tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1250120138023171742024-03-14T10:17:24.329-05:00Jonathan HillThoughts from a man of God, husband, father,
Pastor, and friend.Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-11062410387813626312014-07-18T15:41:00.000-05:002014-07-18T15:41:03.686-05:00Guiding Kids Towards Their Interest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxaxdfmHKvtlazccNATZwg8UsMxk-THytGmZ13zCTmzhJesEPc06URXFei97kCNSz8X-97sE97fBLbNYngY9NM9qgrmf_kOtHWWjSd5Z2K8cQn-dy5h661W2DzcKkQzTHNwSZ_HINPDtM/s1600/2014-07-18+09.59.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxaxdfmHKvtlazccNATZwg8UsMxk-THytGmZ13zCTmzhJesEPc06URXFei97kCNSz8X-97sE97fBLbNYngY9NM9qgrmf_kOtHWWjSd5Z2K8cQn-dy5h661W2DzcKkQzTHNwSZ_HINPDtM/s1600/2014-07-18+09.59.23.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Guiding kids toward their unique design takes patience & prayer mixed with trial & error. Okay I have this son that has these eclectic skills. He likes to tear things apart and build new things from the remains. He once took apart an old iron and turned it into a thinking cap! For a couple years we had a laptop that was all but dead to me, it had a blue screen with a few DOS words that didn't mean anything to me. A couple weeks ago I saw him with the laptop and I told him he could do whatever he wanted to with it. I saw him taking it apart doing a little Google research and I said awe that's cute. Next day he asked me for an operating disk. I said "what?" This guy is serious. I gave him all the disc and software I owned. Long story short this 13 year old boy fully loaded the operating system, found the drivers unique to that computer, loaded the Microsoft products and was playing video games and watching Netflix in under two days. To some that's nothing, but I was amazed! I instantly called a buddy of mine to see if he could just be a shadow on the wall at his job and hang around some other tech geeks. I'm thankful for people willing to open doors for youth and pass on knowledge! If any of my other friends in the computer field want to give a young man a chance let me know. Do we have a Steve jobs or Bill Gates on our hands? Time will tell. LOL!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-4819304119349656362013-04-04T11:14:00.001-05:002013-04-04T11:14:02.037-05:00I'm Humbled!God humbles us in two ways. 1) If we walk in pride he will discipline us, as a courtesy, which invokes humility 2) If we walk humbly you will have this overwhelming feeling of awe and wonder at what God does for you that you don't deserve. This invokes more humility on your part and more exaltation of you on His part. It's a cycle that will continue to the point where you unconsciously become His blessing to others. God rejects the proud but gives grace to the humble. <div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-22640007978038551352013-02-14T14:30:00.002-06:002013-02-14T14:30:42.175-06:00Love is Not Just for Marriage!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Marriage doesn't cure loneliness, but companionship does. If you have a marriage void of companionship you can be together and feel worlds apart. Nathan Williams, Elder at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/churchablaze" target="_blank">Church Ablaze</a> said, "God has ordained singleness to be the highest state of personhood and that successful singles are neither lonely, incomplete nor unfulfilled." <br />
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Many singles and married people have a misunderstanding of love. Love is expressed in the Bible in at least four ways: family love, friendship love, romantic love, and unconditional love. Without a proper understanding love you could find yourself, "Looking for love in all the wrong places." Many say, "I love you", and it means nothing because they don't know what love is. <br />
<br />
At <a href="http://www.facebook.com/churchablaze" target="_blank">Church Ablaze</a> we have started a 5 part series called God, Love, and, Relationships where we will explore the subject of love as it pertains to relationships. We have already shared the first part and you can download it <a href="http://churchablaze.sermon.net/da/1199961081" target="_blank">here</a>, called "<a href="http://churchablaze.sermon.net/da/1199961081" target="_blank">Brotherly Love</a>". There is a love that is shared between friends that can fill your love tank to the rim. <span style="font-size: small;">"Love one another with brotherly affection..." Rom. 12:10a. This is a love that can be enjoyed no matter your marital status. </span> Marriage is not meant to complete you, but rather to compliment you. Without friendship and companionship marriage gets boiled down to a contract and the single life can become wandering years. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Join us Sundays at 11am at Church Ablaze, 10600 N. Council, Oklahoma City, as we dig deep into the subject of singles, dating, marriage, and relationships. If you are a parent of teens, an adult single, married with kids, widowed, or divorced this message will be for you.</span><br />
<br />
Here is a link to one of our most powerful messages I have ever heard on singles by Nathan Williams called <a href="http://churchablaze.sermon.net/da/2602682" target="_blank">"Looking For My Other Half</a>". Next Sunday, Feb 17th Nathan Williams will be sharing more on the subject of singleness so visit us or join our <a href="http://sermon.net/rss/client/ChurchAblaze" target="_blank">podcast</a> and <a href="http://www.sermon.net/churchablaze" target="_blank">listen online</a>. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-27492260742547160842013-01-31T16:54:00.000-06:002013-01-31T23:32:48.676-06:00The Daniel Fast SongThe Hill kids having fun after their Daniel Fast! We truly have some great children. As we did our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/churchablaze" target="_blank">church</a> wide <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2013/01/21-day-prayer-and-fast.html" target="_blank">21 day fast and prayer</a> they would walk around talking about all of their favorite foods. We also fasted from TV, limited our internet browsing, and cut out video games. This spawned creativity in our children in a fresh way. The kids decided instead of being bored let's sing about the food we miss. I know I'm biased but I can't help but laugh each time I watch it. Whenever you finish a Daniel Fast in the future pull up this video and laugh!! <br />
Click here for video: <a href="http://youtu.be/0DGNTu513X8">http://youtu.be/0DGNTu513X8</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0DGNTu513X8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-3410934437536793072013-01-29T06:33:00.001-06:002013-01-29T06:56:20.150-06:00Ending a Fast-6 Things to RememberThe fast is over, now what? Earlier I passed on <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/01/fasting-27-reasons.html" target="_blank">27 Biblical Reasons to Fast</a> and also <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/01/stop-fasting-8-biblical-reasons.html" target="_blank">8 Biblical Reasons to Stop Fasting</a>. Let's look at six things to remember when ending a fast.<br />
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1) The fast may be over but the purpose of the fast is continual.<br />
2) Don't gorge yourself, ease back into your regular eating.<br />
3) Any new habits that you developed keep them throughout the year.<br />
4) Continue to pray without ceasing<br />
5) Stay attune for other times God may inspire you to fast<br />
6) Take time to evaluate your fasting period by asking your self these questions:<br />
<br />
-What have I learned about myself?<br />
-What have I learned about God?<br />
-What were some breakthroughs in my life or in the life of others?<br />
-What contrary attitudes or behaviors came to the surface while fasting?<br />
-What did I discover about my pace of life?<br />
-What did I discover about my ability to focus on God?<br />
-What were some obstacles that I had to overcome?<br />
<br />
Biblical fasting is a means not an end. There is really nothing that you were doing while fasting that you should stop doing, short of abstaining from food or drink. The expereince of fasting may not be as good of a teacher as an EVALUATED fasting experience. Use the questions above to evaluate your fast. May your season of fasting be a platform for a fruitful year.<br />
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Read here for instructions on completing a 21 day prayer and fast: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2013/01/21-day-prayer-and-fast.html" target="_blank">21 Day Prayer and Fast</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-2223748575197988242013-01-28T06:00:00.000-06:002013-01-28T06:00:13.721-06:00How to Pray for Your Facebook Friends-8 Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0chsWyb0nsT4nzumS3YfaBo3UOTqCuEJoeG-jqqf8ucyDKbRJt_B5H3ExXUneTN4GSvlAsWfR4DyNyTZ1KhXGkGLV1A2qsqo3hAm3lBsUtAg8fFSIIDRUWWV4beiQxU0-I0oIGfOjwWRM/s1600/Jonathan_facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0chsWyb0nsT4nzumS3YfaBo3UOTqCuEJoeG-jqqf8ucyDKbRJt_B5H3ExXUneTN4GSvlAsWfR4DyNyTZ1KhXGkGLV1A2qsqo3hAm3lBsUtAg8fFSIIDRUWWV4beiQxU0-I0oIGfOjwWRM/s1600/Jonathan_facebook.jpg" /></a></div>
I had one of those God thoughts four years ago. Why don't I start praying for my Facebook friends. Over time, Facebook can loose it's thunder so why not put it to good use. So I started praying for my FB friends each year. See below for some tips on how I do it; you may consider doing the same thing.<br />
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Prayer transcends time, culture, gender, race, relationships, age, social status, geography, religion, politics, and mostly any barrier that it comes in contact with. Jesus taught us that prayer in His name grants us access to the Father, prayer is a vehicle for asking God, prayer is a catalyst for healing, prayer is a weapon of spiritual warfare, prayer is an expression of humility. The Bible teaches that prayer should be made for your family, your friends, your coworkers, your leaders, and even your enemies. (Luke 18:1 Matt. 21:21-22 Matt. 5:44)<br />
