how do we measure? what's our meter?
why, that'd be prayer...
Wednesday prayer times and special prayer times "...ARE THE CHURCH."
what I mean is that the church is the "Gathering." and the "gathering" is distinctly to be around the person of Jesus. Not around a leader, or an informational message, or a rote creed, or a comforting tradition...
We have all of those things operating among us, here, but the real "measure" of the Church here is that gathering which lacks any distinction other than the person named Jesus seated, no--enthroned--among us.
That distinguishes the times of prayer, waiting, seeking, crying out, and exposing ourselves to Him as the measure of this church. I hope that everyone who reads this realizes that this is the lifelong standard for us all.
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Big Shifts
no bones about it. These are some of the best days ever. hard days. good days. I'm a believer...
we aren't worried at all about the house... God.
changes in the wind are bringing us closer to Jesus... that simple... just trusting...
The past few months have been "grubbykupp-blog-silent". My apologies to the reading public. We have had some shifting, here in Northside. You not that, two posts down, I was giddy that the house that had heretofore been called "the guys' house", had renewed it's resolve to focus on Jesus, learn to love one another, and grow in Christian love, witness and mission to the world, starting with their own trashcan and kitchen sink, bleeding into their work, and into the neighborhood...
It was about a month till they decided that what they really wanted was to move away and live in a college-dorm building about ten minutes away. That revelation came on the heels of two weeks of pulling out major knots of slander, suspicion, gossip and secrecy. Lots of work through Late September and October, all to discover that the household that originally started the "guys' house" has moved on, into marriage--all three pioneering members...
So... we had to let it go.
we don't control people...
we don't vie for property rights.
we being the church community gathering regularly in the big room of our house...
the church has accepted being "voted off the island".
We await our amigos arrival.
we all get voted off the island... and we're waiting with open arms.
except for the hand that holds our pina colada.
we aren't worried at all about the house... God.
changes in the wind are bringing us closer to Jesus... that simple... just trusting...
The past few months have been "grubbykupp-blog-silent". My apologies to the reading public. We have had some shifting, here in Northside. You not that, two posts down, I was giddy that the house that had heretofore been called "the guys' house", had renewed it's resolve to focus on Jesus, learn to love one another, and grow in Christian love, witness and mission to the world, starting with their own trashcan and kitchen sink, bleeding into their work, and into the neighborhood...
It was about a month till they decided that what they really wanted was to move away and live in a college-dorm building about ten minutes away. That revelation came on the heels of two weeks of pulling out major knots of slander, suspicion, gossip and secrecy. Lots of work through Late September and October, all to discover that the household that originally started the "guys' house" has moved on, into marriage--all three pioneering members...
So... we had to let it go.
we don't control people...
we don't vie for property rights.
we being the church community gathering regularly in the big room of our house...
the church has accepted being "voted off the island".
We await our amigos arrival.
we all get voted off the island... and we're waiting with open arms.
except for the hand that holds our pina colada.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
FYI: Roof and Boiler
the roof estimate is over 30 thousand... no kidding. it's huge, it's steep and the gutters are like 20 thousand--ancient german box gutters...
before you ask all the questions of "do you need..." and "have you considered", the answer is YES. The options are constantly being exhausted, and this is what it means to turn a giant old funeral home into our home and base of loving a neighborhood in this confused city... into a living, daily representation of the Church--not a pointed building, but a people who point skyward in their hope and daily generosity to each other and their neighbors...
story after story will explain why we didn't choose the money jobs, but found ourselves here, playing with children, loving addicts, and the missing (lost) sheep of Cincinnati...
the boiler (13 thousand dollars) has finally died, too... It's over. Total replacement of the decades old boiler is now necessary...
It's almost October. No heat. Roof leaking. And our trust is in Jesus, here. Please don't take this post and worry. But we've heard back from a lot of people who read this and pray. Please pray with us for the resolution of our earthly trials to show the Glory of God--and his wisdom--before all the heavenly beings who are looking...
before you ask all the questions of "do you need..." and "have you considered", the answer is YES. The options are constantly being exhausted, and this is what it means to turn a giant old funeral home into our home and base of loving a neighborhood in this confused city... into a living, daily representation of the Church--not a pointed building, but a people who point skyward in their hope and daily generosity to each other and their neighbors...
story after story will explain why we didn't choose the money jobs, but found ourselves here, playing with children, loving addicts, and the missing (lost) sheep of Cincinnati...
the boiler (13 thousand dollars) has finally died, too... It's over. Total replacement of the decades old boiler is now necessary...
It's almost October. No heat. Roof leaking. And our trust is in Jesus, here. Please don't take this post and worry. But we've heard back from a lot of people who read this and pray. Please pray with us for the resolution of our earthly trials to show the Glory of God--and his wisdom--before all the heavenly beings who are looking...
Friday, September 22, 2006
Revolutionary Table/Roof update...
It's back. the Revolutionary Table.
In the wonderful "fray" of the "reformation" of the Guys' house--they are radically declaring their house (5 guys to one Bathroom) (which they rent) a brave experiment in the Pursuit of Christ... They are doing Radical Bible Study every day, now... and Radical breakfast... and Radical planning and scheming... and Radical schedule-changing and job-changing...
They're dedicating to the Life, Together. Exciting Stuff. Keep the Guys' House in prayer. The neighbors are gonna get more love...
...and the Table! AAAh! The Table is Back. Up late, crowded around the Table in the Chase House, are the Revolutionaries who are scheming ways to follow Jesus. Scheming to be followers! Love it!
It's going to be a cold winter, I guess. They all have a certain coldness to them. Last year hovered at 56-58F. The house is just too big to heat. This year, so far, the Boiler isn't even functional. After a quick repair this week, its still leaking through cracks in some "element" or soemthing... Word is it'll quit sometime...
The roof isn't leaking the same, since I stuck some gooey stuff over the holes--but I missed a few, so I'll be back up there... 40 feet of Roof, two valleys, all STEEP, draining on one 2.5 inch hole... it just plain overflows... all the professional rooofers have literally just shook their heads...
the ESTIMATE from a reliable roofer is 35,000 dollars to FIX it. Standard issue for a GIANT, Antique house...
Look forward to pics from the top of the ladder. I've been up there a million times, but have yet to bring the cam. up there...
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Roof issue: steeper and steeper
Well, I've proven my manhood, ascending the 40'ladder, scaling the valleys of our 10/12 pitch roof, overlooking the 'hood from the heights. I've wandered the aisles of Home Depot, searching for the right tools... what a wasteland...
