Chris n' Cristina

Our blog has moved....

2009-02-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone:

Instead of having 4 blogs we have consolidated to one.

Wordpress allows us to have pages and yeah, I am gonna start
stepping up my writing.

So please make the ever so easy migration to our new
website/ blog and enjoy our new look ...

Link for our New Website

We love you all and pray the blessing of the Lord upon you!

He is good!

-Chris and Cristina

I so want to do this!! Wing suit Flying....

2009-01-12T14:06:00.001-08:00

Day 6 of Kauai Trip: More Surfing

2009-01-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Day 5 of Kauai Trip

2009-01-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Day 4: Surfing Lessons

2009-01-06T19:11:00.001-08:00

What fun!!!

Matt, Jennifer, and I got surfing lessons from a local...

It was so much fun... !

We used 10-11' long boards. Learned how to stand up on a board, keep our balance,
and ride the wave in.

He helped us find the waves we should take and catch them.
Then we eventually were catching them ourselves...

The scene while riding a wave it was just breath-taking!!!
Mountains, coconut palms, and jungle...

I can see why surfing is addicting...

So we are going again and maybe I'll have some footage or pictures...

Day 3 of Kauai Trip at the beach

2009-01-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of Kauai trip.

2009-01-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

Kauai, Hawaii...here we come.

2009-01-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's a second honeymoon with the In-laws and siblings in the beautiful Hawaiin Island: Kauai !!

We're so excited...especially since January right now can get miserable weather wise... Right now we are sitting in the Phoenix airport en route to Liheo..the main city on the island. We'll be staying at the north part of the island on a cliff over looking the ocean....

The Lord is so good and His faithfulness endures forever!

I'll be reading the book of Revelations or better stated The Revelation of Jesus Christ.... this week and every week during 2009.

Rev. 1:5&6 Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen

View Larger Map

Reflections and the future...

2009-01-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

Man, what a year... a year of firsts for me.

2008 is none the less historic for my own
personal life and the world at large.

Highlights personal:

-Lived a full year in Kansas City
-Married my now bride and love, Cristina.
-Became a member of the Maas Family
-Our first baby is on the way... she's so cute; I just know it.
-Stepped into the school of entreprenuership/ working for a small business
-In the throws of discovering my heart's desire for Jesus by studying the End Times

Highlights world:

-Obama is president...wow. (We must pray for him)
-The financial collapse I suspected came but it was more than I expected and yet
supposedly the worse is still to come... (Jesus, the faithful witness is our hope)
-Wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation (Matt 24)
-Proposition 8 succeeded in California! (We must continue to pray for our nation)
-Israel continues to be the object of hate by the world.

As a reflect on my personal goals, I ended up with a mixed bag. Some of them just became a resolution never to be attempted; just a nice thought to consider. Others I aggressive sought its fullfilment.

This year Cristina and I will be working together towards certain goals and then we both have our own. Financial goals, spiritual goals, relationship and traveling goals.... study goals, and more....

Overall, we both feel like we are waiting on the Lord for an assignment while learning how to love one another and getting ready for the baby Madelene due April 10th. Both of us are people who live by purpose and feel like a boat out to sea without wind when its not present....

Exodus Cry Video. Must see.

2008-12-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

Exodus Cry:The Mission Briefing from Exodus Cry on Vimeo.

"What if's" for every Western Christian to consider

2008-12-15T17:07:00.000-08:00

What if...Jesus comes back before you die?

What if...the Pre-tribulation Rapture is a lie?

What if...the Western Church is set-up to receive the mark of the beast and the anti-christ system?

What if..."Once saved, always saved" is not in the Bible?

What if...Hell is a real place?

What if...the Jews are still the apple of God's eye?

What if...the land of Israel is divided and God judges the US?

What if...another holocaust is coming and the Western Church is to help?

What if...Heaven is a real place and will be coming to Earth when Jesus returns?

What if...you choose not to forgive that person because they don't deserve it?

What if...Jesus loves unconditionally but will judge us in the end?

What if...God, the Father, is reckless with His love for us but has called us to endure the Tribulation?

What if...your sin behaviour (you rationalize before God) has nothing to do with the devil but really with a wound from your early childhood?

What if...it is possible to be holy in this world without being a hermit?

What if...abortion is really murder and genocide?

What if...every Christian can inherit curses from their ancestors that hinder the blessings of the Lord?

What if...people including Christians can curse one another with just negative words spoken?

What if...healing is real, it's the Father's will, and Jesus loves bodies because He has one of his own?

