Okay, if you're still recuperating after the Paul Washer sermon, here's a short lighthearted video of about 2 minutes. Not directly related to BBtT, but perhaps you will enjoy it!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Do you have a testimony?
Do you have a testimony you'd like to share about our time at Broken Before the Throne? Please feel free to comment w/ your email address or just your name, if we have your e-mail address. Your testimony would likely edify the rest of us!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
10 Indictments
This message was preached last night by Paul Washer at the Atlanta conference. It may be highly uncomfortable to hear. What if it is true?
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=17378&commentView=itemComments
MP3 Format, approximately 2 hours long.
http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/mydownloads/singlefile.php?lid=17378&commentView=itemComments
MP3 Format, approximately 2 hours long.
Monday, October 20, 2008
sermonindex.net
John McGregor and others referred to Sermon Index, and their site is here: http://www.sermonindex.net.
They have a conference in Atlanta starting tomorrow. Theirs, like ours was, is being streamed via the web. You can watch on this page:
http://www.revivalconference.com.
They also have a weekly prayer call at 10 p.m. Eastern on Tuesdays. From the schedule, it says that they will have the Tuesday phone session tomorrow.
They have a conference in Atlanta starting tomorrow. Theirs, like ours was, is being streamed via the web. You can watch on this page:
http://www.revivalconference.com.
They also have a weekly prayer call at 10 p.m. Eastern on Tuesdays. From the schedule, it says that they will have the Tuesday phone session tomorrow.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
We're Continuing
This will be such good news for many. Dan Biser said in our last session yesterday that we will continue on with Broken Before the Throne. I know that continuing this year was not because we had a good time last year and wanted to do it again. He felt that God wanted him to do it. Evidently all three of the speakers who traveled in said there's nothing in the country with this format.
Here's a wild thing. We began meeting for prayer only 9-10 weeks ago. Looking back at notes, God answered our prayers, many of our prayers, and oh so quickly. We will go and seek you, Lord, and pray fervently for Your will to be done in the upcoming year.
There are no details, of course. But as we find them out, we'll let you know!
Here's a wild thing. We began meeting for prayer only 9-10 weeks ago. Looking back at notes, God answered our prayers, many of our prayers, and oh so quickly. We will go and seek you, Lord, and pray fervently for Your will to be done in the upcoming year.
There are no details, of course. But as we find them out, we'll let you know!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fearing God
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
Some of us are beginning to really fear God. I am one of those people. He is the Lord.
Some of us are beginning to really fear God. I am one of those people. He is the Lord.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
(Conference?)
Even though we called it a "conference" for publicity purposes, most of us struggle to give it a single definition. The truth is, we've never really experienced anything like this, at least those I've talked to. We all love it, I'll tell you that.
My words don't do it justice, and what I wrote on the last post sounds insufficient. I'll say the following about the last few days. John Franklin is incredibly insightful, John McGregor is wonderfully loving, Dan Biser is an awesome shepherd, Sammy Tippet is highly practical, and Aaron Miller conveyed God's glory like no other "everyday" pastor I've ever seen.
There is something else, however, which I cannot help but behold. Not sure how to explain it, but I'll try this. There has been much humility, gentleness, and patience, and many were showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It's like we're one (conference?), in one Spirit, called in one hope, with one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. This is bizarre.
Now we're all gifted in various ways, and as some of us rallied around one special situation, the difference was both visible and beneficial. It seems as if we've been given an "equipping" for the work of service, to the building up of us all. Just in myself, I feel incredibly equipped after this week.
I heard a lot people speaking the truth in love, and there was overall growth in all aspects into Him who is the head, you know, Christ. It's like we're some sort of (conference?), from whom everyone was being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causing the growth of the (conference?) for the building up of itself in love.
This week's topic? Prayer. God wants us to pray without ceasing. He wants us to lose our self-life and cherish His abiding presence. But whatever you call it, you almost get the impression that the gates of hell couldn't prevail against it. Now that's something else.
My words don't do it justice, and what I wrote on the last post sounds insufficient. I'll say the following about the last few days. John Franklin is incredibly insightful, John McGregor is wonderfully loving, Dan Biser is an awesome shepherd, Sammy Tippet is highly practical, and Aaron Miller conveyed God's glory like no other "everyday" pastor I've ever seen.
