It's kinda weird! It's actually so natural, and so normal to be sitting with our friends talking, having a coffed or some nice Mexican food, that we almost feel like we never left. Almost anti-climatic its just like another day, only we are fourteen hours away from home.
But it has been really good. Last night we sat with two pregnant couples, one very very pregnant. We got to see our good friends new baby, who is actually a year old now. These are the crazy things. And the way kids grow, you leave for a few years and kids grow up. Ofcourse we know our girls inspire the same sense of time change.
Today I am doing a seminar at my old jiu jitsu club, then going to do a bit of kareoke with friends. Should be a great day.
the rev
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The trip to the states
sorry guys, I posted this a few days ago and must have sent it to the draft bin, I can only blame jet lag
Well its been a bit full on for the last few days. I left Melbourne on Thursday morning, arrived before I left in Los Angeles, then jumped on a plane to New York and spent the weekend there with some friends. It was really good to see my friends in New York, and just to be in that city. I love New York, it is truly and overwhelming place.
I taught a jiu jitsu seminar there, and that went really well. They seemed to really enjoy the techniques I shared with them and we had a great time.
On Sunday I went into the city by myself to go to the Gugenheim museum. They were having a pollock exhibition and I thought I would go check it out. Man was that harder than I thought, it was the day of the Puerto Rican pride parade, and it took me an hour to push through the crowd for four blocks to get to the museum. But it was great to see the exhibit, it was all works on paper, and there were some really neat paintings.
Monday I flew back to California to join my wife and kids. Raquel and I stayed with our friends Dan and Staci in Long Beach and that was really nice. We have known them since they were in our youth group and they are now married and expecting a baby. It was a great time hanging out with them. We went to the beach on Tuesday, and just tried to bake all the jet lag off.
Yesterday we came back to the inland empire where we are staying with Raquel's bio father and family, and went out to eat with some close friends. It has been a great trip, just a bit tiring. It also feels a bit weird, part of me feels very normal and comfortable here with people I know for many years. But part of me feels very strongly that this is not my home anymore. I also really miss my friends back home, and the churches we are a part of.
I will try and post a bit more details over the next few days.
the rev
Well its been a bit full on for the last few days. I left Melbourne on Thursday morning, arrived before I left in Los Angeles, then jumped on a plane to New York and spent the weekend there with some friends. It was really good to see my friends in New York, and just to be in that city. I love New York, it is truly and overwhelming place.
I taught a jiu jitsu seminar there, and that went really well. They seemed to really enjoy the techniques I shared with them and we had a great time.
On Sunday I went into the city by myself to go to the Gugenheim museum. They were having a pollock exhibition and I thought I would go check it out. Man was that harder than I thought, it was the day of the Puerto Rican pride parade, and it took me an hour to push through the crowd for four blocks to get to the museum. But it was great to see the exhibit, it was all works on paper, and there were some really neat paintings.
Monday I flew back to California to join my wife and kids. Raquel and I stayed with our friends Dan and Staci in Long Beach and that was really nice. We have known them since they were in our youth group and they are now married and expecting a baby. It was a great time hanging out with them. We went to the beach on Tuesday, and just tried to bake all the jet lag off.
Yesterday we came back to the inland empire where we are staying with Raquel's bio father and family, and went out to eat with some close friends. It has been a great trip, just a bit tiring. It also feels a bit weird, part of me feels very normal and comfortable here with people I know for many years. But part of me feels very strongly that this is not my home anymore. I also really miss my friends back home, and the churches we are a part of.
I will try and post a bit more details over the next few days.
the rev
Sunday, June 04, 2006
I had a vision
Tonight at the Cave we had a night of silent meditation and prayer. In a candle lit room, with the projected scriptures about the day of pentecost, we sat. For an hour we did not speak, and tried hard not to move. There was no background music to put us in the mood, or to drown out the very loud silence. We had the elements so that whoever wished could partake of communion.
During this time I felt God speak to me. It wasn't in an audible voice, but just a sense of communication. I just had a few thoughts jump into my head.