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With the far reaching capability of prayer why not use today's tools such as Facebook, Twitter, or blogs to pray and serve your friends or followers. Don't just be satisfied with the quantity on your friend or follower count. Put it to a good or should I say a "God" use. Jesus reached multitudes on foot. Didn't he say we would do greater works? (John 14:12) Our social network need more than what we can offer them; why not give them one of the greatest gifts, which is heartfelt, sincere prayer to the Father on their behalf. Facebook friends are real people with real needs not just a face and status updates.<br />
<br />
Eight tips on praying for your FB friends:<br />
<ol>
<li>Block out 21-26 days in a row for the campaign.</li>
<li>Specify a time each day for 30 minutes of prayer.</li>
<li>Pray for a letter of the alphabet a day A-Z (First initials); unless there are only a few names for a letter then you can combine some letters.</li>
<li>Notify the each group with the letter of the alphabet you are covering that day with a simple status update such as. "If your first name begins with an "__" I will be praying for you by name today. Message me any specific request. I'm praying thru my FB friends A-Z" Typically post in the morning between 7-8.</li>
<li>Go to your friends list with this prayerful aim. "Lord, show me how to pray for each of my friends today."</li>
<li>As you go down the list some are long prayers some are very short.</li>
<li>You may be inspired to send some a private message with your prayer included.</li>
<li>Respond to all request sent to your inbox or comments to your status. </li>
</ol>
<div>
It really is not that time consuming at all. Just imagine the impact that faithful prayer can have in the lives of your friends that you may never have knowledge of. </div>
<div>
<span class="text Eph-6-18" id="en-ESV-29339"><i><sup class="versenum"></sup>"...praying <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>at all times <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>in the Spirit, <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>with all prayer and supplication. To that end <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>keep alert with all perseverance, making <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>supplication for all the saints,..." Eph. 6:18</i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Eph-6-18" id="en-ESV-29339"><span class="text Luke-18-1"><i>"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25680A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>always to pray and not <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-25680B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>lose heart." Luke 18:1</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Happy Praying!!<br />
<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-46953491315058511582013-01-27T06:55:00.000-06:002013-01-27T06:55:00.092-06:00Waiting for Daybreak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are some seasons in life where it seems like heaven is closed and God is not listening. I'm convinced that those seasons are just a build up for your breakthrough or the night before your dawn. God's blessings will spring forth over a person that is faithful during their night. For it is thru the night that character is formed and faith (without feelings) is forged. Daybreak is when the veil of darkness grows thin and heaven opens. The same efforts you toiled with thru the night become easier after your daybreak. The answer to prayers seem to be released like a ray of sun piercing through the dawn of the morning. The glorious power that is released after the buildup of prayers is a flood of grace that drowns your doubts, disappointments,and despair. "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." (Psalms 30:5) The night is like day to God so he abides in both seasons; your diligence is to hold on through the night and wait for your daybreak! <br />
<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-54781141274862661472013-01-26T07:30:00.000-06:002013-01-26T01:42:56.877-06:00Stop Fasting-8 Biblical Reasons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5DxeZq1aYGmuEUsRAa3HeMeIZSFCbaM2-P1pIcDBnKfrWo7_5NCuvEfLIG5ojCE0bRk2beTcIV48R3LTnb-BoSM5itGPWEDYglzC4-oJa5ySWRwd0ztZ7R3-4NEZ-WSqH2xx_zBemhjX/s1600/fasting1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696118380340870402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5DxeZq1aYGmuEUsRAa3HeMeIZSFCbaM2-P1pIcDBnKfrWo7_5NCuvEfLIG5ojCE0bRk2beTcIV48R3LTnb-BoSM5itGPWEDYglzC4-oJa5ySWRwd0ztZ7R3-4NEZ-WSqH2xx_zBemhjX/s200/fasting1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 199px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>People fast for many different reasons. Some fast before a medical appointment, some fast because it is part of their diet plan, and others fast to refocus their body, mind and spirit on God. I am not addressing dietary or medical fast at all, they are effective and I have done them before. People need to stop fasting if you are doing it for the wrong motive. I wrote earlier about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/01/fasting-27-reasons.html" target="_blank">27 Biblical Reasons to Fast</a>, but now I also want to address what a Biblical fast is not.<br />
<br />
8 things a Biblical fast is NOT:<br />
<br />
1) A time to look sad, mean, and destitute. Matt. 6:16<br />
2) A time to look for attention and rewards from people. Matt. 6:16<br />
3) A time for you to showcase & boast in your deep spirituality. Luke 18:12<br />
4) A time to seek your own pleasure. Isaiah 58:3<br />
5) A time to argue, quarrel, and fight. Isaiah 58:3<br />
6) A time to hide your self from the poor and needy. Isaiah 58:7<br />
7) A time to twist God's arm to do what you want outside of his will. Acts 23:12,14<br />
8) A time to manipulate God to overlook sin. Jeremiah 14:10,12<br />
<br />
Fasting is an external act that is driven by the motives in your heart. Those motives must be laced with spirtual ends in mind. With fasting you may lose a few pounds and lose the taste for twinkies; however, if those are the initial motives you will miss out on the heart transformation that can come from fasting. To make a further disctinction, a biblical fast is often accompanied with prayer, confession, & Bible meditation (Neh 9:1-3; Acts 13:2-3). Fasting along with these things creates a recipe for spiritual transformation.<br />
<br />
I met a person that got so busy at work that he missed lunch. Feeling the hunger pains, he then decided to take his act of missing lunch, wrap it up in spiritual fasting clothes, and offer it to God as a sacrifice. Wow! God can not be played for a fool? Keep in mind that the act of fasting and the physical byproducts it may produce are only means; the end should be to have your eyes fixed on God and to glorify your father which is in heaven. Most people fast because they want to move God but he is not the one that is stuck. Fasting is not to move God closer to you, but rather to move your heart closer to God. Happy fasting!<br />
<br />
Read: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2013/01/21-day-prayer-and-fast.html" target="_blank">21 Day Prayer and Fast</a> for basic instructions for a fast.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-16429939048187460162013-01-07T08:17:00.001-06:002013-01-07T08:17:54.384-06:0021 Day Prayer and Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Blow the trumpet! For the month of January (Jan 7th- Jan 27th) we are consecrating a church wide prayer and fast. 21 Days! The word "consecration" literally means "to associate with the sacred". It means to set apart for a special purpose. We are taking ourselves, our time, our appetites and dedicating them for HIS special purpose. Read below: <br />
<em>Joel 2-15,16 "Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her chamber." </em><br />
Notice in Joel that everyone participated young and old. So to some varied degree please have everyone in your family participate. This is a great tool to emphasize a Christ centered home. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><strong>Instructions: </strong></u></span><br />
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<strong>1) Determine why you are fasting</strong><br />
-Read: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/01/fasting-27-reasons.html" target="_blank">27 Biblical Reasons to Fast</a>.<br />
-Let your "Why" determine your "What".<br />
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<strong>2) Choose how you will fast. </strong><br />
-The Daniel Fast is a great way to start fasting. It is based out of Daniel 10, basically a vegetarian diet (no fried foods, just grilled and steamed) + brown rice + water. Click here for more details: <a href="http://danielfast.wordpress.com/daniel-fast-food-list/" target="_blank">Daniel fast.</a> If you choose to skip a meal or some other fast, just be sure it is depriving your body of your normal eating and be consistent during the 21 days. If you have a medical condition please consult your doctor first.<br />
-Along with food are there any other things you need to abstain from during this fast? It is a good time to do an inventory of your life and let go of any habits that have a tendency to distract you from focusing on God. <br />
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<strong>3) Choose your time for personal prayer, solitude (alone time), and journaling. </strong><br />
-More information on spending time with God through Bible Reading can be found here: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2013/01/spending-time-with-god-bible-experience.html" target="_blank">Spending Time with God-Bible Experience</a>. We will be reading a chapter a day in the Psalms and Matthew during the Bible Experience.<br />
-More information on journaling can be found here: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2011/11/journaling-five-things.html" target="_blank">Journaling-Five Things</a>. <br />
-More informaion on the importance of solitude and secrecy can be found here: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2011/08/secret-place.html" target="_blank">The Secret Place</a><br />
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<strong>4) Choose to get on a women's and men's prayer call in the mornings.</strong> <br />