There is something else, however, which I cannot help but behold. Not sure how to explain it, but I'll try this. There has been much humility, gentleness, and patience, and many were showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It's like we're one (conference?), in one Spirit, called in one hope, with one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. This is bizarre.
Now we're all gifted in various ways, and as some of us rallied around one special situation, the difference was both visible and beneficial. It seems as if we've been given an "equipping" for the work of service, to the building up of us all. Just in myself, I feel incredibly equipped after this week.
I heard a lot people speaking the truth in love, and there was overall growth in all aspects into Him who is the head, you know, Christ. It's like we're some sort of (conference?), from whom everyone was being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causing the growth of the (conference?) for the building up of itself in love.
This week's topic? Prayer. God wants us to pray without ceasing. He wants us to lose our self-life and cherish His abiding presence. But whatever you call it, you almost get the impression that the gates of hell couldn't prevail against it. Now that's something else.
Monday, October 13, 2008
:-O
Normally, I wouldn't use a silly emoticon for the title of any blog, but that's the best I can do. My words cannot express what's on my mind right now. Much of it, of course, is personal. All I can say is, "well, God's in town again".
This year is different from last year. For one, it's easier to get closer to the speakers, and it's easier to speak to others in general. For those of us who were here last year, God really has done something that has continued on. (That's not to say that those who could not return have not experienced the same!) It wasn't some event where we got excited, bought a book, and forgot about it. Our lives were changed by what we experienced and saw, and we were compelled to return.
We get to listen to Dan Biser more, and that's no let down at all. In fact, I'm thrilled to hear an everyday pastor who thinks this way. It is highly relevant to us regular sheep. The problem really is quite bad in the church. Nobody wants to pray, nobody wants to speak with the Heavenly Father. Few people see a problem with that.
Today, we heard John McGregor speak on the need for corporate prayer. He gave a number of wonderful testimonies; it was a joy listening to him. I thought it already, but I definitely know it now: God is causing people to want to pray again, and He insists that we gather for prayer. I can't convey all the way I'd like, so I won't try. Dan Biser spoke to us, also, on the need to "take time to be holy". Do we KNOW the sin which so easily besets us? Tonight, we have John Franklin.
This year is different from last year. For one, it's easier to get closer to the speakers, and it's easier to speak to others in general. For those of us who were here last year, God really has done something that has continued on. (That's not to say that those who could not return have not experienced the same!) It wasn't some event where we got excited, bought a book, and forgot about it. Our lives were changed by what we experienced and saw, and we were compelled to return.
We get to listen to Dan Biser more, and that's no let down at all. In fact, I'm thrilled to hear an everyday pastor who thinks this way. It is highly relevant to us regular sheep. The problem really is quite bad in the church. Nobody wants to pray, nobody wants to speak with the Heavenly Father. Few people see a problem with that.
Today, we heard John McGregor speak on the need for corporate prayer. He gave a number of wonderful testimonies; it was a joy listening to him. I thought it already, but I definitely know it now: God is causing people to want to pray again, and He insists that we gather for prayer. I can't convey all the way I'd like, so I won't try. Dan Biser spoke to us, also, on the need to "take time to be holy". Do we KNOW the sin which so easily besets us? Tonight, we have John Franklin.
Freezer-Refrigerator
I just had to put this saying somewhere. It's really very simple: if you come to a prayer conference, there should be prayer. Freezer----Refrigerator.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What Needs to Die?
This is just one person's take on last night with John McGregor. He took us to the entire chapter of Isaiah 6. He pointed out that the first 5 chapters are "woe is you, woe is you" and then we get to chapter 6, and it is "woe is me...I am a man of unclean lips". The first thing he pointed out that needed to be broken was Isaiah's dependence upon man.
There it is, right out of the starting gate. Day one, God brings to us our dependence upon man. Mr. McGregor took us to 2 Chr 26, which details how King Uzziah used to seek the Lord and the Lord prospered him. But we see Uzziah become famous and strong. In strength he apparently stopped seeking God.