But I also had this vision:
I saw these metal holding cases, that were triangular and long. Each had a nice, ordered set of balls that were all the same gun metal gray color. It was very organized and efficient. There were probably twenty balls to each case and the shown through the holes in the side of the case. And there were so many of them. And then there was an explosion of sorts, and all of these cases were opened. All of the balls became brightly and differently colored and began bouncing chaoticly all over the place. It was just like that add on tv, with all the balls bouncing down the street.
I felt like this is what happened at Pentecost. Everything was let loose, and this amazing freedom, and individuality was unleashed and was sent off in every direction, uncontrolled and amazingly beautiful. And then I got the feeling like the church, scared by the chaos, and constant changing, began to pull all of these balls back together and put them back in their cases, and take away their colors. And there was order, and comfort again. And it made me very sad.
the rev
During this time I felt God speak to me. It wasn't in an audible voice, but just a sense of communication. I just had a few thoughts jump into my head.
But I also had this vision:
I saw these metal holding cases, that were triangular and long. Each had a nice, ordered set of balls that were all the same gun metal gray color. It was very organized and efficient. There were probably twenty balls to each case and the shown through the holes in the side of the case. And there were so many of them. And then there was an explosion of sorts, and all of these cases were opened. All of the balls became brightly and differently colored and began bouncing chaoticly all over the place. It was just like that add on tv, with all the balls bouncing down the street.
I felt like this is what happened at Pentecost. Everything was let loose, and this amazing freedom, and individuality was unleashed and was sent off in every direction, uncontrolled and amazingly beautiful. And then I got the feeling like the church, scared by the chaos, and constant changing, began to pull all of these balls back together and put them back in their cases, and take away their colors. And there was order, and comfort again. And it made me very sad.
the rev
My friend and workmate
I won't mention his name, because he would probably just be embarassed, but I want to tell you about an amazing man that I work with at FORGE. He is one of the most friendly, compassionate and caring people I have met. His work at FORGE has been the most beneficial, and probably the most succesful addition to our team since way before I came. But I will tell you a little story about yesterday.
Yesterday, he came to our workshop, a bit late as he was busy doing other work. He showed up in time for lunch and jumped right into conversation with those at the seminar. We were running a bit late so I started teaching while others were finishing eating. But since I missed the session before lunch, I needed to stay for the following session. This guy just took it upon himself to collect all the plates, do the dishes, clean up the mess and put the leftovers away for easy removal. He missed out on the seminar, missed out on the conversations and fellowship, so he could serve. I hope I can be more like him someday. He reminds me of Jesus.
the rev
Yesterday, he came to our workshop, a bit late as he was busy doing other work. He showed up in time for lunch and jumped right into conversation with those at the seminar. We were running a bit late so I started teaching while others were finishing eating. But since I missed the session before lunch, I needed to stay for the following session. This guy just took it upon himself to collect all the plates, do the dishes, clean up the mess and put the leftovers away for easy removal. He missed out on the seminar, missed out on the conversations and fellowship, so he could serve. I hope I can be more like him someday. He reminds me of Jesus.
the rev
Monday, May 29, 2006
Open Mic night at the Cave (wanna hear me sing?)
Hey friends,
Every Saturday night:
the Cave expressions
This is an acoustic open mic night at the Cave 76 St. Leonards rd. Starts at seven Pm
We will try and have one act every night and then have sign ups throughout the night. This is not just for music, but for spoken word as well, so come on out. Whether you feel like sharing or not, should be a nice night out. There is no charge, but a suggested donation of $5.00 to help pay for some new sound equipment (not great now) and to pay for utilities, (we have great gas heaters, if nothing else you'll be nice and warm)
I will be doing a set this Saturday, my play list?
Low Self Opinion by Henry Rollins
Where's the light my own
Story of my life by Social Distortion
Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen
Jesus by Michael Knott
Double by Michael knott
and maybe
Little Red Rooster by Willie Dixon
should be fun :)
the rev
Every Saturday night:
the Cave expressions
This is an acoustic open mic night at the Cave 76 St. Leonards rd. Starts at seven Pm
We will try and have one act every night and then have sign ups throughout the night. This is not just for music, but for spoken word as well, so come on out. Whether you feel like sharing or not, should be a nice night out. There is no charge, but a suggested donation of $5.00 to help pay for some new sound equipment (not great now) and to pay for utilities, (we have great gas heaters, if nothing else you'll be nice and warm)
I will be doing a set this Saturday, my play list?
