tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18478283926425750342024-03-13T12:01:42.530-04:00The Kaye FamilyServing Jesus and loving people in Cape Town, South Africa...Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.comBlogger1554125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-52980760286155844672012-07-18T15:59:00.001-04:002012-07-18T15:59:15.692-04:00WWW.NOAHKAYE.COM<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>Hello! Looking for the blog of Noah Kaye? She moved. It is now at <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com">www.noahkaye.com</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.noahkaye.com">CLICK HERE to go there now.</a></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-11570441655542437322012-03-30T19:09:00.001-04:002012-03-30T19:09:41.689-04:00The Prophets' Story<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>This is a powerful video...especially appropriate to share with Muslim Brothers and Sisters.</p> <p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dA2kBASOFhY" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-73350921451570765472012-03-30T17:56:00.001-04:002012-03-30T17:56:26.182-04:00Five Movement Killers<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: small;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-30/jdBrwBizFbgtvarJcakiEIpiAftClyBDshFFfcJbykhJAuksAbJjJsuotwCJ/iStock_000001839869Medium.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Istock_000001839869medium" height="464" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-30/jdBrwBizFbgtvarJcakiEIpiAftClyBDshFFfcJbykhJAuksAbJjJsuotwCJ/iStock_000001839869Medium.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> I dream about movements to Jesus. I would give/am giving my life for them. I can't really define my dreams yet. Well, I sort of can...but not here...not now....not yet. But <a href="http://www.simplechurchathome.com/PDF&PowerPoint/ChurchPlantingMovements.pdf">this</a> is a GREAT resource about church planting movements if you are interested: <a href="http://www.simplechurchathome.com/PDF&PowerPoint/ChurchPlantingMovements.pdf">Click here</a>.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well, what we can be sure of is this...if there are things that <em><strong>feed and start movements</strong></em>, then there are also things that <em><strong>stop movements</strong></em>. I recently heard a speaker share 3 things that kill movements.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I added two more. Here they are...</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: small;">Five Movement Killers:</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. Big Budgets </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. Big Programs</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. Big Buildings</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. Big Shots</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. Big Gatherings </span></span></p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Jesus, help us to do all we can to point people to you and not do anything or be anything that would stop movements to you!</span></em></span></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-34328850044840171842012-03-29T09:50:00.001-04:002012-03-29T09:50:54.598-04:00Guilt ≠ Change<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Needless-guilt" height="300" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-29/qitpCsBobBBgaasgjyvAJHtCnBlbloconugAspCwJhyHbnrJummjJdyxtaxB/needless-guilt.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="300" /> </div> Confession: After almost 10 years of marriage, I still fail at it plenty! </p> <p> </p> <p>Now that this is out of the way, let me share openly (with Tricia's blessing) something I've learned <em><strong>from the Lord</strong></em> through <em><strong>our</strong> <strong>marriage</strong></em> witin the last few months.</p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>Guilt does not bring change! Condemnation will not breed transformation. Beating yourself up will not lift you out.</strong></em> Guilt may help you make a change for a day or a week, but it will be a cover up, not a real repair. Feelings of condemnation and failure can be inspiring-- for all the worng reasons-- and none of the changes you make will really last-- not if guilt was their motivation. </p> <p> </p> <p>Let me prove my point with some transparency about my own life. I cannot count how many times Tricia (my wife) has let me know that I was not making her feel like my priority. She has found many ways to say it through the years, but it always comes back to the same things-- I want to feel like the most important relationship in your life, Noah! I want you to SHOW me that what you SAY about me is true." If I have heard it once, I have heard it 300 times. </p> <p> </p> <p>My reaction almost every time: I feel like a loser and a terrible husband. I feel guilty...becuase I am. She is right. And out of my feelings of regret and sorrow, I launch a campaign to DO better. </p> <p> </p> <p>It never lasted. Becuase guilt ≠ change. </p> <p> </p> <p>A few months ago, while laying in bed it was : "Noah, I want to feel like number one to you after Jesus AND I really want you to lead me more spiritualy. You seem to be able to lead everyone else spiritually. What about me?" Now, stop here! This was the exact place where, for the last 10 years, guilt would enter the scene. Not this time. There was some pain. It would be hard for anyone to hear this from their spouse. But something wild happened....</p> <p> </p> <p>I felt LOVE! I felt Jesus loving on me. I felt him accepting me. I sensed him hugging me. I heard him speaking to my heart and saying..."I love you, Noah, and the best motivation for change is love for me. When you love your wife, you love me." It was a powerful moment! And it was one my first real tastes of love-motivated change. </p> <p> </p> <p>Since that night, things are different. God's love for me is inspiring me to love Tricia more. The love and acceptance of Jesus is the engine that is propelling me ahead these days. Not guilt! And it has felt WAY different and WAY more lasting than anytime before.</p> <p> </p> <p>Guilt ≠ Change! </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-24367468303984724392012-03-28T09:48:00.001-04:002012-03-28T09:48:13.036-04:00Tickets to Church?<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: medium;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-28/fEBicIxhJhcBHDljxBuEgHFxnvCFwvbkGDwjCvwaBBJcAsAJxldnybxqfCkv/tickets.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Tickets" height="400" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-28/fEBicIxhJhcBHDljxBuEgHFxnvCFwvbkGDwjCvwaBBJcAsAJxldnybxqfCkv/tickets.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <span style="font-size: small;">Recently, I have read about several churches in America that are so large that people <em><strong>need a ticket to enter</strong></em> for a service. Easter is fast approaching. And since they cannot fit the thousands of people into their multiple locations, people need to get their ticket if they expect to attend.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Let's imagine that someone gets a ticket to church before they run out of available tickets...what is it that they receive? Basically...</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. They get to enter the building where a service is held.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. They get a seat - and will sit in it quietly for 90 minutes.