Jonnykin's Battle Blog

New Blog

2006-01-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

Jonnykins Battle Blog as you can tell is inactive, but I have a new blog so check it out

http://trench-charger.blogspot.com

Blessings,

Jonathan

Ending the Run...

2005-10-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'm sure that if you read my blog, you have found it by way some other SALVO - 614 related blog. And undoubtedly if that is the case, you have all heard of A.C.C. (Aggressive Christianity Conference). Well I was blessed to be at ACC this past weekend. On saturday night I had the priviledge of hearing/seeing Major Eddie Hobgood (TYS USA SOUTH) do his "Joe the Turk" routine. I witnessed not only "Eddie", but i encountered the Holy Spirit in a way that for quite some time I had been avoiding. I had been running down a road of compromise, filling my life with every other ministry opportunity I could in order to stop the nagging and calling that the Lord has for me.

"WHO WILL STAND UNDER THE BANNER??"

I began to openly weep as Maj. Hobgood in the likeness of Early Salvo Soul-Winner Joe the Turk challenged us repeatedly to stand in aggression under the banner of the Salvation Army. I could not fight the gentleness or the authority that the Holy Spirit was pursueing me with any longer. I rose and answered the call. I have decided finally release my life to what the Lord is calling me to, I am applying to become a Salvation Army Officer. I had my own plans of relationship, career, location and finance, and in those I would been happy. But now I have submitted to Lords plan for my life, happiness will be an understatement of terms and I will encounter a Ecstatic Euphoria as the fullness that the Lord most high has for my life.

Please pray for me, I need to be held accountable to following through on this decision. There is a little fear and nervousness and still some major prayer that needs to be done. I will be remaining in Vancouver working in the interim. I will be sharpening my sword and maturing from the victories that are to be grasped here.

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS OWN PLANS FOR US!!

Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you (Giving up a financially great job for a Career that carries eternal benefits and the best retirement package available) and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future ("My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness). Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you (Thanks for repeating yourself over and over and over again). You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (100% Daddy,...100%). I will be found by you," declares the LORD,..."

So yeah, thats ACC for me.

Yours in the trenches,
It's Jesus or Hell!!
MMCCXX.net,
Armybarmy.com,
Grace,

Wait a tick, thats not me...

Blessings,
Jonathan

Lord of War...

2005-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Adonai Saboath - Which in Hebrew means Lord of War or, God of a Great Army, I say this because I really wish to get that name of the Lord tatooed on my arm, in hebrew characters. But anyways this blog is not about my desire to decorate my flesh.

Lord of War, starring Nicolas Cage, what can I say but ... ... ... ...

That was my response to this movie. I saw it last night with a couple of War College students, and neither of us, had even heard of the movie, so we weren't sure what we were about to see. All we knew came from a theatre attendee who said,

"Haven't seen it, I heard it's a good movie about weapon smuggling" on that and that alone we chose screen 6 of the silver city at metrotown. As we entered about 20 minutes early we sat through ads and previews, and quickly saw the theatre fill up, but still we,... I was clueless to what we were about to experience. I will not give away the points of the movie, because I truly wish for all you who read my blog to see it. It is a sobering, heart throbbing view of on one of the main causes for one of the Modern Deadly Sins.

This movie left my heart broken and my mouth shut, the emotions I experienced were like those I experienced the first day I spent in the DTES of Vancouver. I was filled with, no, overcome with anger at a lack of responsibility for a devestating situation and a greed and a pride that fuels the situation and propels it to greater evil and hardship.

We need to start owning up to ourselves in all aspects of reaching out to the lost. We need to lose the thought process that says our actions dont influence events, whether good or bad. We have an opportunity at hand, this day, to start a chain of events that can bring life and not end it. Lets start smuggling swords,...bibles. Lets be weapon smugglers to an african country. Lets smuggle justice into a far-away hurting land. Lets smuggle life into an area of death. Then we can stand and say, our actions caused this happening!!

Undercover Blessings,
Jonathan

Prayer Request...

2005-09-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

The enemy has been knocking on my door as of late.

I am having huge battles occuring in my Spirit over my time. I know that God has me working full time in a job that he ordained and provided, but since starting, I have heard a growing voice tell me, "I'm not needed in the 614 Community". I know that this is a lie I am a "Bi-Vocational Ministry Specialist" my ministry follows me into Genesis Food Equipment and sticks with me when I head home. But I am becoming tired with this constant nagging attack. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME THAT THIS ENDS!!

Help me kick the devil's ass!

Thanks and blessings,
Jonathan

My Life right now...

2005-08-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

We’ll I have graduated from The War College, looking back… I can’t express the changes that have happened any other way but “JEHOVAH!” God stripped me of all my insecurities and comforts throughout the past year, and as I have grown over the past year slowly as I turn more towards Abba Daddy, and rely on him, he has poured out blessings far greater than what I came with. My prayer is that I never again focus so much on the blessings that I lose sight and focus on the Blesser! Please pray for me that I never lose a want to serve the Lord and reap the supernatural reward that he has for me!!

So, what’s next?

It’s on to Phase Two, which for me means “Tent Making”, “Making a Living”, “BIVOCATIONAL MINISTRY.” God has really poured out favor on me; I am into my second week of work at Genesis Food Equipment here in Vancouver. As a sales person, I find myself in a familiar sales environment in a growing market, where financial possibilities are pretty large. I have been blessed with a very substantial income, (it’s more than enough for a 23 year old living by himself) and a very warm staff, Thank you Jesus! I have already been able to share my faith with members of the staff at Genesis, which has been a real useful experience, for me in my walk as a minister of the word, and for those who I get to share with, that their eyes may begin to open to the Love that Christ has for them. GENESIS, THE TIME FOR SALVATION IS NOW!!

Also,

The Lord has brought a special someone into my life. Jen Dyke from Eatonville,WA has captured my heart with her encouragement, her love and her passion for Christ. It exudes from her in a beautifully humble manner. I am blessed yet again; thank you God, You are flipping awesome! I will never forget again that you are the source of all I have. I give it all back to you, not as a sacrifice but freely as worship; IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH!

614 News,

So, back in the DTES, the war is waging still, I proudly live on the frontlines. This battle has been won, we need more people, people to come and help us take hold of the Victory that has been promised and given to us, through the saving Blood of the Lamb. I anxiously await the arrival of the 30+ Holy Terror session mates of the next War College intake. They will be seeing an expanded spiritual campaign as we have invaded and secured room in two new hotels, the Balmoral and the Shaldon. PRAY FOR THE HOLY TERROR SESSION!! Pray for a harvest!!

So, that’s it, I will write again soon!

Blessings,

Back in BC

2005-08-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well it has been just over 2 months since my last blog, so here is the very skinny skinny on what has happened

1. Completed Camp Arnold SEARCH Crew
2. Witnessed over 700 kids come to know Christ
3. Met a beautiful young lady
4. Made great friends
5. Gave God PRAISES EVERYDAY

You will hear more as time passes,

Until Then I am yours in the Fight,
Jonathan Berkshire

Camp Arnold 2005 - Worship Leading

2005-06-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, Orientation is coming up, and the Reardons, the divisional youth leaders, in the northwest have asked me to lead worship for this coming camping season. It has been about a year since I last steadily led worship. I feel that my fingers are upto the challenge of my guitar, and my voice feels great. But i have a better praise report. My heart and my soul are jacked!! The last year I haven't lead worship, but I found out how to let the worship lead me. I ask now to anybody who reads this pray that my offering will be acceptable, and I will bring it before the throne in reverence and humility.

