Serial Intercessor - Christopher Pauchay

The story is so tragic that I can not link it. You don't need to know the details other than two toddlers, ages 3 and 1, were found frozen to death in a Saskatchewan field wearing only t-shirts and diapers. It's not a news item, it's a horror story. The girls 25 year old father, Christopher Pauchay was passed out drunk at the next door neighbours house while the two little girls wandered around outside in -50 C windchill.

I guess it's human nature that the overwhelming attitdue is disgust for Mr. Paulchay. That he would neglect two precious little girls and let them die in such a horrible way. I am not part of the majority. No one needs to tell Christopher Pauchay anything, he will be living in hell for the remainder of his days on this earth. I'm praying for Paulchay. I can't for one second imagine the guilt that he has to be feeling tonight. The guilt that will plague him forever. What I do know is that Jesus has enough mercy to forgive me and He has the mercy to forgive Christopher Pauchay. Please join me in prayer for the families of the girls. Please pray for Christopher Pauchay, he really has nothing left in this world.

Camping Out

Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?

Romans 6:16

The death and righteousness Paul is referring to have a little different context from a Hebrew perspective than what I normally read into this passage To be in death is to be outside of God's blessing. Righteousness, is being under God's blessing. There are two realms, the realm of life (righteousness) and the realm of death. Neither have an effect on salvation. Confess Jesus as LORD, accept His sacrifice on the Cross as atonement for your sins and receive salvation. Living in death or life comes down to obedience.

Numbers 12 tells the story of Miriam and Aaron gossiping and slandering their brother Moses over their sister-in-law. The LORD is angered, Miriam is stricken with a skin affliction and has to leave the camp for seven days. When she returns she's all better. Because of her sin/transgression (slander is a sin, Lev 19:16) Miriam was in the realm of death, put outside the protection of the camp.

When we transgress we are put outside the LORD's blessings. He still loves us, we are still saved however we are put outside the camp. While outside the camp we are to examine our ways. Pray for guidance and revelation, play back the tape of our lives in our minds. Today I know when I'm outside of God's blessings. I'm moody, things seem to get in the way, there is general discord in the house. Sometimes I can relate to a direct sin or transgression sometimes it's not obvious. When I've had enough of the frustration I pray and examine my ways. I always come to an understanding during one of these periods.

When I have identified the transgression and I always do, loud and clear, I know there is no way that I will be able to overcome the nagging problem on my own. I'll try and fall flat on my face again. This is where the magnificence of Christ comes in. I lean on Him to deliver me. Being in the realm of death, outside the camp, actually strengthens my relationship with Him.

When the transgression rears it's head again, and it always does, I start to pray like a fiend for strength to overcome. It's hard. When I'm obedient then I start to feel the blessings, I feel confidence like I've never felt before.

As Paul states in Romans 6, obedience leads to righteousness. Jesus gives us the strength to obey. When we obey we live an ordered life. God desires order. When we live an ordered life we bless others, it's inevitable. It really is a perfect plan.

You Cheer Me Up Award

"Most of us know who and what cheers us up .
What we don't know is how we cheer up others.
Or if we're making a difference in their lives.
That's because we let too much time go by
Without telling those we appreciate
How much they mean to us.
Until it's too late.
And the opportunity
slips away."

This award means a lot to me as it comes from one of the most talented people I have ever had the pleasure of being acquainted with. The fact that she recognized me with this award means more to me than words can express. Thank you Liquid.

Biggest Heart Award

Kasper created and awarded the Biggest Heart award. The award is for encouragement and positive feedback to other bloggers. It's fitting that a Blogger who encourages and provides positive feedback on a consistent basis created this award. Thank you Kasper, I appreciate the fact that you created this and that you thought I was worthy of receiving it.

I actually have a long list of recipients I'd like to award however I'm going to hold on for future specific instances. With the group that supports and encourages me, I'll be handing these out like candy in the coming weeks.

Thanks again Kasper.

Beethoven's Last Symphony

I read this one a few years back. One of the kid's toys plays Ode to Joy over and over and over..... It reminded me of this. Author unknown.