On Thursday night well into the wee hours, my neighbor and new buddy, Robbie, and I discussed the needs of the house.
Knowing what to do is a process. As I got into the gutters, I thought we needed a little patch and some trees trimmed. Then I discovered significant rusting and many holes in the cheap tin material ("terne")... more patching than I thought...
Then I look up after a while and see missing and loose shingles... rusted valleys, cracked endcaps... this whole roof needs help... It needs to be replaced...
Talking to robbie, we start to plan an October re-roofing--the whole thing. But now I have wisely reconsidered.
Do you understand pitch? 8-12 is a pretty stiff height. You're not touching a 10/12. Seriously. Our guy, JP, who climbs CLIFFS and mountains is freaked out to just stand in the gutter at the bottom of the roof, much less actually climb up the valley. I climb all over it, because I roofed for a few years in my younger youth... still can't haul my expanding girth up a cliff, though...
Sooo... While Robbie and I are jawing about how fun it's gonna be to reroof the whole thing, and the whole time we're talking about BOX gutters...
Box gutters. Most gutters are simple devices, attached to the home by hangers or large spiky nails. Box gutters are built into the house from scratch. They are incorporated into the actual rafters of the house. Wooden frame structures fully attached to the house, with a metal trough for the water to cascade through... All of it hand fabricated using a "brake" (1200 1400 dollars new)... Copper is 100+dollars-a-foot. Any other material is going to be a real mess. the other option is "terne"--a low quality tin product that will have to be properly painted (on that pitch with a can of paint and a brush?) every 2 years.
Why do I own such a home? I had told God (vowed) that i never would own a home again. This is my third one, and renting was so much better in terms of all this MONEY that upkeep takes.
But here we are. Why? Because of Mom's passing and the need for hospice space. b/c of the state of the church in our day. B/c of the new wineskins we're seeing emerging... b/c of the people who eat together at that table... That's why.
Sooo... I'm collecting estimates, with no possible way to pay up...
Sorry Robbie. As manly and handy as we are (not to mention good looking=), there's a lot of teaching and preaching that have to be done to keep a community on track. The roof would be torn off for a whole week while we try to make those gutters, wasting all kinds of metal, having to buy a 14-16 hundred dollar brake. We better leave this funny business to the pros.
but just in case, is there anyone out there who can reroof and fabricate box gutters out there? I'm not talking about send a youth group over here to help. I'm talking sending a craftsman over here to put in a major push... Is it out there?
Some of you are in pain right now. You love us and me and don't want us in this situation. Thank you. My own dad was never madder than when we would hurt ourselves. Those of you who love--please pray and help.
On Thursday night well into the wee hours, my neighbor and new buddy, Robbie, and I discussed the needs of the house.
Knowing what to do is a process. As I got into the gutters, I thought we needed a little patch and some trees trimmed. Then I discovered significant rusting and many holes in the cheap tin material ("terne")... more patching than I thought...
Then I look up after a while and see missing and loose shingles... rusted valleys, cracked endcaps... this whole roof needs help... It needs to be replaced...
Talking to robbie, we start to plan an October re-roofing--the whole thing. But now I have wisely reconsidered.
Do you understand pitch? 8-12 is a pretty stiff height. You're not touching a 10/12. Seriously. Our guy, JP, who climbs CLIFFS and mountains is freaked out to just stand in the gutter at the bottom of the roof, much less actually climb up the valley. I climb all over it, because I roofed for a few years in my younger youth... still can't haul my expanding girth up a cliff, though...
Sooo... While Robbie and I are jawing about how fun it's gonna be to reroof the whole thing, and the whole time we're talking about BOX gutters...
Box gutters. Most gutters are simple devices, attached to the home by hangers or large spiky nails. Box gutters are built into the house from scratch. They are incorporated into the actual rafters of the house. Wooden frame structures fully attached to the house, with a metal trough for the water to cascade through... All of it hand fabricated using a "brake" (1200 1400 dollars new)... Copper is 100+dollars-a-foot. Any other material is going to be a real mess. the other option is "terne"--a low quality tin product that will have to be properly painted (on that pitch with a can of paint and a brush?) every 2 years.
Why do I own such a home? I had told God (vowed) that i never would own a home again. This is my third one, and renting was so much better in terms of all this MONEY that upkeep takes.
But here we are. Why? Because of Mom's passing and the need for hospice space. b/c of the state of the church in our day. B/c of the new wineskins we're seeing emerging... b/c of the people who eat together at that table... That's why.
Sooo... I'm collecting estimates, with no possible way to pay up...
Sorry Robbie. As manly and handy as we are (not to mention good looking=), there's a lot of teaching and preaching that have to be done to keep a community on track. The roof would be torn off for a whole week while we try to make those gutters, wasting all kinds of metal, having to buy a 14-16 hundred dollar brake. We better leave this funny business to the pros.
but just in case, is there anyone out there who can reroof and fabricate box gutters out there? I'm not talking about send a youth group over here to help. I'm talking sending a craftsman over here to put in a major push... Is it out there?
Some of you are in pain right now. You love us and me and don't want us in this situation. Thank you. My own dad was never madder than when we would hurt ourselves. Those of you who love--please pray and help.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Yesterday: an example
Some who read this are looking for a view into the life of this community. I think a view of a typical day is a good thing for that...
Yesterday I engaged in a massively evangelistic conversation in the morning, after an hour of study and writing at the Sidewinder. That's our local coffeebrewery.
That was a 3-hour block, right there.. 825-1120...
Then off to get Seth from School.
Then home, plug seth into something like art or toys or even TV or computer games online (PBSKIDS, NOGGIN, or whatever)...
And two hours of teaching two of our folks about budgeting resources using paper calendars and paper budgets, in order to reduce stress and increase fruitfulness... Two hours+, there...
then Lunch, late.
Off to Home Depot for 2.5 hours, with Seth in tow. How does a 4 year old do Home depot for 2 hours? He was GREAT. Something about a house of tools that seemed to capture him... Doesn't it capture us all?
When we got back, Seth napped in the open van, while I got to work putting anchors under the shingles and tying the ladder to them (now I can RUN up and down it--Look mom, no hands).
Then dinner and dark.
Then a meeting with one of my close guys, over here... meeting is too formal a word. More of "a convergence of spiritual minds".
also, we need a huge, new fridge. please pray. I mean a HUGE one.