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3. They get awesome music by a talented band.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4. They get an inspiring talk by the well known leader of the church.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">5. They may even get some type of spiritual nudge or food.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I got to thinking...</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Imagine a church of 2,500 people in a city of 250,000 people. Imagine that the church's desire is to reach every person in their city with the gospel. Now imagine that they all come to your church this Sunday. Imagine that they don't have a ticket. Where will you seat them? Nevermind seating, how on earth would you ever begin to disciple them? I guess they just go home.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Ok, so they won't all come. What if only half come? 150,000 people. Same problem. Same questions. What do we do? What if only a shabby 10% come? 25,000 people! Same problem. Same questions. What if even just 1% come? 2,500 people show up on top of the 2,500 you already barely hold? We are still in a big jam! Are we ready? Where will they sit? How would we respond faithfully to disciple them? Is our "church" ready for this?</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The structure, strategy and function of many churches on earth today tell me two things:</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1. They do NOT want to reach their whole city.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2. They don't take the Jesus & the New Testament seriously. His commands are just suggestions.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">What are some ways that a church could prepare itself to reach all 250,000 people in its city? Is there a structure or strategy that could make this happen?</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Jesus said he wants us all-- all nations-- not just those with tickets.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">How?</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-56021071466960036042012-03-26T16:30:00.001-04:002012-03-26T16:30:37.927-04:00Our Missionary Support Team!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-26/svJgvzlAcwubAFFkfigFIzlqfBxxuhrJBIowakChwJDvkmpGCeHwgGyqAqDi/DSC_0018.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dsc_0018" height="355" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-26/svJgvzlAcwubAFFkfigFIzlqfBxxuhrJBIowakChwJDvkmpGCeHwgGyqAqDi/DSC_0018.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <p>Our family is sent and backed by <strong><em><a href="http://emm.org/">Eastern Mennonite Missions </a></em></strong>(EMM) in Salunga, Pennsylvania of the USA. We are very, very thankful for EMM and it's missions history and missions heart. We consider it an honor to be EMM missionaries. One of the things that Tricia and I are most thankful for is that EMM requires all missionaries to form a <em><strong>Missionary Support Team</strong></em> when they begin the journey of responding to God's call. The <strong><em><a href="http://emm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=63&Itemid=79">Missionary Support Team</a></em></strong> (MST) is a group of people with an interest in and love for the missionary, and they serve as a vital link between the missionary, the supporting home community, and EMM. The MST led and walked with us through the discerning, fund-raising and sending process. In addition, they continue to encourage, support and advise us while we are serving overseas. They also lead the fundraising and administrative responsibilties that keep us on the feild.</p> <p>We cannot begin to tell you what a peace of mind we have knowing that there is a team of people back home that have our best interest at heart and are walking with our family each step of the way. </p> <p><br />Here is our team. Note that each play a specific role:</p> <div><ol> <li>June- Chair</li> <li>Ruth- Treasurer</li> <li>Barbara- Prayer Coordinator </li> <li>Lia- Child Advocate </li> <li>Abiola & Jaye- Church Communicators</li> <li>Lacreshia- Small Group Representative</li> <li>Glenn- Pastoral Rep and CCF Missions Overseer</li> <li>Pam & Joe- Family Representatives</li> <li>Harmony & Selah- Sisters, Fundraising Planners</li> <li>Tracy Wenzel- Friend Rep</li> <li>Paul- Local Pastor and Strategic Connections</li> </ol></div> <div> <div><br />The idea with this group aligns with the Ecclesiastes 4 concept that a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. Here are the strands in this missions sending:</div> <div><br />1. The Missionary (Noah, Tricia, Davis and Lily)<br />2. EMM (Missions Organization)<br />3. CCF (Spiritual Community)<p />The team meets bimonthly or as needed and responds to any issues that arise. They are now assisting me in preparing for my trip home in May.</div> <div><br />Anyway, they are a major blessing and I share this for 3 reasons:</div> <div>1. To share how we are being cared for as a family.</div> <div>2. To express again my great thanks to EMM and our MST.</div> <div>3. To inspire other missionaries to go form a team like this!</div> </div> <p /> </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-72163270348730063592012-03-21T17:31:00.001-04:002012-03-21T17:31:31.626-04:00Prayers of Faith<div class='posterous_autopost'><p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-21/ukbrBupvoxpIlDyIhazqEgFBylqejyphkrEbAaIAqikcdbbjGhomAvndDgdn/Faith1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Faith1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-21/ukbrBupvoxpIlDyIhazqEgFBylqejyphkrEbAaIAqikcdbbjGhomAvndDgdn/Faith1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> In the last four days, I have seen four major answers to prayer. This is not normal for me (wish I could say it was). This has been supernatural. And it has me thinking. </p> <p>I am afraid that I have prayed many, many <em><strong>prayers of doubt</strong></em> in my life. A prayer of doubt is when I pray for something with my mouth while believing and questioning the feasability of what I am saying in my head and heart. When I ask God for something in a way that makes plenty of room for it not to happen, if he would so prefer. Those are prayers of doubt. When there is doubt on the inside, don't look for results on the outside. </p> <p>But, I want to pray <em><strong>prayers of faith</strong></em>! I want to believe what I am saying and believe what I am praying. I want to call upon the Lord with no excuses and no questions. Just faith. Faith that he will do what he has promised. Faith that He is always the greatest advocate for redemption, restoration, mircales and healing! </p> <p>Join me! Pray in FAITH!</p> <p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15).</span></em></span></p> </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-81954585438965785612012-03-20T11:59:00.001-04:002012-03-20T11:59:49.753-04:00For goodness sake, enough about church growth already!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-20/aAcHBfggyxxftjCvzApuhpEqChxywGDrrHxkfCgibsHkBgpDsmazEsrwtwtz/10721827-chruch-growth-mastery.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="10721827-chruch-growth-mastery" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-20/aAcHBfggyxxftjCvzApuhpEqChxywGDrrHxkfCgibsHkBgpDsmazEsrwtwtz/10721827-chruch-growth-mastery.