach Running Co. (251 Rehoboth Avenue)
• FRIDAY – Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• SATURDAY – Time 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM at the RACE STARTING LOCATION.
• Runners will not be able to pick-up their packet AFTER 6:30 AM.

B. Race Start time: 7:00 AM

C. Start location: Boardwalk at Rehoboth Avenue.

D. Finish location: Boardwalk at Rehoboth Avenue.

E. Massage: Elite PT will be giving massages in the Expo tent at Rehoboth Beach Running Co. after the race


F. After party: Catcher’s Restaurant (251 Rehoboth Avenue) Next to the Rehoboth Beach Running Company.
• Racers: show race number for entry
• Volunteers: show volunteer ticket
• Guests: $15.00 fee (buy ticket at the expo or at the door)

G. Awards: 12:30 PM – Location – Expo Tent in the RBRC parking lot.
• No awards will be mailed.
• Some prizes will be given. You must be present to accept your prize. Otherwise it will be given out to another category.

H. Pre - Race Dinner:
• Catcher’s - $9.99 pasta specials
• Fins - Pasta Specials.
• Dogfish Restaurant - Pasta specials.

I. Bathrooms:
• At the start: Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Avenue, and Delaware Avenue bathrooms will be open from (5:45-1:00)
• Port-o-potties will be on the course about every 2 miles.

J. Water stops:
• About every 2 miles
• Some water stops will be used twice on the out and back sections of the course.
• Fluids on the course: Water and Gatorade

K. Medical: The Sussex County Emergency Medical Services will be on hand (along the course) to provide EMS services.

Some Final Thoughts:

The weather here at the beach in November can be interesting. Please keep an eye on the forecast. As of today, the meteorological service is calling for Saturday’s weather to be a high in the mid 40’s and sunny. Remember, the high will not be at 7:00 AM, so dress appropriately (gloves, hat etc.)

Hydration – Even though it will be cold during the race, please remember to hydrate. There will be plenty of water and Gatorade on the course.

Proud of My Little Sister

Last night, I was honored to go to my friends' Faith and Aaron wedding. It was the most Christ honoring wedding I have ever been to. Jesus was the center and prayfully will continue to be the marriage through... Thank you Faith for allowing Mom and I to be a part of this very special evening in your life. We love you....

SELF EXPLANATORY!!!
AWESOME!!!

My Brother in law and I at the BRIDGE SCOOL CONCERT

The Feeling Coming Home

Hi Everyone,

This is a kinda sad thing but this is what I was feeling on the plane...


I read in Your Ancient Word
How You have formed me
And everything I see in Nature
The love and awe
I feel are intense
So intense that I struggle
To find the words to describe
What I am feeling

I miss them so much
Do You know what I am feeling
Family, I have learned
On this trip
Relationships, I have learned
On this trip

I have been so wrong
Thinking whatever I thought
Don't know what it was
I feel like I don't know much
I just know this intenseness of longing

Do You feel this
Everytime I choose something
Other than Your waterfall of love
That is like the Wild Pacific
20 Feet waves coming into
The sands on San Francisco
Comes crashing in around me

Thank You for loving me!!!

Angela and I at the Redwood who's name is the Big Tree...

My own pad in CALI....

MUCH MORE LATER!!!!

Flying Over the United States - Fingerprints of Heaven

Hi Everyone,
2 days ago I started on this first of many trips to California. Jesus gave me a poem to write while I was on the plane. It is called (actually has a name), Fingerprints of Heaven.


Bird's eye view
This amazing invention of man
That has afforded me this opportunity
To see this freak
Freak of what is called nature - to see Yahweh
That no seems to want to talk about
I will join with the Psalmists' praises
In knowing that something that is untouched
By human hands
Is marked with the fingerprints of EL SHADDAYAnd to think
this Mighty One carried His cross
Really mine
So I could be called
By this matchless grace!Makes my heart want to
Worship Him at all times
Knowing that I don't
But stretching forward to the goal
The white sands of the Midwest,
Or is it the west
I don't know
Jesus, white sands tell me of what I have read
When I finally see the wool of Your hair
Running my hands through my Older Brother's hair
The feeling of security that
To know I am home!Like my two brothers that have
Left this place this past week
Ken Sr. and Keener released from their body
Transported to a body like our Risen Brother Lord
My Lord, and my God

I have seen a little
Little taste of You
God, give me more
So, I can share it
Grace, mercy, healing, enlargement,

Enlargement over what I think is pressing down on me
Outward appearance, sexual attraction, money, issues at work
All this comes as nothing
In the seeing of the One who has called
And what He has done!

WHY? - Asking questions of God Randomly.