Yesterday I engaged in a massively evangelistic conversation in the morning, after an hour of study and writing at the Sidewinder. That's our local coffeebrewery.
That was a 3-hour block, right there.. 825-1120...
Then off to get Seth from School.
Then home, plug seth into something like art or toys or even TV or computer games online (PBSKIDS, NOGGIN, or whatever)...
And two hours of teaching two of our folks about budgeting resources using paper calendars and paper budgets, in order to reduce stress and increase fruitfulness... Two hours+, there...
then Lunch, late.
Off to Home Depot for 2.5 hours, with Seth in tow. How does a 4 year old do Home depot for 2 hours? He was GREAT. Something about a house of tools that seemed to capture him... Doesn't it capture us all?
When we got back, Seth napped in the open van, while I got to work putting anchors under the shingles and tying the ladder to them (now I can RUN up and down it--Look mom, no hands).
Then dinner and dark.
Then a meeting with one of my close guys, over here... meeting is too formal a word. More of "a convergence of spiritual minds".
also, we need a huge, new fridge. please pray. I mean a HUGE one.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Season's Changing
Just like the cool air that's settling in on us (I'm lovin' this hot coffee I'm drinking)...
Had to stop bloggin, to have an hour of conversation with a total stranger who happens to be a close neighbor. He is a very deep, fairly recent Chrisitan, who is looking into the deep things of the Kingdom. He's got a copy of "The Cost of Discipleship", by Bonhoeffer, there...
Intense, seminal conversation. Huge. What's it worth to be at tables like these, daily? God is doing a new thing. It's springing up. Don't you see it? Amazing. I'm watching the parts coming together in a move of God in our Generation. A move back and forward. Parts in the Body are craving LIFE--Jesus Himself.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Rainy day, Leaking gutters
so far the roofers are kind of falling through.
So is the rain
into the house, that is.
Today we had a good rain inside and out. haha...
Our spirits are good. We trust the father to take care of us.
Yesterday a roofer just plain old couldn't find us. 1320 Chase. I was on another call and 15 minutes later returned his frustrated message. poor guy. hope he does call today.
two days earlier, another guy had problems climbing the steeply pitched roof, and his ladder couldn't reach the 40' to the ailing gutter.
Our hearts are light. We know that Father will care for us.
And I'm more excited than ever about mobilising prayer for this little band of jesus people. Please do pray, right now, that Father bless and send to us.
More of His spirit.
More Love...
more miracles...
and yeah, the gutter leak, boiler, and a lot of other stuff...
I am thankful for our leaking gutters and house problems if they bring the Body together. Just as I am thankful for them leading me into dependence on Him.
So is the rain
into the house, that is.
Today we had a good rain inside and out. haha...
Our spirits are good. We trust the father to take care of us.
Yesterday a roofer just plain old couldn't find us. 1320 Chase. I was on another call and 15 minutes later returned his frustrated message. poor guy. hope he does call today.
two days earlier, another guy had problems climbing the steeply pitched roof, and his ladder couldn't reach the 40' to the ailing gutter.
Our hearts are light. We know that Father will care for us.
And I'm more excited than ever about mobilising prayer for this little band of jesus people. Please do pray, right now, that Father bless and send to us.
More of His spirit.
More Love...
more miracles...
and yeah, the gutter leak, boiler, and a lot of other stuff...
I am thankful for our leaking gutters and house problems if they bring the Body together. Just as I am thankful for them leading me into dependence on Him.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Jeremiah Blog Back up and Running
ATTENTION! The Jeremiah Blog is back on and you're all invited to post edifying comments and encouraging, stimulating observations there. Pleas do. This technology has given us a great opportunity to connect over scripture, even though some of us are far away.
indescribable sunday nights...
Sunday night...
Last Night...
One brother puts it like like this: "I look at my watch around 7pm on sundays and then when I look back, it's about 10pm..." We're just worshipping our heads off... Jesus is visiting us all with such gentle power.
There is such power and glory coming on us as we sing to Jesus on Sundays, together... We are experiencing "inner chamber" with God. More, Lord. 24/7 would be just fine... After the singing last night, we prayed over a dear brother--a seriously dear brother--who has just started leading a new house church with another dear brother...
there's sharing from the Spirit's voice--gently expressing what we're "getting" from the Lord, as we ask him for bread, not stones... fish not snakes... trusting that if we love him, obey him, honor him, that He will visit us with power from on High--all of this that we may glorify Jesus...
There was violence in the street last night, too... As many were praying, some of the young men (the oldest guy we have is like 35, so there aren't any but young) went to pray and call 911. Please pray for guns not to work, knives not to cut...
Pray that our neighbors would have DREAMS... that the Holy Spirit would move mightily and that they totally seek after Jesus--those to whom it is granted...
We finished the night off with an intimate time of looking deeply into what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church in our days... Bed around 2am. What a great life...
Last Night...
One brother puts it like like this: "I look at my watch around 7pm on sundays and then when I look back, it's about 10pm..." We're just worshipping our heads off... Jesus is visiting us all with such gentle power.
There is such power and glory coming on us as we sing to Jesus on Sundays, together... We are experiencing "inner chamber" with God. More, Lord. 24/7 would be just fine... After the singing last night, we prayed over a dear brother--a seriously dear brother--who has just started leading a new house church with another dear brother...
there's sharing from the Spirit's voice--gently expressing what we're "getting" from the Lord, as we ask him for bread, not stones... fish not snakes... trusting that if we love him, obey him, honor him, that He will visit us with power from on High--all of this that we may glorify Jesus...
There was violence in the street last night, too... As many were praying, some of the young men (the oldest guy we have is like 35, so there aren't any but young) went to pray and call 911. Please pray for guns not to work, knives not to cut...
Pray that our neighbors would have DREAMS... that the Holy Spirit would move mightily and that they totally seek after Jesus--those to whom it is granted...
We finished the night off with an intimate time of looking deeply into what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church in our days... Bed around 2am. What a great life...
When God Speaks
Hi, How are you today. Thanks for stopping by. Thanks for praying for us.
I have a question for some of you. How do you handle the reality of 1 Cor. 14's treatment of prophecy in your gatherings? Around us, we have a fairly rich matrix of dreams, impressions, Mental pictures, intuitions, etc... that are shared as folk press in to prayer and soak their hearts in God, and their heads in Scripture... Things are offered up in informal setting, around the big table, and tested thoroughly in an informal, relaxed, gentle, loving way, all week long. When we meet together, the sharing of "words" and such is easy, as there are never more than thirty of us or so, and the atmosphere is very intimate and there is usually a strong sense of God's presence...
