COME WITH US ON A JESUS FIELD TRIP

Come Along With Tim & Diana Timmons to Israel
"In search of Jesus"
10 Full Days-9 Nights: February 22-March 5
An all-inclusive 5-Star Trip for only $3509 (double occupancy)

We know what you're thinking: "You're going to Israel with Iran and Israel threatening one another?" This is my 33rd trip to Israel and we have yet to plan a trip that wasn't in the midst of turmoil. But once we arrived in Israel, there is a wonderful feeling of the reality of peace and safety. Of course, we will not go, if it is unsafe! 


This is truly a trip of a lifetime! As when people encountered Jesus they were never the same, so will it be with you as you meet up with Jesus and follow Him in His homeland! One of the amazing benefits of walking where Jesus walked is that your Bible will never be the same again. It actually comes alive in your reading as you reflect on your experiences from this trip. After taking hundreds of people to meet Jesus in Israel and Palestine, no one has returned the same!

We have 3 goals for our trip. FIRST-To get to know Jesus better! SECOND-To learn to love each other! THIRD-To wait for Jesus to show up among us with unique experiences and opportunities! Please reserve your seat as soon as possible, because space is limited!

CHECK OUT THE ITINERARY AND TRIP INFORMATION AND CONSIDER COMING ALONG WITH US! CONTACT: Kathe Jones-Personal Assistant to Diana & Tim Timmons. Email: kathe@timtimmons.com Phone: (949) 394-5444 Mail: 2618 San Miguel Box #221 Newport Beach CA 92660

DAY 1 (Sun) Depart LAX to Newark on our way Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel.

DAY 2 (Sat) Arrive in the Holyland. After Customs, we will be taken to our Hotel in Netanya right on the Mediterranean. There we will have Dinner and Overnight.

DAY 3 (Sun) We'll begin our day at Caesarea By The Sea and view the beautiful, ancient amphitheater, where both Paul and Peter visited. We continue to Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the false prophets. On the way to Nazareth we visit the excavation of Megiddo and are able to view the northern most end of the famous valley of Armageddon. After Nazareth, where Jesus spent the quiet years of His life, we travel down the winding roads to the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Here we will check into our Hotel and will enjoy dinner and an evening together, positioned at the shore of Galilee.

DAY 4 (Mon) We rise early and cruise on the famous Sea of Galilee. This day is full of adventure, visiting the Mt. of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mt. On that very hillside, we will read His words and listen for what He is saying to us today. We will also visit the three villages where Jesus performed most of His miracles-Capernaum, Chorazin and Bethsaida. We'll also visit a special site called Tabgha, commemorating the feeding of the 5000. During our three days in the Galilee, we will celebrate a special baptism for those who want to participate.

DAY 5 (Tues) Borders of Israel. We take the road through the Golan Heights where we will hear the explanations of the strategic and political significance of this area. Time permitting; we will visit Israel's finest winery. Also, on the Golan Heights we will visit Caesarea Phillipi. This is the actual site where Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say I am?" We'll continue to the source of the Dan River, which leads into the Jordan River. At the Tel Dan Nature Reserve we will be treated to a refreshing walk to view the Abrahamic Gate. In our travels we will be able to view the borders of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. On this evening we will enjoy a special festive dinner at a private restaurant on the Sea.

DAY 6 (Weds) Leaving our Galilee resort, we head toward Jerusalem. On the way we proceed through the city of Beit Shean, one of the earliest and most important cities in Israel from the time of the Canaanites. We will view its magnificent excavations. This is a live dig where you will see both Old Testament and New Testament sites. We continue through the Jordan Valley, passing by Jericho, the first city conquered in the Promised Land. From here we continue on the road to Masada, a spectacular desert fortress. We will take the cable car up the high, rocky cliffs of Masada to explore Herod's palaces and learn of its powerful story of perseverance. Masada overlooks the Dead Sea, where we will visit to give you opportunity to float in the Sea and experience its healing minerals. This is the lowest place on earth! On our way back to Jerusalem we will visit the Caves of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Tonight we enter the Holy City of Jerusalem. After checking into our beautiful hotel for the next five nights, we will enjoy dinner together.

DAY 7 (Thurs) Enter the Old City through St Stephen's Gate; Visit the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus cured an invalid man; visit the site of the public trial of Jesus, and his condemnation, and view its ancient remains in the Fortress of Antonia, seat of the Roman Procurator; proceed to the Temple Mount to view the Mosque of Omar and visit the Western Wall, sacred sites for the Muslims and the Jews. Continue through the picturesque market streets past the Citadel of David and exit through the Jaffa Gate, passing the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on the way.