What if...someone accepts Christ but assumes that their past choices in life no longer affect their current thinking?

What if...Christians can be possessed by demons?

What if...every Christian in the Western Church just accepts what the pastor tells them from the pulpit and does not read the Bible for themself?

What if...

It's Official....

2008-11-25T07:20:00.000-08:00

We're having a GIRL!!!

The sonographer said in less than 30
seconds, "This is too easy... It's a girl".

So her name will be Madelyn Elisha...

I'll hopefully be posting pictures and a
video provided by the sonographer today.

Is this the End?

2008-11-20T05:14:00.000-08:00

Many who are in the faith (and are not) over the centuries have wondered through the circumstances like war, natural disasters, and genocide....

They have ask the question..."Is this the End?"

But really we should be asking...."What is the End?"

Is the End an astronomical cataclismic EVENT(s) or

IS the End really not an event......is it a MAN and His name is Jesus?

He's coming and He's not leaving..... He's bringing Heaven with Him and
setting up a Kingdom that cannot be shaken....

So the QUESTION I have for you is:

"Are you looking for the event(s) or the Man?"

The End is just the beginning...

Advice to a newly married husband with a pregnant wife!

2008-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

1) If she acts irrational, run and get her food quick or just run away....

2) Don't breathe around your wife. She vomits so easily anyway. Solution: learn sign language, grunt, hold your breathe, or shout from a distance.

3) Even though you pride yourself in being observant and decent at communicating, don't tell your wife everyday how much bigger she is getting.

4) Know her eating habits are highly unpredictable and violent. So don't get in her way or be offended if she doesn't eat what you cook and runs out of the house because it stinks to her.

5) Take deep breathes away from your wife.... and repeat 5x or more "Its gonna be Okay"

6) Start fasting and praying....

7) Get a 2nd job....just trust me...

8) Start getting up earlier.... sleep will be irrelevant in the days to come...

9) Now when she sits you down and prefaces a discussion with "I need to tell you something".... don't run...keeping breathing away from her, and know pregnancy has made her acutely aware of her surroundings and sometimes mistakes you made...again.

10) Practice with me...."Yes, (insert name). I am sorry. Please forgive me. I did not mean to leave the bathroom door open".....

Father's Little Dividend

2008-11-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen the movie "Father's Little Dividend"?
See movie link

It hilarious and so much fun because we can relate....

So if you have not heard already... We are expecting and should be already
half way through our pregnancy...

Yup, you guessed it. Honeymoon Baby...

But we're excited, thrilled, and looking forward to our new addition on the way...
Now this was and wasn't a surprise. We surrendered Cristina's womb the night of our wedding as well as made a conscious decision to stay in a place of faith at the beginning of our marriage so as not to begin patterns of control rather than just believing the Lord will plan our family.... now mind you we'll be a little more careful but that does not negate our continued trusting in the Father...

So a lot changed fast, like within weeks of getting married sickness, nausea, etc. was common in the tiny 1 bedroom Batz apartment.

So Cristina is now like in her 20th week, I think. She has a little "bump" and is slowly gaining weight.... but her appetite or shall I say the baby's is keeping her by the kitchen all day.... She's saying now that she is feeling the baby which currently feels more like gas than anything else

Fortunately, she is resting and working from home... which is such a huge blessing from the Lord!

Marriage is full of adjustments and the is accelerated if you are newly married and pregnant....oh my gosh! Oh, a talking about sympathy symptoms. I was getting nausea, beltching,food adversions, etc. much more from my mate through her first tri-mester..... pretty wild stuff!

Oh, yeah, we'll be possibly finding out the sex right before Thanksgiving..will keep you posted.

November Update

2008-11-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Man, it has been awhile since I've come back here....so much has happen.

Okay, so Cristin and I were married in Galvezston, TX on Friday July 18th at 7:30pm
Here's the link to our professional photos.
Wedding Pictures

It was an amazing wedding! Rich in family, friends, and the presence of the Lord!

We had the wedding/reception and stayed at the Hotel Galvez through Sunday, which was
so elegant, peaceful and fun.

From there we went fly to Costa Rica for 7 days and enjoyed the hospitality, sights, and sounds of Central America.... Pictures to come soon.

We took our time coming back from Texas to Kansas City and then got ready for reality again...

Save the date event

2008-08-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the wedding and yet... Jesus is returning!

2008-07-09T12:37:00.001-07:00

I am intrigued and quite frankly compelled by this simple video/ teaching done
on the Feasts of the Lord and the eclipses of the sun and the moon and how
they match up with scripture as a very evident sign of His return...