Low Self Opinion by Henry Rollins
Where's the light my own
Story of my life by Social Distortion
Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen
Jesus by Michael Knott
Double by Michael knott
and maybe
Little Red Rooster by Willie Dixon
should be fun :)
the rev
Sunday, May 28, 2006
FORGE factory day (worshop on sharing our faith)
Dear friends,
If you are interested in a very practical, insightful worshop on sharing your faith in this western, increasingly post modern culture, please join us this Saturday June 3rd at The Red network's building (South Melbourne church of Christ) on Dorcas st in South Melbourne from 10:00 am til 2:30 pm. There will be imput from some effective evangelists from different parts of Melbourne sharing with you the hows, whats and wheres of sharing your faith today.
The cost is only $25.00 and will include a simple lunch.
If you have any questions please email me at johnj@forge.org.au
the rev
If you are interested in a very practical, insightful worshop on sharing your faith in this western, increasingly post modern culture, please join us this Saturday June 3rd at The Red network's building (South Melbourne church of Christ) on Dorcas st in South Melbourne from 10:00 am til 2:30 pm. There will be imput from some effective evangelists from different parts of Melbourne sharing with you the hows, whats and wheres of sharing your faith today.
The cost is only $25.00 and will include a simple lunch.
If you have any questions please email me at johnj@forge.org.au
the rev
Sunday message
Well guys, I am back for a while. I am leaving for a visit home in a few weeks, and I am hoping to be able to post while there, but we'll see.
Last night I talked about Pentecost. Or more correctly the lead up to it. Jesus spends forty days with them. Talking to them of the kingdom of God. It is interesting that whenever Jesus talks about the good news, it is always the kingdom of God, not salvation, or going to heaven. Jesus secured that, but to him this is only a part of the good news. The whole good news is that God's rulership can come into the world through you! Meaning love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and much more, is now available to and through us. And that this will then effect all people, not just the individual when they die.
He tells them they are going to wait in Jerusalem for the power from on high. To wait for it. And that when it comes they will be His witnesses in their own town, the greater Jerusalem area, and eventually the entire world. The Spirit does that to you!
The disciples watch Jesus into the heavens. They are told by the angels to go and do what they were told, stop staring at the empty sky. How often do we wind up gazing longingly at the last place we saw Jesus? We try to recreate that great worship experience. Or that feeling we had when we were baptised, or maybe the sense of God's presence we felt when we fasted, or were on a retreat. But God does not live in our memories but in our now. Stop looking at the last experience, and be obedient. Do what you know is right, and you will experience even more of what God has for you.
And then we see the disciples praying, united, in a room for ten days. The way some people teach about this is flat out wrong. They act like this prayer manipulated God to send the Spirit, and the resulting mass conversion. Like if we would just do what they did then God would have to do... blah blah blah. God is not manipulated, you don't earn the Holy Spirit, or earn a succesfull altar call by unity or prayer.
But...
Prayer changes us. The Holy Spirit was coming on Pentecost no matter what. This feast of the first fruits (the beginning of the harvest) was the sign given years before for the beginning of the church. The church started on that day, no matter if they prayed or not. Their prayer however, did change them. It changed those men and women, and prepared them for what God was always planning on doing. They were prepared for the inclusion of over 3,000 people into their community. They were prepared for the resulting persecution, for the need of the new church, for the conflicts that were coming. The time in prayer, unified prayer, was necessary for their own preparation, as it is for us. We cannot by any prayer movement, force God's hand, but we can by prayer, be ready for what is coming our way.
the rev
Last night I talked about Pentecost. Or more correctly the lead up to it. Jesus spends forty days with them. Talking to them of the kingdom of God. It is interesting that whenever Jesus talks about the good news, it is always the kingdom of God, not salvation, or going to heaven. Jesus secured that, but to him this is only a part of the good news. The whole good news is that God's rulership can come into the world through you! Meaning love, justice, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and much more, is now available to and through us. And that this will then effect all people, not just the individual when they die.