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> I want to take a moment to tell you about one of the most major changes in my heart and views in the last year. I mean...MAJOR. </p> <p><em>Warning: this post is a tad hyper. Please bear with me. I do this from time to time. ;-)</em></p> <p>Most of you know that I was a Pastor for almost 7 years before moving to Africa where we now serve. What you may not know is that my sense of value, worth and ability as a Pastor rested mainly on how many<em><strong> total human bodies</strong></em> decided to get up and come to our "church building" on Sunday morning between 10:30am and Noon. In addition to the number of heads, my week would feel high or low based on whether there was more or less than $8,000 in the offering that Sunday. Our planning sprouted from these two numbers. Our board focussed on these two numbers. My eyes and heart lived for these two numbers. My emotions were linked to these two numbers.</p> <p>Conference after conference, book after book focussed in one way or another on growing your church...because growth=health and bigger=better. (God help us and forgive us, please.) And I am NOT saying that small is good and big is bad. I AM saying that size is not to be our focus.</p> <p>In the last year I have been on a journey of redefining what church really is anyway, and the reality I just expalined to you above has become<strong><em> totally embarassing and completely hilarious</em></strong>, in retrospect.</p> <p>Let me say something clearly and boldy that will not make me very popular (I have read many Pastors blogs and tweets about why they proudly count and love numbers because God loves numbers because he loves people and people are numbers....not convinced of pure motivation...sorry):</p> <blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote"> <p><strong>For goodness sake, enough about church growth already!! More people coming to your church building on a Sunday morning is a pathetic and small minded goal to live for. We can do better. We must do better. The Bible invites to a much larger dream! </strong></p> </blockquote> <p><em><strong>The Bible does not ask you to grow a church!</strong></em> HE builds His church (Matt. 16:18), GOD brings the increase (I Cor. 3:6), the LORD added daily to their numbers those who were being saved (Acts 2:47), and Jesus say that "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me (John 12:32).</p> <p>Besides, when we count it, we are all the more tempted to take the credit for it. <em><strong>Being faithful is our task. Not being big! Faithful obedience is up to us. Size is up to God. </strong></em></p> <p>I had this strong realization of the change in my own life about a month ago. I went into Masi to have church with a group that usually numbers about 10 in size. We were supposed to start at about 10:30am. By 11am, only 3 guys were present. So I thought (and said): "Hey, I kinda hope no one else comes this morning becuase this will be a sweet opportunity for us to go deep today into the scriptures and really work at personally applying them and holding each other acountable." Then I thought (but did not say): "Did you hear yourself just now? 2 years ago, if half of your 'church' did'nt show up, you would have been devestated. Now, you are rejoicing?!"</p> <p>Look, I am not judging you. I am just telling you that God has judged me, convicted me and changed me...and I hope that I never again measure success in numbers. I long to be a part of sometihng...</p> <ul> <li>Too deep to count</li> <li>Too broad to count</li> <li>Too far to count </li> <li>Too big to count</li> <li>Too chaotic to count</li> <li>Too natural to count</li> <li>Too organic to count</li> <li>Too humble to count </li> <li>Too busy to count</li> <li>Giving too many people away to count!!</li> </ul> <p>Do I want big? You better believe it! Jesus wants big. And I want He wants. The Father wants the Son to be worshipped by all the people of the earth...every nation...and for his glory to cover the earth like the waters cover the sea.</p> <p>How about we leave this size thing up to God and start radically loving Jesus, purley loving others and sacrificailly loving the lost so we can see the Father's dreams come true on earth?</p> <p>Just an idea. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-79582440772698231792012-03-15T16:21:00.001-04:002012-03-15T16:21:48.541-04:00Our Cheesy House Church<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="House_church" height="239" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-15/jblnHhGwsHcJqtAIudyCHiptgroqlzvJCutpFEotCmDprfnIJoiCDcpilgFD/House_church.png.scaled500.png" width="360" /> </div> Thruthfully, even though we moved across the world in part to explore simple/organic/house church stuff, I always had a bit of a skeptics eye. I mean, I spent 30 years in <em><strong>real church</strong></em>. Ya know, the legitimate kind with all the bells a whistles a church should have. So, the idea of 5 or 10 people sitting in a living room being a church was a tad awkward to me. A tad weird. A little cheesy.</p> <p>Well, off we went and here we are. We are starting Discovery Bible Studies, planting simple churches and our family is a part of a <em><strong>house church</strong></em> with other staff and families at All Nations. </p> <p>Let me tell you a little about our cheesy house church:</p> <ul> <li>There are about 7 adults, 7 kids. </li> <li>We meet weekly.</li> <li>We change the time and location just about every week. It is mobile and flexible. </li> <li>We talk and text almost daily.</li> <li>We swim, play, eat, travel, shop and hike together.</li> <li>We are in intentional discipling relationships with each other. </li> <li>We give each other rides and share our cars.</li> <li>We confess and cry together. </li> <li>We wacth each other's kids. </li> <li>We pray for each other.</li> <li>We are talking about doing a vacation together. </li> <li>We prohecy over each other.</li> <li>We speak God's heart for each other over one another. </li> <li>We will spend two hours loving on one person if that is the Lord's agenda for the night.</li> <li>No one is in charge. No one is the leader.</li> <li>But somehow every time, Jesus uses someone different to lead us.</li> <li>Our kids are incolved in some special way every time we meet. 2 weeks back we acted out a story in the Bible. Last week we made prayer houses over each kid one by one and prayed and prophecied over them. They only last about 15 minutes. Then we release them to go "fellowship" kids style.</li> <li>We talk, dream and live mission.</li> <li>We warn and caution each other.</li> <li>We worship together. </li> <li>We share the Lord's supper. The kids too.</li> <li>We anoint each other with oil. The kids too. </li> <li>It is different every week.</li> <li>Jesus is clearly and boldly the head.</li> <li>We eat.</li> <li>We eat.</li> <li>And we eat. </li> </ul> <p>So, that is some of what <em><strong>our cheesy house church</strong></em> is all about. Our cheesy house church is one of the <em><strong>most meaninful community experiences I have ever had in my life</strong></em>. I am officially a fan of cheesy house churches. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-51111362723733099782012-03-15T04:17:00.001-04:002012-03-15T04:17:00.507-04:005 ways to discover the 5 equipping gifts<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Hands-up" height="322" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-15/CzxdCwBtyvJpjcqzkEccheGpcnCIkornBmpvdrypGqFlCGHjIhgthpwxAaej/Hands-up.jpg.scaled500.