Thanks in advance,
Blessings,
Jonathan

What is a Martyr?

2005-06-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Cats & Dogs,

I just got back from NW Divisional Mens Camp, the Guest speaker Capt. Curtis Butler from Northern BC spoke the whole weekend on, "The Measure of a Man" . During the saturday morning session he dropped this line,

"A Martyr is someone who is like BAIT for the enemy, he is someone who makes themselves DISPOSABLE for the Lord."

OUCH!!!

It took a while for this one to really sink in, but it is so true. A martyr is someone who knows that they are heading into enemy territory, to fight a war that is against the enemy. A martyr will draw the enemy out and a martyr either through his death or the struggle that preceeded it will be victorious. I guess it was the word disposable, just put a new light on how dead to our selves we need to be, and how we need to lay down all our own ambitions and plans into the fathers hands.

Blessings,

Jonathan
War College "Martyrs" Session

Announcing the arrival of Chester Rightsworth

2005-05-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

We'll, I've been a telemarketer, youth pastor, website designer, salesperson and a missionary. Today I am able to add another line to my resume,...Chauffeur. Kyle Reardons prom was this evening, and last night he remembered that his license would not allow him to drive his date around. Not wanting the whole dad in the car issue. We created Chester Rightsworth, chauffeur for hire. $20 later at a thrift store, I had the suit, HAT included. Then we pimped out our chariot(2004 White Chevrolet Malibu)!! Sparkling Apple juice in the back ice bucket with 2 crystal glasses, jazz music softly playing, I even had a cheese, smokies and sushi tray for my passengers. Hold, on I have to go pick them up, more to follow!!!

SNC

2005-05-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

At Seattle Temple in the evenings like many corps they have done away with the traditional "Salvation Meeting" (Whether or not I agree with that is not the topic of this blog) and have began "SNC" (Pronounced Essence). SNC is "Sunday night church" and is a weekly evening meeting. It is casual, there is no order of service and there are no uniforms. This week there was about 30 minutes of Worship, followed by about 30 minutes of open forum teaching, and then followed by 30 minutes of Prayer.

The Holy Spirit was present as Joel Boyd (Holy Terror War College Student 2005-06) preached/taught from Joel chapter 2. As open dialogue began on the gifts of the Spirit you could see that the 10 or so people present were yearning for the gifts. It was a blessing to witness it, and it was also a reality check to see that it doesn't only happen in TWC.

I was then blessed as I was allowed to lead a prayer over time Joel and Rebekah Lewis both are going into the War College next year as "Holy Terrorists" (I hope my blog isn't scanned by the FBI). It was a great time and corporately those in attendance got to bless Joel and Rebekah up mad crazy style. It will be a blessing to get to work with them both at Camp Arnold this summer.

That was my sunday highlight, I just wanted to share that with you!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Trophy of Grace!!

2005-05-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

In a discussion about a soldier I met yesterday, I was told that that particular person was a "Trophy of Grace". I had never heard that before,

"Trophy of Grace?" I asked.

"A recovered addict that has come to know Jesus" I was answered.

How sweet is that!! It is such a cool reminder that we are proudly displayed on Christs mantle.

Blessings,
Jonathan

Revenge of the Sith

2005-05-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't dress up like yoda, I didn't wield a lightsaber, and even though I haven't shaved in 2 months I was not confused for a wookie, but at 12:05am this morning I, like many others found myself focused on the big screen.

Don't worry I wont spoil the plot or reveal the story, but I do want to give one part away, so here it goes... ANAKIN BECOMES DARTH VADER!!! Are you shocked??

I must say I feel kind of different today after seeing grown men dueling in the front of the theatre with fake light sabers, while dressed in full Obi-wan & Mace Windu garb. These guys have such passion for what they hold so dear, risking mockery, ridicule and possible humiliation these superfans arrive with one goal on their mind, letting people know who they are and what they love.

There were a group of people that used to do that as well, dress up in full uniform, head out in to the masses, face persecution, all for love, all for passion, all for God. And boy could they fight, victory was always on their side. I really want to see more of those guys, you don't see as many of those guys anymore.

"I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,
Or to defend his cause,
Maintain the honor of his word,
The glory of his cross."

Isaac Watts (1674-1748) SASB 735

Let's rise up this army, beyond all we can ever imagine, I'm talking MASSIVE!!
"Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old, nor ever will be in ages come" Joel 2:2

Oh Lord make it so!!

May the force be with us,
Blessings,
Jonathan

Summer 2005 - Notes & Prayers

2005-05-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

We'll for me the Summer is officially here!! I find myself now blogging from Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters in Seattle, WA. I am here to prepare for a summer of camping instruction. I am leading the S.E.A.R.C.H. Crew program at the North-West Div. Camp, Camp Arnold. S.E.A.R.C.H. (Service, Experience, Assurance, Response, Christ, Holiness) Crew is a training/discipleship/mentoring program for 14-16 year olds that is designed to train them up as ACTIVE warriors for their home corp and future camp employment. In my many years of camp experience I have never seen a program with such potential. I have found myself developing the cirriculum for this years group of adolescents.

Lord, Help me be an effective teacher and minister of your word.

I have many other duties as well this summer, I am also coordinating the S.E.A.R.C.H. Crew activities and bible study program for another camp. This is difficult because they run on differant schedules, so I have to develop a program that suites both needs.

Jesus, Give me wisdom and strength, I break off laziness in you name, I will not cut corners and I will in all things give glory to your name.

This is a definate toning down from the radical ways and charisma of the War College. It's hard seeing this side of the Army... again. Seeing things that I've personally prayed against and having to submit to authority in those situations is tough.

Heavenly Father, humble me, oh yes humble me, instill in me now more then ever a servants heart. Help me kill and eat all pride in me which wants to say, "I am a War College Student,... HEAR ME ROAR"

Two summers ago I never thought I would find myself back working at a summer camp.

God, You work in mysterious ways, I thank You for opening doors in my life. Help me to be fully submitted to Your will. I want to go where You want me to be, make that clear to me. I thank You for everything that You are doing to me and through me.

In everything I do, may it be for the propagation of Your kingdom and as a part of the Goal of winning this world for YOU!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Describe the Quote?? (This Blog carries a PG rating)

2005-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Last week we had Captain John Evans from Austrailia teach a class and he in telling a story used the following quote,

"We are all bastards, but Jesus loves us."

I had a great God download that just really explained this to me, and I am looking for some confirmation on this one. Help me out!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Fullness 2005 - Fasting but Feasting!

2005-05-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

I must say for the last three days the lack of physical sustinance has gone pretty much unnoticed for me. While surrounded by the beauty of Gods creation at Camp Sunrise and accompanied by people who have burning, passionate hearts for Yahweh we undertook a corporate food fast in order to seek God without the distractions of the flesh.

Focusing on God at this level allowed me to truly listen and understand what he wants me to hear and... understand. I was able to encounter freedom from the lies of the enemy, break off generational curses, embrace generational blessings, forgive and be forgiven, re-dig spiritual wells within the Salvation Army.

