Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Proclaim the good, and not the bad
by Alan Harris
We want to provide a strong vehicle for shaking these youth. We can't change them in one weekend. We can plant a seed. We can feed them a sample. God may send others to water and tend it or we may be fertilizer or plant food for previous seed. We're small, but determined.
The world is not leading kids this way, or adults either. I stay as far away from secular media as I can. The glimpses I get still shock me and turn my stomach. I see our government as a fear machine. Everything today is trying to keep us safe from corruption. But often it is corruption that is putting that fear in us. I don't think terrorism is out there. I think the devil is, and he's a liar.
Every time I react to something that's not conforming to God's ways, I hear people say, “What's your problem? Its not that bad!” It's not that BAD? Well show me something that is promoting good. Lets not see how much of the crap in the world we can tolerate and be entertained by.
“Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5) I don't see today's youth casting down ANYTHING. “I'm OK, You're OK, everything is OK, especially what is in the arts, media, the movies, Barnes & Noble. Its ok if the theme is of the devil. “It's not so bad. It's a beautiful story.” Or here's one from my kids, “Let me attack something you like to prove you do the same thing! How dare you say something I feel validated with is bad?”
“Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thes 2:11-12
Who is calling evil-evil anymore? Is anything evil? How can we say “deliver us from evil,” when we accept every damn evil thing that comes across the screen? David Wilkerson used to say about bad TV shows, “TURN IT OFF!” Will some one raise the standard back again? Well, that's what we're doing.
Lets spend our time dwelling on good. If everything today is twisted and perverted away from God's law of love, then lets go back to things in the past. Learn from the Bible. Learn from good writers and speakers. Read God's truths and lessons. What are we doing to proclaim the good News? Who are we sharing it with?
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thes 2:15
So we will continue to proclaim the good, and not the bad.
 | Thankful(? )Thoughts From My Journal How do you reach people for Jesus? We want to place youth in front of ministry, place, point, drop it in front of them. What do kids like? Music, social networking, popular books and movies, group acceptance, love, affirmation, escape, distraction, to speak like everyone else, to complain (just read a few Facebook walls). Hopefully they would want to get all that and know God too. |
The world is not leading kids this way, or adults either. I stay as far away from secular media as I can. The glimpses I get still shock me and turn my stomach. I see our government as a fear machine. Everything today is trying to keep us safe from corruption. But often it is corruption that is putting that fear in us. I don't think terrorism is out there. I think the devil is, and he's a liar.
Every time I react to something that's not conforming to God's ways, I hear people say, “What's your problem? Its not that bad!” It's not that BAD? Well show me something that is promoting good. Lets not see how much of the crap in the world we can tolerate and be entertained by.
“Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5) I don't see today's youth casting down ANYTHING. “I'm OK, You're OK, everything is OK, especially what is in the arts, media, the movies, Barnes & Noble. Its ok if the theme is of the devil. “It's not so bad. It's a beautiful story.” Or here's one from my kids, “Let me attack something you like to prove you do the same thing! How dare you say something I feel validated with is bad?”
“Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thes 2:11-12
Who is calling evil-evil anymore? Is anything evil? How can we say “deliver us from evil,” when we accept every damn evil thing that comes across the screen? David Wilkerson used to say about bad TV shows, “TURN IT OFF!” Will some one raise the standard back again? Well, that's what we're doing.
Lets spend our time dwelling on good. If everything today is twisted and perverted away from God's law of love, then lets go back to things in the past. Learn from the Bible. Learn from good writers and speakers. Read God's truths and lessons. What are we doing to proclaim the good News? Who are we sharing it with?
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thes 2:15
So we will continue to proclaim the good, and not the bad.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
21 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
I don't think maturity or respect is something you gain from reaching a certain age. Wine ages and tastes good because it gets to where it tastes good and matured. I don't know about numbers. I go by the taste. I've watched these two and they're still being worked on in the wine rack. In fact they need a little cheese with that whine. What have you done for me lately?
Lori and I and God put good stuff in our kids. We set the body in motion. God provides the soul and the spirit and keeps the body ticking. Sam and Charlotte have to steer the ship and make choices. What they choose has been different for each of them. I'm still observing. I will always care what they do. I want to be proud of them, for them to represent the Harris family well and God.