DAY 8 (Fri) Begin the day early with a special visit to Biblical Shiloh and Bethel; continue in the new part of Jerusalem by visiting the Israel Museum where there is a scale model of the city of Jerusalem from New Testament Times, including the Second Temple. Also at the Museum we'll visit the Dead Sea Scrolls, housed in a specially prepared building. Before dinner, we will visit the Western Wall for a most interesting experience of the Jews bringing in the Sabbath.

DAY 9 (Sat) This morning we start the day at the Mt of Olives for an introduction to Jerusalem. Ascend the mountains of Jerusalem from Scopus to Mt of Olives for an outstanding breathtaking view of the city across the Kidron Valley to the Eastern Gate. Walk down Palm Sunday Road and visit the Garden of Gethsemane, cross Mount Moriah viewing the Tombs of Absalom, Saint James and Zacharia. Continue to the southern suburbs where there is an overview of Bethlehem and the Shepherd's Field. We will then make the border crossing into Bethlehem to visit the birthplace of Jesus and may meet some friends there before returning to Jerusalem.

DAY 10 (Sun) Travel around the temple pinnacle to the City of David and on to the House of Caiaphas and visit an ancient tomb with its own "rolling stone" to seal it shut. Continue to Mount Zion, the Upper Room. Drive to Yad V'shem, the memorial to the Holocaust, a memorial to 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis. FREE TIME before our last dinner at our hotel.

DAY 11 (Mon) We visit the Old City of Jerusalem's reconstructed Jewish Quarter. See the Ancient Cardo and confirmation of historic sites of the 1st Century. Visit to the Southern Steps, the archaeological reconstruction of the Temple Steps where Jesus walked so often. We end the day with quiet prayer and meditation at the Garden Tomb. Continue to Farewell Dinner at Middle-Eastern Restaurant in Abu Ghosh on the way to B.G. Airport for overnight flight back to USA.

DAY 12 Arrive back home to the USA, filled with a life-time of memories!
TRIP INFORMATION DEPOSIT & DUE DATES: * Deposit of $500 per person to secure your space in Coach Class. * Deposit of $1000 per person to secure your space in Business Class. (Business Class is limited. Please call our office for pricing.) {MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO EMBERS FELLOWSHIP.} PRICING: Per person (double occupancy) $3509 (Coach Class airfare) (Single occupancy, add $998)

INCLUDED: * Round trip airfare from LAX to Tel Aviv. (Add-on connections are available from different cities.) * All airport taxes and fuel charges as of July 2012, subject to change by the airline. * 1 Suitcase per person (50 lbs.). * 1 Carryon per person. * Transportation to and from hotels. * First Class Hotel accommodations. * Full Breakfast & Dinner daily (some lunches). * Tips and Government Taxes. * Entrance fees to all sights according to itinerary. * Sightseeing in luxury air-conditioned Coach. * Guided by a handpicked Israeli Guide along with Tim Timmons.

NOT INCLUDED: * Personal items such as laundry. * Some lunches. * Bottled drinks and water along the way. * Excessive baggage and forwarding of baggage. * Transfers other than with the group.

CANCELLATION & REFUND: * Full refund up to 75 days prior to departure. * As we all know, events in Israel are sometimes demonized and nearly always exaggerated. Israel is safer than in most American cities. Tourism to Israel is at record levels both this year and last year! * In the event of war, all payments are insured by the Israeli Government through the Israeli Tour Operators Association, of which Transglobal Travel Ltd. is a member.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: We recommend you purchase travel insurance that covers you for health issues, lost luggage, delays and other conditions. Information will be available to you after registration from Transglobal Travel.

PASSPORT: Passports must be valid for 6 months AFTER the date of arrival in Israel.
 
CONTACT: Kathe Jones-Personal Assistant to Diana & Tim Timmons. Email: kathe@timtimmons.com Phone: (949) 394-5444 Mail: 2618 San Miguel Box #221 Newport Beach CA 92660

ENTERING THE KINGDOM

ENTERING THE KINGDOM

èWhat does Jesus say is most important to enter the Kingdom?

1. INTERNAL RIGHTEOUSNESS…A MATTER OF THE HEART

Matthew 5:20: For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Focus your heart on a personal relationship with Jesus and make it your business to follow after Him. Don't allow yourself to be caught up in the religiosity of following a list or system of do's and don'ts, thinking that you are impressing God while you are impressing others. Jesus makes it clear here that He is not impressed with this kind of thing, so don't you be!