In 1 Thess. 5:19-22, we're told not to "despise prophetic utterance..." I think that's exciting, because so many of us are really hearing the Lord, and the sharing of that can be so very edifying, encouraging and comforting to folk who are thrashing it out in the trenches of life... (1 Cor. 14:3 says that the purpose of such sharing is to edify, encourage, and equip.)
I'm curious how other communities handle such dynamics, and I think some readers will want to read how others are experiencing the Voice.
Isaiah 30:21
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
This isn't an invitaion for a lot of things, and comments are moderated, but I would like to share encouragement in the Body here in Cinci. Could we hear how God moves around you?
I have a question for some of you. How do you handle the reality of 1 Cor. 14's treatment of prophecy in your gatherings? Around us, we have a fairly rich matrix of dreams, impressions, Mental pictures, intuitions, etc... that are shared as folk press in to prayer and soak their hearts in God, and their heads in Scripture... Things are offered up in informal setting, around the big table, and tested thoroughly in an informal, relaxed, gentle, loving way, all week long. When we meet together, the sharing of "words" and such is easy, as there are never more than thirty of us or so, and the atmosphere is very intimate and there is usually a strong sense of God's presence...
In 1 Thess. 5:19-22, we're told not to "despise prophetic utterance..." I think that's exciting, because so many of us are really hearing the Lord, and the sharing of that can be so very edifying, encouraging and comforting to folk who are thrashing it out in the trenches of life... (1 Cor. 14:3 says that the purpose of such sharing is to edify, encourage, and equip.)
I'm curious how other communities handle such dynamics, and I think some readers will want to read how others are experiencing the Voice.
Isaiah 30:21
21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
This isn't an invitaion for a lot of things, and comments are moderated, but I would like to share encouragement in the Body here in Cinci. Could we hear how God moves around you?
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Many thanks for the prayer and care!
Today I was at a local church, and as I asked for prayer about our gutters and boiler, I was interrupted. They already knew! Thanks to Brandon and Mike and Aaron and Wes and all of you who have let people know that we're in need.
The Brother who came over the other day, Greg, was held off by the pitch of the roof and morning dew. It turns out that this pitch is something callled a 10/12, which means it's hella steep. Greg, you're the man. I couldn't even climb your ladder. wow! that was high up.
There'll be another roof guy coming on Monday to look at what's up. I hope he has a 40' ladder because there's no way up with a 35' ladder. I better call him back.
Hey all you. Wednesday nights are open dinner and prayer at the house, for all who love the Lord. Shy don't you give me a call, or send an email, and join us for a meal and prayer for an evening. Kids bring chaos and are welcome, because their chaos heals ours. They can hang out after dinner with toys and a vid. Just let us know and we'll allot portions and let youknow if we need you to bring anything...
Love.
Love.
Love.
The Brother who came over the other day, Greg, was held off by the pitch of the roof and morning dew. It turns out that this pitch is something callled a 10/12, which means it's hella steep. Greg, you're the man. I couldn't even climb your ladder. wow! that was high up.
There'll be another roof guy coming on Monday to look at what's up. I hope he has a 40' ladder because there's no way up with a 35' ladder. I better call him back.
Hey all you. Wednesday nights are open dinner and prayer at the house, for all who love the Lord. Shy don't you give me a call, or send an email, and join us for a meal and prayer for an evening. Kids bring chaos and are welcome, because their chaos heals ours. They can hang out after dinner with toys and a vid. Just let us know and we'll allot portions and let youknow if we need you to bring anything...
Love.
Love.
Love.
Friday, September 8, 2006
Touching base again
Hello dear readers. Thank you for checking in to see what's going on in the GrubbyKupp Community. This morning, a man with roofing skills will be arriving to look into our roof situation. the wallpaper's all falling off...there are cracks and wet spots on the wall...water comes in through three windows on two different walls...this has been going on for many months.
The Zero Roofing Co. was kind enough to send out a gent for a free estimate--Box gutter repair: $8,500.00.
This is why I'm grateful to have a brother in the Lord come over and stick down a patch, look around, and teach me how to save the money.
I'd like to thank all of you who have spoken with me over the last few weeks as I've tried to find help for the house... Steve, Robbie, Aaron, Melissa, Bobby, Mike McD... all of you. Thanks to all of you who've prayed and advised, cajoled and encouraged, challenged and taught. I'm not sure the quest for help (love) is over, but at this point, I'm taking a moment to say, "Thank You".
The Boiler repair hovers with a $12,000.00 repair estimate.
The wiring of the house continues to smoke, occasionally...
when we started this journey, we were sure that this would take HELP (love) to pull off. we're just some jesus people. Not a "non-profit". We're a family, the church--your brethren, frontline workers in the Gospel... we're not in the market for gov't grants or big monies. With shelter over our heads, we're able to make major changes in the world, through prayer and the gospel...
well, the garbage has to go out...
The Zero Roofing Co. was kind enough to send out a gent for a free estimate--Box gutter repair: $8,500.00.
This is why I'm grateful to have a brother in the Lord come over and stick down a patch, look around, and teach me how to save the money.
I'd like to thank all of you who have spoken with me over the last few weeks as I've tried to find help for the house... Steve, Robbie, Aaron, Melissa, Bobby, Mike McD... all of you. Thanks to all of you who've prayed and advised, cajoled and encouraged, challenged and taught. I'm not sure the quest for help (love) is over, but at this point, I'm taking a moment to say, "Thank You".
The Boiler repair hovers with a $12,000.00 repair estimate.
The wiring of the house continues to smoke, occasionally...
when we started this journey, we were sure that this would take HELP (love) to pull off. we're just some jesus people. Not a "non-profit". We're a family, the church--your brethren, frontline workers in the Gospel... we're not in the market for gov't grants or big monies. With shelter over our heads, we're able to make major changes in the world, through prayer and the gospel...
well, the garbage has to go out...
Monday, August 28, 2006
Lil News
This has been a busy month. JP and Prari moved three blocks away to Lingo St., where they are encountering a new atmosphere. It's a lot rougher feeling over there than it is now, here at 1320 Chase.
Chris is across the street in the efficiency, awaiting his wedding to Sheena, who has moved into the Chase house until the day... How nice to finish engagement as neighbors. it's great to be able to "family up" with them...