When babies are born you don't know how they're going to end up looking because they're funny looking. I still don't know how Sam and Charlotte will end up looking.
You can tell they are Harrises. They are tough. Bull headed. Creative. Independent. But will they follow Jesus in all things? I hope so. I'm still praying for them. Every day.
Sam and Charlotte, you've got a long way to go. We've been most of the way ourselves. We'd like to help you from what we've learned. Give us a chance.
Congratulations on staying in this world 21 years. Its been a funky ride. Not everybody gets twins. I've enjoyed it. It was cool. Where will you be in another 21 years? May I say with Jesus,
'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matt. 25:23
Love Dad (Alan Harris)
Friday, September 10, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Stuck in the Middle
Stuck In the Middle
by Alan Harris.
(Article begins below the video and song lyrics)
Some will listen to you, but they seem closed off and unwilling to learn more or change. They find it surprising that some Catholics are spirit filled and moving in the gifts at meetings. “But what about..,..?” They don't see how God could be in it when they still see points to condemn by.
The Catholics, for the most part, don't want to do evangelism or encourage Christian training. They don't want to have a Bible Study or a prayer group. “We pray and hear the Bible at Mass.” They might pray the Rosary. If you're really hearing a call to God they'll recommend you become a priest or nun.
We love the core of the Catholic faith. The part that came from the Apostolic Fathers. It seems that many of the aspects of the Church that folks have a problem with, came from taking something simple and honorable and letting it mutate into something unscriptural.
For example: (and I am not a theologian)
Same for the Blessed Mother. In my limited human brain, I don't understand how she, or any saint, hears all the people talking to them. Its hard enough to believe that God can do that and sort out all the prayers and thoughts of every soul on earth and in heaven. (remember Its a wonderful life, when all of Bedford Falls are praying for George Bailey at the same time?)
As a Catholic Convert, I honor Mary and ask her to pray for me or for whoever I'm praying for. I don't believe she hears my thoughts. I always audibly speak to her. I don't pray in the name of Mary. I really don't ask other saints to pray for me. If others do that its fine with me. I might ask people I knew when they were alive to pray for me, or one of my children in need (Like my Grandmother or Father).
I could be wrong. So much of God is beyond my comprehension.
So as a recent Catholic convert. I'm trying to make peace with both sides. Often I feel I don't belong to either.
I'm just stuck in the middle. Each time I get stuck I realize how little time I spend studying the wealth of books and media out there that could help me understand. We have to take the time to know our faith.
by Alan Harris.
(Article begins below the video and song lyrics)
It's a funny world we live in
It's funny every day
Half the world prays like the preacher
The other half don't even pray
So no one understands you
If you pray in your own way
Now I'm stuck here in the middle
Everything is in a jam
Stuck right in the middle
Doors on both sides seem to slam
No one seems to want me
Only God will take me like I am
Well my brothers criticize me
Say I'm just too strange to believe
And the others just avoid me
They say my faith is so naive
I'm too sacred for the sinners
And the saints wish I would leave
Now I'm stuck here in the middle
Everything is in a jam
Stuck right in the middle
Doors on both sides seem to slam
No one seems to want me
Only God will take me like I am
Written by Mark Heard
© 1981 Bug and Bear Music (ASCAP)
The Protestants
I am a Charismatic Catholic Convert. Most Protestants haven't a clue why I would even give the Catholics the time of day. They have all their pat answers to the “errors” of Catholicism. They're rather squeamish about even setting foot in a Catholic church. Their opinion seems based on rumor, stereotyping and passed on gossip.Some will listen to you, but they seem closed off and unwilling to learn more or change. They find it surprising that some Catholics are spirit filled and moving in the gifts at meetings. “But what about..,..?” They don't see how God could be in it when they still see points to condemn by.
The Catholics
Those in the Catholic Church like what they do. They see nothing wrong. They don't want to remove anything. They don't want to add anything. They have heard about these Charismatics, “but that's the weirdos. They do their own thing.”The Catholics, for the most part, don't want to do evangelism or encourage Christian training. They don't want to have a Bible Study or a prayer group. “We pray and hear the Bible at Mass.” They might pray the Rosary. If you're really hearing a call to God they'll recommend you become a priest or nun.
