This past couple of weeks have been a challenge. There has been turmoil and it is not over yet. Spiritual warfare is very in our face and aggressive. Yesterday I had to have one person taken from our property as he was drunk and causing trouble. Then later the same day, I had to call the police for one young man who came drunk and Under the Influence of drugs. I asked, then demanded he leave the property. He became belligerent and would not leave. I had to call the police. It sounds cut and dried to write it out but I'm here to tell you that it was very difficult to do this. I have gotten to know these guys and care about them, then to have to call the police to have them removed. You can't really understand the stronghold that alcohol and drugs have on people. Only God can deliver them, but they have to want to be delivered. Why do people take chances with their lives, their families just to have a drink to settle down, to feel better, etc. Those and many more are lies from satan to enslave good people. One man has spent the last 20+ years in some type of alcohol program...all his adult life!
There have been 'successes' also. One man who has a professional background has developed a hunger for the Word of God. It is refreshing to have him pop into my office throughout the day asking questions. He can't seem to get enough.
Another man who has a prison background is also developing an ear for the Word. He is not as outgoing about it but you can see him changing as time goes by.
There are some others but you get the idea. God is the key to their success.
However, a change in direction has come. Through a series of events Pastor Bob Phelps and I have resigned our positions at Set Free Church. He was forced out for no other reason than that he was not bowing down to one particular person. Since he and I have been a team since I started there several months ago, I also resigned. God is not through with either of us, nor with Set Free Church. My statement now-a-days is, "Father, I have plans for today, however, your will be done in my life today. Please over ride my plans at any time."
I will keep you informed as the Lord leads me along on this journey of my life.
Love ya'll and wish you all the most blessed Christmas ever!
With you in His service,
Troy
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Saturday, December 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
What I'm Doing Now
OK, I'm now at Set Free Church of Denver. In April I was voted on by church membership to become the Director of the Men's Discipleship Program. This Program is for men who have been homeless, are recovering drug or alcohol addicts, just out of prison. We offer a live-in program that is a year long where they receive acceptance, spiritual training, guidance and nurturing on their road to recovery, productivity and maturing in the Word of God. The men, we only can house 8 at a time, attend Bible based classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday as well as Sunday morning.
The men are encouraged to find work. To use a slogan of another program - work works. We charge the men $8 a day for rent, and then give them credit of $8 an hour for work that is done for the church, ie, mow grass, clean parking lot, help when food distribution takes place, going and loading food donations, and similar work. This credit comes off their fees for rent. They do 'chores' which are cleaning restrooms, kitchen, auditorium, class rooms, and other similar work. These are normal duties without pay.
The men struggle with addictions and we pray with them and show them in the Word how they have the victory in Jesus. These addictions come from a drink taken at a high school party, or a joint, or a hit with something that will make them feel good, or have more energy. These 'innocent' slips can many times turn into full-blown addictions that may last a life-time. It still amazes me how strong these addictions are. Satan gets a foot hold at a young age, then it becomes a stronghold. There are consequences to our choices that can lead to a life-time of pain and suffering. Most have lost jobs, family, children, self-respect, their health.
The hard part for me and Pastor Bob is to see someone get clean and appear to be turning their life around, then one day they fall and are too ashamed to show back up here. It is heartbreaking. They are afraid they won't be accepted one more time, that grace, love and acceptance won't be extended one more time. They have a hard time accepting that we love them and will always extend forgiveness and acceptance. There are consequences to their actions, but love, acceptance and forgiveness is always given.
We could double, triple, quadruple this size of this ministry because the need is so great. We are limited by space and resources, ie, money and personnel. In fact, there is a desire on some women's hearts to do the same ministry for women, but with the same limitations.
Pray for us as we are His hands extended in Love.
I remain with you in His service in love,
Troy
Pray for me as I am truly a missionary in an inner-city ministry. I am completely depending on the Lord to meet my financial needs. Thanks for your continued support of the journey the Lord has me on.