A music teacher on sabbatical took some time for an extended visit to Vienna. One night late in the evening he took a stroll through the graveyard where Beethoven was laid to rest. As he quietly strolled he could hear music playing from the center of the grave yard. The teachers interest was peaked because he recognized the tune but there was something odd about it.

As he walked towards the melody it became louder and louder. He was perplexed, he knew the tune but there was something wrong. As he came upon Ludwig's burial spot he realized the music was coming from the grave. It hit it then that it was Beethoven's 12th Symphony but it was different IT WAS BEING PLAYED BACKWARDS!..

A little creeped out the Teacher stayed until the last note.

The next night he went back to the graveyard and he heard the music again. It was coming from Beethoven's grave again, and again a very familiar tune but not quite right. It was the legendary composer's 9th Symphony only it was again being played in reverse.

The next night the Teacher brought a friend with him. The same thing. Beethoven's 7th this time and there was no doubt it was being played backwards.

The following night a large crowd gathered around Beethoven's grave. As mysteriously as the preceding evenings music began to play. The crowd was in awe as they heard Beethoven's 5th being played backwards. They debated and theorized as the all too familiar melody played backwards.

The crowd became anxious and louder as the symphony played on. The Cemetery's grounds keeper went up to the crowd to see what the commotion was. all about.

The Teacher explained the situation. The first night he heard the 12th Symphony, then the 9th, then the 7th and tonight the 5th coming from Beethoven's grave. All being played backwards. The crowd was quite alarmed.

The Groundskeeper pushed his hat back on his head and stared at the crowd in disgust. Isn't it obvious he exclaimed in a agitated tone. He's de-composing!

Friday Night Videos - A New Love

Am I getting older or do really have a great taste in music? If you ask my wife about my taste in music she would shake her head at some of it. I love all types of music, from Blues, Chopin, Disco and Easy Listening to Hard Rock you name it I have it somewhere in my collection. Bocelli to Hendrix, Abba to ZZ Top, I love music. I recently rediscovered an old favorite though thanks to a friend of mine.

Rediscovered in that my favour was rooted in nostalgia more than an actual appreciation. It started back in the early 70's when I was a wee lad. Dad loaded the family in a car and drove us down to Nashville to record an album at Superior Studios. The Studio was owned by Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys. The album was a recording of Dad and my brothers doing mostly Bill Gaither covers. While in Nashville we went to Jimmy Snow's church. Sitting in the pew that hot Sunday morning my oldest brother gave my a nudge Ianthe ribs a few minutes into the service and pointed to the back. Johnny and June Carter Cash had sneaked in to the back row. I was awe struck. They snuck out a few minutes before he service ended. Later that day we drove past the Cash home and saw the Man in Black getting into his Cadillac.

I was a Johnny Cash fan from that point on. I read his autobiography watched a couple of his movies, enjoyed his guest star role in Columbo and may have had one of his albums on vinyl. I didn't listen to him regularly though.

Fast forward to present day and my appreciation still hung on but I couldn't really get into a real fanboy conversation about Cash's material. Then Johnny passes on and the movie comes out. All of a sudden everybody's a Johnny Cash fan. I refused to jump on board the band wagon. I put my boyhood feelings aside and went on with life....until yesterday.

A buddy brought in 4 CD's for me to listen to. Three of the American recordings and the VH-1 session with Willie Nelson ( I've worn out no less than 3 copies of Nelson's Stardust). Buddy is a die hard fanboy so I only kept them over night but now I'm hooked.

Band wagon be darned, I am a Johnny Cash fan once again.

Following is a song that for better or worse brings back some memories of an emotional period in my life. I had just moved out of my house, leaving behind my two kid's and wife. In my place her new (old) man moved in. U2 had just released Actung Baby, my favourite U2 album This track was on that recording. The song was written about one of the band members divorce. The song still makes me take pause, especially in the mellow baritone's rendition.

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Johnny Cash singing One.

Johnny Cash One

How Happy RU

A tag from Kasper. I think I'm more than 80% happy though. More like 94.83%.

You Are 80% Happy

You are a very happy person. Generally, you feel content and that all is right with the world. Occasionally, you have a down day - but you have the ability to pick yourself right back up.

How Happy Are You?

Wuh? I've Been Tagged!

The nicest guy I've never met tagged me with the following. Because I like Mr. WIXYGrad so much I must oblige. Besides it may just be fun.