-Gather together with people you know and get a conference number from <a href="http://www.freeconferencecall.com/" target="_blank">Freeconferencecall.com</a><br />
For Church Ablaze:<br />
-Women-Monday and Friday morning at 6am-7am..Led by Lisa Hill and others <br />
-Men-Tuesday and Thursday morning at 6am-7am..Led by Jonathan Hill and others. <br />
NUMBER: 218-339-4600 CODE: 881607# <br />
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Let's start our year off together. Pounding heaven with our prayers. Remember we are not trying to get God's attention we are molding our hearts closer to His. <br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-38821287415515479502013-01-07T08:08:00.000-06:002013-01-07T08:19:17.110-06:00Spending Time with God-Bible Experience (BibleX)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spending time with God is so important. Some people just say God understands I just don't have time to spend with him exclusively. I would argue that you don't have time not to. Spending time with God is the source of life as a Christian. John 15 is clear that unless we abide in the vine we will not live fruitful lives.<br />
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The Bible Experience is a tool to facilitate prayer, Bible reading, and journaling as you fellowship with God. The Bible Experience is a unique opportunity for you to draw close to the author of the Bible. The Bible is a collection of books that have been inspired by God and left for us as a tool to get to know Him and be transformed in the process. On this journey we will read through select books of the Old and New Testaments two chapters a day, five days week, taking Saturday and Sunday off as days to rest and worship with the church. <br />
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This experience is a steady pace of reading that will allow you to soak in the Word of God and apply what you have read to your life. We are not trying to read through the entire Bible in a certain amount of time, rather we are developing a repeatable and reproducible pattern that will help you read the Bible for life. As in any relationships knowing God takes time together. If you are just beginning, 20 minutes a day is a good way to start. Find a quiet place and a workable time when you can regularly be alone. Then… <br />
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<u>Pray (5 minutes)</u> Talk from the heart about the things that matter most to you. You might follow the well-known pattern of <br />
“ACTS” <br />
-Adoration: “Lord, I’m amazed by Your <br />
-Confession: “Lord, I was wrong when I…” <br />
-Thanksgiving:”Lord, I’m grateful for…” <br />
-Supplication: “Lord, I need…” <br />
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<u>Read (10 minutes)</u> Follow the Bible Experience reading Guide, read one or two chapters a day.(5 days a week) <br />
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<u>Journal (5 minutes)</u> After you’ve read your chapter go back and ask, “what is God saying to me?” In just two or three sentences write what you are hearing. <br />
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Join in and experience a more intimate fellowship with God. If you would like a bookmark mailed to you every two months please email: info@churchablaze.tv Leave us your name and mailing address. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below: </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email </span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't forget to check your email for confirmation. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-76822943260654201542013-01-02T14:38:00.000-06:002013-01-02T14:38:07.096-06:00Health Scare-Having Joy in Trials-End of 30 Day Negativity Fast<br />
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Congratulations! Yesterday you finished 30 days of Feasting on Gratitude and Fasting from Negativity. What a journey! <br />
During this 30 days my family had one of the biggest health scares ever. My wife had the worst asthma flare up she has ever had in her life. Along with that, a speculative diagnosis of bronchitis and pneumonia. If that wasn't enough, they found a spot on her lung and we had to go through a series of test to determine what it was. So how are you suppose to stay negative free in the middle of a bombardment of negative doctor reports? That is where the challenge came in. Immediately fear and worry began to hover over my wife. All of the thoughts of "what might happen" and "what could be" began to flood her mind. The physical symptoms associated with fear, worry, and anxiety are amazingly real. Each time we took a test there was this agonizing waiting game that drove us to our knees. Each time we got a report back that was inconclusive, disappointment would wrestle for our affections. Here are ten things I learned on this 30 day journey.<br />
<ol>
<li>It is a minute by minute battle to combat negative words and thoughts.</li>
<li>You can not tame your tongue you must tend to the condition of your heart</li>
<li>The only way to get your heart right is to allow the forgiving and cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice to cleanse it properly.</li>
<li>Filling your heart with the Word of God smothers the negative thoughts and leaves them powerless.</li>
<li>You really can address negative circumstances in a hopeful way. I learned to say "let me rephrase that" alot over the last 30 days.</li>
<li>The greatest challenge to stay positive is often with the people you are closest to. (i.e. marriage, family, friends, and coworkers)</li>
<li>Discouragement is real and leads to other things like: Fear, dismay, feelings of abandonment, sadness, forgetting what God has said, terror, weakness, disobedience out of fear, resignation, doubt, intimidatation, dread, and you begin to believe lies about you.</li>
<li>Encouragement is real too. We have the power to put courage in our hearts and other's hearts through our words and through the Word of God.</li>
<li>God has given us a wonderful tool in our words and we can create an atmosphere of peace and life or turmoil and death.</li>
<li>That joy is a choice that takes courage to choose.</li>
</ol>
Hourly my wife and I had to confess the word of God out of our mouths to overcome the fear. She wrote out things from the word of God that she believes were promises from God in regards to her circumstance and would confess them throughout the day. She started journaling her prayers daily, stating truly how she felt but also stating truly who she was trusting in. We would pray together often and when we got done she would feel strong and fit for the task of believing in the face of this trial. However, an hour later the same negative feelings would begin to hover again. We realized that prayer is not a one stop shop and that we needed to pray and confess the word continually through this trial (See below for some scriptures). We learned that no matter what the circumstance is it all falls under the heading "Trial of your Faith", James 1:2-4. We took time to remember times in our past when God was faithful and brought us through. We enlisted several friends and family to pray for us and to be an encouragement for us. <br />
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After plenty of time, money, three different scans, shots and antibiotics we got a report back that the spot on her lungs was benign and there was nothing to be concerned about. They didn't even bother to call us or set up an appointment to tell us; they just sent a letter. In essence the spot had nothing to do with all of the other bronchial symptoms she was experiencing. This was great news! The greatest thing for us was that the Sunday before we got the results back we made our confession before the entire church that no matter what the doctors report said we would be standing with our faith in God and not in the outcome. So this entire exercise was a strengthening of our faith muscles and also an opportunity for my wife and I to increase our spiritual intimacy. My wife and I have a new appreciation for those that struggle with anxiety, but we also got a renewal in the importance of feasting on faith-filled words. God showed us how to "count it all joy" even when the circumstances look bleak. We were turning over rocks searching for joy during this 30 day challenge. We found a joy that is not rooted in our circumstance but is anchored in God and his promises that can shine bright even in the face of the toughest trials. Truly the joy of the Lord became our strength. We have lessons to carry with us and to pass on to others that we will never forget. Part of this trial was expressed in this message: "Feasting on Faith-filled Words"<br />
Download here: <a href="http://churchablaze.sermon.net/da/1199912001" target="_blank">"Feasting on Faith-filled Words"</a><br />
Play at Sermon Network here: <a href="http://www.sermon.net/ChurchAblaze/sermonid/1199912001" target="_blank">"Feasting on Faith-filled words"</a><br />
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I'm sure you have had a testimony similar to ours. Let's take all of our lessons into this new year and live a lifestyle of feasting on gratitude and starving negatitivy.<br />
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Here are a few passages of scripture to carry you through trials with joy:<br />
Phil. 4:13; Isaiah 40:29; Psalms 119:28; Eph 6:10; Isaiah 40:31; II Cor. 12:9-10; Psalms 46:1; Neh. 8:10; Psalms 28:7-8; James 1:2-4; Psalms 118:17; Prov. 3:5-6; II Sam. 22:33; II Tim 1:7; I John 4:18<br />
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Past Post:<br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/a-broken-record-murmuring-30-day.html" target="_blank">A Broken Record-Murmuring</a><br />
-Get your free Fast and Feast <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/free-poster-30-day-negativity-fast.html" target="_blank">Poster</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/overcoming-flesh-by-lisa-hill.html" target="_blank">Overcoming the Flesh</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/is-glass-half-empty-or-half-full-day-10.html" target="_blank">Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty</a>-5 Observations on Choosing a Joyful Perspective.<br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/how-to-wash-your-mouth-soap-or-hot.html" target="_blank">How to Wash Your Mouth</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/anatomy-of-your-mouth-day-3-negativity.html" target="_blank">The Anatomy of the Mouth</a> a hidden component.<br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/fast-to-feast-30-day-challenge.html" target="_blank">Fast to Feast-30 Day Challenge</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">15 Viable Reasons</a> to join this campaign.</span><br />