Might not be the polictcally currect thing to do but here it goes...
I think God wants us to come to Him and I do intend to go to Him through His Word....

Jesus, why cancer?

Jesus, why disability?

Jesus, why Earthquakes in the village of Nura?

Jesus, why do You allow us to live?

Jesus, why hold us together by the strength of Your Power?

Jesus, why mental desease?

Jesus, why half cures?

Jesus, why room for lack of faith?

Jesus, why chance of wasting this one life You give?

Jesus, why choice?

Stole this one from Todd Agnew - Jesus, why did You make her eyes sparkle so nicely?

Jesus, why have You given the enemy the power to blind the eyes of unbelievers?

Going Home

Hi Everyone, today I learned that a friend of mine has made his transport from this temporal tent we live in to his final Eternal Home....

"In my Father's house there are many, many rooms
In my Father's house there are many, many rooms
And I'm going up there now to prepare a place for you
That where I am, there you may also be
If I go prepare a place for you, I will come back again
If I go prepare a place for you, I will come back again
And you know I am the Way, the Truth, the Life, keep my command
That where I am, there you may also be
That where I am, there you may also be
Up where the truth, the truth will set you free
In the world you will have trouble, but I leave you my peace
That where I am, there you may also be Remember you did not choose me, no I have chosen you
Remember you did not choose me, no I have chosen you
The world will show you hatred, the Spirit show you truth
That where I am, there you may also be And I've come down from the Father, it's time for me to go back up
Oh, I've come down from the Father, it's time for me to go back up
One command I leave you: Love as I have loved
That where I am, there you may also be That where I am, there you may also be
Up where the truth, the truth will set you free
In the world you will have trouble, but I leave you my peace
That where I am, there you may also be That where I am, there you may also be
Up where the truth, the truth will set you free
In the world you will have trouble, but I'm leaving you my peace
That where I am, there you may also be"

A Prayer that We Need to be Praying

/Heavenly Father, we come to You in this election year to ask for Your wisdom and guidance. We have a serious decision to make which will ultimately effect our future and the future of our children and grandchildren. /// /Lord you know who is the best candidate to become the Leader of the Free World. You, Father God, are fully aware of which candidate will best lead this country with regard to foreign policy, the economy, domestic problems, and in regard to dealing with Congress to get things done competently for the betterment of the United States. And you know which man has the strongest moral character to lead in a way that is pleasing to You./// /We now ask you, Heavenly Father, to guide our hearts, our minds, and our spirits as we choose our next President. Send us Your Holy Spirit to renew our minds and open are hearts so we may vote wisely and correctly. In the coming days, make us hear the truth about each candidate and understand what he _really_ stands for as we watch television, read the newspapers, and read items online. Give us all a deep vision of where we may be going in the future and thus, according to Your will, be very certain which man to vote for. Give us knowing peace as we solidify are voting choice. And please be merciful to America, O God, and help us to select the best man for the job. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.///
Pray this each day thru November 4th/*

A Question Mom Had

Mom had a question for me and I was looking for the answer to it for her online tonight and I found this quote and I just had to share it with everyone



GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favor from God and people.


People's New Testament Commentary

2:52 Jesus increased. Jesus grew up among a people seldom and only contemptuously named by the ancient classics, and subjected at the time to the yoke of a foreign oppressor in a remote and conquered province of the Roman empire; in the darkest district of Palestine; in a little country town of proverbial insignificance; in poverty and manual labor; in the obscurity of a carpenter's shop; far away from universities, academies, libraries, and literary or polished society; without any help, as far as we know, except the parental care, the daily wonders of nature, the Old Testament Scriptures, the weekly Sabbath service of the synagogue at Nazareth (Lu 4:16), the annual festivities in the temple of Jerusalem (Lu 2:42), and the secret intercourse of his soul with God, his heavenly Father...

Putting Together My Wheels with Rick and 14 Miles with Stan

Wednesday and Thursday night will live with me the whole time I am alive, I think. Jesus has blessed me beyond belief and I am very thankful. Please God let me show my love by obedience to You alone....

Rick Meier is one of the coolest people in the world! He picked me up at the OEX (Ogletown Exchange) and took me home to assemble with me this wheelchair that the Challenged Athletes Foundation has given to me. Amazing!!! Rick was the first person to run with me that night as soon as we assembled it. THANK YOU SO MUCH RICK!!!! I can't WAIT for the first 5k and to see the look on the woman's face who has been less encouraging....

Stan Gibson ran with me on Thursday night and was the most grueling thing I have ever been involved in. We did 14 miles that night. Awesome times! 9:30 at night, too. The only thing on my mind was that this "NUT" was a gift the Almighty King. Not too many people are runners like he is. It was the perfect pace, too! Thank you so much.


