prayer points and connections

This afternoon Denise and I were talking about how there were so many people we saw down at the parade that we either hadn't seen in a while or got the chance to know a little better. A thought occurred to me (I'd like to think it was the Holy Spirit's prompting) that I should make a note of each person we had a chance to connect with, commit to praying for them and then, in some way, if possible, follow up with a note, call, or e-mail. I believe if we do that, the Lord will honor it and bless them because He loves them and us, and as it is so, He loves to answer prayer.

Memorial Day

What a beautiful memorial day we had here in Northwest Connecticut! The weather was perfect; sunny skies, warm temperatures, low humidity and even a bit of a breeze. Denise and I met with friends and family to enjoy the Memorial Day parade, which we watched from the green (Coe Park) in downtown Torrington. I truly am grateful for all who have served our country and given their lives in order to protect our freedoms. This was not merely another day off for me, rather it was a time for some acknowledgment and solemn reflection. Sadly, as Pastor Steed pointed out in his message yesterday, some in this country are doing everything they can to try and take away some of those very freedoms. There are some who are bent on removing the very mention of Christ or anything associated, completely from public life.

After the parade, Denise and I had lunch at Ecuatoriano & American Cuisine Restaurant at 1241 East Main Street in Torrington. It was a great lunch; Denise had salmon with rice, beans, sweet plantains and a passion fruit smoothie and I had vegetarian vegetable fried rice with avocado, sweet plantains and a guanabana shake. Everything was delicious and freshly prepared. Also, Jose', the owner, waited on us and prepared the meals too, all the while with a smile and gratitude for us being there. (This guy has lots of energy and enthusiasm.) For a change of pace from the usual Chinese food, pizza and so forth, I would highly recommend giving Ecuatoriano & American Cuisine Restaurant a visit soon.

Staying connected in a disconnected world

"He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him." (John 1:11 NASB)

One of the things that makes it so hard for followers of Christ to keep following Him in thought, word and deed throughout each day is the fact that we live in a world that is in so many ways disconnected from its Creator. The glory of Almighty God is revealed all around us and yet we often fail to see because the truth and reality become swallowed up by lies and illusion. It's not hard to get swept up in this stuff because our culture has embraced it to such a large degree.

"In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:4 NASB)
 
Jesus said that we are to remain in this world and not be of it, and if we're to be honest, we must agree that's a tough one. This is where being in an ongoing prayerful dialogue with the Father comes in. It's also where having His word written on the tablets of our hearts comes in too. Right along with these, it is of the utmost importance that we encourage and support each other in fighting the good fight of faith.

Richard and Michelle got married!

 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Wright

It was a splendid occasion on Friday, April 16th 2010. Unfortunately I don't have any photos as of yet with members of my small group (of which Richard is a part) along with the bride and groom. Those photos were taken with another camera; hopefully we'll get those soon. It was great to see everyone there and I know Richard and Michelle were truly blessed.

Royal School and Orphanage/Ugandan Children's Choir

He is risen!

This morning started off in a way unlike any other Resurrection Sunday I've ever celebrated. Denise and I set our alarm clocks for 4:15 so we could get ready to attend a sunrise service by Praise Christian Fellowship at the Hogback (or Goodwin) Dam in Riverton, CT. Doug Konitski led worship and Pastor Ryan Nilsen delivered a concise yet poignant message focusing on the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus and the hope, joy and peace it ought to represent to us as His followers. He stressed the desire that each person present this morning would come away with a stronger sense of the reality of this amazing event which echoes through the ages unlike any other.

¹In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

 ²And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

 ³His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

 ⁴And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

 ⁵And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

 ⁶He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 ⁷And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

 ⁸And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

 ⁹And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

 ¹⁰Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. 

(Matthew 28:1-10)

Our small group helped by setting things up, handing out programs and serving hot chocolate- plus Pastor Ryan and Doug are in the group also and they did lots of stuff, including putting up signs in the predawn darkness. Following, we enjoyed a joyful time of breakfast and fellowship at PCF. (Others from our small group served there!) Let me just say, not to take anything away from our home church, but we are so grateful for PCF, the growing relationships we've formed with the people there and how they've touched our lives.

Later, at our church, First Connecticut Open Bible Standard Church in Torrington, CT, we enjoyed an equally meaningful time of praise and worship, a message from our Pastor H. Barry Steed and participation from several in the congregation through song and scripture readings. After that, my mother-in-law invited us to come for a terrific dinner that she and my sister-in-law lovingly prepared. It was a great day. I hope yours was too!

Iron Sharpens Iron Equipping Conference

Hey, I'm back from my blogobattical! Yesterday, along with a number of brethren, I attended ISI in Bloomfield, CT at First Cathedral. I really liked that it was called an "equipping" conference because my hopes were that I would come away with something that would help me be a better man in all aspects. My hopes were not let down as we enjoyed times of worship in a musical setting along with over three thousand men, as well as hearing from numerous speakers.

The praise band from Christian Fellowship, all the way from Scotland ...................... (Connecticut) did a great job. I was blessed by the energy, enthusiasm and sheer musicality of their percussionist who also played recorder on a rendition of "Days of Elijah". It was refreshing to hear a mix of songs, some new to me and some familiar, at different times throughout the day. 

Highlights for me included a workshop entitled "Satan: Your Most Attractive Enemy" presented by Steve Kemp of Antioch School. This talk was a short walk down the road at another church and was standing room only, though some of us chose to sit on the carpeted concrete floor. While far from comfortable, this seating option presented a 0% chance of nodding off- even for a moment. Even if I was sitting on a sofa, it wouldn't have mattered because Steve's talk was compelling. He taught about the subtle ways Satan deceives and betrays us and dispelled erroneous, culture-formed images of who Satan and his demons are. A crucial point in his talk was on how the primary way they betray us is by "getting us to settle for good things rather than what is godly", or what God wants for us.

Much thanks to Frank, Steve, and Nes for a great lunch which they coordinated. Though it was quite chilly, we ate outside where we set up a table and lawn chairs. It was good eats and good fellowship.

The afternoon talk I attended in the main sanctuary was given by Barry Black, Chaplain to the U.S. Senate. The title of the message was "Found Faithful", which I found encouraging and challenging. Chaplain Black's authoritative and animated delivery were the right vehicle to convey importance of being found faithful by Almighty God in all things- even the little things. A key point was that "faithfulness keeps you from aborting God's plan "A" for your life." Joseph was cited as a great example of someone who was faithful, to the point of finding favor with his fellow prisoners to the point where they helped grant him favor in the eyes of Pharaoh, which would eventually lead to his helping his brothers and the people of Israel during the seven years of famine.

There were tons of vendors and exhibitors as well, though I refrained by buying anything- mostly because I already have several books I haven't read yet. Perhaps I'll order some of the mp3's from the ISI website.

All in all, it was a very good experience and I'm glad I went!