Four Jobs I have held

1. Funeral Director's Assistant (mainly pick-ups and deliveries)
2. Pizza Delivery Driver (just deliveries)
3. Inuslation Installer in a nonairconditioned factory in Central Florida for pre-fab homes
4. Restaurant Manager

Four movies I watch over and over

1. Cars
2. Toy Story I and 2
3. Finding Nemo
4. The Ballad of Little Joe (Veggie Tales)

I have a 3 year old at home. The question wasn't what 4 movies do I want to watch over and over. It's a lot better than when my daughter was that age. I've seen It Takes Two with the Olsen twins so many times I could do a one man show on Broadway and know all the lines for all the parts.

Four places I have been

1. Key West, Florida (farthest south)
2. New Liskeard, Ontario (coldest)
3. Cincinnati, Ohio (craziest interstate)
4. Winnipeg, Manitoba (farthest west)

Four places I have lived

1. Niagara Falls, Ontario
2. Toronto, Ontario
3. Orlando, Florida
4. Hillsborough, New Brunswick

Four people who e-mail me regularly

1. A Nigerian Banker who needs help getting $40,000,000 out of the country for a wealthy client
2. Luke, the guy who things I want to buy Viagra at discount prices
3. Sarah
4. My beautiful daughter

Four favourite foods

1. Swiss Chalet roasted chicken
2. Cheeseburgers and Swiss Chalet roasted chicken
3. Swiss Chalet roasted chicken
4. Chicken Wings and Swiss Chalet roasted Chicken

Four places I'd rather be

1. I really like sitting here right now
2. Having coffee with one of my many blogging friends
3. Sitting across from my banker as he explains how I should be spending the $4,000,000 my Nigerian banker friend paid me in commission for helping his client get his $40,000,000 out of the country
4. sitting down to a quarter chicken dinner at Swiss Chalet with two dipping sauces and a side of cole slaw. (uh, with my wife and kid's, yeah, that's right, with my wife and kids).

Four things I am looking forward to

1. Going sliding with my 3 year old Saturday afternoon
2. Movie night with my wife Saturday evening
3. Dinner with my 19 year old Sunday evening
4. Getting rid of some of the liter of water I drank over the past hour, Gotta publish this post first.

I'm going to tag the following four friends

1. Sian
2. Mantle
3. Kasper
4. Kathy

Return of the Serial Intercessor

It's been some time and three blogs since I last posted about unsuspecting people I've been praying for. All I can say at this point is that you must take extreme caution as you may be my next victim. Shances are if you are reading this you already are. I can't help myself, there's a burning desire in me to pray. I especially enjoy praying for people who are completely unaware. I'm guilty and have no desire to reform. You've been warned.

Celebrate

One of my favourite principles is that love is a verb. Love is an action not a thing. When you love someone you do something for them. You my friends left the most motivating comments and e-mail and I consider that doing something. Thank you. I hope I didn't mislead though. The past few weeks were tough and forced some growing but not it was a good tough and wonderful growth. Not a going to the dentist to pull a cavity type of tough but a going to the gym to improve yourself kind of tough.

When you wake up the day after a brutal work out and every major and supporting muscle in the area you worked screams out letting you know your work out was successful, it's an awesome feeling. I love that feeling. I felt the same way when my errors were being played out in front of me. I'm not thrilled that a friend lost their job but I am doing my best to show that individual love by helping to organize grocery purchases with other friends and calling in favours to get Chum interviews for a new job. Who knows they will probably end up in a better role than the one they left behind

Nay, I am anything but in the doldrums. If anything I am closer to the LORD than ever. I have grown in my ability to examine my ways. New habits are being formed and old ones are dropping away. Glory be to the LORD Jesus who is is my God and Saviour.

Thank you all. John the Baptist was fed by the birds and Pilgrim was edified by his blogging buddies. OK, maybe not the best analogy, I'm a long way from the desert but you get my drift.

Bless you all.