ENDURANCE TO RUN THE RACE!!!! is the key to life!!!!!!!!!!!

The World Changer

The World Changer

I have been blind and foolish. I have been believing the lies of the enemy for soooo long. I believe that one person can’t change the world. In a matter of speaking, this absolutely right… But, there is a World Changer that has been given to the children!!! Children who might sometimes act like bastards but (and this is the most hopeful but I have ever written) who are in fact children…. This World Changer is within them and it is the Holy Spirit of the Living God! So, I (and every other child of the Most High) can be a world changer… Live it out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Inspired by: Jonathan Fallwell Tonight on TV

Wheelchair NOT!!! - Top End Eliminator OSR

Wow!!! This thing is SWEEEEEET!!!! I received my racing wheels last night when I got home from the YMCA.!!!!! Amazing. My friend Rick Meier said he would come over and help me put it together! I peeked into the box and the wheels themselves are awesome. I guiess you can tell I'm a little excited!!! Amazing grace of God that He would allow a broken sinner experience such joy....

Just was listening to this as I was working out this morning!!! Great TRUTH

Todd Agnew \ Grace Like Rain
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I'm found
Was blind but now I see so clearly

Chorus:Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Chorus

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing Your praise
Than when we first begun

A Lot of Feedback

A lot of people responded to the last post I did.... A lot of people didn't get what I was trying to say but some did. Check out the comment from a very wise woman that just happens to be my mom. Was trying to say that the answer is NOT in any of the "changes" that are being promised. I refuse to turn on any of the negative ads on both sides but I will comment on one thing that has been going around about my Lord King. The thought of something like this,"Jesus was a community organizer and Pontius Pilate was a governer." Whoever came up with this is pretty well not informed of the chaos that Jesus brings. Yes, He is our peace but look at what bought that peace....

Isaiah 53
1Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?2For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.5(I) But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities;upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.8By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who consideredthat he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?9And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death,although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
10Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors

TURMOIL BUT BROUGHT US HIS PEACE AND ORGANIZED OUR LIVES!!!!

HELLO LOVE

The Change We Need

So, which candidate has the ability to effect the change we need. Man, we have heard this sooo much on the news. It is so much to take in. Each day we are bombarded with more info from the different candidates about how they are the change agents we need. Well, I just heard a testimony about how Jesus has changed one life... Greg Laurie grew up in the least of best circumstances. His home life was very bad as he went through his mom's 4 marriages and really had no father influence but at age 17 met Jesus at the appointed time. His life has changed because of that. The Lover that he had been looking for had found him. Let us all seek to find our Lover. Even if we were saved many, many years ago. We need to be bathed in that sweet love. It is like a bar of soap when taking a shower. Use of the soap is the key to taking the shower. I think I (was going to write we but this is way too personal for me to say we) have been just taking showers without picking up the soap. Looking to great friendship that I have in my life to fill that void, expecting things from friends that they can't deliver because of their positions. I'm sorry. Jesus, I am sorry.... Friend of Sinners You are.... Praise God!!!! I LOVE THE GOSPEL!!! He is the gospel...

Barack Obama's Speach Tonight

Hi, Just wanted to comment on Obama's speach tonight. I have not heard any other polictical speach like this one before. Time will tell what will come of it but I had goosebumps listening to it...

May God put His man in the White House whoever that might be.... Jesus, please guide Your people to know who truly has Your heart for the "least of these."

PROCLAIMING WHAT JESUS HAS DONE

Luke 8:39
Return to your home, and recount [the story] of how many and great things God has done for you. And [the man] departed, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.


Amazing verse! we should be proclaiming all (as if we could know all that He has done) Jesus has done...

Here is my feeble attempt to proclaim some of it:

He alone saved me from the pit of sin i was in. when i think of what people that i hung out with got into. Praise God for His amazing grace that has Broke All My Chains from this world. He has given me a hope of one clear and holy passion. to pursue Him. to know Him, the way that true lovers know each other...
He is the ultimate Lover of my very soul!!!!
He enrolled me in Bible College! He gave me the great priviledge of studying His amazing revelation...


among so many others

Tomorrow’s an Important Day

Seems like everything is going on tomorrow…

First, two of my favorite people on planet Earth are leaving to serve the Lord overseas in Central Asia. Pam and Vern Wittenbach are second career missionaries after their training at Wycliffe Bible Translators. I’m in awe of their love for the LORD and His faithfulness to them. 3 years ago, Pam was in the hospital battling cancer but the passion to serve their great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, never ceased to compel them forward in their calling. Shalom in Messiah Yeshua to you guys. Pam always says farewell in that matter. Love you guys sooo much and will be praying for you…

Second, there is a birthday tomorrow of a very special person to me. Margaret Carter is a wonderful woman I have met at work. Her heart is the biggest I have seen in a long time. She is a real person that is truthful and honest in a world (Bank of America) that most times is so surface. I have found a true friend for life… Happy Birthday Marvin!!!