The men are encouraged to find work. To use a slogan of another program - work works. We charge the men $8 a day for rent, and then give them credit of $8 an hour for work that is done for the church, ie, mow grass, clean parking lot, help when food distribution takes place, going and loading food donations, and similar work. This credit comes off their fees for rent. They do 'chores' which are cleaning restrooms, kitchen, auditorium, class rooms, and other similar work. These are normal duties without pay.
The men struggle with addictions and we pray with them and show them in the Word how they have the victory in Jesus. These addictions come from a drink taken at a high school party, or a joint, or a hit with something that will make them feel good, or have more energy. These 'innocent' slips can many times turn into full-blown addictions that may last a life-time. It still amazes me how strong these addictions are. Satan gets a foot hold at a young age, then it becomes a stronghold. There are consequences to our choices that can lead to a life-time of pain and suffering. Most have lost jobs, family, children, self-respect, their health.
The hard part for me and Pastor Bob is to see someone get clean and appear to be turning their life around, then one day they fall and are too ashamed to show back up here. It is heartbreaking. They are afraid they won't be accepted one more time, that grace, love and acceptance won't be extended one more time. They have a hard time accepting that we love them and will always extend forgiveness and acceptance. There are consequences to their actions, but love, acceptance and forgiveness is always given.
We could double, triple, quadruple this size of this ministry because the need is so great. We are limited by space and resources, ie, money and personnel. In fact, there is a desire on some women's hearts to do the same ministry for women, but with the same limitations.
Pray for us as we are His hands extended in Love.
I remain with you in His service in love,
Troy
Pray for me as I am truly a missionary in an inner-city ministry. I am completely depending on the Lord to meet my financial needs. Thanks for your continued support of the journey the Lord has me on.
Monday, October 29, 2012
WOW!! I'm kinda shocked that I haven't written on here for 11 months. While this journey the Lord has started me on took a turn, I didn't share with you what was going on and what is still going on. Yes, the journey still continues.
Why haven't I written in all these months? Writers block? Busy? Depression? Lack of motivation? Yeah, all that and probably more. While I have ideas for this blog, I seem to just let them rattle around in my head. Well, the Lord is not going to let me continue like this. He has given me things to write and I will do it!
Last December, I started calling churches in a 50 mile area around Denver. I didn't call any churches in Denver Metro area. I called only small towns. I was calling and asking if they or any church in their area was in need of an interim pastor. I told Richard Silversmith, you remember that Richard pastors Christian Indian Center, what I was doing and he encouraged me to look on Denver Seminary Job Site. I joked with him that he was trying to get rid of me. There were listing from all over the country for all kinds of positions. The last listing was for a small church that met on Saturday evenings. They needed someone to fill in as Teacher while their pastor healed from a tragic fall. There were 4 men who answered the ad. One I never met, one was, or is, the chaplain at the Denver Rescue Mission, and the other one....well that's where my journey takes a turn.
Bob Phelps and I took turns teaching. Did I tell you that the worship music is old Southern Gospel and Bluegrass? Bob and I met and became friends almost immediately. He likes to say that he and I were raised together, miles apart. We tend to think alike about ministry and related fields. But, he is an accomplished musician and singer, and I am accomplished at listening to music. He was attending a small church in Denver, filling the pulpit and trying to guide them through a rough time in the church's life. He asked me to pray about coming over and helping out. What he said was needed were mature Christians to help pray with, counsel, and generally be a help to others. Bob was voted in as Senior Pastor in April, if I remember right.
I started going on Wednesday evening as I was still going to Christian Indian Center Sunday mornings. And going on Saturday nights to the Old Country Church.
Well, I also got fill the pulpit every 3rd Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set Free Church of Denver can be classified as an inner-city church. Our neighborhood is the poorest in Denver Metro. Many people live on about $10,000 a year, about 75% make less than $15,000 a year, more single family homes than any other neighborhood in the Metro area, and the staggering statistics go on. Set Free Church gives out an average of 40boxes of free food every Sunday, with emergency boxes during the week. All the food is donated.
But that is only the beginning of the turn the Lord started in my life. I'll tell you about some amazing work He has me involved in next time.
In a devotional I wrote, this statement and verse means so much at this time in my life: "Today I will not try to figure things out or try to understand all there is." Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
Love ya'll and I'll write more later.