God downloaded to us the things that are standing in the way of FULLNESS within the Army. One example of this is found in the "Well of UNITY". This well is being capped by politics, generational gapping, "Worship Wars", feeding into denominational walls, competition and lack of corporate prayer. There are many more ugly things blocking unity, but at the root of it all is PRIDE. So in humility we found ourselves repenting on behalf of the Army of all these things, and in so we felt breakthrough. PRAISE THE LORD!!

Also at this retreat, I realized how much junk I was carrying around with me, past hurts and trangressions, a spirit of Unforgiveness, and Idolatry were brought to light within my own life and as I repented of these things and casted them out, I began to understand the way Fullness works. We need to be empty to be filled, 'cause otherwise God does not have all of us. It's tough because our flesh is crying out for its place in our lives and it comes in desirable forms and shapes, we have to take hold of why we need/want Christs fullness, .

"In This blessed work of winning the lost and giving the gospel to the world, we shall find our own RICH REWARD, and the fullness of the blessing of Christ"
(The Holy Spirit or Power from On High, Rev. A B Simpson)

Blessings,
Jonathan

My Friend Herman

2005-04-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

So the other day (saturday the 16th) myself and Xander were dropping some lights off at recre:8 and when we were coming out of the Crosswalk building, there was a gentlemen (Herman) just sitting in the hallway. In my past experience with these type of situations, the locals are generally "on the bum" looking for another handout. In a stereo-typical fashion I was quick to tell Herman that we were not open and that I had no food, money or clothing to give out.

He replied, "but I'm destitute."

"I'm sorry, I have nothing to offer you." I fired back

"All I want is someone to pray with me!" and with that he jumped and began to walk out.

I was surprised, but more so I was disappointed with my quickness and error in my judgement. I jolted out into the street and chased down Herman and began apologizing for my failure to see his need. He was so humble, beautiful and kind.

"Hey man it's okay" he said.

So with that we made our introductions, he told us his story, and as tears began to flow down his cheek, I couldn't help but think how tears were probably running down the face of Christ, not only for Herman's situation, but in disappointment, because of my ignorance and coldness. But as we talked, I felt the love of Christ just envelope the entire area. For 20 minutes it seemed as if the Downtown Eastside was hushed, because a child of God was being heard. I layed hands on and prayed with Herman, praying a prayer of deliverance from addiction, repentence of sins, and a prayer of provision. As we parted ways he just seemed so sure that things were on the up and up. But as I left, only one thing was on my mind, my ignorance, my wrong judgement, and my cold heartedness.

Was my prayer full of empty words, due to the fact I didn't notice the fact that Herman was desiring a full heart and not a full stomach? I struggled with this the rest of the weekend.

So monday comes, we go to Belkin House for our holiness class and all goes routine and as we leave for lunch, I decided that I will go visit my friend Carlos, who is the one of the counsellors at Belkin House. As I approach his office, I walk in (his door was wide open), there is someone sitting on the other side of the desk (his back was turned to me). Carlos sees me, and in his heavily spanish accented voice he greets me in his normal fashion "Hello Brother" this gets the attention of the other person at the desk he turns around, and who is it, ... Herman.

"THAT'S THE GUY!! THAT'S THE GUY!!" he exclaims.

"He's the guy that prayed with me, hes the guy that helped me turn my life around, he's the guy that led me here!!" and with that he leaped out of the seat and gave me the warmest hug I had ever felt in my life.

Hermans excitement grew as he told me how he's going into detox and rehab at Miracle Valley, a very army, very faith based long term program here in the lower mainland of B.C.

And as he left to go back to his new room at the Belkin. Carlos looked at me and said simply, "that must of been some prayer." As I stood there, my mind in a mode of utter contemplation, Carlos told me of how Herman was at Belkin on the previous thursday, and was almost violent at the desk because the cold 'n' wet shelter, when he found out he was full. Then saturday night he came back and apologized and was very humble, and that is where Carlos found him.

So all aspects of the prayer were answered. So I have to constantly remind myself of the wonderful promise found in Phillipians 4:6,7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which trancends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I dare not say I fully understand the peace of God, but I can say I have truly experienced his grace and his power and love.

Blessings,
Jonathan

Well now...

2005-04-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

Once again I find myself at a place where I have to explain my lack of blogging. Two and a Half weeks ago I was diagnosed with MONO ("Glandular Fever" for you Europeans and Australians). I have been fighting physical sickness and huge bouts of fatigue and exhaustion, but I thank God daily for his healing hand, even when the healing isnt evident or tangible, I praise God for the faith he has placed in me to know that he loves me and will revive me.

I LOVE GOD!!

HE IS GREAT!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Charge #4

2005-03-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

After a long break from blogging here is the fourth charge that Catherine Booth makes against Christians.

Further, the great mass of these modern Christians cannot enter in to this fight because they REFUSE TO BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES.

Bearing the consequences!!?? What an issue!! Too many times in this world do we see people not wanting to hone up!! The consequences that Booth states are,

“Fighting is hard work, whatever sort of fighting it is. You cannot fight without wounds of body, heart or soul. You cannot be a soldier without enduring "hardness," and genteel Christians don't like hardness -- they won't have the consequences.”

So,
The enemy is out there to get us, he will come against us physically, spiritually and emotionally, his goal is to break our lines. He will try to break our lines with lies, telling soldiers that they should feel wrong, nervous or worried about being regarded as a fanatic for Christ, a Jesus Freak. We need not to be ashamed of being a Christian, we need not fear what man brings against us. Fight the consequences with the Sword!! Defend with the full armour of God!!

ONWARD TO VICTORY!! ARE YOU WITH ME??

Blessings,
Jonathan

I'm back!!

2005-03-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

I’m so sorry that it has taken me so long to post a new blog entry. It has been over a month since my last entry but this isn’t because I have had nothing to blog on, I have so much material to blog on, I don’t know where to start. I will finish my series on Popular Christianity, after which I hopefully be able to bombard you with good words that I feel the Lord has laid on my heart to share with you.

Blessings,
Jonathan

Popular Christianity - Part Trois

2005-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here it goes,

Charge #3

Catherine Booth:

Further, I charge it on popular Christianity that its professors are ashamed of their colors in the presence of the enemy.

Jonathan Berkshire:

Well one of the most common challenges put forth by all preachers is, “Don’t just walk it, talk it!” After that is said, in whatever form it takes, we walk out of the church doors and do we? Do we actively profess Jesus Christ? Do we witness our faith not only with our tongues, but in our actions and our conduct? I have to keep thinking back to the statement and keep trying not to paraphrase it in to “Popular Salvationism” or “Popular Soldiership” because of this quote, from the ‘Mother of the Army’

“How many professing Christians are there of this day that would go through the city of London in any attire, or with any kind of badge, that said to men and women, "I am a saint and a soldier of Jesus Christ?" And yet the soldiers of the queen are proud to do this in an enemy's country! I repeat, who is there that dare do it for Christ, except us fanatics of the Salvation Army?”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry when I read that! “…fanatics of the Salvation Army?” Oh, that the army world wide would rise up and regain their fanatical ways. The words fanatical or radical have appeared in almost every Salvo mission statement I have read in the past few years, lets really strive to live our mission out effectively. This world needs Christians who will be “movers and shakers” not “boogers and fakers” (sorry booger is the only negative that I could think of that rhymed with movers).

But on the other hand, I have to defend the Army greatly in its recent growing boldness in its effort to combat same-sex marriages and abortion. Pray that its stand will become even more evident and effective in other areas of social injustice and worldly wickedness.