Matt 24:29 says..."29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will
be darkened, and the moon will not give its light....

The video is not very long and very informative....
http://www.elshaddaiministries.us/video/eclipsevideo.html

I am supposed to be getting married in 9 days and I am in love with my
stunning bride to be, but I am gripped of the possibility of His return the
Fall of 2015.

The teacher said that according to these eclipses landing on the Feasts of the Lord
during 2015.... that the 7 year tribulation should begin this coming Fall 2008.

This Fall has so much weight in the spirit.... people have talked about "the disaster" coming
to California very very soon, there is the eminent war of US/Israel with Iran/Syria, and now
the very potential collapse of financial markets in the US....

This all puts a weighty fear of the Lord in my spirit and yet again a revaluation of
WHAT THE HECK AM I DOING with my life kind of moment...

And what is our response: Mark 13:33 WATCH & PRAY a lot !

So I pray in the name of Jesus that we would have hearts and minds like the
sons of Issachar who knew the signs and the times... Father, grant us the grace
and strength to get oil in our lamps (Matt 25) and to prepare our hearts for Jesus',
our conquering King, glorious and terrible return.....

humbly,

Chris

Wedding Invitation video...

2008-04-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

To my love on our proposal night

2008-04-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

We're getting Married!!!

2008-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hiya friends and family who check out my blog...

Just wanted to let you know that I proposed this past Saturday 3/15 to Cristina Debra Maas...
She's the beauty in the picture with me...

The evening was magical to say the least.... 4 dozen red roses and 200 candles... I had the help of some incredible ladies (artists) who helped me do what no man can do.... Romantic dinner setting and much more...It was wonderful....we danced, we prayed... the presence and peace of the Lord was there.....

So its been a wild journey together since late January 2007.... and today is actually our 1 year anniversary of courting.... Its also her 28th Birthday today!!! Happy birthday Fiance!

We are looking to get married late summer 2008... down in Galvezston Teaxas next to where her family is in Houston...

The Lord is building our house.... Psalm 127... !

I love you Cristina Debra Maas

The antichrist

2008-03-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

We cannot ignore the scriptures and the signs of the times (Matt 24) regarding the son of perdition... the antichrist is coming and possibly already here on Earth...

For those of you who are curious, interested or even offended I mentioned this please...

oh, please watch this video on this website. It is solid Biblically, and it is a message few will teach... I promise you ....you will be blessed!

http://www.profoundprophecy.com/theAntichrist.html

Offense

2008-03-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been offended before? Was it warranted? Did that person (s) or God intend to be offensive toward your heart? To cause hurt or pain? Did it prick your pride? Did you want to lash back or bless them?

I am finding the Word has a lot to say about offense.
I am also finding that I have been offended, will be offended, and
am offended many times throughout a week or month…

Merriam-Webster defines “offense” as the state of being morally or physically outraged.

Offense is a matter of the heart. An un-trained heart or a heart not submitted to kingdom values become offended quickly or more frequently. Also an offended heart that is unrestrained would produce ungodly fruit. Fruit such as defensive responses of anger and justified retaliation.

Over the past couple years; especially since I have served in leadership capacities and it climaxing last Fall here at IHOP, I have seen the Lord trigger offense in my heart toward people He placed in my life and circumstances as well. Why would He do such a thing?

It has to do with our hearts and Jesus returning.

Matthew 11:6And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Matthew 16:23But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

Matthew 24:10And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.

Jesus calls us to love… to be lovers who forgive and repent frequently. In the Gospels, Jesus constantly offended many by His outrageous claims, intense call to love, and constant uncovering of religious attitudes. In Matthew 11:6, He challenges us to have our hearts ready when He returns…. why you may say? Because He will shake everything in our lives that will be shaken. His very appearance will expose our unrighteousness. He is perfect holiness and calls us to this.

Jesus is in the business of offending even today… to prepare our hearts for His coming return. He desires us to be a people who are mindful of the things of God. He desires us as it says in Philippians 1:9-11 to be a people of love instead…. abounding love. A love that is without offense.

Philippians 1:9-11
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

At the end of the age, as described in Matthew 24:10, many will be offended. This offense will cause incredible lawlessness or ungodliness and the love of many will grow cold.

That sounds terrible to me. Our hearts and love, I believe, is our most precious commodity as humans and as Christians.

So since we are discouraged from allowing offense in our hearts, what are we to do?