Troy
Why haven't I written in all these months? Writers block? Busy? Depression? Lack of motivation? Yeah, all that and probably more. While I have ideas for this blog, I seem to just let them rattle around in my head. Well, the Lord is not going to let me continue like this. He has given me things to write and I will do it!
Last December, I started calling churches in a 50 mile area around Denver. I didn't call any churches in Denver Metro area. I called only small towns. I was calling and asking if they or any church in their area was in need of an interim pastor. I told Richard Silversmith, you remember that Richard pastors Christian Indian Center, what I was doing and he encouraged me to look on Denver Seminary Job Site. I joked with him that he was trying to get rid of me. There were listing from all over the country for all kinds of positions. The last listing was for a small church that met on Saturday evenings. They needed someone to fill in as Teacher while their pastor healed from a tragic fall. There were 4 men who answered the ad. One I never met, one was, or is, the chaplain at the Denver Rescue Mission, and the other one....well that's where my journey takes a turn.
Bob Phelps and I took turns teaching. Did I tell you that the worship music is old Southern Gospel and Bluegrass? Bob and I met and became friends almost immediately. He likes to say that he and I were raised together, miles apart. We tend to think alike about ministry and related fields. But, he is an accomplished musician and singer, and I am accomplished at listening to music. He was attending a small church in Denver, filling the pulpit and trying to guide them through a rough time in the church's life. He asked me to pray about coming over and helping out. What he said was needed were mature Christians to help pray with, counsel, and generally be a help to others. Bob was voted in as Senior Pastor in April, if I remember right.
I started going on Wednesday evening as I was still going to Christian Indian Center Sunday mornings. And going on Saturday nights to the Old Country Church.
Well, I also got fill the pulpit every 3rd Sunday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Set Free Church of Denver can be classified as an inner-city church. Our neighborhood is the poorest in Denver Metro. Many people live on about $10,000 a year, about 75% make less than $15,000 a year, more single family homes than any other neighborhood in the Metro area, and the staggering statistics go on. Set Free Church gives out an average of 40boxes of free food every Sunday, with emergency boxes during the week. All the food is donated.
But that is only the beginning of the turn the Lord started in my life. I'll tell you about some amazing work He has me involved in next time.
In a devotional I wrote, this statement and verse means so much at this time in my life: "Today I will not try to figure things out or try to understand all there is." Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6
Love ya'll and I'll write more later.
Troy
Thursday, December 1, 2011
REST - what is it and how to do it
As many of you already know, among the reasons I came to Denver was to REST and HEAL, and listen for the Lord's voice in what my next assignment or phase is to be in this ongoing journey. This has been an ongoing discussion between Doyle and myself, as we both struggle to learn what rest means.
What I'm going to share here is not a complete treatise on rest but is a work in process. I'm not making going to give you conclusions or a fix it plan, just some random thoughts, observations and some quotes. I pray that you will be blessed as you read and that the Lord will bless you with what He wants to say to you in your area of rest.
Consider Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (italics are mine something to think about).
Jesus tells us, "I'll show you how to take a real rest." The question that I have struggled with is, How? String's Concordance defines the word from the Greek as 1)to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation. For me, number 1 and 3 seem to be where I am struggling.
Along the same lines, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still..." means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go. Oh, no, I can't let go! What if...?
Can it be that God will cause me to rest or allows me to do so on my own?
Here I'm reminded of the verse in Mark 6:31, in the KJV, Jesus speaking, it reads, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...." Some, myself included, use this verse to tell people to Come a part before you come a part. But such a refreshing thought, Jesus invites us to come and be with Him in a quite place and rest.
Robert Morris, pastor and teacher, said this, "If you have an attitude of stress and worry rather than rest, it's because you don't trust God's character, power and love."