Third, God has called me to meet with a man tomorrow and I am asking for prayer for this meeting… This meeting is a direct result of what the LORD has been speaking to my heart for a long time and shouted to my heart on Saturday…

Fourth and last but not the least, my racing wheelchair is shipping tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!


Amazing Times we are living in! May we be found faithful!!!!!

Amazing, Heartbreaking, Redemptive Day!!!

THERE IS A CALL!!!!

That is what I ended my testimony time with when I gave it at Ogletown Baptist after my first trip to Mexico. There is a call! God is calling for His people to bring about change in America. The mantle of Dr. Martin Luther King and really his name's sake before him is being placed before us today to be the same revolutionaries as they were. It might not be popular and will probably cost a lot to our own lives.
I went to a gathering on the Mall in Washington, DC called the Call. It was a real humbling day. I was woke up! We are in a spiritual battle and are surrounded with a battle that we are totally oblivious to. Lord, help us to be always mindful that we need to be involved in our culture. First, and foremost with prayer and fasting. God has been calling me a long time to this and yesterday just solidified this in me...

The Call is just a grassroots organization that is calling God's people in America and really around the world to prayer and repentance and activity. You can go check there website out thecall.com. I must warn you that this is extreme. I believe that God does stuff extremely. Think of the creation of the world. That's extreme! But, this isn't like the tradition that I grew up in. In this movement of God, there are kids, 15 to 20 years old, crying out for their country to return to the morality that we have lost. And, I go on record right now to say that I have been a part of the problem. With my laxity on biblical morality, from something so simple as watching professional wrestling as they parade woman as objects!And I enjoy it. God change my heart! I want to stand for purity! Along that line, let me introduce something that really was amazing!We were encouraged to share this our churches so I am...
Making a Purity Covenant Seven Practical Commitments - Mike Bickle
I have like 20 of these on little cards that they handed out and am sure it is easy to get more. Join a generation passionate for Him and His purity! More to come....

notes from this weekend

The weekend was about Luke 8

She asked a question when she first came out? "Why the Word?" Why do I study the Word? Why hear the Word? Because we need to be men and women of means spiritually... We need to have something to offer a dying world...


We need to be on the Narrow road without having narrow minds. In Chapter 8 of Luke it starts out with women who heard the Word and acted on it.

Beth said her whole mind was broken from her upbringing and the study of the Holy Scriupture is what healed her mind!!! Halejujah!

Luke 8:8 says that the seed could produce a 100 fold harvest in a life - Maximum Impact in a life

Genesis 26:12 says that Isaac reaped a 100 fold harvest because God had blessed him.

Galations 7:29 says that the children of the new covenant are blessed by the promises gave to Abraham

This 100 fold blessing is not a random number. God does not want 100 fold more work or for us to be exhausted... We have 5 minutes on this planet in light of eternity. We need to hhave this 100 fold mindset if we are going to have an maximum impact. Sometimes it comes from breaking up the unplowed ground like in Hosea 10:12

7 Phrases that We would allow God to have 100 fold harvest for the glory and Fame of God

1.Treasure the Wonder of the Word
-v. 10 been given the secrets of the Kingdom of God. We are children of the Most High God! We are able to receive revelation.... AMAZING!!!! We can recieve His very life breath Breath...
-the God of the Universe wants to share His heart with you and I and it is progresive revelation. It keeps getting more and more and more!
-we need to anticipate on seeing greatness out of His Word... II Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is God breathed. The same breath that He breathed into Adam, He breaths into us when we inhale His Word

This Word "Thoroughly Equips"

Thoroughly = now, just now, lately
Equips = sufficent, compotent

God is soooo gracious in putting us in a generation that fits us to everythiing about us. He equips us to do His will

v.12 is the 1st of 2 hearers - those who hear but never believe becasue the enemy comes and steals the Word

2.Protect Your Heart

The devil's all about "that they may not" Luke 8:12


Christ is "That they may have" John 10:10

HIDE THIS WORD - the word that He gives you in your quiet time


the devil is all about the NOT

Jesus SOWS HIS WORD.... the greek word for sows is the same one in Luke 8:36 when Jesus "cures" the demon possesion. SOZO is the word...


Faith and freedom are inseparable! What do I believe about what God can do in my life????