I leave you with words of encouragement by George Duffield Jr. (If you know who that is before reading what he wrote,… BRAVO!!)

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

Popular Christianity Cont'd

2005-02-16T22:56:00.000-08:00

Continuing with my examination of “Popular Christianity – Cowardly Service vs Real Warfare”, lets take a look at the next charge.

Charge #2

Catherine Booth:
“Further, these modern Christians, as a rule, do not see any NEED for the fight.”

Jonathan Berkshire:
With in the last 5 years, looking back, the church is finally starting to wake up. With terrorist attacks, school shootings, same sex marriages and the legalization of them, cloning, legal distribution of free drugs Christians are finally beginning to realize who far our society is turning from God. It is unfortunate that it has taken a series of horrible events for most of us to get back on our knees and pray to Yahweh, but that just goes to show the backwardness of our society. It took 11 Muslim radicals to crash planes on 9/11 for Christians to realize that Muslims needed Jesus too. Since 9/11 the number of Christian missionaries actively ministering to Muslims and or converts from Islam has increased almost 180%. It is my prayer that the words of Petra are being answered, “When will the world see that we need Jesus?” NOW!! NOW!! NOW!! And FOREVER MORE!!

To those of you still hidden from the need to fight spiritual warfare, read the book of Acts, then look at your nation, wait look at your city, no, wait look at your street, oh man, wait, look at your neighbour. We all need to fight!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Popular Christianity

2005-02-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

I had to do a presentation this week on Catherine Booths lecture, “Popular Christianity – Cowardly Service vs. Real Warfare”. This presentation consists of some hard core charges that Booth lays against lazy, stagnant, pew-warming, Christians. Over the next while I will be examining these charges one by one. My goal is to argue whether we as a body of believers have made progress from or regressed even further into these dangerous happenings of “Popular Christianity” and the evident cowardly service traits that plague the church. I am not often great with words, so incase I come across in a confusing way, my personal convictions, after all things are said, is that “WE NEED TO FIGHT, REAL WARFARE.”

So, Charge #1

Catherine Booth:
“I charge it on modern Christianity, that its professors do not even comprehend the first principles of this warfare, much less do they set themselves to carry it on to the ends of the earth.”

Jonathan Berkshire:
I agree. With a saddened heart, I agree. I have encountered and been part of many church congregations, both army and non-army, and it wasn’t until I was 22 years old that I understood, wait heard, of “Warfare” in the evangelical sense. Outreach is such an amazing ministry, but it is a horribly tough ministry, it is a fight, it is a war. An acquaintance of mine, says “The word of God says, ‘Go ye into the world’ not stay ye in all the church.” This is what many believers have settled to do. They don’t realize the sad fact that to save souls we need to bring the church to them. We need to grasp the basic principle of “Warfare” which tells us “War is made up of offense and defense” we will not win this world for Jesus, as we are called to do, if we hide in our trenches (churches) and never make an push for more souls. Booth says in evidence of this charge, “We hear a great deal about Church defense; we ought to be hearing about Church aggression.” It is a sad fact that in many churches the greatest warfare taking place is within the church itself. We fight over budgets, ceremonies, building improvements, and while all that happens lost men and women are dying without knowing the Love of Christ. We need to set our target on those people, and set our goals on rescuing them from the clutches of the Devil.

As for the second part of this charge, “… carry it to the ends of the earth” I must say that with in the past decade we the church, the active church, have really put a push on mission work. We see stories of conversions in the thousands in places before unreachable with the gospel. I think Todd Bentley (Fresh Fire Ministries) who travels regularly to nations with in the 10/40 window, and often in defiance of Islamic law preaches the gospel and harvests a bountiful crop. I think of Heidi Baker, reaching to thousands in Mozambique. I think of Operation Desert Rose and the work that the Salvation Army is doing in the Middle East. This work I believe is being done more so now because of technology and resources that are finally available to compliment the willingness and faith of missionaries. With that point, Thanks is in order to those who give in the offering plates with the Missions box checked, bless you, you are a vital key to the expansion of the Kingdom.

I leave you hoping that the command given by God in Acts 14:47 is found applicable in your life.

Blessing,
Jonathan

It's been too long!

2005-02-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been a week and a day since the last time I blogged, thats horrible, I deserve to be lashed with a wet noodle a million times over. I have reasons/excuses, they are, "I is drove nuts", "Off my rocker with extra work", "Been busy", "Been ill with the Flu". But I finally have found myself with some time free, so I can know share with you wonderful faithful bones-on-fire readers. I have alot of things to blog on so I may do this all on one blog, or over a few different ones, but either way enjoy!!

Spiritual Mapping

Monday and Wednesday saw the War College have a special guest instructor, Ms. Faytene Kryskow (Fly High Ministries & Extreme Prophetic Vancouver) and she taught us all about Spiritual Mapping and Spiritual History of Vancouver. I learned alot about how past wrongs carry wait in the spiritual. Vancouver has a colourful past with racial, cultural and social problems. These events need to be cleansed and repented for so that the spirits of violence and fear and etc... that are associated with these can be broken off.

Also we learned alot about the foundations of Vancouver, how spilled blood sticks around and can, for the lack of a better word, Haunt, an area. Example: 80% of Vancouver's murders since its incorporation as a City have happened with in a Six block radius of the location of the first murder in Vancouver. I have learned that this is not just coincidence but it is actually a curse. Spilled blood is an awful thing, that needs to be cleansed by the blood of Christ. I'm not quite 100% sure on how that works, but it made alot of sense.

We even looked into things like physical presences of Gangs and Groups, one example of a presence to watch out for is "Masons". I was so uninformed on this group of people, so uniformed!! The are deluded!!

Anyways, so yeah, thats an extremely brief view at Spiritual Mapping

I'd love to hear more on this, and some feedback on spiritual mapping on other places as well

Blessings,
Jonathan

"Angels Protect Us???..."

2005-02-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

Before I start, please, please check out www.armybarmy.com and check out Aarons blog on "Sickness Cannot stop the War" it's great wine. And I wish to fill you in with the "Salvation Stories" from monday afternoon.

So, every monday since september, myself and Nicole Brindle (another War College student) have been spending our afternoons at MacDonald Elementary School leading the 614 Re:Gener8 program. This is an afterschool program for kids ages 5 to 13 that has due to school legislations focused on morals (teamwork, patience, respect) good stuff indeed, but we couldn't hit 'em (in a figurative sense of course) with the "Word of God." But as I have been learning so much this year is that our God PROVIDES. So now since January, we have been able to run this program at a new Sally-Ann building, THE CROSS CULTURE BUILDING (X-Culture), and here we have been able to bring these children into place where we are free to share with them the love of God.

So, yesterday, Nicole took the grade fives and older, and started talking to them about angels as they were painting 20 litre pails (Ghetto African Drums). As she began to speak to these children; children that have witnessed or been exposed to various types of abuse, social rejection, drugs, alcohol, even abandonment, they became so intently focused on her. She told them about how God, in His love sends angels to protect us. No matter how "unchurched" you are, you know what an angel is! These kids knew what angels were!! And they were so excited to know, and to be assured that they had angels on their side. So there in a freshly painted room, in an old bingo hall SEVEN kids, native, asian and caucasian kids came to to know God! A God, who gave His Son Jesus to die, and A God that loves us and is watching over us! It was so awesome.