<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-68583306739053258482012-12-21T17:56:00.000-06:002013-01-04T01:10:39.551-06:00A Broken Record-Murmuring: 30 Day Negativity Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was younger my parents bought my brother and I a record player to play our children's stories and songs. We had one record which was a dramatization of the Popeye cartoon. The only thing I can remember from the story are these words, "Oil and Blubber..Oil and Blubber..Oil and Blubber.." There was a scratch on the record and whenever the needle would get to that point it would always get stuck until we bumped the record player or picked up the needle. This nagging repetition that happens with a scratched record reminds me of the term called murmuring. <br />
As you continue our <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">30 day Negativity Fast and Gratitude Feast</a> I hope you are becoming aware of times you find your self murmuring and learn how to give yourself a bump.<br />
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<span lang="EN">According to Strong's Concordance the word murmur is translated in the bible to mean: to <i>stop</i> (usually over night); by implication to <i>stay</i> permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be <i>obstinate</i> (especially in words, to <i>complain</i>): - abide (all night), continue,<b> dwell, endure</b>, grudge, be left, lie all night, (cause to) <b>lodge (all night, in, -ing, this night),</b> (make to) murmur, remain, <b>tarry (all night, that night)</b>.</span><br />
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Murmuring is a spot that you get stuck on and dwell for a long period of time with no resolution. Here are five ways to give your self a "bump" when you are stuck in a rut of murmuring.<br />
<ol>
<li>Begin to count your blessing naming them one by one.<span style="font-size: small;"> I Thes. 5:18</span></li>
<li>Remember God's faithfulness to you in the past. Psalms 78:35, Jonah 2:7</li>
<li>Release yourself from unhealthy comparison with others. II Cor. 10:12</li>
<li>Instead of rehearsing the problem come up with three potential solutions. Prov. 25:2</li>
<li>If you are a believer realize you have a responsibility to shine as a lights in a fallen world and you can't do that well stuck in a rut of murmuring. Please read the following passage in it's entirety:</li>
</ol>
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings, so that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Among these you shine as lights in the world," Phil. 2:14-15<br />
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I have had to catch my self several times on this Negativity fast and intentionally choose gratitude. I don't want to be known for what I complained about but for what I did to fix the situation. Choosing to fast from murmuring will change your life! Keep going on this journey and invite your friends.<br />
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Listen to a message I shared on the subject called "The right way to Complain" <br />
Download to your favorite player <a href="http://churchablaze.sermon.net/da/1199904531" target="_blank">here</a><br />
Listen to all of the Church Ablaze podcast <a href="http://www.sermon.net/rss/ChurchAblaze" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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<embed align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="poid=1199904531&d=http://www.sermon.net/&autostart=false" height="65" name="mpp" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://sermon.net/swf/ma.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="290" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
-Get your free Fast & Feast <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/free-poster-30-day-negativity-fast.html" target="_blank">Poster</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/overcoming-flesh-by-lisa-hill.html" target="_blank">Overcoming the Flesh</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/how-to-wash-your-mouth-soap-or-hot.html" target="_blank">How to Wash Your Mouth</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/is-glass-half-empty-or-half-full-day-10.html" target="_blank">5 Observations on Choosing a Joyful Perspective.</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">-Join in as we fast from negative words for 30 days. I wrote 15 viable reasons to join this campaign in a <span id="goog_1158855103"></span><span id="goog_1158855100"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">previous post<span id="goog_1158855104"></span><span id="goog_1158855101"></span></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below: </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">
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</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-63504392888459872012012-12-17T17:21:00.000-06:002012-12-17T17:21:54.320-06:00Free Poster-30 Day Negativity Fast & Gratitude Feast<br />
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We are half way there on Day 15 of our <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">30 day Negativity Fast and Gratitude Feast</a>. What better way to stay motivated, than with a visual reminder. I have attached a link below so you can download a high resolution pdf to print and put up as a reminder. <br />
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Click here: <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxqaGlsbDE5NzJ8Z3g6MTlkNGJkZTEwNmNiODdjYw" target="_blank">11x17 High resolution poster</a>.<br />
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Try and go as many days as you can negative free. If you blow it just get up and try again.<br />
<br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/overcoming-flesh-by-lisa-hill.html" target="_blank">Overcoming the Flesh</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/how-to-wash-your-mouth-soap-or-hot.html" target="_blank">How to Wash Your Mouth</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/is-glass-half-empty-or-half-full-day-10.html" target="_blank">5 Observations on Choosing a Joyful Perspective.</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">-Join in as we fast from negative words for 30 days. I wrote 15 viable reasons to join this campaign in a <span id="goog_1158855103"></span><span id="goog_1158855100"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">previous post<span id="goog_1158855104"></span><span id="goog_1158855101"></span></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">. </span><br />
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Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-31495494122639114662012-12-13T05:32:00.004-06:002012-12-13T05:32:53.448-06:00Overcoming the Flesh by Lisa Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDrrwfNmCjD3UMoDmz3fOlnkHyUNXp1cRuwYP5Sl_dmc2r1V1YSAwIPknPuKFEO3B4Tod0-i7igSxzemh3rQ5aaMSoHYA9B4H7AWhWcAwY4DoEkOvwvtmkwSEtPmGRO3pu9WFQVK5f-po/s1600/overcoming-fear-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDrrwfNmCjD3UMoDmz3fOlnkHyUNXp1cRuwYP5Sl_dmc2r1V1YSAwIPknPuKFEO3B4Tod0-i7igSxzemh3rQ5aaMSoHYA9B4H7AWhWcAwY4DoEkOvwvtmkwSEtPmGRO3pu9WFQVK5f-po/s200/overcoming-fear-3.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
Matthew 26: 41 "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."<br />
<br />
Okay, I am not sure about all of you that have taken up the <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">30 Day Negativity Fast and Gratitude Feast</a>, but I have never found the above mentioned scripture to be so true. I am so much more aware of what is coming out of my mouth. I have mentioned in my blog before, that by nature, I tend to be pessimistic. The first thing I notice in a situation is the wrong and not the right. But even knowing that about myself, I have been a bit surprised at how quickly negative or death filled words slip out of my mouth.<br />
With that being said, I thank God that there is always an answer in His word. He says to, "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Every morning I know that if I am going to succeed at speaking words of life (Prov 18:21), planting trees of life in my children's hearts (Prov 15:4), speaking pleasant words that bring healing (Prov 16:24), speaking soft answers that turn away wrath (Prov 15:1), and if I will open my mouth with wisdom and have the law of kindness on my tongue (Prov 31: 26), I need the Lord's strength and encouragement. I need to watch for those same ol' situations that bring out the worst in me and stop and pray and ask the Lord to help me to respond differently. I need to stop frustration in it's tracks by asking the Lord for the wisdom I need to be a life-giver in the midst of my testing. Is it really that simple......yes! Over and over again accessing the Lord - that's what being an overcomer is.<br />
The second part of the verse says, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." I am so glad that the Lord knows me. He did say in His word, that in the flesh dwells no good thing. So really, I should not be surprised when those negative and death filled words come to my mind and desire to roll right off my tongue. But the good news is that I do not live after the flesh any longer. As I was reminded this weekend by Kay Arthur: we live and walk by faith in the power of God working in us. We don't owe the flesh anything (Romans 8:12)! <br />
So if any of y'all out there are like me and finding that you needed this fast a little more than you had thought, take heart. Know that your Father in heaven, knows what you have need of. He knows your frame. He made you. Be mindful of the times, situations, and people that tend to steal all your kind words away (smile) and pray. Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him for His strength to overcome the flesh and access the power of His spirit to become a life-giver! It is He that works in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure!!!<br />