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="373" /> </div> This week I taught at CPx on discovering the 5 equipping gifts of Ephesians 4. Over the last year, I have been become greatly passionate about seieng people discover who they are in the body. I personally believe that everyone operates out of at least one of the 5 gifts...pastor, prophet, evangelist, teacher, apostle---and when people get it, they fly to new levels in faith and function.</p> <p><a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/5-giftswhich-one-are-you">(I have written about the 5 equipping gifts here, though there are some updates I would make now.)</a></p> <p>Then, this morning Floyd followed up today with something that I thought was profound. Many struggle to discover which of the 5 they are. Here are 5 ways to recognize who you are:</p> <ol> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Study</strong></em></span>. Get to know Ephesians 4: 11-13. Study the scriptures in each place any of the five words/titles are used. Study the people with those gifts in the Bible. Read a book about the 5 fold gifts. </li> <li><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Anointing</strong></span></em>. Soveriegn Appointing. God has celarly given the gift to you and is always trying to let you know about it and see you live into it. Listen to Him. He wants you to get it because he gets most glory when you are fully operating as He made you to be!</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Confirmation</strong></em></span>. Listen when people tell you what they see in you. Ask people to share what they see. Others carry keys to God's heart for you. Let them speak to your heart and try to believe what you hear. It may be straight from God.</li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Modeling</strong></em></span>. Watch when others operate in a way that stirs something in you. If you are prophetic, prophetic people will stir you! If you are an evangelist, you may find yourself dreaming to be like Blly Graham. This is one way to know your gift. If it fires you up, it may be who you are. </li> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Circumstances</strong></em></span>. Circumstances and experience will simply draw your equipping gift out. Watch what flows out of you naturally. Pay attention to where you are flowing most freely--especially in difficult or emotional moments. </li> </ol> <p>In all of this, remember that you do not discover your gift as much by <em><strong>searching</strong></em> as you do by <em><strong>serving</strong></em>. Get on with serving the body of Christ and God will make things cleaer by the day. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-28306869925062591922012-03-13T17:00:00.001-04:002012-03-13T17:00:38.511-04:00Coming to America!<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-13/czwGdnvCeuHoluCqjblIyBskjnCEiabfbJIAiwwkHfJeozyrlqGvmFtBcqlf/IMG_8662.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_8662" height="333" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-13/czwGdnvCeuHoluCqjblIyBskjnCEiabfbJIAiwwkHfJeozyrlqGvmFtBcqlf/IMG_8662.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Last week we sent this news to our partners and supporters. I thought we would go ahead and tell the rest of the world too. Exciting things! Here are some excerpts of the letter we sent out:</p> <blockquote> <p>After hearing from the Lord on it as a family, seeking counsel from our leaders and our Missionary Support Team, we have decided that Noah and Davis will make a trip to America together in May!</p> <p> </p> <p>Purpose of the trip: FUNDRAISING, meeting with Pastors and churches, speaking and sharing what we are learning, and strengthening the realtionship with our partners in ministry. And of course, it will be precious to see family and friends. Oh, and did I mention Fundraising (priority time and energy will go to current and potential donors)?</p> <p> </p> <p>Dates of Trip: May 15 through June 4.</p> <p> </p> <p>Why Davis? 1) Daddy does not prefer to travel alone, 2) Mommy does not prefer to keep two kids by herself when one of them is an infant, 3) There are a few people in America that would like some quality time with a certain 5 year old, and 4) after much prayer and waiting, Jesus paid for Davis's plane ticket through some special gifts!</p> <p> </p> <p>Already looking forward to being with our home congregation, Capital Christian Fellowsip on Sunday, May 20th! It will be neat to be back home after 17 months on the feild!</p> <p> </p> <p>While Tricia and Lily would love to come, we believe that it is right that they do not. Lord willing, we will be in the USA as a family in November and December as was originally planned.</p> <p> </p> <p>With anticipation, </p> <p>Noah, Tricia, Davis and Lily</p> </blockquote></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-21151218121147151092012-03-05T13:42:00.003-05:002012-03-05T13:42:32.859-05:00Our Week...Filming<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>[[posterous-content:pid___0]]This is a pretty cool week. We have guests visiting us from America. Their names are Nathaniel and Aletheia Elliott. The crazy thing is that we actually never met this couple until they landed here Friday night. We have skyped and emailed in preparation for this trip, but never me tin person. Aletheia has a heart for justice, Nathaniel has major gifts and a degree in film making and they are both in love with Jesus and Africa. The Lord put a desire in their hearts to come here to South Africa to film our story and the stoires of others here in Masi. This is such a special gift to us. This morning we filmed five hours of footage in Masi. Soon, we will be releasing some videos and photos (pic above is from today). We are thanking God for this chance to share what the Lord is up to.</p> <p>(Video below was their promo video for this trip.)</p> <p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0IacMUY5Cl4" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-61436419083158107402012-03-05T13:42:00.001-05:002012-03-05T13:42:09.596-05:00Our Week...Filming<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-05/vBvrebJJllbyIzznnirbotceFftgbICIrFBwenDapJEvvcGkeizHjIaszacx/IMG_5578.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_5578" height="333" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-05/vBvrebJJllbyIzznnirbotceFftgbICIrFBwenDapJEvvcGkeizHjIaszacx/IMG_5578.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> This is a pretty cool week. We have guests visiting us from America. Their names are Nathaniel and Aletheia Elliott. The crazy thing is that we actually never met this couple until they landed here Friday night. We have skyped and emailed in preparation for this trip, but never me tin person. Aletheia has a heart for justice, Nathaniel has major gifts and a degree in film making and they are both in love with Jesus and Africa. The Lord put a desire in their hearts to come here to South Africa to film our story and the stoires of others here in Masi. This is such a special gift to us. This morning we filmed five hours of footage in Masi. Soon, we will be releasing some videos and photos (pic above is from today). We are thanking God for this chance to share what the Lord is up to.</p> <p>(Video below was their promo video for this trip.)</p> <p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0IacMUY5Cl4" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-88680938991273889842012-02-24T11:08:00.001-05:002012-02-24T11:08:03.446-05:00Discipled by a 4 year old?<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-24/yfxFvblhskdEhpyDDerJgwiFogiAobehkfAjqIvyximEsGuEjIcEdmepBhcD/IMG_1995.