Ekklesia – The Called Out Ones!

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On Sunday morning I gathered with a group of men in a sterile white room lined with plastic chairs in the Denver County Jail. The men dressed in blue sweat outfits with orange shoes are being held and awaiting a trial to determine their future. Some will soon be released while others may face years of incarceration. The fear in their faces was obvious as their lives literally hang in the balance of the court system. These men joined us for an hour in God’s Word and a time of prayer. For some this a brief reprieve from the prison pod was a new experience while others knew many scriptures by heart.

 

In the human all seemed lost. Once you are in the system you are a marked man or woman and even if you get out the chances are slim to none short of a miracle. So in my spirit I prayed over each individual asking for the Holy Spirit to defy the odds and do something supernatural in each of their hearts leading them to a life-changing encounter with Christ. As the large medal door closed behind me there was both a feeling of joy of encountering Jesus in jail but also an inner pain knowing that the path for most of them would be extremely difficult.

 

And on Sunday afternoon I gathered with a body of believers at church launch in inner city Denver. Avenue Church is birthed out of an Ethiopian church and this room consisted of multiple cultures and ages. I felt like I was back worshiping with my brothers and sisters in Africa. The pastor’s name is David and he preached a powerful message from Matthew 16:18:

 

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.

 

Pastor David shared that the Greek word for church is ekklesia, which means to be called out. He said the word church is not linked to a building, a tradition, or a denomination, rather it means God’s calling out of a life of sin to a new life found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. These called out ones storm the gates of hell and together with Christ bring His Kingdom to earth in transformational power.

 

Pastor David can testify to the power of being called out by the Spirit of Almighty God. He spent time in jail and has a record as a convicted felon for several crimes. Yet in his darkest time he met a group of Ethiopian Christians who took him in and loved him. Through these grace filled called out ones he found Christ and was transformed and discipled to become the pastor of a gathering of called out ones, who Sunday stormed the gates of hell in inner city Denver.

 

Sunday night I went to bed thinking about the men I met in jail, Pastor David and the power of the called out ones to share and show the transformational love of Jesus Christ. Throughout the day Abba Father showed me the power of His Church, The Called Out Ones. Jails, addictions, racial barriers, religious spirits, and all the demonic schemes of hell try to keep people in bondage-but the Called Out Ones storm these gates. You and I are the church, the called out ones, called to storm the gates of hell, called to lead others out of darkness into the transforming light of Christ. Who knows, you may touch the next Pastor David by simply showing and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

Guest Post – In Praise of Parking Lot Prayers

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Today’s post is provided by guest-blogger Henry Miersma, who recently joined Patty and I on our Tuesday-night ministry with Jesus on Colfax.

Before leaving my southern California home for a recent business trip to Denver, I read an article in The Banner magazine about Shawn and Diane Sikkema’s ministry called Jesus on Colfax. Although the purpose of my trip was to work with Tim Spykstra on his new book project, I had recently learned that Tim and Patty joined-up with the Sikkemas on Tuesday nights to minister to the residents on Colfax. Knowing I would be staying over at the Spykstras on a Tuesday night, and knowing the Spykstras, I had a funny feeling they would be moving me out of my comfort-zone and down to Colfax Avenue on the coming Tuesday. I was not wrong.

For those of you expecting to hear from Tim today, my apologies, but he asked me to share my thoughts about that evening. Please know that, although these are my thoughts, this is not about me.

The hotels on Colfax were built decades ago, when the street was one of the major thoroughfares in Denver. Today, interstate highways carry the bulk of the city’s traffic away from the street and the subsequent lack of travelers have left the hotels there in a bad way. As a result, most of the hotel’s tenants are people who are similarly in tough positions in life.

One of the first things I notice when we pull into the parking lot of a motor-court style hotel is the lack of adequate lighting. Its really dark in the parking lot. The room doors are visible, as they open directly to the outside, but they are dimly lit. After my eyes adjust, I can see that the hotel itself is old and run-down. The hotel’s sign seems to be an original dating from the 1950s.

After the Sikkemas and other volunteers all arrived at the hotel, the food was divided-up and organized into baskets. We then formed several small groups to deliver it door-to-door. Before we set-off separately, we formed a circle together and Tim offered a prayer to ask God to protect us and go before us. That would be the first of many prayers offered in a hotel parking lot that night.

I was probably the most-uncomfortable when Tim, Patty, and I approached our first hotel door. That discomfort soon melted away, though, as I saw Patty casually knock on the door and heard her call-out in her sing-song, soprano voice, “Jesus on Colfax Ministries – Burritos, Bananas, and Girl Scout Cookies.” I had to smile. I was actually surprised that the someone opened the door for that! But that happened over and over again during the evening. The knock, the offer and provision of food, and then an offer of prayer. All received.

