Dear Friends:This is the time of year where I take time to reflect on what the Lord is saying to me, to my family, friends and church. And so, many of you might get bored before you get through this. But, others, will get that little glimpse into our lives. I am often encouraged by other's transformations and I hope some of these changes with us, will encourage you. You can by pass parts that do not interest you, by following the headings.
FAMILY
TINA & I
MINISTRY
DAY TO DAY
WORDS IN RECENT DAYS
FAMILY
The biggest change in my life this year was the entrance of my grandson, Jacob, along with his 2 siblings. For months I pounded heaven as my daughter Alyssa, contemplated giving him up. After his birth, I still would not back down from this position that I believed the Lord had given me. And so, a month after his birth, he came "home." Hardly a day goes by that I do not sit here and look at him laughing or smiling or sleeping and think that God is good. As I pray over him and the other children living in my home, I realize that the reason I do what I do and endure the trials is for them. This is the generation to come. For many my age, the last generation they will get their "hands on." The kids have reminded me of all I forgot as a parent, and some of what I really did not want to know! Being with children who moved from hotel to motel, and a minimum of certain kinds of stability have sometimes been challenging. Jordan loves school, though and that is a blessing. It is easy to see that there is an artistic side of him. Mariah is the not so quiet one, and she loves to dance and "rock out" to music. (One day we had her in our gathering, with a fairly bassy song, and she was sitting at the table, banging it like a drum.) Cass(21) is in her first year of school at Johnson, being involved in acting and music. She is currently home for 4 weeks. Matt(20) lives in Greenfield, MA., and is working at a large food supplier. Tyler(25) is working 2 jobs, one on a farm and the other with a pasta manufacturer, and is in contemplation mode of tech school. Amy(26) is living in Middletown, CT, and continues to love her job at a large software company. She is becoming an HR Specialist. Alyssa(26) has just trained for 3 days for a new franchise opening here in town, where she will be working 40 hours and getting ready for her apartment.Obviously, we are very proud of them all!To see pictures...http://www.pocafministries.org/Thanksgiving2007/index.html
TINA & I
Tina and I spend a lot of time with the grandchildren. Tina is still working with the Land Trust as a home buyer counselor. The Lord has definitely shifted some things in recent days. Our ministry here in Springfield, is going through a transition. In January, we will be ordaining Mike, and he will be working more and more with the small groups and the day to day.It was clear a few days ago, that God had really removed a type of grace for certain things and added to other areas. We are not sure "what" the Lord is doing, but do suspect it to be a significant change. Moving me from pastoral ministry is clearly His intention. We certainly see be helpful to other ministries as part of it.We still live up on the mountain(The Eagle's Nest) where we have a lot of snow right now. An 8 passenger van to cart children and waiting for the first signs of bare pavement to move the bike on out.
MINISTRY
One of the most significant changes for us, is in the business ministry arena. A few months ago the Lord gave me a word about SPOILS. IN the middle of a shared prayer time, I received this. SPOILS-Strategic Placement Of Influence, Leadership & Service Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. We had our first meeting a few weeks ago, and it was great. We see this ministry moving to from Vermont to Maine in February, and by the end of the year we will have 6 states of business ministry. It has received a lot of favor. (Feel free to visit the website listed at the bottom of this letter.) I will not bore you with details, other than to simply say, I have already had additional meetings with people about this and there is a momentum growing.We are certain of more and more upcoming travel. The Lord has been touching both Tina and I about the changes and how we can party up with them.
DAY TO DAY
For the last 6 months, I have spent a great deal of time helping Alyssa with the children. Doctors, dentists, meetings, etc.. While that has been going on I have continued in the Pre-Paid Legal business. I have also worked a as CITRIMS. Weekly meetings helping people offset the threat of identity theft. Some of that is about to change. My friend and partner, Al, and his wife and Tina spent a few days discussing a business concept that we believe will not only take care of the day to day needs, but will be able to change the economy and help others. (Please keep us in prayer, as this project involves others and is very involved.) It is in keeping with my "Capture the culture. Change the culture."