THAT WAS ALL JUST ON FRIDAY NIGHT!!!!

more to come....

Confirmation - From a Likely Source

Tonight??? Tonight started out to be about being a blessing to my Mother on her 69th birthday. Her favorite author, Beth Moore, is doing a conference in Louisville, KY this weekend. A church near to where i work was having the simulcast live so we went tonight. Amazing night that started with praise and worship with Travis Cotrell... I have seen many people serve tremendously in leading people to worship our God but there was an annointing on Travis tonight that was powerful. He is a gifted leader of God's people... Alot of notes were taken and still need to process these but just wanted to wrtite out some of the confirmation... Beth Moore was covering the parable that Jesus told in Luke 8 about the seed that falls on good and bad soil. This will be her passage for the weekend. Amazing confirmation of what the Lord has allowed to happen in my own spirit. The fact of the Word of God is a gift from the heart of from His heart to His people and we are to spend our lives consumed by it! When I think of all the time I have wasted, I just want to cry but am encouraged by the fact... someday I'll do a post about what is fact... and how we as a people truly know what is fact from fiction... closely to do with what this is about His Word... but I am encouraged that the Lord can restore the years and not only can but does restore the years the locusts have stolen. More to come!!!!!!!!!!

Block Party - OBC & Biltmore Reaches a Dream of Many

Tonight was the first of a week that is certain to be filled with amazing fruit of their labors. Tonight the mission team from Biltmore Baptist Church from Asheville and members from Ogletown Baptist Church put on a block party for the people of Pride's Court Apartments, which is right accross the street from OBC. For a lot of years people have had a vision of something like that to happen and tonight their prayers were answered. Our God reigns in His perfect time. The team consist of 170 young people, leaders and their families. Their team band is named Revealed and was made up of all the young people. Their love for God and their passion to serve and worship their Saviour was awesome...

50 Years of Serving God

This weekend was the 50th Anniversary of Ogletown Baptist Church. It was amazing to see the faithfulness of God throughout the years. It all started in a little farm house where five families saw the fields were white unto harvest and heard their Lord calling them. What a gift of heritage that the Lord Jesus has given the church at OBC!!!!

Jonathan Owen is BAD - Confession

Reality is somnetimes harder than just going on like you have been. If you go on like you have been, you wouldn't change. Change is another word for a biblical word "repent." That is what Jesus calls His followers to do.

Jonathan Owen is my name and I am a bad person. Continually going after idols. The idols I build in my head of what I want out of this America dream that is being sold to me day and night. Lusting after women, wondering what it would be like to have a member of the opposite sex to actually see me in the same way.... honesty is what I am after.

Truthfulness! Faithfulness to my Father!

Oh God, I cry out to You. Save me by Your Spirit

So, you see, I am bad. But the light of the Gospel is brighter than all my badness. It has and will continue to overcome my badness by the power of the Blood of His Cross!!!!


(Inspired by Curtis Hill and This You-Tube video and the Glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)
YouTube - John Piper is Bad - the video

A New Blog I Just Found

Wow,

The Lord IS! That is just the way I have to put this. No matter how unfaithful I am, He is still! Still perfect, loving, graceful, bigger than anyone can fathom, wonderful, Triune God.... Just went to the <:: 268 BLOG ::> and was blown away at what our Father is doiong through men and women who hearts are His. Please God, let my life have this effect on this world...

Amazing Night at the OEX and Around Town

Hey Everyone,

Wow, last night was the coolest time I've had in a long time. Karl Lehman had the local Christian Motorcycle Association chapter stop by the Ogletown Exchange for an incredible night. Karl told me that a couple of his buddies wanted to take me for a ride on their bikes. Amazing time! The CMA has a rule that all their rider have to have a New Testement on their bike so the presented me with one and a tshirt from their Run for the Son event....

I was all set for the ride.
It was an hour and a half of amazing wind in your face worship really... Being out in the open space with Jesus so evident. He is truly the Just and Justifier of those who have Faith in Him...
This is the man who's bike I rode on. His name is is Orland and he was great. He said I could ride anytime... Told I would keep him to that...
This is Karl and I after the run. You know, I have been thinking all that Karl has taught me over the years and the many lessons that I learned last night... There is many... Thank you