I was upstairs with the younger kids, and I think it will be etched my memory permanently!! Seeing Nicole skipping steps running up practically yelling "SALVATION IS HAPPENING DOWN THERE!!" It was beautiful, radical, and REAL!!! I was brought back out of this mental ecstacy by a tugging on my arm, when one of my younger students was trying to get my attention. I turned to see a six year old by the name of Zachary, he was definately curious, and he asked, "Whats going on down there??" My brain went in loops, how do I answer him?? The most simple answer took such a complex method in my mind, and before I could engage my vocal chords Nicole piped up, "Kids are getting to know Jesus downstairs..." I then focused back to Zachary awaiting and unknown response. He began to nodd in a nervous matter but as you could see he was beginning to connect the dots his nod became a more sure movement and he stated in a cool voice, "thats really cool..."

So yeah, it was a definate high point for my week and its only tuesday. It was so awesome!! Please remember our Mac School Ministry in your prayers! For it is now a ministry! God has shown us favor!! Pray for a growing ministry, that reaches not only to these children, but to there parents and friends and everybody. Lets contend as believers for more "Getting to know Jesus"

Hallelujah!!

"Alive, Alive, My Saviour is Alive" (That chorus just came to my head as I was typing this!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Facedown!!

2005-01-28T23:19:00.000-08:00

In a gentle, loving rebuke by my amazing wonderful sister (See last blog), I came across the term "FACEDOWN". This is very cool and also very prophetic considering I was going to blog on some cool things I have been reading in the book "Facedown" by Matt Redman.

So here are some cool facts about worship I have learned or have been re-educated about;

1. There is Power in Posture (Physical Attribute of Worship)
- "To worship facedown is the ULTIMATE outward sign of inner reverence."
(Matt's Words)

So, I'm thinking face down puts everything physically in alignment, it puts our heart above our heads! Try it!! Bow Down!! Your heart, what God wants the most, is closest to him!! Thats gotta be a good thing.

Facedown is used in the scripture often, men and angels fell face down and worshipped the Lord!! Check out Revelation 7:11) Notice the referance, 7:11, We all need a "Big Gulp" of humilty!!

2. Defeating the Religious Spirit
- "When it comes to worship, the throne always sets the tone. Each time we gather together, we don't just journey to a church building - we journey to the very throne of God"
(Matt's Words)

How many times have we fell victim to the belief... wait, LIE is a much more accurate word, that tells we need to be in a church to worship and it needs to be on a sunday, and that the church is what sets the tone for worship? How many times do we "Schedule" a three song praise & worship time in our order of service. Lets not only journey to the throne, lets stay a while and bathe in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Lets not seek the approval of the congregation but seek the congregation of Yahweh!!

3. Worship doesn't always have to shatter glass
- "There were moments of heightened celebration as we rejoiced in the Saviour. There were times of 'Selah,' when we quieted our heart and let the stillness remind us he is God."
(Matt's Words)

I am a praise and worship music junkie so as soon as the word "Worship" is uttered I cant help but think guitars, drums and etc.... Charles Spurgeon said it right "Joyful noise is to be accompanied by the lowest reverence." I guess that that is the "Rejoice with trembling" that is found in Psalms 2:11. Just a thought,... I could be off.

4. Giving back to the King
- "Do men fancy that the Lord needs banners and music, and incense, and fine linen? If He did, the stars would emblazon His standard, the winds and the waves become His orchestra, ten thousand times ten thousand flowers would breathe forth perfume." (Matt's Words)

I guess I always realized this as a somber fact that God doesn't need our worship. For proof, Psalm 50:12 portrays this with a very harsh tone. The fact of the matter is what ever we give to the Lord, came from His hand in the first place. But the great fact is that we please our God with our praise and worship in all forms and in our worship He draws near to us!! Redman compares this drawing near as "The joy of a doting Father over a cherished child." Mmmm Mmmm thats yummy!!

So yeah, thats just some cool insights that I wanted to share with you. Oh, by the way, all this good stuff was found in the first 30 pages!! I can't wait to share with you more!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Christianese that you never hear in a Newfoundland Corps!!

2005-01-25T23:39:00.000-08:00

So here they are in no Particular Order;

- I took a spirit journey!

- Would you prophesie over me?

- I do/don't recieve that

- ...Third Heaven...

- Shoulda Boughta Honda
- Never Lease a Kia
- Come and tie my bow tie

- May I lay hands on you?

and my personal favourite

- WHOA!!/HO!!/SHAMMAH!!

Now don't get me wrong, I love my home corps, but there is definately more flavour and spice available!! I think its great that the Holy Spirit moves in a way that can make us laugh!! Get drunk in the Spirit!! It's a Great Thing!!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Bones On Fire: Great New Look! Same Great Taste!

2005-01-23T21:42:00.000-08:00

I can't remember if it was Pepsi or Coke that used that line, but Jonnykins is using it now!

As you can see I have done some revamping of my blogs design and it will continue to change over the coming weeks! The flames just tie in with the whole "Bones on Fire" title.

But its cool that I am blogging this now because today I am going to blog on "Fire"

What burns in you??

I know sometimes I get some heavy indigestion, because I eat way to fast!
I know sometimes I burn my tongue because I try to drink my coffee way to quickly!
Sometimes I burn my throat because I swallow my Listerine!

But there is something else that I can say burns inside of ME!!

Yes,... It's a fire!!

It's a holy fire, one that I want never to be exstinguished!!

I was reading alot on "Holy Fire" in the past days, and here is the main reason that as a Christian you should have this fire burning inside of you,

"Holy fire destroys unholy things. But it edifies and glorifies the holy."

We need to glorify God, We do this by winning the this world for him (Destroying unholy things), hence edifying ourselves as a body of believers in Jesus Christ!

Examples of "Holy Fire" in the Scriptures include;
Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego, their fire experience was so a generation would discover whom the real God was!! Sodom and Gomorra was an example of how holy fire was used to clean the unclean. Elijah vs Baal - Our God is the God who answered by fire. Consumed the false and revealed the true that’s what the holy fire of God needs to do in our lives!!

Isn't it amazing, a fire that consumes our soul, but builds us up! A fire that defeats our enemies but strengthens the believers.

I leave you with Malachi 3:2,

"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap."

He'll clean the dirty or refine the clean!! That's how it's gonna be!!

Are you flickering?? or ARE YOU ROARING??

Blessings,
Jonathan

Secret Place 3

2005-01-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

Well the last week has been a real revealing experience to me. Abbottsford, BC was home to the "Secret Place 3" conference, an intimacy conference held by "Fresh Fire Ministries". Guest speakers included Todd Bentley, Graham Cooke, and Heidi Baker; and worship was led by Jason Upton and Michael Larson (formal lead singer of Surreal).

One of the major themes of this conference was "Spiritual Hunger." Heidi Baker, forefront Christian Evangelist and TOTAL WOMAN OF GOD, touched on this in all of her sessions. Heidi, who has lived in the country of Mozambique for over 10 years serving the poor and displaced children of that nation, urged and pleaded with us as representatives of the western church to be hungry and to awaken. Serve the poor, feed the hungry, "Feed the sheep", and in that will we grow in Christ.

Just something to chew on!!

