Monday, 1 September 2008

The B-Word

But while I was busy doing something else, the prisoner disappeared!"
"Well, it's your own fault," the king replied. "You have determined your own judgment." 1 Kings 20:40


It's almost a crime to not be busy these days. The b-word is both a source of pride and frustration to many in this 'modern' world, maybe even you? The symptoms of busyness are everywhere in our jobs, families, social lives, hobbies, etc. But let's get one thing straight first, "We choose to be too busy." The source is always ourselves.

Before you get all offended or blame me for not understanding the pressures that drive your life, let me just say (from one bee to another), "I get you." Yes, missionaries get too busy too. We have families, social lives and financial pressures like everyone else. We also like to use the b-word as a counterfeit for God-guided action. Sound familiar? Here's the kicker...

God calls busy people!
(Say it "out loud" to convince yourself)

Still don't believe me? Check out Peter, covered in fish guts. Look at Elisha sweating with the oxen. And do you really think Mary was just sitting around daydreaming like Alice in Wonderland? It's actually more like Cinderella. Young women in her culture had more calloused hands than many construction workers today. I bet the angel came her way while she had a 5 gallon bucket on her head!

When Jesus said, "Go...", it was to some confused and doubtful young men with busy, hard-working lives ahead of them. They had to sacrifice all of their excuses, b-words, c-words, d-words, etc. Our God has great and mighty plans for this world. He's not trying to beg help from people with nothing better to do! He can redirect our busyness, but He cannot transform boredom. That's up to you my friend.

So go into all this week and realise there is a God who wants some of that precious time of yours. And there's still some people who need to know Him.

Let's Get Bizaaay,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

PS: Freedomhouse begins our Sunday Study in the Book of Ezra this week. Read ahead and get ready for a wild ride! It may alter your plans for the future a bit :)

Monday, 18 August 2008

"We're Back!"

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1


There is a man in tight speedos who is shattering records and blowing minds across the world. Some call him 'the world's greatest swimmer' others even deem him 'the greatest Olympian ever'. Whether you agree or not, you'd have to admit that there is something more than luck on his side. Would you like to know his secret?

Paul the Apostle liked to encourage Christians by comparing them to the Olympians of his day. He admired their discipline, self control and most of all, their focus. Paul also loved to point out that our 'race' to win the human race for Christ is far greater than any endeavour in this world. So why are we wandering around like lost tourists instead running in a way that honours the One who finished first?

Look at the boy at the left of the picture. He's the same man who now has 14 gold medals around his neck. Little Mikey has been drinking pool water for breakfast since he was 7 years old. Can we be the kind of disciples that can see victory in those moments when we think no one is looking? Our Father is watching, Angels are cheering and people are waiting...

It's Monday. Will you dive into your *race this week or only get your toes wet?

Glad to be back,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

*rat race not included

Monday, 7 July 2008

Eternal Summer

So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen.
For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18


The Monday Message, as we know it, will be postponed for a couple weeks as we 'focus' on a couple other things at the moment:

#1 We are preparing to represent Freedomhouse and share all that God is doing here with our friends and supporters @ the Praise Chapel World Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. We are preparing videos, photo galleries and more, so please pray for us as we get things ready.

#2 This summer, the theme @ Freedomhouse is called Eternally Focused. We'll be exploring the eternal elements that will NEVER change, while learning how to apply them to our ever-changing situations. It's not about having our head in the clouds, but rather bringing God's vision to down to earth through our daily decisions.

Come and join us every Sunday this summer and see what God does. Don't just observe, get involved! We are doing all kinds of creative projects and experiments of faith. We need your unique personality and one of a kind style to complete the multi-coloured vision God is painting at Freedomhouse.

Here's to an eternal summer...

Under the Son,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

Monday, 30 June 2008

Eternally Focused

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Cor 13:12


"You gotta strange look on your face. What are ya' thinkin' about?", asked Dawn to her silent lunch companion, who couldn't stop squinting at the scattered clouds above. Joel took a final greedy bite of his cheap Tesco sandwich to buy him some replying time. He'd just been caught recalling the fading revelations of last night's dream.

Could he actually describe the sensation of walking on a cliff that had coarse grass made with the tangled words of his own hidden thoughts? Was it really worth chatting about a distant river made of a million singing people running towards a gigantically immense mountain? While Joel played back the vivid, out of body sky-walk that ended his vision, an abrupt gulp signaled him to returned to his own skin. His hesitation time was officially over.

"Well, I reckon' I was just thinking that I've never really liked mustard with my smoked pig", said Joel with a little burp for effect.

"Disgusting. I am never having lunch with you again." He had forgotten that Dawn was vegetarian. Joel's rudeness had once again disguised a part of himself that he really wanted to share: the quiet belief that he could see things a bit beyond the reality box.

The faint drips of summer rain convinced them to head back to their jobs a little early. As they walked through the shady garden, Joel's eyes scanned the tilted grave stones surrounding them. This was an old burial ground for dissenters of the Queen's Church. Now lunchtime Londoners relaxed here with bad sandwich's and impolite jokes. While passing the dead beds of Blake and Bunyan, Joel wondered if he would ever be remembered like them. Even though they weren't exactly household names anymore.

The increasing rain and an oncoming bus forced Joel to quickly depart from his friend with nothing more than a head-nod good-bye. He ran across the street to catch the 21 bus, enjoying the way the bright yellow numbers matched his current age. It seemed like cheap destiny. He sat down in a dry back seat. When the bus passed by his walking wet friend, he began to regret not sharing his dream with her.

Joel della Valle would never get to apologise for the stupid joke either...


The End?...


PS: If you enjoyed our Monday Morning Story you might also like the new theme at Freedomhouse this summer: Eternally Focused. We'll be exploring the eternal things that never change no matter what, even in a world that never stops. This Sunday is about Living Vision. Come and see for yourself what it's all about...

Thanks,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

Monday, 16 June 2008

Happily Ever After

Hello Everyone,

Brandon is pretty ill this week so he asked me to send a quick note to you all. Instead of the Monday Message being received by you, why don't you send something encouraging to one or more of your friends and see what happens...? (Forwarding doesn't count)

The message this Sunday is called "Happily Ever After". It's about being eternally secure (without being cynical) about the Father's first love for us. God's really been doing some great things lately around this theme. Brandon will probably share more embarrassing stories about our wedding or something as well. Don't miss out! Love to see you...

Glad to be back,
Pamela and Brandon
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

Monday, 9 June 2008

Others Explained

Love your neighbour as yourself...(All over the Bible)


Could your life be summed up in one word?

When Salvation Army founder William Booth was on his death bed, he was visited by one of the managers of the telegraph system of London. The man asked Booth if he had a last message he would like to send to his Salvation Army officers around the world. He said, "If you do, whether it is long or short, we shall be glad to send it free of charge."

Looking up, the General smiled his thanks and said just one word: "Others." That message was wired around the world where Salvation Army soldiers were out seeking for the lost other sheep.

What word would be used by "others" to define your life?

Glad to be back,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

PS: Check out this video of Pastor Kelley Lohrke from Praise Chapel Kansas City. He spoke at the First Love Conference we were at last Month. May his crazy love for the lost inspire yours.

Tuesday, 3 June 2008

Tuesday Telegram: Others













Others.