The God Who Speaks - October

Dear friends,

I've been doing a little more writing this month. Here's a listing of articles that I've posted at www.clarion-journal.ca. To find the articles, just click on my name on the left side of the page under categories.

1. CYNIC OR PROPHET: What's the difference?

This is a discussion on how cynics can be called forward into their prophetic gifts and how to help prophets who have been disillusioned to the point of cynicism.

2. METHINKS HE BUDGED: An evening with J.I. Packer

This is a reflection on the meaning of the Cross in light of Dr. Packer's call to stay faithful to the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement.

3. WATCHMEN VERSUS WATCHDOGS

This article contrasts true, God-inspired discernment with the pseudo-discernment that drives self-appointed "watch-dogs."

As for today's listening prayer exercise, I share a simple practice that I've been using more and more, esp. with those who are burden-bearing for friends and loved ones. In prayer, I take those for whom I'm concerned by the hand and lead them to the Cross. There, I find the living Christ and offer my friends/loved ones into His arms. Then I just watch Jesus hold them. He may also speak to them or sing over them or lay hands of blessing or healing on them. My task is to simply witness and bless what I am seeing and hearing. Right now, I am doing this as an act of prayer for a couple whose marriage is falling apart, a friend who is walking through the valley of the shadow of death, and for others whose pain is way over my head. The Lord assures me that this is effective intercession and that grace is released whenever I practice it with love. It's something we can do when words fail us.

Something else that has blessed me this month is the worship video of Jason Upton singing "Into the Sky." I recommend sitting and watching it on www.youtube.com (type in Jason Upton sky in the search box) and asking the Lord to minister to the depths of your heart. Take note of what God says to you.

Many blessings,

Brad Jersak