2. DO THE WILL OF MY FATHER

Matthew 7:21: Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

The context is fascinating! In the next paragraph it's clear what's going on. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

In the next paragraph Jesus illustrates exactly what He means by "doing the will of My Father", when He says: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

3. BE LIKE A CHILD

In Matthew 18:3: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Then, again in Mark 10:15 Jesus says: "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke repeats Jesus' words from Mark: "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Then, in the Gospel of John, in a very familiar interaction with Nicodemus, Jesus uses a little different metaphor to say the same thing. He says in John 3:5: "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." He goes on to say: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit."

4. DIFFICULT FOR RICH MAN TO ENTER

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." "Which ones?" he inquired. Jesus replied, " 'You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'" (NOTE that Jesus equates eternal life with entering life and then later in this passage he speaks of entering the Kingdom of God.)

The young man shockingly states: "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." By "perfect" Jesus means to be complete and whole in your search for life.

Then, Jesus makes the following observation recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke: In Matthew 19:23-24:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."


Then, in Mark 10:24-25:
 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"
 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Then, again in Luke 18:24-25: Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."


5. SINNERS WILL ENTER FIRST

Matthew 21:32: Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."

The second dimension is in Matthew 23:13: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to."

1. Those who don't have it together will enter the Kingdom first.

2. Those who think they have it together through what they know/believe and what they do may not enter the Kingdom at all.

3. And these religious "know-it-alls" tend to shut others out of the Kingdom, too.

GOOD FRIDAY IN THE UPPER ROOM

This was written by a good brother who gives a fresh look at Easter weekend...well-worth the read:

GOOD FRIDAY IN THE UPPER ROOM
by M. Klopfenstein

Finally, it’s the evening after,
• After Passover diner last night
• After the embarrassment of foot washing
• After talk of betrayal, If only we’d believed.
• After prayer in the garden
• After falling asleep when we were supposed to be praying (which by the way is only sleep we’ve had in the last two days)
• After the betrayal
• After the arrest
• After the joke of a trial, first with the Sanhedrin and then with Pilate, what a travesty
• After Barabbas, what is with Barabbas?
• After the abuse, the beatings
• After the nails
• After the earthquake
• After dead peoples walking in the streets
• After the curtain in the temple torn top to bottom, or so I hear
• After the sky turning dark and the air growing cold
• After the Master is dead
• After he was laid in a borrowed tomb, thank you Joseph, you really came through, bless you.

As I said it is the evening after…after it all came to an end. It’s Passover Sabbath the sun has gone down and the day has ended but the pain within, I fear it has just begun. It is the end of trips preaching the “Kingdom of God” across the country-side, the end of healings, walking on water, and feeding thousands with a kids lunch. It is the end of strange stories, those parables, trying to explain the unexplainable, to help us know the unknowable, it’s the end of raising the dead…He raised others, but he’s gone and there is no one to do it for Him…. The ride is over, the curtain has come down on the final act and here we are huddled together behind locked doors. Each of us wondering, fearing, that we could be the next.

Sundown brought the Sabbath. Passover Sabbath, the holy days are almost over. Tonight, it is cold. With the clouds and the darkness in the middle of the afternoon, came the cold. We sit gathered in this room holding our breath. Each time we hear footsteps outside we hold our breath. Each time we hear voices in the street below, we hold our breath. I’m not sure if its so we can hear better or if we’re afraid that we might be heard, discovered, and arrested.

Peter is over in the corner sitting on the floor with his head in his hands. Poor Peter, last night went badly for him. He keeps mumbling over and over again, “stupid servant girl, stupid servant girl” or “I’m so stupid, stupid, stupid. ” Some times he replaces stupid with proud, or afraid… I’m afraid mornings will be hard for him each time a roster crows, for a long time to come, he’ll remember and it will be like a dagger to his heart. Mary told us not to go easy on him. She said, “the Master never went easy on Peter, so, don’t you start, He’ll get through this and be stronger for the journey.” She’s right, but oh, how I feel his pain.

John isn’t doing much better, he’s angry with himself, that he left Peter alone in the courtyard. He stood in the doorways, like a school boy, watching the travesty of a trial, transfixed by what transpired, unable to act, and yet unable to turn away. He says we have to stick together. That we must travel in pairs at the very least. None of us should have to go it alone any more. He’s sorry for leaving Peter alone.