Forwarding a Prayer Request

It's my custom not to forward blast e-mail. The message below came to me late yesterday, I thought it was worth sharing. wp

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My name is Gary Hogan. Some of you receiving this know me, some do not. My wife, Cindy, is 32 years old and has just been diagnosed, 3 days ago, with stage 4 cervical cancer and her chances for survival are very slim. She was pregnant with our second child and miscarried recently at 3 months, and now we know why. This is a request for you to forward this e-mail to everyone you know asking for prayer. The more people that pray for her to be healed, the better.

It only takes a second to hit 'forward'. Please do it and don't delete this. Your prayer can, and perhaps will, save her life.

Please pray and ask everyone you know to pray for the HEALING of Cindy and the removal of all cancer in her body, so she may enjoy all that life has to offer, and to continue to be a wonderful mother to our 5 year old son, Michael. The power of Prayer is unsurpassed. I want the whole world to have her in their prayers the next few weeks. God will hear our cry. Please do not be offended by my plea. This is only a request for your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and helping with our request for healing! No words can express the power we have when we each do a little to come together.

Regards,

Cindy's in-love husband - Gary

Thank you, and please send it to the far reaches of our world.

Live, Love and Laugh.... No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him....' 1 Corinthians 2:9

Award - Thank you Kasper

Thank you Kasper. Check out the details of the award here.

Je Ne C'est I Don't Know What

Warren ain't so peaceful right now. I'm unable to put what's going on into words. I'm certainly not depressed nor would I describe the situation as chaotic but it is very unsettling. In a spiritual sense I'm very ill at ease. If I were a Hindu or Buddhist I may say I'm breaking through to a new consciousness. I'm a Christian however and I can't relate the aforementioned to anything in the Word and the Bible is my final authority. Maybe a better description is I'm breaking through to new understanding? It's not painful but it is uncomfortable. All I can do at this point is pray. I will do my best to journalize the process so in a legible manner going forward. In the interim, I pray.

Burn Out

This walking through the study doesn't seem to be working. I'm finding it more labourious than previous blogs. Last night I sat down at the keyboard and felt empty and cold. Tonight I called a good friend for coffee. Three times he asked me if there was something I wanted to talk about and three times I avoided the topic. Then as we were leaving I asked his opinion of this page. In true Hebrew mindset fashion he answered with a question. (The Greek mindset has answer for everything, the Hebrew mindset is inquisitive and slow to conclusions). He asked if I was enjoying the style and manner in which this page is being filled. He then mentioned it was very different from my previous blogs where I wrote more personal pieces. He went on that this was more of a teaching format and then asked what I enjoy more. I was honest and almost ashamed to answer I preferred the former.

After some warm pieces of advice I've come to the conclusion that I need to go back to writing from the heart I hope the flame will be rekindled. I'm sure Tylenol PM will be much happier as readers won't be using this site anymore to lull themselves to sleep.

H v. G Mindset - Belief v. Action

Is belief more important than action or vice versa? The primary difference between the Hebrew action orientated mindset and the Greek belief orientated mindset is at the very base level. The Hebrew culture is centered around doing. Yes Hebrews would sit in the temple and debate Torah (God's teaching and Instruction) for hours at a time. The fundamental tenet of the culture was action however. The fundamental tenet of the Greek mindset was/is based on belief. In the Greek culture, crowds gathered in theaters to hear someone speak and espouse thoughts. The crowd sits and listens. In the Hebrew culture, the congregation interacts discussing the Word, asking questions and participating.

Our western culture is based upon the Greek mindset. We go to church, listen to a sermon, say a few amens then rush out to eat Swiss Chalet and get home in time for kick off or the green flag. We learn at church that we are to stop sinning and trust God. I don't know about the rest of you but I've believed for decades and I still have a problem with sinning. It's not that I'm not saved I just can't seem to shake the nagging habits and behaviours that cause me to fall.

The Hebrew mindset teaches that we need to confess Jesus as LORD and Saviour. So far so good. They then go on to show how following God's example, by acting on His Word changes behaviours and forms new habits and behaviours. In time the burdens begin to fade and a new obedient life emerges.

The Greek mindset tells you to stop sinning. The Hebrew mindset shows you how to stop sinning or transgressing. You have to believe the Word if you're going to act on the behaviours so I guess belief and actions go hand in hand. Belief without action leads to the same old same old.