We are encouraged to forgive (Matt 18), to bless, and love them back. (Matt 5). We are called to have love that abounds more and more with wisdom producing fruits of righteous. Fruits of righteousness would be anything in the opposite spirit of an offended heart such as peace, love, joy, and especially humility. Jesus wants us to have meek and lowly spirit when He returns. This is the currency of the Kingdom...

I am finding offense a weighty matter because it is another tester of the heart. A crucible for the desired nature or character of the Kingdom…

When you are offended, as a Christian how will you respond? How would you respond if you knew the Lord was behind the offense? Wil you allow yourself to be offended our daily small things versus larger issues?

Will you be offended when Jesus returns?

Acts 24:16This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.

Proverbs 18:19A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

The importance of Authority

2008-02-23T06:02:00.000-08:00

Excerpts from Watchman Nee's Spiritual Authority.... Chapter 1

In serving God we must not violate authorities, because to do so is a principle of Satan.
We who are so self-righteous and yet so blind need once in our life to encounter God's authority so that we may be broken unto submission and so begin to learn obedience to the authority of God.
The greatest of God's demands on is not for him to bear the cross, to serve, make offerings, or deny himself. The greatest demand is for him to obey.
Before we can work for God we must be over turned by His authority. Our entire relationship with God is regulated by whether or not we have met authority. If we have, then we shall encounter authority everywhere, and being thus restrained by God we can begin to be used by Him.
We are not find work to do, rather we are to be sent to work by God.
Likewise, a person who has once been smitten by God's authority fom then on has his eyes opened to judge what is lawless both in himself and others.
Only after we have known God's authority and learned obedience can we lead His children in the straight path.

These implications really rest in m spirit... I am definitely in a season of learning about submission, authority, and obedience.... it speaks to my understanding of God and my character. I am excited about this subject and its implications in my life.... May the Lord receive all glory and honor!

Next steps & Reflection

2007-12-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

Bless the Lord all my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name! Psalm 103:1

I am so excited about being apart of the International House of Prayer and
having moved here to Kansas City.

The Lord has been so faithful in helping me greave through the process of transitioning my heart from one city to the next. With those who know me, its part of my DNA to welcome change and look for the next adventure, yet the older I get and obviously the more mature these changes have become harder and harder... May the Lord grant us all grace, wisdom, and strength in every season of our life...
I just participated in the Healing and Prophecy Christmas party here at IHOP. I have been so blessed to be apart of the Healing Room teams for almost 2 months. IHOP is having over 500 people a month come to receive prayer for healing...(physical, emotional, and spiritual). The beauitful and truly exciting thing about this ministry is that it is all about JESUS. It is only because of what He did on the Cross, the power of His blood, and His resurrection that causes the miraculous and everyday power to make people whole and well (Isaiah 53:4&5). This ministry is not about some special person with the gift of healing, but a team of people who minister with the love and compassion of Jesus. Jesus gets the glory. Period.
One testimony of healing: I heard today that a gentleman came to the healing rooms and got healed this past week of Parkinson's disease. The awesome thing was that he left a trophy... He ended up leaving his cane at IHOp and note saying he is completely healed and did not need it anymore. Praise Jesus! He is the God who heals us (Exodus 15:26)

Next Steps

You may be wondering how Cristina and I are doing? Our time together these past almost 9 months has been nothing short of a crazy story to tell one day and of course, an adventure. So we are taking a slower approach and still enjoying every minute we can spend with each other.
Having known this past season was meant for me to truly seek the Lord as what to do next in my life and to remain in it for as long as I am to remain which I am expecting awhile... So getting jazzed day after day about the ministry of IHOP I thought I would be on staff there as a "intercessory missionary".... but the Lord has really called me back to the market place of public accounting. So the Lord allowed me to join the team of Keller and Owens LLC here in Kansas City as an auditor and tax preparer (non-profits clients) www.kellerowens.com Financially it is a blessing while also completing my professional qualifications getting my CPA.
I fully intend to remain invovled and connected with IHOP in their healing rooms and hopefully their prophecy teams, time permitting. I plan to continue diving into studying the End Times and getting steeped in the intimacy message of Song of Solomon. I want to have my heart understanding the Father's love and to love Jesus above all else.
The year of 2007 has revealed a lot about my strengths and weaknesses of my character and leadership. So my heart intent for at least the next five years will be building a foundation of Righteousness in my life. This is regarding 1) Authority and submission 2) Integrity in commitments, authencity, and accountability.

