Hounds of Heaven? Do you see what I see?

There is a poem, called "hounds of heaven", that speaks not of hounds at all, but of the relentless pursuit God impresses on us....and in fact, the wonderful satisfaction of drawing near to Him even as we are "chased", when part of us wants to run the other way. 

Sometimes I write, just to document these events that seem more than chance.  Tonight by 4X, I was reminded...see if you see what i see.

1. On my way home this afternoon, a conversation with an old friend about the redundancy of "Sovereign God".  If he is God, then he is sovereign. 
2. As we ride in the truck, fatherly guidance for my son who had a strong opinion about not wanting to do something, and I reminded him to be able to embrace even those things we do not prefer, or risk being able to see God.
3. At church around youth group I heard from two different sources the question from Hell..."How does a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people".  Don't get me wrong, we have all been tempted by this, but to be sure....God is always good, people are not.  Any other conclusion, no matter how saintly or innocent, will lead you to a place you do not want to go.
4. Finally, I am late, but I have to talk to a dad going through a divorce who tells me he is reading Job.   He is struggling with one of the oldest stories in the bible.  God never answers Jobs "WHY" question, Instead, he asks the questions that remind Job WHO the creator was.

All this was in the same evening....no kidding.  Hounds of heaven, or a God in hot pursuit?  Depends on your perspective.  :)

Testimony about the Teen Retreat , for the glory of God

Testimony about the Teen Retreat , for the glory of God

Tonight  (as the oldest teen!), Several of us shared what we learned from the experience at 5 stones camp two weeks ago, an amazing retreat filled with teaching, fellowship, but most importantly the Holy Spirit drawing 4 young men to a life-changing commitment to follow Jesus Christ. This short account was one of several from Teens, and adults that were there. 

Mighty to save (a portion)

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

Imagine a place where there is no shame in surrender, confessing sin, giving praise, living boldly.  This is the way it was meant to be, in the Garden.  That’s what I saw among the young people, young men leading, people confessing their sin, repentance, forgiveness and joy. Revival.   I never saw revival before, but I think this was it.

Now we can have freedom in Christ. In the story of Joseph, when his entire family is brought into Egypt, Pharaoh says to him  “Have no concern for your goods, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.”  Gen. 45:20”.    My ambition is for my children to see Jesus in His word and in His people like these children did….that they would follow hard after the Lord, that they would not be afraid to live, and that they would not be afraid to die.

Mighty to Save      

Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus (x2)

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

My Saviour, you can move the mountains,
You are mighty to save,
You are mighty to save.
Forever, Author of Salvation,
You rose and conquered the grave,
Yes you conquered the grave

Amen