New Kid on the Blo(g)ck

Please take a moment to visit a brand new blog written by someone who is very special to me. The lbog is designed to help us live a more simple life. She's frugal, she's witty, a really good writer, and has some fabulous ideas for forthcoming posts.

You can find Minimalist Mommy here
.
Drop in and say hello, then dop in frequestnly after that to gleam some great ideas.

8 Things I am Grateful For Tag

This tag comes thanks to Kasper. I'm a little late responding but it's one that's worth sharing.

8 Things I'm Grateful For

1. I am so grateful that the LORD loves me and accepts me despite my shortcomings, and I have legion. I do not deserve any of the grace He has given me.

2. My lovely, talented wife of 5 years this past Thursday. She's beautiful, strong, intelligent and stands behind her man. I love her with all my heart and soul.

3. I am so grateful I have four wonderful kids. They are all beautiful and cherished.

4. I am grateful for the beauty that surrounds me. Of late Ive been taking special note of the trees sky mountains and the horizon. How long have I taken it for granted?

5. Even though I can't say I love my job, I love the fact that my job enables me to pay for the necessities of those I love.

6. Friends. Even though I'm not a social butterfly I do have some very special friends who mean the world to me.

7. Blogging. What a gift to be ale to write and share with people who care.

8. People who have a sense of humour. What a gift it is to be able to laugh.

Thank you for thinking about me Kasper. I'm grateful to have you as a friend.

Award - Thank you Liquid

This award comes from a blogger for whom I have more respect and admiration than words are able to describe. The fact that Liquid ever thought to nominate me leaves me completely humbled but absolutely honored.

I am passing this award on to five bloggers whose writings inspire me and give me strength. They are either primarily Faith based or include enough Faith based posts that look to them for growth.

Surprised by Joy

Kathy's Klavier

Seek Him First

Spin a Song of Sixpence

This and That

In keeping with the guidelines of the award, here are three descriptors that I consider key to powerful writing. Honesty, Humility and Honor.

Here's how the award works:

Distribute this award to those people who have blogs we love and can’t live without, blogs where the writing is good and powerful. I thought interested members could kick things off by publishing the award on their own blog, naming five people they would like to give it to, and accompany the image with three things they believe are necessary to make writing good and powerful. The recipients then do the same, passing it on to five other people, and so on.”

Friday Night Videos - Have I Told YOU Lately?

Van Morrison is far and above my favourite artist of all time. Many of you may not be aware that Morrison is a devote Christian. You may also not know that Morrison is singing this song to the LORD. Listen to the words.

BTW, Have I told anyone of you that I love you lately? I do.

Bloogers of the World Award - Thanks WIXY

Once again WIXY graces me with an award. I am truly humbled by your kindness Cliff.

In turn I'd like to do something I've never done before and nominate my favourite bloggers with this award. Althought the list is long it is posted with sincereity.

WIXY - (Right back at you my friend)

Sian

Mantle

Frassypoo

Kathy

Liquid

Kasper

Steve

Stacy

Sindi

All of you have a made a difference in my life in many ways and I appreciate you all.

Hebrew vs. Greek Mindsets

Thank you all fro your comments on the last post. I know this stuff isn't sexy but it's important to give a a general understanding of what's to come. Remember, I'm not a teacher, I'm a student. I'm counting on you to pray for discernment, ask questions and leae provacative comments. I'm journalizing my thoughts to inspire all of us. Once we get past the dry stuff I'm sure you will be blown away. As stated previously, I was raised in a Christian home surronded by Christian family on all sides outside the home. A lot of my preconceptions have been bent opening a whole new understanding. Today, my relationship with Jeus is exponentially stronger and I'm just starting.

Here's the next installment, you may want to put on a pot of coffee first.

The Bible was written by Hebrews. I'm going to use the term Hebrew to avoid you being confused by Judaism. I don't know anything about Judaism so I can't comment on it. I will say I have a new respect for the Jewish faith, I may cover some of that in future posts.

The Bible was written from a Hebrew perspective. Our western culture is based upon a Greek mindset. There are distinct differences.