Life update: Commitments & Authority

2007-11-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been exposed for sinning against the Lord's appointed leadership over my life by breaking a commitment. I have had a pattern of broken vows and commitments recently in my life. And it is really a deeper issue from my childhood that is beginning to be redemptively routed out even as soon as this past weekend from some very special conversations I am having with my parents. (The Father is so good and kind)

The Lord has some strong feeling towards broken commitments and towards disrespecting the authority He has placed over you. When I realized that I might be sinning against Him, I asked the Father "How do you feel about this?". And He showed me.

Numbers 30:1-2 Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, "This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds from his mouth." (NKJV) "He must do exactly what he said he would do". (NLT)

The Lord is a God of righteousness. He rewards those who walk in it and corrects those who don't. (Ps 19:9-13)

My recent broken commitment was a disrespect of authority. Initially, I thought I was being mistreated or picked on, which was part of the shame being exposed and caught. It wasn't until after hours of weeping and seeking the Lord did He truly reveal what I have done. He showed me that I "resisted authority", God's appointed authority over my life at the time. And in resisting authority, I resisted Him and His authority. The weight of this revelation was very heavy to bear and terribly scarry. The moment He spoke to my heart concerning this (Sat. morning) the tears could not stop. I love the Father and by doing this I reap His judgment. I couldn't bear the thought of being separate from Him. By Sunday evening, I had repented before the Father, to my parents, and to various leaders in my life. Repentance is so freeing and an incredible gift of mercy from the Lord.

At the same time of repentance, I had the most awesome revelation of the Father to me:

The love for righteousness and His judgments: For it guards my soul from all that is evil ad wicked. It is so precious to me because it keeps me in the way of salvation, holiness, and favor of the Lord. In loving righteousness, my life will be filled with joy! And not strife and the plaguing consequences of sin. (Psalm 19:9-13 sums it up very well) I now welcome the judgments of the Lord for they preserve my life and are in love. I love righteousness now... and it is such an undiscovered subject for me. I am seeing now how critical righteousness is to the heart of the Father. It is part of His very throne. Psalm 97:2 Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
His enduring mercy and incredible kindness: The sin I was in was actually miserable. I knew I was sinning, and it had me bound up also in insecurity, condemnation, shame, and fear. It was His incredible kindness that led me to repentance (Romans 2:4) The Lord Jesus and the Father hates seeing me in that pathetic state. They also know that the root of this sin has been plaguing me much of my life. It's His fiery love and never failing mercy towards me that has set me free from such choices of unrighteousness. I love the scriptures below speaking the Lord's true heart towards us.
Joel 2:13 So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.
Jonah 4:2 So he prayed to the LORD, and said, “Ah, LORD, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.

Here is the Father's heart on submitting to authority.

Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

Through the turning of my heart, the Father is already abundantly blessing me. I will write more about the "Righteousness vs. Unrighteous" and the "Mercy and Kindness of God", "Rigtheousness and Justice", "Jesus the righteous Judge of the Earth", and the "Rising up of righteous Judges before Christ's return".

The fear of the Lord

2007-11-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

The fear of the Lord is something I've been praying for over 12 months. I have come to learn it through the severity and judgment of His hand by trangressing Him and not respecting the leadership He has place over my life (Romans 13:1-7). It is His kindness or goodness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Through being exposed of my sin I am learning the delight of His judgments and a swelling desire to love righteousness, because it preserves my soul and it is truly the fountain of joy in life. Loving righteousness and hating evil!

Psalm 19:9-13....speaks exactly where my heart is at right now and where it remains to stay.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteousness altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also form presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and shall I be innocent of great transgression.

(The Lord records in a book those have the fear of the Lord)
Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name.

I entreat you to seek the fear of the Lord. Our nation and its foundations of righteousness and justice is crumbling, if not already completely gone. This condition in the land cries out to the Lord to bring His loving fiery judgments to the US. Turn to the Lord, repent, and seek the fear of the Lord. The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (Ps 103:8)

Please read these passages from the Word and what it says about the fear of the Lord....
--------------------------------------------
1 Samuel 11:7 So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.” And the fear of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.
2 Chronicles 14:14Then they defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD came upon them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much spoil in them.
2 Chronicles 17:10 And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.
2 Chronicles 19:7 Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.”
2 Chronicles 19:9And he commanded them, saying, “Thus you shall act in the fear of the LORD, faithfully and with a loyal heart.
Job 28:28 And to man He said,‘ Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’”
Psalm 34:11 Come, you children, listen to me;I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.His praise endures forever.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 2:5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.
Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.
Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.
Isaiah 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Isaiah 11:3 His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears.
Isaiah 33:6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, And the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD is His treasure.
Acts 9:31[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Philippians 1:9-11

2007-11-12T18:07:00.000-08:00

Philippians 1:9-11
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere
and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruit of righteouness which
are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God"

This prayer was given to me over and over during times of hardship & heart-ship.
This is my current life commentary on this scripture.