One of the highlights of the evening for me was engaging in conversation with a young man who longed for a career in the music recording industry. I love music, too, and related to him that I’d been a disk jockey back in college. His interest was stoked when I mentioned a few of the groups I used to play. We talked easily for 10 to 15 minutes.

Another highlight came while visiting inside one of the rooms with a resident. The room was not large, but the man who lived there said “I live like a king… I have heat, running water, a bed to sleep on, and a refrigerator with food in it”. As we visited, he sang snippets of songs that he’d written as praise songs to God. His singing was beautiful and I enjoyed our visit. I wondered to myself if I could be as positive if I were in his position. It was humbling.

As the evening came to a close, our group came together once again and a prayer was raised-up in a parking lot. This time, the prayer was offered by the hotel resident who “lived like a king” and sang praises to God. He prayed for us and it was a beautiful prayer. It was humbling. As our prayer circle broke-up and the volunteers started heading to their cars, I moved towards the resident and offered my hand, thanking him for his hospitality and singing. Instead of a hand-shake, he embraced me and offered me more words of encouragement.

It was only later, as we drove home, that Tim and Patty related to me that they were witness to “mini-miracles” that evening. I did not quite comprehend. They said that the young man who I talked to about music careers had never opened-up to them before. They were surprised by the length of our conversation. They also said the resident who “lived like a king” and embraced me as the night ended had never allowed someone to embrace him before. I was surprised, because both incidents seemed uneventful to me.

So, one of my takeaways from that evening is this – when we reach-out to people, we may not be able to recognize the significance, or impact, of our actions while we’re in the process of doing them. To us, they are just a simple conversation or a brief embrace. But a greater perspective, like one found in Heaven, provides the complete picture. How mind-boggling to consider how that works throughout the world with an omnipotent God!

Another takeaway is that God can use our special interests or unique experiences to help us relate to those in need. Even when we’re far, far out of our comfort zones, we can be used.

I can honestly say that I did not expect what happened that night. I expected a large number of closed doors and angry looks. Instead, the doors opened to reveal people who looked forward to the visit. Men, women, even families with small children. They accepted food gratefully, smiled warmly and talked openly with the volunteers. When asked if they’d like prayer, most all of them said “yes” and additional parking-lot prayers were lifted-up.

I have attended church services my entire life, but never before have I experienced church as I did that Tuesday night.

If you’d like more information about Jesus on Colfax Ministry, you can find it on their website or Facebook page. Click here to read the article in The Banner magazine.

Also, a quick shout-out to the Parker Task Force. Thank you Steve B., and all the volunteers at that service, for providing much of the food distributed that evening.

And please keep Tim in your prayers as he works towards completing his next book, tentatively titled Climbing Prayer Mountain. Using principles gleaned from the lives of Moses, Elijah, Jesus, Peter and John; Climbing Prayer Mountain will be a 40 Day guide for transforming your life through prayer.

The Favor of the Father’s Face – The Fame of His Name

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The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them. Numbers 6:24-27

I was claiming my luggage at the Lesotho Airport and ended up “dialoguing” with a customs agent. I toted two large suitcases filled with backpacks for Bountiful Hope orphans high school students with me and didn’t have the proper paper work. No amount of pleading was going to keep the agent from confiscating the backpacks until I produced the proper documentation. As we stared at each other I added that I had flown in from the States to take part in a ceremony at Beautiful Gate. Her sullen face changed to a smile as she remarked, “You are here for the Beautiful Gate celebration!” That name changed everything. Before I knew it I was ushered into the customs office and talked with another agent and eventually after paying a small tax the backpacks were freed!

The name Beautiful Gate carried with it the power to change my circumstances. The reputation of Beautiful Gate as a place that blesses and cares for abandoned babies has spread through the small country and brought me favor in the customs office that morning.

When the Face of our Father shines on us with heavens grace and peace we take on His great name. We are no longer our own, we belong to the Father, through the work of His Son Jesus who writes His name on our heart with His own perfect, precious blood. The Father’s name on us releases us from the bondage of sin and the power of Satan to live as sons and daughters in His Kingdom with authority.

When the Father blesses us and shines His face upon us powerful release happens and we journey with Him on a miraculous adventure that brings glory and fame to His name. Just like when God brought Israel out of 400 years of slavery with signs and wonders the nations took notice that God of the Israelites was mighty and glorious, there was no God like Him.

I believe a new season is upon us and the Father wants His children to live in the power of His great name given to us through faith in Jesus. We have been given The Name above all names and He is calling His children to walk in the miraculous authority of it.

All I had to do was mention the name Beautiful Gate to the custom’s office and everything changed. Claim the name of Jesus Christ as your Savior and God as your Heavenly Father, and you will walk in the authority and power of the Holy Spirit and bring fame to His Great Name in all that He is calling you to do!