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_1995" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-24/yfxFvblhskdEhpyDDerJgwiFogiAobehkfAjqIvyximEsGuEjIcEdmepBhcD/IMG_1995.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Last night I had a meaningful moment with a man I have been disciping. He is an African Brother who has spent quality time in our home. He said this:</p> <blockquote class="posterous_medium_quote"> <p>I love your son, David (cannot seem to get that it is DAVIS). He has taught me a lot. There are several times that I have watched him tell you the truth about something naughty that he did even though he was afraid you might be mad. When I watched him do this, it really taught me that I need to stop lying and being so afraid of protecting myself. I must have the integrity he has to admit that I was wrong. I have also seen him at bedtime, and he is so commited to prayer. He cannot go to bed without prayer time. That also helped me see the importance of prayer in my life. He was only 4 years old when I saw these things, but he taught me a lot. I have never learned from a kid before.</p> </blockquote> <p>Am I proud of my son? Yes! Am I bragging on him? Yes. But, I am not doing so to make Tricia and I look good, but to prove a few points:</p> <ol> <li>The young can disciple and impact the old</li> <li>People are always watching when you model integrity and commitment to Jesus</li> <li>4 year old kids can make a difference</li> <li>We should train our kids in the way of the Lord as young as they can hear and obey</li> </ol> <p>I encouraged Davis with this story this morning so that he knew his life was making a difference. That led us into an awesome talk about sin nature, so this afternoon we studied Genesis 3 together and saw that when people do wrong, they:</p> <ol> <li>Hide</li> <li>Lie</li> <li>Blame</li> </ol> <p>Davis shared how he feels tempted to do that sometimes too and then ratted on a friend at school who lied to the teacher today to protect himself.</p> <p> </p> <p>I am learning a LOT about discipleship in my relationship with my son.</p> <p> </p> <p>Are you discipling your kids? It is YOUR job, not the the job of their Sunday School teacher. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-27916577085825244672012-02-21T15:32:00.001-05:002012-02-21T15:32:40.284-05:00The 3 things that hold you back<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Forms-holding-back" height="323" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-21/dcCqFoxxDijetfozkJpoCwDuojvaJnHHIjorGGIgAnhslbIyJCsFDrfplzCl/forms-holding-back.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="333" /> </div> I feel like I meet a lot of people that are held back, hesitant, reserved, lacking confidence. Over and over again, I see incredible gifting and anointing in people that seem to not be operating to their potential.</p> <p> </p> <p>In my short years of ministry and through prayer, the Lord has revealed to me what I believe are the <em><strong>three main areas that hold people back from being bold and confident with their voices and gifts</strong></em>. </p> <ol> <li><em><strong>Pain</strong></em>. You have been wounded somewhere along the line and you are afraid of it happening again. The wounds are not healed, so you are held back.</li> <li><em><strong>Insecurity</strong></em>. For many varying reasons, you are just not secure in who you are and what you have to offer. Could be lack of affrimation, lack of theology of who God has made you to be or fear of man and desire to please them and feel important. Whatever the reasons, you are insucure and it compresses your gifts and your voice. (<a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/2010/07/insecurity-and-jesus.html">You may want to read this blog I wrote about Jesus and insecurity</a>.) </li> <li><strong><em>Secrets</em></strong>. Enough said. Secrets in our lives make us feel totally unworthy to assert ourselves into any leadership or to speak up and offer our gifts and voice. Secrets place major drag on your life. (<a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/stop-posing-secrets-are-draining">I reccomed highly that you read this post I wrote recently about secrets</a>.)</li> </ol> <p> </p> <p>Are you held back? Take a look at these three areas in your own life. Take them before the Father in prayer.</p> <p> </p> <p>I long to see your gifts released. Please stop hoding back on us and robbing us all of what you have. We need it. We need you! Come on.</p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-36233683752857270272012-02-19T10:15:00.001-05:002012-02-19T10:15:27.350-05:00Really, Mr. Winans?<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/69jzgyJhI7s" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>Whitney Houston died. I pray God's peace be with her family. Seems that most of the rest of the world jsut needed something to talk about. No prob. That's cool. Her funeral was yesterday. I did not watch it. Could not really get it here. Not televised and slow internet. </p> <p> </p> <p>Today, I saw this clip of Rev. Marvin Winans speaking at the funeral. He called it preaching. I call it heartbreaking. A few quotes with some short commentary:</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>"I don't want anybody leaving here thinking God wants anyone here broke!"</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? You were preaching to millions of people. Many were broke. Flat broke. What should they do with the fact that you have now told them that God isn't ok with their brokeness? And why are there 300+ mentions of God's love and care for the poor in the Bible you were holding while you preached?</li> <li>Mockingly, he states that folk say <strong><em>"I don't believe in this proserity gospel."</em></strong> To which Mr. Winans responds: <strong><em>"I don't know what other gospel there is!"</em></strong> // Really? I do. It is called the gospel of sacrifice and suffering. The one that our Lord Jesus Christ modeled so perfectly by pouring himself out and humbling himself even to death. (Phil 2)</li> <li><strong><em>"If God wants somebody broke, would you tell me who that is? Who's volunteering?"</em></strong> // To answer your question, I guess God wants more than 80% of the world to be poor, since they ARE. I assume most of Africa must have volunteered?! Seems as though your church isn't volunteering, though. No one raised their hands. They just laughed. </li> <li><strong><em>"When God brough Israel out of Egypt, everybody came out with something."</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? Where is that in the Bible? And what is this supposed to mean, anyway? Because I want to tell some of my friends here in Africa who have nothing "in their hands" today how this can help them. </li> <li><strong><em>"For you to believe that somebody needs to be broke is to say that God does not have enough sufficiency to supply for everybody."</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? Seriously? I am afraid you are deeply missing some vital principles about who God is and what He is up to. And now millions of other people can be as confused as you are. </li> <li><strong><em>"I want you to understand that what God desires for everyone, is for everyone to be healthy and prosperous."