He pointed out what happens in North America. A church experiences some level of "success" and people go and ask, "What are you doing?" That is seeking man, not God.
He spoke of a man who used to follow AW Tozer around here and there. One day, Tozer stopped at a coke machine and the other man asked himself if a holy man would be drinking Coca-Cola.
Another thing that was broken with Isaiah was his concept of God. He saw how God was high and lifted up. Mr. McGregor spoke to us weaving in his personal story, how he got saved, and how he needed a higher concept of God. (A sort of second trip to the cross.) There was something in him that needed to die, and he posed the question to us: what is it in us that needs to die before we see God more clearly as He is in heaven?
We continued on in the rest of Isaiah 6. I cannot describe sufficiently all of this, so I probably ought not try. Here were some key thoughts/questions throughout the rest of the session:
There it is, right out of the starting gate. Day one, God brings to us our dependence upon man. Mr. McGregor took us to 2 Chr 26, which details how King Uzziah used to seek the Lord and the Lord prospered him. But we see Uzziah become famous and strong. In strength he apparently stopped seeking God.
He pointed out what happens in North America. A church experiences some level of "success" and people go and ask, "What are you doing?" That is seeking man, not God.
He spoke of a man who used to follow AW Tozer around here and there. One day, Tozer stopped at a coke machine and the other man asked himself if a holy man would be drinking Coca-Cola.
Another thing that was broken with Isaiah was his concept of God. He saw how God was high and lifted up. Mr. McGregor spoke to us weaving in his personal story, how he got saved, and how he needed a higher concept of God. (A sort of second trip to the cross.) There was something in him that needed to die, and he posed the question to us: what is it in us that needs to die before we see God more clearly as He is in heaven?
We continued on in the rest of Isaiah 6. I cannot describe sufficiently all of this, so I probably ought not try. Here were some key thoughts/questions throughout the rest of the session:
- Phil 2:11-13, It's GOD who works IN you. How much to you desire personal holiness? If you don't know what God is doing in your life today, it's a good day to be broken before the throne.
- Seek no personal glory. There are no names before the throne, only broken people.
- People today, we hear the word but there is no change.
- The 10th of the remnant. Nor worried about numbers or the opinions of others. It's costly to be the remnant, but it's the place that God does the work.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
What to Expect
We met on Tuesday for prayer at Westview, and BBtT organizer Dan Biser was with us. One thing he asked was, what are you expecting from this year? Truly, we aren't sure, because last year God Himself met us, and it's hard to put an easy, single expectation upon what might happen this year. We know one thing--we expect God.
But one person raised a caution, hoping people won't leave disappointed if they don't immediately see something with their eyes. That's a good caution, even for myself (Tracy). It was interesting how God worked with what I saw last November. He started many things in me and in others at that point, that has continued over the following year.
How about these: God's name is holy and God's people are profaning it...God's people should be invisible...the idea of gathering...the church is powerless, desecrated, and in need of a reformation...we must return to God...dying to self, not loving our lives...unity among the body (in the Spirit)...tears...too strong in ourselves not strong in God...and more.
It should be frightening that people who are seeking God are finding precisely the same things. This is going on all over the country, I am told. It makes me scared a bit.
Today, we'll start off with prayer from 1-4 p.m. We know one thing, we are to worship God, no matter what happens. We take pleasure in His presence, even if we see nothing with our eyes.
But one person raised a caution, hoping people won't leave disappointed if they don't immediately see something with their eyes. That's a good caution, even for myself (Tracy). It was interesting how God worked with what I saw last November. He started many things in me and in others at that point, that has continued over the following year.
How about these: God's name is holy and God's people are profaning it...God's people should be invisible...the idea of gathering...the church is powerless, desecrated, and in need of a reformation...we must return to God...dying to self, not loving our lives...unity among the body (in the Spirit)...tears...too strong in ourselves not strong in God...and more.
It should be frightening that people who are seeking God are finding precisely the same things. This is going on all over the country, I am told. It makes me scared a bit.