 

The Favor of the Father’s Face – Shalom

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The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

I love the Hebrew word Shalom translated peace in the passage above. Shalom is one of those words overflowing with vast meaning and peace is just one word to describe it. Here are a few synonyms that help build the house of shalom:

completeness, soundness, health, wholeness, rest, contentment, security, lasting friendship, tranquility, etc.

As you read this I’m currently in the small country of Lesotho, Africa-a place that has become a second home to me. This past week I had the privilege of participating in a ceremony at Beautiful Gate Care Center where the mantel of leadership was passed on from Bryan and Anita Geurink to Peter and Lindiwe Kirstein. It was an extraordinary day in an extraordinary place and I might add both couples are extraordinary!

Beautiful Gate is a place filled with the Shalom of the Father. Ray and Sue Haakonsen, the founders of Beautiful Gate, began this place with the passion to rescue abandoned babies from death and it is clear that the Face of God was shining upon this endeavor. In 2002 seven children were under the care of Beautiful Gate. Since that time with the support of a team of dedicated employees and volunteers, hundreds of children have been rescued and later adopted and because of this place thousands of lives have been transformed all over the world.

When people visit Beautiful Gate for the first time or the 10th time they run directly into the Shalom of Heaven that rests on this sacred land. The people of Beautiful Gate live the Father’s heart filled with the Spirit of the Father’s love for orphans and His peace permeates every inch of the place. What happens when someone experiences the Shalom of God? They are forever “ruined.” Ruined in a beautiful way. Over the years I have witnessed countless first time volunteers drawn back time and again and return to the Shalom of God. I have seen those who tasted this shalom in Africa return to share the incredible completeness experienced with their own families, churches, and cities. Once one has tasted the Shalom of the Father’s loving Face an indescribable passion is ignited!

Do you know the Shalom, the peace of living in the Father’s presence? You were created to live in the Shalom of the Father’s love, and nothing in the world can impart it to you but His Face shining on you. You don’t have to go to Lesotho Africa to find it at Beautiful Gate, even though you will find it there if you go, you can find it right where you are. The Father has given us His Son Jesus, who not only reveals the Face of the Father, but also shows us His heart and how to live in His Shalom. Keep looking at and following Jesus and let Him lead you to the Father’s Home full of Shalom!

Jesus said: If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:23.

 

 

The Favor of the Father’s Face – Graciousness

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The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you… Numbers 6:24-25 

In my wallet is a grace filled $20 bill heading with me to Lesotho Africa. This folded green paper with Andrew Jackson’s face on it testifies to the powerful graciousness of our Father God that was given to me last Tuesday night. My daughter Anna and I were sitting in a smoke filled hotel room of a man I will call David. I met David back in the fall when we knocked on his door to pass out some food and offer prayers. The smell of alcohol was potent on his breath as he turned down the food but quite apt at sharing his knowledge of the Bible, which he definitely possessed a wealth of.

Over the last few months David’s hotel room has become one of our final stops on Tuesday night where he shares with us a message he feels God has for the team that ministries with “Jesus on Colfax Ministries.” David’s life reads as a story of pain and brokenness, which began when a family member violated him as a young boy. This produced a life of battling drugs, prison time, homelessness, and deep loneliness. In the midst of fighting past demons God’s grace found him, loved him, and kept him from certain death.

Many times after leaving David’s room driving home I say to Patty, “I heard God speak through David tonight.” In the midst of his weakness, his struggles with the bottle, somehow God has a word for us. Often times I hear God say, “David is a picture of my mercy and grace and I use him even in his state of brokenness just as I can use anyone even you.” I may not struggle with the same issues David has but I have my own battles in my soul, my own weakness, which somehow Christ by His graciousness works through.

Over the last few weeks a noteworthy difference has occurred-when we stop at David’s room he has been sober- with his well-worn bible in hand he continues to give us a Word from the LORD. Last Tuesday my daughter and I heard a message about taking up the cross and following Jesus, which he said means a life of sacrifice. As he finished he stood up, went to the place where he hides his money, pulled out a $20, and said “God has freely given to me so I give to you, go plant seeds with it!” For the life of me I wanted to give it back. The voice in my head said, “You can’t accept this, he has so little, just look around the room.” Praise God the Spirit kept my proud heart in check and I sensed Him say, “Humble your heart and receive the gift.”

As the $20 travels with me to Africa-it is a sign of the favor of the LORD’s face of graciousness through Jesus Christ that shone on me through the grace given to David in that hotel room. I can’t wait to plant the seeds of the favor of God’s grace in Africa with this cash given from the heart!

Today, don’t be afraid to open your heart to the favor of God’s graciousness and receive the gift He has for you, it may come in the most unusual and unexpected way!