</em></strong> // Really? I am sure that this is in the Bible somewhere, but can you remind me of where? And then can you help me administer that reaity to the millions of people on the earth today that are neither healthy or prosperous? </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>The prosperity gospel runs rampant in Ameirca and in Africa. It is a false gospel. It is damaging and painful to our world. The guys propegating it seem must have AWESOME salaries, live in rich areas and must have rarely, if ever, traveled throughout the world. My heart aches for them, with them and for the many impacted by the pain that their teaching causes. </p> <p> </p> <p>And sometimes, I just have to speak up. And so I have. I wish I knew Marvin personally and could sit with him and challenge him and hear more from his heart. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-76400128462468586602012-02-19T10:14:00.001-05:002012-02-19T10:14:52.985-05:00Really, Mr. Winans?<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/69jzgyJhI7s" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>Whitney Houston died. I pray God's peace be with her family. Seems that most of the rest of the world jsut needed something to talk about. No prob. That's cool. Her funeral was yesterday. I did not watch it. Could not really get it here. Not televised and slow internet. </p> <p> </p> <p>Today, I saw this clip of Rev. Marvin Winans speaking at the funeral. He called it preaching. I call it heartbreaking. A few quotes with some short commentary:</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>"I don't want anybody leaving here thinking God wants anyone here broke!"</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? You were preaching to millions of people. Many were broke. Flat broke. What should they do with the fact that you have now told them that God isn't ok with their brokeness? And why are there 300+ mentions of God's love and care for the poor in the Bible you were holding while you preached?</li> <li>Mockingly, he states that folk say <strong><em>"I don't believe in this proserity gospel."</em></strong> To which Mr. Winans responds: <strong><em>"I don't know what other gospel there is!"</em></strong> // Really? I do. It is called the gospel of sacrifice and suffering. The one that our Lord Jesus Christ modeled so perfectly by pouring himself out and humbling himself even to death. (Phil 2)</li> <li><strong><em>"If God wants somebody broke, would you tell me who that is? Who's volunteering?"</em></strong> // To answer your question, I guess God wants more than 80% of the world to be poor, since they ARE. I assume most of Africa must have volunteered?! Seems as though your church isn't volunteering, though. No one raised their hands. They just laughed. </li> <li><strong><em>"When God brough Israel out of Egypt, everybody came out with something."</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? Where is that in the Bible? And what is this supposed to mean, anyway? Because I want to tell some of my friends here in Africa who have nothing "in their hands" today how this can help them. </li> <li><strong><em>"For you to believe that somebody needs to be broke is to say that God does not have enough sufficiency to supply for everybody."</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? Seriously? I am afraid you are deeply missing some vital principles about who God is and what He is up to. And now millions of other people can be as confused as you are. </li> <li><strong><em>"I want you to understand that what God desires for everyone, is for everyone to be healthy and prosperous."</em></strong> // Really? I am sure that this is in the Bible somewhere, but can you remind me of where? And then can you help me administer that reaity to the millions of people on the earth today that are neither healthy or prosperous? </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>The prosperity gospel runs rampant in Ameirca and in Africa. It is a false gospel. It is damaging and painful to our world. The guys propegating it seem must have AWESOME salaries, live in rich areas and must have rarely, if ever, traveled throughout the world. My heart aches for them, with them and for the many impacted by the pain that their teaching causes. </p> <p> </p> <p>And sometimes, I just have to speak up. And so I have. I wish I knew Marvin personally and could sit with him and challenge him and hear more from his heart. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-10222271981364738162012-02-19T10:09:00.001-05:002012-02-19T10:09:29.133-05:00Untitled<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/69jzgyJhI7s" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>Whitney Houston died. I pray God's peace be with her family. Seems that most of the rest of the world jsut needed something to talk about. No prob. That's cool. Her funeral was yesterday. I did not watch it. Could not really get it here. Not televised and slow internet. </p> <p> </p> <p>Today, I saw this clip of Rev. Marvin Winans speaking at the funeral. He called it preaching. I call it heartbreaking. A few quotes with some short commentary:</p> <ul> <li><strong><em>"I don't want anybody leaving here thinking God wants anyone here broke!"</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? You were preaching to millions of people. Many were broke. Flat broke. What should they do with the fact that you have now told them that God isn't ok with their brokeness? And why are there 300+ mentions of God's love and care for the poor in the Bible you were holding while you preached?</li> <li>Mockingly, he states that folk say <strong><em>"I don't believe in this proserity gospel."</em></strong> To which Mr. Winans responds: <strong><em>"I don't know what other gospel there is!"</em></strong> // Really? I do. It is called the gospel of sacrifice and suffering. The one that our Lord Jesus Christ modeled so perfectly by pouring himself out and humbling himself even to death. (Phil 2)</li> <li><strong><em>"If God wants somebody broke, would you tell me who that is? Who's volunteering?"</em></strong> // To answer your question, I guess God wants more than 80% of the world to be poor, since they ARE. I assume most of Africa must have volunteered?! Seems as though your church isn't volunteering, though. No one raised their hands. They just laughed. </li> <li><strong><em>"When God brough Israel out of Egypt, everybody came out with something."</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? Where is that in the Bible? And what is this supposed to mean, anyway? Because I want to tell some of my friends here in Africa who have nothing "in their hands" today how this can help them. </li> <li><strong><em>"For you to believe that somebody needs to be broke is to say that God does not have enough sufficiency to supply for everybody."</em></strong> // Really, Mr. Winans? Seriously? I am afraid you are deeply missing some vital principles about who God is and what He is up to. And now millions of other people can be as confused as you are. </li> <li><strong><em>"I want you to understand that what God desires for everyone, is for everyone to be healthy and prosperous."</em></strong> // Really? I am sure that this is in the Bible somewhere, but can you remind me of where? And then can you help me administer that reaity to the millions of people on the earth today that are neither healthy or prosperous? </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>The prosperity gospel runs rampant in Ameirca and in Africa. It is a false gospel. It is damaging and painful to our world. The guys propegating it seem must have AWESOME salaries, live in rich areas and must have rarely, if ever, traveled throughout the world. My heart aches for them, with them and for the many impacted by the pain that their teaching causes. </p> <p> </p> <p>And sometimes, I just have to speak up. And so I have. I wish I knew Marvin personally and could sit with him and challenge him and hear more from his heart. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-35552829728365501672012-02-10T03:17:00.001-05:002012-02-10T03:17:18.588-05:00Countries Represented at CPx<div class='posterous_autopost'>I'm deeply honored to join about 15 staff as we host and train 38 students who came from the nations so that they can go to the nations to make disciples and plant churches. <p>Here are the 14 countries represented in this year's CPx student body:</p><p>Canada <br />South Africa <br />Sweden <br />Zimbabwe <br />Whales<br />Netherlands <br />USA<br />Malawi<br />Australia <br />Scotland <br />Switzerland <br />Zambia <br />Germany<br />Morocco </p><p>I get the honor of hanging out with these folks for three months as we prepare to take Jesus to the nations. Yippee.</p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-78093432269565183292012-02-09T15:13:00.001-05:002012-02-09T15:13:05.193-05:00Kids Prayer Strategy<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Large_praying_hands" height="679" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-09/guwIvlHaEqawJBJjgtaehaaBCBEcDHddyuDHzEAnrsrqsBCpBuJqbjfjxgco/large_praying_hands.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="453" /> </div> I stumbled upon something too cool not to share.</p> <p> </p> <p>We pray with Davis every night when we put him to bed. It is a great thing to do and I am thankful for it. However, lately I have been kinda <em><strong>unimpressed with the routine</strong></em>...same thing every night. Same basic words, same basic prayer, same basic mechanics. Might be ok for some, but not for me. I want Davis to learn to express his heart to Jesus out of sincerity, not habit. I want to teach him early to pray with passion and intentionality. </p> <p> </p> <p>So, about a week ago I old him that we were going to take turns praying, alternating back and forth, kind of like popcorn popping back and forth...and that we would pray for whatever Jesus brought to our hearts. </p> <p> </p> <p>We did! And it was super special. Now, every night, we employ our new popcorn prayer strategy.</p> <ul> <li>I prayed for Mom.</li> <li>He prayed for sister.</li> <li>I prayed for Family.</li> <li>He prayed for Masi.</li> <li>I prayed thanks for the day.</li> <li>He prayed safety for tomorrow. </li> <li>On</li> <li>And on</li> <li>And on</li> </ul> <p>It is totally rad to hear my son pray like this and it has significantly increased the value of our prayer times together. I feel like we have stumbled upon a fairly good prayer strategy. I encourage you to try it a few times with your kids (or adults) and see what happens.</p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-52613664828126316932012-02-04T16:10:00.001-05:002012-02-04T16:10:08.848-05:00A blog of blogs<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>[[posterous-content:pid___0]]Been needing to do this a long time. I often talk with church leaders and pastors and other curious Christ followers who have questions about what we are learning and where they can read about it. I have wanted there to be ONE PLACE where people could find it all. So, here we go.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Key Discipleship Posts:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>I am afraid we are in a discipleship Crisis. Read about that here<span style="text-decoration: underline;">: </span><a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/a-discipleship-crisis">A Discipleship Crisis?</a></li> <li>Should initiate discipling relationships or wait for them to come to me? My answer: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/finding-discipleship-wait-or-ask">Finding Discipleship; Wait or Ask?</a></li> <li>We disciple pre-christians in this way: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/disciple-to-convert">Disciple to Convert</a></li> <li>Discipleship is obedience based, not knowledge based. This is major. Read this: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/obedience-based-discipleship">Obedience-Based Discipleship</a>.</li> <li>The rule of two: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/rule-of-2">Rule of 2</a></li> <li>There are three types of discipling relationships that all of us should be engaging in. I write about them here: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/discipling-up-down-across">Discipling Up, Down & Across</a> and here: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/ahead-behind-and-beside">Ahead, Behind and Beside</a>. </li> <li>We must ask good questions in discipleship relationships: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/provocative-questions">Provocative Questions</a> And here are some more good questions: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/can-i-ask-you-a-question">Can I ask you a question?</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Key Church Planting Posts:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Church is about living the three loves<span style="text-decoration: underline;">: </span><a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/the-three-loves">The Three Loves</a> </li> <li>More then 2/3 of the world can't, won't or don't read. What does this mean for the gospel: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/making-disciples-of-oral-learners">Making Disciples of Oral Learners</a></li> <li>As a result, many people of the world are oral. Storying is one creative way to teach scripture that sticks: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/storying-video">Storying Video</a>. Another way to learn scripture could look like this. Locals came up with this idea: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/storying-by-acting">Storying by Acting</a></li> <li>Some things about church planting have really surprised me. Here are some: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/church-planting-surprises">3 Church Planting Surprises</a></li> <li>Can you reproduce your church free and easy? If not, read this: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/making-babies-in-church">Making Babies in Church</a></li> <li>Discovery Bible Studies are a brilliant tool: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/dbs">DBS</a>. The SPECK tool is also cool: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/speck">SPECK</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Some other geneal posts:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>I bleive that the five fold gifting in Ephesians is majorly missing in the church<span style="text-decoration: underline;">: </span><a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/5-giftswhich-one-are-you">5 Gifts...which one are you?</a></li> <li>We ought to know them and give them away: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/give-it-away">Give it away!