Today, we'll start off with prayer from 1-4 p.m. We know one thing, we are to worship God, no matter what happens. We take pleasure in His presence, even if we see nothing with our eyes.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
BBtT to be Streamed
This following is great news for those who know they cannot go. But please don't let it KEEP you from coming, because it seems as though the best times are the PRAYER times.
Dan Biser mentioned on Tuesday night that the sessions will be streamed over the web. It will be the speakers and not the times of prayer. He hooked up with Greg Gordon from Sermon Index. Those at Sermon Index are our like-minded brethren who are also having a conference the week after ours.
Dan said that it should be available from the main web site for Broken Before the Throne. It's not there at the moment but it should be starting Saturday night, to my knowledge.
Dan Biser mentioned on Tuesday night that the sessions will be streamed over the web. It will be the speakers and not the times of prayer. He hooked up with Greg Gordon from Sermon Index. Those at Sermon Index are our like-minded brethren who are also having a conference the week after ours.
Dan said that it should be available from the main web site for Broken Before the Throne. It's not there at the moment but it should be starting Saturday night, to my knowledge.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Speaker List Complete
Well, we've been praying, and now the list of speakers is complete. Here's the schedule.
http://www.brokenbeforethethrone.com/schedule.html
http://www.brokenbeforethethrone.com/schedule.html
Friday, October 3, 2008
Prayer This Tuesday (10/7) at Westview
Come join us this Tuesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. at Westview Baptist Church. This will be the final time we pray in person until when we meet up again on the 11th. Here are directions from I-81.
Interview w/ Dan Biser
WCRH recently interviewed Dan Biser, organizer of Broken Before the Throne. The interview will broadcast in two parts. The first part was this past Monday and the last will be next Monday, between 2:45-3 p.m.
The interview is here in full in MP3 format. This link will be available for approximately 2 more weeks (at least, possibly longer). It's about 12 minutes long.
http://www.box.net/shared/bnhusp6jgc
The interview is here in full in MP3 format. This link will be available for approximately 2 more weeks (at least, possibly longer). It's about 12 minutes long.
http://www.box.net/shared/bnhusp6jgc
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Testimony from R.
I continue to be burdened regarding the need for corporate prayer, but have had difficulty finding people who are interested in praying for more than personal prayer needs and for the sick. I truly don’t sense a burden for the condition of the Church from most Christians I am around, and the few that do are bogged down with things that take their time and attention (sometimes that describes me, too).
Several themes from John Franklin’s talks last November have influenced my praying this year. The first is the pattern throughout the Old Testament of God’s people committing spiritual adultery—of going through the motions of worshipping God, but wanting to be just like the world. God brings cycles of judgment for the purpose of turning his people back to him. If the judgment has no lasting effect, then the judgment will increase.
Being reminded of this, I have prayed not only for revival in the Church, but for brokenness, humility, repentance, and for an awareness of God’s holiness among Christians. I have started writing down quotes and Scripture passages on brokenness and humility.
The other theme that impacted me is how God acts both in judgment and in restoration for the sake of his Name. Those Scripture passages have leaped out at me this year. Now my petitions to God often include a desire that he be glorified and his Name be honored. I ask the Lord to act for the sake of his Name.
I have spent much time this past year in Isaiah and in the major prophets who lived in the time preceding and during the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel). It’s surprising how relevant they are to our time. I am watching and praying as our nation’s economic crisis and political process unfolds. God will use them for his purposes and for his glory. Let’s be ready to help both believers and unbelievers recognize their need to depend upon Christ.
A few days ago, I read through Psalm 79 and 80. They remind us of our spiritual neediness and of our need for revival and restoration. “Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” (Ps. 79:9)
Several themes from John Franklin’s talks last November have influenced my praying this year. The first is the pattern throughout the Old Testament of God’s people committing spiritual adultery—of going through the motions of worshipping God, but wanting to be just like the world. God brings cycles of judgment for the purpose of turning his people back to him. If the judgment has no lasting effect, then the judgment will increase.
Being reminded of this, I have prayed not only for revival in the Church, but for brokenness, humility, repentance, and for an awareness of God’s holiness among Christians. I have started writing down quotes and Scripture passages on brokenness and humility.