1 Year of Racing - Making the Most of a Situation

Wow,


Today was my first "Anniversary" of racing and really this blog too. Kinda tends to force you into some reflection. This year has been full of opportunity for me. I thank God for that. It reminds me of a verse that says that He has given evrything that we need for life and godliness. Are we taking the opportunity that we are afforded by the blood of Christ. It is finished! We have everything that we need to live a righteous, victorious christian life. I feel I must clarify the word "victorious." This concept has been taken so far out of context by certain veins of the christian community that it really has hurt the church and the Name of Jesus. Victorious christian living is fleeing and overcoming sin. Have I been taking advantage of fleeing what the Bible has said is sin. A big FAT NO. So, with all this being said, I had a time today of 32:13. Last year, my time was 35:36. I am very excited about the progress and a little disheartened that it wasn't even more of a progression. I can attribute all of this lack of progress to a lack of discipline and my half-assed attitude towards everything in life, including my spiritual development.The book of Hebrews is my favorite book in the bible, if you can have a favorite... ha ha. It is all amazing. Anyway, here's what John Piper says about Hebrews"The Mystery of God's Providence in the Pain of our Lives
The book of Hebrews is a very mature and sober book when it comes to the pain and stress of Christian living and the endurance that it takes to run the race and fight the fight and finish well. It's not a book that people (especially teenagers and strong young adults) gravitate toward - unless they have suffered and struggle for some explanation of how that relates to God. In other words, the more easy and pain-free your life has been, the less you will cherish the kind of spirituality taught in this book. And the more you have suffered, the more you will cling to the precious teachings of this book - if you are willing to believe them.
That is a big if. I was talking with one of our members at the baptism service Wednesday evening, and he was telling me about recent conversations he had had with people who simply do not believe what this chapter teaches. It's not a little feel-good chapter about how to make the best of your troubles - or even about how God makes the best of your troubles. It is a massive statement about the gracious sovereignty of God over the evil that befalls his people. And the big IF is: will you believe this? Will you accept the mystery of God's providence in the pain of your life, and be trained by it (as verse 11 says) for the sake of good and peace and holiness and righteousness and life? Or will you kick against this chapter and demand in the season of suffering that God give a greater account of himself than he does in this chapter?" meaning 10...

So, all that to say is we are in a race and with our loving Father filtering everything through loving hands we can win the race that is set before us....

NBC 10 - GAME CHANGERS

Hello Everyone,

This will be on my blog but just wanted to tell each of you in a mass email, excuse me for that, that the feature that channel 10 did was on last night at 11pm. Jade McCarthy who was the contact person and in charge of all these "Game Changers" segments is on vacation. That is why I was not told. Anyway, the segment will re-air on Wednesday, tomorrow, on channel 10 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon but the link below will show you the segment on your computer... I hear it was GREAT!




Game Changers: Achieving His Dreams - Videos - WCAU

Welcome to Love

Hi everyone, I am writing this to tell everyone that my niece, Jessica is in labor with a baby girl right now. It is exciting times and has really made me think about the miracle that we call life. Life is so fragile as we have seen in the past couple of months. It can be taken so quickly by any number of things. Earthquakes, floods, malice of other human beings, things we can’t even imagine. The Bible says that it is God who gives and takes away life. “Sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God.” , is a quote from Jonathan Edwards after he finished wrestling with the hand of God in his life. All this to say, I am in awe of this thing that we call life. “Thing” is not a good word for it I guess. Ha ha!

Psalm 139 is what I am mostly thinking about today. That God knows what He has done in Jess’ womb. Stella has been fearfully and wonderfully made in Jess’ womb. When she comes into the world, she will be welcomed to love of her family. But, she was loved so much before that by God…

Opening Ceremonies - Tom Fields

Hey,
just a quick blurb about Opening Ceremonies. Tommy did a great job last night and the amazing spirit of the Special Olympics. I know you probably won't see this until after the festivities are over but you should really come. If not this year, you should come and get involved in it. For more info you can just talk to me....

NBC 10 - Amazing!!!

Amazing.... Awesome.... I know, I use them a lot but there are no other words for yesterday. I met the women from NBC 10 yesterday at 1614 Fitness in Bear around 3:00pm and just really had a great time with the three ladies from the station. They were so great. They seemed impressed at what I was able to do at the gym. Much love goes out to the people at 1614 for allowing me to be taped there. Did some cardio, weights and then some road work as the crew chased me down route 40 which was pretty funny. We got to the park and did like a half hour taping there which I thought it wouldn't happen because of the weather report forecasted showers and thunderstorms. When we got done at the gym, there was not a cloud in the sky! It was pretty humid, too. That made it easier to grip the wheels to my wheelchair. Perfection for training...

We all got to the apartment and the camera person wanted to get shots of me arriving at home. She told me to sing because I had been all throughout my workout and I explained to them how important worship music was to what has happen in my life... I just started singing, "You give and take away, You give and take away, Blessed be Your Name."