Buy "Be A Hero" by Stephen Court and Wesley Campbell to learn alot more

Blessings,

Jonathan

Sorry, It's been a While

2005-01-10T22:10:00.000-08:00

It has been over a week since I last blogged. But I have great reasons why, here they are:

1. Travelled back to DTES of Vancouver (It's a blessing to be back with my War College Community

2. Attended and helped with worship at an Extreme Prophetic workshop at 614's new X-Culture building.

3. Still plugging away on building my guitar(s)

I hope to be able to bring some more blogs soon, but until then, know that I am fighting the fight away from my keyboard!!

Blessings,

Jonathan

Untitled....

2005-01-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

Due to the way my mind works I am unsure how to title this Blog...

While at church tonight at a Pentecostal Church, the pastor was preaching from Matthew 25. Well my eyes wondered up to Matthew 24:36-41

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 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. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left."

Many of the reports of the recent Tsunami in South East Asia have talked of how,

"nobody expected it..."

"people were vacationing and/or honeymooning..."

Also we here stories of families seperated, from holding hands to holding on for dear life!!

Im really unsure of how to read into this scripture...

HELP ME OUT!!!

Blessings,

Jonathan

Christmas in the Church: Celebration of Humble Birth or Falling to Secularism??

2005-01-02T20:11:00.000-08:00

While at the morning service in my corps this morning I did a visual survey of the sanctuary:

2 Christmas Trees (1 - 10' tall, 1 - 6' tall)
4 Poinsettias (Placed on the MERCY SEAT)
1 Fake Fireplace
1 Giant Lighted Garland (That encompasses the entire dimensions of our corps sanctuary)
1 Giant Wreath in the Middle of the Giant Lighted Garland
1 Doll lying in a wooden crate full of straw (by far the smallest of decorations)

For some reason this doesn't work out right in my head spiritually?? Maybe you were on to something Ian!!

Blessings,

Jonathan

Popular Christianity

2004-12-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading Catherine Booth's lecture entitled,

"Popular Christianity: Its Cowardly Service vs. The Real Warfare"

After reading it through for the third time, I feel there is still a need to review it again and again and again. Booth smacks the nail right on the head and with every word that was written the nails are driven. Driven into a church that needs motivation, a church that will not glorify God if they remain lazy and expect a miracle to happen from the church.

"Oh, what a delusion many Christians labor under with respect to the extension of the kingdom of God! They have a notion that the kingdom is to take the world by stealth; that men are to be turned to God without any connection of means with the event; that it is going to be done with a sort of internal miracle, and the church has been waiting for this miracle for 1800 years. Consequently the work is not done, because this notion is in direct opposition to the orders and ordination of the King. If ever the world is subdued, it will be by His servants Carrying out their Lord's instructions, and setting themselves to subdue it. It will be by bringing all the wisdom, skill, and force of their humanity, allied with divinity, as the early disciples did, and turning that force upon the rebel world. It will be done by HARD, DESPERATE FIGHTING, if the great fundamental principles laid down in this Bible are to be relied on, and in no other way, because the nations in possession will never let you subdue them and take them for God without opposition. Christ systematically foretold and depicted this opposition, and gave His disciples to understand that they would have to wage WAR with all the power of those who were possessed of evil, and who were profiting by evil, and that it would be no easy conquest."

The struggle as I see it lies in the church, where popular Christianity takes on the face of cowards. Pew warmers that will not proclaim and live out the message that they so willingly accept.

Booth challenged the church saying,

"Further, I charge it on popular Christianity that its professors are ashamed of their colors in the presence of the enemy.

They shrink from any open, straight forward confession of Christ before men. I maintain that it is not confessing Him to go to church or chapel once a week amongst those who go the same way with you. They do not confess Him on the exchange, in the bank, or in the streets of the city. Where do you see any one, or only one in a million, who comes out with any thorough going, straightforward confession of Christ before the world? Where? There are a few Roman Catholics or high Church monastics, and whatever I may think of their errors and their mummeries, I always feel a measure of reverence when I pass them. I feel there is a man or woman who is willing to acknowledge his God before men, and who is not ashamed to come out and condemn the world, by being separate from it, and entering a protest against its fashions and its follies.
How many professing Christians are there of this day who would go through the city of London in any attire, or with any kind of badge, that said to men and women, "I am a saint and a soldier of Jesus Christ?" And yet the soldiers of the queen are proud to do this in an enemy's country! I repeat, who is there that dare do it for Christ, except us fanatics of the Salvation Army?"

Sadly as time has passed, "FANATICS" in the Salvation Army have become less and less in number.

I challenge you now, stand up, stand up for Jesus. Expect the most lavish of rewards for doing that. Give up your all, to recieve even more!! Be a fanatic, be a warrior!!

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life"

Blesssings,

Jonathan

PS: Way to go Xander, keep on recruiting!!

I AM FRUSTRATED!!

2004-12-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at my corps I found myself making my way around greeting people telling people about the last four months of my life. With every mention of Drugs, prostitution, violence and/or homelessness I could visibly see changing expressions on the peoples faces. A number of times I would put a "Shameless Plug" in for either the War College and for Officers, B.T.I. (Booth-Tucker Institute).

Whatever happened to getting uncomfortable for Jesus?? These people, christians, pastors agree with me, that this war needs to be fought, and that as Christians we are at times lazy. But as soon as I even hint or suggest my lifestyle upon them. They shrink and cower!!

"Oh not me, I'm not cut out for that kind of work, I'm comfortable where I am" That came from an officer.

Why in the name of our Great, Great God do you sign up for a CAREER, a CALLING in the Salvation Army if you are not willing to accept what that may bring.

Don't agree with me, and not do anything!!

The TRUE choice to work for God transcends any uniform, and rank, any comfort!

IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT!!

GET OFF THE COUCH!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Shore Leave!!

2004-12-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

As a soldier, who has been deeply entrenched in salvation warfare for the last 4 months, I thought that a break from the D.T.E.S. of Vancouver would be a good thing for me. But I realized quickly that this break, is not what I need. In the recent discussions on various blogs about gardeners and warriors, I have come up with a personal view on that since being home, I am a warrior, but if it comes to military terminology, I want to be a recruiting sergeant!!

I long for the Christians of Newfoundland, to rise up, to stand in the gap. To get out of their pews and run to a non-believer, run to the drunk, run to the despaired. If not in a mission field far away, then on the "Rock". I always told myself that the Salvation Army was more traditional in Newfoundland, then anywhere else in the world. But looking now at my own corps, we have drifted away from the traditions on which Booth founded the Salvation Army. Long ago were the days of Street Side Salvation, long ago were the days of handing out war crys in the bars and pubs, long ago were the days of a church on fire.

God doesn't want a bride made up of pew dwelling Christians, he wants worshipping warriors, to hold a torch in the darkness. We lit candles at our evening service, GOD I PRAY THAT WE LIGHT OUR CANDLES OUTSIDE THE CHURCH BUILDING, and that YOUR LOVE LIGHT UP THIS WORLD!!!

Merry Christmas, Give the gift of LIGHT Tomorrow!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Theophanies!!!

2004-12-18T01:41:00.000-08:00

Theophany - An appearance of God to a human; a divine manifestation.

Share with me your favourite Image or Visual of God found in the scriptures, to start you off here is mine!!

DANIEL 7:1-13

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream.
2 Daniel said: "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. 3 Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.
4 "The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it was lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of a man was given to it.
5 "And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, 'Get up and eat your fill of flesh!'
6 "After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.
7 "After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast-terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.
8 "While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
9 "As I looked,

"thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated,
and the books were opened.

