A Foundation of Love and Unity - Paula

Ted and I were reading, actually I was reading to Ted, Don Atkin's E-Book "The Apostles' Role Among The Believers - The Global Communion of the Saints". http://www.donatkin.com/EBOOK-THE-APOSTLES-ROLE.pdf We really enjoyed his articulation of an apostolic model. It is the most humble and I consider accurate description of the apostolic I have sent to date. He is very careful to present the apostolic as among the saints, with grace for specific jobs that need to be accomplished within the body of Christ. The whole work is "Breaking New Ground".

One of the greatest challenges in life is keeping the Main thing the Main thing. The Main thing is God's Love as revealed in Jesus. In Jesus' prayer to the Father he reveals that it is the love of the brethren that convinces men's hearts of the authority of Jesus. Scriptures places the apostolic as foundational to the maturing of the Body of Christ, "Working of Miracles, Administrations etc..." also have their places in the Body of Christ but they are not the Main thing. A church focused on "Working of Miracles" or "Administrations" (Government) have missed the Main thing. The most earth shaking, kingdom building thing that apostles can do is have fellowship and love one another. If apostles practice fellowship and unity, then the church will be founded on fellowship and unity, revealing Christ love and authority to save the lost, facilitating a great harvest.

Judgement, Understanding and Wisdom - Ted

Ten speaks of judgment to me; not so much “final judgment” but discerning judgment. Judgment in a good way. After all, the judgments of the Lord are good. Psalm 19 Understanding. 2010 will need to be a year of discussions made with discerning. Wisdom. Following the new beginnings of ‘09, an altered paradigm is needed in 2010: a paradigm of wisdom and understanding. Perhaps we can have a way of thinking that is saturated by a spirit of wisdom, a way of thinking in an active conscious reliance on the Holy Spirit. We talk about having the mind of Christ. I think practically applied, we need to stop thinking in the same manner we always have. Sloppy thinking produces sloppy lives. I’m talking about me.

Learning Financial Trust - Ted

We are still in the process of learning financial trust. I believe we have been foolish in our finances, but overall trusting. But there seems to be new layers of trust. Here we are in Nashville. So many new things. New friendships, relationships, environment. Finding a clear financial strategy is big in my heart. Being at peace in our lack. Trying not to make some of the same foolish mistakes of the past while being pro-active in our own responsibilities is hard for me. Balance has never been my strong point.

I suspect, new levels of hearing are part of my new year. Rather than relying on principles and a tight-rope walk between two opposing truths, trusting the person of Jesus and hearing His voice in the minute things will be very important in 2010.

Understanding Where I've Been - Ted

It seems to me, in order to maximize my understanding of “where I’m going” I must understand where I’ve been and the transition that brought me to this point. It is comparable to the life of Jesus. The cross was not the destination, but rather the means of transition. For a rather brief period of time it was the focus. Intensely and profoundly it occupied the central theme of Jesus life. However it was transition. Life was and is the focus of Jesus.

While the last few years have been an intense season of change, the themes of death cannot be the focus. New life, Abundant life, is the goal. That is always Father God’s goal and love is always His method. So here I am at 50+ on the learning curve participating in things that I held only in theory or in concept. Some concepts as misconcepts, misconceptions.

So before I throw out the baby with the bathwater; I want to understand what to keep and what to throw-out. What suffering produces life and which suffering is just stupid. To fail to learn is stupidity. I don’t want to add stupidity the things I am truly guilty of.

2010 New Year’s gift to you

http://www.donatkin.com/EBOOK-THE-HEART-OF-APOSTOLIC-MINISTRY.pdf

Please accept our 2010 New Year’s gift to you, our family and friends. This Ebook by Don Atkin will truly bless you. It is 30 pages if you choose to print it. Have a great 2010. Love, Ted & Paula.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Paula

This year the highlight of our Christmas was a Christmas Carol. Ted and I were cleaning and preparing for guests with the television running and the Annie Moses band was performing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. It was so captivating that I came in from another room to listen and something was activated in my spirit. I have never paid attention to this Christmas Carol before, but affected me so profoundly that it overshadowed our Christmas celebration. It has triggered strong emotional responses to all of the Christmas Carols this year.



Here is what I am hearing this year.


God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

"Fear not then," said the Angel,
"Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might."
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
THIS HOLY TIDE OF CHRISTMAS
ALL OTHER DOTH DEFACE.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and JOY

Feeling the Stirring of Revelation - Ted

I have been reading Steven Crosby and Don Atkin as of late. Between their articulate gifts of writing and communicating and the Holy Spirit within them, I am stirred. I feeling the desire to relate and connect again. I’m not sure if I’m safe to be with yet. But, I have the desire to be out there again. I have the desire to “have something” again. I realize this is a baby step. But I do believe it is a step in the right direction. For all who have been praying for us, me in particular, thank you and continue to pray for my healing and restoration.