Prayer and Repentance

Dear friends:

I have been studying out of 2 books. Isaiah and Mark. Let me share some scripture.

30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.
30:16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift.
30:17 One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.
30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
30:20 And [though] the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:
30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence.
30:23 Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.
30:24 The oxen likewise and the young asses that ear the ground shall eat clean provender, which hath been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan.
30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers [and] streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
30:26 Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound.
30:27 Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning [with] his anger, and the burden [thereof is] heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:
30:28 And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity: and [there shall be] a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing [them] to err.
30:29 Ye shall have a song, as in the night [when] a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.
30:31 For through the voice of the LORD shall the Assyrian be beaten down, [which] smote with a rod.
30:32 And [in] every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the LORD shall lay upon him, [it] shall be with tabrets and harps: and in battles of shaking will he fight with it.
30:33 For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.
Isaiah 31
 
31:1 Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!
Mark
7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;
7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

As I read the list in 7:21-22 I think about what I have been dealing with in my own life and the lives of others I have worked with recently:
Evil thoughts-thoughts that do not agree with God
Adulteries-the looking upon another with lust can be just as cutting.
Fornication-talks of sex outside of marriage, but also the worship of idols, as in the case of money or things.
Murders-words said that can not be taken back. Angry words. In many cases, many remain unspoken, tearing away at life.
Thefts-what times with the Lord have I stolen?
Covetousness-the recent cleaning out of a 40' container showed me what I have held on to, for the sake of making money.
Wickedness-whatever is not Godly in it's reach.
Deceit-How many times has a word of agreement, even to the Lord been broken? Or even words said, believed to be truth?
Lasciviousness-speaks of wantoness or filthiness. It is defined in scripture as a sin so reckless, that one has given caring. It can be something that has become an addiction.
An evil eye-an eye that seeks evil not only for self but for others.
Blasphemy-to slander God or another's good name(Example-gossip).
Pride-the character of one who, with a swollen estimate of his own powers or merits, looks down on others and even treats them with insolence and contempt.
Foolishness-foolishness, folly, senselessness, thoughtlessness, recklessness

I am reminded of a trip as a child to Indian Lake. On that lake was a beautiful island we camped on for weeks, every year. And one day while my parents were on the other side of that island, my brothers and I dug a large hole. As we got deeper and deeper, the hole began to fill with water. We convinced our sister that the island was sinking. She ran, crying to the boat and got in, fearing the imminent deaths of family. Even now, I waver between laughter and shame for the pain I caused her. (I would like to tell you that was the only time we mean, but alas, I would add to my list of things to repent of.)

And yet, so often we come to God on our own merits, only to learn, it is Him. We have dug holes of despair and discouragement, believing that something would come of it. Our very nature, forcing others to retreat from us, while the Lord operates a full court press, against the darkness of our lives. We know the "island" really won't sink, but others see it differently. Some running in fear. Others backing away from the silliness of it.

I believe the Lord is calling for a season of repentance upon His people. We do not like that word very much. Many think it too religious. Others repent to God, but not to the hurt party or parties. I noticed something when I awoke. Something was in the air, that spoke of times of hurting that God wanted to heal. Failings that God wanted victory in for people. And yet, even as I was on my roof the other day, I felt the Lord declare 3 things-two I feel led to share. One that the least shall be first. And the second that, prosperity will come when we reach the lost.

So many friends are under attack, and yet I see the Lord saying, much of this could be changed, as it is in their hands to change. I have seen waves of gossip and murderous words going forth. The very words that we will be judged by, hanging in the air. The Lord showed me words of hurt hanging in the air as if suspended by wires. Words of judgement hanging over lives because of the anger of some.

"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" is telling us that Lord is quick to resolve the very issues of darkness and discouragement, if only we will turn back. No one would allow their child to continually beat on a sibling. Or allow for the child to curse his sibling. Or allow for stories to be told that were not true. So, what is it in us, that causes us to think that the Lord is accepting this? So many, cut off from the blessings of the Lord by their words over others.