<br />
Written by: Lisa Hill (my lovely wife and mother of our 6 children)<br />
<br />-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/how-to-wash-your-mouth-soap-or-hot.html" target="_blank">How to Wash Your Mouth</a><br />
-Read about <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/is-glass-half-empty-or-half-full-day-10.html" target="_blank">5 Observations on Choosing a Joyful Perspective.</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">-Join in as we fast from negative words for 30 days. I wrote 15 viable reasons to join this campaign in a <span id="goog_1158855103"></span><span id="goog_1158855100"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">previous post<span id="goog_1158855104"></span><span id="goog_1158855101"></span></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below: </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">
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Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-51040479541002459822012-12-12T14:14:00.001-06:002012-12-12T14:14:48.138-06:00Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?-Day 10<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeYJIS4FPQji56kMdUU4Fm1zYO9ycDJpNsSWosxoAXkAf9czML9B4zT2k5fbkQnOETFLGzh1HgAIlfqPH6ESOtoon3Lru8JJgejPTXwQmO4IgqqVvCHOWasXckHO57cSJLCKGXPJzgjbJ/s1600/220px-Glass-of-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeYJIS4FPQji56kMdUU4Fm1zYO9ycDJpNsSWosxoAXkAf9czML9B4zT2k5fbkQnOETFLGzh1HgAIlfqPH6ESOtoon3Lru8JJgejPTXwQmO4IgqqVvCHOWasXckHO57cSJLCKGXPJzgjbJ/s200/220px-Glass-of-water.jpg" width="136" /></a>We are on <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">Day 10 of our 30 Day-Negativity Fast and Gratitude Feast</a>. Is the glass half empty or half full? This age old rhetorical phrase has been used as a tool to express how different people have different perspectives on the same circumstance. Traditionally, the optimist sees the glass as half full while the pessimist sees it as half empty.<br />
As we continue on this journey recognize that there are at least two ways to view every circumstance. Give yourself permission to choose joy. The reason I said, "give yourself permission" is because we all grow up with a natural default. Some were raised around complaining, worrying and negative people so your natural inclination is to find something to complain about. Others were raised around optimistic, thankful, and encouraging people that look for the good in most situations. If your natural default is negative from this day forward give yourself permission to choose to think, talk, and act differently. </div>
There is a story in the Bible found in Ezra 3:10-13, where the foundation of the temple of the Lord was rebuilt after many years of having no place to worship. There were a host of singers, trumpets, and <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">cymbals </span>that made for a huge celebration. Amongst all of the celebratory noise, that could be heard for miles, were also a mixture of cries and laments.<br />
<em>Ezr 3:12,13 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, <span style="font-size: small;">so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away. </span></em><br />
One situation, with two polar opposite perspectives. Those that knew the empty void of not having a temple at all praised with shouts of joy. Those that were only in comparison mode which prompted criticism were weeping with a loud voice. <br />
<br />
<strong><u>5 observations on choosing a joyful perspective:</u></strong><br />
<ol>
<li>What God does for a former generation he may do differently in another. Both should rejoice.</li>
<li>Having high expectations creates low appreciation. Resetting your expectations to a new reality means letting go of what was and embracing what is.</li>
<li>Having high entitlement creates low gratitude. Whenever you feel you deserve something more than what God has provided, you will not be thankful. Gratitude begins where entitlement ends.</li>
<li>Comparing yesterday's success can leave you with zero appreciation for current mercies in your life.</li>
<li>Being critical can make just as much noise as rejoicing. One leaves you unfulfilled the other brings satisfaction.</li>
</ol>
Sometimes it doesn't matter if the glass is half empty or half full, but being grateful that you have a cup of water.<br />
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Join in as we fast from negative words for 30 days. I wrote 15 viable reasons to join this campaign in a <span id="goog_1158855103"></span><span id="goog_1158855100"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">previous post<span id="goog_1158855104"></span><span id="goog_1158855101"></span></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">. Entire churches are joining, small groups, corporate offices, classrooms, families, teams, etc. are all joining in. This campaign will change your life! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below: </span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">
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Don't forget to check your email for </div>
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-86338170365210834482012-12-06T04:50:00.000-06:002012-12-12T14:02:00.464-06:00How to Wash Your Mouth-Soap or Hot Coals?-Day 4<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqNLYaOABAvtRqJVzNAy_8wzWxScCaK1KFjTVVJhkxkBVLTL7Go6Sx1sSEUECt1VDxrXRUWUbUTQNF1RZbcumhquFE3pMHs74HN4PB5_aRsM7vjvrINHaIqhmbYo3IsOP9dCF2DMA3Ztj/s1600-h/Wash+Mouth+Out+with+Soap.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412550134897579970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqNLYaOABAvtRqJVzNAy_8wzWxScCaK1KFjTVVJhkxkBVLTL7Go6Sx1sSEUECt1VDxrXRUWUbUTQNF1RZbcumhquFE3pMHs74HN4PB5_aRsM7vjvrINHaIqhmbYo3IsOP9dCF2DMA3Ztj/s200/Wash+Mouth+Out+with+Soap.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Day 4 of our <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">30 day Negativity Fast and Gratitude Feast</a>. Yesterday, I blogged about the <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/anatomy-of-your-mouth-day-3-negativity.html" target="_blank">Anatomy of the Mouth</a>. In that post we revealed that there is a hidden component of your mouth which controls it's functions. <em>"Taking a fast from negative words is not merely a physical exercise of controlling the motion of our mouth, but rather tending to the condition of our hearts."</em> I asked a question, 'how do we tend to our hearts?'<br />
<br />
<br />
Through the years there have been several tactics used to attempt to clean up our speech. One of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prominence</span> is washing the mouth out with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washing_out_mouth_with_soap" target="_blank">soap</a>. I have <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwjcTpykB5_4CA1s9VTHm6pnexW0i0NiYoJe9F_cZYnvgUHpDMmBl3kKjey-JrSGkTDxSklZIOSWZeEgK1N9vO5S_s73l6ZRAQGy_abIUfuxdsfXtkuGzzGb787Ev0tBWSe7i_Pz4zOEs/s1600-h/hotcoals_impression.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412521915347899378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwjcTpykB5_4CA1s9VTHm6pnexW0i0NiYoJe9F_cZYnvgUHpDMmBl3kKjey-JrSGkTDxSklZIOSWZeEgK1N9vO5S_s73l6ZRAQGy_abIUfuxdsfXtkuGzzGb787Ev0tBWSe7i_Pz4zOEs/s200/hotcoals_impression.jpg" style="float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> also heard of people putting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotsaucing" target="_blank">hot sauce</a> on the tongue or making the transgressor drink <a href="http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Castor_oil" target="_blank">Castor Oil</a>. All of these means can instigate change, embed anger, or completely clean out your digestive system but can it get at that hidden component of the heart?<br />
<br />
In Isaiah 6:5-8 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">NIV</span>) I found another method instituted by God and delivered by an angel: <em>"Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." Then one of the seraphs (an angel) flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"</em><br />
<br />
During this three days of this <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">negativity fast</a> I hope you have come to the realization that it is impossible to rid your speech, thoughts, actions, and attitudes of negativity in your own strength. Some of us have probably <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">felt</span> like Isaiah in the above passage, a person of unclean lips and living among people with unclean lips. We can also glean from this passage a key prerequisite to having a successful negativity fast. We must have our hearts purged of sin in order to have our mouth cleansed of negative words.<br />
<br />
Before a Holy God, our best attempts are seen as unclean (Isaiah 64:6) and our need for help is exposed like a roach when the lights are turned on.<br />
<br />
Hot coals represent purging, cleansing and pardoning. To be considered acceptable to God an unclean thing must go through purification. In this case it was Isaiah's mouth. In our case it is our mouth by way of our hearts!<br />
<br />
The hot coals are not meant to burn your lips but rather clean your heart,<br />
-they are not meant to scar your mouth but heal your heart,<br />
-they are not meant to hinder your speech but qualify and bring life to your words,<br />
-they are not meant to brand your guilt but pardon your sin.<br />
<br />
God's word is like a fire <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jeremiah</span> 23:29. The Holy Spirit works as fire, Matt. 3:11. God's method for cleaning up our speech thoughts and actions are done by a means that effects us at the heart and conscience level. Read below:<br />
Hebrews 9:13-14 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CEV</span>)<br />
<em>According to the Law of Moses, those people who become unclean are not fit to worship God. Yet they will be considered clean, if they are sprinkled with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a sacrificed calf. But Christ was sinless, and he offered himself as an eternal and spiritual sacrifice to God. That's why his blood is much more powerful and makes our consciences clear. Now we can serve the living God and no longer do things that lead to death.</em><br />