They got Kathy, my sister who sent in the amazing email, to read the email while they taped her. She had to read it sooo many times. She did so great! Thank you so much Kathy!

Then, came time for me to be interviewed and my favorite time of the whole day... ha ha! Just because I had to look at Jade McCarthy for like 5 minutes. She is a beautiful woman from what I could tell both inside and out. I tried to share with her some of my struggles growing up as a teenager. She asked me if I thought of myself as a "Game Changer". That is what the segment is called. I said I didn't know about that but this I did know that a couple years ago I remember sitting with a friend and him asking me what I wanted in life. I replied with tears running down my face as I was crying out to the LORD, "I just want to be an athlete." Then, I said that the Bible says that He would give us the desires of our hearts. I feel so stupid now because it says if we delight ourselves in Him, which I truly believe that the Lord has allowed me to come to the point in which I have done that. I wish I could be there all the time...

Just as a side note, a couple of prayer requests. First, my brother in the Lord, Howard Hamm's mother passed away last night. Would you please lift him up if you pray. Then, pray that whatever is shared that Jesus would be glorified in my life through this tv interview. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this...

So much for all the many blogs

Well, this weekend is over and I was planning to do a lot of blogging but it didn’t work out like that. It was a whirlwind of a weekend. A great weekend though. So, all this post was supposed to be a couple spaced out over the weekend but here it goes.

First, looking back over the posts, I haven’t said anything about a lot that has happened in my life. In April, my friend Chris from the gym at Bank of America entered me into the ING New York City Marathon Lottery. AMAZING! What a humbling thing. I am amazed at the support and love that has been outpoured. Life is amazing because Jesus is so faithful even when I am so faithless. He is Faithful!!!!

In the last two weeks, the Lord has allowed me to take part in 2 different 5k’s… The first one was with a manager from work named Stephanie Elmer. She did great!!! I encourage her to do more

I encouraged runners in the Delaware Marathon. Great times!!! He has been showing me so much through this.

Today, not Memorial Day but the day after, is an opportunity like no other. Kathy, my sister, has contacted NBC10 and they are coming today. They are interested in what motivates me. God, I pray that I can communicate the love of You in such a way that is understandable…

Memorial Day Weekend

Just a quick blog entry to say I am back and will be posting a lot more in the coming days...

HAS BEEN SO LONG... HEALED!

Sorry it has been so long. just coming to grips with a lot. Jesus has healed much in my thinking over the last couple of months.

Had a great weekend this weekend. My niece, Jess, is having a baby girl in June. Had a baby shower for her yesterday at one of my sister's friend named Vanessa's house. It was a sweet time. There is nothing like spending time with your family! Kathy, Natalie, (my sisters for those of you who don't know), Mom, and I went over to New Jersey for the party of the century... LOL. There were sooooo many people there and it just testifies to the amazing person that Jess is..... We had an amazing message from the Lord today at church. Our pastor is in the middle of a series called "Broken" and he is taking it out of the first of Genesis and the fall. The whole fact that we were made in the very image of God and it was broken. But there came a perfect image of God into history which was the man, Christ Jesus. He lived the perfect image of God for 33 and a half years and then He was delivered over to be broken for us. Perfect love! And that love will cast out all fear...

Good Job Margaret

Today at work, Margaret did the arm cycle and was really working hard.... YOU ROCK! Keep up the great work! Go for your goals and never be satisfied with with less than the best that God has for you...

Second Week of Shoulders

Wednesday is shoulders day in my training regimine that the trainer from the Bank of America Life Center has worked up for me to train for me goal of doing a marathon. I got kind of a wake up call for myself. I always kinda knew that my shoulders were really weak but doing what is called Arnold presses woke me up. 5 pound weight is all I could handle. made me feel very weak and Wednesday quickly became my least favorite day. I believe the Lord had me to go through this time and gain a new perspective to make Wednesdays my favorite day. Training has becaome challenging on Wednesday and that makes me lean hard on Jesus. If I can share this song with you it really is encouraging me. As anyone who knows me, the music of Shane Barnard and Shane Everrett really, really is my favorite. Jesus has given them a special gift...

Psalm 62
by Shane Barnard

He's the only one strong enough to lean my heaviness against.

The weight of all my sin falling on a rock.

Leaning on a fortress.

Oh the wall of God.

He won't move.

On God I rest my salvation.

My fortress shall not be shaken.

My mighty rock and my glorious.

I lay my head upon His chest.

Oh I am calling out.

Oh my soul, oh my stubborn soul.

Won't you wait on Him.

Wait in the guilt. Even in your fear.

Oh your God is here to lean on.

He won't move.

He has spoken.

Hear his voice:"I have come for the broken."

So all ye weary come and rest.