The Lord reveals to us, that a turning away will provide for people's lives and needs.

I went through a very trying time last week among brothers and sisters. While I was on the roof, I saw a flock of turkeys, wandering through my meadows. There was sound that was perhaps a dog or coydog, and the turkeys took a few steps and headed to the skies. All in the same direction, they flew to the safety of the trees. They did not argue about who was causing the problem, or who had attracted the predator, but they were single minded in their retreat to the arms of trees of safety.

I believe the Lord calls for a similar plan.

For years we have talked about being "hung by the tongue" and the words we speak over our own lives. I think we are being confronted by the force of the Lord to change our speech, for the Lord says it is not what we eat, but what we speak(Or spew.) that convicts us of uncleanness.

Only this morning, certain keys would not function on my laptop. As I began to shake it little pieces of crumbs, began to fall out. It doesn't take much to not get what you want  when a key will not depress. The littlest "sin" has the ability to ruin our functions.

I sense the Lord is calling for a major change in our lives in these areas. Why? Because He wants us to enjoy fresh waters, healthy "food" and the fullness of His love. What is we will have to give over? Even the littlest of things will stand in the way of His fullness of grace and mercy.

I have seen things move into my life that I do not care for. Only times with Him, will change us. When I was working on the roof, every day I looked a roof shingles. I could close my eyes and I would see patterns of shingles. It is time that I put something, the Lord, before my eyes.

I pray you will be challenged as I was and called back to the threshing floor of His kingdom. That the evil words that have hung over lives will be cut down and new words of grace and mercy will abound. That, the very prosperity we have asked for , will come as the church adopts a regime, of allowing Him, o wash us with the water of His words, that we might be a spotless bride.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new businessministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

The "unchurchables"

Dear friends:

Last week Tina and I took a mini-vacation to Lake George. I went with
the purpose to seek the Lord regarding our next ministry step. Along
the way, I got in some motorcycling, hiking, canoeing and swimming as
well as a heart pumping trip to the Lake George car show "cruise"
night. And a man, who had come to Lake George to cheat on his wife.
He came over to my motorcycle and began to pour his heart out to me
about coming to meet an old girlfriend, sending his daughter off to
college, etc.. You get the picture. In the end he did not cheat. God
found him and my heart ached for the man. We talked and we prayed. I
hope God allowed me to serve His need. Why do people come to me? I
have to believe that it is God using me. And He is trying to reach
the unchurched.

Only the night before we left I had felt the Lord as we were praying
describe a group of people called the "unchurchables." I was not sure
where the Lord was taking me that night. I think He is telling me
many things, some of which I am not sure about. What if a group of
people who do not fit anywhere else, break out of the box? What if it
speaks of people who are not willing to be churched as we understand
it? I asked a friend to develop a logo from it. Right now it is a
cross rising up out of a church that has exploded. Exploits that only
the unchurchables can do. Years ago I was taken to task for
developing a website called "Messiah's Misfits." Probably happen
again. Men and women and children laying down their life to serve Him
as He served.

What is an unchurchable?
Someone not confined by the walls of a church.
Not held in bondage by stale teaching or outdated religion.
Caring first about Him and only then self.
A life not defined by culture but a life, defining culture.
A willingness to reach the unchurched.

I am sure more will come to me as time carries on. And to others.
Things like "rogue...not God...illegitimate...(BTW-I have heard all these.)"

My wife, she throws things out. Anything that does not appear to have
a purpose or a place is history. Me, I am a collector. I always end
up with a few items every time I go to clean up. One time she threw
out my plaid bell bottoms, my Aztec Indian shirt and my purple
paisley shirt, all carry overs from a past life. She did not see the
value. We did not talk for a long time. Yet, when it comes to old
church, I can instantly tell if it is in need of being trashed. I am
not talking about old music or those kind of things, but what I speak
of is things that do not add value to one's outlook on life. Some
look at as rebellion. I thank God for rebels like David and John the
Baptist. I was throwaway in some respects.