The other theme that impacted me is how God acts both in judgment and in restoration for the sake of his Name. Those Scripture passages have leaped out at me this year. Now my petitions to God often include a desire that he be glorified and his Name be honored. I ask the Lord to act for the sake of his Name.
I have spent much time this past year in Isaiah and in the major prophets who lived in the time preceding and during the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel). It’s surprising how relevant they are to our time. I am watching and praying as our nation’s economic crisis and political process unfolds. God will use them for his purposes and for his glory. Let’s be ready to help both believers and unbelievers recognize their need to depend upon Christ.
A few days ago, I read through Psalm 79 and 80. They remind us of our spiritual neediness and of our need for revival and restoration. “Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.” (Ps. 79:9)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Prayer Call Notes (9/30)
It's a thrill to hear the prayers of God's people. Last night was no exception. Thank you, Lord, for burdening us with Your heart. Here are some notes--things that stood out, areas of agreement, themes, etc. Of course, this is only what I (Tracy) saw/heard, and if you would like to add, either comment here or send an e-mail.
Tracy read part of Psalm 51. As we become more and more aware of our sin Psalm 51 is such a comfort. vv 16-18. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.
Jean read from Ps 27--One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.
Draw...more on drawing near to God. (Consistent theme for a few weeks.)
Wash us in Your word.
Because of sin, our hearts can become dull. Ransack our hearts--New level of cleansing. (A few audibly agreed and prayed on this notion of "ransacking our hearts".) Theme of our hearts, exposing what was in them was common theme.
Forgive us for going without Your manifest presence.
Empty us out. Let us have the mind of Christ. (Phil 2:2-11 read)
"As long as it is called 'Today' ".
Help us to love one another, get outside ourselves, look beyond physical situation.
Tongue: much on tongue. Spirit, convict us on the use of our tongue. Is 6:6-7. James 3:9-12, Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing, and this should not be.
Deeper conviction of sin by Holy Spirit. A conviction that leads to godly sorrow and brings forth fruit.
FRUIT....LOVE. (Again theme of love). Love our neighbor, family, church. Love should be as Christ's love.
Compassion. You desire compassion not sacrifice.
Help us to be one body, not disjointed parts.
Help us (God's people) to recognize the seriousness of the day.
"Day of Your visitation".
Give us the mind of Christ for election.
Give us a greater revelation of Your holiness. Give your people a greater fear of You.
Mind of Christ, again.
Connie read Jude 1:17-25. I could include it all, but it is long. Coincidentally, I have also been in Jude 1:20-21, in last couple of days. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Feel free, anyone, to add your observation(s)!
Tracy read part of Psalm 51. As we become more and more aware of our sin Psalm 51 is such a comfort. vv 16-18. For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem.
Jean read from Ps 27--One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.
Draw...more on drawing near to God. (Consistent theme for a few weeks.)
Wash us in Your word.
Because of sin, our hearts can become dull. Ransack our hearts--New level of cleansing. (A few audibly agreed and prayed on this notion of "ransacking our hearts".) Theme of our hearts, exposing what was in them was common theme.
Forgive us for going without Your manifest presence.
Empty us out. Let us have the mind of Christ. (Phil 2:2-11 read)
"As long as it is called 'Today' ".
Help us to love one another, get outside ourselves, look beyond physical situation.
Tongue: much on tongue. Spirit, convict us on the use of our tongue. Is 6:6-7. James 3:9-12, Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing, and this should not be.
Deeper conviction of sin by Holy Spirit. A conviction that leads to godly sorrow and brings forth fruit.
FRUIT....LOVE. (Again theme of love). Love our neighbor, family, church. Love should be as Christ's love.
Compassion. You desire compassion not sacrifice.
Help us to be one body, not disjointed parts.
Help us (God's people) to recognize the seriousness of the day.
"Day of Your visitation".
Give us the mind of Christ for election.
Give us a greater revelation of Your holiness. Give your people a greater fear of You.
Mind of Christ, again.
Connie read Jude 1:17-25. I could include it all, but it is long. Coincidentally, I have also been in Jude 1:20-21, in last couple of days. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.
Feel free, anyone, to add your observation(s)!
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