They really shouldn’t be so hard on themselves, I mean after the arrest we all scattered. We ran like scare rats in all directions, in fact, one young man only got away by leaving his tunic behind and running into the night buff naked. He’s back with us now but he’s not telling where he got the cloths he currently wearing. One by one we all made it back here. That is, everyone with the exception of the betrayer. I understand it turned out badly for him. I think that he too often traveled alone, kept to himself. We never got to truly know him. Master knew him. He knew what he was about to do and love him all the same. John’s right though, from here on out nobody goes it alone.

As I said we all made our way back here tonight. It was too risky to travel the roads in the open today. Besides where could we go? The priests knew about Mary and Martha’s house in Bethany. It’s sure to be watched. I pray that they’ll be alright. We couldn’t go back there, not tonight, maybe not ever.

No, tonight it’s better to come back here to this borrowed upper room. The stairway limits the access. Simon, our resident zealot call it a defaceable position. I don’t know about that. We’ve still got the two swards but I doubt that we have the will or the skill to use them. We made a pretty poor showing in the garden with the temple guards. I don’t think anyone is eager to try that again.

Besides, there’s a back window in this place that gives us an escape route across the roofs of Jerusalem. In fact that’s how Thomas got back here, just before dark. He was afraid that the stairs and the door were being watched. So he took to the roofs and snuck in through the window. He gave us all a terrible fright and then, a really good laugh. The laugh we needed, oh so desperately. Matthew then asked if running across the rooftops after sunset would be considered a violation of the Sabbath? We laughed again. If it comes to taking to the roofs of Jerusalem tonight, Sabbath breaking will be the least of our worries.

Thank the Maker, Blessed be He, for the woman. They have lit a lamp and said the Sabbath prayers. If not for them, we men would be still sitting in the dark trying to cope with our fears, cold, hungry, tired, and confused. We’re still tired and confused but the lamp has brought the illusion of warmth, to this place, with its amber glow and shadows dancing on the walls. The women have passed out the leftovers from last night’s Passover feast. A bit of cold lamb, some bread, and the taste of wine have blessed our hearts. In fact we have begun to share our favorite remembrances of the master. Andrew suggested that perhaps that’s what the Master meant when he told us to remember him as often as we break bread and drink wine. Ah, and remember him we did, we told stories of walking on water and calming storms on the sea. We shared memories of him making lame men dance, of demons being cast out with just a word, and all those puzzling stories he told, such memories filled our time long into the night. In spite of our exhaustion, and grief, the more we shared the farther the despair and fear seemed to move from us and our hearts were warmed as though Master was still with us. One by one we dropped off to sleep comforted and unafraid.

Soon it will be the morning after the, evening after.

3 TOOLS TO ADVANCE THE CONVERSATION OF JESUS

We are finding 3 books to be most effective in stirring up energetic and productive conversations about Jesus.

Use powerful and persuasive words like discover, free, healthy, easy, introducing, gain, new, money, advice, results, sale, proven, benefits, effective, save, value, now, win, right, why, most, safe and guaranteed.

FIRST is A Deadly Misunderstanding. This is a great book to bridge the gap between the those who are followers of Jesus and the Muslim. It is engaging and full of new insights about Jesus from the Koran. Order it now!

SECOND is The Shack. This is a fictional story about a man coming face to face with God. Be very careful when reading; this book can change your life! You can order it by clicking here!

THIRD is Mything Out On Jesus & His Teachings. This is especially effective with those who have been turned off or not yet turned on to Jesus. Check it out!

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN?

Why? Why me? Why me now? These are three common questions most, at least, utter under their breath. In this message Tim offers several possibilities and ways of handling life's crises and tragedies. This is a real-life approach to the most painful question ever: "Why do bad things happen?" To listen to this message CLICK HERE.

THE FELLOWSHIP

THE FELLOWSHIP is the most dynamic principle of all! The fellowship dynamic is where growth, insight, wisdom and power reside. In fact, it's within the fellowship where you will find Jesus. Jesus delights in showing up when, at least, two or three are gathered together in His name. Check out this message defining "the fellowship":

ANYONE ANONYMOUS

"ANYONE ANONYMOUS" is a 6 part audio series that applies the Twelve Steps of AA to all sorts of your problems. We all get stuck from time to time and must find a way to go from stuck to starting over! Click each one to listen to this practical game plan for starting over!
Step #1-FESS UP!
Step #2-LOOK UP!
Step #3-CLEAN UP!
Step #4-GIVE UP!
Step #5-STRAIGHTEN UP!
Step #6-KEEP IT UP!