I do not want my life to be defined by the church but that it would
be examined and defined by my following of Christ. If that makes me
unchurchable, then I want to buy into it.

While I was away I met a lot of people who had lives in
non-charismatic circles. UCC, Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc. It is
always kind of interesting to me where I end up. (I often think of
having a church in downtown Lake George that operates how I do, as
there is not one single pentecostal or charismatic church that I can
find. And I know it would be tough. Lakes, mountains, trees, big
skies. Kind of like earth's little version of heaven. Add in the
bikers and hot rodders, the shops and glitter...Lake George Village
is a little like a small Las Vegas. Oh yeah-I found a great seafood
restaurant, so I am all set.) Lives that are so different than mine.
And I sit at meals with them and love them to pieces. And where else
can you hear them talk about vespers.(For my charismatic friends, it
is not an Italian scooter...but a night time prayer.) I love their
liturgy. Their dedication to peace and tranquility. I could easily
see myself sitting on the lake just writing away in between
volleyball and boating. To them I seem a little unchurchable. They
find it hard to believe sometimes. But we all embrace community. (I
think they struggled that Tina and I would leave tranquility and
quiet, until 200 au pairs showed up, and drive into town; to listen
to the thundering of race cars, being awed by wheelie popping
vehicles and walk among thousands of people all just trying to have
fun. And the tattoos and colorful shirts and all that are pretty
cool, too.) We love each other and we help each other. And in the
midst, I think about an outdoor meeting with thousands of people who
do not know the church. That my friends, will unlikely happen in a
church nearby.

An explosion of God's presence in coming. We all know it. We all
place our "bets" on it. I think the rawness of God is about to be
displayed. Comfort zones will explode, repentance will come and the
lives of those who are here will be forever altered. I admit, I am
taking a chance not just in saying it, but embracing it.

As we memorialize the lives of many who gave freely here in this
country only 6 short years ago, it is clear that something is getting
ready to shift. What it will be , no one knows. Many will say
afterwards, that is what I saw, but what if we begin to walk out what
we have been trained for and we see now. Many died tragically in NYC.
I was on my way to see my dying mother, driving just a little north
of the city. Life changed for us, for this nation. I think we are
sitting on one of those times right now, even today. Something, that
is not just shifting in the spiritual, but is taking place in the
earth today. Maybe it is the breaking out of the church or the box.
God certainly knows. And it records He tells His prophets first.

For those in the US, let us remember bravery is not always defined by
a win, but an attitude.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new businessministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
88 WCFR Drive
Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885

A gathering

Dear friends:

When I was a child, I dreamed of the freedom being 18 would give me.
Most of it being the ability to go to a bar. I am sure other things
were in my mind, but the draft and being an "adult" stand out. I
thought my life would change. I had moved to Vermont to get away from
it all, and yet the move did not meet my expectations. I returned for
a short period to work in Connecticut, but the "freedom" offered in
Vermont was greater. 18 was a good year, I think.I did not even drink
when I on it. But with 18 came greater expectations. Great responsibility.

18 years ago yesterday, I gave my life over to the hand of the Lord.
18 years ago, my life was rocky. That morning I gave my life over to
the Lord that was bigger than the lord I served. Cash register aisle
2 of a grocery store with 2 of my friends. Little did I know it would
set things in motion for some pretty crazy things. Many thought it
was just a temporary thing. You know, a passing phase.

The idea of a witch becoming a Christian did not fit so well for
those whose circle I had been in. I guess I never thought much about
it or how it would affect my life, until I returned from my first
church service only to be put in the hospital by the woman I was
married to because of my salvation. Or coming to work to see one of
my stores destroyed. Or being arrested. Or closing 5 stores. Or
having to fight for my kids. Or spending my first and only day in
jail. All after salvation. I credit my entrance to sanity to the two
friends who walked with me for 2 years before I gave my life to Him.
They led me, He met me.