I wrote to Tom Wymore for his insights. I've known Tom for many years, we served together in the Foursquare Gospel denomination and I trust his walk with the Lord. He put it this way, "Rest to me, as I am thinking of it in my post, is an internal thing that grows as we learn to live love (think about that statement), listening and trusting in Abba's love. For me, I know I am living in that place of rest when my heart/inner being is still and peaceful. When that peace and/or stillness goes away, it's a sure sign to me that I am back to striving. Unfortunately, many believers find that their inner noise is so high that they can't tell when they are striving other than by the frantic pace of their life and the anxiety that produces. But Papa has been kind enough to teach me how to live with inner stillness (it's wonderfully quiet in my mind and heart now), and that has become my meter for letting me know whether or not I am resting in God's love, etc. Obviously, actual physical rest and solitude, etc., are part of this as well, but I am talking mostly about an inward state of the heart and mind."
Psalm 37:7, KJV,says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not..."
Philippians 4: 6 NIV, "Do not be anxious about anything,..."
Mark Charles, Navajo pastor, instructor at Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, wrote in his blog, wirelesshogan, this observation on Psalm 46:10, "Be still..." "...How possible is this in our modern technological world? What does it mean to be still before God? I used to think I understood this but after living for 3 years on the Navajo reservation in a traditional hogan with no electricity or running water, (dirt floor, cooked on a wood stove that was also the only heat source, out house not very close to hogan) no television, no hot showers or washing machines, no microwaves or refrigerators, no public transportation or paved roads leading up to my house, I found there is a level of stillness that I never knew existed.....until we moved to our hogan that is located on a dirt road, six miles off the nearest paved road. The dirt road is pure clay and when it gets wet from rain or snow it is practically impassable. In fact, I have gotten stuck on this road numerous times as I traveled home in the rain. Once I was able to walk home, but another time my family and I had to spend the night in the car. So I have quickly learned that when it rains we do not go out.
"When it rains at our hogan we literally cannot go anywhere, so we sit. We read books, we pray, we spend time as a family. We are still and in that stillness we remember God. When it rains at our hogan we can hear God inviting us, saying, 'Stay her. Don't go anywhere. Be still and know that I am God.' But if our road were paved we probably would not hear God's voice in this way, for the weather would have very little impact on our lives. Even during the rain and snow we could still get in our truck and do what we needed. We could go where we wanted and do as we pleased. We would feel safe and secure thinking God was with us, because look, He has blessed us, the road is paved....We can go about our business....We would never realize that with the pitter patter of the falling rain God was faintly whispering, 'Wait, don't go! Be still and know that I am God.'"
So what have I learned so far in this journey? I am to stop striving, pushing, trying to make things happen, instead, I will be still and trust in the character of God, His love, plans, mercy, provision, grace, and more. I can say with Paul, not that I have already attained to this, but I will continue to look for His hand and listen for His still small voice saying to me, this is the way, walk in it.
Any where there are italics, they are mine to insert or draw attention to something I found interesting.
The owners of this particular hogan have offered to rent it to me. Don't think I haven't considered it.
Thank you for sharing my journey with me. I hope the Lord blesses you as you read my thoughts on this journey. Keep looking into His Word for your guidance and instructions.
Troy
Another thought: In our attempts in the flesh to rest we always seem to have an element of doing something in order to rest.
What I'm going to share here is not a complete treatise on rest but is a work in process. I'm not making going to give you conclusions or a fix it plan, just some random thoughts, observations and some quotes. I pray that you will be blessed as you read and that the Lord will bless you with what He wants to say to you in your area of rest.
Consider Matthew 11:28-30 from The Message, "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (italics are mine something to think about).
Jesus tells us, "I'll show you how to take a real rest." The question that I have struggled with is, How? String's Concordance defines the word from the Greek as 1)to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patient expectation. For me, number 1 and 3 seem to be where I am struggling.
Along the same lines, Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still..." means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go. Oh, no, I can't let go! What if...?
Can it be that God will cause me to rest or allows me to do so on my own?
Here I'm reminded of the verse in Mark 6:31, in the KJV, Jesus speaking, it reads, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while...." Some, myself included, use this verse to tell people to Come a part before you come a part. But such a refreshing thought, Jesus invites us to come and be with Him in a quite place and rest.
Robert Morris, pastor and teacher, said this, "If you have an attitude of stress and worry rather than rest, it's because you don't trust God's character, power and love."