SEARCH FOR INTIMACY

"SEARCH FOR INTIMACY" is a 12 part audio series by Tim Timmons. The first 6 messages are all about you! Until you are able to be intimate with yourself there is little hope of enjoying intimacy with another person. Check out the entire series by clicking on the title you want to hear.

1. Back To Eden
2. Be The One
3. Love: Casting Off Fear
4. Joy: Channeling Anger
5. Peace: Cleaning Up The Guilt
6. Grace: Canceling Out The Shame
7. Trivial Pursuit: Games People Play
8. Independently Dependent
9. Invisible Intimacy: Heart To Heart
10. Visible Intimacy: Skin To Skin
11. First Things First
12. The Great Sell-Out!

EMBERS TRAINING CENTER-NEW SITE directions!

The EMBERS TRAINING CENTER has a new site! It is located at 1900 Port Carlow Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660. CLICK HERE FOR MAP.

Going on MacArthur toward the beach...
Take a left on Bonita Canyon...
Take the first right (Mesa View Dr.)...
At the stop sign go right on Ford...
Then immediate left on Newport Hills Drive...
Follow Newport Hills Drive (keep right always)...Until you come to Port Carlow Place...
Take a left on Port Carlow Place and go to the end of the street on the left.

Traveling on Bonita Canyon toward MacArthur...
Take a left on Mesa View Dr.)...
At the stop sign go right on Ford...
Then immediate left on Newport Hills Drive...
Follow Newport Hills Drive (keep right always)...Until you come to Port Carlow Place...
Take a left on Port Carlow Place and go to the end of the street on the left.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 14578, Irvine, CA, 92623

For emergency call 949-285-2212.

P.U.S.H.

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and the Lord appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with All his might. This the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might.

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore, and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing signs of discouragement, the Adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind:

"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." Thus giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough." And that is what he planned to do, until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, using all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so?

Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back is sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. Yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.... By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

⇒When all hope seems to be lost....PUSH
⇒When you are tired and battle worn....PUSH
⇒When you feel like giving up.....PUSH
⇒When you are disillusioned by a friend...PUSH
⇒When you are accused and are innocent....PUSH
⇒When all looks dark around you....PUSH
⇒When you lose your job....PUSH
⇒When you are weary with the world....PUSH
P.U.S.H - Pray Until Something Happens!!!!!

RETURNING TO THE FOCUS OF THE FELLOWSHIP

Four years ago when we began in this journey in earnest, we committed to practice three basic habits…
1. Walking with Jesus.
2. Walking with others.
3. Waiting on Jesus to lead out with orders and opportunities.
At the beginning I felt God would be raising up leaders for us to encourage and equip. Well, now it has happened. We are being asked to partner with others in the task of mentoring the mentors as they are raised up by the Lord.

Our problem is two-fold…
1. We have no strategy for mentoring/discipling one another in Jesus.
2. We have no strategy for mentoring/discipling those God brings our way.
Therefore, Diana and I feel the need to invest our time and energies in seriously mentoring/discipling those who are interested, so that we have something significant to share with those God brings us—whether local or global.

There are three vital results we will experience as we refocus a bit…
• The first and foremost result of refocusing will be a closer, personal relationship with Jesus, leading to joy and peace.
• The second result of refocusing is that you will be able to embrace the principles of Jesus together with your brothers and sisters.
• The third result of refocusing is that we as a fellowship will be ready to minister to anyone God brings our way.
It doesn’t mean much to be a believer in Jesus. The Scriptures say that even the demons are believers. Jesus said false prophets are believers, but Jesus rejects them. And you say that you are believers, but it doesn’t make any difference to claim you are just a believer as far as Jesus is concerned. Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you.”

The only ones who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do the will of the Father. And what is the will of the Father? To trust Jesus enough to follow Him—His teachings and principles!

We must refocus ourselves to be faithful followers of Jesus.

Some of you may think you have nothing to offer in the discipleship process. Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes someone known to be a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever welcomes someone known to be righteous will receive a righteous person's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is known to be my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly be rewarded."

NOTE by simply welcoming a disciple and by giving a disciple a cup of water, you will be doing something significant enough to be specifically rewarded by Jesus. You don’t have to be a teacher. Your life as you gather together in the name of Jesus will teach more than any gifted teacher could ever teach. Where two or three are gathered together….

So, we have determined two things about the present strategy…
FIRST—We want to be personally involved with everyone who wants to join in the refocusing process.