He tells them they are going to wait in Jerusalem for the power from on high. To wait for it. And that when it comes they will be His witnesses in their own town, the greater Jerusalem area, and eventually the entire world. The Spirit does that to you!
The disciples watch Jesus into the heavens. They are told by the angels to go and do what they were told, stop staring at the empty sky. How often do we wind up gazing longingly at the last place we saw Jesus? We try to recreate that great worship experience. Or that feeling we had when we were baptised, or maybe the sense of God's presence we felt when we fasted, or were on a retreat. But God does not live in our memories but in our now. Stop looking at the last experience, and be obedient. Do what you know is right, and you will experience even more of what God has for you.
And then we see the disciples praying, united, in a room for ten days. The way some people teach about this is flat out wrong. They act like this prayer manipulated God to send the Spirit, and the resulting mass conversion. Like if we would just do what they did then God would have to do... blah blah blah. God is not manipulated, you don't earn the Holy Spirit, or earn a succesfull altar call by unity or prayer.
But...
Prayer changes us. The Holy Spirit was coming on Pentecost no matter what. This feast of the first fruits (the beginning of the harvest) was the sign given years before for the beginning of the church. The church started on that day, no matter if they prayed or not. Their prayer however, did change them. It changed those men and women, and prepared them for what God was always planning on doing. They were prepared for the inclusion of over 3,000 people into their community. They were prepared for the resulting persecution, for the need of the new church, for the conflicts that were coming. The time in prayer, unified prayer, was necessary for their own preparation, as it is for us. We cannot by any prayer movement, force God's hand, but we can by prayer, be ready for what is coming our way.
the rev
Sunday, May 21, 2006
The Cave Opening (big thanks)
Well, the urgent work is done, and we had a celebration last night. There is still plenty to do, and truly the work is never done, but it was nice that most of the essentials are now finished and we can continue at a more leisurely pace.
Thanks to everyone who helped to fix the building, to bake goodies, to prepare the service and for all of you who braved the cold, rainy Melbourne night to celebrate with us.
I felt like it was a great evening. Started out with Andy singing a beautiful rendition of Hallelluia, by Leonard Cohen, (sounded a bit more like Jeff Buckley), sang some songs, and had a bit of silence. Were treated to a couple of African songs from our Sudanese family. Then I gave a message about Lazarus' cave, and how that was an inspiration for us. We then had some prayers, took communion and took our time leaving.
There were many people I had not met before, I was especially glad to spend a brief bit of time with one of the former pastors at Ascot Vale. There were many comments about the remodel, and it seems most of what we were trying to accomplish worked. It really is a warm, inviting space, with art on the walls, comfortable chairs around tables, a bar to sit around. It feels nice to be there, ofcourse we do have three gas heaters that actually can make the room too warm even on a night like last.
I would particularly like to thank a few people. My wife for putting up with my obsessive nature. The amazing group of people at ascot vale church of Christ. They have not only put up with me, and my wild ideas, but jumped in and helped make them a reality. They have laboured long and hard to retain a vision, and have welcomed change with only a little glimmer of worry. I am blessed to work with such humble and tireless Christians. My two assistants have also been a big help and inspiration to me. Dan and Anthony have faithfully walked through this time, despite some very traumatic events this last week, and have lost none of their passion for mission and the vision.
I am very pleased, excited, and hopefull.
thanks again,
john
Thanks to everyone who helped to fix the building, to bake goodies, to prepare the service and for all of you who braved the cold, rainy Melbourne night to celebrate with us.
I felt like it was a great evening. Started out with Andy singing a beautiful rendition of Hallelluia, by Leonard Cohen, (sounded a bit more like Jeff Buckley), sang some songs, and had a bit of silence. Were treated to a couple of African songs from our Sudanese family. Then I gave a message about Lazarus' cave, and how that was an inspiration for us. We then had some prayers, took communion and took our time leaving.