WORDS
While I am sure this is not all of it, the last few days have revealed some important things to me. So, I will make every effort to articulate them. Over the days I have had many, many dreams, that I consider to be significant.
Last night one of my dreams was that a dear young man and I were talking about helping people. I talked about how it would be cool to arrange for dentistry for people and in the next scene, he had already scheduled 19 people for help with their teeth. Apparently the dentist was going to devote himself to their care. I mentioned that we needed to find a doctor. We were in my boat traveling upstream to a doctor's home who lived on the water to see if he would be interested in helping with the "medical mission" of Springfield. This was very much in keeping with 2 words the Lord had given us about 12 years ago. God wanting to use his people.When the furniture of the church is the table of the Lord and the rightful discerning of the body of Christ.Only yesterday during our gathering was I struck with the fact that there was a shaking God wanted to do amongst His people in the area of overtaking the government and many of the NPO's that give to our communities and bring their requirements. It is the people of God who are to be the "care givers" and not the government or quasi government organizations. For the church to take it's rightful place, it must agree to the conditions of pure religion that God has designated in James. That is a culture change.
As I "awoke" the Lord began to stir me to pray for others. Not silently, but openly, because His word would not return void. And then there was a vision of grass growing. That first little tint of green on fresh soil. I was hearing, "if you will pray for the seeds of my words to grow, they will. All of those who say "O, my God," or "Holy God," when they are surprised about something have seeds of my word planted in their being. They do not realize it, but if you will begin to command those seed to rise up and grow they will. They are like a virus that has lived beneath the radar screen. They will change the being. He gave me these two scriptures. Is. 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. Mk. 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. I sensed the Lord saying if people will begin to sow to those "fallen" seeds, that they will begin to rise up as the blade in the scripture above. That while these things have been dormant, there is life inside. To look at a seed reveals nothing, for it is the hidden code of life that is responsible for it coming forth. So, I would encourage you to begin to speak to the seeds of righteousness that have been sown. If God is responsible for the increase, then His word being spoken will bring that increase. I believe God is saying that it is time for an awakening of "paga" in the church, the time of violent intercession and calling upon God.
There was another thing that happened as Tina and I were talking about 2008 and what it would bring. I was saying that I thought God was calling His people to be ready emotionally, spiritually and physically, because the need for stamina in each of those areas would be required. As I was saying it, I heard Nantucket Sleigh Ride. Now for us New Englanders, this was when a harpoon was thrown into a whale, and the whale towed the boat and it's crew for a "Nantucket Sleigh Ride." When the whale tired out the captain came along side stabbing it until it was dead. So, why this phrase. I was reminded that a band called Mountain did a song called Nantucket Sleigh Ride.to read about a whale ride...http://www.salariya.com/web_books/whaling/index.html) The lyrics, I do not feel are particularly relevant, but the name of the band could be. As I heard the other day on a video clip, "mountains are not smooth or you could not get to the top." So, I believe that the Lord has said "the ride is almost over." I believe we are approaching the death stages of many struggles. That we are nearly to the top. I think that this is the time to get a second wind. That the "blubbering" is over. Can we be ready for a good time? For a celebration? Not everyone will be with us. Discouragement and a giving up, have been part of the battle. Some have fallen along the way. But for those of us who have made it, there is a sweet joy.
What will 2008 bring?
The Lord is still working on me about it, but I believe it will be the season of the virgins from MT. 25. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
That there will be a great upsurge of light and a great loss of light for many. That this is a season of decision. People will make many choices. Some of the separation will be of God and some will not be. Some will be deceived by fables and stories and lack of depth. Their growth stunted by lack of water, their light dimmed by an oil shortage. Even as the price of real oil becomes dear, so its the presence of the Holy Spirit and His oil. Many will try to stop "production" of this oil as they are in the Middle East. I believe I hear the $100 barrel of oil is coming and will signal a release of His Spirit. I do not believe the natural price will stay here and 2008 , these prices will decline.
And I sense January will have a lot to do with the foundations of His Spirit coming.I am sure the Lord is bringing me more in the coming days.