SECOND—We want to begin this process after the first of the year.

Whether you signed up to participate or not, please pray about joining with us in this next step.

Let’s learn and grow together in loving the Lord and loving one another.

THE PERSON OF JESUS...Oswald Chambers

November 29, 2006—My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers
The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

He will glorify Me . . . —John 16:14

The holiness movements of today have none of the rugged reality of the New Testament about them. There is nothing about them that needs the death of Jesus Christ. All that is required is a pious atmosphere, prayer, and devotion. This type of experience is not supernatural nor miraculous. It did not cost the sufferings of God, nor is it stained with "the blood of the Lamb" ( Revelation 12:11 ). It is not marked or sealed by the Holy Spirit as being genuine, and it has no visual sign that causes people to exclaim with awe and wonder, "That is the work of God Almighty!" Yet the New Testament is about the work of God and nothing else.

The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration— no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion— a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!

Jesus said, ". . . when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, . . . He will glorify Me . . ." (John 16:13-14 ). When I commit myself to the revealed truth of the New Testament, I receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit, who then begins interpreting to me what Jesus did. The Spirit of God does in me internally all that Jesus Christ did for me externally.

SUNDAY IN INDIA

Today we went on a picnic at a beautiful park where elephants used to roam. Well, we didn't see any elephants, but we did have some great fun with monkeys. They are a little agressive, but we played it safe.

The boys played lots of cricket and soccer while others went swimming. Then after gathering for a lunch, we were treated to some good local culture music performed by a few of the mentors.

A most exciting time was with some young men from surrounding countries. I will explain more later in person, but this is a most exciting opportunity to lift us Jesus there in a unique way.

I had some meaningful conversations with several of the mentors at the picnic today. One of them told me that all of the mentors hung around Stephen's casket for two days and cried night and day. They are broken-hearted, but feel like they must carry on his vision throughout the world. It's an amazing experience hanging out with these young men who are purely and simply following Jesus. It's revolutionary!

SATURDAY IN INDIA

We are located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Yesterday we were taken further up into the mountains to visit Stephen’s younger brother and family. The sights were spectacular and the fellowship was wonderful there.

In the afternoon we went to the Tibetan settlement that was built in the name of Jesus. When we arrived, we were met by the entire village (1000+). They are so saddened by the death of Stephen and very grateful for what has been done for them so far. We then went inside to meet briefly with the elders. They cried about their loss and it was deeply moving. We presented Isaac & JoJo (Joseph) to them as their father’s successors. These two sons of Stephen & Susie’s feel called by God to pick up the mantle from their father and carry on. Although they are young, they are highly respected among the elders. The elders were encouraged with this word. On Monday we will be meeting with the Council of Elders to discuss more specifically their present needs and how we can help them.

Last evening we took all of the mentors and mentees out for dinner with the Hishey family. The food was fabulous and the fellowship was phenomenal. Picture yourself sitting with a group of Jesus’ early disciples and listening to them share from their hearts. WOW! Many of the boys shared and it was quite moving. One shared how lost he was on the streets of Delhi, having never experienced any education, was sent to the House of Peace. He has now learned to read and write and found Jesus in the process. His life is changed forever! Another shared that this experience with the Hishey family has brought him into following Jesus and that has totally transformed his life. Then to hear the prayers of these young Buddhists who are following Jesus was truly amazing and authentic.

TODAY IN INDIA

It's Thursday evening here and we about to gather for dinner. We are having full days of fellowshipping, counseling, encouraging and meet people from all over the world! As you know, Stephen, the key man God has used to begin a mentoring House of Peace abmong the Tibetan people, passed away and his funeral was earlier this week. When we arrived yesterday, we first met with the family and then had our own, private graveside service with the family. It was most moving, indeed.

All day today we have been hanging out with leaders from Nepal, India, Bhuton, Switzerland and France. What an amazing experience to share to enjoy fellowship with one another from our various cultures! We also have had opportunity to meet with a few of the mentors who have been given the position of Ambassadors to the poor in the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth. These are young Buddhists who are diligently following the teachings and principles of Jesus...just like the early disciples of Jesus. We will be with them all tonight at the House of Peace.

We have also been meeting with the family to discuss the future of mentoring here without Stephen. I am so encouraged with what the Lord has opened up for continuing the mentoring here. I'll share more later.

E-Walk: Forgiveness

E-Walk is a frequent word of encouragement and empowerment as you learn to walk the walk.

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