11 "Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. 12 (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

I LIKE THAT LAST LINE!!

Blessings,

Jonathan

Flowing Free

2004-12-18T01:06:00.000-08:00

In reading in an article by Danielle DuRant entitled "Wrestling with Belteshazzar" which is in the "Just Thinking" periodical put out by Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, I was really challenged about our place in this world. It's simple, easy to understand, but at times very hard to walk in!

"Going through our second-choice world well depends on understanding who is in charge of the process and who has allowed us to be there in the first place. It is very difficult to deal with second-choice worlds if we feel we arrived there by the fling of some cosmic dice or by the whim of some powerful person…. As we live in our second-choice world, the knowledge that whatever or whoever has been the cause of our entering it does not possess the final authority over us, is transformational. Sickness does not rule: God does. My boss does not rule: God does."

Stepping out in boldness, relying only on the name of Jesus is necessary to fight effectively a Salvation War. I have for to long trusted solely in the words of an officer, the words of a friend, the words of a lover. These were words that edified, built up and made me feel so awesome in my flesh, ... so awesome that I lost a longing for spiritual edification. I led worship and looked for words to be directed towards me, forgetting my words are nothing, but the movement of the Holy Spirit is everything, he deserves all of our praise!! An anointed speaker does not rule, the one who gives the anointing, who places the mantle upon his chosen one rules. These simple truths can be easily misplaced and often lost in a prideful and/or a fearful heart. Submission with faith, humility and trust is simply the answer to recieving blessings.

How do I know?? The Holy Spirit manifested in me! This only happened once I was willing to lay my fear down, and humbly accept whatever he had for me with no reservations. In that is freedom, PRAISE JESUS I'M FREE!! Free of fear! Free of rejection! Free of Anxiousness! FREE!!

My Worship does not rule, The object of my Worship (YHWH) rules!!
My fear does not rule me, But the God who promises me a Spirit of Power, Love and Self-Discipline (2 Tim 1:7) rules me!!

It is my fervant prayer that you not be ruled by anything that is not God or of God!!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Thank You

2004-12-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you all for your prayers over me, when it comes to the areas of my life that I dealt with in my last blog. Since posting it, I have been counselled, rebuked and commend on my words, but as an answer to prayer, God has, through other Christians, enlightened me in a new positive attitude towards manifestations. I again want to apologize for offending anybody if I did!!

I need to right now thank my mother,

Mom thank you so much, I love you! You have always been open with me, and more so then ever appreciate it now. I continue to grow through your knowledge and experience, please keep pouring it out on me.

So thats all I needed to say!

Blessings,

Jonathan

Manifestations - Personal Views and Struggles

2004-12-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've been really struggling lately with charimatic worship! I realize it is a personal struggle that roots back to my upbringing in a very traditional corps that worshipped in a very non-charismatic matter. The War College has really broken me and freed me into somewhat of an understanding of tongues, manifestations and "giving birth" and other visible encounters with the Holy Spirit, but recently its been wearing a little thin on me.

Before I get deep in to this blog, I must firmly state that this is not meant to be an attack against charismatic Christians, rather it is a plea for wisdom and prayer in my own life and my own walk with God.

Growing up in Newfoundland, I didn't really witness charismatic worship until my mid-teens when the Pentecostal Church really began focusing on freedom in worship, especially with youth and young adults. It was to me very radical, very spiritual, but very confusing. As time progressed I began to somewhat understand what tongues where all about, I became familiar with the scriptural passages that supported all the various manifestations and so on and so forth. I began to long for these types of Holy Spirit encounters to happen to me, during my worship, but as years went by, nothing happened. I began to become judgemental of these actions, and became fearful of false manisfestations. I remember thinking things like

"Here are these people shaking and blabbering just because their friend is, I want to experience these things in a true manner." (My exact words were, "I want Jesus to knock me on my Ass")

My judgements were ungrounded and my want for manifestations over-ruled my want for a deeper relationship with God.

Since coming to the War College, I have struggled in understanding and accepting the aspect of what's referred to in the Army as "recieving the second blessing" and have felt at times inferior spiritually to those who have these types of spiritual encounters with the Holy Spirit. I know this maybe looked at as matter of personal issue with self-confidence in my worship, but still it lingers in the back of my mind, "Am I doing something wrong? Am I being held back? Am I afraid?"

So studying God's Word I come to,

1 Corinthians 14:6-9

"Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air."

Now I am confused, is it right that I am not edified or feel built up when someone lays hands on me and prays over me in tongues. I am moved and built up by the fact that they show love towards me in the act of praying. But the words and the prayers themselves are not meant for me

1 Corinthians 14:2

For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

I am past the point where I feel like manifestations (in what ever physical/audible form they assume) are necessary to grow in a relationship with Christ. Manifestations are given from the Holy Spirit, so in a developing relationship with Christ (which is any true relationship) I know that God will pour those out upon me when I enter the season for which he has appointed for that.

But until then, I need prayer, wisdom and discernment on how to approach living in Christian community with my brothers and sisters in faith that flow freely in manifestations.

I hope I have not come across as prideful in this blog, I don't want to convey the point that I am something or someone I'm truly not. The only thing I truly am is confused.

Blessings,
Jonathan Berkshire

My Guitar!!

2004-12-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

"See, I will not forget you. I have carved you on the palm of my hand. You are mine."
Isaiah 49:15

Lauryn Hill said,

"The Gospel isn't found only in a church building, but is found in your passion!!"

I have developed a new passion for making guitars (Thank you David-Sky Marchant)

In Progress

Sides - Koa Wood
Neck Stock - Koa Wood with Ebony Fingerboard & Head Stock
Back - Acacia Wood (Thats what they used in the Ark of The Covenant)
Top - Cedar

I'm doing some cool stuff with it, like inlaying scripture and a cross! Making some other guitars as well for some close friends and relatives.

I just wanted to share this new passion of mine with you!

Blessings,
Jonathan Berkshire

Worship - A Changing Face??

2004-11-28T23:25:00.000-08:00

As a "Tech Junkie", with a longing to become more musically talented, that has recently understood what pride and humility are all about; discerning where my place in worship is, can be an excruciating and confusing thought process. For the most part I am generally accepted as the "power-point/multimedia guy", however at times I sincerely feel drawn to pick up my guitar and sing with whoever is leading worship (sometimes I'm even asked to play, this makes me happy). But recently I have been going through a real time of humbling myself in worship. Not playing music at all, not leading, not backing up, to put it simply, not being up front. While it has been hard at times not doing anything, especially in areas that I know I have giftings, talents and/or skills I truly feel that I have grown in areas of worship, and I have gained a enlarged bearing of the totallity of worship an all that it encompasses.

So today I was challenged to begin leading worship again. My heart welled up and out of the overflow of my heart words came out. Thankfully my humility managed to quell what would of came out like "Sure, I can't wait" and turned it into "In which way?" Much to my dismay I was told that worship is changing its face as the church grows and progresses, and that we will soon see music as we know it, in the background and it will not be at the front of worship. I sort of questioned then the reasons why I practice my guitar and learn new songs (I could write a whole seperate blog on this issue, so I will leave that statement as is).