On God I rest my salvation.

My fortress shall not be shaken.

My mighty rock and my glorious.

I lay my head upon His chest.

I kinda was down at how weak my shoulders are but I have found that the greatest need is the greatest opportunity for God to show Himself strong. I have a friend who goes to Crossroads Community Church named Tony who is afflicted with cancer. He sent the following…

I know that for most people....the reason you get sent home from the hospital on home care or Hospice or whatever...is so you can be comfortable and enjoy the "last days" as much as possible or whatever....I tell everyone I talk to the same thing....that is not what I am "Claiming" from the Lord....I am asking God....Begging God....and I want everyone to be in one accord with me on this....I want a miraculous HEALING from this cancer....It may seem like a huge task to US...but for God it is as easy as taking a breath......He knows EVERY SPOT of cancer in my body...and if he chooses to do so...He can take it ALL away in the blink of an eye.....I want to share this passage from John chapter 9.....I believe that the Lord allows certain things...like my cancer...to happen so he can use it as an opportunity to show what he can do.....

John 9

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

1 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I^[ must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the sal iva; and He anoint ed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” . So he went and washed, and came back seeing.
8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and begged?”
9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.”
He said, “I am he.”
10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”

A Poem I Found

I was cleaning today and found some poetry I have written in the past. The first one is one I wrote after my grandmother passed away after a battle that was ultimately won by Jesus taking her to be FREE forever.

Free

Jesus, You came today
To take Grandmom home with You
Took her away from this isanity
We call reality
But truth is
We are the ones asleep
Asleep to the reality that she is now in!

Jesus, I donlt know how to be
It just hurts, the burn of tears
Hurts even more than I can describe
Knowing the memories will be there
From Saturday morings' pancakes with gravy
And the warmth of he hug
To the last time I saw her
As she cried at the sight of the love
You bore for her,
As she was reminded of the Cross
Where You hung for her.

Now she is cradled in Your arms
Where she can finally rest from this world
And the fallen state that we are all in.
This disease that tormented her mind
Is now gone as she is at Your feet

And for us who are here left on Earth,
Please let us look to You
for peace that only comes from Your hand.
Prince of Peace, come grant Your peace to us
As we grieve for our loss.

Let us be reminded of Your love for her
The love that took Grandmom home to be with You
The love that made our precious Grandmom Free!

The Words of Jesus Part One

I am going to start in the gospel of Mark, just because I haven't heard to much talk that has been centered around the gospel. My plan and goal for this year is to go through all 4 of the gospels. So, we start with Mark 1:15. According to Mark this was the beginning of our Lord's public life.

"and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

"The time" the appointed by God. Might not seem like the best time to send God's Son into the world but according to the Lord of heaven and our Father, it was. Praise belongs to Him alone and He is alone right! These are the first words that Jesus spoke in this gospel, we need to look at them carefully as with all of the words of God. It is announces that the Kingdom of God has arrived to dwell with the human race. It reminds us of what Galatians 4:4 says "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law"

God's Kingdom is stupendously here through this God Man Jesus. What do you do with that? Wow!!! In our "post modern" culture where everything is accepted as truth just as long as you don't say my truth is wrong, a Jewish Carpenter appears 2000 years plus ago from a little town saying that He is bringing the Kingdom of God to them.

Jesus never mixes what He wants to say. He says to repent and believe the gospel. Repent from what? I think He left it open because He searches our hearts and knows even our intent for doing what we do. He reveals what we must turn from. Could be apathy, unforgiveness, Internet pornography, or all matter of things that He alone knows. He is calling us to repent. Answer the call. The call doesn't stop there. Believe!

Believe the gospel? The Gospel? What is that? Well right now, in our time, I take it to mean this God Man's life, death, and resurrection. But He was announcing the Kingdom of Good News. The Kingdom of Heaven was in fact present in time. Glorious News because our understanding is sooo finite and counter to what God's is.

The King has arrived! In this first month of 2008, we should all take time to realize all the many blessings and struggles in 2007 and realize that the King has been in control of it all. Saying thanks to a King isn't good enough. What to bring a King? Obedience is the Greater Song that we can sing. We Will see more of the Kingdom from the King in the words to follow but let's take time out and worship Him for the year we have had.

So Many Blogs but the Best One is DesiringGod.org

Hi,
Don't get on here enough but do promise to do so more. Wanted to share this with you....

http://www.desiringgod.org/AboutUs/MonthlyNewsletter/

I have heard the controversy concerning this story, whether or not it really happen. It is in the Word of God and I believe that God is God and he is quite Sovereign enough to preserve His Word just like He is keeping all of His children, for His glory.