<br />
God wants your speech to produce life but it can only happen if it comes from a good heart that has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. In the eyes of God there is only one acceptable sacrifice for our back biting, evil, slanderous, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pessimistic</span>, doubtful, and sinful words, thoughts, and actions (Heb. 10:14). God provided this sacrifice, His only son who was sinless and pure. Jesus was tempted at all points yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). The clean was given for the unclean. At a conscious level you can receive power to bless others from a pure heart if you put your faith and trust in Jesus and His finished work on the cross.<br />
<br />
Don't attempt to do this Negativity Fast in your own strength. Surrender your heart to Christ and allow the Spirit of God to give you a new heart which will give you new speech with no soap required.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Join in as we fast from negative words for 30 days. I wrote 15 viable reasons to join this campaign in a </span><a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 85%;">previous post</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">. Entire churches are joining, small groups, corporate offices, classrooms, families, teams, etc. are all joining in. This campaign will change your life! It is the right thing to do.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-11466443720387787992012-12-05T14:58:00.000-06:002012-12-05T14:58:18.726-06:00Anatomy of Your Mouth-Day 3 Negativity Fast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqEL7S54oqn_dMMRJUPZ6m8YppdpmFwH5U6MNhzYBCfPth00sVpwanf_89X6hb-v8NX-Fc3MFkV-ZYeDDgD7ikFh5P8ljlrSGh6MUNQyjxnRmBoQ986xk-ckQfnFjo2bBdBAE_FIUtXsS/s1600-h/3d_model_anat_openmouth_web1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411047486859750978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqEL7S54oqn_dMMRJUPZ6m8YppdpmFwH5U6MNhzYBCfPth00sVpwanf_89X6hb-v8NX-Fc3MFkV-ZYeDDgD7ikFh5P8ljlrSGh6MUNQyjxnRmBoQ986xk-ckQfnFjo2bBdBAE_FIUtXsS/s200/3d_model_anat_openmouth_web1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px;" /></a>Today is day 3 of our 30 day <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">Negativty fast and Gratitude Feast</a>. I am hearing moaning and groaning from friends and family near and far that it is tough to stay positive. Without a doubt, it is a challenging task. Since we all have three days under our belt it is fitting to understanding that there are some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">perquisites</span> to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">successfully</span> fasting from negativity. One of them is understanding the anatomy of the mouth.<br />
<br />
Paraphrasing the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">dictionary</span> <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/395124/mouth">Britannica.com</a>, the mouth is the orifice through which food and air enter the body. The mouth opens to the outside at the lips and empties into the throat at the rear; its boundaries are defined by the lips, cheeks, hard and soft palates, and glottis. It is composed of a vestibule, open space, between the cheeks and the teeth, and a lower chamber filled by the tongue. In addition to its primary role in the intake and initial digestion of food, the mouth and its structures are essential in humans to the <strong>formation of speech</strong>.<br />
<br />
The above definition tell us that the mouth is only a tool used for the"formation of speech" so our words originate from somewhere else and the mouth is a tool of vocalization. Read this passage below:<br />
<br />
<em>Matthew 12:33-38 (New Living Translation)<br />33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”</em><br />
<br />
<em>I like verse 34 in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NASB</span> version which says, "For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart." </em><br />
<br />
Quick summary:<br />
<ol>
<li>The origin of our words comes from our hearts.</li>
<li>Words are like fruit and our hearts are like fruit trees. </li>
<li>Our hearts can be evil or good, and in addition they can be filled with evil or good.</li>
<li>Evil words come from an evil heart. Good words come from a good heart.</li>
<li>Our identification to others is often formed by the fruit we bear or the words we say.</li>
<li>Our words shape others judgement of us. They can reveal the judgement of innocence or the judgement of guilt.</li>
</ol>
So from the anatomy lesson above we understand that the mouth has a hidden component called the heart that really controls all of our words. With that being said, taking a fast from negative words is not merely a physical exercise of controlling the motion of our mouth, but rather tending to the condition of our hearts. So just how do we tend to our hearts? We will tackle that in future post. Give us your comments. <br />
<br />
Click here: <a href="http://www.reviveourhearts.com/static/challenges/30DayGratitude.pdf" target="_blank">Growing in Gratitude</a>. for a free download of a great 30 day devotional that is pointing you towards gratitude.<br />
<br />
Join in as we fast from negative words for 30 days. I wrote 15 viable reasons to join this campaign in a <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>. Entire churches are joining, small groups, families, teams, etc. are all joining in. This campaign will change your life! It is the right thing to do. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-84933453856159519402012-12-04T09:56:00.003-06:002012-12-04T09:56:47.474-06:00Fast to Feast-30 Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR3J8fOXNq7h8mhRCjniGHFvp_Udt6038emkU9J_HM_Rucfer1vXhmUPqCV6koAZAtmeZ6cMC1gd1SnPg1356u7L6LVWzSEb819j3ZIUTurBehyphenhyphenZYjTAFh7u4PjUUQ7Qv_16yxmEkLbPd/s1600/Fast+to+feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMR3J8fOXNq7h8mhRCjniGHFvp_Udt6038emkU9J_HM_Rucfer1vXhmUPqCV6koAZAtmeZ6cMC1gd1SnPg1356u7L6LVWzSEb819j3ZIUTurBehyphenhyphenZYjTAFh7u4PjUUQ7Qv_16yxmEkLbPd/s200/Fast+to+feast.jpg" tea="true" width="200" /></a></div>
We are on Day 2 of our Negativity Fast and Gratitude Feast. Notice it is not just a fast, but also a feast. We want to saturate our lives with gratitude and starve the negativity in our lives. Sometimes you have to fast in order to feast. Abstaining from negative thoughts, words, attitudes or actions in order to initiate a feast of gracious things that will produce fruit in your life. In Colossians 3:1-17 the principle is explained as "putting off" and "putting on". By the power of God we have been given the ability to put off ungodly actions and put on gracious actions. Here are three ways to make this 30 day experience enjoyable:<br />
<br />
1) Do it with friends, family, coworkers, or your church. That way you have built in accountability and encouragement.<br />
2) Get an encouragement jar and some poker chips. Red are for negative things you do. White are for things you do to express gratitude. Someone else has to put a chip in the jar for you. Check at the end of a week how colorful your jar is.<br />
3) Establish some consistent way to get in the word of God. Truly the only way you can make a heart change is by allowing the God of your heart access to uproot negativity and to plant gratitude. <br />
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My wife and I are going through a resource by Nancy Leigh Demoss called <a href="http://www.reviveourhearts.com/static/challenges/30DayGratitude.pdf" target="_blank">Growing in Gratitude</a>. It's a free download and is pointing us to the word of God as our source for living a negative free life. <br />
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Read previous post: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/12/30-day-negativity-fast-gratitude-feast.html" target="_blank">Fifteen Reasons to join us in this challenge</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-5078582087793925612012-12-03T14:55:00.000-06:002012-12-03T14:59:56.971-06:0030 day Negativity Fast-Gratitude Feast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSjaH23vpJ9tDIrboyKpAUEaDbwQZzeyUGlJ7kTAGe5Ip9DEybwa9lQyd9rvvwaEBWh0-M8X1_D2Tb6vczOXP1etOTcF8MY3nX7H0FhZLlyrIz0vW6cA6eAX1VrxR_47VIPV37BPglrU8/s1600/negativity.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409940010439725602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSjaH23vpJ9tDIrboyKpAUEaDbwQZzeyUGlJ7kTAGe5Ip9DEybwa9lQyd9rvvwaEBWh0-M8X1_D2Tb6vczOXP1etOTcF8MY3nX7H0FhZLlyrIz0vW6cA6eAX1VrxR_47VIPV37BPglrU8/s400/negativity.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 102px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Starting Monday, December 3rd we are asking everybody to fast from negative words, thoughts, and actions for 30 days. During this fast we will also feast on Gratitude. So it is a Gratitude feast and a Negativity fast. This is a campaign that will change your life. The tongue possesses power according to Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." It is your choice rather you use your tongue to build up or tear down..speak life or speak death..encourage or discourage..utter doubt or utter faith.<br />
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Fifteen reasons to join us as we fast from negativity and feast on gratitude:<br />
<ol>
<li>People are spending too much of their life focusing on self criticism, critisizing others, and being pessemistic.</li>
<li>Too many people are living below the level God has designed for them because they are confessing, meditating, and thinking about negative things.</li>
<li>Your relationships with God, spouse, children, coworkers, family, friends, and generally everyone you come in contact with will get better. Your worklife, home life, and church life will all improve.</li>
<li>People around you will begin to eat the fruit of life from your lips and flourish more because of your positive encouragement.</li>
<li>You will be taking the axe to the root of negative words and uprooting them so that they can be replaced with postive, faith filled words that are based on the true promises of God. </li>