Tina and I bless you this holiday season. Remember...it is OK to say Merry Christmas to me!And a little touch of the season.
http://www.tackylighttour.com
FAMILY
TINA & I
MINISTRY
DAY TO DAY
WORDS IN RECENT DAYS
FAMILY
The biggest change in my life this year was the entrance of my grandson, Jacob, along with his 2 siblings. For months I pounded heaven as my daughter Alyssa, contemplated giving him up. After his birth, I still would not back down from this position that I believed the Lord had given me. And so, a month after his birth, he came "home." Hardly a day goes by that I do not sit here and look at him laughing or smiling or sleeping and think that God is good. As I pray over him and the other children living in my home, I realize that the reason I do what I do and endure the trials is for them. This is the generation to come. For many my age, the last generation they will get their "hands on." The kids have reminded me of all I forgot as a parent, and some of what I really did not want to know! Being with children who moved from hotel to motel, and a minimum of certain kinds of stability have sometimes been challenging. Jordan loves school, though and that is a blessing. It is easy to see that there is an artistic side of him. Mariah is the not so quiet one, and she loves to dance and "rock out" to music. (One day we had her in our gathering, with a fairly bassy song, and she was sitting at the table, banging it like a drum.) Cass(21) is in her first year of school at Johnson, being involved in acting and music. She is currently home for 4 weeks. Matt(20) lives in Greenfield, MA., and is working at a large food supplier. Tyler(25) is working 2 jobs, one on a farm and the other with a pasta manufacturer, and is in contemplation mode of tech school. Amy(26) is living in Middletown, CT, and continues to love her job at a large software company. She is becoming an HR Specialist. Alyssa(26) has just trained for 3 days for a new franchise opening here in town, where she will be working 40 hours and getting ready for her apartment.Obviously, we are very proud of them all!To see pictures...http://www.pocafministries.org/Thanksgiving2007/index.html
TINA & I
Tina and I spend a lot of time with the grandchildren. Tina is still working with the Land Trust as a home buyer counselor. The Lord has definitely shifted some things in recent days. Our ministry here in Springfield, is going through a transition. In January, we will be ordaining Mike, and he will be working more and more with the small groups and the day to day.It was clear a few days ago, that God had really removed a type of grace for certain things and added to other areas. We are not sure "what" the Lord is doing, but do suspect it to be a significant change. Moving me from pastoral ministry is clearly His intention. We certainly see be helpful to other ministries as part of it.We still live up on the mountain(The Eagle's Nest) where we have a lot of snow right now. An 8 passenger van to cart children and waiting for the first signs of bare pavement to move the bike on out.
MINISTRY
One of the most significant changes for us, is in the business ministry arena. A few months ago the Lord gave me a word about SPOILS. IN the middle of a shared prayer time, I received this. SPOILS-Strategic Placement Of Influence, Leadership & Service Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD. We had our first meeting a few weeks ago, and it was great. We see this ministry moving to from Vermont to Maine in February, and by the end of the year we will have 6 states of business ministry. It has received a lot of favor. (Feel free to visit the website listed at the bottom of this letter.) I will not bore you with details, other than to simply say, I have already had additional meetings with people about this and there is a momentum growing.We are certain of more and more upcoming travel. The Lord has been touching both Tina and I about the changes and how we can party up with them.
DAY TO DAY
For the last 6 months, I have spent a great deal of time helping Alyssa with the children. Doctors, dentists, meetings, etc.. While that has been going on I have continued in the Pre-Paid Legal business. I have also worked a as CITRIMS. Weekly meetings helping people offset the threat of identity theft. Some of that is about to change. My friend and partner, Al, and his wife and Tina spent a few days discussing a business concept that we believe will not only take care of the day to day needs, but will be able to change the economy and help others. (Please keep us in prayer, as this project involves others and is very involved.) It is in keeping with my "Capture the culture. Change the culture."
WORDS
While I am sure this is not all of it, the last few days have revealed some important things to me. So, I will make every effort to articulate them. Over the days I have had many, many dreams, that I consider to be significant.