My gifting lies in leading worship with my computer and in ways of audio-visual communication. In this Post-Modern World in which we live, the Post-Modern Church needs and is in wanting for a tangible form of worship. I think of worship leaders like David Ruis, who was a trained classical singer and has progressed to incorporate audio-video production into his mainstream worship. For me it is the other way around, I am starting with the Audio-Video Production and hope to someday be at the level where I can incorporate my music into that.

So I feel a little A.D.D.'ish about this blog, as I read it over, I have to strain my mind vigorously to connect the dots, so in ending I ask you, What is Worship? How can we more effectively Worship?

Blessings,
Jonathan Berkshire

True Worship Experience!!

2004-11-24T23:16:00.000-08:00

I never knew washing someones feet could be so satisfying. While I was building my guitar this evening at the Gallery Gachet, a gentlemen from the streets who was aquanted with my instructor came in and did some work on the band saw. As we were cleaning up for the evening, i saw him take off his shoes and reveal a pair of white, wrinkled, cut and swolen mess, which vaguely resembled feet. My heart bled instantly for this young man, and before I knew it, I had already said, come on lets go to my place, and I'll get you some clean dry socks, (that I had just received in a care package from my mother, THANK YOU LORNA). But as I left the gallery, I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to show this guy Love, a Christ like Love. So I took him to the Crosswalk and washed his feet. I never thought that I would ever be so excited to do something so humbling. I found joy and experienced worship in washing this mans feet, later described as "worse than a World War I soldiers trench feet", I felt reciprocated love and gratitude when I gave him clean socks and new sneakers. Then almost as confirmation that I had indeed done more than physically take care of him, his spirit was visably lightened and he then walked UPRIGHT out of the crosswalk, where as before he limped. I know this may seem minor, but to see him walk out with his head held up high, was my absolute high.

I TRULY EXPERIENCED WORSHIP TONIGHT!!

Blessings,
Jonathan Berkshire

Freedom!!

2004-11-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

In countries all around the world, nations large and small, rich and poor, there are struggles for freedom. CNN portrays on a daily basis images of some war-torn country contending with its government. It's a safe bet that 99% of the strife that is described to us is rooted in a struggle for freedom. Civil Freedom, Religious Freedom,... Freedom. Living in Canada, "A Free Nation" has always been a blessing, and I give thanks to God for the freedom which I live in. But even here in Canada, we experience captivity and bondage.

We are constantly in a struggle with ourselves. There are things in ourselves that just live in our in most being that eats away at us, and we are limited by that thing. Some of us are held captive by Dishonesty, some of us are held captive by Sexual Immorality, some of us are held captive by gluttony, the list goes on. We need need to purge ourselves of these evil spirits. They are evil spirits, workers of Satan, that place themselves inside us and tell the dishonest person that they need to lie, tell the Sexually Immoral that they are unclean, and tell the Glutton that they are fat and ugly.

We have been purchased by the Blood of Christ, our sins are cleansed in the shower of the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 1:5(b)
"To him who loves us and has "FREED" us from our sins by his blood,"

Only when we call upon a shower of that blood will we recieve freedom and be delivered, and be able to truly experience the true, undeniable, absolute, unconditional Love of our Saviour.

"It is for freedom, that Christ has set us Free"

Blessings (from a free),
Jonathan Berkshire

John 3:16

2004-11-21T22:33:00.000-08:00

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

John 3:16

One of the most used, well known scriptures in the Holy Bible. In a book that I'm reading "Inside Afghanistan", the author John Weaver recalls one of the most heart wrenching calls to the mission field was at a university presentation and the professor held up a blank piece of paper and said "This is John 3:16 in about 3000 differant languages."

My prayer is that my life and my witness is never a blank piece of paper.

But a work of art, that is UNDERSTANDABLE!!

Blessings,

Jonathan Berkshire

Hardened Hearts...

2004-11-20T22:49:00.000-08:00

I remember the first day I arrived in Vancouver at the War College, I was shocked by the open drug use in public. I was emotionally tormented by sights of homelessness and prostitution. The first evening I went out on "Street Combat" (Evening Prayer Walks) was September 7th, 2004 it will be a day I'll never forget, I remember walking the streets with Off-Site Martyr Melinda Peters, a resident of the D.T.E.S. I believe any innocence, or some would call it ignorance of the drug trade was thrown out the window that evening. I still vividly see it in my mind as if the night is replayed over and over again, a women sitting beside a dumpster injecting a needle into her arms that were covered in scar tissue from previous intervenous use. I remember my emotions became like a fireball exploding in my head. Fear, sympathy, frustration, sadness and love all began to fill my entire being, I was lost in these emotions, and I didn't know how to express them, so I went on facing the fact, that what I just witnessed was indeed a "TRAGIC FACT" in this battlezone. I went on with the Idea that I had to get used to it.

I'm writting this blog today, with a heavy heart, because I have gotten use to it. Over the past days I've questioned myself and others about having a "Hardened Heart" and why we no longer feel our hearts break when we witness such a broken people in a broken world. We have accepted the behaviour in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver as "Usual", hence making living incarnationally painfully true. I am here to make a differance, I am here to do "the unusual", I'm here to reclaim this Land for the Lord, reclaim it from the things that I now consider "Usual". I feel that to properly do this I need to feel emotional about it, I long for those emotional connections again. Tears flow when I worship The Lord, I want tears to flow when I work in these situations for the Lord as well.

No matter how hardened my heart becomes, I realize that "Usual" is not always "Right" but society generally accepts the "Usual" for what it is. If I accept it as usual, I feel like no matter what my beliefs are, I am conforming to society. This is the same society who turns their heads and do nothing.

I snapped this image outside that same dumpster the next day, what do you feel when you see this image, do you believe this as usual? Should You? Would You?

Blessings,
Jonathan Berkshire

Morning with Winkie

2004-11-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

G'day Ladies & Gents.

Had a great morning with Evangelist Winkie Pratney

Here's a situation he gave us, What do you think? How would you respond?

"Someone comes up to you and asks you hows your girlfriend/boyfriend?"
"Your silence, obviously is a sign that the relationship is not going well!"
"Someone comes up to you and asks how's God?"

Here is the kicker,

"Are you Silent?"
"Does your relationship with God need work?"
"You should be praising his name!!, but you can only muster a 'hmm' "

How is God in your life?

Blessings,
Jonathan Berkshire

Solitude vs Silence

2004-11-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

Well, Today in the War College we had a morning of solitude. I definately was looking forward to it, I have had a rollercoaster of a week (that I will not expose on this blog) and I needed to just have quiet time with God. So I wake up this morning, communicate briefly with my roommates via hand gestures and facial expressions and head off to shut up and let God solve all my problems. After about two hours of walking, sitting and lying in absolute silence i was getting frustrated, I wasn't recieving a single thing. I was stupifyed, upset and confused, I had all this stuff to lay out and I was getting anything in return. I realized then that this morning was not about God in solitude towards me, but the other way around. I was in silence, closed off to God, I only wanted him to use my silence and for him to speak to me on my chosen issues, all else was unimportant to me. Then I prayed, "God I'm open, just give me what you want me to have." A moment went by and words and music started playing in my head,

"Be Still and Know that I am God"

Wow! God spoke to me, he gave me peace and my heart and my flesh were still, then he confirmed my need to wait on his words, because he gave me another song,

"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God

And his righteousness

And all these things (My wants and needs and problems)

Shall be added unto you

Allelu, Allelujah"

So thats what solitude is, Listening and BEING TOTALLY OPEN!

Blessings,

Jonathan