The guys house is in the flux of repentance and pressing in to the Lord... Three of five are growing closer than ever to Jesus. Two of five are deepening in loving leadership...
Zach is working for Bobby in Thrift industries, up in hamilton... His wedding pending... Laurel is nursing and living in Clifton...
This little group of christians here in cinci has bee really stretched and blessed this summer... my what heat! Today is a rainy day, almost september... sweet...
I'd love it if someone would leave a question about this little group of Jesus people for me to answer. What would YOU like to know about this experience? How can we encourage you? What part of the story would be helpful?
Chris is across the street in the efficiency, awaiting his wedding to Sheena, who has moved into the Chase house until the day... How nice to finish engagement as neighbors. it's great to be able to "family up" with them...
The guys house is in the flux of repentance and pressing in to the Lord... Three of five are growing closer than ever to Jesus. Two of five are deepening in loving leadership...
Zach is working for Bobby in Thrift industries, up in hamilton... His wedding pending... Laurel is nursing and living in Clifton...
This little group of christians here in cinci has bee really stretched and blessed this summer... my what heat! Today is a rainy day, almost september... sweet...
I'd love it if someone would leave a question about this little group of Jesus people for me to answer. What would YOU like to know about this experience? How can we encourage you? What part of the story would be helpful?
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Sunday Sharing at the Orchard church
Lew and Chris went with Judy and the Kids and Andrew the Georgian to the Orchard's meeting this morning... we shared songs and testimonies and a brief word about the Kingdom and it's King.
Thanks to all who check this and pray. it has been very encouraging to receive your comments. It amazes me that you still check, even though I've been off for so long.
Thanks to all at the Orchard who received us so graciously and encouraged us in our spirits...
Thanks to all who check this and pray. it has been very encouraging to receive your comments. It amazes me that you still check, even though I've been off for so long.
Thanks to all at the Orchard who received us so graciously and encouraged us in our spirits...
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Time in DE
I write this from the home of John, Sydney, Jacob, Evan, Hadley, Bailey, Simeon, Solomon, Noah, Micah, Isaiah, Anna, Malena, Casey, Quinn, Cecilia, and Seth (still in China). Yep, I'm with Aaron, Seth, and my new buddy from the Republic of Georgia--Andrew. We're in Delaware for a few days with these guys... We've been here more than two days and it's been great...
It's incredible to be able to see... people who are doing it--living the life described in the Beattitudes. They're doing it every day. the meekness and the patience and the persistence of the gospel, lived out in daily life...
They all do their chores each morning after breakfast. Beds get made, floors get sweeped, dishes cleaned, everything--all in a beautiful, authentic, chaos... like a salt and pepper tornado of round heads, beautiful braids, and blondie locks, swimming about... Singing, laughing, yelling, crying, screaming... playing outdoors, building forts, skateboarding, bike riding...
It's great to see a huge, american-typical, house--you know, in a neighborhood full of large houses... and this house is full of life. The kids are playing, and the cars in the driveway are all "not new", not status symbols, and there are guests parking next to the driveway... and it's living large...
Some neighbors are lobbying to have them sanctioned by the neigh.assoc. for having too many children. there have been complaints about the children playing outside.
When they went to church one time, one of their kids noted that the other kids don't have bumps and bruises on their legs. It's because most kids don't build forts outside, or dig, or jump, or bump around like them... no kidding. suburban, affluent america is more sedentary and sated with entertainment than ever... no kidding... it's real...
there's no danger from that kind of difference, though. the assoc will never touch them because there are lots of folks here who don't care about that kind of small stuff... they are a great family for this ney-hd.
We visited NY for about three days, and here for about three days... good trip...
It's incredible to be able to see... people who are doing it--living the life described in the Beattitudes. They're doing it every day. the meekness and the patience and the persistence of the gospel, lived out in daily life...
They all do their chores each morning after breakfast. Beds get made, floors get sweeped, dishes cleaned, everything--all in a beautiful, authentic, chaos... like a salt and pepper tornado of round heads, beautiful braids, and blondie locks, swimming about... Singing, laughing, yelling, crying, screaming... playing outdoors, building forts, skateboarding, bike riding...
It's great to see a huge, american-typical, house--you know, in a neighborhood full of large houses... and this house is full of life. The kids are playing, and the cars in the driveway are all "not new", not status symbols, and there are guests parking next to the driveway... and it's living large...
Some neighbors are lobbying to have them sanctioned by the neigh.assoc. for having too many children. there have been complaints about the children playing outside.
When they went to church one time, one of their kids noted that the other kids don't have bumps and bruises on their legs. It's because most kids don't build forts outside, or dig, or jump, or bump around like them... no kidding. suburban, affluent america is more sedentary and sated with entertainment than ever... no kidding... it's real...
there's no danger from that kind of difference, though. the assoc will never touch them because there are lots of folks here who don't care about that kind of small stuff... they are a great family for this ney-hd.
We visited NY for about three days, and here for about three days... good trip...
Thursday, July 20, 2006
ALL NIGHT PRAYER THIS FRIDAY NIGHT 8PM
I love entering a room and being notified that the Holy Spirit has called us to an all-nighter. I love when the Body is listening and hearing... I love not being the center of the church family... Thank you God. We meet You. Amen...
Prayer
I'd like to greet you all in the Name... Love that Name...
Hey. Where's Lew been? Where've all the blog entries gone? What's up with the long absence and hte sparse material?
Fear not, faithful readers. Blogging isn't dead around here. I'm just marinating in stuff that I don't want to sully.
Around the house, it's all been about the prayer... A couple months back, we started to hear from Father that we're to be devoted to the acts 2 stuff, and so we kind of "redefined" our ideas of ministry/community around that.
We got reduced from being a "ministry" to being a family. Sophistication has dropped down a bunch of notches, and expectations are set with childlike joy to the "Kingdom" levels, again... "Community" talk is down. Love talk is up. Shame is out. Grace is in...
There has been a major season or refreshing on us. We're just seeing Father doing so many kind and powerful things among us. For instance, we've had some major prayers for deliverance (demonic), and inner healing answered. There has also been a refreshing of worship and spiritual gifts in our meeting times. When we come together now, the format is more "open" than ever. almost everybody comes with something to share to build up the body, and the ensuing worship an dprayer is awesome.
Pax
Hey. Where's Lew been? Where've all the blog entries gone? What's up with the long absence and hte sparse material?