The Hebrew mindset focuses on works. They ask what are you doing? The Greek mindset is based upon beliefs. They ask what do you believe? The difference is huge. The Greek mindset is about the intellect and loves to espouse their thoughts. The Hebrew mindset could care less what you think. They don't care if you think you should take care of the poor, the Hebrew mindset says go out and shovel the snow off your 80 year old neighbours sidewalk. It's about actions not words. A verse in James comes to mind (James 2:14-17)

The Hebrew mindset asks lots of questions. The Greek mindset gives out lots of answers. The Hebrew mindset wants to know all the facts before forming an opinion. The Greek mindset wants to spurt out everything they know. Chew on that one for a minute, then take give a listen to the news networks or the people at the office. Everyone has a solution.

The Hebrew mindset reveres old people. They understand that gray hair brings wisdom. The Greek mindset worships youth and vigor.

The Hebrew mindset states there is one God, Hear oh Israel the LORD is God, the LORD is one. (Deut 6:4 NIV), In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1 NIV). The Greek minset has multiple Gods.

I'll back this next point up with future posts because its a deep one. Pray over the points above and think about them when you read this next point. The Hebrew mindset states that there is only one God. As stated in the verses above, Jesus is God. The Greek mindset would have us believe that there are three Gods. The rough dare I say mean God of the Old Testament who slaughtered millions of innocent people, the loving barefooted Son of the New Testatment who walked around healing and showing love and the Holy Spirit who now resides with us while the two other God's sit up in Heaven. The idea of a trinity is a translational Greek mindset concept. There is no reference to a trinity in the Word. There is one God, Jesus, Yeshua Ha Meschiach in Hebrew. Jesus is the creator of everything, He is our salvation, He is LORD.

Now, I know this is a lot to put together. I'll do my best to pull some of this together with a little history of how we came to this point. It's still pretty dry and I'm going to try to share the condensed version without losing the value. Hopefully you will stick it out, I believe (Greek mindset?) your world will be rocked.

Hebrew Mindset and Rabbinic Judaism

The study is based upon a Hebrew mindset versus a Greek mindset. When I talk about Hebrew, people, especially Christians start to think Judaism. It's not Judaism, there is a difference. I have nothing against Judaism, I believe we have as much to learn from our Jewish brethren as they have to learn from us. For the purposes of this blog, I define Judaism as Rabbinic Judaism. Rabbinic Judaism is based upon the Torah, the first five books of the Bible and the Tanak (Ta-knock), also known as the Old Testament. Rabbinic Judaism also follows the Talmud which is a commentary of rules and rituals openly accepted as being written by men (as opposed to being inspired by the Holy Spirit). The Talmud is similar to the Catholic church's Cannons and the many charters followed by the myriad of Protestant denominations.

Hebrew on the other hand is the language of God. Hebrew means to cross over. Abraham crossed over from paganism to follow Yahweh (Note: whenever you see the LORD in your Bibles, LORD all caps, substitute Yahweh or YHVH. Most English translations have replaced Yahweh with the LORD). The Israelites crossed over the Red Sea to escape slavery and bondage to go to the promised land,. Christians cross over from a life in the the "world" to a life in the spirit or from death to life.

The Tanak or Old Testament was written in Hebrew. Jesus, His disciples, the writers of the Gospels, Paul were all Hebrew speaking Jews. Aramaic was a trade language used widely across different regions. The writers first language was Hebrew.

This study is about the Hebrew approach to the Bible versus a Greek approach.

Foundation

Happy New Year everyone. I pray for all of you, my faithful readers regularly. Some of you have special requests and I continue to remember them. Otherwise I pray that you all are shown favour in '08.

As stated in my last post I plan to share my devotions and studies with you in the coming posts. Before I start I want everyone who reads this to understand some basic fundamentals of my position.

First and foremost, I confess Jesus as my LORD and Saviour, Jesus is LORD. I also believe that the Bible is the infallible WORD of God.

Next, I am not a theologian. I am a student of the WORD. The posts that appear here represent my studies. I am sharing my thoughts and am open to your comments and questions. It has been said that the greatest form of worship is the study and discussion of the WORD.

Finally, I ask all of you to pray for discernment. Matthew 7:7 tells us that He will give if we ask. Even if you don't believe in God I challenge you to pray that the true God reveal Himself to you. You have nothing to lose. If He doesn't exist you will not be out anything. If He does exist and I stand on the belief He does, then be prepared to have anew world opened to you.