tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post1901729855863934786..comments2023-10-03T06:25:41.357-05:00Comments on Grace Roots Blog: "Moves of God"Joel Bruesekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10395847887953875757noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-19779756056925520792008-06-04T06:14:00.000-05:002008-06-04T06:14:00.000-05:00Okay, Joel. Now, I get what you mean. When I pos...Okay, Joel. Now, I get what you mean. When I posted my comment i wasn't thinking about grace- based mega ministries. I think those are vital for the church. Travelling ministries like Steve McVey, Darin Hufford and Wayne Jacobsen are needed to bring encouragement to the people wherever they are but, on a personal day by day basis, I really believe the smaller more intimate groups are so much more effective.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the clarification.<BR/><BR/>AidaAidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09885702269506142727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-59435730843652243612008-06-03T10:42:00.000-05:002008-06-03T10:42:00.000-05:00Aida, yep indeed I think small groups of people is...Aida, yep indeed I think small groups of people is where a large amount of the "movement" is being done. I think that without smaller groups of people connecting with each other on a more personal basis, a large movement doesn't mean a whole lot.<BR/><BR/>In my thoughts about mega ministries and churches, I didn't really mean to say that I'm a huge fan of them continuing. Like you, I think many people are leaving the "big" church in droves. But what I mean is, even in those larger churches (one of which I was a part of), I've seen God doing some wonderful things in and through His children, and as long as there are mega churches out there, I pray that He continues to do those "movements" in and through those who are there. Some of the 'larger' ministries that I had in mind include Grace Walk, Lifetime Guarantee, Free Believers and other grace-based ones that are helping larger numbers of people. The main thing is that individual hearts are being touched and are growing in grace.<BR/><BR/>Gary,<BR/><BR/>I've heard of the butterfly effect sometime during the past few years, but I had sort of forgotten about it until you brought it up. It was interesting to read more about it through the wikipedia link you gave.<BR/><BR/>I think it's so true that God is deeply involved in the trivial, mundane aspects of our daily lives. That's why I think it's so important to not jump on "big movement" bandwagons, unless of course the Lord leads. God moving in the heart of an individual person or small group of people is a big movement because indeed it's a might God who's moving!<BR/><BR/>Ruth,<BR/><BR/>Indeed it seems that Barb's post resonated with a lot of people! That's great! I really like the things you said as well in the comments over there, and here as well.<BR/><BR/>So many people are focused on "big" things that God is supposedly doing, and maybe truly is doing, that we forget the things that are right in front of us. As we simply rest in Him, as you say He will let us know what He's calling us to do and where He's calling us to, if it's different from where we're at right now.Joel Bruesekehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10395847887953875757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-62358651825255706022008-06-02T21:40:00.000-05:002008-06-02T21:40:00.000-05:00So it wasn't just me that resonated with what Barb...So it wasn't just me that resonated with what Barb was saying in her post? You have added some great thoughts to it. Your words echo my thoughts as well. <BR/><BR/>"I'm sitting here listening to and watching what God is saying to me and doing in and through my life and in the community He's put me in and I'm sticking with that."<BR/><BR/>I hear you brother and say Amen!! <BR/><BR/>I'm done with trying to follow this or that or feel drawn into things because I "should". I realize that I can recognize what God is doing right in front of me and if he calls me elsewhere he will let me know it. It's a principle that he builds his kingdom upon - YeastRuthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02024613458911435527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-51932281694419409022008-06-02T20:42:00.000-05:002008-06-02T20:42:00.000-05:00Joel,I think you right on the money. This may be ...Joel,<BR/><BR/>I think you right on the money. This may be what you were thinking when you chose your imagery, but it reminds me of the <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_effect" REL="nofollow">Butterfly Effect</A>. This is the theory that a butterfly flapping his wings in Africa starts a series of chain events that produces a tornado in Kansas. I think that there is definitely a parallel in Christianity. <BR/><BR/>It is sad to me to think that there are those who think that God is only interested in the "Big Picture." They think that He doesn't concern Himself with the trivial aspects of our lives. They aren't necessarily Deists, but they haven't had the blessing of seeing God in a sunset that is too beautiful to describe, or in that sweet little old lady that gave you a hug before church, or even in that rude cashier that pushed all your buttons.<BR/><BR/>It is just like God to use the trivial, mundane aspects of our day-today lives to grow us and to bless others. What a mighty God we serve.<BR/><BR/>In Christ,<BR/>GaryGary Kirkhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12870342469118915243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29606082.post-18931100833546033322008-06-02T19:18:00.000-05:002008-06-02T19:18:00.000-05:00Joel, I love what you've shared here. Like you, ...Joel, I love what you've shared here. Like you, my primary source of connection with like thinking believers is through the internet. <BR/><BR/>I see Father connecting small groups of believers but I see these groups more like interlocking circles. Scripture says that his glory will cover the earth and I believe it'll be through these interlocking circles.<BR/><BR/>However, I'm not as positive as you are about mega-churches and mega-ministries. I believe they're soon going to hit their peak or maybe they already have and we'll soon see them begin to decline.<BR/><BR/>At one time, it was very unusual for someone to leave the system. Now, it has become so common that articles are being written about it including in secular magazines like Time and Newsweek. I believe this trend will grow and accelerate as people move out of the system.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, for what it's worth, that's my 2 cents.<BR/><BR/>AidaAidahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09885702269506142727noreply@blogger.com