Fear not, faithful readers. Blogging isn't dead around here. I'm just marinating in stuff that I don't want to sully.
Around the house, it's all been about the prayer... A couple months back, we started to hear from Father that we're to be devoted to the acts 2 stuff, and so we kind of "redefined" our ideas of ministry/community around that.
We got reduced from being a "ministry" to being a family. Sophistication has dropped down a bunch of notches, and expectations are set with childlike joy to the "Kingdom" levels, again... "Community" talk is down. Love talk is up. Shame is out. Grace is in...
There has been a major season or refreshing on us. We're just seeing Father doing so many kind and powerful things among us. For instance, we've had some major prayers for deliverance (demonic), and inner healing answered. There has also been a refreshing of worship and spiritual gifts in our meeting times. When we come together now, the format is more "open" than ever. almost everybody comes with something to share to build up the body, and the ensuing worship an dprayer is awesome.
Pax
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Lew in Florida
All is well in Grubbykupp Land, folks. Thanks for praying. The Father is caring for us all, daily. We are so glad to belong to Him. Our fellowship in cincinnati is focusing on our identity of belonging to Him, and bearing out the fruit of that... We are in Acts 2, again...
Lew is in Florida. You may know that through a wonderful confluence of reconciliation and miracle love we have been part of a church in Florida called The Body of Christ--a ragtag bunch of...LOVErs of Jesus... and US... Lew is among them, sharing spiritual gifts and soaking in the Jesus vibe there...
More soon to come. Lew's back on the blogin' horse. Thanks for praying...
Lew is in Florida. You may know that through a wonderful confluence of reconciliation and miracle love we have been part of a church in Florida called The Body of Christ--a ragtag bunch of...LOVErs of Jesus... and US... Lew is among them, sharing spiritual gifts and soaking in the Jesus vibe there...
More soon to come. Lew's back on the blogin' horse. Thanks for praying...
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Typical Afterschool...
Here is a typical afterschool afternoon for Aaron. He gets home and has a ton of kids in his life. Kids from not all, but a few walks of life. There are only a few walks of life around here... please pray for the boys and girls who are turning into men and women around us. There are major needs for prayer. 
Monday, May 22, 2006
Another Wonderful Sunday
Sunday Nights are becoming... they are becoming an important teaching/preaching night. They are becoming a time of praise songs and worship in songs. They remain interactive, and led by the Spirit. There are a lot of visitors coming in. I don't know how many right off the bat, but there are a lot of us... it's been wonderful to have Joe, Kyle, Beedle, Susan, Arsene--just last night. The week before, we shared table with Erwin, Suzeanne (spelling?), Lucy (from Kenya), and Jeannie (sp?). Joe is also a missionary to Kenya, on furlough. JP and Prari are praying about their return to Kenya, as well. Kenya, Kenya, Kenya, Ivory Coast... Africa... again and again.
Kyle and Beedle are students from Chris Deering's alma mater, Kentucky Christian University. They are on their way to England for a couple months of youth ministry. They stayed over last night. We'll all powwow this morning...
We are so pleased by the grace of God among us. It is so pleasant to share in the Spirit and the Scripture together. There is nothing better... not on this side, anyway...
Love one another.
Kyle and Beedle are students from Chris Deering's alma mater, Kentucky Christian University. They are on their way to England for a couple months of youth ministry. They stayed over last night. We'll all powwow this morning...
We are so pleased by the grace of God among us. It is so pleasant to share in the Spirit and the Scripture together. There is nothing better... not on this side, anyway...
Love one another.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
McPerry's Demolished Today
Today they Razed McPerry's. i wasn't sure what to think. I spent a lot of time asking people why it was necessary to destroy this business--revoking their liquor license and driving them out of the 'hood. There were conflicting reports. One gentleman of high standing assured me that they had ties to terrorism. Two people said that they were convicted of selling stolen goods--a claim that wasn't true. they were exonerated by a grand jury. Another said that they harbored the drug dealers when the cops chased them.
I don't know. but i have another question: how will the Church of Jesus deal with the fact that this didn't work? The City is doing its best, but the "Problem" has just moved 2 blocks closer to the Chase House, back on APJones street. It is up to the Church to do this. Not the City. We are the City of God. We are a city within a city... We are His City. How will we live this out?
I don't know. but i have another question: how will the Church of Jesus deal with the fact that this didn't work? The City is doing its best, but the "Problem" has just moved 2 blocks closer to the Chase House, back on APJones street. It is up to the Church to do this. Not the City. We are the City of God. We are a city within a city... We are His City. How will we live this out?
Queen City Mission Bloggers!
there's a new troublemaker on the block. a brother named Michael Foster. He's started a forum for discussion of Church issues in Cincinnati. He and his wife, Emily are expecting their first kiddo in Nov. They live like 3 minutes from us.
face peeling bible study last night
how was the women's study last night? At the men's we experienced what Paul was talking about when he told Timothy that in the last days people wouldn't "endure" sound teaching. We had to ENDURE the weight of the message from Jeremiah. In Hebrew, the words translated "Thus Saith the LORD" are actually "ne'Um yhwh"-- the burden of yahweh.
the burden.
we were saddled last night with the message of grace. it took endurance as were were being humbled. yet there is our hope--that as the Word humbles us, we await being lifted up. God opposes the proud. Let us then be humbled...
Thanks to all who made last night the togetherness it was. Thanks to Jesus who makes us possible...
the burden.
we were saddled last night with the message of grace. it took endurance as were were being humbled. yet there is our hope--that as the Word humbles us, we await being lifted up. God opposes the proud. Let us then be humbled...
Thanks to all who made last night the togetherness it was. Thanks to Jesus who makes us possible...
Monday, May 15, 2006
5 minute post
i only have 5 minutes to post this... i want to take this opp to say how wonderful it is to experience the love that surrounded and supported me and Judy and the boys while Judy was in Germany. this is a great community to live in... we were prayed for, served through house cleaning, and kid-watching... i was able to study and write and practise music, and counsel and talk theology, and really work the job of ministry among us b/c of the help of you saints... incredible week...
Friday, May 12, 2006
Lucy Gacheru!! This Sunday
Lucy will be with us this Sunday. Please prepare a special offering, everyone. She will share about the orphanage in North Kinangop, Kenya. Please pray for John and Prari, as they continue to seek God about their service to him among the brothers and sisters in Kenya...