I wrote to Tom Wymore for his insights. I've known Tom for many years, we served together in the Foursquare Gospel denomination and I trust his walk with the Lord. He put it this way, "Rest to me, as I am thinking of it in my post, is an internal thing that grows as we learn to live love (think about that statement), listening and trusting in Abba's love. For me, I know I am living in that place of rest when my heart/inner being is still and peaceful. When that peace and/or stillness goes away, it's a sure sign to me that I am back to striving. Unfortunately, many believers find that their inner noise is so high that they can't tell when they are striving other than by the frantic pace of their life and the anxiety that produces. But Papa has been kind enough to teach me how to live with inner stillness (it's wonderfully quiet in my mind and heart now), and that has become my meter for letting me know whether or not I am resting in God's love, etc. Obviously, actual physical rest and solitude, etc., are part of this as well, but I am talking mostly about an inward state of the heart and mind."
Psalm 37:7, KJV,says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not..."
Philippians 4: 6 NIV, "Do not be anxious about anything,..."
Mark Charles, Navajo pastor, instructor at Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, wrote in his blog, wirelesshogan, this observation on Psalm 46:10, "Be still..." "...How possible is this in our modern technological world? What does it mean to be still before God? I used to think I understood this but after living for 3 years on the Navajo reservation in a traditional hogan with no electricity or running water, (dirt floor, cooked on a wood stove that was also the only heat source, out house not very close to hogan) no television, no hot showers or washing machines, no microwaves or refrigerators, no public transportation or paved roads leading up to my house, I found there is a level of stillness that I never knew existed.....until we moved to our hogan that is located on a dirt road, six miles off the nearest paved road. The dirt road is pure clay and when it gets wet from rain or snow it is practically impassable. In fact, I have gotten stuck on this road numerous times as I traveled home in the rain. Once I was able to walk home, but another time my family and I had to spend the night in the car. So I have quickly learned that when it rains we do not go out.
"When it rains at our hogan we literally cannot go anywhere, so we sit. We read books, we pray, we spend time as a family. We are still and in that stillness we remember God. When it rains at our hogan we can hear God inviting us, saying, 'Stay her. Don't go anywhere. Be still and know that I am God.' But if our road were paved we probably would not hear God's voice in this way, for the weather would have very little impact on our lives. Even during the rain and snow we could still get in our truck and do what we needed. We could go where we wanted and do as we pleased. We would feel safe and secure thinking God was with us, because look, He has blessed us, the road is paved....We can go about our business....We would never realize that with the pitter patter of the falling rain God was faintly whispering, 'Wait, don't go! Be still and know that I am God.'"
So what have I learned so far in this journey? I am to stop striving, pushing, trying to make things happen, instead, I will be still and trust in the character of God, His love, plans, mercy, provision, grace, and more. I can say with Paul, not that I have already attained to this, but I will continue to look for His hand and listen for His still small voice saying to me, this is the way, walk in it.
Any where there are italics, they are mine to insert or draw attention to something I found interesting.
The owners of this particular hogan have offered to rent it to me. Don't think I haven't considered it.
Thank you for sharing my journey with me. I hope the Lord blesses you as you read my thoughts on this journey. Keep looking into His Word for your guidance and instructions.
Troy
Another thought: In our attempts in the flesh to rest we always seem to have an element of doing something in order to rest.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
US IN CONTROL vs GOD IN CONTROL
To say that life is interesting, albeit out of our control could be an understatement. We have no idea of what we're doing (could be much of the time). Sometimes we feel like we are just hanging on, like a kid out of control and completely inept. We feel like there's no holes in our bowling ball. It feels big and clumsy and awkward and we can't get a grip on it. We can't control what is happening.
God doesn't come with handles. He doesn't want to be controlled and thrown down the bowling alley everytime for a perfect strike. Life's not like that and neither is God. We will never totally understand God. And He will never spoon feed us with all the answers about life. Somethings we just have to figure out for ourselves, others, He will show you in due time. In His way and His time.
When we try to control our lives, even trying to control the ministry He's given us, the stress level jumps at us, screaming!
I am learning how to give over control of my life. It is challenging but I also know that when I give the Lord control over my life and circumstances, I can rest that He will take care of me and the circumstances.