<li>It will force you to think of better ways to communicate your desires. </li>
<li>It will help you to stop believing lies about your self and become the person God made you to be.</li>
<li>It will aid you in changing your perspective on even problematic situations.</li>
<li>It doesn't ignore problems but helps you deal with them in the right way.</li>
<li>You will train your self to be solution focuses rather than problem focused</li>
<li>Guarding your speech means you are gaurding your heart, which means you are changing your beliefs, which means the core of who you are is being afforded the opportunity to be transformed.</li>
<li>Things that used to be fearful obstacles will turn into opportunities as you anchor your heart and confessions in God's word that will give you courage and strength to overcome.</li>
<li>You will become "other-minded" versus "self-centered".</li>
<li>It will ignite your faith in God, service toward man, and love for all.</li>
<li>You will be certain despite circumstances that God is faithful and you won't allow situations to easily alter your moods and attitudes.</li>
</ol>
Listen hear for a message on the subject: <a href="http://www.sermon.net/ChurchAblaze/sermonid/1199898184/type/audio" target="_blank">Joy is a Choice</a> <embed align="middle" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="poid=1199898184&d=http://www.sermon.net/&autostart=false" height="65" name="mpp" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" src="http://sermon.net/swf/ma.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="290" wmode="transparent"></embed><br />
Will you join us? If so comment on my <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/">blog </a>or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jonathanhill">facebook</a>, or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jhill1972">twitter</a> (use the hash tag #negativityfast or #gratitudefeast). <br />
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LET's DO THIS!!<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-31004052360142188082012-07-26T15:03:00.000-05:002012-07-26T15:03:40.489-05:0021 Things-Mission Romania-Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5DrwcqHkiSdRcInl-fYq04nqIIQODkz9I6iw4Tr-TQR3W16i6B1gVCIkBUl4heupVaBtoACqH3Qn_wA07au4pIyxex0Ffuoft7rT7RtKckkaXBZYyE427HD3Px3QZV800d9hwdYQCZb1/s1600/P6210377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5DrwcqHkiSdRcInl-fYq04nqIIQODkz9I6iw4Tr-TQR3W16i6B1gVCIkBUl4heupVaBtoACqH3Qn_wA07au4pIyxex0Ffuoft7rT7RtKckkaXBZYyE427HD3Px3QZV800d9hwdYQCZb1/s200/P6210377.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Often you think a missions trip is for the people you are going to help. Actually it is just as much for you as it is for them. From raising support to go on the trip to coming back home and sharing the experience; God continues to teach small little lessons. Today I am continuing the 21 things we learned on the mission field with 15-21. You can read <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/07/21-things-mission-romania-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/07/21-things-mission-romania-part-2.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> on previous post.<br />
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15) That hitchhiking is an acceptable form of transportation in Romania that people pay for.<br />
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16) That working together as father and sons was dynamic and we make a great team. <br />
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17) That the power of prayer is essential on the missions field and can be literally felt.<br />
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18) That in Europe they have different electrical outlets. And a 110 volt hair trimmer doesn’t like 220 volts of power. <br />
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19) That your spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities come alive in a new and fresh way when you go out into the field.<br />
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20) That being tall and black qualifies me for this question in Europe, “Do you play in the NBA?”<br />
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21) That people from other cultures will trust you more when they see what you believe before you say what you believe.<br />
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Now that we have our first trip under our belt we are eagerly waiting for the next opportunity. We want to make it a goal to do something with missions every year. <br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-24782997541340572422012-07-25T01:57:00.000-05:002012-07-26T15:07:53.199-05:0021 Things-Mission Romania-Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EVdPbNrR8mHfwfJWcRy_0ozZX6I63JRe6Q6dxhTwTKAvknREUviH2dCDQxMS9k245_I0WDCr3i5wgxjThIX95VdTolAEWQWyZKP48FmuRPVQL1zJW6OMytDF2_PMNBIVlx07yjs8g7YN/s1600/crowd-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EVdPbNrR8mHfwfJWcRy_0ozZX6I63JRe6Q6dxhTwTKAvknREUviH2dCDQxMS9k245_I0WDCr3i5wgxjThIX95VdTolAEWQWyZKP48FmuRPVQL1zJW6OMytDF2_PMNBIVlx07yjs8g7YN/s200/crowd-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
If you get an opportunity to serve a people group that will take you out of your comfort zone. DO IT! Today I am continuing the 21 things we learned on the mission field with 8-14 below: <a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/07/21-things-mission-romania-part-1.html" target="_blank">I wrote 1-7 here in a previous post </a><br />
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8) That being American can be a doorway to conversations that can easily be pointed towards matters of faith. <br />
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9) The Gospel transcends cultures and geographical boundaries and has the same power to save.<br />
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10) That the freedom of religion we have enjoyed all of our lives has afforded us knowledge and experience in God that many in the world do not have the freedom to enjoy.<br />
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11) That there are entire regions of people that are Godless and have been scarred by abusive governments and false religion. <br />
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12) That all showers don’t have shower curtains.<br />
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13) That just because you are using terms like God, Church, faith, and Jesus doesn’t mean that it communicates to their cultural experience. You can be talking, but not communicating.<br />
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14) That we have a responsibility to go into all the world and teach all nations. Much has been given to us and much is required. Comfortable Christianity does not fulfill the great commission.<br />
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I'll continue tomorrow with 15-21 (<a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/07/21-things-mission-romania-part-3.html" target="_blank">Click here</a>). If you get an opportunity to serve a people group that will take you out of your comfort zone. DO IT! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-89349574855291237992012-07-24T11:01:00.000-05:002012-07-26T15:06:44.235-05:0021 Things-Mission Romania-Part 1<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbpZ7e6BeT08hXXAYA7H3aU5P2_G1NCeMj07tYEh6pKd9VFJsZ8NBT3jtYeI8WIZZoilfm7rUJsgc6deTBcTIank5G_BxOElJBFWAo6ynP_c5KlNvVI046DuGHgcnc6CoaLAfpc2Z9-C-/s1600/gypsy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbpZ7e6BeT08hXXAYA7H3aU5P2_G1NCeMj07tYEh6pKd9VFJsZ8NBT3jtYeI8WIZZoilfm7rUJsgc6deTBcTIank5G_BxOElJBFWAo6ynP_c5KlNvVI046DuGHgcnc6CoaLAfpc2Z9-C-/s200/gypsy+3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 159.75pt; margin-left: 393.95pt; margin-top: 4.5pt; position: absolute; width: 120pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-135 0 -135 21499 21600 21499 21600 0 -135 0"><imagedata o:title="P6210377" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Jonathan\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What an eye opening trip! Thank you for your prayers and financial support. The missions trip to Romania was our (Jonathan, Justus, and Jerod) first time going on a missions trip and the first time our church has crossed the U.S. borders with the love of Jesus. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over 400 military students and leaders with the organization MCYM (Military Community Youth Ministries) converged on Cluj-Napoca, Romania to show the love of Jesus to six different Romanian communities:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We constructed playgrounds, played sports, shared Christ through VBS (Vacation Bible School) & taught ESL (English as a Second Language) to the Romanian, Hungarian, & Roma people. Each of the six days ended with worship, a message, and small group time.</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Twenty-one things we learned on the mission field ( First seven):</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Meeting the Roma people, who are considered outcast in Romania, opened our eyes to the fact that no one is an outcast in God’s eyes and we should love on them all the more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Seeing some of the shacks that people live in near the city dump reminded us that we should use the term “need” very sparingly. The little we say we have is much to someone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) That good food can bring all types of people together. We could eat Hungarian Goulash every day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Meeting the other missionaries that have left jobs, comfort and careers to follow God’s call was confirming and provoking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) That people who don’t speak English won’t understand you no matter how loud you talk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) That who you marry will have an effect on your ability to effectively minister. My wife supported us 200% and helped us in many detailed ways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Just knowing that we had the opportunity to do a small part and encourage the families of our active duty military for six straight days was fulfilling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll continue tomorrow with 8-14 (<a href="http://www.jonathanhill.me/2012/07/21-things-mission-romania-part-2.html" target="_blank">click here</a>). I was so humbled to be given the honor to speak at this event. My eyes are opened wide to what Jesus said about going to all the world. There is a such a need for sound teaching and fervent love all over the world. Much has been given to most American Christians so much is required. GO YE!