The meaning of love changes and builds upon the last other time and mainly through adversity. So I can hear the Apostle Paul saying, "I know it hurts guys, but don't stop loving actually don't stop in the journey of loving well. As you are hurt and even wounded by life, allow your maturing love to become wiser and have greater understanding of the Lord Jesus' heart, His fiery love."
This abounding love needs to increase "to approve the things that are excellent" is a love that has tasted reproof, judgments of the Lord who desires to draw a person back to a life of love in righteousness. That he may love righteousness and delight in the excellencies that flow from Jesus Himself.
The day of Christ is coming quickly, and He will shake everything that can be shaken. So a love that is anything but sincere will crumble and fall; it will be the dividing line of the goats and the sheep; the saved and those who perish in the lake of fire.
The day of His coming requires special love prepared in the fires of rejection, mistreatment, and testing. We must protect/guard ourself from offense towards Jesus Himself and all others (righteous & unrighteous). A heart holding no offense is quick to forgive and is set free. It is a heart that blesses when the opposite is received. It loves righteousness...
Righteousness is truly the foundation of this love. It is a productive love; it is a love with evidence. These fruits of righteousness thankfully only can come from Jesus alone. And the foundation of His throne is righteousness and justice. So by exercising this kind of love we are truly learning how to rule & reign, we are practicing/ interning until that 1000 year reign of Jesus & then eternity for what? It is, of course, "to (for) the glory and praise of God."

May we learn to love for it is the more excellent way....

it's November!

2007-11-04T19:56:00.001-08:00

Well for all of you who are surprised like me.... Its November!

Man, time is flying...

Well, my car is in the shop... yah, that clicking under the hood for 5 months now was graciously and fortunately revealed as a worn out timing belt... Yes, fortunately or it would have been the end of my engine.

So the leaves are changing and faller weather is coming... I love this time of the year. Its festive, refreshingly fun and even mysterious.

Oh, I am waiting on hearing back from a public accountign firm called Keller and Owens which specializes in Christian non-profits much like my former employer. They gonna be giving me an offer soon. One that may grant me so flexibility in this crazy life...

My Escatology class is over. Bummer! I absolutely love the subject and lose myself in studying it forever... It certainly is an endless subject.

What a beautiful day!

2007-10-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings All...

It is beautiful and unseaonally warm reaching 80 degrees not far fom November and the leaves are slowly turning as the wind blows them everywhere...

Today I we had an Intro Picnic with tons of pot-luck food. I brought my fall apples covered in lime juice... And of course, I over ate.

Its amazing but I am still meeting people in this program... there's almost 200 of us... and actually I've been very resistant to meeting anyone..HA.... because like everyone else... when you are spending tons of time (a type of fasting) with the Lord in the prayer room...a lot of your junk comes out and you just don't want to talk to anyone... you really want to just keep to yourself and try not to bite anyone's head off... Well, at least that's been my life for the past several weeks... The Lord has so much kindness with us...as we sort through and deal with areas of sin and healing... I know this is only a season.... actually this week I pulled out of the dark clouds and started feeling myself again... So I could actually start meeting people again... I really am a likeable guy... I had to remind myself that... Its so good to be me again!

I am also digging the End Times class... and a challenge I am accepting to help me take ownership over all the ridiculous amounts of content is for me to make a chart of End Times events for myself... They strongly encourage us here at IHOP to not believe them at their word but to EXPERIENCE Jesus and to have PERSONAL revelation...

So I am to quote Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly.

I desire to understand the thoughts of His heart perfectly...those concerning the End Times.

A new class

2007-10-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today we started the Biblical Foundations of Eschatology (End Times) class by David Sliker (http://www.heisatthedoor.com/) Instructor's website...

I am really excited about this class... I believe the Lord intends to speak directly and personally concerning this subject.... One which I have been waiting years to get a proper foundation of Biblical knowledge on End Times.

David really set the stage for the class by stating, "The study of the End Times is about the Leadership of JESUS....to connect with Him and to know Him. The subject of the End Times is JESUS, not the events."

I love that... David didn't pull any punches... Its about JESUS. period.

More to come... see my other blog for posting about End Times. www.matthewten.blogspot.com

What is IHOP?