God doesn't come with handles. He doesn't want to be controlled and thrown down the bowling alley everytime for a perfect strike. Life's not like that and neither is God. We will never totally understand God. And He will never spoon feed us with all the answers about life. Somethings we just have to figure out for ourselves, others, He will show you in due time. In His way and His time.
When we try to control our lives, even trying to control the ministry He's given us, the stress level jumps at us, screaming!
I am learning how to give over control of my life. It is challenging but I also know that when I give the Lord control over my life and circumstances, I can rest that He will take care of me and the circumstances.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
THE ORDINARY LIFE
I have thought about my life, this journey my Lord has me on. thought about it more of late. While my life may not seem great to others, to me it has been one of steady progression, never dull, sometimes exciting, doing with out, tired, lonely, happy, fulfilled, but always learning. My course altered a number of times through the years but never truly deviated from the plan God had for me.
I'm reminded of the verse in Acts 4:13, "...they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Did you notice the words, 'ordinary men' 'that had been with Jesus". Love that picture.
Real living is made up of ordinary moments all strung together like the notes on a sheet of music. And in the end of life all those ordinary moments will make one eternal symphony of praise in heaven.
I talked with a Navy fighter pilot ( I tried to be one) and he was describing what it was like flying into the battle zone. Hours of sheer boredom flying in, then suddenly, 90 seconds of sheer terror. Sometimes life is like that, we live our 'ordinary lives' then something happens that causes us to start going to pieces. That's those times we cry out to God to hold our hands and get me through this storm. And He does.
Might it be said of us, They are ordinary people who have been with Jesus.
I sincerely covet your prayers during this time of seeking the Lord for His direction in my life.
With you in His service,
Troy
I'm reminded of the verse in Acts 4:13, "...they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Did you notice the words, 'ordinary men' 'that had been with Jesus". Love that picture.
Real living is made up of ordinary moments all strung together like the notes on a sheet of music. And in the end of life all those ordinary moments will make one eternal symphony of praise in heaven.
I talked with a Navy fighter pilot ( I tried to be one) and he was describing what it was like flying into the battle zone. Hours of sheer boredom flying in, then suddenly, 90 seconds of sheer terror. Sometimes life is like that, we live our 'ordinary lives' then something happens that causes us to start going to pieces. That's those times we cry out to God to hold our hands and get me through this storm. And He does.
Might it be said of us, They are ordinary people who have been with Jesus.
I sincerely covet your prayers during this time of seeking the Lord for His direction in my life.
With you in His service,
Troy
Sunday, October 16, 2011
WOW! I'VE BEEN HERE A YEAR...and other similar profound observations
Yep, a whole year of experiences and changes. I started out being the cook here at Sox Place, interacting with the young people, attempted some GED help, and I'll cover the rest toward the end of this writing.
We recently had someone (probably 3) come into Sox Place at night, through the garage door, and take a big screen TV, one computer (not the newest), x-box and controls. While it was a feeling of violation, I am thankful for one thing...they did not come upstairs where I was sleeping. It was only stuff that they took and that can be replaced.
Those of you who understand something of the spiritual battle that is faced here every day, think about this - within the distance of one city block of Sox Place, there is one large Buddhist temple, two legal marijuana stores, three former brothels (one is Sox Place), and nine bars. Sox Place is at the gates of hell and making a difference in young street connected lives. The spiritual battle here is 24/7 and is engaged in on a continual basis. Our weapons? prayer, ours and yours. Our weapons are not carnal (earthly) but are spiritual to tear down strongholds.
Sox Place is having a Fund Raiser on November. This is sponsored, organized and directed by corporate friends. If you are in the Denver area, look up on the website to get more information - http://www.soxplace.com/. And pray for this event.
On a more personal note...this journey that my Lord has me on, continues. What has the Lord in mind for me in the future? I don't know but I got off track in seeking that plan and am now back on track, at least as much as I can see it. When my brother Doyle and I began talking about me coming here to serve, we both (and one other person, without talking to me or Doyle) understood that Sox Place was only a place to come and rest, be healed and seek God's face for the next season of my life. Also, I have been able to spend time with my daughter, Chelley, my son and daughter in law - Brian and Sarah and my grandson Gage. And now wait for my next grandchild!