</a></li> <li>I am understanding Apostolic leadership more and more...and it is helping me understand myself. Read this: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/the-apostle">The Apostle</a></li> <li>New thoughts I now have on Prophecy: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/prophecy-a-new-view">Prophecy; A New View</a></li> <li>Here is a video I shot with some thoughts into redefining church: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/redefining-church-a-video-blog">(Re)defining Church :: A Video Blog</a></li> <li>Want to experience a neat way to build simple church values into larger church gatherings? Read this: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/600-sermons">600 Sermons</a></li> <li>Here are some neat ways to use your building when the "church" is not: <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/how-to-use-your-church-building-the-other-166">How to use your church building the other 166 hours</a></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/give-it-away"></a></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-24580805187309572822012-01-27T10:01:00.001-05:002012-01-27T10:01:39.947-05:00Ahead, Behind and Beside<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Walking_together" height="293" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-27/EybBpyBdzzBEovpyBHFGosDyBbniuCovotfdIEhAeJhuilyrJzCDccctGbgF/walking_together.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="400" /> </div> This year has taught me so much about discipleship. Here is one of the things that has crystalized for me rather recently...</p> <p> </p> <p>I think that we all need to be engaged in three types of discipleship relationships:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Ahead</strong>: We need to ask someone ahead of us in their walk with Jesus to come over us and dsiciple us intentionally. You open up to them and they speak into your life, challenge you and encourage you in the faith.</li> <li><strong>Behind</strong>: Inetentionally select people that are not as far along as you in their faith journey...particularly someone that is spiritually hungry and containing noticeable potential and then ask them if you can disciple them.</li> <li><strong>Beside</strong>: Engage in a few peer discipling relationships with people who are in a similar place as you in the faith. Challenge each other and walk with each other in an intentional way.</li> </ol> <p>All three of these relationships must be:</p> <ol> <li>Intentional</li> <li>Accountable</li> <li>Centered around Jesus</li> <li>Focussed on obedience</li> </ol> <p>I personally think that each of us should enter into at least one of each of these relationhips. Are you in any of them? </p> <p>-----------------------------------------------</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Older related discipleship posts:</span></p> <p> <p>Previouly wrote about <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/obedience-based-discipleship">obedience based discipleship which I define HERE.</a></p> <p>I have blogged about the fact that I think we have a <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/a-discipleship-crisis">discipleship crisis HERE</a>. </p> <p>Then, I got lots of questions about whether you should pursue discipling relationships or wait on them. <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/finding-discipleship-wait-or-ask"> I answered that HERE</a>.</p> <p>Even earlier, I had blogged about 2-way discipleship. <a href="http://www.noahkaye.com/rule-of-2">Read that HERE</a>.</p> </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-29487960695531013222012-01-24T16:09:00.001-05:002012-01-24T16:09:48.944-05:00Drug Dealing & Church Planting<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/iidrouturgcEJfdCCvrwigowfiIBumfrogHpqHBHueBsqbadjluDjfzgsGbr/IMG_1670.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_1670" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-24/iidrouturgcEJfdCCvrwigowfiIBumfrogHpqHBHueBsqbadjluDjfzgsGbr/IMG_1670.JPG.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Wanna hear a funny, but not so funny story?</p> <p> </p> <p>For the last six months me and a group of men have been meeting with some brothers in Masiphumelele for church every Sunday morning. We meet in one of the guy's rooms in Masi. It is a single rented room in a house. Not only did we meet each week, but we would swing in throughout the week and drop things off from time to time and visit him. </p> <p> </p> <p>Recently, my friend's landlord called him in and told him he had to vacate the property in 2 weeks. He was shocked. After some prying he discovered that the reason <em><strong>he was being asked to move out was because she had concluded that he was running a drug ring out of his room with the white men.</strong></em> Why else do several white men show up several times per week? Church? Yeah, right! Great excuse. </p> <p> </p> <p>My friend has moved and found somewhere else to live. </p> <p> </p> <p>This was a first. Accused of being a drug dealer. The truth is, I am just a Jesus dealer. </p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-41524887090747467382012-01-23T14:38:00.001-05:002012-01-23T14:38:08.786-05:00The walk to church<div class='posterous_autopost'><p>This is my walk to church each Sunday. Gives you a window into the community that we work in, Masiphumelele. This part of Masi is called the "Wetlands" because many of the homes are built on top of water.</p> <p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/35521042?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" height="224" width="398"></iframe></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847828392642575034.post-43114832204492185822012-01-20T08:59:00.001-05:002012-01-20T08:59:11.967-05:00Sharing God's Heart<div class='posterous_autopost'><p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Talking" height="216" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-20/IqpFucBdGpxBvcbBAievpEfwmuFfmIapkkqGmvvCndxiarBHpqFeBvwlaeid/talking.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="234" /> </div> Tricia and I have now spent a year in simple, organic church community. We are in a house church and have started other simple churches. We are learning so many things we never knew before, as we both spent our lives in larger, organized churches, where learning these types of things are less common.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here is one really awesome thing we are learning:</p> <p> </p> <p><em><strong>We all carry portions of God's heart for each other</strong></em>. There are oftentimes things that you are carrying in your heart for others that God wants you to deliver to them. And this is church! This is encourgament. This is mutual edification. This is the building up of the body of Christ.</p> <p> </p> <p>What does this look like?</p> <p> </p> <p>Simple. Create permission and space for people to walk around the room or share across the circle what God may be saying. It could be:</p> <ul> <li>A word</li> <li>A vision</li> <li>A picture</li> <li>A verse</li> <li>An affirmation</li> <li>An encouragment</li> <li>A hug</li> <li>Etc.</li> </ul> <p>Just last night we were at an All Nations worship gathering that lasted about 2 hours. Throughout the evening I had words of enouragement for 5 different people- several of which were rather prophpetic and confirming some major stuff in people. And all evening I watched the body of Christ roam the room spaking portions of God's heart over each other!! It was so beautiful. There was joy. There were tears. It is what the Body of Christ SHOULD be doing. </p> <p> </p> <p>But, are we? Are you? Is your church?</p> <p> </p> <p>If not, can I encourage you to start speaking up. I would say that at least once a week you should be downloading some of God's heart into someone else. If we don't do it, who will? </p> <p> </p> <p><em>"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up!" I Thess. 5:11</em></p></div>Noahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04776908118912381894noreply@blogger.com0