Last night one of my dreams was that a dear young man and I were talking about helping people. I talked about how it would be cool to arrange for dentistry for people and in the next scene, he had already scheduled 19 people for help with their teeth. Apparently the dentist was going to devote himself to their care. I mentioned that we needed to find a doctor. We were in my boat traveling upstream to a doctor's home who lived on the water to see if he would be interested in helping with the "medical mission" of Springfield. This was very much in keeping with 2 words the Lord had given us about 12 years ago. God wanting to use his people.When the furniture of the church is the table of the Lord and the rightful discerning of the body of Christ.Only yesterday during our gathering was I struck with the fact that there was a shaking God wanted to do amongst His people in the area of overtaking the government and many of the NPO's that give to our communities and bring their requirements. It is the people of God who are to be the "care givers" and not the government or quasi government organizations. For the church to take it's rightful place, it must agree to the conditions of pure religion that God has designated in James. That is a culture change.
As I "awoke" the Lord began to stir me to pray for others. Not silently, but openly, because His word would not return void. And then there was a vision of grass growing. That first little tint of green on fresh soil. I was hearing, "if you will pray for the seeds of my words to grow, they will. All of those who say "O, my God," or "Holy God," when they are surprised about something have seeds of my word planted in their being. They do not realize it, but if you will begin to command those seed to rise up and grow they will. They are like a virus that has lived beneath the radar screen. They will change the being. He gave me these two scriptures. Is. 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. Mk. 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. I sensed the Lord saying if people will begin to sow to those "fallen" seeds, that they will begin to rise up as the blade in the scripture above. That while these things have been dormant, there is life inside. To look at a seed reveals nothing, for it is the hidden code of life that is responsible for it coming forth. So, I would encourage you to begin to speak to the seeds of righteousness that have been sown. If God is responsible for the increase, then His word being spoken will bring that increase. I believe God is saying that it is time for an awakening of "paga" in the church, the time of violent intercession and calling upon God.
There was another thing that happened as Tina and I were talking about 2008 and what it would bring. I was saying that I thought God was calling His people to be ready emotionally, spiritually and physically, because the need for stamina in each of those areas would be required. As I was saying it, I heard Nantucket Sleigh Ride. Now for us New Englanders, this was when a harpoon was thrown into a whale, and the whale towed the boat and it's crew for a "Nantucket Sleigh Ride." When the whale tired out the captain came along side stabbing it until it was dead. So, why this phrase. I was reminded that a band called Mountain did a song called Nantucket Sleigh Ride.to read about a whale ride...http://www.salariya.com/web_books/whaling/index.html) The lyrics, I do not feel are particularly relevant, but the name of the band could be. As I heard the other day on a video clip, "mountains are not smooth or you could not get to the top." So, I believe that the Lord has said "the ride is almost over." I believe we are approaching the death stages of many struggles. That we are nearly to the top. I think that this is the time to get a second wind. That the "blubbering" is over. Can we be ready for a good time? For a celebration? Not everyone will be with us. Discouragement and a giving up, have been part of the battle. Some have fallen along the way. But for those of us who have made it, there is a sweet joy.
What will 2008 bring?
The Lord is still working on me about it, but I believe it will be the season of the virgins from MT. 25. Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five [were] foolish. They that [were] foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, [Not so]; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
That there will be a great upsurge of light and a great loss of light for many. That this is a season of decision. People will make many choices. Some of the separation will be of God and some will not be. Some will be deceived by fables and stories and lack of depth. Their growth stunted by lack of water, their light dimmed by an oil shortage. Even as the price of real oil becomes dear, so its the presence of the Holy Spirit and His oil. Many will try to stop "production" of this oil as they are in the Middle East. I believe I hear the $100 barrel of oil is coming and will signal a release of His Spirit. I do not believe the natural price will stay here and 2008 , these prices will decline.
And I sense January will have a lot to do with the foundations of His Spirit coming.I am sure the Lord is bringing me more in the coming days.
Tina and I bless you this holiday season. Remember...it is OK to say Merry Christmas to me!And a little touch of the season.
http://www.tackylighttour.com
posted by Servant Communications at 6:21 AM
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