Poem - Hidden Places

by Moya Boardman
2008

Breathing out & breathing in
My face resting by your chin
More said in these moments of silence
Than a thousand years of words

In my spirit I embrace you
As you draw me ever closer
We steal away to hidden corners where
Unsuspecting they stumble across us
And tiptoe quietly away

For the hidden places belong to us
There time has no meaning
Forever so it’s seeming
Is only a breathe away

How’s Things in Your Community?

by Jesse-John Jabore

I was driving and came upon a minor accident scene where tow truck drivers were gathering and from this sensed the Lord begin to reveal to me a comparison or parallel to the church. The theme of concern was that of competition. It is well known that the ‘towies’ have one intention - to ‘get the job’. To this end they are constantly jockeying for position, manoeuvring, and scheming ‘one-upmanship’. Lost amidst this striving is the motorist who would benefit most from a helping hand extended with a calm approach. When the end is put above the means, the needs of the individual are compromised. The ‘end’ here is mammon (money/pay) - So much so that if the person requiring towing had no money they quickly lose interest, even refusing to help. Most of the community have a dislike, even disdain, regarding this approach.

Comparatively, could this be true of sections of the church. At a time where the suffering, smashed up, and broken down of humanity find themselves needing to be brought safely, and with dignity, to their next destination - thrust upon them is an environment where chaos exists instead of order, competition instead of compliments, and ‘bad mouthing’ instead of endorsement. Unlike the tow truck drivers, the church must operate with a passion that springs forth from a pure motivation. Simply, we’re not to lord it over each other. We have but one LORD!

To address this problem in the community, a stronger authority needs to be set up to minimise the strife and lawlessness. Accordingly, for the church in this dispensation of time, true authority needs to be given it’s rightful place ‘being built on the foundations of the apostles and prophets - Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone’ (Eph 2:20). Only as these ministries are quickly identified and rightly elevated can the fulfilment of Jesus’ words be realised, ‘I will build my Church’ (Matt 16:18).

The question begs asking, “How’s things in your community?”

Restoration of Family

by Tony Clark

I believe that what God is saying is that He desires families to be saved from devastation, destruction and from the locusts that have eaten away at relationships, and the unity or bond of communion that is the friendship of family. It is His desire to restore what the locust has eaten – this is part of the end time move of God that will bring glory to Him. Part of the Restoration of All things.

This applies not only to natural family but to the family of God also. It’s about unity, and the deep connection and loyalty that will become so strong that the enemy cannot penetrates.

It grieves God’s heart to see the jealousies and competition that rob family of it’s love and support of one another, infighting and distrust leaves the army of God vulnerable to attack and stops them from being a force to be reckoned with, that is one mind and one heart, in agreement; as we know a kingdom divided against itself will fall and unity commands a blessing. It is in the place of unity that God dwells – when 2 or more are gathered in His name He is there in the midst of them.

I believe the decree from Heaven has already been made, that God has declared RESTORATION!

It’s our part to be repentant of the issues in our own hearts where there has been jealousies and contention and strife, so that we can receive the goodness and nature of God, allowing us to be like Him. I believe God is saying that the Holy Spirit is the agent of change, and as we work with the Holy Spirit in repentance and forgiveness that God’s heart will become our heart and we will see this massive restoration of Family.

His heart cries for the loss and despair that robs our hope, but He says “Come, I will make a way, I am the God of the breakthrough, I am your Healer.” He says “Just as I suffered the loss and devastation of my Son and then the restoration, so I will do for you – full Restoration”

Poem - Time

by Belinda Jabore

Time is so short
Time goes so fast
Time is hard to catch

Time’s waiting on Him
Essential for us to keep living
Time to see me,
see Me
see Me

Time quick as a candle blown out

Time with Him
Time with me
Time essential for you and me

Time Calls
Time demands me

Time calls me to Be
Who I am

And  have always been
Called to Be
By the Trinity.

Ecclesiastes: 12: 13-14
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil."

Rock Climbing - Pt.3

by Belinda Jabore

Well here we are again Rock Climbing. I’d been seeking a word from the Lord and asking lots of questions about rock climbing (refer part 1 and 2), this ‘on the back’ of a prophetic word Tim Cassidy brought at the 2008 Forerunners International Conference. The Lord said we were at the base of the ‘mountain of the Lord’ and we would have refreshing and rest. The Lord kept on bringing that word back to me which brought me to this place of seeking the Lord about what happens at the base of the mountain - and He revealed we will eventually have to climb this mountain. I then asked the Lord “how do we prepare ourselves?”