As you know, we have sponsored David for a year or so... Let's raise enough support to add a kid this year--$300. that's all it takes... or 2 kids... It's good to be ambitious to do good... Mark your gifts specifically and put them in the basket in the hallway... (basket made in mbita)
click title for link
As you know, we have sponsored David for a year or so... Let's raise enough support to add a kid this year--$300. that's all it takes... or 2 kids... It's good to be ambitious to do good... Mark your gifts specifically and put them in the basket in the hallway... (basket made in mbita)
click title for link
Scripture for this upcoming Sunday
Here's a scripture for our upcoming Meeting Night... get ready! btw...i got to prayer real late this morning. was anyone else there, besides You, Lord?
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Quick Word about Scripture Listing
Hey all,
you know how I keep saying that I'd love to see you copying down the Scriptures that cross the plate in our Bible Studies? To take them with you and incorporate them into your weeklong study, as part of Common life? Well, i mean it, every time. BUT...
But i'm also really very very proud of how so many of us know them by heart already. How so many of us are reading and living TONS of scriptures! I am so privileged to serve the Lord in such a flock! I am getting amazed by you guys everyday... 
i sat down with one of you (three of you actually) and (no, five of you) and checked in on how Sunday night got processed. The depth of your personal study and the intensity of your concern for the Word in your lives is inspiring. Gogogogogogo! Press in. Press On...
It is a joy that my role in Body life is to Affirm, and confirm what God is already at in you. It is a pure joy to be a teacher here. Please continue to pray for me that I be led of the Spirit and faithful to Christ, never giving in to the pull of man's approval, as I teach and preach among us...
Pray that I live the Word, too... that He live it through me, as is the only way...
and that i plough straight furrows in the field of the Lord...
you know how I keep saying that I'd love to see you copying down the Scriptures that cross the plate in our Bible Studies? To take them with you and incorporate them into your weeklong study, as part of Common life? Well, i mean it, every time. BUT...
But i'm also really very very proud of how so many of us know them by heart already. How so many of us are reading and living TONS of scriptures! I am so privileged to serve the Lord in such a flock! I am getting amazed by you guys everyday... 
i sat down with one of you (three of you actually) and (no, five of you) and checked in on how Sunday night got processed. The depth of your personal study and the intensity of your concern for the Word in your lives is inspiring. Gogogogogogo! Press in. Press On... It is a joy that my role in Body life is to Affirm, and confirm what God is already at in you. It is a pure joy to be a teacher here. Please continue to pray for me that I be led of the Spirit and faithful to Christ, never giving in to the pull of man's approval, as I teach and preach among us...
Pray that I live the Word, too... that He live it through me, as is the only way...
and that i plough straight furrows in the field of the Lord...
Tuesday Night Bible Study
During Tuesday Night Bible Study, I got the feeling that if we went on a little more in the Scriptures, that we'd break into a prayer meeting, and a revival would start. We were really getting an intense, "firelike", experience over the Word, who is Jesus, together... We were honored to enjoy the company of Jeremy, Michael, and Emily (and their very teeny, little one--PTL), and local house church phenom, John Daley... The Ladies' study went on, even though Judy wasn't here, too! I look forward to hearing about how that went... 
We are using the text of Jeremiah as the diving board into other stuff, and ended up in a discussion of the Wisdom of God versus the Wisdom of the World. 
1 Cor. 1-2 were talking points, where we started a discussion comparing the wisdom of God with the wisdom of the world. 
"how do you recognize wisdom", one asked. We looked at James chapter 3:12 and following... by its fruit... by it's attitude... by peace and righteousness... by submissiveness... by purity... 
there was a lot of intense, passionate sharing at the table, around the Gospel,and how we are charged to renew the Church's obedience to it, calling all men to repent and believe, and go to preach... (and by men, I man ladies, too). 
On top of it all, the house was a total wreck, and we just dived in anyway, but during the study, Emily and Sheena totally cleaned the kitchen, which freed us up to fix a snack (which we cleaned up after), and enjoy an hour's pleasant conversation... 
It was great to get to know Michael and Emily, from Craig Spinx's group over there with Sunell. Hi Craig! I met you once and dumped my heart on your floor... i'm not sure i'm better now, but i still belong to Jesus... Hi Sunell! We all love you over here...
When the economy tanks because we spent too much on our war and our suv's, you can all come live at my house...
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Second Funeral For Chris Challis: Friday May 12th
There will be another funeral for Chris Challis this Friday. His Family found us through the blogs! We thank God for this chance to love them and share our memories of Chris. Word has it that Chris' body will be buried in a Harley Shirt. Man, you gotta love that guy.
we look forward to That Day...
Info on the time of the funeral will be provided on the Yahoo Group. Make sure you're a member of that group. Contact JP (john Parran), or just click Yahoo Group on the sidebar and follow directions to join... After that, you'll receive our announcements and have access to photos and news...
Monday, May 8, 2006
Sunday Night Notes (click) Worth Reading
if you were here on Sunday Night, you got a "pin pushed into you".
Saturday, May 6, 2006
Special Need: Wallis Family (click Here)
Please, everyone, please join the Wallis Family with your Prayers and Financial support. We're taking up a collection this week during Sunday Meeting to help them with Seth's (from China) adoption. They are certainly worthy of our help, and it is a privilege for us to join them in the Lord's work in their life...
Click the John Wallis and Sydney Wallis links on the sidebar to get the scoop...
This is a pic i shot of John Wallis, from his good side... He is one of my all time best friends. Please consider him a brother
worthy of help and support...
and don't forget to lift
THIS GUY
up, too!!! We are responsible to the Judgment for how we love the likes of these. Change our lives! Change our ways...
Click the John Wallis and Sydney Wallis links on the sidebar to get the scoop...
This is a pic i shot of John Wallis, from his good side... He is one of my all time best friends. Please consider him a brotherworthy of help and support...
and don't forget to lift
THIS GUY
up, too!!! We are responsible to the Judgment for how we love the likes of these. Change our lives! Change our ways...
Youth Bible Study and BBQ
On Friday Nights around here, Jp and Chris, sheena and Prari, and Zach Lawless and whoever else is available, have a time of "church" with our local youth. It's super low-key, and rough around the edges--our "youtes" are really awesome guys--we love them and see in them God's image, and they keep us real b/c they "don't believe the hype". 
Mello, Maurice, Monty, Turon, Turine, Carlos, Devante... our local crew is really on the edge. The drug barons are just up the street, providing mentoring, provision, and attention that the Church is simply not present to give... Our current "Bible Study" is just a tiny seed of what we feel we'll be about in the Future... We are praying that Jesus completely overwhelm this darkness with His light. We are praying for power and miracles... 