Stuck in the Middle
Then here's Lori and I stuck in the middle. We are happy to be Catholic. We love it. “The smells, the bells and the yells,” says Deacon Alex C. Jones. It took a lot of listening and studying to get comfortable. We love the Sacraments and see Jesus in them. We love the core of the Catholic faith. The part that came from the Apostolic Fathers. It seems that many of the aspects of the Church that folks have a problem with, came from taking something simple and honorable and letting it mutate into something unscriptural.
For example: (and I am not a theologian)
- The Assumption of Mary: Mary is the Mother of Jesus. OK. Mary carried Jesus in her womb and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary saw an angel who foretold Jesus' birth. Mary was in Jesus' physical presence more than any Human. Mary died and her spirit went to heaven. Then her empty body was taken to heaven, (Protestants will ask for chapter and verse here) but she didn't need it up there.
- Immaculate Conception: The church says Mary was born without Adam's sin on her. (Proof? The Protestants cry)
- Statues: We have a giant statue of Sam Houston outside Huntsville, TX. We don't worship it or pray to Sam Houston. He was a good man and patriot who lived and died and we honor him. By looking at the statue, people can see what he looked like and respect what he did for Texas. We don't worship Sam Houston. I suppose people who are related to him might speak out and wonder if God allows him to hear from heaven.
Same for the Blessed Mother. In my limited human brain, I don't understand how she, or any saint, hears all the people talking to them. Its hard enough to believe that God can do that and sort out all the prayers and thoughts of every soul on earth and in heaven. (remember Its a wonderful life, when all of Bedford Falls are praying for George Bailey at the same time?)
As a Catholic Convert, I honor Mary and ask her to pray for me or for whoever I'm praying for. I don't believe she hears my thoughts. I always audibly speak to her. I don't pray in the name of Mary. I really don't ask other saints to pray for me. If others do that its fine with me. I might ask people I knew when they were alive to pray for me, or one of my children in need (Like my Grandmother or Father).
I could be wrong. So much of God is beyond my comprehension.
So as a recent Catholic convert. I'm trying to make peace with both sides. Often I feel I don't belong to either.
I'm just stuck in the middle. Each time I get stuck I realize how little time I spend studying the wealth of books and media out there that could help me understand. We have to take the time to know our faith.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Only One Life
"We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them."Robert Moffatt
Only One Life
Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
C.T. Studd
Only One Life
Two little lines I heard one day,Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,"Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all";
Only one life,'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
C.T. Studd
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Matter of Humility
I have known Fr. Eduardo since I came in the Church. I am thrilled to see him attain this position and know that it will not change this humble man of God a bit.
What a blessing to know him and have the privilege of seeing a Godly man exalted!
The only news that media dishes out is on things that are bad in the Church, do you think they will pick up on the good, like Fr. Ed?
What a blessing to know him and have the privilege of seeing a Godly man exalted!
The only news that media dishes out is on things that are bad in the Church, do you think they will pick up on the good, like Fr. Ed?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Charismatic Healing Mass in Tyler, TX
Thursday, April 15- TAX DAY! is the next Charismatic Healing Mass. Fr. Bob
Hilz from Ft. Worth will be here and is an excellent teacher, preacher and
minister.
Come and be blessed. Adoration will begin at 5:00 with Confession
available. Praise and Worship start at 6:30 with Mass to follow. This is
for everyone so bring your protestant friends as well and expect a
miracle!
For more information call the Church office at St. Mary Magdalene, Flint,
or Lori Harris at 903-343-3567. See http://tylerevangelization.com for
past messages and photos.
Hilz from Ft. Worth will be here and is an excellent teacher, preacher and
minister.
Come and be blessed. Adoration will begin at 5:00 with Confession
available. Praise and Worship start at 6:30 with Mass to follow. This is
for everyone so bring your protestant friends as well and expect a
miracle!
For more information call the Church office at St. Mary Magdalene, Flint,
or Lori Harris at 903-343-3567. See http://tylerevangelization.com for
past messages and photos.
Friday, April 9, 2010
BIG HOUSE
Our friend Alex Jones told this story last year when he came to Texas for the Life in the Spirit Conference. Its a great parable of how the Catholic Church is a big house and some of the kids decided to go camp in the back yard instead of live in the big house. See our Kerygma Teams USA to learn more about the next one at the end of the month!
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