The word prepare being a doing word has to do with how we position ourselves to give us the best possible chance to succeed. Hence, my journey to find out more about rock climbing and the prophetic analogies we can apply to our daily walk (and climb) with the Lord. No matter what level we are at, it will draw us into a deeper relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as we become more disciplined (disciple- aligned) sons and daughters to propel us into kingdom plans and thinking.

Revelation: 14:12  -   "Here (comes in a call for) the steadfastness of the saints (the patience, the endurance of the people of God), those who (habitually) keep Gods commandments and (their) faith in Jesus."

After finding out information on rock climbing, which really got me hooked, the Lord directed me to climb Mt Warning on the Northern NSW coast. So, after some preparation and contemplating, I am glad to say that my husband and I finally completed the climb to Mount Warning. What a prophetic statement in itself, two prophets climbing Mount Warning together. Well let me tell you I was so excited about it. Finally, I was going to the mountain of the Lord to see what He would say.

WOW !  How exciting.

Psalm 24:3-4 - "Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false , nor sworn deceitfully."

I believe this is what is taking place (or about to take place). It is not for the faint hearted, but for those who are determined to follow the Lord Jesus’ plan and purpose for their life. It is time to be ruthless with sin in our lives, making sure we are getting rid of every thing that would ensnare and encumber us. This includes the ‘idols in our hearts’ and being accountable to our God Given Leaders.

Can we just turn our gaze to Psalm 24 v 3 - ‘ Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord. This clearly states we must GO UP INTO Him and what He has for us. I sense He has something new for us – keeping in mind we are to allow the Holy Spirit to further ‘cleanse our hands and purify our hearts’.

Some of the things we learnt as we climbed Mt Warning.

>We needed to be well RESTED prior to the climb
>We needed to be physically and mentally fitter
>We needed to be fully focused on what we were doing
>We needed to be prepared and ready
>We had to be ready for any surprise attacks. (We encountered 2 snakes along the way)
>We had to have lots of water and fruit as we climbed
>We had to have Rests (stops) along the way
>We needed to keep good time. (2 hours up and 80mins down).
>We were vulnerable at times due to the physical stress on our body.
>As we climbed on 3 or 4 occasions (out of nowhere) an opening appeared presenting a spectacular view- a glimpse of what awaited us at the summit (an incentive to purpose on).
> The final assent presented the greatest challenge (approx. 200metres almost vertical) - though the great effort needed, was no match for the breathtaking and exhilarating feeling that we experienced upon reaching the top.

Philippians 3:12-14 - ‘Not that I have now attained (this ideal), or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration); forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

Onwards and Upwards – To eternity and beyond!

Rock Climbing - Pt.2

Prophetic Article
by Belinda Jabore

As I was asking the Lord on more info on what else do we need to do in preparation for climbing a mountain, this is what I found and sensed that the Lord was directing us to prophetically take a look at, especially concerning our physical fitness. The Lord has been really on my case about being strengthened physically. He has been asking me to get fit for the last 2 years now. As I have been seeking the Lord regarding mountains and specifically, what happens at the base of the mountain of the Lord — what are we ‘in for’ and what do we need to prepare for or expect? We are in boot camp so what do we need to do - to prepare our hearts and body’s. I now find myself looking at and wanting to climb mountains. Especially now I have done some research on what’s required. The Lord has said to me to go and climb Mt Warning down in Northern New South Wales - I haven’t gone yet, but I intend to soon. My husband and I are trying to get a time when we can both go together and when we both feel like we can tackle it physically and mentally.

Even though I would like to go alone, it is not wise to climb a mountain on your own. There are many reasons for this as you could well imagine and safety is of the utmost importance. I believe in the year ahead many of us are going to be stretched beyond our limits. It will propel us further into the plans and purposes of God and at the ‘year end’ we will be so glad we did. There will be lots of training and getting fit spiritually, physically and mentally. We are all at different levels, but doing the same climb - resting and looking at the base of the mountain of the Lord. Contemplating how we can tackle this and putting as much into the preparation that we can! As you read this article there is a preparation taking place, in which I have found there are three stand outs:

1. Resting in Him (spiritual)
2. Waiting on Him (spiritual)
3. Getting fit (mental and physical)

There are a lot of different strategies we can apply to our daily life that will maximise our strength in different areas of our life. It will be uncomfortable for us though and not what we are used to. As we stretch ourselves, (even though it will be painful at times) the out come will show our potential. If circumstances in our life are easy we learn very little, but if we are pushed to the max - enduring pain and generally out of our ‘comfort zone’, much ‘fruit’ results. Some of us have been driven to the mountain of the Lord by devils, others by their dreams, but most of us have been lead to this place to serve the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul - to follow The ‘call’ that has been with us before all time, and definitely since we took our first breath on this earth. One thing we all share is that we will become “stronger” together, as we climb, leaving our failures and past behind us. Climbing tests our character and faithfulness. Whether you are climbing or waiting to climb the mountain of the Lord, there is lots to learn in boot camp and much required in the preparation. Be sure of this there will be great victories, moments of exhilarating power in God, but also many hardships producing some expected (and some unexpected) challenges that will test our endurance, self discipline, and ultimately our FAITH.Some of us though, don’t count the cost of a climb and think ‘it’s too hard’ and give up, but if things are handed to us or to easy for us - we will not value them. I have found out in my research that if someone is struggling within the climb, the team rally around them helping and strengthening them. A real trust must develop with your fellow climbers - for you need to really know the ones you are climbing with will watch your back and effectively ‘take the strain’.

Here is a list on what is important before climbing and preparing to climb.

1. Gather information before you climb.
2. There is a preparation mentally before you climb.

In the articles I was reading I found this in many different comments relating to different climbs.” Preparing your mind for a climb is an important technique to master. They say that you need to remove the mental distractions so you can focus on the Rock before you. This is a two fold thing- mentally preparing before you climb and secondly mentally preparing before climbing a specific route.

3. Physical fitness: Strength, and Warming up.When you rock climb it is important to take time to warm up to avoid injury.

There will be times when you will have to walk a bit to reach a cliff; this is a great start to warming up. Next you will want to spend some time stretching. Be sure to stretch the muscles you will be using, such as fingers shoulders and legs. For your legs you may want to step high and move them in some different directions. Since climbing uses the core of your body, you will want to bend and twist to make sure your middle is loosened up. Taking time to warm up and stretch will maximise your day on the rock. Doing some sort of physical activity will be good such as walking, running, and gym work outs, whatever suits your body type to get fitter.

Romans 8:18-19 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. "

The Mountain of the Lord - Be aware at the bottom of the mountain of the Lord, if you choose to climb, or if you are preparing to, the Lord will stretch you in ways you never thought possible.

Again there are lots of different prophetic analogies concerning this article. It does not matter what level you are on - it applies to where you’re at. You might be in the music, in the kitchen, the cleaner, a prophet prophesying, a pastor, a teacher, evangelist, a leader - whatever it is, we have a mountain to climb together.

Happy climbing, (be brave)

Rock Climbing - Pt.1

by Belinda Jabore

This was an article that the Lord showed me to take a look at for the year ahead, and I feel this year prophetically for each of us this has a significant meaning as to how and where the Lord wants us. I found it quite sobering and funny. As you read this there are many different analogies for all of us, it’s typical too how the Lord speaks to us no matter what level we are at. And I am finding out that what ever I thought I knew or have learnt seems to get wiped or stripped away. .It’s like starting on a new white board to start to learn on many different levels once again. It’s like the things I learnt from the year before get downloaded in a file in my head but I am aware that I can’t do things the same as I always have. As I am finding that to have new things from the Lord you have to have a clean board (no clutter or distractions) for Him to write on. And the things I have learnt from the Lord are sitting in the file. As I need them and when the Holy Spirit directs to use them then I can use them.

The Lord emphasised to me the prophetic word Tim Cassidy brought at the 2008 conference at Forerunners International. Tim was saying that we were at the base camp of the mountain of the Lord and we were to rest there and there would be refreshing for the task ahead. So I was thinking and asking the Lord what was next? If we are going to be at the base camp of the mountain of the Lord then we will have to climb that mountain sooner or later. And the Lord directed me to a rock climbing site and this is what I found from an article of a guy (very prophetic) what he said about starting out in rock climbing a site on the internet.

The rest of this word is pretty self explanatory. (It will probably make you laugh and cry) and I believe it is what we have to look at for the year ahead………

The first time one looks at a picture of a rock climber or goes to the local gym the item that stands out the most is the shoes. Sure we expect the harness and the helmet, the other two essential items in this article, but why are there special shoes? The answer, so I’ve learned is a combination of both power and stickiness!  I will tell you what you basically look for in a shoe and then explain why which will also reveal how power and stickiness come into play.

THE SHOES - Ephesians 6: 15
As a beginner the one thing you need to realise is that your shoes are going to get trashed. You’re going to beat them up because you haven’t quite learned about the special soles and you are using them a lot without much technique….i.e. you’re falling and slipping all the time. Significantly which shoes you pick is important.