2007-10-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

It is an international missions organization committed to Prayer (intercession, worship, healing, prophesying, etc.), Fasting (covering 365 days a year) and the Great Commission (proclaiming Jesus to all nations with power as the way to establish His justice in the earth). Their work includes equipping and sending missionaries as dedicated intercessors and evangelists working to see revival in the Church and a Great Harvest among the lost.

On May 7, 1999 they launched IHOP-KC for 13 hours a day. On September 19, 1999, they began a non-stop 24 hours a week, 7 days a week ministry of worship with intercession. They structure their schedule around 84 two-hour prayer meetings every week. Central to their model is praying (singing) the Scripture using the Apostolic Prayers, the Hymns of Revelation, Psalms and Song of Solomon.

Anna prayed night and day in the temple with fasting for over 60 years just prior to the first coming of Jesus (Luke 2:37-38). Anna was the first evangelist in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit is releasing "Annas" to pray, fast, and preach prior to the Second Coming of Jesus. This "Anna Annointing" transcends gender and age, including men and women, old and young who live as intercessory missionaries laboring for the fulfillment of the Great Commission. In the spring of 2005, they had about 400 on the IHOP-KC staff, who each raise their financial support
as "intercessory missionaries."

What is Intro to IHOP program I am in?

2007-10-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

Intro to IHOP is a three month program for those wanting to learn and experience all that the International House of Prayer in Kansas City represents: prayer, worship and intimacy with God. It is not just for those who want to move here and join staff. It is for all who desire to learn what we do, catch our vision and develop a deeper understanding of worship and intercession.
The program includes training in IHOP's worship and prayer models, personal support raising, various outreach ministry opportunities, the message of intimacy with God as we come to the end of the age, the Forerunner Ministry and new paradigms in healing and prophecy. The Intro Program also serves as the way all new staff are initially trained and integrated into IHOP. The Intro Program caters to all ages, including families.

This program for me runs the last week of August to the first week of December 2007. This program is a 3-month fast from the rigors of life, to set aside time strictly to seek the Lord and build a deeper intimacy life in Jesus.

I am also using this program to seek the Lord in next steps for life, seek life messages, and most importantly build a foundation of Jesus in my life.

The End of the Age

2007-10-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

A large part of why I moved to IHOP in Kansas City is to study the end times or escatology. I have started reading a book called When Jesus Returns by Pawson. Only being 35 pages into it, I am gripped by the intense and scarry reality of how little the Church teaches, knows, or lives by in regards to all the events leading up to Christ's return not including all that is mentioned in the Bible about what happens post His arrival.

As Jesus states in Matt 24:37-39 "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man (Jesus). For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man."

Even though a great many will turn away from the faith or have their love grow cold (Matt 24:10,12), many could be spared through what Jesus says in just Matt 24 alone not including all the other scriptures pointing to what is in store for Christians before His return ..... rather than the inaccurate portayal of scriptures saying "everything will be okay, we've got a free ticket to heaven before all the bad stuff happens". The Old Testament prophets who were stoned to death for being false had usually one message to their listeners "Don't worry everything is going to be fine"...

Do we really know how the end of the Age is to come and are we really ready?

seasons....

2007-10-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

The leaves are falling and a new season approaches...

Yet Cristina and I are agreeing to submit ourselves to the leadership
of the Intro IHOP program and to the Lordship of Jesus...
Starting today we are fasting our relationship, we are laying down our
privilege to see one another till December 8th which is the day after
my program is over....

I could not say both of us did this willingly .... I evaded the policy for dating
couples thinking it did not apply to us... I share because I don't want to think
we are some holy rollers... But now we see the wisdome of God in it... after
much anguish of heart.... We know this is a blessing in diguise in many
ways... But we know ultimately that our God is a most jealous Lover
(Deut 4:24 & Rev 19:12) who yearns and fights most vehemently
against any loves in our lives over Him...

So we both are being drawn into His chambers (Song of Songs 1:4)
and into the wilderness (Hos 2:14)
...secrets, mysteries, and awesome love awaits us (Psalm 36:8)...
It is the preparation season of so much before
our betrothal with one another and with the Lord upon His return.

Oh, that we would grasp all the Love that He has for us...

Update: 4 weeks in Kansas City

2007-09-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've last updated my blog.

Fall weather is trying to set in here. Cold breezes,
leaves blowing, and chilly mornings brings an
excitement with the coming season.

Routine is setting in as I am spending time in
class, the prayer room, the gym, roommates,
other friends, Cristina, and more.