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For pictures go </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/churchablaze/photos" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and click on Romania 2012 pictures! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't forget to check your email for confirmation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-36126859653936167102012-07-05T17:05:00.000-05:002012-07-05T17:05:03.876-05:00Bible Experience: July-August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlFhY-FdTi8hHihAb62wuHwqOr3LoiX3VGv1EYKkcjCW9kVWGLzr10H7V0vtG-KuRCFvX-gOsChgK7VEio_JnFpIRQbAexUSuo5pazSMcWbA-jQh1pzxGh_AMWr0ySUQR1m3NdHxPEjWi/s1600/bible+experience+bookmark-July-Aug-3x8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxlFhY-FdTi8hHihAb62wuHwqOr3LoiX3VGv1EYKkcjCW9kVWGLzr10H7V0vtG-KuRCFvX-gOsChgK7VEio_JnFpIRQbAexUSuo5pazSMcWbA-jQh1pzxGh_AMWr0ySUQR1m3NdHxPEjWi/s640/bible+experience+bookmark-July-Aug-3x8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Start reading your Bible today. We continue to hear how the <a href="http://www.bit.ly/Biblex" target="_blank">Bible Experience (Bible-X)</a> is helping people stay focused on God’s word. We have over 100 participants from eight different states (NJ, FL, MO, TX, OK, MD, IA and IN). I wanted to take time to share a testimony in my family.<br />
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<em>We have two teenage sons. We want them to own their faith and spend time with God because they "want to" not because they "have to". Having the physical bookmark in their Bible and a set time when they read has helped them to keep a Godly focus for their days. It has been a joy to be in the car and have a spontaneous conversation over the reading for the day. We pray that they are developing a habit that they will be able to carry with them when they leave our house. </em></div>
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What are your testimonies? Please share: email to info@churchablaze.tv or leave a voice mail at 405-200-1846.<br />
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Read <a href="http://www.bit.ly/Biblex" target="_blank">here</a> to see how the Bible Experience works. The chapters for July and August are included as an image in this post. Below you can read how to <a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxqaGlsbDE5NzJ8Z3g6NmM4MTBlMWJlNWMyMTk3" target="_blank">print</a> your own bookmark or receive one in the mail.<br />
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For July and August as we will stay on the theme of Establishing. We will look at:<br />
<ul>
<li>Establishing of a leader---I and II Timothy, Titus</li>
<li>Establishing a love for Jesus---Gospel of John and his three letters (I, II, and III John)</li>
<li>Establishing the Christian life---James</li>
<li>Establishing of the temple---Exodus </li>
<li>Establishing of the law---Deuteronomy </li>
</ul>
Remember this is an experience that you can use in multiple ways:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMubT-_5RXA9vgFcHYF8szqijtMhJD8mDyxeeXml_XpeElkwNR7drwTCePpBccmmxL_J_K3cnc9Ec-F9Bpk8BYdw_X6gOyYdM8qUXyyxA2ZpfPcoFrAEPIkvmi5U0hZvRx94LQVvToQCrw/s1600/bible+experience+bookmark-July-Aug-3x8-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMubT-_5RXA9vgFcHYF8szqijtMhJD8mDyxeeXml_XpeElkwNR7drwTCePpBccmmxL_J_K3cnc9Ec-F9Bpk8BYdw_X6gOyYdM8qUXyyxA2ZpfPcoFrAEPIkvmi5U0hZvRx94LQVvToQCrw/s640/bible+experience+bookmark-July-Aug-3x8-back.jpg" width="240" /></a>1. This can be a personal devotion tool. Fellowship with God a minimum of 20 minutes through prayer, reading, and journaling (See bookmark for guidance).</div>
2. This can be a tool to bring your family together around the word. Have the family individually read the two chapters in their own quiet time. When you come together in the car, around the dinner table, or in the family room; have each family member share a portion from the reading that had an impact. Pray for each other and you are done.<br />
3. This can be a tool used in small group environments. Get together with one or two others and share what passages stood out the most to you. <br />
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<u>MAIL</u>: <br />
If you would like a bookmark mailed to you every two months please email: <a href="mailto:info@churchablaze.tv">info@churchablaze.tv</a>. Leave us your name and mailing address. <br />
<br />
<u>PRINT</u>:<br />
You can also print off a hard copy of the bookmark your self here. (<a href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxqaGlsbDE5NzJ8Z3g6NmM4MTBlMWJlNWMyMTk3" target="_blank">Bookmark pdf file</a>)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-90623820572649806262012-06-25T05:59:00.000-05:002012-06-25T05:59:33.924-05:00Now what? The Event Is Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When you go to a conference, retreat, or renewing event you often feel like you are on top of the world. How do you carry the glory of the event into everyday life? Inspiration feels like change, but it is not. Turn inspiration into initiation or it will become a memory versus sustatined change. God doesn't just come for a visitation but rather a habitation. When you leave an event it is important to know that the same God you met wants to dwell with you forever. Here are five things that I do to carry the renewal throughout my life.<br />
<ol>
<li>The week after I get up early to pray, read and listen to see if God has more to say in light of the event.</li>
<li>I take a few days to reread all of my notes and ask my self the following quesitons:</li>
<ol>
<li>What changes do I need to make to my life? What are some areas where I need to repent?</li>
<li>What measurable steps can I take now in light of the information I learned?</li>
<li>What are some areas God is definetly demanding instant obedience?</li>
<li>Who are some people I need to talk to and get things right with?</li>
</ol>
<li>I reread all of the passage of scripture to discover more personal insights.</li>
<li>I tell at least three people a summary of the event and what it meant to me. Some people you should tell are spouses, parents, siblings, best freinds, or spirtual leaders in your life. Close relationships are the key because this has built in accountability.</li>
<li>Any new commitments I make I write them down and submit them to my accountability partner. I don't trust myself.</li>
</ol>
Take this verse and memorize it and pray it daily after the event: Phil. 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">If you would like to receive email updates of my new post click below:</span><a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=JonathanHill&loc=en_US"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Subscribe to Jonathan's Blog by Email</span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Don't forget to check your email for confirmation.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125012013802317174.post-4653986419050161702012-05-21T19:44:00.001-05:002012-05-21T19:44:18.775-05:00Hills to Romania<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1fplFCkFhlqB2oSB8wEWBAybsTqDk3DSPdg898KLlcDU5HDuZliWHQynGmR2SAE8QxMoyX3Rl11IAarMxJRr5YbBtm84IBQTH8EGxSXPki_yTdL9JbEF66g9ANroWPNZ5E6CjfNx8sQP/s1600/Jhill3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1fplFCkFhlqB2oSB8wEWBAybsTqDk3DSPdg898KLlcDU5HDuZliWHQynGmR2SAE8QxMoyX3Rl11IAarMxJRr5YbBtm84IBQTH8EGxSXPki_yTdL9JbEF66g9ANroWPNZ5E6CjfNx8sQP/s200/Jhill3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan, Justus, and Jerod Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Justus, Jerod, and I will be heading east to Cluj-Napaco, Romania for a missions trip this summer. I have always had the desire for our family to experience foreign missions and now we have a golden opportunity. I truly believe in my heart that this is the first of many trips across the world. The gospel burns in our hearts as a family and we love to share our faith with the hungry. Now that we have older children I believe more and more doors will open for us to speak and serve outside of the United States.<br />
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On this trip we will be:<br />
<strong>Speaking</strong> – I will minister to 500 military youth every night.<br />
<strong>Serving</strong> –We will be building playgrounds for Roma schools.<br />
<strong>Teaching</strong> – We will be sharing God’s love with the impoverished Roma children through stories, games, and crafts.<br />
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Here is last years video: <a href="http://vimeo.com/28087660">http://vimeo.com/28087660</a><br />
The mission opportunity is through an organization called Military Community Youth Missions <a href="http://www.mcym.org/">http://www.mcym.org/</a> . MCYM serves at locations with nearly 70,000 military teens. Over 90 full-time staff along with hundreds of volunteer leaders are working in over 45 military communities around the world. <br />
Prayer needs:<br />
1) For me as I prepare the messages God wants to deliver.<br />
2) Raising $5,000 for trip expenses<br />
3) All of our safe travels<br />
4) For MANY hearts to be changed by the power of the gospel.<br />
<br />
Any support can be mailed to: <br />
Church Ablaze<br />
P.O. Box 720960<br />
Oklahoma City, OK 73172<br />
Check to: "Church Ablaze" memo: "romania"<br />
<br />
Any questions feel free to contact me via email or facebook:<br />
<a href="mailto:jhill1972@gmail.com">jhill1972@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/jonathanhill">www.facebook.com/jonathanhill</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Jonathan Hill -
Strengthening your hand in God -
www.jonathanhill.me</div>Jonathan Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08617994107469356696noreply@blogger.com5