Here are some of the things to remember when buying shoes:

1. Price does matter- You’re first pair you trash and they wear out quickly as you (go cheap) haven’t got you’re technique right yet.

2. All day comfort- the more you progress and the more technical climbs you do, you will need more technical shoes, which will cost more money and be less comfortable, (until you get use to them) But right now, while you’re feet are learning technique and getting use to the shoes, all you care about is a shoe that provides all day comfort.

3. Shoe size- when you first try on a shoe start half a size smaller than your current shoes size. You’re feet should be nice and snug inside with no moving room. Your toes should be pushed together side ways, all your little toes pointing to your bigger toes, but they should not be curled up. They need to lay flat like they normally do …..(you’re toes that is). But by redirecting your toes into a sharper point the power from them is transferred much smoother and you are able to hold onto smaller bumps and ledges with you’re feet.

He goes onto say do not get one with an arch in the shoe straight away. As you have a natural arch in your foot and arched shoes over exaggerate your natural arch and are used for fine and power work….basically technical climbing. If when you try on these shoes, they meet the criteria and feel comfortable then go down half a size. If that feels comfortable then keep going down half sizes until you reach an uncomfortable level. Once you reach that level go up to the previous level where your shoes feel good. The analogy of this is to fit into a smaller shoe, as small as you can.

4. Synthetic vs leather- The only significant difference is that leather will stretch a little around your feet while synthetic will not. It’s up to you, but would be better if it stretches a little bit.

5. Velcro vs Tie- I bought shoes that you tie. As a beginner I do not recommend these and here’s why. When you are getting use to your shoes after climbing a route or two, you’re going to want to take them off to give your feet a chance to relax.( sounds like a lot of hard work to me) It’s about 100 times harder to do if you have shoes that you tie. Velcro is much quicker to relieve pain. When you progress and you climb longer and want to be able to snug up your shoes a little better then go tie.

6. Look Weird- When you try on your shoes they may feel fine when you stand up. But remember you are not going to be standing up when you are climbing, so put your shoes to the test. Hold onto a wall- stand on your tippy toes. How do they feel? Stand on the side of one foot. How does that feel? Remember that when you are climbing you will use the tips of your toes a lot and you usually don’t have much to hang onto, (except Jesus).

7. Breaking In- After you have finally brought your first pair of shoes, the first thing you will want to do is to wear them around the house, so your feet start getting use to them. I could only wear mine for 10 mins before the sides of my feet started to hurt. Rock climbing shoes have sticky soles.

8. The Harness -
When buying a harness look for something not to expensive, a Swinging Rock Rhythm Harness for around $45. You can either try to figure out how to put the thing on, or you can ask the professionals…..By far the easiest way. A general rule learned is that when ever you are putting something on, a harness or a rope, you always want 6 inches left over. If you try on a large harness and you only have 2 inches of the harness strap left over, then you need to remember Safety not vanity, and go up to an extra large harness. The most important aspect of buying a harness however, is how it feels when you sit in it. The harness needs to be comfortable as you will be spending a lot of time “sitting” in that harness. Don’t forget to try before you buy it.

9. The Helmet -
A helmet is a helmet. They all basically fit the same way and all have to meet certain standards. When you try on a helmet I suggest making it snug, like you would if you were climbing. Move your head up and down a couple of times, as this is the major motion being conducted when you climb. When you start climbing you shouldn’t be in any situation high enough where you need a helmet, however the helmet has protected and saved many climbers, it also protects from falling rocks up above. When you start getting good and start taking bigger chances it only makes sense to wear a helmet because you’re destined for a bigger fall and a greater chance of permanent head injury.   Ephesians 6:17.

10. The Chalk Bag -
Finally the chalk bag. Not to expensive and is a matter of preference. If you don’t like one it’s easy to replace. When you buy chalk, loose chalk is easier to put on. The purpose of the chalk is basically to absorb the sweat from your hands and allows you to stick to the wall better.

So there you have it the quick and easy guide to getting the gear you need to start climbing.

Oh and one more thing to buy is a belay device, which allows you to hold somebody on the rope just incase they fall, and a corresponding carabineer but do not buy these things until you take an introduction to climbing coarse because other people besides yourselves rely on these devices so understanding them is best done from a teacher in person.

Introduction to climbing courses are available and are a must and mandatory, they last about 45mins and teach proper belaying techniques and how to tie in as a climber.

Ephesians 10-20  Happy climbing!