My goal has been in this season to spend around
20-25+ hours in prayer & the Word in the global
prayer room @ www.IHOP.org Its a powerful place
to encounter the Lord and like-minded Jesus hungry
intercessors corporately praying together 24 hours a day.

I am currently in Excellencies of Christ class with Alan
Hood, which is about the incarnation, life, death,
resurrection, ascension, and second coming of my
Lord Jesus Christ.
Other classes I will be taking are Escatology (End Times),
the glory of an Intercessor, and the Bridal Paradigm by the
end of November.

Cristina and I are doing great. Building a deeper foundation
on trust, friendship, and of course, love. We are excited about
seeking mentorship from a couple local here. Tuesday night
is now are official date night, which has allowed my creative
juices to flow.

This is my prayer: Jesus.

1) 2nd Peter 3:18 To "grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ"

2) John 17:22,24 To To know the fullness of Jesus, to be with Jesus

where He is, to behold Jesus' glory, and to learn how to love Jesus.

Love you all,

Chris

8/17/07 update

2007-08-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

Eldon and everyone else:

Thank you for your prayers... I covet them!

My nerves are settling... and the Lord is ministering to my heart...
As I spend time with Him... I am able to release my tears...

The move on Tuesday was smooth but a long drive... my friend Dannie was such a blessing.

Its hotter than blazes here... 100s and 90s

Slowly I am setting routine and getting to know the seven guys in the house.
Spending time with Cristina is surreal and just living here feels surreal.

Today I interview with Avila University for an adjunct faculty position.
(It's just down the road... teaching accounting, hope it pays well...)
The Lord will provide if this doesn't work out though...

How's Tuesday morning prayer? Thinking about you guys and Muncie...
Please keep me informed so as to be praying...

The collar bone is healign slowly... seeking healing in the IHOP healing rooms daily.

Excited about this next leg but want to reflect over the past 15 months and 3 + years
in Muncie...

Blessings and love to you all!

-Chris

Liquid green fountain reflections

2007-08-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

I move in about 60 hours to Kansas City.
Yet what is this fear shut up inside?
Is it the fear of the unknown?
Is it the fear of man and the inevitable collision of persons?
Is it my misconception of God?
Is it that I have not reached the depths of my God-intended brokenness?
Is it the free falling choice of living from one's heart versus the safety of one's mind?
Is it that those who live in mediocrity were right... that I am supposed to live a nice happy life?
Or is it that I truly enjoy the lesser things God intended?
Oh what frail human conditions we inhabit.

Fear, the unstoppable force which melts men's hearts and/or propels them into their destinies.

Father, please grant me the courage and strength to face the fear.

Best and worst comes in pairs

2007-08-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well, about a week ago I took an nasty spill off my road bike on the Muncie Greenway. I hit the dredded rocks and my left shoulder ate asphalt as my collar bone fractured.

The timing couldn't be more inconvenient, yet among the pain I found my Jesus' grace sufficient. And like the Savior to cause me to slow down and ask for help...two things which require Murphy's law for me to see my need. Through it I am so grateful for my current roommate to take care of me and others who have been there for me in the midst of being sorta crippled. Thank you!

In the midst of the chaos this week, the faithful King of Kings has answered my prayer and the house on 4400 N New York Ave sold Wednesday night. This is an testimony of the Lord since the market here is very saturated and are having to drop in price. So the story I heard is The buyer testified how the Lord led her to the house and bought it within 24 hours. He is so good! And the house didn't just sell but for more than market value. Also on Saturday morning with the help of some wonderful friends, I was am able to sell much of my possessions I do not intend to take to Kansas City... It resulted in a wonderful financial blessing! Again I see the Father delighting in me and enjoying me as I love His ways.

Oh, faithful ones trust in the Lord always! He enjoys when we surrendur our anxities and confess faith in what we do not see.... I personally struggled up till recently and then finally surrendured, confessed that I wasn't trusting Him, and then told Him I wouldn't fret anymore and a couple days later... yup...Thank you, Father.

Another step of faith...

2007-07-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am moving to a new land, a new community, and a new segment of my life....

3 years 3 months 14 days ....since 5/1/04 I've called Muncie, IN...my home...

Now I am relocating to Kansas City, MO (64137) at International
House of Prayer (http://www.ihop.org/) to wait upon the Lord,
study the end times, to discover the emotions and love of God for me,
and so much more.... There's also a special woman waiting for me there
that I am courting (Cristina Maas).

The Lord is so faithful to keep me and graciously allow me to step out of in
faith of Him and keep seeking the dreams He has placed in my heart...