As recently as yesterday afternoon as I was trying to celebrate the
goodness of the Lord, the attacks increased. People. Wow. Thank God
we do not battle against flesh and blood. My head handed to me on a
platter. It is clear someone somewhere was not happy about my conversion.

Only yesterday someone was telling me about Wiccans. Most in the
world think they are OK. Christians think they are evil Well, I would
just like to say that it takes a tremendous amount of energy and
fortitude to get out of what witchcraft is. All the lines about
"suffer not a witch to live," were not funny to someone like me. Why
does it take so much? Because your life often becomes at risk.
Someone leaving the circle of witchcraft where I was , did not often
live "well." Someone asked me if these people still cared that I
left. I am pretty sure. An old "friend" recently told people that he
could not believe I crossed over to the other side. To tell that to
customers is a little over the top. So, I can not imagine what is
really going on. A few months an email "stalker" began on me. Wanting
to expose the "past." I was not a Wiccan. I went beyond that. I faced
controversy from the day I gave my hand and my heart to Him. I
suffered at the hand of the enemy and I suffered at the hand of the church.

This week has not been a "fun" week. On the other hand it is better
than what it used to be, and there is always the "end" of being in
glory. But, what has helped me make decisions this week has to do
with what has gone on. I experienced such a major transformation at
the time of my salvation; one voice versus many, discipline versus
lack of discipline, love versus hatred, freedom versus fear, that I
always wanted to share it. I have my issues. My bluntness has never
been judged as compassion. My passion judged as unwieldy. ("Tone it
down, please.")

But, it has shaped the foundation of the next season of my life. This
week I have meditated on the "tax collector's church." Yesterday I
was sharing it with someone. I think they thought we would collect
money at the door. (Hmmm...) I spend most of my time with people who
do not know what a church is like, or have previously not liked what
church is like. I am looking for that rag tag group of people. I like
music in church (Such irony, that we are back to CD's again.) and
that is considered a universal language(though recently I heard
laughter is the truly universal language.). But after that it often
does not get any better. Yesterday, a former stripper who is working
with me called me to support her. I missed her call(I was having a
bad time and went for a ride.) and later called her. She told me what
had happened. She had made a major accomplishment. I missed it and
felt like the parent who missed his child's first step. I am so proud
of her. She is not in the church, but she is one of those people who
just need a little encouragement.

And the Lord has spoken it over me so many times that business and
it's people is my reach that this week I began to "cave." (Maybe a
cave is not such a bad place.) And began a lot of new thoughts.

18-perhaps it is the freedom I have sought. A time to spread one's
wings and fly. To embrace the responsibilities of Christianity and to
further my education with Him. I see this coming year as a year of
new challenges that do not use the methods and ways of before. Paul
said that we were to give up childish ways. 18 represented a time to
fight and I believe that is true as well. Many of my friends approach
that 60 mark this year. (Can it be?) Marking change.

The Rolling Stones said "
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need"

What you need? I thought I got what I wanted. That was a change right there.

But at 18 years old I am pretty blessed. My son has come sober and is
in a good place. He is a compassionate young man. Sure, there are
things I would change(Aren't there always?) but really, he reminds me
of me. My daughter, Amy is loving her job, enjoyed her summer and
seems to have a handle on most things. Cass, is in school and
enjoying it. Alyssa and the kids are going through things but this
stage of the process is only beginning. Tyler is working and I have
to believe God has him in the palm of his hands.

So, where would they be without Jesus? I do not even go there in my
mind. And me...I am young enough to "vote" or make a difference.
Young enough to "drink" or enjoy and get wisdom. Young enough to enjoy life.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new ministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
Independent Manager
Group & Small Business Specialist
88 WCFR Drive Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885 Office 802-384-3993 Cell