JP and Chris "badger" a Bible study in to the fellas for a while, then they all pray. That's a thing you'll notice: these guys have a lot of prayer needs... they pray very easily. I think that's part training: "that's what makes church folk happy", and part truth: "one thing's sure--nothin else is workin--i might as well pray". 
We do this every Friday. Pleaseadd your prayersto the balance, and pray especially that we would grow in fervency and intensity of prayer, in our community...
Friday, May 5, 2006
Mild Emergency: JUDY IN GERMANY 11 Days
This was unplanned, but CIEE needs Judy to go to Germany, and Lew will need you all to press in around him. There will be a lot of cooking, dishes, and basic household "glue" issues without Judy around. You all know how much she does. Just getting the laundry done will be mountainous... Alert! Alert! 
there is a danger of being overwhelmed and judy getting back to a ruined house... Au Secours!
Prayer: Friday Mornings 6AM
Please feel free to motivate and get up early for a time of prayer, Scripture reading, and prayer in the Big Room of the Chase House. It's good for our souls to pray together.
Don't be ashamed...be Changed...
Living in our community, being exposed to the daily warp and woof of intense, shared, missional life... I'm struck by the fact this morning that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.
When I was speaking to Brother Aaron's class, I was struck by something that I said
(that must sound terribly egocentric--welcome to my world. all the tools i have to measure this world are related to my self, and i take him with me everywhere. I listen to myself speak, and i learn from myself, too...is that such a crime?)...
Here's the setup:
I asked the class numerous questions, trying to get an idea of how well they knew the scriptures...
They were a bit timid, so I knew they knew more than they were letting on, but it soon became clear (remember this wasn't "quizzing", it was a conversational type of sharing) that they didn't know the Scriptures anywhere near as well as they will after Mr. K's class is done shaking them out...
I felt shame settling on them like a foggy dew. You could feel it. They were getting ready to be browbeaten (probably "again").
and I said something like, "Don't be ashamed! Whatever you do, Don't be ashamed! That's too EASY. Be CHANGED!!!" It's a powerful thing to simply admit and accept that we are not put together and all that... to look square in the face that we are small, often evil, and soooooo limited... to confess honestly that we want to do better, but we do what we don't want to...
then to look upon the love of God in Christ, calling us to receive him--Love. To be loved is our religion. to freely receive it and freely give it... this is abiding in the vine...
...meditation on our own sin, god's holiness, our fall, his call...works its best work as we meditate on and dwell in His love for us... behold how much he has LOVED us!
hard truths about our sin, neglect, evil, laziness, ignorance, limitation, etc... serve best when the listener comes to an amazement at the Love of the Father.
That is what Jesus did... He LOVED as he spoke hard truth about us, to us, for us... He loves us now... He invites us to a life that with an invitation that draws the truly humble and broken, and repels the hard-hearted and proud...
Look how broken that woman at the well got when Jesus called her out...and the woman who broke the perfume over Jesus' feet. Look at how Zacchaeus admitted his faults.
All of these were overjoyed at Jesus! He brought them Joy! In their honesty, confession and repentance, they found RELIEF!!! Amazement! childlike Joy! Prostitutes, Tax-Collectors, Sinners--even Gentile Centurions engaged the Kingdome of God more readily than the well-trained religious elite. In fact, examine closely how the well-trained religious elite treated Jesus and his followers... are you so sure you want to go there? is that what discipleship is about? expertise? No.
It's about an obedience that comes by trusting. A righteousness born of the amazement of believeing the impossible message that god really really really DOES really really LOVE...even a sinner like me...
How could we praise the love of the Father enough?
not a love that winks off sin, or leaves us in darkness. No. All who believe will bear fruit. 
We tremble at His judgment--and run to Him.
the shame was dispersed and gone... we could go on...
When I was speaking to Brother Aaron's class, I was struck by something that I said
(that must sound terribly egocentric--welcome to my world. all the tools i have to measure this world are related to my self, and i take him with me everywhere. I listen to myself speak, and i learn from myself, too...is that such a crime?)... Here's the setup:
I asked the class numerous questions, trying to get an idea of how well they knew the scriptures...
They were a bit timid, so I knew they knew more than they were letting on, but it soon became clear (remember this wasn't "quizzing", it was a conversational type of sharing) that they didn't know the Scriptures anywhere near as well as they will after Mr. K's class is done shaking them out... 
I felt shame settling on them like a foggy dew. You could feel it. They were getting ready to be browbeaten (probably "again"). and I said something like, "Don't be ashamed! Whatever you do, Don't be ashamed! That's too EASY. Be CHANGED!!!" It's a powerful thing to simply admit and accept that we are not put together and all that... to look square in the face that we are small, often evil, and soooooo limited... to confess honestly that we want to do better, but we do what we don't want to...
then to look upon the love of God in Christ, calling us to receive him--Love. To be loved is our religion. to freely receive it and freely give it... this is abiding in the vine...
...meditation on our own sin, god's holiness, our fall, his call...works its best work as we meditate on and dwell in His love for us... behold how much he has LOVED us!
hard truths about our sin, neglect, evil, laziness, ignorance, limitation, etc... serve best when the listener comes to an amazement at the Love of the Father.
That is what Jesus did... He LOVED as he spoke hard truth about us, to us, for us... He loves us now... He invites us to a life that with an invitation that draws the truly humble and broken, and repels the hard-hearted and proud...
Look how broken that woman at the well got when Jesus called her out...and the woman who broke the perfume over Jesus' feet. Look at how Zacchaeus admitted his faults.
All of these were overjoyed at Jesus! He brought them Joy! In their honesty, confession and repentance, they found RELIEF!!! Amazement! childlike Joy! Prostitutes, Tax-Collectors, Sinners--even Gentile Centurions engaged the Kingdome of God more readily than the well-trained religious elite. In fact, examine closely how the well-trained religious elite treated Jesus and his followers... are you so sure you want to go there? is that what discipleship is about? expertise? No.
It's about an obedience that comes by trusting. A righteousness born of the amazement of believeing the impossible message that god really really really DOES really really LOVE...even a sinner like me...
How could we praise the love of the Father enough?
not a love that winks off sin, or leaves us in darkness. No. All who believe will bear fruit. 
We tremble at His judgment--and run to Him. the shame was dispersed and gone... we could go on...
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