I lost my focus over the last several months. Along in June and July I had occasional thoughts that I could do this ministry from now on...that is I could stay here at Sox Place and cook and serve and be content. But those thoughts did not feel right. Then, along about the middle of September, Doyle and I talked and he was having STRONG impressions from the Lord that Sox Place was becoming a distraction for me from hearing from the Lord. Remember what I wrote just a few sentences ago? I was to rest, be healed, the last 10 years have been very stressful, even before Jeanne's battle with cancer and her death. I understand healing a little bit, but rest, now that is another thing. Do any of us really know what it means to rest in the Lord? Having been raised that to not be working was being lazy, therefore, to cease doing was wrong. Rest...I can get good night sleep, take a nap, read a good book, but after a few days that gets old. So what is rest?
I'm beginning to get a handle on what rest is, still trying to put into practice. Strong's defines rest this way:
1) to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patent expectation.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still" means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go.
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30(The Message), "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
I wasn't fired! I wasn't layed off! I lost my focus and my Lord used my brother Doyle to speak to me about it. He and I both want/need each other in our lives. I'm still living at Sox Place for as long as I need to.
Pray with me as I listen for the Spirit's guidance.
Troy
We recently had someone (probably 3) come into Sox Place at night, through the garage door, and take a big screen TV, one computer (not the newest), x-box and controls. While it was a feeling of violation, I am thankful for one thing...they did not come upstairs where I was sleeping. It was only stuff that they took and that can be replaced.
Those of you who understand something of the spiritual battle that is faced here every day, think about this - within the distance of one city block of Sox Place, there is one large Buddhist temple, two legal marijuana stores, three former brothels (one is Sox Place), and nine bars. Sox Place is at the gates of hell and making a difference in young street connected lives. The spiritual battle here is 24/7 and is engaged in on a continual basis. Our weapons? prayer, ours and yours. Our weapons are not carnal (earthly) but are spiritual to tear down strongholds.
Sox Place is having a Fund Raiser on November. This is sponsored, organized and directed by corporate friends. If you are in the Denver area, look up on the website to get more information - http://www.soxplace.com/. And pray for this event.
On a more personal note...this journey that my Lord has me on, continues. What has the Lord in mind for me in the future? I don't know but I got off track in seeking that plan and am now back on track, at least as much as I can see it. When my brother Doyle and I began talking about me coming here to serve, we both (and one other person, without talking to me or Doyle) understood that Sox Place was only a place to come and rest, be healed and seek God's face for the next season of my life. Also, I have been able to spend time with my daughter, Chelley, my son and daughter in law - Brian and Sarah and my grandson Gage. And now wait for my next grandchild!
I lost my focus over the last several months. Along in June and July I had occasional thoughts that I could do this ministry from now on...that is I could stay here at Sox Place and cook and serve and be content. But those thoughts did not feel right. Then, along about the middle of September, Doyle and I talked and he was having STRONG impressions from the Lord that Sox Place was becoming a distraction for me from hearing from the Lord. Remember what I wrote just a few sentences ago? I was to rest, be healed, the last 10 years have been very stressful, even before Jeanne's battle with cancer and her death. I understand healing a little bit, but rest, now that is another thing. Do any of us really know what it means to rest in the Lord? Having been raised that to not be working was being lazy, therefore, to cease doing was wrong. Rest...I can get good night sleep, take a nap, read a good book, but after a few days that gets old. So what is rest?
I'm beginning to get a handle on what rest is, still trying to put into practice. Strong's defines rest this way:
1) to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labour in order to recover and collect his strength; 2) to give rest, refresh, to give one's self rest, take rest; 3) to keep quiet, of calm and patent expectation.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still" means to be quiet, to sink, to relax, or to let go.
Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30(The Message), "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
I wasn't fired! I wasn't layed off! I lost my focus and my Lord used my brother Doyle to speak to me about it. He and I both want/need each other in our lives. I'm still living at Sox Place for as long as I need to.
Pray with me as I listen for the Spirit's guidance.
Troy
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