There were many people I had not met before, I was especially glad to spend a brief bit of time with one of the former pastors at Ascot Vale. There were many comments about the remodel, and it seems most of what we were trying to accomplish worked. It really is a warm, inviting space, with art on the walls, comfortable chairs around tables, a bar to sit around. It feels nice to be there, ofcourse we do have three gas heaters that actually can make the room too warm even on a night like last.
I would particularly like to thank a few people. My wife for putting up with my obsessive nature. The amazing group of people at ascot vale church of Christ. They have not only put up with me, and my wild ideas, but jumped in and helped make them a reality. They have laboured long and hard to retain a vision, and have welcomed change with only a little glimmer of worry. I am blessed to work with such humble and tireless Christians. My two assistants have also been a big help and inspiration to me. Dan and Anthony have faithfully walked through this time, despite some very traumatic events this last week, and have lost none of their passion for mission and the vision.
I am very pleased, excited, and hopefull.
thanks again,
john
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Please Join us if you are in Melbourne
GRAND OPENING
the CAVE
Churches of Christ
PLEASE JOIN US MAY 21st 7PM
FOR A TIME OF WORSHIP AND CELEBRATION AS WE BEGIN OUR
EXPERIMENT
Caves are places of mystery. They are places of exploration, danger and excitement. They are places where treasures are hidden, and waiting to be discovered. Caves are places of hiding, and sometimes even homes. Caves are places where we find awe and wonder, and leave filled with a sense of the beauty of God. Please join us for a time of worship and celebration as we start our journey to be a place where people can come experience the wonder, the excitement, and the sacrifice of Jesus’ dangerous message.
There will be music, video, discussion as well as refreshments provided.
0401 968 410
Hope to see you there and please bring along any of you friends
The Jensens and the whole Cave crew
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Elijah's cave (how do we hear from God)
We started our Sunday night service at the Cave last night. It was a great night. I have decided to do a three part series on a few caves in the bible, these our part of our decision to take the name the Cave.
Hope you enjoy
Elijah's cave
Hope you enjoy
Elijah's cave
Elijah is not what anyone would consider a contemplative. We do not expect to see Elijah participating in silence, and stillness. This fire breathing prophet is not the silent type.
We see him not only challenging the priests of Baal to a duel, but then see him mocking them as they cut themselves and wail. He is not content to just win the battle, but adds insult to injury by pouring water over his own altar, yet when he prays, fire falls. And again not content he then kills every single one of these false priests.
When Elijah prays the rains stays away, and when he prays it comes back. When he prays people get healed. Miracles happen. He stand before kings and does not back down. But this great man of faith winds up in the desert, alone, burnt out, and faithless. He cries for God, to please just kill him now.
God gives him some food, and some drink, and sends him off to the mountain at Horeb, where he climbs into a cave for shelter. And God asks him, "why are you hear Elijah"
Elijah tells him that he has worked hard for God, but has failed, the enemy has killed all of Gods people, he is the only one left and they are looking for him to kill him now too.
God says, to go watch out the caves mouth. Elijah sees a wind storm of frightening power, tearing rocks out of the earth. This is the kind of man ELijah is, this is the kind of ministry he has had. The wild wind of God's power! But God was not in the wind.
Then Elijah sees the earthquake, and again Elijah was this kind of prophet. Always shaking things up, disrupting the order of things, but God is not in the Earthquake either.
Then the firey prophet, sees the fire. The prophet of fire, the one who called down the fire from heaven, the one who disappears into the heavens in a chariot of fire, looks unto the fire but God is not in the fire either.
God doesn't behave like we expect all the time does He?
Then in a still small whisper, Elijah hears God. God asks him the same question, and he gives God the same answer as before. And God tells him to go and find his prophetic heir, to place the leaders over the people, to fulfill his destiny, and tells him, you are not alone, there are still those that call on my name.
I pray that you may see and hear God in ways you do not expect. I pray that in the midst of the storm, and quakes and fires of this life, you will be sensitive enought to hear the still small voice of God. I pray that when you have come to the end of your rope, when you feel alone, defeated, and ignored, that God will speak to your heart, and give you a future to walk into.
When is the last time you made space to hear from God?
the rev
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